Five Supplements that Support Brain Health
A Healthy Brain
Ah, the brain. It’s definitely up there with The Human Body’s Top Three Important Organs. Your mind, so important to what makes you, well, you, needs caring for, and nutrition, as much as any other part of your body. Our minds are under constant duress, leading to mental and physical damage. It is only in the last few decades we have come to truly understand how detrimental a malnutritional or afflicted brain can be. Did you know 1 in 9 adults over 45 years of age report memory loss? While we are still studying these cognitive diseases, and understand that not all these conditions can be prevented, there are some proven methods to better your brain’s wellness.
Five Supplements that Support Brain Health
Many of the foods you eat provide nutrients to your brain which maintain cognitive functions and memory, but there are a few vitamins and supplements that bolster your brain’s performance and can keep your mental awareness even as you grow older. While eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep all impact your brain’s activity, taking daily supplements ensures that your brain remains sprightly as aging progresses.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are great because the body cannot naturally produce them. When you eat foods or take supplements with Omega-3s, you’re showing your brain some love. Studies show that a daily intake of Omega-3s, like fish oil capsules protect the brain against degradation.
Taking one pill a day has positive effects on your brain and other functions of the body. Try this daily supplement.
Vitamin D
According to Dr. Graff-Radnor of the Mayo Clinic, “people with extremely low blood levels of vitamin D were more than twice as likely as those with normal vitamin D levels to develop Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.” Vitamin D is essential to improve the brain’s health over the course of many years.
Naturally, Vitamin D production comes from sunlight that interacts with your skin, but when you’ve been spending more time than usual indoors, it is difficult for the body to produce the correct amount of vitamins. Also, Vitamin D exists in fatty fish, high fiber cereals, milk, and orange juice, so you should consider your diet when thinking about your Vitamin D levels.
Improve your everyday routine with this vitamin.
Vitamin B-12
Adults need at least 2.4 grams of Vitamin B-12 everyday in order to keep energy levels up, and ensure the brain and nervous system is happy. However, many people lack the correct amount of B-12 because their bodies do not absorb it. In fact, between 1.5% and 15% of people suffer from Vitamin B-12 deficiency in the United States. B-12 improves the brain’s memory retention and regulates energy levels. Those with a deficiency may be tired more than is normal.
Some foods that contain B-12 include clams, beef, poultry, and dairy products. You can also also take a vitamin everyday to ensure that your body is absorbing a healthy amount.
Caffeine
Now you can prove that your daily caffè latte is essential!. Besides making you jittery and ready for anything, caffeine in the right doses has been shown to improve reaction time and increase energy levels. About 300mg per day of caffeine is considered to be good for you.
You can even help your brain out by giving it a boost with a cup of coffee or green tea, or eating dark chocolate. Nutritional value can also be delicious!
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a plant-based supplement that has been shown to reduce cognitive decline in elderly people. This herb comes from the ginkgo tree, also known as the Maidenhair tree. A daily dose of 120-240mg can improve social behavior and memory.
It is important to talk to your doctor before beginning a daily supplement. Keep yourself in the optimum health not only for yourself, but for your loved ones as well. A few multivitamins each day can make a huge impact on your mental fortitude and function.