Today, we continue to learn more and more about overall brain health through research being done in the neuroscience community. This has resulted in the discovery of many new and effective ways to not only improve our long term brain health or mental health and to protect it from decline, but also in ways to improve our focus, concentration, and clarity. It truly is an exciting and amazing time! But it can be overwhelming.
The challenge is choosing the brain supplements that are right for you and understanding how they work or impact your brain and mental functions. There are countless brain health supplements on the market today, with companies investing a lot of time and dollars on marketing vs developing their products and providing a holistic–mind, body, and soul–approach to help customers really understand the connection and how all the pieces need to work together. We all wish there was a “magic pill”, but there really isn’t. It’s the effective combination of the best and impactful ingredients in a supplement that work in tandem with diet, exercise and mindfulness that delivers the biggest punch and makes the biggest difference!
Athletes of all disciplines and walks-of-life understand this. Whether you are training for competition or participating in competitive or organized sports, or exercising and engaged in sports–traditional and non-traditional–to stay fit and truly enjoy the commitment to a lifestyle that promotes good health, embracing the mind, body soul connection is foundational.
Through the years of personal experience and research studies, we have put together a list of some of the most essential brain health supplements and foods that are both safe and effective. It is impossible to consume some or all of these nutrients through diet alone (not to mention the expense). That is why supplementation becomes necessary. Highlighted below are some of the top brain power and memory “ingredients.”
Vinpocetine is a powerful brain health ingredient that increases oxygen and blood flow to the brain. This ingredient is often used to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss due to aging.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid with well documented brain-boosting and anti-aging properties. It’s valued for its ability to improve alertness, focus, mental clarity and mood. It works in part by creating acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter needed for memory function.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an integral part of every cell membrane in the body, buy is found in particularly high concentrations in brain cells. It acts as your brain cells “gatekeeper” and regulates two functions which nutrients get in and how waste gets out of your brain. Studies have found it can boost memory, cognition, concentration, and learning.
The B Vitamins. Benefits of the Vitamin B family include healthy metabolism, and now research shows a link to a reduced risk of stroke. B vitamins are especially abundant in green vegetables, whole or fortified grains, dairy and meats. Numerous studies suggest that B vitamins may be good for the brain and help preserve memory, especially as we age. The supplements of folic acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 may help keep brain areas critical for memory and thinking in good health in seniors with mild cognitive impairment, a form of memory loss that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Antioxidants (think Vitamins A, C, E; beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene) are natural substances that may stop or limit the damage caused by free radicals. Your body uses antioxidants to stabilize the free radicals. This keeps them from causing damage to other cells. Antioxidants can protect and reverse the damage caused by oxidation to some extent. They also protect your brain and sharpen your memory. They are found in quite an array of food but it can be difficult to reap the benefits of antioxidants in food sources alone. But to help you here are some options to work into your diet:
- Hazelnuts
- Wild salmon
- Rye bread
- Beetroot
- Acorn squash
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Plum tomatoes
- Oranges
- Blueberries
- Celery
We hope you found this helpful and we invite you to add to the list of foods and ingredients! And check out Warrior Rx Focus, an all natural supplement to boost mental focus, attention, clarity and memory, and promote long-term brain health.