It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. With each new year I like to reflect on the past one and make a plan.
But I don’t always call my plans resolutions. For me, a new year’s resolution can feel like too much pressure.
Instead I like to think about how to make life better, how to be healthier and happier. And I don’t just do that at New Year’s. I try to do it all year.
So this is a big year for me – this year I will turn 50. And, except for the occasional backache, I have to say I feel pretty fortunate. I can still do everything I want physically.
Actually I don’t even feel 30. And most people don’t guess my age.
Now here comes the but …
Upon reflecting on how I have felt this past year I have to say my memory is not what it used to be. You might think, “Well whose is,” right? And I have shrugged it off many times. Yet, I know it doesn’t have to be that way.
So this year, in conjunction with eating right, exercising, juicing and taking care of my skin, I want to also ‘anti-age’ my brain.
Why is it so important to protect your brain?
Recent research shows that protecting your brain now can prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s1. Studies also show that there are ways to regrow brain cells.
There is real hope.
You may actually have heard of Turmeric or Curcumin and all their wonderful health benefits.
Turmeric is derived from Curcumin. It’s a root from the ginger family. Both can be found as a dietary supplement or a powder. You can also find the root whole at some grocery stores.
You may also know Turmeric and Curcumin from Asian cooking.
Both are strong antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and neuroprotective properties2 and can also enhance your memory3.
But the newest generation is a compound of Turmeric called Aromatic Turmerone. The research shows that in 72 hours, mice brain cells were improved by 80%4. That’s impressive. Suggested dosing for humans is 600-1200mg per day.
Even If you eat a lot of Turmeric or Curcumin, additional supplementation is important because it’s impossible to get the amount you need to repair your brain in your diet.
In addition to Aromatic Turmerone this year I am going to make sure I get all my memory and brain-boosting supplements.
Which will include the following:
- Fish oil with a high DHA (brain food) 600-1200mg
- 250mg of Magnesium5
- 500mcg of Vitamin B126
- CoQ10 – 100mg
- 250mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine
I may even start to do crossword puzzles – or some kind of ‘brain’ workout.
So, Happy New Year. Here’s to a smarter, less forgetful, year ahead.
To a younger more healthy you!
Sandy
Sandy DeRose
References
1 Aggarwal,et al. “Potential Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin, the Anti-inflammatory Agent, Against Neurodegenerative, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Metabolic, Autoimmune and Neoplastic Diseases.” The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Volume 41, Issue 1, January 2009, Pages 40–59.
2 Tayyem RF, et al. Curcumin content of turmeric and curry powders. Nutr Cancer. 2006;55(2):126-31.
3 Ahmed T, et al. Curcuminoids enhance memory in an amyloid-infused rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neuroscience 2010 Sep 1;169(3):1296-306.
4 Joerg Hucklenbroich, Rebecca Klein, Bernd Neumaier, Rudolf Graf, Gereon Fink, Michael Schroeter, Maria Rueger. Aromatic-turmerone induces neural stem cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2014; 5 (4): 100 DOI: 10.1186/scrt500
5 Slutsky, Neuron 2004; Hoane, Magnes Res 2008; Abumaria, J Neurosci 2011
6 Vogiatzoglou, et al, “Vitamin B12 status and rate of brain volume loss in community-dwelling elderly,” Neurology 2008; 71:826-832
