It is surprising to realize that most of the people across the world manage to lead their daily lives utilizing only a minimal percentage of their grey matter.
An overwhelming number of people likely spend their whole lives without realising that they had only a small portion of their brain under their control. And while there are many reasons behind a chronic brain fog, lack of focus and other mental deficits, some may be due to lack of physical or mental exercise, and a sedentary lifestyle.
It is true that a proper diet is helpful to shed extra pounds, but at the same time, you also have to feed your brain. And in the world of nutritional supplementation and performance enhancement, nootropics (natural or synthetic) are common practice. This practice has carried over into the world of cognitive enhancement with supplements as well.
Here’s a look at 6 common supplements to boost your brain.
1. Citicoline
Besides urging blood to flow up to your brain, Citicoline is a brain chemical that occurs naturally in the body, that assists in building healthy brain cell membranes. It also surges up the mitochondria in your brain cells, which is important in prompt brain functionality.
Though it is naturally found in your cells, a deficiency of this compound may lead to certain defects such as thinking problems related to circulation problems in the brain. Also, Citicoline helps combat inflammation, which is a major factor that leads to brain aging. No doubt that Citicoline is one of the important, but less popular brain boosters.
2. Phosphatidylserine (PS)
As a phospholipid, Phosphatidylserine is also naturally present in your cells and responsible for maintaining the flow of nutrient absorption into the brain and how wastes find their way out of the brain. Therefore, you can understand the importance of this compound to boost your memory, concentration, cognition and learning. Phosphatidylserine also assists in improving your ADHD levels along with attention quality.
3. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
If an individual is diagnosed with low DHA levels, he or she may suffer from acute depression, anger, psychiatric disorders along with other mental and psychological ailments. Healthy levels of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in your cell means improved memory, creativity, emotion control, language clarity and attention. When you intake recommended doses of DHA on a daily basis, people have reported a reduced chance of depression or mood swings.
4. Curcumin
Curcumin is a compound found in large quantities in turmeric. In fact, curcumin chiefly gives the spice its bright yellow colour. To start with its innumerable health benefits, curcumin has a rich stock of anti-oxidants, which is known to prevent inflammation as well as premature aging of both the brain and body. This compound has also attributed the virtue of healing bacterial, viral, fungal diseases and helps prevent several forms of cancer including breast, lung, stomach, liver, and colon because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Moreover, curcumin helps in the flow of sufficient blood circulation towards the brain, which is essential for proper brain function. Scientists at the Michael J. Fox Foundation are also attempting to cure Parkinson’s disease using curcumin.
5. Acetyl-l-Carnitine (ALC)
ALC is an anti-depressant. Besides that, it is also reportedly used in some treatments related to different stages of dementia. It is also known to act as an effective antioxidant, to improve focus and mood as well as deliver the speed needed to process brain functions. ALC also improves the sensitivity of your brain cells towards insulin and maintains absorption of glucose, without which brain is unable to function.
6. Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is relatively a newcomer to the list of popular brain boosters. This compound is, in reality, a synthetic form of vincamine, which is naturally found in periwinkle seeds. It can be infused into the blood and penetrates right into the brain cells. Vinpocetine is known to help in the reduction of brain inflammation by protecting your brain from harmful radicals. It also triggers up the blood flow towards the brain and ushers in energy needed for mental and physical activities.
If you think you have a deficiency in any of these compounds that are taking a toll on your mental health, consult a doctor for the best supplement for you.
References:
1. Top 10 Brain Supplements for a Mental Edge by Deane Alban
2. Brain Supplements: The 7 Best Cognitive Boosters by Maggie Spilner
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This article has been edited and condensed.
Susan Hlee is a health an wellness coach, writing on behalf of Peaknootropics, who’s been improving lives for a couple of years now. She’s a prolific writer and has published several reports for leading print and online media houses. Connect with @peaknootropics on Twitter.
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