4 Foods to Help You Focus Better

By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D. Associate Nutrition Editor for EatingWell Magazine

If you think cognitive decline isn’t something that starts to happen until after age 60, think again. A new study from the British Medical Journal showed that cognitive decline -- a decrease in memory and reasoning capacity -- can start to affect our brains as early as 45! Give yourself a mental boost now with these four foods.

What do you eat or drink for a mental boost?

By Kerri-Ann Jennings

Kerri-Ann, a registered dietitian, is the associate editor of nutrition for EatingWell magazine, where she puts her master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University to work writing and editing news about nutrition, health and food trends. In her free time, Kerri-Ann likes to practice yoga, hike, bake and paint.

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Comments

[Danchi]

11:32 PM on 03/19/2012

WOW! There is an article in the same health & fitness section giving steps to help you give up coffee. Two article that contradict each other. Hmm, somebody didn't proof read before print?

[Autora]

07:20 PM on 03/19/2012

Funny how so many of us are talking about gum. Although the headline did invite it.

I haven't chewed gum since I was a kid (oh yes, smile-- Bazooka for me, and lots of bubbles that ended up in my hair and had to be painfully removed), but my boss chews it to help him keep his throat and mouth wet while working in the company woodshop, with dust everywhere.

Me for the commenter who said 'take a risk' and ingest a milligram of sugar: I would never put anything in my mouth that has those sugar-free additives.

[cherkobak]

01:58 PM on 03/19/2012

When I am tired at work I chew a piece of gum to keep me awake and it does.

[Sneedsnood]

12:46 PM on 03/19/2012

Wow! Fresh vegetables and whole grains are good for you! Who knew?

[crazyryou]

10:42 AM on 03/19/2012

It probably takes a woman a little longer to get the effect of coffee because they are just plain more tired!

[Canefighter]

10:08 AM on 03/19/2012

I like good old Bazooka bubble gum. One bonus is the cheesy little cartoons on the wrapper.

[Pelly57]

09:25 AM on 03/19/2012

WHAT? GUM? are you kidding me how irresponsible are you? What about the ASPARTAME in suger free gum and diet soda of causes allot of issues tumors ect

[Sneedsnood]

12:45 PM on 03/19/2012

You don't HAVE to chew sugar-free gum. Take a risk -- ingest a milligram of sugar!

[krocksix6]

09:21 AM on 03/19/2012

gum to me taste processed , i quit chewing gum ever since they put phenylketonurics in the gum as an ingredient

[Pelly57]

09:26 AM on 03/19/2012

ASPARTAME is another chemical its no good in diet sodas too

[GOODDOC1]

01:47 PM on 03/19/2012

They DO make gum with sugar in it you know, don't you?

[davidl1950]

07:53 AM on 03/19/2012

Now if Wrigleys would just come out with a coffee and leafy greens based gum covered with oatmeal sprinkles I would be all set.

[crazyryou]

10:38 AM on 03/19/2012

Yum!

[rcarol]

06:47 AM on 03/19/2012

I chew gum while driving to work--it wakes up my brain. And oh yes, I crack my gum as well. If anyone else was in the car, I'd probably drive them crazy...lucky it's just me!

[rp2par]

10:13 AM on 03/19/2012

My husband 'cracks' his gum and chews with his mouth open. It drives me crazy!!

My mother always said that if someone can see or hear you are chewing gum, you are being rude.

[Laura Hughes]

12:12 PM on 03/16/2012

I know when my daughter sits to take the state-mandated exams in school, they let all the kids chew gum during the test. Apparently it boosts test scores. And the kids love being allowed to chew gum in school!

[crazyryou]

10:39 AM on 03/19/2012

Who gets to scrape it off from under the desk afterwards? lol

[BodyMindSoul]

09:28 PM on 03/15/2012

Drinking plenty of water, walking and fresh air will aso help you focus! I don't know about gum, but if it works for you, fantastic!

[mary896]

07:17 PM on 03/15/2012

One suggestion, the leafy greens picture is not very attractive. It isn't hard to make a GORGEOUS plate of crackinly beautiful greens. Then bejewel them with dried cranberries and crushed hazelnuts. :)

[ArtsyJane]

03:35 PM on 03/15/2012

I am a sucker for leafy greens and coffee.

[missy mitten]

03:06 PM on 03/15/2012

I don't think I'd classify gum as a food.

[bahkey]

04:41 PM on 03/16/2012

Only if you let it rise under a table for 1 or 2 months

[squeeks910]

07:54 AM on 03/19/2012

I sure don't, found that interesting, hmmmm. I would'nt serve it with london broil or lobster, teehee