Keeping your brain healthy as you age is key to keeping your memory in tip-top shape. Any adult can try these tips below. Better yet, try all of them.
Exercise Your Brain
One thing that any person of any age can do to support their memory is to play brain games. There are all sorts of brain games out there. They range in different styles of play, so you can be sure there is one out there that will optimize your memory. The main thing to ask yourself when playing a brain game is, “Does it make me think? and “Do I need to use logic to win this game?”
Some of the most popular brain games are puzzles that appear in newspapers. These include sudokus, crosswords, and pictograms. Other brain games include puzzles and the classic “Memory” game where you flip over cards and try to remember where the pairs are. Most brain games are made with only one player in mind, but you can work together with others to solve the puzzle faster and to work on your communication and teamwork skills.
Improve Your Diet
Your body and mind work hand in hand. This is why having a healthy diet can lead to you having a healthier brain, and thus, a better memory.
Writers at the Mayo Clinic suggest people eat a Mediterranean diet. These diets usually include a lot of healthy fats, fish and chicken, and fruits and vegetables. The main attraction here is seafood, which often contains high levels of omega-3. This is a nutrient that your body uses to keep the brain healthy. The more omega-3 you can get in through your diet, the better.
Take Supplements
If you cannot get in enough omega-3 in your diet naturally, then taking supplements is your next best option. Make sure to read the label carefully and talk to your doctor to figure out how much omega-3 you need to take in supplement form.
Outside of omega-3, there are plenty of other brain health supplements. These include healthy fatty acids and a wide variety of vitamins. Some of the most popular are vitamin B12 and ginko biloba. Most vitamins and healthy fatty acids can also be found naturally in foods. If supplements aren’t your thing, try to include more vitamin B12 in your diet naturally by eating more meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.
Manage Your Blood Pressure
The Mayo Clinic also suggests that people who want a better memory need to make sure their blood pressure is healthy. There are all sorts of medications a person with high or low blood pressure can take. For the sake of this article, let’s focus on natural ways to control blood pressure.
Like with many other health problems, one of the best ways to keep your blood pressure in check is to have a healthy diet. Eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is key. Try to avoid eating too many salty or high-fat foods. In regards to drinking, try to drink alcohol in moderation and make sure to drink a lot (about 8 cups) of water every day!
Remember, with any “natural” ways to heal or help your body, the results are not likely to show up right away. It may take a few weeks to see results, depending on what the tip is. Also, make sure to talk to your doctor because making any extreme dietary changes and before trying any new supplements or medications. Some dietary changes and supplements may have an unexpected effect when mixed with the medications you are taking. Even if you are not currently on any medications, it is still a good idea to talk to a medical professional– just in case. That being said, it’s hard to go wrong when you try to support your memory in healthy ways. So, give it your all. You will only get out as much as you put in to it.
