Memory Negatively Affected by Prolonged Antibiotic Use
When gut bacteria are wiped out by prolonged antibiotics use, the mice studied showed memory deficits along with loss of new brain cell generation. That’s a pretty stiff price to pay for treatment with antibiotics, don’t you think?!
Probiotics & Exercise Can Restore Memory & New Brain Cells Too!
Fortunately, it’s possible to reverse these bad outcomes by supplementing with probiotics and exercise. Yep. It’s that simple according to the researchers in Germany.
Susanne Asu Wolf of the Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin cautions, however, that while fecal transplants restore gut biodiversity, brain cell generation is not affected—not without the addition of probiotics or exercise, that is.
Word to the wise: Make sure anyone you know who has been on antibiotics for prolonged periods of time is aware of the need to supplement with probiotics and get their body moving!
Five Memory-Boosting Foods: Blueberries, Turmeric, Salmon, Eggs & Rosemary
- Blueberries – Blueberries, with potent anthocyanins that increase neuron signaling, provide cognitive and memory protection. And, benefits are noticeable in a few months with just a cup a day of these low-calorie wonders. The good news is that frozen blueberries provide the same benefits as fresh blueberries.
- Turmeric/Curcumin – This simple curry spice improves cognitive function and memory, even in patients with Alzheimer’s. Interestingly, curcumin has been shown to boost the synthesis of DHA in the brain, what most people believe must come from fish oils, good news for vegetarians of all kinds.
- Salmon/Fatty Fish – With an unusually high omega-3 fatty acid content (EPA and DHA), salmon and other fatty fish are associated not only with decreased risk of cognitive decline as we age but also higher IQ scores in infants.Note:To avoid potential problems with heavy metals, many opt to keep portions of fish limited and turn to supplemental omega 3 fatty acids for brain health.
- Eggs – Eggs are a great source of choline, an important nutrient used to produce acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter involved in memory. Lecithin, spirulina, and wheat germ are other good sources of choline.
- Rosemary – Rosemary has been used to improve memory as it stimulates blood flow to the brain and head and also increases acetylcholine, whether ingested or inhaled through smelling essential oil with rosemary (but not lavender!).Pssst…don’t forget probiotics:Whether you add friendly bacteria through cultured foods (such as yogurt and sauerkraut) or in trusted supplements, you’ll be doing your brain as well as your gut a big favor! Just in case you already forgot about the breaking news we reported above!