Memory Friendly Habits

A good memory is essential for the student, the businessman, the servant – in fact for everyone in every walk of life. The sharper the memory, the more benefits can be derived. If you are wondering how to improve your memory, there are a few easy things that can be done. Not to forget, the brain is made of brain cells and neurons that are nurtured with natural nutrients, vitamins and minerals. If you are serious about improving and sharpening your memory, try these simple and healthy habits. These healthy habits enhance your brain’s ability to manage and memorize essential information:

1. Stress can lead to damages in the brain, and needs to be managed to reduce the stress hormone cortisol.

2. Oxygen to the brain reduces the risk of health disorders that cause loss of memory. Oxygen also enhances the effect of brain chemicals that protect brain cells. The best way to increase the oxygen to the brain is regular exercise.

3. A good night’s sleep can do wonders for memory empowerment and proper concentration.

4. Smoking increases the risk of vascular diseases that can also lead to stroke and oxygen deficiency in the brain. So, it is best to stop smoking.

You must have heard it repeatedly that a healthy diet comprising of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables and essential fats, can result in a lots of benefits, including the brain’s ability to recall information. A few essential foods required for memory improvement are mentioned below:

1. Omega 3 fatty acids are attributed with memory function and are distinguished as “essential” fat, against other kinds of fats, thus protecting the body from harmful information and high cholesterol. Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in walnuts, flax seeds, cold-water fishes such as tuna and halibut.

2. Vitamin B Complex such as B12 and folic acid aid in the creation of red blood cells which are responsible for the transport of oxygen all over the body. Vitamin B complex is also responsible for the protection of neurons by destroying a toxic amino acid – homocysteine. Older people are more prone to deficiency of Vitamin B12 and folic acids, and so, supplements of these vitamins are necessary. But, nutrients work well if administered through natural foods. Vitamin B complex is generally found in strawberries, legumes, soybeans and citrus fruits.

3. Vitamin C and E are antioxidants, meaning, they are responsible for destroying toxins and free radicals in the body. Free radicals are formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules and can result in damage to cells. Vitamin C also helps by improving the flow of oxygen to the brain. Natural antioxidants can be found in foods like blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, green tea, nuts and citrus fruits.

A natural enemy of a sharp memory is aging. Aging of the brain can be caused by different factors:

1. The brain’s ability to recall information is affected, if the brain is vulnerable to age-related diseases

2. Lack of neurons which can affect the activity of brain chemicals such as neurotransmitters and receptors.

3. The blood circulation to the brain is decreased.

For healthier adults, these changes signify a weakening of the brain’s ability to absorb and store information. All the information stored by the brain for many years will remain compressed, but all long term memories will take time to remember.

However, as a person grows older, more problems with memory can develop and can result in diseases such as Alzheimers.