“Of all the things I’ve lost, it’s my mind I miss the most” is a quote that is familiar to some and a reality for many others. Our brains are marvelous miracles to say the least. Over the years scientists have not only been able to examine and study how the brain functions and malfunctions, but also how different drugs and natural nutrients can affect the brain as well. Here we will discuss 8 nutrients in particular that have been rigorously studied and clinically proven to have a positive effect on the brain in terms of improving poor concentration, slow thinking processes and impaired memory function.
The first nutrient is a wild herb that grows in wet, marshy areas in India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and other areas, it’s called Bacopa Monnieri. Before the written word was readily available, men and women had to rely on the spoken word to learn things. It is said that in ancient times the holy men of India called the Rishi were able to recite pages and pages of hymns and prayers complete from memory. How could they do this? It is believed that beyond the divine inspiration they claimed to have received, their ability to learn and recall information was due to their consumption of the wild herb Bacopa Monnieri.
Since the ancient times, several double blind studies have been done to test the efficacy of Bacopa Monnieri. One study with 48 individuals of an average age of 73.5 were given Bacopa Monnieri for 12 weeks. The study concluded that the Bacopa Monnieri had enhanced their verbal recall ability and their ability to ignore irrelevant information. It also recorded that depression, anxiety and heart rate also decreased with the group receiving the herb. The study conclusion states “This study provides further evidence that B. monnieri has potential for safely enhancing cognitive performance in the aging.”
Because stress is bad for your health, especially your brain, Bacopa is an excellent nutrient because it has been proven to help with depression, anxiety and heart rate, which are often common ailments resulting from stress. From learning and memory recall to stress relief, Bacopa is a major player in the field of natural supplements for the mind.
The second nutrient, Phosphotidylserine or PS is a naturally occurring fat found throughout the body but especially in that of a healthy brain. PS has been studied near and far as well. According to an Italian Study that followed 494 elderly subjects over a 6 month period of time, all of the participants suffered from moderate to severe mental decline, as measured by standard tests. Treatment consisted of either 300 mg daily of PS or a placebo. The study showed that the group that took PS did much better in both behavior and mental function than the placebo group. Their symptoms of depression were improved as well.
The third nutrient is Glyceryl Phosphorlcholine, also known as GPC is a special form of choline. Choline helps with the production of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters do many things, one of which is to boost cognitive performance. Because the levels of choline decrease over time as we age, obviously cognitive ability will decrease as well. GPC is the good form of choline for the body to absorb because it can cross the blood-brain barrier, so it gets to the part of the body that needs it most; the brain.
N-Acetyl L- Tyrosine – NALT is a non essential amino acid that the body also uses as a precursor to the production of neurotransmitters. Due to its role as a precursor to the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine (two of the body’s main stress-related hormones) tyrosine may also ease the adverse effects of environmental, psychosocial, and physical stress. Because stress has such an adverse reaction for our brains, NALT could provide the necessary strength and relief the brain needs to function more efficiently especially during on going stress related circumstances.
N-Acetyl L -Cysteine – NAC is a known precursor to glutathione. It is known to raise blood levels of glutathione and it may help to preserve lean muscle mass. Gluathione and L-cysteine are essential for T-cell production and helps with immune system function. This is extremely important for the brain because the brain is susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Of course, I am sure you have heard of Ginko Biloba. It is one of the most popular herbs in the world that has been proven to boost the brains ability to function. Ginko dilates the blood vessels in the brain which increases the blood flow and nutrients to the brain. This function in and of itself helps with alertness and focus.
Vinpocetine is an herb taken from the periwinkle plant, vinca minor. Like Ginko, it dilates the blood vessels and enhances circulation. But unlike other vasodilators, Vincopetine has a special ability to concentrate the flow of blood in the brain only. It is also a powerful antioxidant. Plus, some people who have taken vincopetine have noticed the benefits immediately rather than over a course of time like with other memory benefiting supplements.
The common name for Huperzia Serrata extract is Chinese Club Moss. Its active ingredient is Huperzine A. Huperzine A works by helping inhibit the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, an important brain chemical for learning and memory. It has been found that in Alzheimer’s disease, the degeneration neurons depend upon the lack of acetylcholine and acetylcholine esterase. This nutrient appears to be an effective one for those with brain disorders such as early stage Alzheimer’s because of its ability to inhibit the enzyme that breaks down the acetylcholine esterase.
Lemon Balm sounds sublime but it is actually a very potent nutrient. The chemicals in Lemon Balm have a calming, even sedative effect. This may not sound like a very appealing element to brain health, memory, concentration or focus. But these elements are extremely useful during times of excitability or extreme stress when the brain has a difficult time slowing down enough to focus and concentrate. According to one study the Lemon Balm showed to significantly increase calmness and alertness. It also showed a significant increase in the speed of mathematical processing, with no reduction in accuracy.
Lastly, are brain and nervous system targeted Transfer Factors – Transfer Factors are smaller than small messenger molecules that transmit immune knowledge from one entity to another, such as is done when a mother breastfeeds her child. Transfer Factors are non-specie specific, which means they can be collected from other mammals in the form of colostrum or egg yolks.
Targeted Transfer Factors are similar to regular transfer factors except that due to a special patented process that collects the transfer factors from egg yolks, they are able to target specific areas of the body. In this instance they supply the brain and nervous system with the specific knowledge it needs for superior immune system functioning. This one element alone is one of the most technologically advanced nutrients known to man.
The good news is all of the nutrients we have discussed can be found in an all in one formula.
Declining brain health in the form of disease, simple memory loss, fogginess and the like is an ever increasing problem for nearly all of us. Some might consider it public enemy number one. I know I do. It can be induced by stress, free radical damage, toxic substance overload, poor diet, lack of exercise, as well as a host of other conditions. Taking care of your brain health is one of the most crucial things you can do for yourself or someone you know that is suffering from a malfunctioning brain. By taking all of the nutrients we have discussed you will be well on your way to increasing the quality of life with a strong healthy mind that works to the peak of perfection. Or close to it anyway.
About the Author Mellisa is an Extreme Health and Wealth Advocate, Writer, Researcher and Blogger. I have a question for you: What are you without an immune system? The answer is dead. Would your health improve if you could boost the power of your immune system by 437%? Come visit Extreme Health Solutions to find out how.
