Are you feeling forgetful lately? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are many things that could be impacting what you recall. Pressures from work and home life, sleeping patterns and not allowing time in your day to do some form of exercise may be impacting your memory. However, did you know that your memory is impacted by the foods you’re not eating as well? Next time you’re at the grocery store, fill your cart with these tasty items.
Blueberries: This tasty fruit has been shown in numerous studies to do wonderful things for memory and the brain in general. Blueberries contain anthocyanin, a known memory-boosting phytochemical. They also contain many other phytochemicals that may contribute to healthy brain function.
Omega-3: The majority of the cell structure in the brain consists of healthy fats, including the most important healthy fats, called Omega-3 fatty acids. As the brain continues to fix itself and grow additional neurons, it needs a good amount of Omega-3s to be consumed. Best sources of Omega-3 include: salmon, albacore tuna, flaxseed oil, canola oil, eggs and walnuts.
Water: Your body is made mostly of water. It’s very easy to go all day without consuming the necessary quantity of water and become dehydrated. Even a mild case of dehydration can reduce your mental energy and capacity, causing your memory to become impaired. You should drink at least four liters of water each day, or six to eight 8-ounce glasses.
Fiber: Technically fiber in itself might not be considered ‘food’, but you often get it through foods. Consuming a fiber-rich diet will slow down digestion and gradually release the sugar into your bloodstream. Foods that contain a good dose of fiber include: dried fruits, veggies like broccoli, green peas, and spinach, peas and beans, nuts and seeds, whole fruits like avocadoes, kiwi, and pears and finally whole wheat grains.
Stress, not enough sleep, lack of exercise, and diet can impact your memory. Let’s start today to work towards a better you. Are you with us? If so…we’re posting some great tips every week on our Facebook page to keep all of us at FirstLight Home Care on the path to good health and great memory. Join us by liking us today on Facebook.