Contrary to popular assumptions, a diminishment of memory and mental clarity does not have to be an inevitable consequence of aging. Nutritional supplementation, reducing the amount of aluminum you ingest, and exercise all can help improve healthy mental function.

Nutritional Supplements

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.

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 can be a very positive tool in diminishing stress. For an outline of five simple steps, see my technique.

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