Supplements for Concentration and Memory?

[tamie]

I am in the process of studying for a professional exam in my field that I must take before the end of August. In addition, I WOTH full time, plus the two kids and all their activities.

I am having some trouble retaining the information that I study and am wondering if there are supplements that will help with concentration and memory. Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks!

[sste]

Sleep. I know that isn't what you wanted to hear. But it is far and away the best cognitive "enhancer." I would also add try to study at a time when you are NOT multi-tasking. Much, much harder to learn that way. I know this cuts against motherhood - - but if you can try to study out of the house or after bedtime.

For supplements, you can try fish oil. But, it won't have the dramatic effect of either of the two above. And there are some things that will work but they are illegal street drugs unless you get a script which no one will give you absent some proof of psychiatric issues.

Good luck!

[amldaley]

Sleep, super hydration, and a Super B Complex for energy and mentual acuity and magnesium for memory. Not just your regular B vitamins, but a Super B. We are currently using B-125 from Source Naturals.

ETA: and good nutrition! Digesting and processing junk food is a drain on your body.

[niccig]

Can you also look at how your are studying?

I started back in grad school this year, and I ended up getting a few books out of the library on study skills. I changed how I take notes in classes, how I review the work, how I use index cards - write a question on both sides of the card eg. "What phonemes are oral stops?" "What is the manner for p,b,t,d,k,g?" So you get more than one way to ask for the same information.

One of my classes concentrated on anatomy, and I found drawing pictures to be helpful to remember all the information. It doesn't have to be a good picture.

Mind maps helped to figure out how all the information was interlinked - before I did that it was just this huge amount of information.

I would keep a main overview of each topic area - and add to it after we completed each section. This became my study guide to make sure I covered all areas.

You can also come up with possible questions for each section. It helps me to have a Q &A format rather than pages and pages of text.

One of my professors said you need to see information, then write it, then say it. One of my study books said that when reviewing say it aloud and write the information in the air with your finger. Another was to recite it out loud as you're moving - moving helps with linking memory apparently.

I hope your exam goes well...

[tamie]

Thanks very much! I will be using all of them.