In this blog we will discover the beauty of healthy aging and how we can turn our attention to the role optimal nutrition and vitamins may play in memory support and helping us be our best at every age. ‡
Memory Lane
How many times have you found yourself daydreaming about the ‘good ol’days?’ Maybe sorting through some great memories; recollecting the beauty of your youth. Though all of our impressions are so different, I think many can agree it’s an amazing escape to a simpler time. You see, as children, we see the world with enthusiasm, happiness and simplicity. When you’re a kid, there’s really nothing complex about the carefree days of summer nights running and catching fireflies or toasting marshmallows by a campfire. Maybe it’s that time when you pitched a no hitter or pitched a tent in your backyard with your best friends. Whatever your treasured memories are, as you grow older, you may want to spend more time reminiscing.
Sometimes - daydreaming about the good old days, is a nice place to get away to once in a while.
Nutrition and Supplementation
As we get older, we may start seeing changes within ourselves and our loved ones that may impact our memory, health and well-being. Change is part of the course of life and the aging process as well. So, then what can a person look to do to help support healthy aging? Perhaps one of the first things you may think is how can I support my memory?
Genetics, physical activity, our emotional well-being and the steps we take towards a healthy lifestyle are a pivotal part of the aging process. Also, the nutritional components of certain foods, as well as vitamins and dietary supplementation, may play a key role in supporting memory and cognition.‡
For example, Acetyl-l-Carnitine, an amino acid, promotes healthy mitochondrial function. Research also suggests that acetyl-l-carnitine supports memory in older adults.1‡
In addition to acetyl-L carnitine, phospholipids and herbal extracts that promote neural health, cognitive function and memory can be found in Memory Pro‡. This comprehensive memory support formula also supports vascular integrity.‡
- Phosphatidylserine is an important cell membrane component critical for neuron function and communication and research suggests that it supports healthy neurotransmitter levels and spatial memory.2‡
- Other nutrients that are an integral part of this formula includes the Ayurvedic herb Bacopa monniera, gingko biloba, lutein and zeaxanthin, to name a few. But exactly what impact do these nutrients have on possibly supporting memory?‡
- Bacopa monniera supports mental function and information processing.3‡
- Ginkgo biloba may support cerebral blood flow, vascular integrity and healthy red blood cell and platelet function in the brain.4‡
You may be familiar with lutein and zeaxanthin and think eye health and you are certainly correct! But these two nutrients, also knowns as carotenoids, lend not only to the beautiful hues of yellow, red and orange in our fruits and veggies, but are the primary carotenoids in the macula, (aka the center part of the retina) and the brain!‡
- Research studies have found a positive connection between lutein and zeaxanthin intake and macular pigment density and cognitive function. This association is believed to be due to antioxidant defense and cytokine balance properties, helping to promote neuronal membrane stability and function.5‡
Nutrition-A Big Impact
As you can see, the impact nutrition has on our wellness and the aging process is really quite amazing. Although our attention has focused on nutrients that support memory, other compounds in food also play a role. For example, polyphenols found in pomegranates, raspberries, black raspberries, strawberries, and healthy nuts such as walnuts and almonds, all contain a unique class of polyphenols called ellagitannins, which generate Urolithin A during digestion. Urolithin A is the key ingredient in RENUAL, a formula that supports healthy aging.‡
- Our ability to produce urolithins naturally declines with age. Also, not everyone can produce this beneficial compound. Because of differences in gut microbiota, some individuals cannot make urolithin A from the nuts and berries they eat.6
- Mitochondria, the power hubs of our cells, are fundamental to healthy aging. Urolithin A enhances the natural process of cellular renewal by cellular recycling, including dysfunctional mitochondria.7 ‡
Antioxidants like PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone), as part of SR-CoQ10, support mitochondrial function which plays an important role in cardiovascular, neuronal and cognitive health.8‡
Other dietary supplements like Vinpocetine, a natural compound extracted from the leaves of periwinkle, may provide neuroprotection due to its antioxidant properties.9‡
- In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 84 elderly subjects were given vinpocetine or a placebo over a period of 90 days. Results indicated that those supplementing with vinpocetine experienced support for cognitive function.10‡
- Vinpocetine also has the potential to support healthy memory, as indicated by a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.11‡
Though it’s not always that easy to get in all of the nutrients in the recommended daily amounts we need, so you may want to consider talking to your healthcare provider about supplementing your dietary intake. Discussing a comprehensive multivitamin/mineral complex, and taking a specific look at minerals and vitamins that may support healthy aging like Longevity Nutrients can certainly be a great option.‡
If you’re looking for convenient way to keep your nutrient intake in check, then the Ultra Pure Pack would be ideal!
- This supplement packet supports optimal wellness, energy and healthy aging.‡
- It includes EPA/DHA essentials, the antioxidant CoQ10, vitamin D3 and resveratrol as well as our UltraNutrient multivitamin/mineral complex.
- The Ultra Pure Pack also supports heart health and healthy liver function.‡
Get a Forkful of Protection
- Foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, carotenoids, polyphenols and other phytonutrients are important to help protect against aging, particularly at the cellular level.
- Choose from a variety of foods like dark green veggies, kale, broccoli, asparagus, brussel sprouts, kiwi, bell peppers, mango, berries plus many more.
- Egg yolks also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, are also a great source of Choline, which supports cognitive function.
Self-Care
Whatever road you take in life, be sure to make time for self-care. This is important for all of us and means different things to each individual. Some tips though to keep a check on your self-care that may support your memory and overall well-being include:
- Exercising or being physically active
- Ensuring you are adequately hydrated
- Evaluating your sleep health to see if you are getting good quality sleep of least 7-8 hours/day
- Positive stress management
- Staying well connected and engaging with others: sit and chat with a neighbor or family member, reminisce with a friend, make plans to see a movie or watch an old rerun that will have you laughing out loud!
- Focusing on a healthy mental state daily and asking for help if needed
- Keeping routine medical appointments with your healthcare provider and being proactive about your health.
Take Away:
Talk to your healthcare provider and discuss daily support for positive mood and relaxation and any vitamins or supplements such as CogniPhos or CogniMag that may support memory and overall well-being.‡
With Great Intentions; Purely for you!
- Passeri M, et al. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1990;10(1-2):75-9.
- Cenacchi T, et al. Aging (Milano). 1993 Apr;5(2):123-33.
- Morgan A, et al. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Jul;16(7):753-9.
- Mashayekh A, et al. Neuroradiology. 2011 Mar;53(3):185-91. 5.
- 5.Vishwanathan R, et al. Age Ageing. 2014 Mar;43(2):271-5.
- Cortés-Martín A, et al. Food Funct. 2018 Aug 15;9(8):4100-4106.
- Andreux PA, et al. Nature Metabolism. June 2019. 1: 595-603.
- Montgomery SA, et al. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003 Mar;18(2):61-71.
- Horvath B, et al. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2002 Jan-Feb;25(1):37-42.
- Balestreri R, et al. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1987 May;35(5):425-30.
- Subhan Z, et al. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1985;28(5):567-71.