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Dr. Amen Supplements: The Foundation He Recommends Before Anything Else
If you've spent any time looking into Dr. Amen supplements, you've probably noticed something: the list of nutrients, botanicals, and targeted formulations for different brain health goals is long. However, before he ever recommends nootropics, adaptogens, or specialty blends for unique needs, he starts in the same place every time. Three basics: A multivitamin An omega-3 A probiotic After decades of scanning brains at Amen Clinics and reviewing what actually supports positive changes to cognitive health, Dr. Amen keeps coming back to the same foundation because it works. Most people (even health-conscious ones) are unknowingly missing the basics. If you're the kind of person who reads ingredient labels, asks your doctor real questions, and wants to feel sharp at 45, 65, or 105, this is worth understanding. Not as a sales pitch, but as an actual explanation of why these three categories earn their spot at the front of the line in Dr. Amen’s favorite supplement list. Why Start Here? Yes, BrainMD® offers products that can provide extra support for things like focus, energy, blood-sugar control, or physical performance. But, your brain, like the rest of your body, requires some fairly unglamorous inputs for baseline function: it needs a full set of vitamins and minerals to run its chemistry, fat (specifically the right kind of fat) to build and maintain its physical structure, and a functioning gut, because your gut and brain are in constant conversation with each other. Skip any of those three, and the powerful additions you layer on top can’t function to their full potential. That's the logic behind BrainMD's foundational lineup, and it's why products like NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin, Omega-3 Power, and ProBrainBiotics show up again and again as Dr. Amen's favorite supplements. Step One: A Real Multivitamin Most multivitamins are built for general wellness, aimed at the broadest possible audience. NeuroVite Plus was built differently, for people who know brain health is the basis for whole body health. It contains the vitamins, minerals, and cofactors your brain specifically draws on to make neurotransmitters, manage inflammatory balance, and keep cellular energy production running. They’re also included in forms that your body can readily absorb and use, which can’t be said for all multivitamins. If you’re looking for even more comprehensive brain health support, BRIGHT MINDS™ Memory Multi is a great alternative product. Instead of a capsule, it’s a powdered full spectrum multivitamin and mineral formula, combined with active botanicals, antioxidants, and other nutrients clinically shown to support numerous aspects of memory, mood, and cognition.* In a large, three-year randomized trial following more than 2,000 older adults, daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation was associated with meaningfully better performance on measures of memory and executive function compared to placebo. It was the first large-scale study to suggest multivitamin use may help slow age-related cognitive changes [1]. A follow-up analysis comparing that trial with two others found the same pattern held up: better global cognition and episodic memory with daily multivitamin use [2]. None of this means a multivitamin is a substitute for medical care. What it does mean is that "just take a multivitamin" isn't throwaway advice. Nutrient gaps are common even in people who eat a well balanced diet, and a well-formulated multivitamin is one of the simplest ways to close them. Step Two: Omega-3s, Because Your Brain Is Mostly Fat Here's a fact that surprises people: your brain is close to 60% fat, and DHA (one of the two main omega-3s) is one of its primary structural building blocks. Your body doesn't make much of it on its own. It has to come from diet or supplementation, and most Americans simply don't eat enough fatty fish to get there. Omega-3 Power is BrainMD's answer to that gap, formulated with significantly more DHA and EPA per serving than most drugstore fish oil. The dosing isn't arbitrary. In the MIDAS trial, a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 485 older adults with mild memory complaints, six months of daily DHA supplementation led to meaningfully better performance on tests of learning and memory compared to placebo, an effect researchers likened to shaving several years off the participants' cognitive age [3]. Broader reviews of omega-3 research have also linked long-term supplementation to better-preserved white matter and gray matter volume over time [4]. Fish oil isn't a cure-all, and results across the broader research base are mixed. Some trials, especially shorter ones in people who already eat fish regularly, show smaller effects. But for the average person whose diet is genuinely low in omega-3s, topping up that supply appears to give the brain more of the literal material it needs to maintain its structure. Step Three: The Oft-Forgotten Probiotic This is the piece that catches most people off guard. What does gut bacteria have to do with brain fog or mood? More than you'd think. Your gut and brain are connected by a direct communication