Right nutrition for improving your memory and concentration

By Bob Jones


While we all know that a healthy and balanced diet is necessary for the healthy functioning of our body, we pay little attention to consuming foods that help in improving our brain power. So, if you are facing problems in concentration, memory, making decisions, and so on, it may be because you are not taking the right nutrition for your brain. Let's have a look at a few nutrition tips to help increase your brain power.

The first and foremost thing that you should do is drink at least 84 ounces of water a day. Keep in mind that your brain is about 80 percent water and if you don't adequately hydrate it, the stress hormones can go up damaging your brain over time. If you want to try something different than plain, old water, try a cup of green tea which increases concentration and relaxation of the brain.

DHA or docosahexaenoic acid is a form of omega-3 fatty acids which makes up quite a huge part of the brain's gray matter. Since fat present in the brain forms cell membranes, lack of DHA can cause problems in the proper functioning of your brain cells. And that's not all, neurons also contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids and so does the retina in your eye. Low levels of DHA have been found to be linked with memory loss, mood swings and even conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia. Taken in supplement form, this nutrient can help in improving memory and promoting a healthy emotional and mental balance.

While you may want to consume DHA as an individual supplement in itself, you can also get it by consuming fish and fish oil supplements. Studies have found that fish oil supplements help improve cognitive functioning in users as well as reduce brain shrinkage. Reduction in brain shrinkage basically translates into better cognitive functioning in the elderly. It also means that you will be prevented from conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

A popular herb which has been used since ancient times in improving memory and concentration is ginkgo biloba. This is a Chinese herb which has been used to treat memory loss. Studies have found that long-term use of this herb helps in maintaining optimal levels of cognitive performance and prevent or at least delay conditions such as dementia.

The B group vitamins have also been found to be effective with poor memory and brain shrinkage. A study conducted in Britain found that folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 helps prevent Alzheimer's disease, probably by reducing levels of a compound called homocysteine in the blood. Another group B vitamin, B1 prevents anxiety and depression and improves your memory.




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