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Nutritional
Supplements For The Brain
Author: ©Brett Seagrott
Individuals
with neurological disorders are being offered new hope thanks
to cutting edge nutritional science and nutritional supplements
for the brain. Because of increasing media publicity revealing
widespread negative reactions to synthetic pharmaceutical drugs
which are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of brain disorders,
there is a universal groundswell in the use of natural alternative
treatments involving supplementation.
A
significant proportion of the population is starting to take control
of their own health as they come to realize that pharmaceutical
drugs do not treat the root causes and any underlying deficiencies
that are contributing to neurological illnesses.
In
addition to positive outcomes for individuals with established
neurological disorders, proactive consumers in good health are
also using brain supplements as a powerful form of long-term preventative
health-care. This wellness strategy ensures their brains receive
an ongoing range of specific `brain nutrients' which keep this
vital organ in tip top shape to avoid disease and reduce free
radical damage and degeneration.
This
in turn allows them to enjoy the lifestyle they want through benefits
including an improved sense of well-being, sharper and clearer
thinking, improved memory, less headaches and better sleep. Brain
supplements can also be used by those without classic neurological
disorder symptoms, but who have a neurological weakness (either
hereditary or acquired) which they would like to strengthen.
The
Key Nutrients For Brain Health
The
brain is a complex, well-organized matrix of intricate nerve endings.
Every second, billions of electrical nerve impulses travel back
and forth to this organ, with chemicals acting as neurotransmitters,
transporting impulses from one cell to another. Because studies
have shown that many nervous system disorders are a direct result
of nutrient deficiencies, if the brain has an inadequate amount
of the nutrients it needs to manufacture neurotransmitters, it
begins to malfunction, leading to many chronic conditions.
The
most powerful nutrients for your brain as established through
clinical research are listed below. Look for these key ingredients
when searching for the most effective nutritional supplements
for the brain.
You
won't find every single one in a single supplement formula as
manufacturers couldn't afford to do this in effective dose amounts
while maintaining an affordable selling price. Since each nutrient
has differing properties some are more effective at certain disorders
of the brain than others although there is an overlap for many.
So some ingredients will be needed in brain supplements aimed
at memory but are not needed in one aimed at insomnia. The key
ingredients in a supplement formula for anxiety and depression
will differ slightly from those in a general brain formula, particularly
in the dose amounts.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
for example is used for Alzheimer's disease, age-related memory
deficits, senile depression, Down syndrome, alcoholism-related
cognitive deficits and cerebro-vascular insufficiency after stroke.
So you should find it in supplement formulas for general brain
health, or depression/anxiety formulas and memory formulas but
not in supplements for sleep disorders.
To
learn the names of the best nutrients for specific neurological
disorders visit my page nutritional supplements for the brain
In
terms of the exact ingredient list in brain supplements we need
to rely on the experience and qualifications of the bio-chemists
who formulate them. The best supplement companies proudly display
full details of their formulators on their websites. The accomplishments
of the bio-scientist who formulates the multi nutrient nutritional
supplement I use is quite remarkable. He has even created brain
formulas for NASA's Space Program.
Please
take time to study not only ingredient dose amounts but especially
potency levels, particular of herbal extracts and the other key
actives below. Higher potency levels offer far more effective
health benefits and value for money. Reputable supplement companies
always clearly display potencies for ALL INGREDIENTS.
•Huperzine
A
•Vinpocetine
•Phosphatidyl Choline
•Phosphatidyl Serine
•Acetyl-L-Carnitine
•5 – HTP (5 – hydroxytryptophan)
•Gingko Biloba
•SAMe
•Schizandra
•Valerian Root
•Passion Flowers
•DMAE
•Gotu Kola
•Bacopa
•Lithium
•Vitamin C
•Vitamin E
•Vitamin B complex
•Folic Acid
The
Most Common Neurological Disorders
Alzheimer's
Disease
Alzheimer's
disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive
degenerative disorder characterized by a widespread loss of brain
cells, beta-amyloid deposits in the cerebral blood vessels, development
of plaque and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles. The exact
cause of Alzheimer's is unknown, however, research has found some
clues pointing to nutritional deficiencies.
The
Gingko Biloba herb is a key nutrient in nutritional supplements
for the brain aimed at memory. There is a great deal of clinical
evidence supporting the connection between long term doses of
Gingko and the potential to boost memory and brain function. Gingko
has been double-blind tested many times for its ability to increase
the oxygen content to the brain and other bodily tissues. Search
for dose amounts of at least 100 mg. In terms of potency levels
the extract must be standardized to 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides,
containing 6% terpene lactones. Extract ratio of 50:1
•Other
key memory ingredients that must be there are: Acetyl-L-Carnitine;
Huperzine A; 5 – HTP; DMAE; Phosphatidyl Choline; Phosphatidyl
Serine; SAMe; Vinpocetine; Bacopa; Gotu Kola; Passion Flower;
Schizandra
Depression,
Stress, Anxiety
Millions
of people worldwide suffer from depression, stress or anxiety.
Root causes include heredity, 20th century lifestyles, environment
and diet. Conventional treatments use prescription anti-depressants.
However, these medications only suppress the symptoms and do not
treat the root of the problem. Several natural substances have
proven to be highly effective when combined correctly in nutritional
supplements for the brain. They can repair neurotransmitter faults,
improve mood and re-balance nutrient intake.
•The
key ingredients are: 5 – HTP; Acetyl-L-Carnitine; DMAE; Huperzine
A; Phosphatidyl Choline; Phosphatidyl Serine; SAMe; Vinpocetine;
Chamomile; Hops; Gotu Kola; Passion Flower; Valerian
Insomnia
Insomnia
comes in two forms, sleep onset insomnia (the inability to fall
asleep) and sleep maintenance insomnia (the inability to stay
asleep) Invariably, people suffering from either type will end
up with chronic sleep deficiencies. Insomnia can be caused by
several factors such as mood disorders, illness, heartburn, menopause,
diabetes and arthritis and periodic limb movement disorders. Nutritional
supplements for the brain that target insomnia should contain
the following key compounds as the main active ingredients:
•5-HTP;
Phosphatidyl Choline; DMAE; Huperzine A; SAMe; Vinpocetine; Bacopa;
Hops; Valerian; Chamomile; Passion Flower
Brain
wellness is a vital component to a healthy and happy life. It
effects every other system in the body. The brain is the most
intricate and misunderstood organ in the body, which is the main
reason why many prescription drugs used to treat problems are
ineffective. Nutritional supplements for the brain provide a natural
alternative for good neurological health.
About
the Author: Brett Seagrott worked in the supplement
industry and is the author of
http://www.nutritional-supplement-truths.com
The site discusses brain health along with its main theme
of `Evaluating and Comparing Supplements'. It shows in-depth
evaluations/ comparisons of industry leading supplements
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