Memory and Brain Fog Explained
Lack of mental clarity often coincides with an inability to focus, poor levels of concentration, and memory problems. Better known as brain fog or mental fatigue, this is not technically a medical condition. Instead, it’s a collection of symptoms related to reduced brain function.
The brain is an extremely complex organ. Maintaining its optimal performance should be a priority for everyone. The extent to which turmeric can help largely depends on the cause of your brain fog. Below is a list of some of the core functions of the brain.
- Cognition – memory, reasoning, judgment, problem-solving, decision making, computation, and evaluation.
- Memory – short-term (working) memory, long-term memory, and sensory processing.
- Learning – information acquisition and retrieval, includes modifying existing knowledge, skills, or behavior.
- Neuroplasticity – the aptitude for the brain to change continuously during an individual’s life, strengthening or weakening of synapses, optimization of neural networks, and capacity to learn and memorize new information.
Turmeric supplements have shown potential in the treatment of several conditions. Studies show that curcumin may alleviate arthritis and joint pain, and lower blood pressure while providing many unique benefits for skin. Turmeric may even improve allergy symptoms and aid weight loss.
Our brain health is associated with our gut health. Combine our Factor 8 Joint Ease capsules or 3XR Curcumin Super Blend Powder with our Advanced Gut Relief product for best results in restoring your gut health and improving brain health.
New evidence suggests there may be significant benefits to brain health, including chronic disease prevention. Curcumin contains neuroprotective properties to preserve mental acuity. Therefore, turmeric may have the ability to boost memory function, reduce brain fog, and enhance overall cognition.
Turmeric for Memory and Brain Fog
Is turmeric good for memory and brain fog? One USA peer reviewed study analyzed turmeric’s effects on cognition and mood in a group of healthy elderly individuals. The trial contained 60 subjects between the ages of 60 and 85 years old, consuming a 400 mg dose of curcumin. The study was double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized.
One hour post-administration, researchers found significant performance improvements in working memory tasks and sustained attention span compared to the placebo group. After four additional weeks of treatment, the curcumin group experienced reduced psychological stress-induced fatigue, enhanced mood, and a better sense of calmness.
Lastly, the study noted improvements in overall alertness and contentedness, enhanced memory, focus and concentration, and cognition in elderly populations.
There are several mechanisms of action turmeric takes on the body to prevent cognitive impairment. Curcumin reduces chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, enhances antioxidant activity, and reduces oxidative stress.
By fighting free radicals in the body, turmeric has shown the potential to preserve neuronal integrity, which can inhibit the progression of cognitive decline. These processes demonstrate an innate ability to slow brain aging and reduce brain fog symptoms caused by aging and disease.
If you have a DHA deficiency, you leave yourself open to several cognitive disorders, including anxiety, memory problems, inability to focus, etc. Researchers have found that curcumin elevates multiple enzymes responsible for the synthesis of DHA from its precursor, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA).
Another way curcumin can improve brain health is by reducing the neurotoxicity induced by fluoride. It’s well-known that fluoride may have adverse consequences on mental health and other core biological functions. Researchers performed a trial testing curcumin’s neuroprotective benefits on a group of mice.
The results showed that fluoride amplified lipid peroxidation (LPO), a major cause of damage to cell membranes. Fluoride also increased the number of neurodegenerative cells present in the hippocampus. With 30 days of curcumin administration, there was a significant decrease in both neurodegeneration and LPO.
A second animal study used curcumin to test its effects on cognition and neurogenesis in a group of aged rats. Neurogenesis refers to the process of developing new neurons in the brain. Following the 12-week treatment period, researchers identified increased cognition and neurogenesis in the rats.
The treated group also experienced enhanced spatial and non-spatial memory. These results suggest that curcumin may affect neuronal development, neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and signal transduction.
Another essential protein for cognition is a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes the growth and maturation of nerve cells (neurons) in the body. Turmeric has shown that it can significantly improve BDNF levels in people with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), diabetes, and obesity.