If
you go outside
and close your eyes
and listen,
really listen to every sound,
your Soul will feel
found,
and you will cry.
You precious Heart
will slow down,
and tears
will be found,
as they stream down.
The path to knowing,
what needs to be known,
leads through the Natural World
and beyond.
The Abyss
that lies between
what we know,
or think we know,
and what is truly possible in this Life,
can only be crossed
by a leap of
Faith.
Our Trust in God,
is the Last Choice
we must make,
before we arrive
at the endless possibilities
of Love,
of Beauty
and of Truth.
The Holy Spirit
can take form
in the sounds
of your precious Heart
beating,
the beautiful birds
singing
in unbelievably Beautiful skies,
in the leaves dancing for Joy
in the gentle wind.
The sounds
only found
in Nature,
are like standing
with your arms outstretched,
looking up and into the Face of God,
while His Love
is showering down upon you,
like warm rain,
refreshing and soothing,
cleansing and Healing.
So moved
can you become,
by resolute, strong Faith
in the Love of God
you find
all around,
that the veil between Earth and Paradise
can be parted,
and you realize how small you are,
and how very deeply
you are Loved.
My Dear Parents,
for the Children of the future
the road is not going to be easy.
They will need
our thoughtful guidance,
and our Prayer.
We pitiful and often pitiless Humans,
have created a World
highly destructive to ourselves.
Simple answers
are seemingly
no longer available.
“If Life’s essence
is securely hidden,
it may be for a good reason:
should man uncover
many more of its secrets
while he is still Spiritually so immature,
it seems he could do himself
and his World
serious harm.”
– Guy Murchie
The Seven Mysteries of Life
An Exploration of Science and Philosophy
The clash
between the values we have cherished,
and a mindless Tomorrow,
is becoming the core
of our future.
Our focus upon,
and surrender to
technology,
is blurring our vision
of Tomorrow.
The line between sanity and insanity
may not be clearly viewed
one day,
soon.
.
My,
how that line
easily blurs
for our fragile
and precious
Children.
Today,
a microchip implant that fits IN the skull
has been developed.
It is a device the size of a coin
that is inserted into the skull
with a series of metallic filaments
that are inserted into the brain.
The dangers of these implants
are well known and widely documented.
But,
such technology needs to come with
a stern warning to all Humanity
about the potential dangers
to something called our FREEDOM,
and our safety
and our Society.
This technology
may be the ultimate danger
to Humankind.
From gloria.tv comes this warning:
“Here is another problem: we received a really CAPITAL information: RFID CHIP IMPLANTS ARE CANCEROUS! This was discovered through several academic studies lead on laboratory animals. These animals (rats, mice and dogs) had developed malignant tumors at the very location of the implant and around the chip itself, and most of these animals died from those tumors! The American organization CASPIAN has published a 52 pages report on these academic studies with lab animals. This report proves that the cancerous property of RFID chip implants is a fact and a reality. The report can be read and downloaded at www.antichips.com/cancer/albrecht-microc….
Given the content of that report, CASPIAN called for a complete abandon of RFID chip implants for humans and for the suppression of the mandatory chipping of animals and pets! We even know the reason why those implants are cancerous: radiofrequency waves, that are used in ANY RFID DEVICE, break DNA strands within the cells, allowing a mutation of the cells and the development of tumors.”
( www.next-up.org/pdf/ReuterRadioFreq…)
.click here to read more
Dear Friends,
pour out your Heart
to God,
and ask Him
to lift your Spirit.
.
All of us,
with the help of our Lord,
can feel as if
all the things weighing us down
have been lifted,
and our Soul
is now free,
free to truly Love Life
and spread our Joy
all around.
To reflect
upon the passion,
the struggle,
and the relentless hardships
of Life and Living,
is the pursuit
of Wisdom.
Love
is that which aspires to bring
Beauty
to our Lives.
And Beauty,
in all its forms,
is a masterpiece for Humanity,
and a Glorification
from Above.
Love,
fulfills our very Human need.
And Love
we don’t really pay attention to much anymore.
But,
we need the Beauty of Love
in Life
that touches our Soul,
and makes Life
worth Living.
Yes,
we can feel overwhelmed by the complexity
and the Miraculous Nature
of Human Beings.
I have been witness
to precious Lives
that became the saddest
piece of Music ever written.
But no matter how far apart
we are from each other,
in any form
or matter,
we can Love
one another.
LOVE
is the only possible way
to GOD.
And Hate,
is the path
to Hell.
All of us
yearn for the splendor,
and the Beauty,
that dwells deep within
ourselves,
buried deep
in our Hearts.
But,
we can accept
that we are capable
of Mystical and Spiritual Beauty
in our Dreams,
in our thoughts,
in what we do,
and in our Prayers.
