Supplements for the brain
Posted by bigboss | Posted in Health & Fitness | Posted on 09-10-2011
Tags: supplements
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Memory loss and diseases like Alzheimer’s are not going to strike everyone, but how do you know if you might be one of the people that will suffer, especially as you age?
Brain boosting supplements are not new. Most have been around for decades if not centuries but only recently have studies shown the differences between the claims and the reality of the various brain boosting supplements.
Using the supplements may mean the difference between taking Princess cruises and staying at home unable to remember what a holiday is like.
Unfortunately, the natural and chemical supplements available on the market are so varied and have so many options that it takes an expert to read through the small print to find what is really good for you.
Obviously many companies offer supplements with special formulas for brain health. Each company wants to sell you their supplement so they’ll tell you what you want to hear, but what actually works and what should you look for?
Staying fit and healthy
Staying free of diabetes helps the brain long-term. Diabetes slows the circulation of blood in the brain which may bring on dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Staying healthy and keeping fit are two obvious methods for enjoying a longer lasting spell of brain fitness. A healthy diet that’s low in saturated and trans-fats, refined sugars and white flour products, can help considerably as does the intake of the correct amount of omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables and fresh fruit.
Strangely, taking caffeine in the correct quantities can stimulate brain function. It brings a mental alertness to keep you razor-sharp and focused.
However, too much caffeine can lead to overstimulation of the brain and can be bad for you, having just the opposite effect to what you had planned.
Supplements you may know
Ginkgo Biloba supplement has been said to be excellent for both memory function and mental efficiency. It’s widely used having been on the positive list in the Far East for many centuries. While Ginkgo is suggested to protect the brain from free radical damage, other studies suggest that Ginkgo doesn’t even enter the brain and form any useful help for the brain, but is excellent as a supplement for the wellbeing of almost everyone.
Fish oil in the odorless form is excellent as a brain supplement. Fish oil contains an essential ingredient – omega 3 – which is vital for keeping your brain healthy. Often people don’t receive enough omega 3 through eating fish alone.
Glutamine can help supply the brain with fuel at times of stress and famine and we all know how to stress our brains all the time! The body cannibalizes itself by using muscle for fuel. L-Glutamine stops this type of muscle degradation.
Energy drinks good for your brain?
You may know taurine from an exceptionally famous brand of energy drink. Quite a number of competitors have their own half price version of the drink so check for the quantity of taurine content to see if it’s right for you. Doctors mostly disagree with taking taurine but studies have not proved the case either way yet.
Vegetarians should note that taurine can only be found in animal products so taking a supplement that is not animal based would be essential for vegetarians.
It’s an anti-oxidant amino acid that also helps fight the body from free radicals. Taurine prevents the attack on the blood stream which can affect brain and tissue damage.
The well known ginseng, used by the Far East for centuries, has many suggested claims with not all true. However, it acts as an adaptogen that assists with reducing mental stress and helps to maintain and control focus.
Scientists believe that ginseng also has blood thinning advantages. This can be helpful before a stroke arrives. It helps stop or diminish stroke related damage to the brain. Some 50% of people find it useful to take a suitable dose consistently, though it appears that the other 50% have no particular use for the supplement at all.
The elderly have been using Phosphatidyl Serine for some time. It reduces stress hormones and increases cognitive functions. After testing it recently, some scientists believe it is now a useful supplement for the young to take as well, alongside the best multi-vitamin you can find that suits your age and health.