Memory loss can be frustrating and may profoundly affect your daily life. According to Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," memory loss may be the result of poor nutrition, hypoglycemia, thyroid disorder, stress, poor circulation or candidiasis, a type of yeast infection. Lifestyle changes and some supplements may correct these conditions, subsequently boosting memory and helping to reverse memory loss.
Contact your doctor before using a natural cure for improving memory loss -- alternative therapy should not replace medical treatment for any condition.
Diet
Change your diet to improve memory loss. Since poor nutrition can directly affect brain function, improving your diet may help to boost memory. The Balches recommend including plenty of raw foods to your diet and increasing your consumption of whole grains, fish, legumes, nuts, soybeans, tofu, farm eggs, brown rice and brewer's yeast.
Avoid eating meals that consist primarily of carbohydrates. Instead, eat balanced meals that consist of 10 percent protein and 10 percent fats combined with complex carbohydrates. Also, limit or avoid refined sugars, wheat and dairy products.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herb that may treat and prevent a variety of health issues associated with aging, such as blindness, heart disease, stroke, deafness and memory loss.
According to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs," ginkgo biloba increases the flow of blood to the brain, improving brain function and memory. It is sometimes used in the treatment of Alzheimer's. Additional studies performed by the UCLA revealed that volunteers who consumed gingko biloba experienced better verbal recall than those that did not.
Do not use ginkgo biloba if you have a blood clotting disorder, as this herb may cause further complications. Consult with your doctor before using ginkgo biloba if you are pregnant or nursing. Side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, irritability and restlessness.
Vitamin B12
According to the Balches, vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to memory loss, as well as nervousness, moodiness, depression, irritability, digestive upset, drowsiness, dizziness and neurological damage. According to Medical News Today, an online publication devoted to public health news, detection of B12 inadequacies, and subsequent treatment, may help to prevent and treat memory loss and other symptoms of deficiency.
Foods that are rich in B12 include clams, herring, eggs, brewer's yeast, mackerel, seafood, soy products and dairy products. Sea vegetables, such as kelp, dulse, nori and kombu are also rich in vitamin B12.
Consult with a health care professional if you suspect that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Ginseng
Take ginseng to boost memory function. Ginseng is a root herb that may support memory, physical stamina, learning and productivity, writes Castleman. Ginseng was also used medicinally by early Chinese, Japanese and Korean physicians to treat a variety of problems associated with aging, such as menopause, arthritis, senility and lethargy.
Possible side effects include nervousness, sleep problems, diarrhea, elevated blood pressure and increased blood sugar. Discontinue use if these symptoms occur. Do not use ginseng if you are pregnant or nursing. Individuals who have a history of high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, asthma, emphysema, hay fever or insomnia should not use ginseng.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
- Brain Research Institute UCLA: Gingko Biloba and the Brain
- Medical News Today: Detecting Vitamin B12 Deficiency Prevents Anemia and Memory Loss