line, sometimes called the gut-brain axis, that runs through the vagus nerve, the immune system, and a whole slew of chemical messengers your gut bacteria help produce [5]. Plus, roughly 70% of your immune system actually lives in your gut, which means an out-of-balance microbiome doesn't just affect digestion, it can ripple into the inflammatory processes tied to mood and cognitive function [6]. This is exactly the territory "psychobiotics" (probiotic strains specifically studied for their effect on this gut-brain communication) were termed to describe [7]. In one randomized trial, a specific combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains was associated with a more balanced stress response and lower markers of stress in healthy adults over several weeks [8]. A broader review of more than fifty clinical trials found consistent signals of benefit from psychobiotic strains, particularly around mood-related outcomes [9]. ProBrainBiotics was formulated with this research in mind. It was built around strains studied specifically for gut-brain communication, not just general digestive support. For anyone who's diligent about diet and exercise, but has never thought about their microbiome, this is often the missing third leg of the stool. Putting Your Stack Together None of these three does its job in isolation. A multivitamin without enough dietary fat still leaves your brain short on raw building material. An omega-3 without the cofactors a multivitamin provides has less support for the metabolic work of actually using that fat well. And a gut under chronic inflammatory imbalance makes it harder for either one to do its job efficiently, because so much of the communication between body and brain runs straight through it. That's the logic behind treating these three as a foundation. Of course, you are encouraged to build outward from here. Some of Dr. Amen’s other personal favorite supplements are: Happy Saffron Plus® for mood and emotional well-being* Smart Mushrooms for mental performance and immune support* Smart Relief for body comfort and joint mobility* Peak Energy for a fast-acting alternative to caffeine* Adaptogens, superfoods, nootropics, whatever fits your specific goals, most products in the BrainMD line are complementary to the foundational products. Just don’t skip the base 3. If you're not sure where your own gaps might be, or where your brain and body could use a little extra boost, BrainMD's Brain Health Assessment is a great starting point. It takes about 5 minutes and you learn your brain type (there are 16 types), which will guide you to the best specific products for your unique needs. BrainMD’s full supplement collection is organized by health goal (focus, mood, sleep, memory, etc.) if you want to go beyond the basics once your foundation is in place. As always, talk with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, managing a health condition, or taking prescription medication. Supplements are meant to complement, not replace, healthy habits (good sleep, regular movement, real food) and medical care when you need it. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. References Baker, L. D., Manson, J. E., Rapp, S. R., Sesso, H. D., Gaussoin, S. A., Shumaker, S. A., & Espeland, M. A. (2022). Effects of cocoa extract and a multivitamin on cognitive function: A randomized clinical trial. Alzheimer's & Dementia. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12767 Vyas, C. M., Manson, J. E., Sesso, H. D., et al. (2024). Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: Results from the clinic subcohort of the COSMOS randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of 3 cognitive studies within COSMOS. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Yurko-Mauro, K., McCarthy, D., Rom, D., Nelson, E. B., Ryan, A. S., Blackwell, A., Salem, N., Jr., & Stedman, M. (2010). Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 6(6), 456–464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2010.01.013 Shahinfar, H., Yazdian, Z., Avini, N. A., Torabinasab, K., & Shab-Bidar, S. (2025). A systematic review and dose response meta analysis of Omega 3 supplementation on cognitive function. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 30610. Bonaz, B., Bazin, T., & Pellissier, S. (2018). The vagus nerve at the interface of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, Article 49. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00049 Belkaid, Y., & Hand, T. W. (2014). Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell, 157(1), 121–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2014.03.011 Dinan, T. G., Stanton, C., & Cryan, J. F. (2013). Psychobiotics: A novel class of psychotropic. Biological Psychiatry, 74(10), 720–726. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.001 Messaoudi, M., Lalonde, R., Violle, N., Javelot, H., Desor, D., Nejdi, A., Bisson, J.-F., Rougeot, C., Pichelin, M., Cazaubiel, M., & Cazaubiel, J.-M. (2011). Assessment of psychotropic-like properties of a probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) in rats and human subjects. British Journal of Nutrition, 105(5), 755–764. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114510004319 Mosquera, F. E. C., Lizcano Martinez, S., & Liscano, Y. (2024). Effectiveness of psychobiotics in the treatment of psychiatric and cognitive disorders: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Nutrients, 16(9), Article 1352. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091352
