Forgetting important dates, missing a work deadline, focusing on a co-worker stirring her coffee instead of the business meeting, menopausal women experience memory lapses and difficulty concentrating. Women notice other symptoms of menopause, hot flashes, mood swings, difficulty sleeping but when it comes to memory most women think that it is just old age.
Eating healthy foods, drinking water and exercising the body and mind can relieve cognitive difficulties from waning hormones in menopause. What women eat effects the brains ability to function. Requiring nutrients such as folic acid, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, protein and vitamins B, C, E, and K to function, the body burns foods as energy that fuels the brain.
Water is an essential source of lubrication, speeding thought processes, memory, and enhancing focus. Women who eat nutritious and healthy foods and drink increase their metabolism, tone the muscles, maintain heart health, and enhance concentration, mood, focus, and recall.
Foods that stimulate the brain and memory
Sunflower seeds and leafy vegetables reinforce memory. Spinach contains folic acid that helps strengthen chemical pathways in the brain necessary for memory. Sunflower seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids known for their brain boosting ability. Grapes also contain folic acid, whether they or green, blue, purple or red.A bunch of grapes at lunch will provide an increase in memory throughout the day. Soybeans or edemame, tofu, apples, whole grain cereals and broccoli are also rich sources of brain energy food.
Blueberries, well known for their great taste in a smoothie or breakfast cereal contain significant amounts of anthocyanin increases chemical and electrical stimulation in the brain, boosting memory, increasing concentration, focus, and thinking.
Salmon is an energy food packed with protein, omega-3 acids, and cholesterol busters. Eating fish one time per week reduces memory loss. Other healthy fish include halibut, shrimp, scallops, and snapper, according to a Rush University Medical Center Study. Adding fish oil supplements to the diet may provide similar result. Healthy eating with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, dairy and poultry improves brain functions.
Recipes
A breakfast of yogurt, flaxseed or granola and fruit with a glass of water, is quick and easy brain food for starting the day. Roll spinach, feta cheese, tomatoes and a sprig of basil, drizzled with olive oil in a whole-wheat wrap and lunch provides energy boosting brain food. A mid-day snack of herbal tea and blueberries or a blueberry smoothie maintains concentration and focus. Grilled salmon, spinach, and mandarin orange salad with honey mustard dressing and a side of asparagus or broccoli fuels the body and brain for the next day. A warm cup of chamomile, lavender, or chai tea at bedtime, quiets the mind and provides restful sleep.
