Nutritional Supplements for Mental Clarity

Learn six ways you can improve short-term memory loss and concentration

Nutritional supplements can play a role in maintaining mental clarity. If you're looking for a boost, I recommend trying these six:

Iron

Studies indicate that iron can help improve short-term memory loss and concentration. If you aren't using iron cookware regularly, I recommend that you take 10 to 15 milligrams of elemental iron a day.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba's antioxidant action helps to protect the brain from free radical damage that can cause "mental fog." It also has the ability to stimulate blood flow to critical regions of the brain. A good daily maintenance dosage is 10 milligrams of ginkgo that has been standardized to contain 24% of the flavonoid glycosides helps maintain brain function and cognitive performance as you age. For intensive use, I recommend 60 mg to 120 mg per day.

Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid

Low blood levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid may be a cause of memory impairment. Taking a good multinutrient that contains each of the B vitamins and at least 400 micrograms of folic acid and 100 micrograms of B12 daily helps maintain clarity of thought and supports short- and long-term memory.

Niacinamide

Latest research shows that niacinamide (vitamin B3) plays an important role in memory function. I recommend taking 250 mg per day.

Reduce Aluminum Ingestion

Numerous studies have found that higher amounts of aluminum in drinking water and food can cause impair memory.

We've long known that aluminum leeches easily from cookware and is readily absorbed into your system. I recommend using iron cookware instead of aluminum and, if you haven't done so already, it's time to begin purifying your drinking water of aluminum and other harmful elements by distilling it.

Take a Walk to Clear Your Mind

Prolonged stress has also been linked to impaired mental clarity. Taking a walk is not only good physical exercise but a refreshing way for you to get away from life's stressors for a while. Visualization also can be a very positive tool in diminishing stress. For an outline of five simple steps, see my technique.