Brain Nutrients Are A 'Smart' Choice(Part 3 of 4)

A sharp, clear mind is too valuable to let slip away, yet experts believe that over time as much as half of a person's brain power is lost. And while older individuals are more likely to suffer from significant cognitive decline, even people in their 20's sometimes notice symptoms of fuzzy thinking or waning memory. Thankfully, there are ways to defend against this disappearing gray matter: optimal intake of vitamins, minerals, and herbs tops the list of these cognitive countermeasures.

Herbal Hope For Mind Preservation

Ginkgo is one of the most exhaustively researched herbal remedies, and some of the most exciting research regarding ginkgo suggests that it activates the intellect. The brain-friendly effects of ginkgo can be traced back to its powerful free radical quenching ability, as well as its promotion of healthy circulation.

While this brain supporting effect of ginkgo can be a great kick-in-the pants for the overworked executive or busy parent, the most dramatic results are seen in patients with dementia. Dementia is a blanket term for age related mental deterioration. In many cases, a condition called cerebral insufficiency is the cause of dementia. Dutch researchers reviewed 40 prior studies involving ginkgo and cerebral insufficiency and concluded that ginkgo does produce positive results for patients with this condition. More specifically, the patients taking ginkgo reported enhanced memory, better ability to concentrate, less confusion, more energy, and an overall mood lifting effect. (15)

"Ginkgo has been proven time and again to be effective in the treatment of age-related dementia," notes Turan Itil, M.D., from the New York Institute for Medical Research. It's not surprising, then, that extracts of ginkgo leaves are the leading treatment for early-stage Alzheimer's disease in Europe. Although ginkgo cannot cure the dementia caused by Alzheimer's, it does preserve memory and slow disease progression for many patients. In fact, a double-blind clinical trial of 216 Alzheimer's patients found that six months of daily ginkgo supplementation produced significantly positive results. (16-17)

Herbs that act as general tonics or adaptogens are also beneficial to anyone experiencing mental decline. Ginseng is probably the most well known and widely used of this category of herbs. Ginseng has been used traditionally to stop memory loss and sharpen mental concentration. Other adaptogenic herbs with potential for supporting a well-functioning mind include astragalus and ashwagandha.

Protein Power

Amino acids can have significant effects on the function of the brain, since many of them are precursors to neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit messages between brain cells). For instance, the neurotransmitter histamine is formed from the amino acid histidine; adrenaline and dopamine are derived from tyrosine and phenylalanine; serotonin from tryptophan; and GABA depends of the amino acids threonine and glutamine. The branched-chain amino acids, glycine, serine and methionine, are also involved in brain function. (18)

Supplemental intake of many of these amino acids is believed to boost brain function by giving the body plenty of building blocks for making neurotransmitters. Amino acids require a bit of education before they should be added to a supplement regime, since side effects can occur with their use. For example, phenylalanine can cause irritability and insomnia, and this amino acid causes brain damage in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) ' a birth defect in which the body cannot metabolize this amino acid. In addition, L-cysteine should not be taken by children or pregnant women.

Acetyl-L-carnitine, derived from the amino acid L-carnitine, is another nutrient implicated as a brain power booster. it is believed to protect brain cells and help maintain proper nerve cell function. A clinical trial of 481 older adults demonstrated that supplements of acetyl-L-carnitine afford significant improvements in mental functioning. (19)

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an altered form of the amino acid cysteine. NAC acts as another antioxidant to protect the brain's delicate machinery. In addition, NAC helps the nerve cells produce yet another antioxidant called glutathione, which protects the brain.

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Don't miss Part Four - Food For Thought - Only Better, Help From Hormones & Play It Smart