Natural Remedies For Short Term Memory Loss

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Short term memory or working memory retains short-term and recent images and thoughts. These thoughts and images are momentarily interesting but are not of any major significance to be transported to the long-term storage. Short-term memory information is easier to access when compared to long-term memory information.

Causes of Short-term Memory loss

Most of the times, short-term memory loss is caused due to ageing process. However, it can be caused by other disorders such as brain trauma, stroke, seizures, alcoholism and drugs. Among senior citizens, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the most common causes of short-term memory loss.

In addition, anxiety as well as depression results in ‘brain fog’ because of which people find it difficult either to concentrate. Short-term memory loss is also caused by low blood glucose levels, which is caused due to diabetes and starvation. Hormonal imbalances during menopause can also cause short-term memory loss.

Natural Remedies For short-term Memory Loss

Vitamins

Symptoms of poor memory have also been alleviated by vitamin C, vitamin E and B vitamins such as B6, folate, thiamin, vitamin B12, etc. Vitamin E has proved to be beneficial in warding off Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the good sources of vitamin E are nuts, vegetable oil, wheat germ, etc.

Some good sources of vitamin C are grapefruit, strawberries, oranges, broccoli, etc. Also good sources of folate are spinach, asparagus, beets, etc. You can get vitamin B12 by eating poultry and fish. Sources of thiamin and vitamin B6 are watermelons, beans and potatoes.

Fish

Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help in improving memory. They restore flexibility to the brain cells and make them healthier. Include salmon, mackerel, etc. in your diet to get the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Some other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are shrimp, flax seeds, walnuts, cod, halibut, etc.

Vegetables such as kale, brussels, sprouts etc. have the same effect on the brain as the omega-3 fatty acid-containing fish.

Herbs

Herbs such as Gotu Kola and Ginkgo Biloba have been proved to be helpful in curing short-term memory loss. Ginkgo Biloba has been in use since time immemorial for improving brain function as well as concentration.

Photo Credit: Flowingfree.org/comparing-ayurvedic-herbs-brahmi-and-gotu-kola/

Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect brain cell damage by free radicals. One good example of antioxidants is beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, collard greens, cantaloupe, apricots, etc. are good sources of beta-carotene.

Activities

As people age, they should keep their minds busy and working with activities such as solving puzzles and crosswords and playing Scrabble.

Exercise

Improvement in brain functions is also one of the benefits of exercise. However, one should avoid running or jogging for long distances. This is because long-distance cardio exercise tends to increase cortisol levels that worsen memory loss caused by ageing.

The most preferred exercise for short-term memory loss is strength training and interval training (up to 20 minutes thrice a week). Kettlebell circuits – combination of interval and strength training – are better for cognitive function improvement.

Stress Reduction

Stress is one of the chief causes of short-term memory loss. You can reduce stress through exercise, music therapy (e.g. Hemi-Sync) or meditation.

Photo Credit: Memorylossassist.com/memory-loss-and-stress/