The duality,
that is the Human condition
we need to recognize.
The Future
is filled with Promise
or failure,
Peace or agony,
just Life
or a Beautiful Existence.
Life is just too short.
Be Happy,
and be at Peace with
all.
Forged in every breast
is a Soul
beyond the ribs of death.
“One short sleep past,
we wake eternally”.
The most melifluous and transending Music,
found only in Nature,
that I have ever heard,
will get you closer
to God.
This trying Time
can make us better
not bitter,
and more Loving.
Every moment is a Gift.
Get into the moment,
and do all you can
to
listen to it.
Goodnight.
The Music of Nature
opens the eyes to new promises
and all the Wonders of Life.
“We were a family.
How’d it break up and come apart,
so that now we’re turned against each other?
Each standing in the other’s light.
How’d we lose that good that was given us?
Let it slip away. Scattered it, careless.
What’s keeping us from reaching out,
touching the Glory?”
– James Jones
“Let’s invite one another in.
Maybe then we can begin to fear less,
to make fewer wrong assumptions,
to let go of the biases and stereotypes that unnecessarily divide us. Maybe we can better embrace the ways we are the same.
It’s not about being perfect.
It’s not about where you get yourself in the end.
There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard,
in owning your unique story,
in using your authentic voice.
And there’s Grace in being willing to know and hear others.
This, for me,
is how we become.”
– James Jones
Top 15 Brain Supplements for a Mental Edge
Edited and medically reviewed by Patrick Alban, DC |
Written by Deane Alban
➤ Balanced information, research-based
Learn about the top brain supplements that can improve memory, mood, and productivity and protect against mental decline, depression, anxiety, and dementia.
Table of Contents
1. Citicoline: Potent Brain Protector
2. Curcumin: Nutritional “Gold” for Your Brain
3. Acetyl-l-Carnitine: For More Mental Energy
4. Bacopa: For Balanced Brain Chemistry
5. American Ginseng: Best-in-Class Brain Booster
6. Alpha-GPC: Top Memory Enhancer
7. Lion’s Mane: A “Smart” Mushroom
8. Magnesium L-Threonate: Patented Brain Mineral
9. Tryptophan: Proven Mood Booster
10. Vinpocetine: A Natural “Smart Drug”
11. Huperzine A: Powerful Memory Remedy
12. Ginkgo: Timeless Brain Tonic
13. DHA: Critical Brain Cell Building Block
14. Phosphatidylserine: Versatile Brain Enhancer
15. L-Theanine: Meditation in a Cup or Capsule
bottles of supplement pills
Research has shown that taking the right supplements can help your brain health and fitness.
But picking the right one(s) for you can be a challenge.
There are literally hundreds of individual supplement ingredients to choose from — vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and phytonutrients — and thousands of combinations of ingredients.
So how do you choose?
Finding the best supplement largely depends on the results you are looking for.
Are you looking to increase your attention and concentration?
Is your biggest concern reversing memory loss or preventing age-related mental decline?
Or are you feeling stressed out, depressed, or anxious?
How To Get the Most From This Guide
In this guide, you’ll find the overall best brain supplements — those proven to be safe and effective, and those that cover a wide variety of needs.
We’ll examine the unique properties of each, and include recommended dosages and side effects or interactions, so that you can make an informed decision.
Keep in mind that almost all of these supplements have multiple brain health benefits, not just the one shown in the section header.
So read the whole section for each supplement.
To get more in-depth information, read the related articles within each section.
Also, when you look to buy, you will find a lot of choices.
We urge you to read our guide on how to choose a good supplement.
1. Citicoline: Potent Brain Protector
Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell of your body.
It’s less widely known that many other brain supplements that made this list, yet it’s one of the best brain boosters available.
Citicoline helps build healthy brain cell membranes.
It improves blood flow to the brain and also brain plasticity, your brain’s ability to change throughout your lifetime.
It increases brain energy by firing up your mitochondria, the powerhouse of each cell.
Citicoline reduces the harmful effects of free radical damage and inflammation, two major causes of brain aging.
It raises levels of two important neurotransmitters, acetylcholine and dopamine.
Acetylcholine is the primary brain chemical involved with memory and learning.
Low acetylcholine is implicated in serious neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and multiple sclerosis.
Dopamine is linked to motivation, productivity, mood, and your “pleasure-reward” system.
Citicoline supplements can significantly improve memory, concentration, focus, and attention.
Doctors throughout Europe prescribe citicoline for serious neurological disorders such as age-related memory loss, stroke, brain injury, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Citicoline is sometimes sold as a single-ingredient supplement, but is often included in nootropic brain supplement formulas.
One study comparing citicoline to several popular nootropics concluded that it improved memory and cognition as well as the study drug piracetam.
