Brain Health

I've recently started openly admitting to myself and my friends that I have a seriously terrible memory.

I think it got to the point where I couldn't ignore it anymore because people around me kept mentioning it; co-workers, friends, etc. It's such a horrible feeling, to be smart enough to realize how dumb you appear because your brain is so foggy all of the time.  It's like trying to wade through thick mud sometimes. And it's also awful because of the way people speak to you and treat you once they realize your memory is not the greatest. People seem to react in a way that suggests that it is your fault that you don't remember something. They start to treat you like you are stupid. They start to make demeaning comments about your ability to function.

Well, I finally got fed up with it. I started taking Ginkgo biloba pills, but after a few weeks and not seeing any changes what-so-ever, I started looking around on the internet for an answer. Here is what I discovered memory loss could be attributed to:

• On-going stress hormone production caused by
√ Depression
√ Job Dissatisfaction
√ Loneliness

• Blood related issues
-Anaemia
-Blood pressure
-Oxygen levels
-Hypoglycaemia

• Iodine deficiency

• Wheat allergy

As you may remember, I stumbled upon Veganism without seeking it out.  I had started out a cynic, even mocking the lifestyle because I didn't understand it. But then coming upon the nutritional values to the diet when doing completely separate research for my health, my view was changed. I think a similar thing is happening for me with gluten free diets today.  After looking up information on poor memory and finding what I've listed above, I began to take Celiac Disease more seriously, and am now even considering it a possibility for my mud-brain, as I'm deeming it.

Exhibit A: Mud-brain.

I've decided to give a gluten-free diet a shot and see how it affects me. Just as when I was deciding to switch to being a Vegan, I have the same daunting thoughts going through my head; "what will I eat?" "how am I going to do this?" "Can I do this?" "Can I still eat chocolate?"

Well, it's going to take a lot of research and careful balance to make sure I'm still getting all the nutrition I need, but I'm ready to give it a try. My biggest fear, actually, (just like when becoming a vegan) is "Oh great, now I'm gonna be THAT girl." I know people will roll their eyes when/if they find out. But as I tell myself for the vegan lifestyle as well, this is for my health, not for them. People will either accept me or give me a hard time, but it doesn't matter. I'm determined to be the best me.
Here is a helpful link to know what to avoid when going gluten-free.
 
As for the other possible factors, I've made a doctors appointment for next week and I plan to have some blood tests run to check for any other possible deficiencies.

Then I just need to work on getting myself in a job that makes me happy and I should be well on my way to my smartest self.