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7 of the Best Ways to Increase Dopamine, Focus & Energy
Do you feel like you don’t have enough energy to get through the day? Is it hard to finish things once you’ve started them? Do you find it hard to concentrate? Have you lost your zest for life? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need to increase dopamine levels. What is Dopamine? Dopamine is one of the most well-known neurotransmitters in the human brain. It is the main brain chemical messenger responsible for making us feel motivated. Dopamine delivers a sense of satisfaction in our mind after accomplishing a task. It also is released when playing sports, learning something new, finishing a task or project, or getting the big promotion at work. Often called the “motivation molecule,” dopamine provides the drive and focus we all need in order to be productive.¹ It is heavily involved with our attention span, focus, follow-through, and the ability to experience pleasure. However, if we are deficient in dopamine levels, it can potentially cause an imbalance in our life. A lack of dopamine is associated with the following consequences: Fatigue Apathy Lack of focus Forgetfulness Moodiness Difficulty concentrating Sleep issues Sugar cravings Lower motivation Dopamine-dominant people are usually focused go-getters. Unfortunately, many of the things that people do to boost their focus and energy end up backfiring. There are many unhealthy ways to seek out a "dopamine fix." For example, anything addicting like nicotine, caffeine, and sugar-laden, fat-filled treats are all very effective at increasing dopamine levels and can, in turn, be the root cause of addictive behavior in our life. However, these things that provide a quick boost end up disrupting the natural dopamine production process resulting in decreased dopamine production in the long-term. So, what are some safe, natural ways to boost your dopamine levels? Here are 7 of the best ways to increase dopamine naturally... 7 Ways to Naturally Increase Dopamine Levels 1. Eat Foods Rich in Tyrosine In order to make dopamine, your body needs tyrosine which can be found in almonds, bananas, avocados, eggs, beans, fish, and chicken. 2. Exercise Regularly In general, physical exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain. It increases the production of new brain cells, slows down brain cell aging, can increase your levels of dopamine.² Exercise has also been associated with improved mood and overall a better outlook on life. 3. Learn to Meditate The overall health benefits of meditation have been demonstrated through hundreds of research studies. Many of those have shown that meditation increases dopamine leading to improved focus and concentration. Even if you're new to meditation, there are many helpful guided meditations for beginners to help you get started. Check out Dr. Amen's podcast on the positive benefits of meditation for our brains. 4. Get a Massage It has long been suggested that one way to keep dopamine levels high is to avoid stress, which is nearly impossible in this day and age. To counter the effects of stress, research has demonstrated that massage therapy³ increases dopamine levels by nearly 30% while decreasing cortisol (a stress hormone) levels. 5. Sleep To ensure that your brain increases dopamine naturally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. This includes setting aside time before bed away from the computer or TV screen. Sleep helps all the cells in the body repair and renew. It gives the brain a chance to wash away toxins that build up during the day and helps keep the nerve cell connections and pathways active and constantly self-renewing. Lack of sleep has been shown to reduce concentrations of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, and their receptors. 6. Listen to Music It is no surprise that listening to calming music can increase pleasurable feelings, improve mood, reduce stress, and help with focus and concentration. Research⁴ has demonstrated that much of this is achieved due to an increase in dopamine levels. 7. Supplements BrainMD’s Focus and Energy is a multiple mechanism formula containing three special adaptogens known to promote healthy dopamine levels.* Ashwagandha, rhodiola, and panax ginseng are combined with decaffeinated green tea and choline to promote improved focus and increased energy while enhancing endurance and stamina.* Focus & Energy is safe, natural, and non-habit forming.* It's the perfect way to naturally increase dopamine levels so you can feel energized, productive, and alert.* As a company firmly rooted in science, we use only clinically researched ingredients that create real results. Here are some of the benefits of taking Focus & Energy: A healthy, balanced response to everyday stress* Improved concentration, focus and productivity* Healthy, sustained energy levels* A more positive approach to life* Enjoy all-day alertness and productivity without the jitters or crash from caffeine. Try Focus & Energy today! 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. References: 1. Asociación RUVID. (2013, January 10). Dopamine regulates the motivation to act, study shows. Science News from research organizations. https://www.ruvid.org/en/news/dopamine-regulates-the-motivation-to-act-study-shows 2. Sutoo, D., & Akiyama, K. (2003). Regulation of brain function by exercise. Neurobiology of Disease, 13(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0969-9961(03)00030-5 3. Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 115(10), 1397-1413. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450590956459 4. Salimpoor, V. N., Benovoy, M., Larcher, K., Dagher, A., & Zatorre, R. J. (2011). Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nature Neuroscience, 14(2), 257–262. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.2726
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These Are 2 of the Best Clean Energy Supplements!
