5 tips to keep your memory sharp

Tip 1

Brushing your teeth on one leg

It may sound like a circus act, but it is a simple, effective form of brain training. Plus, you train your abdominal muscles with this exercise.

Why this stimulates your brain

When you do something new, your brain experiences new stimuli. This causes your brain to make new connections, making it stronger.

How to do it

Step 1: Start brushing your teeth and stand on one leg like a proud flamingo. Tighten your abdominal muscles well—this will help you maintain your balance.

Step 2: Switch legs after one minute. 

Tip 2

Exercise is good, more exercise is even better.

This is a no-brainer. Exercise is almost always a good idea. In the case of the brain, exercise is important because it improves blood flow and provides a healthy dose of oxygen.

Exercise improves your memory, but it also helps you sleep better and reduces stress. And, not unimportantly, exercise reduces the risk of brain disorders.

PS. Having a dog means you get plenty of exercise. Plus, it's healthy for your brain to take care of something. If owning a dog isn't an option, you can also check out an animal shelter or dog walking service in your area. They can always use volunteers.

Tip 4

“Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food.”

A wise statement from Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine. Below, we explain which foods have a positive effect on your brain functions.

Omega-3 fatty acids ensure rapid communication in your brain. 
Omega-3 fatty acids: walnuts and oily fish, such as herring, salmon, and mackerel.

B vitamins are important for good and fast communication between brain cells. 
B vitamins: animal products, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. But you can also find them in vegetables, fruit, potatoes, nuts, and legumes.

Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that ensure harmful substances are cleared away.
Vitamin C: papaya, red bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, oranges. 
Vitamin E: almonds, sunflower seeds, olive oil, wheat germ.

Minerals such as iodine, zinc, and iron are important for brain development. If you don't get enough minerals during brain growth, it can cause problems with mental development.
Iodine: shellfish, pollock, plaice, shrimp, cod.
Zinc: wheat germ, liver, sesame seeds, oysters, lentils.
Iron: oysters, soy flour, liver, lentils, brown rice.

Source: hersenstichting.nl

Tip 5

Do as the Japanese do

Okinawa, Japan, is one of the Blue Zones. These are areas with exceptionally high concentrations of centenarians. This longevity is attributed to, among other things, a diet that includes sweet potatoes and legumes and “Hara Hachi Bu”—where you stop eating when your stomach is 80% full. But “ikigai,” or a reason to get up every day, is also an important factor.

Okinawans are good at being present in the moment. You can see this reflected in their tea rituals, for example. And we can learn from this art. With a little creative thinking, any everyday routine can be turned into an art form or ritual. And creativity happens to stimulate the brain.

Take your first glass of water in the morning, for example. You can choose a glass of tap water or a more special and healthy option by making the tap water alkaline with 4 drops of Alka® Acid-Base Drops. Before you drink it, toast with your partner or housemate and express your intention for the day.