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5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Brain Health & Reach Your Goals
Even though we usually think of goals in terms of improving diet and exercise, there’s a whole other dimension of wellness to consider. While most goal-setting focuses on improving the body, this year, why not consider how to take care of your brain? Regardless of which goals you made, protecting your brain should be at the top of the list. Optimizing brain function and performance is essential for improving your health…and maintaining those healthy habits throughout the year. To increase the chances of achieving your goals, here are some of the best ways to take care of your brain... How to Improve Your Brain Health 1. Stimulate Your Brain A New Year means new opportunities and adventures. One of the best ways to expand your horizons is to continually engage in new learning. Set aside sometime every day to learn something new. Some examples are: learning a new language or musical instrument, trying a new kind of dance or other complex physical activity, or taking up a new hobby like chess or painting. Brain researchers emphasize that the “use it or lose it” principle applies to the brain. When the brain stops learning it can start fading, so be intentional about learning new things. 2. Nourish Your Brain If one of your healthy resolutions is to jumpstart your mental focus and energy, getting nutritional support is a must. A deficiency in vitamin D or magnesium, for example, may cause excessive fatigue. For starters, take a good multi-vitamin with vitamin D, all the B vitamins, and magnesium. These are the foundational supplements to ensure your cells are getting the basic nutrients they need. Then you can add other supplements to boost mood, focus, or memory. Properly fueling your brain and body with diet and supplements can optimize your mental performance, which can help you accomplish your goals. BrainMD even offers the opportunity to try three of our most popular products with our 7 day Free Trials. 3. Energize Your Brain The most common resolutions involve diet and exercise. Aerobic exercise, sufficient to make you sweat for 30 minutes, increases blood flow to your brain as well as your muscles and other tissues. This helps deliver nutrients and remove waste products, and can even increase the growth factor BDNF which promotes improved brain function. Since it’s recommended that adults get 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily, maintaining a consistent fitness plan can be a challenge in today’s busy world. To help you reach your New Year’s goals, ramp up your workout routines by attending a group hike, bike class, or Pilates sessions 2-3 times a week for one month. Anything, from ice skating to dance lessons to gravity training, can turn a dreaded workout into a fun activity that you’ll actually look forward to doing. Above all, find physical activities that you enjoy…exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. 4. Renew Your Brain If you were one of the many people who sacrificed quality sleep to keep up with the increased demands of the stressful holiday season, now is the time to get back to a healthy sleep schedule. Sleep helps repair and renew all the cells in the body. It gives the brain a chance to wash away toxins that build up during the day. A recent study found that just one night of sleep deprivation can raise blood levels of tau, a protein potentially harmful to the brain. To ensure you have the energy needed to fast-track your New Year’s fitness goals, it’s recommended that you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. 5. Know Your Brain Did you know there are 16 different Brain Types? Which type are you? You can find out by taking the Brain Health Assessment (BHA). Identifying your abilities, interests, and skills can help you become a more well-rounded person. And knowing your Brain Type can help you better understand who you are and why you do what you do. These insights can potentially impact your future career and relationships in significant ways, by: Benefits of Knowing Your Brain Type Reducing Stigma – Our society is inundated with judgments about how people should think, act, behave, and perform. Knowing your specific Brain Type can help reduce stigma by removing the labels others have placed on you. Increasing Knowledge – Knowing your Brain Type can help identify your brain’s potential risk factors. The sooner you’re aware of specific challenges, the sooner you can begin to address them with natural treatments. Setting Goals – Once you know your Brain Type, you’ll also receive a Brain Fit Score. Since even the healthiest brains can be improved with targeted treatments, you’ll receive a comprehensive wellness plan (including diet, exercise, and lifestyle interventions) that will help you set and achieve your goals. Providing Nutritional Support – Cut through the confusing world of supplements to discover what you should be taking for optimal physical and mental wellness. Included