In our fast-paced world, many people have tried different ways to increase their energy. When energy levels become depleted, some try a quick fix to combat fatigue and boost their energy. Unhealthy Ways to Increase Energy Unfortunately, many of the things people do to boost their focus and energy end up backfiring. These include: Caffeine Caffeine consumption has increased over the past decades; people have gone from drinking 1-2 cups of coffee a day to double that…or even more. Though coffee has become the new comfort food, daily intakes of more than two cups can be overstimulating and potentially detrimental. While caffeine can lead to a temporary increase in alertness, excessive caffeine consumption from popular energy drinks may contain ingredients that constrict blood flow to your brain and many other organs. Dopamine Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that activates the pleasure centers of the brain. Aside from caffeine, there are many other unhealthy ways to get a dopamine fix. Anything potentially addicting, like nicotine, alcohol/drugs, or sugar-laden/fat-filled treats, can increase brain dopamine activity and cause compulsive behaviors. Energy Drinks These beverages contain large amounts of caffeine, sugar or artificial sweeteners, and other stimulants, all of which provide a temporary energy boost. Since they fail to fuel the body’s natural energy processes, the effects of these beverages are typically short-lived and may cause serious issues for the brain and body. If you struggle with low or inconsistent energy throughout the day, do you best to avoid these unhealthy sources of energy. Healthy Ways to Increase Energy Ever wonder what people who seem to have boundless energy do to stay energized every day? Here are some of the best daily habits you should adopt to increase your energy. Best Ways to Increase Energy…Naturally! [wc_box color="inverse" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] Get Moving Though it may seem like an unlikely way to combat fatigue, research¹ validates that expending energy in a moderate workout actually can increase energy. Regular exercise can raise the levels of energy-promoting and mood-enhancing neurotransmitters – such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin – in the brain. In addition to its physical benefits, exercise increases blood flow² which helps deliver oxygen and other needed nutrients to the brain. It stimulates neurogenesis, the brain’s ability to generate new brain cells. Exercising also can aid the process of neuroplasticity, the brain’s way of adapting to challenges. Exercise can lead to an improved mood and a positive outlook on life. Even moderate exercise can help increase energy, so get moving. Quality Sleep Quality sleep helps your body restore many of the functions it needs during the day, including temperature regulation, a healthy immune system, balanced hormone levels, and a good appetite. These factors all play a role in how much energy you have. To ensure you have the energy you need, it’s essential to maintain these functions by getting quality sleep. Since sleep is essential to wellness, anything that disrupts your natural sleep pattern, like excessive caffeine, alcohol, or video game playing, can have adverse effects on your energy and ability to effectively perform tasks at work, school or home. It’s recommended that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Clean Energy Supplements At BrainMD, we believe that the best way to attain and maintain peak performance, both physically and mentally, is to live as naturally as possible. We recommend ultra-pure supplements to help fill nutrient gaps rather than resorting to potentially harmful means of producing energy (like those listed above). [/wc_box] If you’re looking to energize your brain and body without adding calories to your diet, consider taking clean energy supplements like… Focus & Energy Focus & Energy helps combat fatigue, increase focus naturally, and preserve productivity – without the jitters or energy crash that can come from drinking caffeinated beverages.* Here’s a closer look at the 5 potent ingredients in Focus & Energy: Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis, leaf concentrate) is a staple in Asian cultures that supports healthy blood vessels and helps increase blood flow to the brain.* Sensoril® Ashwagandha is a well-known herb that’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s an adaptogen that supports the body’s healthy response to stress by promoting calm and overall mental focus.* Rhodiola Rosea Extract is one of the best studied and most potent adaptogens. Rhodiola is fast-acting and has been shown to fight fatigue, support a positive mood, and improve physical and mental performance.* Panax Ginseng Extract (or Asian ginseng) is a potent adaptogen. Ginseng contains naturally occurring ginsenosides, which may support focus, memory, and overall well-being.* Choline is a vitamin-like nutrient that helps brain cells in the production of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for attention and learning.* Choline enhances focus, supports healthy memory, and promotes calm.* Focus & Energy can help provide you with the nutrients you need to power through your day.* What Customers Are Saying... "I didn’t believe it when I first heard that the Focus & Energy supplement could make it to where no coffee would be needed. I am now almost two months coffee free! I can’t believe it! Thank you for all you do!” – Christopher H. Peak Energy Amplify endurance, sharpen focus, and boost mental + physical performance with BrainMD’s Peak Energy.* This advanced, fast-acting formula helps sustain focus and provides long-lasting energy without a crash.* The two ingredients in Peak Energy both synergistically work together providing you with all day lasting energy and more focus.* Let's take a closer look at each ingredient in Peak Energy supplement: PeakATP® - A researched and patented form of Adenosine 5’Triphosphate (ATP) Disodium, PeakATP® is structurally identical to the body’s ATP, which is utilized by all the cells for energy.* ATP is important during physical activity, especially high-intensity workouts. PeakATP® provides a sustainable source of energy that directly fuels working muscles when they need it most.* Benefits of PeakATP®: Supports blood flow* Helps with muscle activation* Supports total strength* Lessen muscular fatigue* Increases post-exercise ATP levels* Mitigates cognitive issues* Promotes recovery* Enfinity® Paraxanthine - Paraxanthine is a metabolite of caffeine in the human body. Enfinity® Paraxanthine stimulates the central nervous system and contributes to many of the benefits that come from caffeine intake.* Despite the widespread consumption of caffeine, only an estimated 30% of people metabolize caffeine efficiently.* When it comes to energy, Enfinity® Paraxanthine produces more consistent results than caffeine without the undesirable side effects.