Consider citicoline if you take any medications that are anticholinergic, those that work by blocking the action of acetylcholine.
A surprising number of drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), fall into this category.
A good rule of thumb is that any medication whose name starts with “anti” is likely to lower your acetylcholine level.
This includes antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antibiotics, antispasmodics, and antihypertensives.
Citicoline Dosage
A typical dose of citicoline is 250 to 1,000 mg, twice a day, for a total intake of 500 to 2,000 mg.
A daily dose of 1,000 to 2,000 mg is recommended to support thinking skills.
Citicoline: An Impressive Brain Protector and Enhancer
When looking for a citicoline supplement, you are likely to come across CDP-choline (cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine).
This is simply another name for citicoline; these are two names for the same compound.
You may also see the brand name Cognizin.
This is a highly bioavailable form of citicoline that’s got research to back up its claims as a cognitive enhancer.
Citicoline Side Effects and Warnings
Side effects of citicoline include insomnia, headache, diarrhea, low or high blood pressure, nausea, blurred vision, and chest pains
Do not mix citicoline with levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease, without talking to your doctor.
Citicoline can amplify this drug’s effectiveness which may require a change in its dosage.
2. Curcumin: Nutritional “Gold” for Your Brain
Curcumin is the main bioactive compound in the Indian spice turmeric (Curcuma longa).
It’s responsible for turmeric’s brilliant gold color and most of its health benefits.
curcumin supplements and turmeric powder
Curcumin powder and capsules.
Curcumin protects your brain in an impressive number of ways.
It increases levels of dopamine and serotonin,
the “happiness brain chemical.”
In fact, curcumin is as effective for depression as the popular antidepressant Prozac.
It increases blood flow to the brain as effectively as physical exercise.
Curcumin reduces the compulsiveness and associated memory loss of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Impressively, curcumin was found to improve both memory and attention in healthy seniors within an hour after taking a single dose!
These study participants additionally showed significant improvements in working memory, energy, mood, and stress after taking curcumin for one month.
Curcumin’s potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce brain inflammation and break up brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s.
Seniors in India who consume turmeric as a regular part of their diet have some of the lowest rates of Alzheimer’s in the world.
Curcumin and Turmeric Dosages
You can get your curcumin from either curcumin or turmeric supplements.
A typical turmeric dosage is 500 mg, one to three times per day.
The recommended daily dose of curcumin is 80 mg to 500 mg, provided that the supplement manufacturer has taken steps to enhance bioavailability.
The Impressive Brain Benefits of Curcumin Supplements
Curcumin supplements are poorly absorbed, but there are measures that overcome this problem.
The addition of piperine, a compound found in black pepper, is one of the most common ways to enhance bioavailability.
Its addition can increase curcumin absorption by a remarkable 2,000%.
Curcumin and Turmeric Side Effects and Warnings
Turmeric consumed as a spice in food is very safe.
Turmeric supplements can cause nausea and diarrhea, especially in high doses.
Both turmeric and curcumin supplements have quite a number of possible side effects, interactions, and warnings.
These supplements can interact with medicines like aspirin, NSAID painkillers, statins, diabetes drugs, blood pressure medicines, and blood thinners.
They may also interact with natural supplements with blood-thinning properties such as ginkgo, ginseng, and garlic.
The piperine often added to turmeric and curcumin supplements can also increase the side effects of a number of drugs.
However, you can increase the bioavailability of curcumin and turmeric supplements by taking them with phosphatidylserine instead.
If you take any medications, check for possible interactions between them and turmeric or curcumin with a reputable online interaction checker.
WHAT CAN A BRAIN SUPPLEMENT DO?
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Acetyl-l-Carnitine: For More Mental Energy
Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) is an amino acid that increases both mental and physical energy.
It acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your brain from free radical damage.
ALCAR is a precursor of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter of memory and learning.
It also increases the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, both of which play a role in depression.
In fact, acetyl-l-carnitine is a fast-acting antidepressant that usually brings some relief within a week.
It improves mental clarity, focus, mood, processing speed, and memory and has strong anti-aging effects on the brain.
It can be a helpful adjunct for chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s.
One study found that acetyl-l-carnitine stabilizes the proteins which produce the neurofibrillary tangles found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
It increases the insulin sensitivity of brain cells to help them utilize blood glucose, the brain’s main fuel source.
There’s evidence that it may prevent brain damage from excessive alcohol intake.
Dosage
The generally recommended dose range is from 630 to 2,500 mg per day to up to 4,000 mg for treating Alzheimer’s patients.
20 Memory Supplements That Really Work
When buying a brain supplement, look for acetyl-l-carnitine rather than l-carnitine.
ALCAR is a form of l-carnitine that more readily crosses into the brain to better support cognitive function.
