How to Enhance Memory

You can enhance memory skills by making some simple changes in your life. Everyone has encountered episodes of being unable to remember a name, phone number or address. If this has started happening to you more often, it might be time to look at implementing a few changes. Some of the suggestions here are memory supplements, some are foods that will help and some are actions you can take. Put them all together and you can improve your memory by following these steps.

Instructions

1. Get your cholesterol levels checked and lower them if high. High levels contribute to memory problems. The build up in the arteries inhibits blood flow to the brain.

2. 

   Look at the medications you take on a regular basis. Many can cause memory loss. If you take more than one that can cause problems, it can build up. Things like sleeping pills, pain killers antidepressants and anti anxiety medications can cause memory problems.

3. 

   Eat an iron rich diet or take iron supplements. Iron is essential to brain function and memory improvement. It is important for the proper working of neurotransmitters. Not enough iron in your diet can cause problems with memory even if your levels are not low enough to be called anemic. Good sources of iron are red meats, some beans, spinach and broccoli. For a more detailed list and guidelines for requirements see the resource section below.

4. Take the herb ginko biloba. Ginko biloba has been used as a dietary supplement for thousands of years. While it has not been scientifically proven, it is thought to enhance memory. You need to be cautious when using it because it can affect clotting and interact with other drugs. Check with your doctor.

5. 

   When trying to concentrate or commit something to memory, be in a quiet place. We often contribute to out inability to remember things by watching tv, listening to music or engaging in conversation while studying the material. Doing more than one thing at a time inhibits recall. Sound plays a particular role in memory problems if it is not related to what you are trying to remember.

6. 

   Eat apples and blueberries. They both contain antioxidants. Apples in particular contribute to raising neurotransmitters. This is thought to enhance memory.

7. Drink red wine. It not only tastes good, it has resveratrol. Current thought is that it may be useful in warding off dementia and improving memory problems.

Resources

• Univ of Illinois Iron Supplement Guide