* Benefits of Enfinity® Paraxanthine: Supports sustained attention* Helps with short-term memory* Mitigates mental fatigue* Bolsters cognitive function* Sharpens reasoning and response time* Boosts cognitive performance/function* Produces powerful thermogenic effects* What Customers Are Saying... "It worked instantly for me. I would recommend it to anyone!!” – Nadine H. All-Day Energy If you’re looking for a safe, effective, natural, and non-habit-forming way to support your focus while conserving your mental and physical energy, Focus & Energy and Peak Energy are both excellent choices.* These clean energy supplements feature a blend of time-tested adaptogenic herbs and brain-supporting ingredients.* And, unlike the energy rush you can get from your stimulant of choice (coffee, diet soda, caffeine pills), there’s no dramatic drop in mood and energy with these dietary supplements.* With Focus & Energy and Peak Energy, you can enjoy all-day alertness and productivity without the caffeine jitters.* Try them today! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Focus & Energy or Peak Energy and 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. References: University of Georgia. (2006, November 8). Regular exercise plays a consistent and significant role in reducing fatigue. Science News. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061108191212.htm Mulser, L., & Moreau, D. (2023). Effect of acute cardiovascular exercise on cerebral blood flow: A systematic review. Brain Research, 1809, 148355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148355
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Here's Why You Need to Take the Omega-3 Index Test
Your brain needs specific types of omega-3 fatty acids to function optimally. Though not technically classified as essential, these fatty acids are often considered essential for a reason – our bodies need them, and the only way to get enough of them is through foods or supplements. Adding appropriate amounts of healthy fats into your diet can have lasting benefits for your health. One of the best sources of healthy fats is omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 Basics Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for our nerve cells and other brain cells to make and maintain the trillions of connections that our brain uses for information processing. They’re also crucial for all our cells to make the energy they need to function. Sadly, today’s modern diet is typically low in omega-3-rich foods (which include fish, grass-fed meats, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens) and high in omega-6-rich foods with saturated fats and oils (corn, safflower, soybean, cottonseed, peanut). Let’s take a closer look at the two most important omega-3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA Only two fatty acids have been proven essential for humans: linoleic acid (LA), the parent fatty acid of the omega-6 series, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the parent fatty acid of the omega-3 series. Omega-3’s health benefits primarily come from their long-chain fatty acids EPA and DHA. EPA fatty acids are less abundant in brain cells than DHA fatty acids but are known to be essential for healthy inflammatory responses as well as for the production of new nerve cells. DHA is the most prevalent fatty acid found in the brain. It’s also vital to the creation and maintenance of all the cells in both the brain and the retina (which functionally is an extension of the brain). Since the body is inefficient at converting plant ALA into EPA and DHA, we need to eat foods that contain these omega-3s performed, namely cold-water fish. Considering costs, convenience, and the dangers of contamination of fish with mercury and hundreds of other environmental pollutants, many authoritative organizations recommend taking reputable, concentrated fish oil supplements to ensure adequate daily intakes of EPA and DHA. Healthy Omega Levels Surveys indicate most people don’t get enough omega-3s in their diet.¹ Research consistently shows that most Americans aren’t getting the amounts of EPA and DHA in their tissues that they likely require for optimal brain and heart health. Some studies demonstrate that as many as 90% of adults have suboptimal levels. Omega-3 EPA and DHA, and certain omega-6 fatty acids, are important for our health, but the standard American diet (SAD) gives us too little of the former and too much of the latter. Appropriate ratios are key. Eating too many foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids may be a problem because they can cancel out the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids when the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is too high. One way to balance this ratio is to eat fewer foods that contain omega-6 fatty acids and more that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Another way to help balance the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is to take a high-quality omega-3 supplement every day.* Omega-3s and Aging As the body ages, it seems to become less efficient at using omega-3 EPA and DHA. Whether you’re young, middle-aged, or moving on in years, it’s important to have your Omega-3 Index measured. Here’s Why You Should Take the Omega-3 Index Test Omega-3 Index Test Basics The Omega-3 Index test only requires a single drop of blood to measure the total amount of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in the membranes of your red blood cells. It also directly reflects the levels of these fatty acids in the brain and other organs. The test is a clinically validated biomarker of your overall health, and a low level suggests your brain health may be at risk. In fact, your Healthy Omega-3 Level The optimal ratio isn’t known, except that we need at least an Omega-3 Index of However, most Americans are running an index under 8 percent, with an average index of 5.1. It’s recommended to aim for a level above 8 percent; 4 percent or lower suggests risk for cardiovascular, brain, and other health problems. How to Get to 8 Percent Based on clinical research² that examined how intakes of EPA and DHA improved the Omega-3 Index, it’s recommended that most adults take 1,400 to 2,800 mg of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids a day. Children should get at least 700 mg per 40 pounds of body weight. When purchasing an omega-3 supplement, be sure to carefully read the label to find the EPA and DHA content, not the total fish oil content. Many budget fish oil supplements supply only 300 mg, not 1000 mg of EPA and DHA as their recommended daily dose. Optimize Your Omegas Getting adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA can help improve overall brain and body function and well-being.* To ensure you’re getting enough Omega 3s, it’s recommended that you take the Omega-3 Index test. You can purchase the test here. Remember, an index value greater than 8 percent suggests you have sufficient omega-3 status. It’s important for anyone looking to stay on top of their physical and mental game to incorporate omega-3 supplements into their healthcare regimen and maintain their Omega-3 Index between 8 and 12 percent.* At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients 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. References: 1. Papanikolaou, Y., Brooks, J., Reider, C., & Fulgoni, V. L. III. (2014). U.S. adults are not meeting recommended levels for fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake: Results of an analysis using observational data from NHANES 2003–2008. Nutrition Journal, 13, 31. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-31 2. von Schacky, C. (2014). Omega-3 index and cardiovascular health. Nutrients, 6(2), 799–814. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6020799
