Sharpen memory and focus with these seven supplements.
Weighing in at about 3 pounds, the human brain is comprised of about 100 billion neurons, each of which form 1,000 synapses, and about 10 to 15 trillion neuroglia. It’s this astonishing complexity that houses our faculties for making conscious choices, storing treasured memories, and producing a unique personality.
After a peak of brain function at about age 22, a normal part of getting old is a cumulative loss in cognitive skills and memory. While our genetics cannot be altered, we can reduce the compounding physical and emotional stressors that work against the health of our minds and bodies. Fighting age-related decline is a life-long process that requires careful planning and attention to our body’s warning signs.
Regular exercise, socializing, puzzle-solving, and playing a musical instrument are all examples of ways in which you can keep your mind active and healthy. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also helpful, as the brain benefits from the uptake of several antioxidant nutrients that help protect it from oxidative stress.
In addition, Isagenix is dedicated to providing quality nutrition to support your body and support your cells. Our Ageless Essentials Daily Pack (containing products like Ageless Actives, IsaOmega Supreme, and Essentials for Men/Women) delivers ingredients backed by ample research to keep your brain young.
Brain Supplement #1: Fish oil
Fish oil contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that is the predominant structural fatty acid of the human brain. The brain acquires the majority of its DHA during infancy and it plummets with age. Studies show that consuming more DHA in the diet can maintain and even promote growth of brain tissue throughout adulthood. Found in IsaOmega Supreme, fish oil provides an abundant supply of this critical fatty acid. Supplementation can support attention span, verbal fluency, and memory in the elderly (2-4).
Brain Supplement #2: Coenzyme Q10
The brain requires large amounts of energy. When mitochondria—the powerhouses of the cell—produce energy in the form of ATP, they also release free radicals that can damage sensitive tissues of the brain. Preserving these valuable cells in the brain with coenzyme Q10 (coQ10) supplementation supports memory and overall cognition (6-8). CoQ10 is the major antioxidant of the mitochondria and it reduces oxidative stress on the neurons and tissues in the brain.
Brain Supplement #3: Antioxidant Vitamins E and C
CoQ10 is a valuable cellular antioxidant, but it cannot do the job alone. Vitamins E and C work in synergy to combat free radicals. Supplementing with both vitamins has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the brain and support memory in elderly populations (9). Remember that DHA is the primary fatty acid in the brain? Because DHA is a highly unsaturated fatty acid, it is also especially vulnerable to oxidation. Vitamin E, a fat soluble vitamin, helps protect these lipids from being oxidized. Vitamin C, along with coQ10, is important because it will regenerate Vitamin E and prevent further oxidative stress.
Brain Supplement #4: Vitamin D
Getting adequate amounts of vitamin D has been linked with a healthy weight, bone strength, cardiovascular health and, now, cognition. However, the majority of elderly are at the greatest risk for neurological decline because they are vitamin D deficient (11). Vitamin D aids in nerve signaling and the development of brain cells. Vitamin D also enables calcium to bind more efficiently to protein receptors in the brain, activating valuable genes and initiating the creation of beneficial proteins. In the brain, this activation cascade can improve memory and promote clarity.
Brain Supplement #5: Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a versatile compound that acts to slow aging through several mechanisms including improving brain health. The grape and red wine-compound is involved in boosting blood flow in the brain and may even help enhance motor skills and support memory (12-13).
Brain Supplement #6: B Vitamins
B vitamins are necessary for maintaining the brain’s function. Often, however, people don’t receive the amounts that are optimal for brain health or cannot absorb them properly. As we age, the ability to absorb vitamin B12, for example, diminishes. Vitamin B12 requires very specific conditions in the body to be assimilated, transported and utilized. Even what’s considered a minor insufficiency of B12 can result in poor brain health in the long term (1). This is because vitamin B12, as well as folate, helps to regulate homocysteine. Getting ample amounts of all B vitamins also help to deal with stressors and maintain the brain.
Brain Supplement #7: Curcumin
A potent polyphenol found in Indian-spiced curries, curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can guard against oxidative stress in nerve cells. In the laboratory, this Indian spice has been shown to improve memory in rodents (14-15). Proactively working to reduce harm from oxidative stress with intake of antioxidants will help maintain your body and your mind.
The body is constantly under attack from free radicals and oxidative stressors. Preserving the body on a cellular level is the key to maintaining health, youth and vitality. Eating a balanced diet, practicing stress-relieving activities and taking these vitamins will provide you with a great support against cellular aging.
As the population gets older, we must become more conscientious about how we live and the impact we put on our bodies. The Ageless Essentials Daily Pack gives you the tools to keep your body healthy from the inside, out.
References
1. Kohlstadt I. CRC Press: Taylor & Fancis Group. Boca Raton FL: 2009.
2. Fontani G et al. Eurpoean Journal of Clinical Investigation 2005; 35: 691-99. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2005.01570.x
3. Beydoun MA. Amer J Clin Nutr 2007; 85(4): 1103-11.
4. Morris MC et al. Arch Neurol 2003; 60: 940-46.
5. Innis SM. Dietary (n-3) Fatty Acids and Brain Development. J Nutr. 2007; 137: 855-59.
6. Santos GC et al. Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2009; 45(4). doi: 10.1590/S1984-82502009000400002
7. Li G et al. Neurobiology of Aging 2007; 28: 877-82. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2006.05.005
8. Muller T et al. Neuroscience Letters 2003; 341: 201-4. doi: 10.1016/S0304-3940(03)00185-X
9. Maxwell CJ et al. Dementia and Geriatrice Cognitive Disorders 2005; 20(1): 45-51. doi: 10.1159/000085074
10. McCann JC and Ames BN. The FASEB Journal 2008; 22: 982-1001. doi: 10.1096/fj.07-9326rev
11. Llewellyn DJ et al. Arch Intern Med 2010; 170(13): 1135-41. doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2010.173
12. Joseph J et al. The Journal of Neurosciene 2009; 29(4): 12795-801.doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3520-09.2009
13. Krikorian R et al. British Journal of Nutrition 2010; 103: 730-34. doi: 10.1017/S0007114509992364
14. Xu et al. Neuropharmacology 2009; 57(4): 463-71. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.06.010
15. Ishrat T et al. European Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 19(9): 636-47. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2009.02.002
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