When exercising and healthy eating habits aren’t doing the job for your brain health, it might be time to look into your other options. Brain and memory supplements offer a natural boost rooted at the cellular level of your body’s composition. Since many market foods are harvested from depleted soils, it’s increasingly difficult to receive the vitamins and minerals required for healthy levels of energy metabolism. Many supplements bridge the gap for any deficiencies you might be experiencing even after working out and sticking to a well-rounded diet. If you’re feeling worn down at the beginning of the day, we have a few thoughts on which supplements can offer extra brain fuel to get your day started.
Brain and Memory Supplements for Improved Energy
Your brain is responsible for using up to a fifth of your body’s total energy, which is more than any other organ. Accordingly, more energy for your brain means more energy for the remainder of your body, too. Since brain health supplements are sourced from naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, many already existing in your body, they help increase production levels in your brain using the tools that already exist within its composition. An increase in the chemicals your brain is running low on is what helps you feel more energized.
Let’s take a look at the best brain and memory supplements to take for re-energizing the mind.
Vitamin B12 Helps Nerve and Blood Cells
Vitamin B12 is naturally occurring within the body and acts as a blood and nerve cell regulator. It has a hand in making DNA and preventing atrophy (loss of neurons) in the brain. Because of this, a lack of B12 may lead to fatigue and tiredness.
Taking supplements containing B12 will help with memory, mood, and brain, blood, and nerve cell production. It is a key player in the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are tied to your moods and, in turn, energy levels you feel throughout the day. B12 can serve as powerful brain fuel to improve your feelings of tiredness and brain fog.
Vitamin D Improves Brain Function
Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” since it’s naturally produced by your skin when exposed to UV rays from the sun. Its role in brain health is that of “brain scaffolding.” It supports the perineural nets within your hippocampus, which allow neurons to communicate effectively and complete their respective jobs. Because of this, D vitamins have a hand in your sleep cycles, neuroprotectant production, and supporting brain repair and growth.
Many people don’t receive the recommended daily intake of vitamin D, about 600 IUs, and it’s estimated that almost 1 billion people in the world have a vitamin D deficiency. Taking brain and memory supplements containing vitamin D will help you strengthen and energize your mind.
Adaptogens Help Fight Fatigue
Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help your body regulate its responses to stress, fatigue, and anxiety. They positively impact the adrenal glands to help balance cortisol and nitric oxide levels. These stress hormones can create chronic fatigue and mood imbalances, if left unregulated. There are many different types, but we’re going to focus on a couple of the best adaptogens for brain fuel.
Alpha-Lipoic-Acid (ALA)
ALA is an antioxidant that naturally exists within the body’s mitochondria. It’s a cofactor in energy metabolism by transforming carbohydrates into ATP. Consuming ALA as a supplement increases mitochondrial function, thus improving energy production and levels in the body and brain.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Ginseng has been used as an herbal medication for thousands of years for a variety of therapeutic reasons. Its main appeal is its ability to fight oxidative stress, decrease inflammation, and reduce fatigue. It has blood sugar stabilization abilities which further its positive impact on the brain and body’s energy levels–making it excellent brain fuel.
Metabolic Brain and Memory Supplements
Brain supplements that enhance the metabolism are able to boost energy production at a systemic level. They are also helpful with protecting the brain against free radicals which would otherwise disrupt mitochondrial energy synthesis.
- Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant polyphenol that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for the brain and body. It can be found naturally in green tea, berries, and apples. Research concludes that quercetin has the ability to improve energy levels in the brain and body due to its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory abilities. As an added bonus, it helps protect the immune system.
- Rutin
Rutin is a flavonoid that assists in energy metabolism, cognitive function, and insulin signaling. It holds the ability to ameliorate symptoms of physical fatigue and anxiety over time. You can find rutin in foods such as ginkgo, apples, and St. John’s Wort.
Stay Energized With Brain Supplements
Brain and memory supplements are a natural way to help your body feel more energized and less fatigued. Many people experience deficiencies without realizing it, and supplementing your regular diet with brain boosting vitamins and nutrients will help your energy levels stay consistent. If you aren’t sure which supplement(s) are right for you, our BIPRI team is happy to answer any of your questions or point you in the right direction. Call us today at 615-933-5188 or visit our website for more brain supplement recommendations.