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This Is One of the Best Natural Ways to Boost Your Memory
Do you often forget where you left your car keys? Do you struggle to remember words, faces, names or numbers? Maybe you’re finding it more and more difficult to keep up with conversations, or you’ve forgotten important appointments. If one or more of the above examples applies to you, a child, a parent or a grandparent, it’s time to take the high-grade vitamins and nutrients the brain needs to make and retrieve memories. Your future and the future of your loved ones depends on it. Memory-Supporting Nutrition In this fast-paced, high-stress society, many things can ruin your health and memory. Inherited genetic problems, stress and irregular sleep patterns, poor circulation linked to excessive body weight or poorly controlled blood pressure/blood sugar, and the Standard American Diet are all associated with increased vulnerability to premature memory loss. Regardless of a person’s age, memory problems are posing serious emotional and financial challenges in our world today. One of the best ways to prevent premature memory loss is with proper nutrition,¹ especially using nutraceutical ingredients that are specifically designed to keep your mind sharp and efficient. Numerous large population surveys have documented that foods aren’t providing enough of the nutrients the brain needs. Despite your best efforts to follow a healthy diet, many foods are so low in nutrients that you will always have a gap in nutrition. That’s where dietary supplements come in – they help fill the gaps in your diet with the nutrients you’re missing by eating foods alone. Your brain has the most energy-hungry cells in your body and needs nutrients that are proven to improve your memory. But where can you get the right balance of ultra-pure, clinical strength, and brain directed nutrients to support your memory? Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin Get a big dose of memory-boosting power from Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin.* This robust formula of 34 brain-vitalizing nutrients is a highly concentrated, memory-targeting daily supplement system.* The BrainMD team used rigorous clinical criteria to choose an array of potent ingredients that help enhance memory for names, faces, words, numbers, recent events, and treasured life experiences.* The potent mix of vitamins, minerals, conditionally essential nutrients, amino acids, and clinically researched plant nutrients in Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin can: [wc_box color="inverse" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] Enhance Blood Delivery – The better the brain’s circulation, the more oxygen and nutrients it can receive to support memory all through life.* Ginkgo biloba, resveratrol, lutein, zeaxanthin, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), as well as magnesium and other minerals in this powder, promote healthy blood flow to the brain.* Increase Energy – The brain weighs just 2-3 pounds, yet uses at least 20 percent of all the body’s energy.*² PS (PhosphatidylSerine), acetylcarnitine, B vitamins, magnesium, chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ and other nutraceuticals in this formula provide the building blocks for the enzyme systems that energize our memory processes.* Promote Brain Connectivity – The brain’s trillions of nerve cell connections (synapses) rely on PS for their electrical activity.* Lutein and zeaxanthin support information processing in the brain.* Methylfolate, methyl-vitamin B12, choline, and other methyl support nutrients in the formula support nerve cell electrical conduction, synapse maintenance, and the brain’s production of the hormone melatonin for healthy sleep.* These methyl nutraceuticals also help protect the brain against DNA damage and the toxic effects of unhealthy homocysteine buildup.* Boost Your Defenses – Did you know that free radicals are a byproduct of the intense energy used in the brain?* The brain is poorly equipped with antioxidants to neutralize them before they can do damage.* This formula provides generous allowances of vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-lipoic acid, zinc, selenium, manganese, and CoQ.* These powerful antioxidants help protect against toxins like alcohol, cigarette or marijuana smoke, air pollutants, recreational drugs, pharmaceuticals, lead and other water pollutants, molds, cosmetic ingredients, and the tens of thousands of modern toxins.* Support Neurotransmitters – Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that travel across synapses in the brain and knit together the tens of billions of nerve cells.* Huperzine A, acetylcarnitine and choline promote the pathways that rely on acetylcholine, a key memory transmitter.* PS, vitamin D3, all the B vitamins, magnesium and other minerals support the production, release, and synapse actions of multiple neurotransmitter systems across the brain.* [/wc_box] Shake Up Your Smoothie Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin was scientifically formulated to promote memory, attention, mood, and other brain functions without the hassle of having to swallow handfuls of capsules or tablets each day.* Instead, we carefully selected the most powerful and clinically proven ingredients and blended them into two delicious flavors, orange mango and blueberry lemonade.* Simply add to water, juice, or your fruit smoothie and mix. Support your brain, your body – and most importantly, your memory – with Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin.* At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin and 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. References: 1. National Institute on Aging. (2018, February 23). Leafy greens linked with slower age-related cognitive decline. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/leafy-greens-linked-slower-age-related-cognitive-decline 2. Clark D. D. & Sokoloff, L. (1999) in Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects, eds. Siegel, G. J., Agranoff, B. W., Albers, R. W., Fisher, S. K. & Uhler, M. D. (Lippincott, Philadelphia), pp. 637–670.
