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The Perfect Storm: What’s Up With the Increase in Memory Loss and Mental Health Issues?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and research. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian or the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research.

What’s up with the increase in early onset neurodegenerative issues that involve memory loss?  Why do 1 in 5 adults in America struggle with “mental health” issues? The population with the highest prevalence of mental health struggles is the 18-25 age group coming in at 29%. [2019 Statistics] Why are so many struggling with brain function disorders?  People are out there praying and searching for answers. Something has changed.  What is going on?

From my experience and research, I have found that there is not one easy answer to this.  There are many factors that go into being able to think clearly, feel at-ease, and form memories.  As we learn more about what is affecting our brain function, we can find solutions to help protect and address the stressors wreaking havoc on us.  Read on to learn why I think our brains are struggling and what can be done to help ward off debilitating issues like memory loss or battles with mental health.

The first conclusion I have come to is we must stay curious and question what is going on, knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  We likely will never fully understand everything about how the brain works, nor will we know about everything that negatively impacts the brain.  We have to remain open to learn, unlearn, and relearn at the same time. There is an abundance of wonderful work happening in our world to give us tools to address difficult issues involving brain function. But it is important to stay engaged in learning to obtain the most current and updated findings.

For example, the old school way of thinking says that our memory will naturally decline with age.  (Commercials for various products do a good job of reinforcing this outdated thinking.)  When in reality, multiple studies show this to be otherwise. Due to the amazing neuroplasticity of the brain, we now know that we can regenerate new brain cells throughout our lives.  The hippocampi of our brain alone can create over 700 new neurons per day! Our brains cells can repair themselves and produce new neurons if we give our body what it needs to do so.  That means brain degeneration is optional.   Brain regeneration is possible. Woot!  Woot!  Good news! There is hope and help for issues related to brain function.😊

Back to the perplexing question — why are so many people struggling with neurological issues like memory loss, learning difficulties, and mental health problems?  I view it as The Perfect Storm.  There have been so many changes in our world over the course of the last decades.  The storm has been brewing for quite some time. There has been a tremendous upsurge in the use of many toxins in our world today.  Last count there were around 85,000 registered chemicals-many of which end up in our water and food supply!  Yikes! Most of which have not been tested for safety.  Double Yikes! As of yet, there have not been any studies showing the combined effect of various toxins.  Triple Yikes! The amount of toxins has exploded in the last two plus decades.  Most of the toxins didn’t exist 30-40 years ago when I was a kid.   This increase in toxins coincides with an increase in all kinds of neurological issues and other health issues as well. Imagine how much better our bodies would function if toxins were removed, so our systems could perform more optimally.

The toxins listed below are part of The Perfect Storm.  They often go undetected or spoken of, but they are extremely prevalent.  The Perfect Storm of toxins are not listed in any particular order. Their impact varies from person to person, as does the extend of exposure for each person. Each person’s storm is different from the next, but often involves a mix or combination of any or all of the following toxins.

CHEMICALS– commonly used in herbicides like glyphosate, pesticides, fluoride, preservatives, formaldehyde, flame retardants, plastics, drugs, artificial fragrances, candles, dyes, food additives, and many food-products. Literally, hundreds if not thousands of chemicals are found in our drinking water and food supply.  Taking the spotlight recently are those nicknamed, “forever chemicals,” because of their longevity and difficulty in breaking them down.  There are said to be around 4,000 polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or “forever chemicals” in our world.  Toxic chemicals we breathe in go directly to our brain and hinder its function. Other chemical toxins in our drinking water and food supply are linked to leaky gut, microbiome issues, and are neurotoxic - meaning they damage or kill brain cells. We would be better served by counting chemicals, not calories when it comes to chosing healthier options.

