Memory lapses and short term memory loss is of increasing concern to many at any age.

In this part two article on memory and what you can do for it, I continue with further nutritional recommendations. Treatment includes: increasing circulation to the brain, increasing the neurotransmitter functions, improving the function of brain cells, detoxification of the brain and the brain gut connection the gut being called the "second brain".

Nutrients that increase the flow of blood to the brain include niacin, and L-Arginine. Nutrients that improve mental function include essential fatty acids such as DHA and fish oils, magnesium, CoQ10, lipoic acid, B6, zinc, taurine and glutamine.

Alcohol depletes vitamin B1 as well as destroys brain chemistry. Diets low in allergens and yeasts also make a great difference in brain fag as it is called, normally felt after eating carbohydrates such as breads, pasta and sweets.

Factors that increase acetylcholine neurotransmitter are phosphatidyl choline (common ingredient in lecithin) and Huperzia serrata or Qian Ceng Ta an old Chinese folk remedy. It has been used in over 100,000 people in China without side effects and has fewer side effects than Cognex or Aricept which are prescription medications that also increase acetylcholine.

The side effects of these medications include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, depression, slowed heart rate, liver and kidney damage to name a few. Huperzia serrata also blocks the toxicity of organophosphate pesticide poisoning commonly found in Gulf War Syndrome victims.

PS 100 or phosphatidyl serine is the nutrient most concentrated in brain cells making up to 70% of cell membranes. It is a rare constituent of lecithin researched in 23 human studies to improve short term memory, circadian rhythms, mood disorders, and improved cognition.

Toxicity of the brain is an increasing concern as we see brains with mercury and aluminum at autopsy of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Heavy metal status can be evaluated using a hair analysis and chelation of these toxic elements can be done with oral agents or intravenous chelators.

Chelation therapy has the added benefit of also improving cardiovascular function in the entire body as well as the brain. In the meantime stop the use of aluminum products as much as possible i.e. deodorants, buffered aspirin, baking powder, pickling salts, antacids, aluminum cans, anti-diarrheal medication and shampoos.

Pesticides and other chemical poisons are being dumped into our lives as discovered by Bill Moyer's in his program "Trade Secrets" (see my article April 7^th 2001).

These chemicals can be measured in our blood with specialized blood tests and the results are alarming. Fats cells when biopsied have 100% of the time xylene (from gasoline and glue), styrene residues (from Styrofoam cups), and 1,4-dichlorobenzene (a carcinogen).

Researchers are also discovering the brain/gut connection calling the gut the second brain. Dysfunction of the brain coincides with inflammation of the gut, and these inflammatory mediators impact the gut lining and send messages to the brain. (See my articles on The Yeast Syndrome Jan 13^th and Jan27th 2001).

Some other simple approaches to improve brain function are exercising your brain and make sure your brain is hydrated! Those who do cross word puzzles or learn a new language fair better than those who don’t.

Most people don’t drink the 10 glasses of water that their bodies lose every day. Remember the brain is 80% water!

Attitude and stress management are also key components to healthy brain function. The above information is not meant to encourage people to discontinue their medication without consultation with your MD.

Some of the medicines described above should not be taken under certain circumstances and should be discontinued two weeks before anticipated surgery.