Acetyl-l-Carnitine Side Effects and Warnings
Acetyl-l-carnitine is generally considered safe but there are a few side effects, mainly digestive upset, restlessness, or a fishy body odor.
If you take a blood thinner such as coumadin, avoid taking ALCAR as it can increase the drug’s blood-thinning effects.
There’s some concern that acetyl-l-carnitine interferes with thyroid hormone, so discuss this with your doctor if you have low thyroid function.
Bacopa: For Balanced Brain Chemistry
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal remedy.
Its use as a nerve and brain tonic for improving memory, learning, and concentration dates back at least 3,000 years.
bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri flowers.
According to legend, it was used by ancient scholars to help them memorize lengthy hymns and scriptures.
It increases cerebral blood flow, delivering more oxygen, nutrients, and glucose to the brain.
When tested against two very different kinds of cognitive enhancers — the ancient herbal remedy ginseng and the popular smart drug Modafinil — bacopa came out on top.
Bacopa is among the handful of herbs considered adaptogenic.
Adaptogens have the ability to lower stress and increase energy without being either sedating or stimulating.
In this way, adaptogens act like a thermostat that keeps you in an emotional comfort zone.
Bacopa works, in part, by balancing the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, while reducing the level of the stress hormone cortisol.
It’s this ability to restore balance that makes bacopa an excellent choice if you are looking for a natural cognitive-enhancing supplement that also alleviates stress, anxiety, or depression.
Bacopa Dosage
So far, about a dozen bioactive compounds have been found in bacopa, the most important being bacopaside A and bacopaside B.
Look for a supplement with a standardized content of 55% bacopasides.
Read more —
Bacopa Benefits: 12 Reasons It’s Good for Your Brain
A typical dose is 300 mg of bacopa per day.
One brand of bacopa that has studies to support its use as a cognitive enhancer is KeenMind.
Bacopa Side Effects and Warnings
Bacopa is considered very safe, safe enough to give to children. (51)
Side effects of bacopa are rare, but the most common ones are dry mouth and digestive upset.
These can largely be avoided by taking it along with meals. (52)
Traditionally, bacopa is administered as a food that is cooked with ghee (clarified butter).
Bacopa should not be combined with antihistamines, antidepressants, glaucoma medications, drugs taken for Alzheimer’s, or thyroid hormones.
American Ginseng: Best-in-Class Brain Booster
Ginseng may be a classical Asian herb, but American ginseng is now considered the best in the world.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) belongs to the same genus as Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), but is a unique species.
ginseng root in a bowl
Ginseng root.
In an ironic twist, the Chinese now prefer American ginseng for its superior quality and ability to upgrade brain function.
American ginseng is mostly cultivated in Wisconsin and Canada, where growing conditions are ideal for encouraging a higher concentration of ginseng’s active ingredients, ginsenosides.
Cereboost is a patent-pending extract derived from American ginseng with clinical studies to support its effectiveness as a cognitive enhancer.
Study participants given a mental aptitude test after ingesting Cereboost performed significantly better.
It worked quickly to improve memory, mental clarity, and sharpness within just a few hours after taking a single dose. (57)
Cereboost is neuroprotective and increases acetylcholine levels. (58)
American ginseng is a better choice than Asian ginseng if you tend towards anxiety since it is less stimulating.
Like bacopa, American ginseng acts as an adaptogen, promoting physical strength and mental energy while dialing down the damaging effects of stress.
It also reduces postprandial hypoglycemia, a common underlying cause of anxiety.
American Ginseng Dosage
Standard doses have not been established, but a typical dose of American ginseng is 100 to 200 mg daily. (61)
Brain supplements that contain Cereboost usually contain 200 mg of American ginseng.
8 Ways Ginseng Works for Memory and Brain Health
American ginseng supplements are available as capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid extracts.
You can also buy tea bags, loose bulk tea, and dried roots that are used to make tea or are added to cooked foods.
American Ginseng Side Effects and Interactions
American ginseng can cause some side effects such as diarrhea, itching, insomnia, headache, and nervousness.
Since its ginsenosides can act like estrogen, do not take American ginseng if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a hormone-sensitive cancer.
Discuss taking American ginseng with your doctor if you take an MAOI antidepressant, diabetic medication, or immune suppressant since it can affect the effectiveness of these drugs.
man unable to focus on work
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Alpha-GPC: Top Memory Enhancer
Alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerophosphocholine) is a synthetic form of choline.
Choline is an essential nutrient for brain development, healthy brain cells, and neurotransmitter formation.
It is a precursor of acetylcholine, the brain chemical of learning and memory.
Unfortunately, choline supplements do not effectively enter the brain.
However, the alpha-GPC form quickly and efficiently moves choline into the brain where it’s used to form brain cell membranes and stimulate the growth of new brain cells.