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Vitamin D: Why We Need "Sun Vitamins" All Year Round
During the winter months, when we spend more time indoors and the Northern Hemisphere is farther away from the sun with fewer hours of daylight, our body’s natural way of synthesizing vitamin D from sun exposure is highly compromised, which can lead to suboptimal vitamin D levels. Of course, it’s especially vital to ensure your body has plenty of this sun vitamin for immune function at this time of year when colds, flus, and other viruses abound. Indeed, vitamin D, which is considered a hormone, plays a critical role in immune response, calcium absorption and bone health, colon health, muscle movement, healthy nerve messaging, and many other functions throughout your body. Perhaps that’s why nearly every cell in your body has the vitamin D receptor. What’s more, observational studies have shown an increased risk of a number of health issues that are associated with low levels of vitamin D – including low mood, mental health issues, poor cognitive function, being overweight, heart health problems, blood sugar issues, and even increased mortality, to name a few. However, on a brighter note, research suggests that a number of these risks can be mitigated with vitamin D supplementation. When you can’t support your body’s ability to make vitamin D with adequate sunlight, vitamin D must come from the diet or through supplementation. Since dietary sources of vitamin D are limited (mostly found in fatty fish, mushrooms, or fortified cereals milk or juice), the supplementation is your best option. Here’s what you need to know about the health benefits of vitamin D supplementation. Sun Vitamins: What Are the Benefits of Vitamin D for Your Health? As mentioned above, your body is built to synthesize vitamin D. When your skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, it interacts with a protein in your skin, converting it into vitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D. Many experts recommend spending 10-15 minutes exposing your face, arms, and legs without sunscreen to the sun two to three times a week. Keep in mind that fair skin more readily synthesizes vitamin D than darker skin, so darker skin may need slightly more sun exposure. Also, you don’t get the needed UVB light exposure through windows or in tanning beds. Since sun exposure increases your risk of developing skin cancers, be sure to wear sunscreen or cover up immediately after getting the necessary exposure for vitamin D synthesis. If you choose to forgo sun exposure, you can get vitamin D from your diet and through supplementation. While most people get enough sun exposure in the summer, interestingly, the 37th Parallel appears to be the demarcation line for inadequate levels of sun exposure in the winter months for optimal vitamin D synthesis. Living north of this Parallel increases your risk of vitamin D deficiency. (The 37th extends roughly from Santa Cruz, California, to the bottom of Utah and Colorado, to Hampton, Virginia). Vitamin D Deficiency and Testing Lack of sun exposure isn’t the only reason many people fail to get enough vitamin D. Surprisingly, breastmilk alone doesn’t provide adequate amounts of vitamin D for infants – supplementation or diet fortification is necessary. Elderly folks tend to be deficient in vitamin D as the body is less effective at both synthesizing and absorbing vitamin D as it ages. Certain health issues can make vitamin D absorption difficult, such as digestive health problems. And since most people don’t consume enough fatty fish or vitamin-D fortified foods, that can cause deficiency too. Research¹ from the National Institutes of Health indicates that roughly 41% of Americans have insufficient levels of vitamin D. The best and most accurate way to determine your vitamin D levels is to request a simple blood test. Vitamin D levels are often measured as part of a typical blood test. Just ask your doctor for a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 OH D) test. Vitamin D levels are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The latest National Institutes of Health update² on vitamin D sufficiency from September, 2022, states that vitamin D is, “required to maintain serum calcium concentration within the normal physiologic range for musculoskeletal health” and sites deficient and optimal (preferred) levels from The Endocrine Society, the National and International Osteoporosis Foundation, and the American Geriatric Society as <30 ng/mL and 40 to 60 ng/mL, respectively. Taking these recommendations and others, here is a general guideline about what a test reading means: Deficient: <30 ng/mL Normal: 30-100 ng/mL Low-Normal: 30-50 ng/mL Optimal: 50-100 ng/mL Vitamin D deficiency may have many health implications. In cases of severe vitamin D deficiency (levels are typically <20 ng/mL), research indicates a much greater risk of bone density loss, serious bone health issues, and fractures. In children, it can lead to serious bone health issues that cause bones to become soft and bend. How to Supplement with Vitamin D There are two forms of vitamin D supplements: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Although both forms may increase vitamin D in your blood, research shows that D3 is likely better absorbed and may raise it higher and for longer than D2. Hence, most experts recommend choosing vitamin D3. The Endocrine Society recommends an intake of 400 to 1,000 International Units (IU) daily for infants under one year, 600 to 1,000 IU for children and adolescents from 1 to 18 years, and 1,500 to 2,000 IU for adults. The National Institute of Medicine has set vitamin D’s upper limit for daily intake at 4,000 IU. However, many experts suggest 2,000-5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day for optimal health. Talk to your medical doctor to determine what is right for you. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and should be taken with a meal or snack that includes some fat as it can increase absorption by roughly 30-50%. Some research indicates it’s best to take vitamin D in the morning as it can interfere with sleep by suppressing melatonin levels if taken late in the day or at night. Of course, consistent supplementation yields the best results. Make vitamin D supplementation part of your daily routine! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients 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. References: Liu, X., Baylin, A., & Levy, P. D. (2018). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among US adults: Prevalence, predictors and clinical implications. British Journal of Nutrition, 119(8), 928–936. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114518000491 Chauhan, K., Shahrokhi, M., & Huecker, M. R. (2023). Vitamin D. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441912/
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5 Benefits of Milk Thistle: What Is It and How Can It Help My Health?
