Memory loss can be frustrating and distressing. The forgetfulness can be a sign of aging, stress, illness, a brain injury or simply poor diet. Talk with your doctor about your memory impairment to determine the exact cause and appropriate course of treatment. In the meantime, follow a healthy diet that may improve your memory.
Step 1
Get your blood glucose levels checked. A 2003 CBS News Health report showed a link between pre-diabetes, a condition in which your blood sugar is higher than normal, and memory loss. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor or nutritionist can help you begin a diet that contains less sugar and refined carbohydrates, which may reverse your memory loss.
Step 2
Increase your intake of vitamin B12 if you are not getting the recommended 2.4 to 2.8 mcg daily. The Linus Pauling Institute says that a deficiency of this essential nutrient can cause short-term memory loss. Foods that contain vitamin B12 include milk, eggs, beef, poultry and a variety of fish and shellfish. Ask your doctor about taking supplements if needed.
Step 3
Reduce the amount of saturated fat you consume to treat your memory loss. Studies published in 2008 by the Medical University of South Carolina showed that people who ate more fat- and cholesterol-laden foods, had memory impairments. The Mayo Clinic suggests limiting your intake of animal-based fats--meat and eggs--and increasing healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, salmon and avocados instead.
Step 4
Include some carbohydrates in your diet. The United Kingdon's National Health Service studied people on low carb diets and found that they had more memory loss than those who did not go low-carb. If you're concerned about carb counts, eat whole-grain pastas, breads and rices that also provide you with fiber and don't cause your blood sugar to spike as high.
