A healthy diet can help restore the body, improve memory, prevent dementia, and accelerate brain recovery after Covid-19.
According to the medical news website Medical News Today, Covid-19 can impact cognitive function and may increase the risk of dementia.
Dementia is a syndrome that damages brain cells and affects cognitive functions, leading to difficulties in remembering, thinking, and concentrating.
A study from the University of Oxford also found that Covid-19 can cause brain shrinkage, reduce gray matter in areas that control emotion and memory, and damage regions that control smell.
“Remembering and forgetting” after Covid-19
After recovering from Covid-19, a small number of individuals experience issues such as lack of focus, memory decline, and forgetfulness, which may be symptoms of post-Covid brain fog.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one of the common long-term symptoms of post-Covid-19 is brain fog, characterized by poor cognition, slow reading, short-term memory loss, and mood changes.
Post-Covid brain fog can hinder both work and study for those affected. Image: Healthdigest.
Brain fog is a term used to describe a hazy mental state that affects individuals in various ways. According to Huff Post, post-Covid brain fog severely impacts a person’s ability to think clearly.
Some patients experiencing brain fog report an inability to concentrate or think clearly. Others find themselves in a state of “remembering and forgetting” or take longer to complete daily tasks.
Moreover, symptoms such as difficulty focusing, remembering things, or feeling mentally exhausted often occur.
In most cases, brain fog will resolve within a few weeks or months without treatment. However, for some patients, it may persist longer.
What foods are good for the brain?
The WHO states that there is currently no specific drug therapy for individuals suffering from post-Covid-19 symptoms. However, comprehensive care, including rehabilitation, can be beneficial for those experiencing these syndromes.
A healthy diet can help restore the body, improve memory, and accelerate brain recovery. Incorporating the following foods can positively affect your brain health:
1. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish: According to Dr. Jaycie Loewen (a clinical neuroscientist with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Utah), a diet high in sugar, saturated fats, or excessive calories is detrimental to neurological function as it increases oxidative stress and hinders cognitive functions.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish are essential for supporting neuronal function. (Image: Maplewood Senior Living).
Conversely, some nutrient-rich foods can help the brain function smoothly. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for supporting neuronal function and play a role in maintaining brain health throughout life.
Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring, as well as in certain seeds like flaxseed, chia seeds, and soybeans.
2. Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and other berries have been shown to be linked to slowing cognitive decline and enhancing memory and concentration.
Research at Tufts University in the United States has shown that blueberries are effective in improving short-term memory loss and protecting our brains from degeneration and stress.
Blueberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, with a high content of gallic acid. They are also one of the foods rich in the antioxidant anthocyanin, which promotes the brain’s use of glucose, enhancing communication between brain cells while helping them resist toxins.
3. Broccoli: Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin K, which enhances cognitive function and improves brain health.
Researchers have also indicated that broccoli contains many glucosinolate compounds that may slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.
This is a substance needed for the central nervous system to function well, keeping our brains and memories sharp. Other cruciferous vegetables like kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are also rich in glucosinolates.
4. Nuts and seeds: A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that adequate vitamin E intake creates a protective layer that helps the brain avoid damage from free radicals and memory decline.
Consuming nuts and seeds can improve cognition and prevent neurodegenerative diseases. (Image: Alsonspharmacy)
Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, and macadamia nuts are excellent sources of vitamin E. Additionally, they provide healthy fats and antioxidants that can enhance cognition and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
5. Dark chocolate and cocoa products: Compounds found in dark chocolate help enhance memory, prolong concentration, and speed up reaction times.
Dr. Anthony Komaroff from Harvard Medical School states that dark chocolate and cocoa products contain flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants are particularly important for brain health. The flavonoids in cocoa may encourage the growth of nerve cells and blood vessels in brain regions related to memory.