When it comes to herbal medicines, a seemingly worthless weed can hold a valued plant compound for health, like a diamond in the rough. That’s certainly the case with milk thistle. Also known as silymarin or Silybum marianum, milk thistle has been used in traditional medicine for millennia. Indeed, it was used in classical Greece to help liver and gallbladder problems, as well as to protect the liver against toxins. In recent years, researchers have studied milk thistle for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties – and how it may help the liver and, surprisingly, many other areas of health, with promising results. Here’s what is known about milk thistle and how it may benefit you. What Is Milk Thistle? Milk thistle is a tall thistle with distinctive white marbling on its shiny, dark green leaves. It gets its name from the milky white sap found in its leaves. The flower head blooms bright magenta or purple, surrounded by sharp, spiny bracts. It’s native to the Mediterranean but was introduced to North America during Colonial times. According to a Medieval legend, when the Virgin Mary was nursing baby Jesus, some of her breastmilk fell upon milk thistle’s leaves, leaving a spattering of white spots. Thus, milk thistle is also sometimes called St. Mary’s thistle. In the wild, milk thistle is considered an invasive plant. But it’s also cultivated for medicinal purposes as a natural remedy. Milk thistle is typically extracted from its fruit and seeds, where its active ingredient, silymarin (a group of several related plant flavonoids), is highly concentrated. Silymarin has proven antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which is the “juice” behind milk thistle’s health benefits. Traditionally, it has been used most often in supporting and/or protecting the health of the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder. Some of its liver benefits have been validated by medical research. Emerging research shows that milk thistle may support health in other important ways as well. Let’s take a look at what the research indicates. Milk Thistle and Liver Health While heart health and healthy blood sugar levels are frequently addressed in public health, liver health is often overlooked. Yet, more than 100 million people in the U.S. have some form of liver health issue. That’s what makes milk thistle so important. It’s commonly used in complementary medicine for liver support. And although it has a long history of traditional use, scientific study of milk thistle’s silymarin is relatively recent. In the late 1980s, it was studied for its protective effects – thought to come from its antioxidant and tissue regenerative properties – in alcohol-related liver damage. When the liver metabolizes alcohol (or other toxins), free radicals are produced, and they can cause cellular damage. Researchers believed (and still do) that silymarin helps reduce oxidative stress, which in turn helps to protect intact liver cells or cells not yet irreversibly damaged. Significantly, a 1989 placebo-controlled clinical study¹ involving 170 participants showed that the silymarin-taking group of individuals with serious liver health problems had increased survival rates over the study’s control group. Although a small study, it got the scientific community’s attention. A similar type of liver health problem, prevalent amongst obese individuals with blood sugar issues, showed improvement with silymarin supplementation in a 2013 study² involving 72 participants. More studies have since been conducted on silymarin and liver function – but with mixed results and no conclusive benefits. Some experts say that these studies have been poorly constructed, are small, and more quality research is needed. Still, on the whole, medical researchers view milk thistle’s potential for addressing a number of liver health issues very optimistically. Impressed with preclinical data (gathered from animal and in vitro research), in a 2024 narrative review, researchers lauded silymarin’s potential to help address serious liver health issues caused by too much alcohol consumption, obesity and blood sugar problems, viral-related inflammation, and more. Many clinical trials are currently underway. 5 Additional Potential Benefits of Milk Thistle Milk thistle’s health benefits don’t stop with the liver. Emerging and preclinical research shows it may help support health in the following ways: May Help to Improve Blood Sugar Regulation In a recent review study, individuals with blood sugar issues who routinely took silymarin showed a significant improvement in their fasting blood sugar levels. The study noted that more research should be conducted to further understand and validate silymarin’s effects. May Help Protect Against Age-Related Cognitive Decline In vitro research shows that silymarin may protect against oxidative damage to brain cells. Additionally, it helped reduce amyloid plaques in the brains of test animals with neurodegenerative brain health issues. Amyloid plaques can build up in between nerve cells as one grows older and are associated with cognitive decline. Of course, human studies are needed to further validate these findings. May Help Menopausal and Postmenopausal Women A human study involving 80 menopausal women with hot flash symptoms showed that silymarin supplementation can help decrease the frequency and severity of hot flashes significantly. Preclinical research shows that milk thistle supplementation may stimulate bone mineralization and potentially protect against bone loss, making it a useful therapy for postmenopausal women who are at higher risk of bone loss issues. May Boost Breast Milk Production in Lactating Mothers Milk thistle may boost levels of the milk-producing hormone prolactin. In a randomized controlled study involving more than 400 lactating mothers, the