In this day and age when information is abundant, where it is a challenge to recall every information made available to the public, there is a need to boost one’s memory. Our brain can only retain enough. If we are stressed, our brain’s capacity to memorize information is affected. It is normal to forget some information. But when it is already a constant occurrence and it goes with the aging process, it is a cause of concern to many people.

Memory mostly defines a person. Gradual memory loss is worrisome, especially when it is diagnosed as a disease, such as the case of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. There are various ways to boost one’s memory. By sleeping well, eating nutritious foods especially rich in vitamin B complex, and socializing, memory loss is found out to be prevented. However, there are non-chemical, all-natural supplements available that have shown to have an effect in boosting one’s memory. By regularly taking them, through guidance by the physician, memory is protected and instances of memory loss are prevented.

1. Ginkgo

   There have been several studies conducted that shows the effects of the plant ginkgo biloba towards boosting ones memory. Ginkgo biloba is popular in China and Japan. Another name for ginkgo is maidenhair tree, where the leaves are used for medicinal purposes, and the trees are cultivated to be used as memory enhancers.

   In a study made by the researchers from UCLA, there is increase in verbal recall by patients who are taking ginkgo biloba compared to those who are taking placebo. There is no clear evidence, however, on how the brain cells metabolize the elements of the plant, but it is clear that those who are taking the supplements have lowered their chance of developing memory problems by 68 percent. However, there have been indications that increase use of ginkgo biloba can cause stroke in various degrees. It is therefore recommended to consult the physician first before taking ginkgo biloba supplements.

2. Magnesium

   Magnesium is one of the major minerals required by our body. Magnesium can be found in high amounts in pumpkin seeds, spinach, Swiss chard, soybeans, sesame seeds and fish foods, such as halibut. Magnesium is popular in bone health, but magnesium is also important in relaxing the muscles and nerves. As a memory enhancer, neuroscientists from Beijing’s Tsinghua University and Massachusetts’s MIT was able to found out that increase of a certain magnesium compound in the brain can help in improve ability to learn and enhance working memory. Patients who are experiencing decline in memory are also aided by the increased magnesium in the diet. The compound magnesium-L-threonate (MgT) has shown to stimulate the synapses. Hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for long-term memory, has also shown an increase in density with increase magnesium in brain. By increasing magnesium intake of up to 310-400 milligrams per day, memory is boosted.

3. Blueberry Juice

   Blueberries may be second only to strawberries in popularity but it is now becoming one of the top sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging the body’s cells, particularly the neurons.

   In a study published in ACS Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, the antioxidants in blueberry juice helps in the improvement of memory for those with memory problems due to aging. The volunteers in their 70s who are already experiencing early degradation of memory has shown that by drinking 2 to 2.5 cups of blueberry juice for the period of 60 days has shown that memory loss is preempted and there is improvement in learning abilities too. The antioxidant nutrients are largely implicated in these findings. Antioxidants protect the neurons from oxygen damage. With lower oxidative stress in the brain, memory is boosted and cognitive health is assured.

4. Fish Oil

   It is not just any other fish oils, but the omega-3 fatty acids that are commonly derived from fish can help in enhancing memory. These days, there is an increase consumption of fish oils and several companies are offering fish oil products in capsule form. In a presentation at Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease, a research was put forward showing evidences that subjects at the age of 50s and more and are complaining of memory problems due to age has shown to have improved memory when they took a regimen of fish oil supplement for six months. According to the researcher, the subjects shows enhancement of memory and improved learning abilities equal to three years younger. The research has implicated the two important fatty acids as the reason for memory enhancement: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). These fatty acids help in promoting healthy cell membrane, which maintains the integrity and fluidity of the neurons. If the cell membrane is healthy, they are able to communicate with other cells effectively which can therefore boost memory.

5. Rhodiola

   Rhodiola rosea, or Golden Root or Aaron ’s rod, is a plant that has shown to improve mood and lessen symptoms of depression. There have been studies conducted showing that supplementation of rhodiola can improve mental performance. According to research, rhodiola works on optimizing the levels of serotonin and dopamine. A study conducted in Armenian State Medical University, healthy physicians experiencing fatigue due to job performance were given low dose of rhodiola extract for a period of three weeks. When their mental performance was evaluated, it showed improvement in the test, indicating that rhodiola is significant in reducing general fatigue for those subjected to stressful environment.

6. Vitamin E

   Vitamin E is abundant in sunflower seeds and almonds. Spinach and other leafy vegetables also have high contents of vitamin E. While oxygen is important in the body, too much of reactive oxygen damages the cells, especially the nerve cells. When there is too much damage, diseases will ensue, such as memory degradation. To prevent memory degradation due to oxidative stress, it is recommended to increase intake of vitamin E rich foods or supplementation, in the absence of foods. Vitamin E works by interacting with vitamin A in order to help prevent damage caused by oxidative stress. Vitamin E works like a lightning rod. Free radicals strike the cells enriched with vitamin E, but the cell is not damaged, therefore prevention problems in memory.

Sources
naturalhomeandgarden.com
memorysupplementsguide.com
sciencedaily.com
webmd.com