It is a universal consensus that once we hit a certain age, we will start struggling with remembering names, where we put our keys, why we walked into that room and a myriad of other unfortunate examples.
As a comedian described it, “First you forget names, then you forget faces, then you forget to pull your zipper up, then you forget to pull your zipper down.”
The good news? Science has clearly demonstrated that we can live well into the old age with our memories intact, thinking clearly without a struggle.
6 Tips To Maintain Optimal Memory
1. Eat Whole Foods
Heap your plate high with fresh veggies, legumes, fruits, seeds, and nuts. Add more protein and reduce the excess carbohydrate intake. This is a diet that provides plenty of antioxidant protection and fiber and allows for clear arteries, which allow for a free-flowing blood supply to the brain.
2. Avoid Sugar
Sugar literally shrinks the brain and, in particular, the hippocampus – the area for learning and memory.
3. Avoid Trans Fats
Trans fats shrink your brain just like sugar does. Trans fats such as fried food, fast food, vegetable shortening, and margarine and packaged foods like cookies, crackers, and potato chips can all be a toxic source.
Trans fats are oils that have been infused with hydrogen to prolong their shelf life. If you see the word “hydrogenated” on the packaging of a food item, put it back on the shelf.
4. Consume B Vitamins
B vitamins keep low-level inflammation away while helping to create a focused, clear mind. Ensure you have an adequate intake of vitamin B-12, folic acid, and vitamin B-6 or ideally consume a vitamin B-complex supplement.
5. Consume Plenty Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Include plenty of omega-3 fatty acids such as cold water fish (salmon, sardines tuna), flax oil, walnuts, pasture-raised meat, omega-enriched eggs, wild rice, and/or fish oil supplements in your diet. Omega-3 fats reduce overall inflammation and the fatty acids help with brain development and cognitive skills.
6. Exercise
The impact of exercising (including strength training) on overall cognitive function are substantial.
Incorporating all of these steps in our lifestyle can help us live a long, healthy vibrant life with our memory intact. It’s well worth remembering…..
