What to Look for in Nutritional Supplements for the Brain

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.

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 have used for the past 7 years is quite remarkable. He has even created brain formulas for NASA’s Space Program. (The name of the supplement is Total Balance).

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

To lean more about these ingredients and what each specifically does in the body please follow this link: nutritional supplements for the brain

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.