As we age, the health of our brains becomes increasingly important. In today’s video, I’m going to discuss brain health and remedies we can use to improve our overall cognition and memory.
Supporting overall brain health is always a good idea, considering how much the brain does for us every day! Good memory is connected to many complex systems, so it’s important to note that there are many different reasons for memory loss and many directions I could take to discuss this topic. But for this video, I thought I would discuss overall brain health and a few really important and impactful things you can do if you’ve been experiencing brain fog or just general poor memory.
There are several diet and lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies you can use to boost cognition. Watch the video to learn more:
Remedies for Memory and Brain Health
First, meditation can be extremely powerful at boosting clarity of mind. Many studies show the positive effects of meditation on brain and memory function. There are many types of meditation, and there isn’t one specific type that outshines the others. Even within traditional teachings, it’s much more important that the student find a technique that works for them and stick with it. Many people find that simply sitting quietly and observing the breath is an effective practice. But I’d also encourage you to explore different types of meditation. Join a local class or find some guided classes online.
If you want to start a daily meditation practice, I suggest deciding on a time of day and making it a non-negotiable (like brushing your teeth). Don’t set a goal that will be unattainable. Instead, choose a short amount of time, like 5 or 10 minutes. And then slowly work your way up to 20 or 30 minutes a day over the course of a few weeks or a month. Try these audio meditations on my site to get started.
Remember, your brain and the sheathing that wraps around the nerves are basically fat, so be sure to increase your intake of high-quality fats, especially omega-3s, to support your brain. These are foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish. You could also take a supplement.
In Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda (the medical system of yoga), fogginess in the brain and difficulty with memory and cognition are often due to either a buildup of toxic phlegm or “ama” or a deficiency. Either way, we want to increase circulation and support any depletion.
There are many factors in brain health, but lifestyle can make a huge difference. Maintain healthy blood sugar balance, eat an anti-inflammatory diet with lots of hydration, get plenty of sleep, and minimize stress.
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane is a deeply supportive mushroom for the brain. Studies have shown that lion’s mane improves brain function and helps with nerve regeneration. This has serious implications for diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. It also deeply supports the immune system, helps to heal the digestive system, and is overall very beneficial. Lion’s mane has been used as a food dish in Asia for a very long time, and there are no known contraindications at this time. It’s relatively safe and can be used long-term.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is another plant that has been used for thousands of years to clarify the mind. It works on the nervous system, helping calm anxiety without making you sleepy, and it supports people experiencing premature aging. It’s known to boost memory and longevity, and to support the immune system. Check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or if you’re taking other medications.
And finally, you’ll also want to check out my video on adaptogenic herbs to learn more about supporting the body when under stress.
I hope that gives you some ideas for supporting your beautiful brain