Alpha-GPC also increases levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the neurotransmitter associated with relaxation.
Signs of low GABA include being easily overstimulated, overwhelmed, and stressed out.
Alpha-GPC studies show that it consistently improves memory and attention span in people of all ages, while warding off age-related mental decline.
Alpha-GPC is sold as a memory supplement throughout much of the world.
In Europe, it is used as a prescription medication for Alzheimer’s, helping to increase acetylcholine levels.
Alzheimer’s patients’ have low levels of acetylcholine along with fewer acetycholine receptors.
It can also help the brain recover after a stroke, injury, or transient ischemic attack.
Alpha-GPC Dosage
A typical dose of alpha-GPC is 300 to 600 mg, but the ideal standard dose is yet to be determined.
In almost all studies on mental decline, participants were given 400 mg, three times a day.
Balancing Neurotransmitters to Take Control of Your Life
Alpha-GPC Side Effects and Warnings
Alpha-GPC is generally considered safe, but possible side effects include headache, insomnia, dizziness, mental confusion, heartburn, and skin rash.
Alpha-GPC supplements are derived from either soy or eggs, two of the most common food allergens, so be mindful if you have a known food allergy.
The only known drug interaction is with scopolamine, a drug often used for motion sickness and nausea following surgery.
Lion’s Mane: A “Smart” Mushroom
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), also known as yamabushitake, is an edible mushroom native to parts of Asia, North America, and Europe.
It’s been used medicinally and as a culinary delicacy for thousands of years.
lion’s mane mushroom growing on a log
Lion’s mane mushroom.
Now it’s sold as a brain supplement.
It’s been said that lion’s mane can impart
“nerves of steel and the memory of a lion.”
World-renowned fungi expert Paul Stamets calls it the
“first smart mushroom.”
Lion’s mane is a popular nootropic — a substance that improves mental functions such as memory, intelligence, motivation, attention, and concentration — while simultaneously making your brain healthier.
It excels at improving cognitive function and treating neurological disorders.
Lion’s mane contains two unique groups of compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that stimulate the formation of nerve growth factor (NGF).
NGF is a protein that is crucial to the growth and maintenance of certain types of neurons.
Lion’s mane can also be helpful for anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Lion’s Mane Dosage
Optimal dosages have not yet been established, but a typical dose of lion’s mane extract is 1,000 mg taken three times a day.
In one study, seniors with mild cognitive impairment, which can be a precursor to dementia, experienced significant cognitive improvement taking 3,000 mg of lion’s mane powder daily.
How Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits Your Brain
Lion’s mane is available in capsules, powder, liquid tincture, or tea.
You may even find it fresh in Asian or gourmet food stores.
Lion’s Mane Side Effects and Interactions
Lion’s mane is extremely safe.
The only known side effect is itchy skin which is believed to be caused by the increase in nerve growth factor.
GIVE YOUR BRAIN
A BOOST!
Magnesium L-Threonate: Patented Brain Mineral
Magnesium is an essential dietary mineral that is required for over 600 metabolic functions.
Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is the second most common nutritional deficiency in developed countries.
Signs of magnesium deficiency include brain fog, lack of focus, inability to handle stress, insomnia, caffeine addiction, and generally feeling tired but wired.
Magnesium supplementation has proven beneficial for numerous mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
There are many forms of magnesium to choose from, but only magnesium l-threonate readily crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Its unique ability to permeate brain cell membranes and elevate magnesium concentrations in the brain makes it an excellent choice for improving memory, attention, depression, and anxiety.
Look for supplements that contain Magtein, a patented brand of magnesium l-threonate that’s a proven cognitive enhancer.
Magnesium Dosage
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is generally 420 mg for men and 320 mg for women, but that can vary slightly depending on age.
The manfacturer of Magtein suggests taking 1,000 mg twice a day for optimal cognitive benefits.
Magnesium L-Threonate: Breakthrough Brain Supplement
This dose isn’t as high as it sounds, since only a fraction of Magtein is elemental magnesium, the amount of pure magnesium available in a supplement.
According to the Original Formula Magtein label, 2,000 mg of magnesium l-threonate yields just 144 mg of elemental magnesium.
Magnesium Side Effects and Interactions
Magnesium can cause digestive upset and loose stools, particularly if you take too much or take inexpensive forms of magnesium such as magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate.
You should not take these anyway since they are the least bioavailable forms of magnesium.
Magnesium sulfate, the kind found in Epsom salts, can cause dramatic diarrhea and disrupt your electrolyte balance, leading to a potentially serious condition known as hypermagnesemia.
There are currently 32 official FDA reports of magnesium sulfate triggering brain fog, short-term memory loss, amnesia, blackouts, and other kinds of mental distress.
The only reported side effects of magnesium l-threonate are headaches and drowsiness the first week or so.
