Memory loss is one of the most common problems faced by many elderly people. It is not surprising that your will be one of the 10 million baby boomers who will develop Alzheimer’s disease.
If you are searching for brain enhancement supplements, there are certain vitamins and minerals you should consider. Although there is no magic pill to improve your memory, these vitamins work along with other crucial nutrients to help your brain function at its best. These vitamins have been found to be effective in treating attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by stimulating the development and maintenance of nerves and neurotransmitters in the brain.
Vitamin B12
About the BBC Health, vitamin B12 along with other vitamins is very crucial for short-term memory and ability to recall thoughts fast. Also, vitamin B12 plays an important role in the healthy production of red blood cells, which are essential in carrying oxygen to every cell in your body and brain. Several studies have also demonstrated that vitamin B12 helps in energy production for normal and optimal nerve function while maintaining healthy DNA. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and other vitamins have been linked to several cases of ADHD and other psychological disorders.
Vitamin B6
For optimum cognitive function, your brain requires large quantities of sugar or glucose from the food you regularly consume for energy production. Vitamin B6 along with other nutrients plays important roles in converting carbohydrates from ingested food into glucose for energy production in fueling your body and brain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Vitamin B6 is also very important in normal brain development and helps in the production of neurotransmitters that relay messages within the brain and from the brain to your body.
- Vitamin B Sources: They include wheat germ, beans, lentils, beef liver, carrots, spinach, chicken and brown rice. You can also get B vitamins from eggs, milk, dairy products and fortified cereals.
A dysfunction of the blood brain barrier (BBB) can lead to the tight junctions becoming more permeable and not working properly. This will allow any substance including toxins cross over into the brain. The brain gets inflamed and is now regarded as a leaky brain.
- Foods that contain vitamin B6 include whole-grain bread and pasta, wheat germ, lentils, beans, chicken, beef liver, brown rice, spinach and carrots. The National Institutes of Health recommends good sources of vitamin B12 such as clams, beef liver, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and other dairy products and fortified cereals.
Vitamins C & E
Health experts consider vitamins C and E as antioxidant nutrients due to their ability in neutralizing free radicals and other toxic compounds that cause damages to healthy tissues in the body. By protecting the cells of your brain from damage, these vitamins improve your memory while preventing age-related memory loss and other mental illnesses. Some of the best sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwis and broccoli. Almonds are loaded with high amounts of vitamin E.
Advantages of Brain Enhancement Supplements
In reference to Evangeline Lausier, MD, clinical professor in medicine at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, Ney York City, prescription medications for brain enhancement are quite expensive and usually have limited effectiveness during a short period. Lausier noted that there are a variety of brain enhancement supplements on the market but many are chockfull of multiple ingredients that lack research to support their brain enhancing claims. However, she said that getting an ideal way to slow memory loss can produce amazing results. For instance, if the onset of ADHD or Alzheimer’s disease could be delayed in today’s population, it can save billions of dollars in medical treatments.
Potential Brain Enhancing Supplements
- Ginkgo Biloba: According to Lausier, this improves the flow of blood into small vessels and is commonly used in Europe in treating dementia. Meta-analyses and systemic reviews indicate that Biloba is helpful in treating dementia just like the drugs prescribed to patients with Alzheimer’s.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Various studies have shown that consumption of omega-3 fish oil supplements or foods like cold-water fish, plants and nut oils lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD, an associate professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine, says that more studies on omega-3s are still necessary for proofing these claims.
- Vitamin E: Although it doesn’t decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, vitamin E can slow its progression. Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that vitamin E overdose can increase the risk of deaths in unhealthy people using the supplements, and thus it is important to consult your doctor first.
- Huperzine: This is a natural medicine also known as Chinese club moss that works just like Alzheimer’s drugs. Health experts, however, say that more research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
- Asian Ginseng: Also known as Panax, this herb has been in use in improving the quality of life since the traditions. According to Fugh-Berman, it has been shown to be effective in dealing with fatigue and memory loss in small groups of study participants.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine: This is an amino acid that some studies have shown to be helpful in people with Alzheimer’s disease who suffer memory loss. It can potentially slow down the progression of this disease while enhancing brain function.
Conclusion
The brain function deteriorates with age due to various factors, including lifestyle habits, genetics and diet. Vitamin supplementation can be helpful in slowing the decline in cognitive function. Ensuring that you are getting a healthy diet loaded with essential nutrients is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy brain function. Contact your doctor to find out is brain enhancing supplements should be your choice.
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Top 4 Healthy Foods to Boost Your Brainpower
Sara Biston is a passionate blogger and health article writer. She is an experienced writer who loves writing about beauty skin care, lifestyle, food, health and wellness. She believes in spreading a word of happiness through her writings. Sara’s passion for healthy living became the catalyst for a major career change. She is firm believing the fact that “Tough time never lost but Tough people do”. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ for daily inspiration.