Improve Memory Naturally | Why Memory Gets Weak? | What Causes Memory Problems? | Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Memory Problems | Topics Related to Improve Memory Naturally
Whether you have “senior moments” when you can’t remember where you put your keys or glasses, or you forget names, memory lapses can be disconcerting. Our “How to Improve Memory Naturally?” section can give answers to all your questions. Aging is the main culprit. Poor memory is a problem but not an inevitable part of the aging process. While it’s true that nerve cells in the brain do shrink a little with advanced age and that it’s harder for them to form connections with one another, most researchers now believe that memory loss is caused mainly by lifestyle factors. Most cases can be prevented or reversed with some simple changes in diet, exercise, and habits. Other factors can contribute as well.
Why Memory Gets Weak?
As we get older, there are changes in the way the brain stores information, making it harder to recall facts. Physical problems, including thyroid disorders, can affect memory, as can medications, including those for high blood pressure and anxiety. Alzheimer’s disease also causes memory problems, but the symptoms are much more severe than the more common, normal memory lapses. Everyone has occasional episodes of forgetfulness. Forgetting a name, date, or other information that seems to be on the tip of the tongue can make a person frustrated. One may forget where one has parked the car or left one’s keys. Such experiences are common to everyone. On the other extreme, a severe form of forgetfulness happens in Alzheimer’s disease, in which one may fail to recognize one’s wife, husband, children, friends, or family members.
What Causes Memory Problems?
Several medications, alone or in combination, can cause memory loss, as can underlying illnesses like depression, thyroid problems, and chronic fatigue. Sometimes even allergic reactions to food can impair memory. Poor digestion can be at the root of memory problems, as can a hormone imbalance. In particular, elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol can impair memory. One must also consider hypoglycemia as a possibility of poor memory. This makes sense, considering that glucose is the primary fuel source for the brain. Systemic candidiasis frequently causes a foggy or poor memory. Also, toxic metals such as lead, mercury, and others can impair mental function and should be cleared out, if they’re a problem.
How to Improve Memory Naturally?
The following recommendations will help you improve your memory and prevent memory loss.
- Rosemary – Traditional Remembrance Aid: Rosemary is common garden plants that has long been revered for its healing virtues. A renowned memory aid and brain tonic, rosemary has a tonifying effect on the nervous system and is both calming and stimulating. It is an excellent herb for circulation, strengthens the heart, and aids in reducing high blood pressure. Rosemary is traditionally associated with remembrance; sprigs were exchanged by lovers or scattered on coffins. It is an apt association as rosemary has a stimulating effect on the nervous system and a reputation for improving the memory. As a nerve tonic rosemary can also be helpful for temporary fatigue and overwork; drink an infusion made with 1 heaped teaspoon of rosemary leaves to a cup of boiling water. It makes a pleasant tea when infused with other herbs and is often blended with ginkgo and gota kola as a memory tonic.
- Indian Ayurveda Formula: In Ayurveda there are specific herbs known as medhya herbs. Medhya means “that which improves memory.” The first and foremost is brahmi (which is similar to gotu kola). Also, jatamamsi, bhringaraj, and shanka pushpi are valuable for the brain and memory. You can use these herbs separately, or mixed together in equal proportions to make a tea. Steep 1 teaspoon herbs in 1 cup hot water for 10 minutes, and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning and evening. Continue taking this tea for 1 month to help improve circulation to the brain and eliminate memory problems. If it seems to be beneficial, you can continue using it indefinitely.
- Ginkgo – A Best Brain Food: Ginkgo biloba has remarkable ability to help with memory and recall. Ginkgo serves as a “brain food” and is a great memory aid. It also enhances vitality and improves circulation. Gingko is useful as a regular tonic herb for anyone experiencing memory loss or brain fatigue. Use ginkgo with consistency for several weeks to notice its benefits. Use the standardized capsules or extracts when treating memory loss. To strengthen the mind and circulation, in general, ginkgo is effective as a tea, a tincture, or capsules. OR Take 3 capsules of Gingko Biloba 2 times daily for at least two months.
- Exercise to Increase Brain Blood Flow: Another way to increase the flow of blood to the brain is to get moving. There’s even some evidence that exercise may increase the number of nerve cells in the brain. Any type of regular exercise, but especially aerobic exercise like walking and biking, will do. Exercise also helps prevent illnesses like diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure, all of which can contribute to memory lapses.
- Meditate For Better Memory: Stress, anxiety, and worries can also cause memory problems. Regular meditation is beneficial for relieving stress. Try the Empty Bowl or So-Hum meditation. Alternate Nostril Breathing Pranayam helps to improve cerebral circulation.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: A person who has memory problems should avoid alcohol and marijuana. Also, strictly avoid drugs that will directly affect the brain, such as LSD. Smoking cigarettes can also adversely affect memory, as nicotine toxicity constricts the cerebral blood vessels, which will damage the brain cells. Some research indicates that certain commonly prescribed medications, such as diazepam (Valium), may also seriously impair memory.
- Carrots – Easy Home Alternate: Carrots, which contain carotene, are good for memory. Drink carrot or beet juice, both of which are blood builders and will help improve memory.
- Ashwagandha – Traditional Folk Remedy: In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum) is very useful brain tonic. It reduces stress hormone levels. Take 100 to 3,000 mg daily.
Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Memory Problems
- A deficiency of the B-complex vitamins can cause memory problems. Brewer’s yeast is a potent source of B vitamins, as are wheat germ, eggs, and spirulina.
- Do a crossword puzzle every day. Doing crossword puzzles, learning a second language, or playing Scrabble can tickle your brain.
- Hang with intelligent folk. Have deep discussions. Ask questions. Get answers.
- The brain is 85 % water. So if you’re not drinking at least eight 8 ounce glasses a day, it is time to get into the habit. Dehydration leads to fatigue, which can take its toll on memory.
- Think positively. Success is most likely when affirming, “I can do this” rather than “I’ll never make it.”
- Focus on good fats those found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish. They help keep your blood sugar steady without clogging your arteries.
- Lace up your walking shoes! Regular exercise is another way to prevent blood sugar problems.
- While you’re eating more of the good stuff, cut back on foods high in saturated fat. You probably already know that it clogs the arteries that feed the heart. But high-fat foods also clog arteries that feed the brain, which reduces the supply of oxygen that reaches your noggin. Trans fats present in soft margarine and packaged food is equally bad as that of saturated fats.
- Take up a musical instrument, it helps to sharpen your memory. Whether you want to play the drums or the piano, learning to play will develop your motor skills while it fine-tunes your brain’s ability to analyze and focus.
- Record flashes of brilliance and words of wisdom! You never know when you may get a great idea. Meditate to expand calmness and consciousness.
Caution: If you have trouble recalling the names of close friends and family members, or if your memory problems began after a head injury, see your doctor immediately.