Quit Smoking, Start Remembering

I bet you know that when you get older your memory is not what it used to be when you were young, this is normal. Yes but do you know exactly why? Don’t you want to know how to help you retain or increase your memory? Did you know there are 4 main reasons for this degeneration?

1. Reduction in Neurotransmitters, especially acetylcholine causes decline in your brain function.
   
2. Reduced blood circulation. The brain uses a significant proportion of all blood. Any impediment to blood flow therefore has a huge impact on brain function.
   
3. Effects of Cortisol. Cortisol is produced in your brain when you are stressed and damages your Hippocamus which basically converts short term memories to long term ones. The damage in the hippocampus also triggers further production of cortisol setting off a ever increasing cycle of cell damage.
   
4. Free radical damage. Free radicals are atoms that have an electron imbalance and are constantly seeking to steal an electron to make itself whole. This process of stealing electrons from cells causes cell damage. Brain cells are no exception and brain cell damage also occurs due to free radical activity.
   

“Ok, these are the reasons, show me how to increase my memory!”. There are many ways to limiting and preventing brain degeneration:

1. Limit your intake of salt, fat and cholesterol. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and foods high in antioxidants.
   
2. Do exercises, don’t become overweight.
   
3. Control your blood presure.
   
4. Don’t stress to much!
   
5. Limit alchohol intake and quit smoking will help you reduce the free radical damage and brain damage.
   
6. Eat fish. They contain Omega 3 fatty acids which helps you in the battle with the free radical damage.
   
7. Limit the depression, it affect the way your brain processes information and retrieves it.
8. Do mental exercises like playing board games.