Supplements That Can Help Boost Brain Power

Would it not be great if you could just pop a pill and remember EVERYTHING for an example for one's job?

Realistically, there are no supplements that can boost your brain power to such astounding levels. However, studies have shown that regular intake of certain supplements increases the ability to memorize. There are many herbs, supplements and foods that CAN improve your brain; the effect of which can mean improvement of memory, learning, concentration, attention, reasoning, social skills, decision making, and focus. If you can combine these ‘brain foods’ with sufficient rest and of course, exercise, you will have boosted your brainpower in no time.

The brain requires a variety of nutrients to produce neurotransmitters – these are substances that control mood, behavior, and mind. Studies have proved beyond doubt that nutritional supplements increase IQ and enhance learning ability. ‘Smart nutrients’ (cognitive enhancing supplements) are natural substances that improve human intelligence.

GINKO BILOBA:

This substance has been used for thousands of years in Eastern cultures and is perhaps the most well-known of all memory enhancing herbs. It works by diluting the blood vessels in the brain and enhancing blood flow to the brain; thus supplying lots of oxygen to the brain. It also gets rid of harmful free radicals that damage brain cells. However, the results are not immediate. Taking the supplement continuously for a few weeks will start yielding results.

GREEN AND BLACK TEA:

Recent research has shown that these common constituents of the kitchen are very effective in combating the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease. The most significant result seems to be that these prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. This is a key chemical involved with memory and is lacking in Alzheimer’s patients. The effect of green tea is more lasting than that of black tea, which lasts only for a day.

SAGE AND ROSEMARY:

A recent study shows that students who took sage performed better at a memory recall test. Scientists believe that sage contains substances that may increase levels of a chemical that transmits messages to the brain. Rosemary also helps stimulate the memory and alleviate mental fatigue. It also strengthens mental clarity. How exactly these substances help the brain remains ambiguous. Sprinkle these two herbs into soups and on chicken and pork, even green salads.

VITAMIN B SUPPLEMENTS:

A healthy diet should provide you with all the vitamins that are needed by the body. But at times of stress and fatigue, the body gets depleted of Vitamin B. This deficiency prevents the functioning of acetylcholine. Vitamin B also helps carry oxygen to the brain and this does away with harmful free radicals. Some natural foods like liver, eggs, soybeans, lentils, and green beans are rich in Vitamin B. Vitamin B Supplements also help to boost the level of these vital vitamins in the body.

IRON DEFICIENCY:

The most common deficiency in most parts of the world is linked to iron deficiency. Poor concentration, diminished intelligence, and a short attention span are all attributed to iron deficiency. Iron helps carry oxygen to the blood and its deficiency leaves the brain sadly lacking in oxygen. Iron deficiency can be detected by a simple blood test. Iron-rich food like lean meat, beans, iron-fortified cereals, and iron supplements help raise the levels of iron. But absorption of iron becomes possible only in the presence of vitamin C. Garnishing iron-rich food with lime juice is one of the most effective and natural ways to ingest vitamin C with iron. Or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with an orange for lunch. For snacks, use nut butters with veggie sticks and a "Cutie" mandarin orange.

Water is an often overlooked but important necessity of the brain. The brain is 70% water, and a dehydrated brain works at a slower pace. Therefore it is necessary to keep the brain hydrated with plenty of water. How much water should I DRINK a day? Easy! Take your weight in pounds x 67% = number of ounces of water. If you weigh 150 pounds you should drink 100.5 ounces or 12 1/2 cups daily. More if you're very active and perspiring. I know it sounds like a lot, but always take a water bottle with you. Take a sip at a red light, during a commercial when watching TV. Infuse your water with a squeeze of lemon, orange or other fruits. Cucumber slices are awesome as well as the powders in one's supermarket like Propel and True Lemon.

Keeping our brain hydrated is easy with just these few, practical additions to our routine.

Other supplements include:

HUPERZINE A – Enhances general cognitive function, specifically memory, cognition and behavioral functions.

PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE – Essential for brain neuron support, maintain memory function & improved neuroplasticity. CHOLINE BITARTRATE – Boosts levels of choline, increasing acetylcholine production to raise nerve membrane fluidity. DHA OMEGA 3 AMINO ACIDS – to promote better blood flow for improved cognition, function & memory boosting. In addition to supplements, an easy way to make one's brain work better is to increase the intake of GOOD FATS Foods such as avocados, oily fish, and nuts. For example, one serving of salted cashews is one quarter cup and has only 70 calories! Every two weeks, I buy a good size bag and portion it up into small snack size baggies, throw it in my bag and always have a healthy snack with me. AVOCADOS Alot of people don't like the texture of avocados. So a great way to add avocado to one's diet is by mashing it well and use it as a replacement for mayonnaise, as it picks up the flavor of other ingredients.

Avocado are great to use in salad dressings. EVERYONE loves free and easy recipes so here's one. Avocado Lime Dressing/Dip In a blender add 1 peeled pitted avocado, 1 peeled garlic clove ½ chopped seeded jalapeno ½ cup chopped cilantro ¼ cup plain greek yogurt juice of half a lime one teaspoon lime zest ¼ cup olive oil ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon cumin. Blend until smooth. This also makes a great dip and spread for vegetables like brain boosting broccoli and cauliflower and meats like chicken and fish.

Don't get overwhelmed with information overload. Bookmark this page and just choose one or two things a week to add to YOUR healthy lifestyle.