Over the past decade, there has been a notable increase in issues related to memory and focus, affecting both children and adults. This is concerning. There has been an increase in ADHD diagnoses, lack of focus, shorter attention spans, and an increase in mood disorders which can have a negative impact on memory and concentration. Several factors contribute to this trend, most of which are controllable.
Poor dietary habits can have a big impact on memory and overall cognitive function. Diets that are high in sugar, highly processed foods, high in seed oils and hydrogenated fats, high in caffeine and other stimulants, and too much alcohol are amongst the greatest of the “poor” consumables that contribute to memory and focus issues. Diets low in protein, low in mineral density (especially iron, zinc, magnesium and iodine), low in good healthy fats, low in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamins D, choline and B), inadequate water intake, and a diet low in whole fresh foods, prevent the body from getting the nutrients needed to support healthy brain functioning. You can’t make something out of nothing. If the needed nutrients aren’t in the diet, your body can’t make the brain hormones that support healthy cognition.
This information world: The pervasive use of digital devices and information overload has led to shorter attention spans. Instant gratification has replaced deeper knowledge, which requires more concentration to embed in the memory. Research indicates that the average time individuals focus on a single screen has decreased from 2.5 minutes to 47 seconds over the past two decades. We are literally training our brains to not focus, then wonder why we can’t stay on task. Never in the history of man have we had so much information overload. Our brains are filled from arising to bedtime with a constant barrage of data, that half the issues we have with recall is having to sift through immense data to get to the word we’re trying to access!
To help, we can avoid consuming the things listed above, we can improve our diets by ensuring that we are eating quality foods and especially the nutrients listed above, and we can try acupuncture.
Acupuncture works by improving blood flow to the brain, reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing sleep, decreasing inflammation (to protect brain tissues and promote the sharpness of thought), by regulating hormones and neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. Balanced neurotransmitters improve mood, focus, and memory function. Research also suggests that acupuncture may promote neurogenesis and neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new neural connections — which is crucial for learning and memory. You don’t have to succumb to poor memory or lack of focus. There are many things that you can do to restore your brain to sharpness.
©2025 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
