What Supplements Improve Memory

What Supplements Improve Memory

If you’re like me you’ve heard about supplements that have the ability to help improve memory.  It sure seems like there’s supplements for just about anything so why not ones that improve memory.  After a lot of research I discovered some good information on what supplements improve memory.  The short version is there is not enough data available that proves any specific supplement improves memory.

This is probably not going to come as a shock to you but I’m going to share it with you anyway.  The best course of action to keep a good memory involves things that are what we want to do to remain healthy anyway.  Get enough sleep, exercise, eat write, and keep engaging our brain.  I’ve discovered some great information on how exercise helps your brain power and I’ll write about that another time.  There are some supplements than can assist in your memory and brain power however.  Let’s review.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is part of traditional Chinese medicine and has been around thousands of years.  Ginkgo biloba is from a tree that is native to China.  It has been used to help boost memory power and increase circulation.  It’s benefits have been advocated in a wide range of areas.  Everything from help alleviate depression to treating headaches to reducing PMS symptoms to helping erectile dysfunction.  This naturally occurring supplement has even been said it can help improve eyesight.  This natural supplement is certainly worth considering having on your list for a wide range of reasons.

Nature’s Bounty Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg, 100 capsules – Amazon, $18.99

Nature’s Bounty Ginkgo Biloba Standardized Extract 120 mg, 100 capsules – Amazon, $9.49

Panax ginseng

Chinese ginseng has been around a long time as well.  It has been used over the years for lowering blood sugar and lowering stress.  It’s also been used for erectile dysfunction like ginkgo biloba as well as promoting relaxation.  Recently articles have been showing up stating that it might improve muscle function.  Along with this is enhancing nerve cell growth.  Again, no concrete evidence or studies are out that panax ginseng is in the category of what supplements improve memory but might be worth checking out.  Here’s where you can get some to try out yourself.

Now Foods: Panax Ginseng, 500mg, 250 caps – Amazon, $17.27

NutraChamps Korean Red Panax Ginseng 1000mg – Amazon, $34.99

Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Omega-3 fatty acid is most commonly seen in fish oil supplements.  Some studies have shown that that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acid could help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  This is found in cold water fish, plant and nut oils and English walnuts.  Again these studies have suggested that in could help lower the risk for Alzheimer’s but there is no definitive proof.  Other benefits include lowered risk of heart attack and stroke, helping with joint pain and alleviating eczema.  This is also a good supplement to consider adding to your diet.

Nature Made Burpless Fish Oil – Amazon

Vitamin E

Similar to Omega-3 fatty acid Vitamin has show potential to help slow the onset of Alzheimer’s.  It doesn’t prevent Alzheimer’s but may slow it down some.  If you decide to add this to your diet make sure you consult your physician first.  More recent studies have raised concerns about an increased risk of death in unhealthy people who take higher doses of Vitamin E.

Kirkland Signature Vitamin E 400 I.U. – Amazon

Lifestyle

As referenced in the beginning of this article lifestyle choices play a huge part in retaining a good memory.  It’s basic stuff but doing things that treat your mind and body right will go a long way.  Getting enough sleep is of major importance.  I’m sure if you are anything like me that can come and go in waves.  A long week of getting less sleep than I should will definitely have an effect on my ability to process things mentally.  I just feel like I’m thinking slower when I’m real tired.

Similar to getting enough sleep is exercise.  When I am on a regular workout schedule it definitely helps keep on my mental game better.  This is true if I get up and hit my stationary bike in the morning or am keeping on schedule with my weights.  Part of it is a confidence thing but when my body is feeling better and more fit my mind seems to follow suite.

Finally keeping your brain in shape helps a bunch too.  I personally don’t do crossword puzzles or other activities to stretch my brain but I know people who swear by them.  I feel like I do a good job of processing new information on a regular basis and that does the trick.  Keep you mind learning and sharp and that will help a ton as well.

Conclusion

There is no definitive proof that there are supplements that will specifically help your memory.  Keeping a healthy lifestyle is still the number one best thing you can do for your mental sharpness.  If you are thinking about what supplements improve memory one of the ones listed here is probably your best shot.  You could also try a few of them out at the same time and see if that helps.

If you have other experience and suggestions on what supplements improve memory I’d love to hear your ideas.  After all, it helps keep our brains sharp when we exchange ideas!

In mental health,

Mat A.