New Ways To Strengthen Your Brain and Slow Down Memory Loss

Good brain health is essential. As you age, it can keep your memory sharp and make it easier to perform daily tasks. That's not all, though. A strong brain can also slow down the progression of memory loss, as well as symptoms related to dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. In the past, several links have been made between mental exercises (like puzzles, challenging your brain, and so on) and improved brain health. However, there are some newly discovered ways that may also be able to prevent memory loss.

They were revealed by well-known television personality, Dr. Oz on a recent episode of his daytime show. The episode, titled "3 New Ways To Prevent Alzheimer's" explored the seriousness of the disease - as well as the importance of slowing down memory loss. Dr. Cynthia Green, who wrote the book, "Your Best Brain Ever" was the featured guest on the show. During her interview, she took the time to discuss three new ways to strengthen your brain.

The first was to stay away from foods sprayed with DDT, a pesticide banned in the United States back in the 1970s. Despite the ban, DDT can still be present in our food thanks to imported items. Avoiding foods that may have come in contact with DDT is a must. This is because men and women diagnosed with Alzheimer's or severe memory loss typically have up to four times the amount of DDT in their bodies compared to the average person. So, you may want to stick to local grown potatoes, grapes, strawberries, and spinach.

Another way to improve your memory and slow down memory loss is to increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids you're getting. Dr. Oz stated that a lack of this in your daily diet could actually cause your brain to shrink. While studies found this issue was more prevalent in women, it does still occur in men. To prevent brain shrinkage and the associated memory loss, pay attention to what you're eating. Including salmon and herring into your meals a few times a week could make all the difference. Otherwise, a fish oil supplement may also be able to improve your memory as you age.

The last new way to strengthen your brain and slow down memory loss? Make sure you keep your pulse pressure low. Your pulse pressure relates to your blood pressure. It is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. (For example, if your blood pressure were 120/80 then your pulse pressure would be measured by subtracting 120 from 80. That would make your pulse pressure 40, which is considered to be a normal number.) What does this have to do with memory and brain health? It has been found that keeping your pulse pressure low can prevent Alzheimer's disease and the associated symptoms. This happens because high pulse pressure can symbolize "stiff arteries" which puts you at a higher risk for the disease. You can lower your pulse pressure by living stress free, working out regularly, and taking 5 mg of folic acid every day.

No one wants to deal with memory loss. That is why it is so important to take care of your body - and keep your brain healthy and happy. By incorporating some of these preventative measures into your lifestyle, your overall health will benefit.... and so will your brain!