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Memory Enhancing Supplements

A well-rounded nutritional program will consists of a regime that not only improves the functioning of the body, but of the mind as well. One aspect of mental functioning that most people seek to improve is that of memory. You can help prevent memory decay and slow down the decline of brain functioning by adding a variety of herbal and medicinal supplements to a nutritionally sound diet. No one source can claim to be the "best" for memory function.

  1. Vitamins

    • Certain vitamins act on the neurons that assist in memory functioning by strengthening the brain's basic structure. For example, B vitamins- B6, B12, and B9 (folic acid), help break down homocysteine, an amino acid that is a toxic poison to nerve cells (memory-improvement-tips.com). They simultaneously aid in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen, also crucial to brain function. Antioxidant vitamins, like C and E, prevent the break-down of brain tissue by harmful free radicals (memory-improvement-tips.com). These vitamins may be consumed on their own, or as a part of a daily multivitamin.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Omega-3 fatty acids are "good" fat molecules that are critical to the brain. They help reduce inflammation and prevent high cholesterol (memory-improvement-tips.com). World's Healthiest Foods web site states that it is "impossible to overestimate the importance of certain omega-3 fatty acids and the fatty acid called DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, in brain and nervous system function." Omega-3s and DHAs can dervie from natural food sources, like walnuts, flaxseeds, cold-water fish like salmon and oils like extra virgin olive oil. However, you can supplant these sources with an Omega-3 supplement such as fish oil, fish oil capsules or krill oil.

    Other Mineral Supplements

    • There are a myriad of other supplements that can be included in a general "memory" supplement. Ginko biloba is a famous one, as one recent study showed that Ginko's effect on Alzheimer's patients may be as strong as certain prescription medicines (memory-supplement-guide.com). Ginko biloba also helps prevent damage to brain cells from free radicals, and can improve blood flow, enabling brain cells to work more effectively. Acetyl L-Carnitine is an amino acid that helps with energy production, while Bacopa Monnieri, an Asian herb containing many natural phytonutrients and used by for centuries by Ayurvedic doctors, is a natural vitamin for memory improvement and concentration (memory-improvement-tips.com). L-Glutamine is an essential brain transmitter that is often recommended for concentration and to keep your brain sharp, and can even help with muscle recovery as it is the most abundant amino acid in muscle (memory-improvement-tips.com). When choosing a vitamin or a supplement, however, it is important to obtain the most high-quality ones available. Moreover, speak with your doctor before consuming any herbal or medicinal remedies, especially if you are already on a prescription medication, as they may interact with one another.

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