TOXIC METALS like mercury, aluminum, lead, and arsenic – found in water our supply, dentistry, canned goods, and nearly all inoculations (used as adjuvants to cause an immune response).  We need metals like the organic form of iron and zinc that have been taken up by plants and consumed, but no amount of toxic metals has been found to be beneficial to our health. There is some compelling evidence that toxic aluminum levels in the brain are linked to this increasing childhood disorder. See Science Direct article here. There is also a potential connection between toxic metals and neurological issues involving memory loss. Be sure to check ewg.org/tapwater to see what toxic metals are in your drinking water.  (My city water shows very high levels of arsenic.)  Arsenic is linked to a variety of brain issues and potential reproductive system problems.  Who wants to be drinking a daily dose of toxic metals like arsenic? When you know better you can make better choices for yourself. Here’s why I avoid drinking tapwater.

PARASITIC INFESTATIONS – can be found in all systems of the body.  These are not just found in underdeveloped nations.  We all have parasites to some extent.  Over the course of many years, these can grow in number within us and start to be a big problem.  They can rob us of nutrients leading to deficiencies.  Parasites can also slow our metabolism, and bog down our gut and liver all while they are releasing or excreting wastes inside us!  (YUCK!)  We may get parasitic infections from lakes, rivers, drinking water, soil, and from our pets. 

ONGOING BACTERIAL IMBALANCES – especially in the gut due in part to antibiotic use, exposure to strep and other bacteria, sugar consumption, and increased intake in processed food.  Think about how many of us have used antibiotics for sinus or strep infections.  The antibiotics kill bacteria, including the good bacteria in our gut.  This creates an imbalance that can worsen over time if not addressed. Depleting our gut of healthy bacteria hampers its ability to remove future toxins and handle immune challenges.

RADIOACTIVE ELEMENTS – found in our drinking water (radium, thorium, uranium etc.)  This problem is far greater than people may realize.  Check the tapwater database here. Since we all need to consume several ounces of water per day to maintain health, we need to be drinking clean, pure water -- not water containing chemicals and radioactive elements like uranium that wreak havoc on our brain and body.  Learn more.

SUGAR CONSUMPTION – the average person in the U.S. consumes over 150 pounds of sugar per year!  In the past sugar was used only for special occasions, now it is in nearly everything!  Even French fries and milk!  Sugar is toxic to the brain. It disrupts many functions as well as the absorption of nutrients which is linked to deficiencies and hormone imbalances. Spikes in blood sugar are linked to attention issues and emotional instability. Sugar has a negative impact on calcium absorption and can lead to nutrient deficiencies that negatively impact our brain’s function as well as our overall health. Learn more about how harmful sugar is to your health.

MOLD/FUNGAL GROWTHS release microscopic mycotoxins that we may be breathing in or consuming – present in our homes (windows, basements, bathrooms), offices, and foods like rice, grains, and peanuts.  Mycotoxins can have a profound negative effect on our brain, heart, and gut. One of the instructors I have learned from shared how mold mycotoxins caused him to have serious heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and it effected his ability to think clearly. When he changed his environment and supported his body to remove the mold mycotoxins, he resolved the heart issues as well as the mental health issues he was having. As I stated the impact of mold can be profound and devastating. Learn more.

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION or FREQUENCIES (EMFs)– from our cellphones, computers, WIFI, cell towers, smart devices found in our vehicles, homes, offices, shopping centers, hotels, and all around us. These frequencies can be disruptive to our body and our brain function.  Those like me who are electromagnetic sensitive can feel it irritating our heads or our bodies.  The majority of people do not sense it, yet it is having a negative affect on them as well.  Invisible EMFs are linked to anxiety, attention issues, disruption of sleep, fatigue, and mood changes to name a few. This study found that EMFs can weaken our brain’s protective blood-brain-barrier.  This opens the door to various toxins to get to our dear brains.  Not good!  We are electromagnetic beings.  (Think of all the medical devices that “read” or make use of the electrical and/or electromagnetic nature of our being – EKG, EEG, MRI’s to name a few.)  Harmful radio frequencies from electronic devices, cell towers, and “smart” devices absolutely affect the natural frequencies within us and the signals that happen within our brains.  You can expect more studies to show this in the upcoming years. 