with your Brain Fit Score is a recommended supplement regimen customized for your specific Brain Type. Making It Fun – People take personality quizzes all the time, but those tests only provide a partial understanding of your brain. Learn more about how you’re wired and how you can use that knowledge to improve yourself in the future. Since habits, skills, and personality traits originate in the brain, learning your Brain Type can be the key to unlocking your potential. With the BHA, you’ll get an accurate assessment of your brain, a doctor-recommended supplement plan, and a personalized roadmap for healing. The BHA is absolutely FREE and only takes about 5 to 7 minutes to complete. You can take the Brain Health Assessment here. If you’re ready to crush your goals, these 5 brain-boosting activities can help you establish healthy habits with far-reaching benefits. Here’s to a new brain and a new you! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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5 Reasons Why You Should Know Your Brain Type
Did you know that there are 16 different Brain Types? Which one are you? Maybe you’ve taken an online personality quiz in the past. Though such tests can occasionally offer helpful information, most fail to consider an individual’s health habits and personal history. In many cases, they also fail to include improvement strategies. Another problem with online tests is that they typically aren’t backed by science. Worse still, they frequently place people into rigid categories that can discourage, confuse or even stigmatize the test taker. With so many poorly-designed tests flooding cyberspace, we’re proud to present the Brain Health Assessment (BHA), a science-backed, paradigm-shattering brain test. This one-of-a-kind online test: Was developed by Daniel G. Amen, MD, a double board-certified psychiatrist who has been practicing for over 40 years. Is powered by the world’s largest database of functional brain scans – 160,000 and growing. Incorporates extensive research – Amen Clinics has published over 70 clinical studies on brain health. Is based on the combined clinical experience of a team of Amen-trained doctors who have worked with patients from 120 countries. Backed by decades of research, the results of the BHA will give you a personalized report that measures your overall health and includes recommendations for improvement based on your Brain Type. Benefits of Knowing Your Brain Type Just as identifying your abilities, interests, and skills can help you become a more well-rounded, successful person, knowing your Brain Type can help you better understand who you are and why you do what you do. These insights can potentially impact your future career and relationships in significant ways, by: 1. Reducing Stigma- There are plenty of judgments out there about how people should think, act, behave, and perform. Knowing your specific Brain Type can help reduce the stigma of labels or conditions others have assigned to you. Break free from the shame of a struggling brain. 2. Increasing Knowledge- Knowing your Brain Type can provide you with invaluable information. Taking the BHA can help identify your brain’s potential risk factors. The sooner you’re aware of specific challenges, the sooner you can begin to address them with natural treatments. 3. Setting Goals- In addition to learning your Brain Type, you’ll also receive a Brain Fit Score. Since even the healthiest brains can be improved with targeted treatments – including diet, exercise and lifestyle interventions – you’ll receive a plan for how to set and achieve personal fitness goals. 4. Providing Nutritional Support- Taking the BHA can help you cut through the confusing world of supplements to discover what you should be taking for optimal physical and mental wellness. Included with your Brain Fit Score is a recommended supplement regimen customized for your specific Brain Type. 5. Making It Fun- People take personality quizzes all the time, but with those tests, they’re only getting a partial picture. Learning more about how you’re wired, and how you can use that knowledge to improve yourself in the future, can be exhilarating. Since habits, skills and personality traits originate in the brain, learning your Brain Type can be the key to unlocking your potential. With the BHA, you’ll get an accurate picture of your brain, a doctor-recommended supplement plan, and a personalized roadmap for healing. Take the Brain Health Assessment to Know Your Brain Type The Brain Health Assessment (BHA) is absolutely FREE and only takes about 5 to 7 minutes to complete. Here are 4 simple steps to taking the BHA: Take the Brain Health Assessment Here Discover your Brain Type & Brain Fit Score Get a personalized supplement, nutrition, and fitness plan Optimize your brain and take back your health! This is the ONLY online assessment that provides accurate, real-time, lifestyle and supplement recommendations to improve your brain health. Discover the tool that has helped millions of people increase their energy, sharpen their focus, and optimize their brains. You can know your Brain Type in just a few minutes, so start now. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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