Eating a healthy diet has many benefits, including helping to prevent memory loss. Research from the Linus Pauling Institute notes that specific nutritional gaps may manifest as memory loss; therefore, consuming a balanced diet is critical. While not all kinds of memory loss are caused by aging, working with a health professional and adjusting your diet for better nutrition may help you prevent memory loss due to aging.
Red Meat
Red meat is a key source of vitamins and nutrients that support healthy brain function, such as vitamin B-12 and carnitine. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, a 3-oz. serving of beef contains 2.1 mcg of vitamin B-12, which is just under the recommended daily intake level of 2.4 mcg per day needed for adults to avoid B-12 deficiency. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, red meat is also a good source of carnitine, which has been shown to improve memory-related task performance in laboratory settings. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that older individuals have a more difficult time absorbing B-12 in their diets, and deficiencies may lead to memory problems often written off as memory loss due to aging.
Dairy Products
Dairy products including eggs, cheese and milk may play a part in fighting against memory loss due to aging. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, milk and milk products are important sources of vitamin B-12 for vegetarians, who may not be getting enough of the vitamin from other sources. Lactose-intolerant individuals are recommended to take B-12 supplements to get the benefits that they would have received from dairy products.
Fortified Breads and Cereals
Eating fortified breads and cereals will help your body obtain crucial nutrients to prevent memory loss. According to MayoClinic.com, folate-deficient individuals seem to have age-related memory loss as a result of their deficiency. Such deficiencies may be remedied through increased cereal intake. MedlinePlus notes that not all evidence is conclusive in terms of folic acid's ability to be helpful for memory, but the nutrient is without side effects in most adults.