mothers taking silymarin for roughly two months produced 64% more milk than those taking a placebo. As the only existing study, more research is needed before supplementation can be recommended for lactating women. May Help with Seasonal Allergies A randomized clinical trial showed that individuals with allergies affecting the nasal passages who took silymarin along with other allergy medication improved significantly. As oxidative stress plays a role in the development of allergies affecting the nasal passages, silymarin’s antioxidant power is believed to be behind the results. Supplementing With Milk Thistle If you’re interested in taking milk thistle, talk to your medical doctor first. Milk thistle has been shown to be very safe, but it may interact with certain medications. In some cases, it may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. In rare instances, it may cause serious allergic reactions. Milk thistle is available as capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and tea. 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. References: Ferenci, P., Dragosics, B., Dittrich, H., Frank, H., Benda, L., Lochs, H., Meryn, S., Base, W., & Schneider, B. (1989). Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Journal of Hepatology, 9(1), 105–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-8278(89)90083-4 Cacciapuoti, F., Scognamiglio, A., Palumbo, R., Forte, R., & Cacciapuoti, F. (2013). Silymarin in non alcoholic fatty liver disease. World Journal of Hepatology, 5(3), 109–113. https://doi.org/10.4254/wjh.v5.i3.109
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This Is How Magnesium Can Improve the Quality of Your Sleep
Sleep is essential to your overall health and ability to function in life. But are you getting enough sleep? If not, it’s time to focus on sleep as if it’s one of the most important things in your life…because it is! If you aren’t getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, you’re setting yourself up for a host of physical and mental issues. When you fall behind on sleep, blood flow to your brain decreases and you are much more likely to make poor decisions. If you’re looking for natural ways to improve the quality of your sleep, implementing these 3 tips can help you achieve peaceful sleep… 3 Natural Ways to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep 1. Create a Restful Environment Since environment can dramatically affect the quality of your sleep, make sure your bedroom is comfortable – not too hot or cold. Also, keep your room as dark as possible while sleeping. Use soothing nature sounds, soft music or even a fan to induce a relaxing mood that can ease you into a restful sleep. 2. Regular Sleep Habits Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, even on weekends. Instead of taking a nap to make up for lost sleep, power through until bedtime to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Taking naps when you feel sleepy during the day can disrupt your nighttime sleep cycle. 3. Get Natural Sleep Support Getting high-quality sleep is essential to wellness. If you have healthy habits, such as avoiding caffeine later in the day and getting regular exercise, but still have problems falling asleep, a scientifically formulated and safe dietary supplement that promotes restful sleep may give you the relief you need. If you don’t get quality sleep, consider taking a well-designed sleep supplement. One nutrient that promotes quality sleep and supports our internal clocks is magnesium. Magnesium Essentials Magnesium is a mineral nutrient crucial for our health and survival. Magnesium is necessary for all our cells to make and use energy. It maintains our DNA and gene structure and is required for more than 300 enzyme reactions in the body. It’s vital for brain activity¹ and heartbeat. This powerful nutrient is also essential for healthy blood sugar, blood pressure levels, blood flow and inflammatory response. Magnesium is required to balance calcium for healthy brain electrical activity and for the brain’s trillions of connections to manage information. Magnesium is also required for our muscles to maintain healthy tone: heart muscle, voluntary muscles (legs, arms, back, facial) and involuntary muscles (digestive system, other internal organs). Having sufficient magnesium helps renew and manage all these muscles during sleep. Overall, this key mineral nutrient helps promote a healthier well-being. Yet surveys consistently find that nearly half of all Americans aren’t getting sufficient amounts of magnesium from their foods.² Magnesium Chewables Taking BrainMD’s Magnesium Chewables assist the brain and body in numerous ways. In addition to being crucial for memory, learning and overall mental alertness, magnesium promotes calmness under stress and encourages a relaxed state of mind, positive attitude, and quality sleep.* 3 Key Ingredients of Magnesium Chewables BrainMD’s Magnesium Chewables contain three magnesium compounds that are well absorbed and utilized by the body.* All three – magnesium citrate, magnesium malate, and magnesium glycinate – provide magnesium atoms in the positively charged ionic form.* Unlike the magnesium oxide in cheap supplements, this is pre-activated magnesium ready for use by the brain and other organs.* All three of these magnesium compounds are well tolerated, safe to take, and suitable for use by people of all ages.* The glycinate form is likely absorbed by a unique process helpful for users with digestive limitations.* The citrate and malate not only provide pre-activated magnesium, but are also available to our mitochondria for making precious life energy.