It is not uncommon for women to complain about having difficulty to concentrate or remember things. Many whine about misplacing keys or eyeglasses, forgetting names or places, or missing dates or appointments. This absentmindedness or poor memory sometimes starts when a woman is approaching menopause and begins to get worse as she ages.
If you are experiencing these temporary memory lapses, you should not worry, because you are not alone. A lot of women, and also men, experience these annoying memory slips once in a while. Although these lapses can be a bit embarrassing or irritating, they are part of the symptoms of menopause.
Common Causes Of Memory Loss In Women With Menopause
For women who are in their 50's or are approaching menopause, the reason for their absentmindedness and poor memory is the decline in the levels of estrogen. Without this female sex hormone's help, certain neurotransmitters in the brain start to malfunction, causing forgetfulness.
As if this is not enough, your memory problem can be aggravated by other symptoms of menopause. Stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, fatigue, depression and other psychological problems can also cause temporary memory lapses. But now that you know what is causing your memory woes, you will find it easier to address the problem. Below are some ways on how to successfully deal with your poor memory.
Determination To Succeed Is Key
The first step in battling memory problems is by assuring yourself that you can do something about the situation. Never accept that memory lapses, temporary or otherwise, are just signs of aging. If you can use a lot of moisturizers and anti-aging creams to make your skin look younger, then you can also accommodate changes in order to prevent the further deterioration of your brain. Anyway, aging is just all in the mind.
Exercise Is Important
Regular physical exercise does not only help make your body stronger, it also helps in making your mind sharper. Thus, if you want to keep your mind alert, start your day with at least 20 minutes of brisk walking.
Aside from physical activities, exercising your mind is also crucial in helping boost your memory. Don't ever get tired of reading the newspaper, solving puzzles, mentally computing your budget for the day, and playing board games. The more you work your mind, the more it will be active and alert. Think of your brain as a muscle, if you don't use it, it will atrophy.
Get Enough Sleep
You need to have enough sleep so that your brain can process the things that it has absorbed during the day. Studies have shown that it is when we are in deep sleep that our brain organizes all our thoughts and experiences.
Keep Your Heart Healthy
Our brain needs oxygen and the heart is the organ that is responsible for pumping blood so that oxygen gets to the brain and other parts of the body. Therefore, keep your heart healthy and you can be assured that your brain will have a continuous and unhampered supply of oxygen.
You can also keep your heart healthy by eating more fruits and vegetables. Add more leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables on your diet because they are rich in vitamins and nutrients that help boost your memory and keep your heart healthy.
Give Yourself A Break
One way to minimize stress and other emotional problems is through relaxation and rest. You can give yourself a break by visiting a spa, going to a vacation, or enrolling in meditation or yoga classes.
Eat Memory-Boosting Food
Increase your intake of folic acid, essential fatty acids, quercetin and anthocyanin because these nutrients are known to help your brain function properly. You can get these nutrients from leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, fish, and fruits.
Do Something About Your Hormone Problems
If the root cause of your memory lapses is a decline in the level of estrogen, then you need to take supplements that can help remedy the situation. You can choose among synthetic and natural hormone replacement therapies. One of the all-natural products that can help you with your hormonal imbalance during menopause is Zalestra. Visit www.Zalestra.com for more information.
Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine www.healthnfitnesszone.com.