Brain vitamins

Without having the proper nutrition, our brain cannot function to the best of its ability. It is crucial to have the proper vitamins and nutrients to feed our brains to allow proper stimulation and growth. Our brain controls everything we do. Malnutrition of the brain can cause so many problems in the rest of our body. We need our brain to think and process information as well as perform daily activities.

There are certain vitamins that give us the extra boost our brains need to thrive. Several products on the market today have been formulated to help with brain function. Different ingredients that have shown to help support the brain have been put together in supplements that one can take. Some of the ingredients that you may find in these supplements vary, but here are a couple common ingredients that you may see.

DLPA or DL-phenylalanine is a natural amino acid found in our bodies. This nutrient is depleted regularly so it is important to restore it to keep our brains functioning at its best. This nutrient acts as a natural endorphin which keeps us happy, helps to relieve pain in the body, as well as helping with memory.

Choline is similar to B vitamins in many ways and helps our brain and bodies function properly. Research has found that Choline is a key ingredient for the growth in fetus’s, infants and children, in order to have healthy brain development. Choline has been used to help prevent memory loss in aging adults, although it has not shown to be of much use bringing back lost memory. Although, this nutrient is highly valuable it can also have side effects if consumed in high doses. You can find Choline naturally through foods such as whole eggs, peanut butter, cauliflower, almonds, soy beans and navy beans among others.

Those are just a couple of the ingredients found in some supplements, however there are many other important vitamins that are crucial to brain development that are better taken in a multivitamin form or through a balanced and nutritious diet.

Some of the most important vitamins and minerals needed are antioxidants such as Vitamins E and C. Antioxidants help clean the brain of properties that cause deterioration of brain cells. Benefits include improving memory loss, coordination and balance. You can find these antioxidants in supplement form or in foods like apples, raisins, grapes, spinach and berries.

B Vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 also help aid with overall brain functioning. All the B vitamins have shown to offer different support in regards to helping with the brain, but taken in conjunction with one another can increase the benefits to the highest level. People lacking in B vitamins have shown to have increased risk in depression, anxiety, memory loss, irritability, confusion and abnormal brain waves. Also, a much greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease has been shown in those with low levels of B vitamins. The reason these vitamins are vital is because they do so much to help the brain. Some help by maintaining healthy brain cells, some help metabolize the carbohydrates used as fuel to the brain and some produce neurotransmitters which conduct messages throughout the brain and improve our moods. By eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains you will be able to get most of your B vitamins. However, if you think your diet is lacking in these crucial vitamins, it may be important to add them to your diet through supplemental form. Just be careful not to overdose on any vitamin, since side effects can occur.

It is very important to offer your brain the best nutrition as possible. In order to feel and function at your best, you should be sure to get all these important nutrients daily. Also, do not forget to exercise to increase endorphins and get enough sleep since sleep is also very important in helping the brain process information and re-cooperate from daily activities.

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Last updated on May 28th, 2010 and filed under Vitamins and Minerals. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

1 Response for “Brain vitamins”

  1. Studies have actually shown that the right COMBINATION of certain doses of natural supplements can be beneficial towards treatment of Alzheimers – Single dose Natural Supplement targeted towards physical side effects of Alzheimers (plaque buildup in brain, increasing blood flow)

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