Memory problems such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s have become all too familiar amongst the general population over the last several decades.  With each passing year, a rise in degenerative brain disease can be noted.

In fact, an estimated 5.7 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, 66% which are women (1).

Although these facts are startling, there are various steps that can be taken in order to protect against becoming another statistic.

Diet and Memory Problems

Many are unaware that diet plays an integral role in many degenerative disease(s) such as Alzheimer’s and various other learning disorders such as ADD and ADHD.

Those following a standard American diet (SAD) will be more likely to develop this degenerative disease due to lack of vitamins and minerals.  Furthermore, the soil in which our foods come from is severely depleted in the necessary fulvic acids, microorganisms, vitamins, and minerals needed to grow vitamin/mineral rich food.

Consequently, even those who follow an organic whole foods diet are at risk for developing several nutrient deficiencies which can lead to memory problems and degenerative disease.  Over farming has definitely taken its toll on the general population and we are beginning to see the repercussions of several generations eating demineralized food.

Luckily, there are various superfoods which you can add into your diet that can help protect the body from disease.

The Best Foods for Memory Problems

 Below is a small list of superfoods which you can incorporate into your diet.   These foods have been used for centuries and are considered extremely safe when taken long term.  Also, unlike synthetic supplements, these are whole foods which our body was designed to consume.

Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is excellent for anyone experiencing any type of memory problem. It contains a wide array of fat soluble vitamins and minerals and contains an abundance of the omega 3’s DHA and EPA.

A study published in the The Journal of Nutrition found that supplementing with the omega 3 DHA may prevent age-related disease such as Dementia (2).

Cod liver oil also contains the important vitamin K2 which has shown to help prevent inflammatory conditions in the body (3).

It’s important that you find a high quality RAW cod liver oil.  It’s highly recommended that you avoid the pill form as most are rancid.  Cod Liver Oil should also contain one ingredient; cod liver oil.  Stay away from products using synthetic ingredients in order to preserve the oil.  Green Pastures and Rosita both make an excellent cod liver oil supplement for those interested.

Fatty Fish

Just like cod liver oil, fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel contain an abundance of essential fatty acids.   The omega 3’s found in fish can help combat age related disease due to their high EPA and DHA content.

Eating fish 2-4 times a week is an excellent way to protect the body from degenerative disease and bolster overall health.  Just be sure to opt for “wild caught.”  This will ensure the fish has the highest amount of brain protecting omega 3s possible.

Lions Mane Mushroom

This mushroom is not well known among the general population but its benefits towards memory related problems are amazing.  When growing naturally in the wild, this fungus literally resembles the mane of a lion.

In fact studies suggest that lion mane can actually promote growth of new neurons in the brain and offers neuroprotective properties (4).

Lions mane can be taken daily by those experiencing age related memory problems.  It’s also an excellent option for anyone looking to boost brain activity and enhance cognitive function.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest trees on the planet.  Its leaves have been used for centuries in Chinese Medicine for various brain related issues.  It’s used to promote circulation to the upper extremities of the human body and to promote healthy blood flow.

Research published in BMC Geriatrics found significant improvements in cognitive performance in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, vascular or mixed dementia (5).

Those looking to boost memory and focus can benefit immensely from daily supplementation of ginkgo biloba.  Be sure to start with a small dose first and then slowly work your way up to higher doses.  This will give the body adequate time to adjust to the herb.

Manuka Honey for Memory Problems

Although all the superherbs and superfoods mentioned above are excellent for memory problems and enhancing cognitive performance, raw Manuka honey is in a class of its own when it comes to boosting brain power.

Manuka honey has been used for centuries by ancient New Zealanders such as the Maori tribe.  Maori warriors used Manuka for topical application on wounds and burns, but also used it for nourishment.

In fact, it has been well observed that those who keep bees tend to live long and healthy lives free from many degenerative diseases.

A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine discovered that honey assists in building the entire central nervous system which leads to improvement in memory, reduction of anxiety, and enhancement of intellectual performance (6).

To put it simply, raw honey makes you smarter!

Furthermore, the neuroprotective effect of the polyphenols present in raw honey, such as Manuka, involves several important activities within the brain.  Many of these effects have shown protection against oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, promotion of memory, and enhanced cognitive function. Raw Honey has even show to protect against various neurotoxins (7).

With all that being said, the best honey available for your nutritional needs is raw Manuka honey.  No other honey in the world contains as many healing properties as Manuka.  In fact, most research done on the neuroprotective benefits of honey uses Manuka honey knowing it’s the most potent and will give the best results.

Conclusion

Those suffering from memory problems need to focus on increasing the omega 3’s in their diet. This will help prevent many age related memory problems and will protect the body from degenerative disease. 

The foods listed in this post are a great starting point for developing a memory enhancing diet.  Also, using a raw Manuka honey in tandem with the foods listed above is an excellent strategy for enhancing memory and promoting longevity in the body.

As with any new food being introduced into the diet, it’s important that you start with a small dose of Manuka honey.  Once your body gets accustomed to the new superfood, you can slowly increase your dose until you’ve reached a desired level of satisfaction.