Here are the answers to readers’ often-asked questions, from memory loss to sexual vitality. Lately, I have been forgetful. Since I turned 50, my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be.

You could be experiencing what is popularly known as “brain fog.” The symptoms are fatigue, headache, anxiety, confusion, mild depression, irritability, inability to concentrate. While the brain fog episodes might be stressful, they aren’t permanent.

But the predominant cause of this health challenge is the lack of quality sleep nightly. Diet comes next.

Check your hormone levels immediately. If cortisol (stress hormone), serotonin and dopamine levels are below normal, then it is time to get bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

Within weeks under a plant-based hormone regimen, you can and will regain your clarity of mind and lightness of mood.

Manage your allergies, if any. Highly allergic individuals could be more prone to a little forgetfulness now and then. See your doctor soonest.

Eat more fish or add omega 3 fish oils to your diet and/or supplement. Take B complex vitamins daily. Kindly bear in mind that prescription medications can affect your sleep and blood pressure.

‘Leaky gut’

Could I be suffering from a leaky gut?

Leaky gut is called intestinal hyperpermeability, a condition where material passes from inside the gastrointestinal tract through the cells lining the gut wall, into the rest of the body.
Microbes, undigested food and toxins, which could enter the bloodstream, may lead to inflammation within the body, eventually leading to disease.

Symptoms are chronic allergies, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, type 1 diabetes, food sensitivities, thyroid problems, constant indigestion, erratic mood swings, gas and bloating of stomach.

To heal the gut (no matter what complaint you might have) it doesn’t hurt to go on a cleaning procedure.

1) Limit the consumption of sugar and alcohol.

2) Switch from processed food to fresh, whole food.

3) Take digestive enzymes and probiotics daily.

4) Supplement with omega 3 fatty acids.

5) Rule out infections. Parasites can be the cause.

6) Increase intake of fermented foods like kombucha, kefir, kimchi, tempeh (fermented soy).

7) Stay hydrated.

8) Do not overeat. Lighten your food load. Instead, eat small meals frequently.

Restore vitality

How can I restore my sexual vitality?

Both men and women suffer from a lack of sexual vitality. As one grows older, susceptibility to health problems may occur, such as chronic fatigue, depressed mood, a lack of libido, prostate enlargement and vaginal dryness, loss of desire for sexual intimacy, hormonal imbalance and erectile dysfunction.

While this is a private matter, discussing your concerns with a doctor will help you tremendously.

For starters, you should consider the following:
1) Hormone levels—A simple blood test will reveal if your hormones are at optimum levels. For men, low testosterone means an impaired ability to perform sexually. For women, a combination of low estrogen, testosterone and thyroid could mean a complete disinterest in any sexual intimacy. Visit an endocrinologist soonest.

2) Go natural—No need to take any aphrodisiacs, just put some herbs and foods like nuts and seeds, beans, squash, turmeric, chili, cayenne, berries (cherries, blueberries, açai), mangosteen, garlic, ginger (to warm up the body), dark chocolate (contains L-arginine).

Above all, exercise daily to get your blood circulating better. Whenever you have breakfast, add a dash of cinnamon powder to your oatmeal, coffee or fruit bowl. It controls sugar levels from spiking and helps maintain your normal sugar level.

Get quality sleep. Take melatonin (a natural hormone) instead of a sleeping pill to improve sleep.

(Reference: spiritualityhealth.com)

This week’s affirmation: “I am ready to harvest life’s goodness.”

Love and light!