5 Foods That May Contribute to Memory Loss

Memory loss can have many causes, from stress to dementia to the food you eat.

Here are five things tied to memory loss that you might want to eliminate from your diet:

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1. Aspartame – This artificial sweetener is commonly used in food products, and for years, it has been plagued by reports that it causes memory problems. Science has failed to show definitive proof that aspartame affects memory, but some studies have raised concerns. WebMD reported on one study that showed aspartame users self-reported more memory problems, but when tested, they did well on memory tests. But doctors who study the sweetener know aspartame breaks down into unhealthy components, and believe the problem may happen with heavy usage. “The body may be able to protect the brain from limited amounts,” WebMD said, adding that normal safeguards may diminish over time.

2. Processed cheese – Processed cheese like some mozzarella sticks, Cheez Whiz, and American cheese may cause proteins to build up in the body, which is a problem associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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3. Processed meats, beer, and foods with nitrates and nitrites – Processed meats that contain nitrosamines “cause the liver to produce fats that are toxic to the brain,” says the Alzheimer's Association. Suzanne M. de la Monte, M.D., of Rhode Island Hospital says that when foods containing nitrites and nitrates are subjected to acidic conditions or prepared at high temperatures, they create nitrosamines that can be carcinogenic.

4. White foods – Foods made with white sugar, pasta, cakes, white rice, and white bread have been shown to cause an insulin spike that sends toxins to the brain. Such foods have been linked to Alzheimer’s diease.

5. Foods flavored with diacetyl – This chemical frequently added to foods to give them a buttery flavor has been linked to causing a buildup of amyloid plaques, which are connected to Alzheimer’s disease. Diacetyl made the news in the mid-2000s in connection with microwave popcorn, and in 2007, the four major producers of microwave popcorn announced they were removing the chemical.

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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