Natural techniques to improve memory

What is memory? Memory is a mental activity with which we recall information that we have already experienced or learned in the past. It is a complex system based on many brain processes and is a key part of our lives. People learn a lot of things through life. We learn to speak, read, write, walk, ride a bike, a car, learn foreign languages ​​and various other things. And this shows what an important part of our lives memory actually is. None of us can imagine that we would have to learn the same, most basic things every single day.

Episodic memory is the memory of past events that happened to us and are related to a specific time and place. Semantic memory is the memory for data that is not tied to space and time. This includes general knowledge of facts, subjects, events, for example, most school knowledge. Procedural memory, on the other hand, is a memory of the skills we have learned and stores knowledge of how to perform certain processes, from cognitive to motor skills. This includes e.g. driving a car, skiing. Memory is therefore the ability to store and preserve information, a prerequisite for the smooth operation of memory is the ability to effectively process information and the ability to pay attention. It is a condition for the functioning of many cognitive functions, and at the same time, it depends on the functioning of other cognitive processes. Several areas of the brain are responsible for memory, the most important being the hippocampus, amygdala and cerebral cortex. The hippocampus is the brain structure that is most important in processing information. The amygdala is an almond-shaped area located next to the hippocampus and is responsible for processing emotions and helps us imprint emotion-related memories. The cerebral cortex, or cerebral cortex, is the outer layer of the brain that stores most of the long-term memory in different areas. The area depends on what the new information is, whether we have heard something, seen something or whether we are solving a problem. We have special areas in the brain for speech, vision and hearing, so memory is also stored in different areas.

How is memory formed and maintained?

The process of forming and preserving memory goes through three stages. The first step is to receive or encode the information. For which we need focused attention because otherwise the information passes us by and we do not accept it. The second stage is storage and consolidation. When information is received in the brain, the hippocampus sends a signal to store it in long-term memory. Storing this information is easier if it is associated with a stronger emotional response. The third stage is recall. When we want to retrieve information from long-term memory, the same neural connections are activated as in the process of storing information. If we use this information more than once, we will also recall it more easily and quickly from memory.

Why does forgetting occur?

Forgetting is good in certain cases, and we say that forgetting unimportant things allows us to remember important ones. Imagine being able to memorize all the irrelevant information, such as every phone number we’ve ever typed into our phone. However, forgetting also presents problems. Such problems occur when we are tired, overwhelmed, or deep in thought. It happens to us that we forget birthdays, names, students also often forget the things they learned for the exam. Decreased memory is associated with age and other factors that cause the ageing of brain cells. These are mainly disorders of the brain due to lack of oxygen, radiation, toxins in the environment or the intake of harmful substances such as drugs, alcohol and the like. Individual memory failures have already been encountered by each of us, but if they start to occur more often, that can be a sign for us to take action. In the case of forgetfulness, a distinction must be made between normal, age-related and sickness forgetfulness. It has been proven that problems with attention also increase with age, with a decrease in reaction speed and short-term memory capacity. However, problems with recalling information from long-term memory are also increasing. When it comes to forgetfulness, we usually talk about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Disease forgetfulness can be alleviated with early detection, medications, and natural techniques.

Techniques and ways to maintain a good memory

Do you often forget things, have trouble recalling things from memory, find it difficult to maintain concentration? We have prepared some natural techniques that can improve your memory and thus facilitate both everyday life and effectiveness at work or while studying.

4. Balanced diet

A good and balanced diet is also necessary for a good memory. Above all, proper glucose supply is important, which is crucial for blood circulation to the brain. It is recommended to eat foods high in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins C, A, E and D, and minerals and fibre. Foods such as fish, onions, dark vegetables and berries are fitting. It is advisable to avoid excessive food intake, with a high content of refined sugar, as well as to reduce alcohol intake.

5. Learning strategies

The processing of information must be adapted to the characteristics and abilities of the individual. When learning, we can use various strategies that can help us have a better memory.

• Good attention. It is important to focus only on the information we want to remember and not do more things at the same time. It is better to learn in silence, without distractions.

6. Use of nutritional supplements

Memory can also be improved with the help of dietary supplements such as vitamins B, C and E, folic acid, etc. A novelty on the market is the OK! Memory drink, a product that has been clinically proven to improve working memory, the quality of our memory and long-term memory within 1 hour after using the product. It also improves the quality of memory and our cognitive abilities while using the product. It helps us maintain mental well-being as it maintains concentration, memory and attention.