Memory loss can begin as early as your 20s, but is likely to become more pronounced as we age. Everyone has those moments when they forget why they went into a room or have someone’s name at the tip of their tongue that they just can’t recall. Fortunately, if you want to know how to boost your memory and prevent more of these moments, here are some daily tips to keep your memory sharp.
Eat toast. Your brain needs carbohydrates, and people who cut carbs from their diet often have a harder time with memory-based tasks. Start your day with a healthy, balanced breakfast that includes some whole-grain toast and you’ll have the energy to make new memories and the ability to remember them.
Get your blood pumping. Exercise is good for your body, but it’s also good for your brain. An intense workout, rather than low-impact activity, increases the blood-flow to your brain, sending necessary oxygen and glucose. Studies have even found that people can learn vocabulary words 20% faster immediately after a workout. To really give your brain a workout, consider a workout that requires following a pattern or set routine, such as a dance class.
Surf the net. Spending an hour a day online, researching a topic of interest, can improve your short-term memory by stimulating your frontal lobe and firing up neural circuits. The key is to actively research a topic, not just scroll through Facebook to see the latest photos of the grandkids. Instead, research a vacation you may want to take, look up some family genealogy, or read up on a favorite period of history.
Wine and dine. Wine, and alcohol in general, can be beneficial for you in moderation. People who have seven or fewer drinks per week are less likely to suffer cognitive impairment, as seen in a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. It is thought that the alcohol has anti-inflammatory properties that keep the memory in better shape, so enjoy a glass of wine with dinner tonight.
Floss daily. When looking for tips on how to boost your memory, you may not expect to see flossing listed. Yet flossing plays an important part in your overall health. When you don’t floss, gums become inflamed and bad bacteria is able to enter your bloodstream. When bacteria enters, it can cause inflammation throughout your body, including the brain, which can lead to cognitive impairment. So don’t forget to floss!
