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| Linda Hegstrand MD |
| Complete Wellness Ctr 2426 Burton Street SE Suite 3 Grand Rapids,MI 49546 616.464.0470 DrLindaCWC@gmail.com |
Blue Heron Academy |
Prescription for Enhancing Memory
Linda Hegstrand, MD, PhD
Do you ever find yourself asking where did I put my keys or why did I go to a specific room or forgetting someone’s name you should remember? You are not the only one that experiences memory lapses. Fortunately, the vast majority of these forgetful moments are not associated with Alzheimer’s or irreversible memory loss.
Gary Small, MD, is the author of a recently published book: Memory Prescription. His prescription includes 4 basic categories: mental activity, physical conditioning, stress reduction, and a healthy diet. Following his advice can serve both to improve memory and maintain memory. On the flip side when this prescription is not followed, memory may decline. As the familiar adage goes: “Use it or loose it.”
My additions to the Memory Prescription are dietary supplements and toxin removal:
- Because of the way our foods are grown and brought to market, it is virtually impossible to get all the essential nutrients our bodies require to function optimally. I agree with the healthcare providers who believe dietary supplements are a necessity. Generally, whole food supplements are preferable. When one is suffering from significant Dis-Ease, therapeutic amounts, not found in whole foods may be required.
- There are numerous toxins that may impair memory including mercury and other metals such as aluminum, cadmium, and lead; food additives – aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG); fluoride; and many other chemicals too numerous to list.
The two largest exposures we have to mercury are dental amalgams and vaccines. Research from the University of Calgary has shown that levels of mercury lower than that released from dental amalgams cause nerve damage. A video of the effect of mercury on nerve cells can be seen by going to http://commons.ucalgary.ca/mercury/ with Quicktime..
Russell Blaylock, MD, a neurosurgeon, in his recent book Health and Nutritioin Secrets that can save your life, is an excellent source for learning more about how toxins adversely impact the brain as well as what to do to remove these toxins and what nutrients to take to allow the brain to heal itself including enhancing memory.
One of the most effective ways to remove toxins from the brain including mercury is with a peptide chaltrating agent (PCA-Rx). This is taken orally by spraying it under ones tongue. This can be used with people who have mercury containing amalgams. Many agents that may remove toxins from other parts of the body do not cross the blood brain barrier.
Nutrients that are especially important for enhancing memory include acetyl-l-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, Vitamins E and C, B vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, selenium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, medicinal mushrooms, and more.
If you are experiencing marked changes in your memory, integrating complementary medicine and western medicine is strongly suggested.