Discuss taking magnesium with your doctor if you take antibiotics, high blood pressure medications, osteoporosis medications, or muscle relaxants.
Magnesium can affect the effectiveness of these drugs.
woman under stress
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Tryptophan: Proven Mood Booster
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that’s a precursor to serotonin.
Serotonin plays a large role in mood, sleep, learning, and appetite control.
A low serotonin level is widely believed to be a major cause of depression.
The most popular antidepressant medications like Prozac and Zoloft are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), thought to work by making more serotonin available in the brain.
You can increase serotonin levels naturally by providing more of its building blocks in the form of tryptophan.
By increasing serotonin levels, tryptophan can improve the quality of life for those with a wide variety of brain-related and mental health issues.
Studies have found tryptophan to be as effective for depression as antidepressant drugs.
Tryptophan has been found useful for reducing general anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
Low levels of tryptophan are associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Children with ADHD have 50% lower than average blood levels of tryptophan.
Low tryptophan has also been linked to memory loss and other measures of cognitive impairment.
Tryptophan Dosage
There is no official recommended dosage for tryptophan and suggested doses vary widely.
As little as 250 mg has been found to improve the quality of sleep.
Use Tryptophan to Boost Serotonin for Better Mental Health
On the other hand, up to 12 grams per day has been suggested for depression.
Most supplement manufacturers suggest a daily dose of
1,000 to 1,500 mg.
We suggest starting with 500 mg a day, then working up to a higher dose.
Tryptophan Side Effects and Interactions
The most common tryptophan side effects are digestive upset, loss of appetite, headache, and drowsiness.
Tryptophan should not be taken with SSRI antidepressants.
When taken together, they can cause a potentially serious condition known as serotonin syndrome.
Tryptophan should also not be taken with drugs with a sedating effect such as Ambien, Ativan, Valium, and Ultram.
.
Vinpocetine: A Natural “Smart Drug”
Vinpocetine is a relatively new brain booster that blurs the line between brain supplement and smart drug.
It’s based on vincamine, a chemical found in periwinkle (Vinca minor).
periwinkle flowers
Periwinkle, source of vincamine.
This flowering vine has been used since medieval times to treat headaches, memory loss, and vertigo.
Vinpocetine supplements are usually taken to improve memory, overcome brain fog, increase mental clarity, protect the brain against aging, and promote overall mental well-being.
It rapidly enters the brain to increase blood flow, decrease brain inflammation, protect against free radical damage, and balance neurotransmitter levels.
Its ability to protect the brain from degeneration makes it a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s.
Vinpocetine can help to prevent the short-term memory loss that often accompanies benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drugs.
It improves the brain’s ability to use glucose, its main source of energy, after a stroke.
In some parts of the world, vinpocetine is available by prescription only.
Here in the US, it’s available as a brain supplement, at least for now.
The FDA has initiated proceedings to take vinpocetine off the shelves, not because there have been any safety issues, but because they believe it should be classified as a drug and not a supplement.
While studies show that vinpocetine looks like a promising treatment for mental decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, there’s not a lot of research yet to back up claims that it makes cognitively healthy adults smarter.
Vinpocetine Dosage
Most clinical studies on vinpocetine have used a dose of 10 mg, three times daily.
A good place to start is to take 5 mg with each meal.
Cognitive Enhancers Compared:
Brain Supplements, Smart Drugs & Nootropics
Then you can work up to as high as 20 mg with each meal for maximum neuroprotective benefits.
Avoid taking vinpocetine on an empty stomach since it’s absorbed up to 100% better with food.
Vinpocetine Side Effects and Warnings
Vinpocetine is generally considered safe with few side effects.
Potential side effects include digestive upset, insomnia, headache, dizziness, nervousness, skin rash, and flushing.
However, it’s advised that you avoid vinpocetine if you take a blood thinner like warfarin (Coumadin) or any over-the-counter medications that can interfere with clotting such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
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Huperzine A: Powerful Memory Remedy
Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata) is a small plant native to parts of Asia that’s a traditional Chinese treatment for improving memory and circulation and reducing inflammation.
The main active compound in Chinese club moss is an alkaloid called huperzine A.
chinese club moss
Chinese club moss, source of huperzine A.
Huperzine A works mainly by raising acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter involved with learning, memory, sleep cycle regulation, and other brain functions.
Huperzine A works by the same mechanism as the popular Alzheimer’s drug Aricept.
They both work by inhibiting an enzyme (acetylcholinesterase) that deactivates acetylcholine.
Read more —
How Acetylcholine Deficiency Impacts Memory
Huperzine A shows promise for delaying symptoms of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages.
It protects the patient’s brain against free radical damage and environmental toxins while promoting new brain cell generation.
