Brain and memory supplements exist to target a variety of cognitive functions. From memory and concentration to mood and mental health, the proper brain supplements are an inclusive solution to all-around brain health. The memory supplements you have considered taking can do more than help with your short-term recall. If you carefully consider your supplements and choose the right additives for your diet, these natural supplements can function in a duality that leaves you and your brain happier.
Reasons to Consider Brain and Memory Supplements
There are several reasons why a person might benefit from brain and memory supplements in their diet. With the world gravitating more toward sedentary, screen-oriented lifestyles, it’s often difficult to give your body and mind what it needs to stay 100% healthy. You might feel a sense of brain fog, lapses in memory, and lower daily moods. All of these symptoms can be traced back to similar root causes:
- Too much screen time
- An overly stressful environment or consistent stressful situations
- Not getting enough sleep
- Lack of regular exercise
- Poor eating habits
- Lack of socialization
- Constant exposure to pollution and other toxic substances
- Natural deficiencies in necessary vitamins
Poor Habits Impacting Mood and Recommended Brain and Memory Supplements
Your behaviors have a direct effect on your brain’s ability to perform. Your mood is included in the side effects of this neglect. Practicing these poor habits will lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. You have the ability to take control of your actions, and it’s better to act sooner rather than later. Take the extra step and consider adding brain supplements or memory supplements to your changes. Let’s take a look at a few habits individuals may perceive as “normal” that have negative impacts on the brain.
Lack of Sleep
The CDC reports that roughly 1/3 of adults fail to get 7-8 hours of sleep per day, which is the minimum recommended amount. By avoiding getting adequate amounts of rest, you risk impairing your cognitive skills such as problem-solving, reasoning, and memory. Beyond that, sleep deprivation increases your chances of having regular negative moods: anger, irritability, sadness, and frustration. If this goes on for an extended amount of time, you are at higher risk for anxiety and depression disorders. If you aren’t able to get the recommended hours of sleep, you can at least try to get in bed an hour earlier than you usually do. You can ease into a healthier sleep schedule in small intervals. Keep in mind that the goal is to get the same hours of sleep around the same time every night.
Brain supplements for sleep: melatonin, lavender, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), valerian, CBD oil, kava, California poppy, glycine, chamomile, passionflower, magnesium, and magnolia bark
Prolonged Sitting
On average, adults remain in a seated position for roughly 6.5 hours. Remaining sedentary for such a prolonged period of time has a direct effect on the medial temporal lobe, which is essential for the creation of new memories and processing emotions. To combat this, you should move your body after every 30 minutes of sitting.
Brain and memory supplements for the medial temporal lobe: GABA, theanine, magnesium, and green tea
Minimal Socialization
By self-isolating, you might actually be losing more of your brain’s gray matter (the outermost layer that is in control of processing information). Avoiding interaction with others is directly linked with feelings of loneliness, increased levels of anxiety, and depression. You don’t need to be a social butterfly to avoid these tolls on your mood. Challenge yourself to stay in regular contact with 2 or 3 trusted individuals on a weekly basis. If you haven’t found those people yet, push yourself to weekly group-session exposure. Go to a park, sign up for a creative activity, and make sure you’re participating in some form of stimulating interaction.
Memory supplements to help gray matter: ginkgo biloba, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and vitamin B-12
Stress
Your body grows physically and mentally drained when dealing with stress on a regular basis. Chronic stress is responsible for not only killing brain cells, but shrinking the prefrontal cortex as well. This section of the brain is responsible for learning and retaining memories. Beyond that, the HPA axis activates and releases glucocorticoids into the blood…which includes a well-known hormone, cortisol. Cortisol and other hormones work to reduce the hippocampus, the area of the brain that regulates emotions. This leads to mood swings, anxiety, and depression over time. You can try to remove yourself from stressful situations and practice deep breaths, positive thinking, and taking a walk.
Supplements to reduce stress: ashwagandha, L-theanine, magnesium, melatonin, rhodiola, lemon balm, valerian, kava, glycine, and B-complex vitamins
Take Control of Your Habits (and Supplements)
It’s time to take control of the way you treat your body and mind. We’ve given you a few places to start, and you should have a good idea of a few brain and memory supplements to explore as extra boosts for your mental health. Here at BIPRI, we understand the notable differences supplements can make regarding your brain, memory, and mood. We’ve considered the best options and formulated unique combinations to help you feel less foggy and more energetic during your day-to-day life. Do you still need more tips and advice? Send us a message to set up a personal conversation with one of our knowledgeable team members.