Supplements Used for Memory Loss
Memory loss is a horrible experience. It can be frightening, embarrassing, and debilitating. Memory loss is certainly nothing to take lightly. What can you do about it, though, if you or someone you love is affected by this aliment?
If you or a loved one is in advanced stages of memory loss and is affected by something like Alzheimer’s disease, you will most likely already be under a qualified doctor’s care. Unfortunately, supplementation may not help much at this stage. If, however, you are just suffering from memory loss in general and have not been diagnosed with such an illness, supplements can help. The following is information about some of the best supplements used for memory loss available today.
Probably the best and most well-known is ginkgo biloba. This is often thought to be an herb but is actually a tree, and is unlike any other plant in its effects. It was for a long time thought to be extinct, but is now known to be alive and well mainly in the area of China. It is considered a ‘living fossil’, and has long been cultivated in China, perhaps for hundreds if not thousands of years.
The Chinese often eat the nut-like seeds at special occasions and events, and often plant ginkgo trees at special ceremonial locations. However, this unique plant offers a wealth of heath and wellness benefits, primarily in the area of increased memory function, and its popularity has spread among the entire world for medicinal uses.
Ginkgo was tested for use in severe cases of memory loss such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, but was proven to be ineffective in these cases. However, for common memory loss due to aging or stress, the effects are quite amazing. For adults over 60, it is recommended that they take a daily dosage of between 100 and 200 mg per day. It is advised that seniors stay on this regimen for weeks to see positive results; in most cases it will not happen overnight.
However, the effects of ginkgo biloba for improving concentration have also been studied, and these positive results occur rather quickly. It has been reported that when using ginkgo to increase concentration ability, you can take the supplement as needed a few hours before you need your focus increased. Ginkgo has also been used to treat vertigo, to improve blood flow among tissues and organs, and to help the central nervous system (i.e., heart and lungs).
Another helpful supplement for improvement of memory loss is ginseng, which is also an energy booster. Sometimes, loss of memory or concentration occurs when one is too fatigued to focus or continue with their daily tasks. If you have ever felt like you were ‘in a fog’ as you went about your day, you may find yourself with increased memory and focus if you begin a supplement regimen of ginseng and other energy-boosting herbs such as green tea. It will improve your health and antioxidant levels and certainly can’t hurt to try! In this same vein, Vitamin B12 is a well-known energy booster and it too can help improve focus and memory, as can Vitamin E.
Sometimes, there are deeper issues for someone’s memory loss and you can’t just solve the issue with an herb or a vitamin. If you feel like this may be the case, please consult your doctor or health care practitioner before trying any herbal or supplement regimen to rule out any serious health issues. Make sure, too, that you are not suffering from any nutrient deficiencies or really taking drastic measures with your exercise and/or diet.
If you are exercising to excess or dieting very strictly, you are likely to feel very much like you are ‘in a fog’ and suffer from bouts of memory loss. If this is the case, there is a good chance that supplements will not help you if you are not taking basic care of yourself. Make sure you are eating balanced, healthy meals and keeping your exercise to a moderate level. Another thing to keep in check is your caffeine and sugar intake, as both can give you a bit of energy to start but make you more fatigued and unfocused as the day wears on. You also need to stay well-hydrated in order for all of your organs to properly function, including your brain, especially during the very hot months of summer.
If you are fairly certain that your dieting and exercise routine is not to blame, your doctor has ruled out any serious health issues such as Alzheimer’s Disease, and you are not suffering from any hormonal issues that could be causing memory loss (menopause, post-partum, etc) then go ahead and enjoy a supplementation program of some of the herbs and vitamins discussed here. In a short while, you may be well on your way to a more focused life with an improved memory.
Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about nutrition, fitness and well being, usually focusing on particular products such as supplements .