Huperzine A is so powerful that it’s been given the status of an approved drug for treating vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s in China.
Huperzine A Dosage
The general recommended dosage is 50 to 200 mcg twice daily and can be taken on an empty stomach.
Huperzine A Side Effects and Warnings
Although huperzine A is a naturally occurring compound, it’s not without side effects.
Reported side effects are significant and include insomnia, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, slurred speech, restlessness, anorexia, muscle twitching, cramps, incontinence, high blood pressure, and slowed heart rate.
Huperzine A does not mix well with antihistamines, antidepressants, the Alzheimer’s drug Aricept, or the motion sickness drug scopolamine.
Ginkgo: Timeless Brain Tonic
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the most widely used natural remedies in the world.
It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.
ginkgo leaves and pills and mortar and pestle
Ginkgo leaves and supplement tablets.
Ginkgo increases circulation to the brain, balances brain chemistry, and protects the brain from free radical damage.
It’s considered so effective that it’s sometimes prescribed as a medication in Europe.
But not all of ginkgo’s reported benefits have held up to the latest scientific scrutiny.
Unexpectedly, two major studies concluded that ginkgo does not improve memory or other cognitive functions in healthy adults.
But this does not make ginkgo useless as a brain supplement.
And, of course, you may decide that its long history of use outweighs the latest scientific findings.
Ginkgo has been proven beneficial for treating stress and anxiety by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
It reliably improves short-term memory in seniors.
Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba for Memory & More
Ginkgo reduces ADHD symptoms in children and teens, but not as effectively as the ADHD drug Ritalin.
It can increase the turnover of both serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters linked to depression.
And lastly, for those diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, ginkgo shows promise for improving memory and day-to-day quality of life.
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Ginkgo Dosage
A typical ginkgo dose is 40 to 120 mg, three times a day.
Start with a low dose and take with meals to avoid gastrointestinal distress.
Ginkgo Side Effects and Warnings
Known ginkgo side effects include digestive upset, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and restlessness.
Ginkgo should not be taken with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants such as Prozac or Zoloft, since together they can cause serotonin syndrome.
Ginkgo reacts badly with a slew of medications.
Drugs.com lists over 250 of them.
If you take any medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or visit Drugs.com to check for Ginkgo biloba drug interactions before taking this supplement.
DHA: Critical Brain Cell Building Block
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid that is not optional if you are seeking optimal brain performance.
Omega-3 deficiency is widespread, linked to dozens of diseases, and contributes to 96,000 preventable deaths per year.
fish oil capsules
Capsules of fish oil, a source of DHA.
Omega-3 fats are so important to health that more than 36,000 studies have been published on their health benefits!
And of all the omega-3s, DHA is the most important one for your brain.
Omega-3 fats are harder to get from diet alone since few people regularly eat the main dietary sources — wild-caught, cold water, oily fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines.
DHA is a major building block of the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain where higher level functions occur.
It also plays an important role in brain cell communication.
Low DHA levels have been linked to depression, ADHD, serious psychiatric disorders, and a measurable decrease in brain volume.
Memory loss, depression, mood swings, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and attention deficit disorder have all been found to improve with DHA supplementation.
Seniors with high levels of DHA have a significantly reduced risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s.
DHA and Fish Oil Dosages
DHA is sometimes sold as a single-ingredient supplement, but most commonly it is included as a major component in fish oil or krill oil supplements.
Experts generally recommend 500 to 1000 mg of total omega-3s per day to maintain health and avoid deficiency, but therapeutic doses up to 3 grams are generally considered safe.
DHA Supplements: Why They’re Critical for Your Brain
A US National Institutes of Health workshop that included omega-3 experts from around the world determined that 220 mg of DHA is the minimum dose that should be taken for optimal health.
But it’s safe and often beneficial to take more — up to 1,000 mg per day.
DHA and Fish Oil Side Effects and Warnings
DHA is considered generally safe.
It may increase blood sugar in diabetics and lower blood pressure in those with hypertension which can alter your need for medication.
Fish oil can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with aspirin or blood thinners, but DHA alone does not seem to affect blood clotting.
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Phosphatidylserine: Versatile Brain Enhancer
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid naturally found in high concentrations in the brain.
It is also a popular brain supplement for boosting memory, cognition, concentration, and learning.
Phosphatidylserine is a major component of human brain cell membranes.
By supporting brain cell membrane integrity, PS helps to keep toxins, pathogens, and other unwanted invaders out of your brain.
It normalizes the level of the stress hormone cortisol to reduce the effects of stress.
Phosphatidylserine is safe and effective for brains of all ages.
It can significantly improve attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children.
It is the primary ingredient in Vayarin, a medical food prescribed for children with ADHD.
It is a favorite memory supplement used by students to perform better on their exams.
