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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, August 16, 2003

PRESCRIPTIONS
Exercise, right diet may help brain cells

By Laurie Steelsmith

Q.I'm concerned about keeping my brain and memory in top shape. Do you have any natural solutions?

A. Your brain is made of billions of cells that orchestrate your body's functions, your thoughts, your feelings, and your personality. Keeping your brain cells healthy will help keep your memory intact, and make a big difference in your quality of life. There's a lot you can do to maintain a healthy brain and good memory naturally.

First of all, get regular exercise. By increasing blood flow and oxygen to your brain cells, exercise allows your brain to work more effectively. A study reported in the journal Social Science & Medicine found that regular exercise is associated with a significantly slower rate in memory decline.

Another study, published in the Archives of Neurology, found that regular physical activity is an important factor in preventing memory loss and the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the elderly.

Eat cold-water fish, such as salmon. The oils in them can have a positive impact on your brain health. These oils become incorporated into your brain cells, making them better able to perform their functions. They also help protect your brain cells from being damaged by free radicals and inflammation.

If you choose to take fish oil supplements, take 200 milligrams a day of DHA (the essential fat in fish oil), and purchase only high-quality fish oils, like Carlson's.

I also recommend you eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They are high in antioxidants, which can help protect your brain cells from toxins and other environmental stressors.

Consider taking the supplement phosphatidylserine (PS).

A study reported in the journal Neurology showed PS to be a promising candidate for treating memory loss associated with age.

It plays an important role in cell-to-cell communication. PS is a fat that occurs naturally in your brain; it is manufactured in your brain cells when you have enough folic acid, vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids (such as fish and flax oils) in your diet. The recommended dose of PS is 100 milligrams three times a day.

Last but not least, get plenty of mental exercise. Research shows that people who continue to challenge their brains by learning new skills, or practicing old ones, have less mental deterioration and greater brain capacity as they age. Your brain needs a workout like the rest of your body; use it or lose it!

Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu. Send questions to: Prescriptions, Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802, or to islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com. You can also contact her and look at past columns at www.drlauriesteelsmith.com. This column is for information only. Consult your health provider for medical advice.