It seems that more and more of us have family member that are effected by dementia and Alzheimer’s, and that the need to protect our own memories is growing. Check out this list of memory-savers.
Eat a balanced diet.
Nutrition is vitally important to keeping a strong healthy mind and body. Be sure to make a balanced diet an important part of your life. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods and dairy products into your diet. Cut the saturated fats, refined sugars, sodium, and cholesterol.
Learn something new.
Google something you never knew before! This stimulates your frontal lobe (the part that controls short-term memory). Internet searches enhance neural circuits which control verbal skills, visual skills, and spatial skills. – Mindless searches don’t count (i.e. scrolling through your Facebook feed). Read an article!
Have some bread.
According to a Tufts University study, skipping carbs may actually be harmful to your memory. Those participating in the study which had eliminated carbohydrates from their diets performed significantly worse when it came to memory-based tasks than those that kept carbs in their diets. Our brain cells need carbohydrates because our body converts them to glucose which keeps the brain functioning in tip-top shape. Shoot for complex carbs and whole grains – because they’re digested slowly, and can provide a steady glucose stream.
Get your blood pumping.
It’s important to exercise! The more exercise you get the better – this increases the blood flow to your brain. Blood flow provides your brain with oxygen and glucose.
Floss your teeth.
Flossing is not only excellent for your pearly whites – but it does good things for your brain! If you skip flossing, your gums could become inflamed – which makes it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. That same bacteria causes inflammation in other parts of your body – even your brain!
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