Phosphatidylserine is protective against mental decline, can improve mood, and can help with depression, especially in seniors.
Numerous studies conclude that phosphatidylserine may be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Notably, phosphatidylserine is the only brain supplement that’s received a qualified stamp of approval from the FDA for age-related cognitive decline and dementia in seniors.
Phosphatidylserine Dosage
The general recommended dose of phosphatidylserine is 100 mg, three times a day.
But doses of twice that, 600 mg per day, are considered safe.
6 Ways Phosphatidylserine Benefits Memory, Stress & Cognitive Decline
Phosphatidylserine is one of the few brain supplements with dosages determined for children.
A typical dose for children and young teens is 200 mg per day.
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Phosphatidylserine Side Effects and Warnings
The most common side effects experienced with phosphatidylserine supplements are digestive upset and insomnia, particularly with high dosages.
Phosphatidylserine should be avoided if you take blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs.
It can decrease the effectiveness of antihistamines and antidepressants.
Do not take phosphatidylserine with drugs prescribed for Alzheimer’s, such as Aricept, Exelon, and Razadyne, without talking to your doctor.
Phosphatidylserine can alter these drugs’ effectiveness and magnify their side effects.
Phosphatidylserine supplements are almost always derived from soy.
If soy is a food you avoid, look for one extracted from sunflower oil instead.
15. L-Theanine: Meditation in a Cup or Capsule
L-theanine is an amino acid found in black and green teas (Camellia sinensis) that offers a truly unique set of brain benefits.
One of the ways it works is by altering your brainwave patterns.
pot of green tea
Green tea, a source of l-theanine.
L-theanine induces a desirable state of relaxed attentiveness similar to that achieved during meditation.
It sharpens focus, reduces stress, and imparts a sense of overall well-being.
L-theanine raises levels of several key neurotransmitters — serotonin, dopamine, and GABA — to promote recall, learning, motivation, and positive mood.
It makes you more resilient to stress and helps prevent anxiety.
It won’t make you drowsy, but can improve your quality of sleep.
L-theanine works synergistically with caffeine.
The combination of caffeine and l-theanine can help you perform mentally demanding tasks better than with caffeine alone.
And since l-theanine is relaxing, it won’t leave you edgy.
This unique caffeine-enhancing property makes l-theanine a popular supplement for those seeking optimal mental performance.
Some college students and biohackers use this caffeine-theanine combination in place of smart drugs.
L-theanine improves memory and cognition in seniors, even those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
It is neuroprotective against stroke, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.
L-Theanine Dosage
The general recommended dosage for l-theanine is 200 to 400 mg per day.
Some people experience noticeable benefits with as little as 50 mg and almost everyone experiences some degree of relaxation with a 400 mg dose.
A mix of l-theanine and caffeine is a popular nootropic “stack” for boosting mood, focus, concentration, and alertness.
One popular name brand of l-theanine is Suntheanine.
This is a patented brand of pure theanine often used in studies when a standardized formula is required.
L-Theanine Side Effects and Interactions
L-theanine supplements are considered very safe.
The few reported adverse reactions include headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal distress.
If you take high blood pressure medication, use l-theanine cautiously, since it can decrease your blood pressure and change your need for medication.
All essential vitamins and minerals play a vital role in brain function.
Some act as natural antidepressants or combat the effects of stress, while some are essential co-factors in neurotransmitter formation.
Many are antioxidants that protect the brain from the damaging effects of free radicals, inflammation, neurotoxins, and aging.
So before you start taking the brain supplements we’ve discussed here, make sure you’ve got your basic nutritional needs met.
It’s generally thought that vitamin deficiencies are a thing of the past, but that’s not true.
Up to 40% of Americans are deficient in vitamin B12,
77% in vitamin D, and 75% in the mineral magnesium.
Deficiencies in any of these can have a profound impact on your brain.
The Harvard School of Public Health advises all adults to take a multivitamin supplement as insurance to fill any nutritional gaps.
We think this is sound advice.
Pound for pound, your brain requires more nutrients than any other organ.
But processed food, factory farming practices, and the nutrient-draining stresses of modern life are just some of the factors that have created a perfect storm of sub-optimal nutrition.
Many studies confirm that taking just a multivitamin can improve memory and overall brain function while increasing longevity and reducing the risk of degenerative brain disease.
There are many reasons to take a brain supplement: to improve mood, memory, and concentration as well as to protect the brain against aging or to prevent or halt cognitive decline.
But there are endless substances and combinations to choose from.
Stick with supplements that are proven to work.
Recommended: Upgrading brain health is key to making your brain work better.
Mind Lab Pro is the brain supplement we recommend because, by boosting your brain health, it can help you:
Improve your mental clarity and focus.
Boost your memory and your ability to learn.
Increase your capacity to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.
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