Foods That Cause Memory Loss

Often we find that, our important things like cell phone, remote, diary, umbrella etc. are missing. Sometimes we cannot remind the name of our old colleagues also. These all are due to memory loss.

Here, the first said symptoms are due to short time memory loss and the second types of issues are due to general memory loss. Now, the question is why this kind of memory loss happens. If the memory loss happens with a teen-age boy, we point out that to be the problem of concentration and if the same thing happens with an aged man, we draw a conclusion of aging. However, this is not so simple at all. Lack of concentration and aging both can cause memory problems but, surely not the only reason behind that. The foods you eat also play a vital role over there. Let us have a clear idea about this.

Memory loss is also known as amnesia which is very common in old age but not limited to old age only. MUSC, i.e. Medical University of South Carolina and ASU, i.e. Arizona State University were collaborated to research about the role of foods in memory loss. They have published their thesis in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Very interestingly, it was found that, a high-saturated and high-cholesterol diet can led to the problem of memory loss. Inflammation of our brain causes working memory loss and inflammation of our brain is directly related to our diet. Researchers also suggest that diet that is high in animal fats and cholesterol may increase the chance of memory loss.

Meat and Poultry

Now-a-days all of us know that, red meat is not good for our health. However, dark meat chicken can also add serious problem to your memory related issues if the quantity of saturated fat is very high in the particular cut of meat which you are eating. Saturated fat increases the inflammation in our brain. Therefore, we should avoid saturated fat as far possible. Quantity of saturated fat is not equal in each cut of meat. You must have a clear idea about the quantity of saturated fat present in each part of various meats so you can choose meat that is lower in saturated fat.

In case of beef, flank steak contains more saturated fat than an equal amount of eye of round or top round. Boneless center cut pork chops contains more saturated fat than the same size of pork tenderloin. Light meat chicken is far better than dark meat chicken regarding saturated fat. Skinless chicken thigh contains much more saturated fat compared to the skinless breast. Not only that, organ meat of any animal meat such as liver, kidney contains high amount of cholesterol which also helps in memory loss.

Dairy Products

Problem with milk products also lies in saturated fat and cholesterol. Especially whole milk and other dairy products such as butter, cream, yogurt contains high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol. In a one cup of whole milk, there are 5g of saturated fat and 24mg of cholesterol. However, skim milk is obviously a good option where the amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol are 0g and 5mg respectively. In case of Yogurt, low-fat yogurt is also not safe. Rather you can go for yogurt made from skim milk.

Alcohol

Everyone knows that, alcohol is bad for liver. However, do you know it can cause memory loss also? Too much alcohol makes it very hard to dilute in body water which in turn increases the level of blood alcohol. In case of woman, this problem is more serious as the amount of body water is lesser. Alcohol metabolism rate is also lower in woman. Therefore, the level of blood alcohol increases easily. Too much blood alcohol restricts the nerve cells to respond properly and can affect the process of judgment and thought.

Contaminated Foods

Adenosine triphosphate plays a vital role in proper functioning of nervous system and brain as well. Mitochondria which are present in our cell produce this important adenosine triphosphate. Contaminated foods have higher level of toxins. These toxins are enough powerful to destroy the mitochondria. In turn, the amount of adenosine triphosphate decreases and proper functioning of nervous system is totally hampered. This situation may lead to memory loss easily.

Beware of ‘Enriched’ Label

Food preservatives, artificial colors and artificial flavors these all are made with some chemicals. Researchers have found that, these chemicals can accumulate in our body to cause brain damage and memory loss gradually. These preservatives, colors, flavors and other additives are used to increase the self-life and to look good but, actually do not enrich the quality at all.

Soy

According to the study of British Alzheimer’s Research Trust, too much quantity of soy can have adverse effects. As a low price alternative resource of protein, soy is very much popular throughout the world. Soy contains phytoestrogens. Limited amount of phytoestrogens are good for health but, too much phytoestrogens can increase the risk of memory loss also.

Other Foods

You might be considering other foods as safe where saturated fat and cholesterol is not present. However, in particular case it can contain trans fats, i.e. partially hydrogenated fats from hardened vegetable oils. These can also affect the capability of your memory. Maximum trans fat intake should not be more than 2g per day where the ideal is to not take any kind of trans fat. Harvard School of Public Health has suggested that through their several studies.

You might consider margarine and other low cholesterol bread spreads as a good alternative but, the real fact is those foods also contain hydrogenated oils. Where hydrogenated oils are present there must be some amount of trans fat surely. The problem is same with cakes, cookies, and other bakery products. Therefore, it is advisable to thoroughly check the nutrition fact label where you can easily found the amount of trans fat available in that particular product. Even some of the fast foods also contain this fat which can cause memory loss.

Hope you have got a clear idea about the foods that are detrimental for your memory. We would suggest you to avoid animal foods, dairy products, alcohol, contaminated foods, too much of soy and other fast foods as far as possible. It is tough enough surely but you and your memory will be the gainer in the long run.