We all have had that moment when we have forgotten our keys or wallet or something trivial. It can be frustrating but it’s normal. But if it starts to happen regularly or tends to happen with bigger things, then there is something serious going on. Our memory is like any other aspect of our body. It needs to be practiced, improved, and kept in shape like our organs. Poor memory can be a sign of stress, anxiety, depression, or genetics. Diet, lifestyle, and our habits can help boost and improve our memory. Research has shown us that with the right diet, lifestyle, exercise, and habits we can focus on improving our memory and sharpening our cognitive skills. We can also work on preventing neurological diseases like Alzheimers.
Consult a medical expert or doctor if you feel there is something serious. For those who just wish to improve their thinking and memory, we have compiled a list of natural ways to do so.
Try Fish Oil Supplements- Our body needs a lot of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to function properly. If we can’t find it in our diet then it is normal to use supplements to find the necessary vitamins or minerals. Fish Oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are important for health and lower the risk of heart disease, inflammation, stroke, stress, anxiety, and mental decline. Consuming fish oil supplements can improve memory in older patients. Research has shown that taking fish oil supplements regularly can improve memory and repair cognitive functions. Fish Oil reduces inflammation which is a major cause of mental decline and loss of memory.
Meditation- The practice of meditation is healthy, essential, and calming for everybody. Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety, ease pain, and calm our minds. It also increases the gray matter in our brains. Gray matter contains neuron cell bodies. As we age, gray matter declines, negatively impacting memory and cognition. Meditation improves short term memory in people of all ages.
Maintain a Healthy Weight- Obesity has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cognitive decline. Being obese can cause changes to memory-associated genes in the brain, thus negatively affecting memory. Obesity can lead to insulin resistance and inflammation, which can negatively impact the brain. Higher body mass index has been scientifically linked to poor performance on memory tests. Obesity also increases your chances of developing Alzheimer’s, a progressive neurological disease that destroys memory and cognitive function.
Exercise Your Brain- Your brain is like every other part of your body, it needs exercise and movement to keep it stimulated and working. Playing brain games and challenges is a good way to exercise your brain to stay sharp. Crosswords, card games, recall games, board games, puzzles, and memory games are just some ways you can keep your memory and cognitive skills sharp. Even playing online brain exercises or games daily can show an improved effect in memory, short-term memory, concentration, and thinking. Brain training and exercises also help reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.
Cut Down on Refined Carbs- Consuming large amounts of refined carbs like white bread, rice, cookies, cakes, and cereal may be damaging to your memory and body. These foods have a high glycemic index, meaning the body digests these carbohydrates quickly and leads to a spike in blood sugar levels. The Western diet, which is high in refined carbs is associated with dementia, cognitive decline, and reduced cognitive function. Studies have proven that children who consumed processed and refined carbs regularly have poor memory and cognitive skills.
Exercise More- Research has indicated that exercise and movement is not just beneficial for our body but for our brain as well. Regular exercise and work out can lead to improved memory and sharper thinking. Exercise may increase the secretion of neuroprotective proteins and improve the growth and development of neurons, leading to improved brain health. Regular exercise in middle age is associated with a reduced risk of dementia and stroke.
Add Curcumin- Curcumin is a compound found in high concentrations in turmeric root. It is a category of compounds called polyphenols. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and has powerful anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Studies have found that curcumin can reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain. It lowers the number of amyloid plaques. These accumulate on neurons and cause cell tissue death, leading to memory loss. Curcumin can be added to your diet through supplements, pills, or by using foods like turmeric roots.
These are just some natural ways to improve your memory and sharpen your thinking. A healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle can allow you to fight the chance of memory damage and prevent neurological diseases. For serious issues or genetic factors, you should consult a specialist or doctor before making any decisions.