Brain & Nerve Health

Brain Supplements and Memory Supplements

The brain is your body’s control center. Its ability to stay healthy, function properly, fight neurologic disorders and recover from brain injury is largely dependent upon diet and exercise.

An important factor in brain health is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is involved in brain plasticity and acts as fertilizer for your brain. When BDNF is released, it flips on the switch for a series of genes that grow new brain cells and pathways. It also strengthens the neurons you already have.

Certain brain-supporting supplements promote cognitive function, memory, focus, concentration, mood, balanced neurotransmitter function and BDNF production.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The essential omega-3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA – have a profound influence on the brain. In fact, the brain is composed of nearly 60% fat, and in the nervous system, omega-3 fats provide necessary building blocks for healthy cells and tissue. In particular, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a key component for supporting brain health and overall function. For infants, DHA is critical for brain growth and development, where deficiencies in DHA are linked to deficits in learning. On the other end of life, low DHA levels are associated with cognitive decline during the aging process.

DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) both promote the body’s natural inflammatory response, a normal occurrence crucial for overall health, including brain and cognitive function.

The human body doesn’t produce DHA and EPA, and despite their health benefits, an omega-3 deficiency is common. Supplementing these essential fats is extremely important for overall health of the brain and central nervous system.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are found in plants and have powerful antioxidant properties. Polyphenols stimulate BDNF and protect your brain from stress. Curcumin, coffee, green tea, dark chocolate (<80% cacao), blueberries, and colorful vegetables are excellent polyphenol sources.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D stimulates more than 900 genes in human physiology – most of which reside in the brain. Circulating vitamin D crosses the blood-brain barrier, and optimal levels are necessary to protect the adult brain. Vitamin D also regulates nervous system development and function. There’s a link between insufficient vitamin D levels and risk of neuro-degenerative diseases and diseases of the central nervous system.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells by maintaining the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerves, including neurons in the brain and spinal cord. A deficiency can lead to damage in the myelin sheath, which can lead to problems with nerve functioning and memory.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid found in high concentrations in the brain and is an important component of brain cell membranes. It plays an important role in cell signaling and aids cognitive function and memory by supporting a healthy response to stress hormones.

Healthy dietary choices and brain supplements can support synaptic transmission (the process by which one neuron communicates with another), cognitive ability, mood and well-being, focus and attention, and create a positive brain environment for overall health.