Once chemical or biological toxins reach the brain or are stored within the brain or body, the body needs support to help bind and safely remove these toxins.  If we do nothing, toxins continue to accumulate like drops of water in a bucket.  Until one day, the bucket overflows and it hits us.  We are struggling to keep up with the tasks we used to readily do.  We aren’t feeling the greatest and we may start to struggle with memory loss or mental health issues.  We can’t quite put a finger on what is going on. That is why I call it The Perfect Storm.  The Perfect Storm for each of us looks different.  Our exposures and life experiences vary greatly.  So does our toxin load.  But often family members do share some of the same toxins since they live in the same environment, and some toxins were passed from moms to babies.  (See 2004 study that shows average baby born with over 200 toxins.)  Sorry kiddos!  We did not know!

One extremely important reason for sharing this is to get word out to our current child-bearing generation.  It’s imperative to safely detox your toxin load and create a more healthy environment before starting your family.  For those of you battling with mental health issues, learning difficulties, or memory loss — it’s not your fault and there is help that can support your body to regain its natural balance so you can get your life back. Reach out now. Get the help and resources you need. Let’s connect.

Any one of the above toxins could by itself affect our brain’s ability to function properly, but you put them altogether and you have The Perfect Storm.  On top of that-- we have all inherited various weaknesses.  When you really think about the daily barrage of toxic exposure we are bombarded with, you may further appreciate how fearfully and wonderfully we are made to withstand such daily assaults.  It is not all gloom and doom!  There are things we can do to ward off memory loss and mental health issues.

My Top 8 Ways to Help Address The Perfect Storm

1. Increase your awareness of signs of toxin stress and find out where the various toxins around you are, so you can make educated choices to decrease your exposure.  I have various educational articles you can check out here. Additional information here.
2. Be proactive in taking steps to gradually increase use of safer body care and cleaning products.  I like using essential oil-based products or cloths that clean without the use of any products.  There are many great options out there! Small changes can make a big difference.
3. Enjoy clean organically grown real food (not heavily processed food products) – especially in season locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as 100% grass-fed animal meat.  Gardening is a great way obtain healthier, yummy veggies.  Plus you can enjoy more fresh air and sunshine promoting healthier Vitamin D levels.
4. Use distilled water as much as possible and consider purchasing a small water distiller for your home. This is the only method that seems to separate the water from all the toxins.  (I used to drink reverse osmosis water, but recently switched to distilled.  Here’s why.) To see how the water in your area tests, go to ewg.org/tapwater. Enter your zip code and find your municpal water supply test results.
5. If you are concerned that toxins may be taking a toll on your health and your brain function, find a qualified practitioner that can take a deeper dive into your specific struggles and walk you through safely detoxing the toxins from your body so you can enjoy more optimal brain function.  Connect for free discovery call.
6. Remember that the sun was created to sustain life.  (The sun is not to be feared, but rather respected.)  We need to have regular time outside in the sun and fresh air to allow our bodies to make Vitamin D – an extremely key component of our immune system and emotional state. Learn more. If you can’t get outside much, enjoy time basking in the sunshine sitting in front of a window while the sun shines in.
7. Limit your exposure to harmful electromagnetic frequencies from your electronic devices and keep them out of your sleeping areas.  (At minimum, put cellphones on airplane mode and have them at least 6 feet away from you.)  Turn your WIFI off at night and whenever not in use.  Better yet consider getting your home hard-wired. You will likely enjoy greater energy and better quality sleep.
8. Thoroughly check for mold and mildew in your home and work place. If any is found, have it removed. Also, consider any past exposures to mold/mildew -even from childhood. Mycotoxins from mold remain in our system and build up unless your body is given the tools to remove them. You don’t want to mess around with exposure to mycotoxins coming from mold.

Learn more about Brain Regeneration Practices.