Who's been making small changes and feeling a bit brighter lately, since we've been talking about brain health? Today, let's continue focusing on some things we can actively do to minimize our chances of developing memory problems like Dementia or Alzheimer's in the future.

Yesterday we focused on heart-healthy tips to increase brain function (since heart disease seems to be linked with Alzheimer's) and I shared a heart-healthy recipe with you. Today, we'll focus on inflammation.

While research isn't clear yet on the causes of brain function deterioration, inflammation is almost always found in the bodies and brains of those suffering from memory loss. Studies haven't concluded whether the inflammation is secondary to the disease, or a direct cause of it. Regardless, inflammation can exacerbate problems in the body (whether in the brain, or otherwise). So, it's best to control inflammation in the body as best as we can.

There have been some preliminary studies showing that anti-inflammatory foods, such as the turmeric spice, have been effective in preventing brain damage. Inflammation, which is always found in those with early stage memory loss, is something that can be easily controlled through diet. By avoiding certain foods and incorporating a steady supply of others, it can be relatively easy to eliminate inflammation in the body.

It's important to note that inflammation is almost always a result of some other issue. In many cases, when we look at diet, consuming certain foods can produce an inflammatory response. In those instances, it's best to avoid those specific foods. In other cases, there are underlying problems in the body and an inflammatory response is sometimes triggered.

With inflammation there is heat, swelling, and pain (just think about what happens after accidentally smashing a finger or toe). In isolated incidences like a smashed toe or finger, the inflammation is going to eventually fade and that body part will return to health. However, when the inflammation is wide-spread through the body, and chronic in nature, it's a sign that something major is going on. Finding the root of the problem is vitally important, of course.

Many individuals who suffer with ongoing inflammation find relief when they change their diets. It's proven that certain foods definitely contain either pro- or anti-inflammatory properties. Avoiding