A common condition that many elderly people face is Alzheimer’s and other memory-associated issues.  There are medications that you can take for this problem, but Suzy Cohen, RPh, suggests natural alternatives that come from both foods and spices.

Vitamin C, Hemp, and Mushrooms

One way that Cohen advises people concerned about dementia is drinking juices loaded with vitamin C.  Interestingly, vitamin C helps your body make neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine for your brain.

Another trick is to include hemp seeds in your meals.  Hemp seeds contain both omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids.  If you’re worried, they have almost zero THC content, which is what makes marijuana psychoactive.  Consider adding hemp seeds to salads, roasted veggies, or to your scrambled eggs.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms also help with memory.  They contain Hericium erinaceous and are commonly found in supplements.  However, you can buy the mushrooms at the store and cook them at home.

Green Veggies, Dark Berries, Black Pepper

Of course, everyone knows that dark green and leafy vegetables are good for you.  Among their many positive benefits, they also contain antioxidants and folate, which is another ingredient found in supplements.  Cohen recommends cooking these veggies lower goitrogen levels.

Speaking of antioxidants, you can find them in dark berries too!  Figs, blueberries, and raspberries are all rich in antioxidants.  Antioxidants are useful for preserving memory because they can protect neurons from free radicals.

Besides food, there are also several spices that you can add to your diet.  One such spice is black pepper.  The primary ingredient, piperine can help slow down the deterioration of serotonin.

Custom Spice Blend

Another spice is actually a concoction of spices by Cohen. She includes six different spices mixed together, including:

  • Himalayan salt
  • Powdered garlic
  • Onion powder
  • Rosemary
  • Powdered turmeric
  • Powdered Gotu kola

Want to learn more about how foods and spices can play a part in the fight against Alzheimer’s? Read the full article here:  “Brain Saving Foods and Spices.”