Got pills on the brain? Try this natural remedy instead
As worried as you might be about your aging brain, trust me when I tell you the drug companies are giving it even more thought. They're just itching to sell you a little "miracle pill" that promises to keep you sharp as a tack well into your golden years.
And they're trying. Researchers recently tested an experimental drug on middle- aged and older lab animals. The drug works with AMPA receptors—a short acronym for a ridiculously long name—in the brain that are responsible for transmitting signals. The drug has been shown to give a temporary boost to memory and may protect neurons that make dopamine.
There's no doubt in my mind that there will be a rush to get this drug to market as soon as possible. And we all know how those rushes often turn out—with lots of side effects that often reignite the search for a more natural cure. Fortunately, Mother Nature already has one.
As we age, our brains experience an increase in inflammation. And one of the best natural inflammation-fighters available is fish oil.
Also, to keep your brain healthy, try basing your meals on the Mediterranean diet. Studies have shown that this way of eating can boost your health body- wide—including your brain wellness. People who eat close to this plan have been found to be at lower risk of developing Alzheimer's. The plan includes lots of wholesome fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, olive oil, and smaller amounts of red meat and dairy products.
