Sometimes, when I’m really busy at work, I’ll walk into a room and not remember what I’m doing there. Have you ever had that? Do you remember everything in great detail? Can you recall your childhood phone number? What you wore to work yesterday? What you ate for lunch? For many of us, memory is not what it used to be. Constant stimulation, poor nutrition and lack of deep rest have taken a toll on what we can recall. Luckily, you can improve your memory by practicing the habits below!

Brain-Boosting Diet

One of the best ways to strengthen your memory is to support your brain with nourishing foods. Fresh vegetables and healthy, quality fats are essential for brain health. Coconut oil is especially good for your brain, as it is anti-inflammatory and contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) which enhance brain function. According to Chinese medicine, walnuts are shaped like the brain – 🙂 so they help the brain. Recent science says that they are full of omega 3 fatty acids – confirming what Chinese medicine has said for thousands of years! Snack on a handful of walnuts and a square of rich dark chocolate to banish cravings and give your brain an extra boost.

Give Your Body (and Brain) a Workout

If you want to carry your memories into old age, get active today! Aerobic exercise increases circulation, which sends oxygen-rich blood to your brain. It also increases your capacity for learning and retaining information! However, it’s not just your body that needs a workout. Regularly challenge your brain by playing brain games or learning a new skill.

Heal Your Gut

The gut-brain connection exists, and it plays a huge role in the health of your brain. Read Dr. David Perlmutter’s book – Brain Maker – it’s all about the micro biome and how much it affects your brain health. Support a healthy gut by eliminating sugar and processed food from your diet, and paying attention to food sensitivities. Choose a high-quality probiotic to help nurture a healthy microbiome and replenish intestinal flora that are eliminated by antibiotics and other toxins.

Quality Sleep

Pay attention to your sleep hygiene. Do you stay up scrolling through social media until you collapse each night? Or fall asleep on the couch while watching television? These habits make it harder for your brain to get the restorative rest it needs. Your brain depends on sleep to grow! Have you ever wondered why you feel groggy after a poor night’s sleep? Your memory is impaired after merely one night of interrupted sleep! Imagine how much more information you would retain if you slept deeply each night.

Supplements to Support Memory

There are several supplements known to enhance memory. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Gingko Biloba
• Omega 3s
• Vitamin D
• B-Vitamins
• Ginseng
• Magnesium
• Ashwagandha