* These tablets are free of magnesium oxide, dairy, glutens, corn, egg, yeast, or other allergens, with no artificial colorings or flavorings. They’re also vegan. We recommend chewing one tablet at a time, then washing it down with water. Sweating during workouts and sports activities depletes magnesium, so chewing one or two tablets afterwards is recommended. Muscle cramping or spasms in the head or limbs may be eased by this safe, high-dose magnesium supplement.* Magnesium Chewables FAQ [wc_box color="inverse" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] How many Magnesium Chewables should I take daily? Just one tablet contributes more than one-third of your minimum total daily requirement.* We recommend a maximum of 4 tabs per day which, in total, is 600 mg of magnesium. Higher intakes may be helpful under the guidance of a nutritionally informed physician. I’m taking several medications. Should I be taking this supplement? Yes. Magnesium is a mineral absolutely crucial for your health and cannot be replaced by a medication.* Medications such as antacids and antibiotics can deplete magnesium and increase the body’s need for supplementing it in the diet.* Are Magnesium Chewables safe to take during pregnancy? Yes. Sufficient daily magnesium intake is crucial to a healthy pregnancy and during the lactation period.* Which other products would make this supplement work even better? Along with a healthy diet, taking BrainMD’s super-multiple NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin and our Omega-3 Power with its ultra-pure, highly concentrated EPA+DHA fish oil will help ensure your brain and other organs have the vitamins and minerals they need to fully utilize magnesium.* [/wc_box] What Others Are Saying Great Taste “They taste just like an orange sweet tart.” -Jen Better Sleep “Every product from BrainMD has worked for me and Chewable Magnesium is no exception. I am sleeping better at night. I am more focused with my memory improving every day. I am overall satisfied with the Magnesium Chewables and plan to keep them in my daily regimen of supplements for a healthier me!” -Lydia Choose These Chews Magnesium is a natural supplement that can help improve the quality of your sleep.* Try Magnesium Chewables today for sweet dreams tonight!* At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Magnesium Chewables and 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. References: 1. Chen, F., Wang, J., Cheng, Y., Li, R., Wang, Y., Chen, Y., Scott, T., & Tucker, K. L. (2024). Magnesium and cognitive health in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Advances in Nutrition, 15(8), 100272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100272 2. Rosanoff, A., Weaver, C. M., & Rude, R. K. (2012). Suboptimal magnesium status in the United States: Are the health consequences underestimated? Nutrition Reviews, 70(3), 153-164. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00465.x
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These Are Some of The Best Ways to Boost Memory
Though no one knows exactly how memory works, it is affected by brain health. Sadly, it’s all too obvious when someone’s memory isn’t working well or is failing. Memory decline can be related to a variety of issues, such as: Poor lifestyle Stress Poor circulation Lack of exercise Overweight or obesity Poor Nutrition Lack of sleep Head injuries Heredity (very rarely) The good news is that it’s possible to avoid or alleviate these issues. No matter how you’ve treated your brain in the past, you can improve your memory over time by following an improvement plan. If you’ve been struggling with cognitive decline, brain fog, or poor recall, here are 7 ways to naturally boost memory and overall brain functioning… 7 Ways to Restore Brain Health & Boost Memory 1. Be Mindful One of the best ways to achieve a state of calm is with mindfulness. Yoga, tai chi, and other mindfulness exercises can help reduce anxious and depressive thoughts and increase focus. Although these exercises don’t burn calories like aerobic activities do, well-designed human studies show they can help improve your brain.¹ 2. New Learning Set aside some time every day for new learning. Learn a new language, take a mentally stimulating class, try square-dancing, chess, painting or learn how to play a musical instrument. When the brain stops learning it starts dying, so be intentional at learning new things. 3. Coordination Activities Doing coordination activities – like dancing, tennis, or table tennis – boosts activity in the cerebellum. While the cerebellum is only 10 percent of the brain’s volume, it contains about 50 percent of the brain’s neurons and is involved with both physical and thought coordination. Try to work a coordination activity into your daily routine. 4. High-quality Nutrition When it comes to getting healthy, losing weight, or preventing illness, the quality of your food matters significantly more than the quantity of it. Compare a 500-calorie cinnamon roll to a 500-calorie plate of salmon, spinach, red bell peppers, blueberries, and walnuts. One will flood your body with sugars that drain your energy and damage your tissues; the other provides nutrients that can help supercharge your brain and decrease your risk of premature brain decline. Make sure to eat foods packed with the nutrients your body needs and can effectively digest and absorb. One of the best ways to boost memory naturally is to be serious about high-quality nutrition. 5. Stay Hydrated Since your brain is mostly composed of water, avoid anything that dehydrates it – such as drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. Keeping your brain hydrated helps optimize its potential in tasks that require attention, focus, immediate memory skills, physical precision, and performance at work or in school. 6. Cross-train at Work If your work isn’t as challenging as it once was, try to take on new job responsibilities. Since you’ll be developing new skills and better brain function, advanced training benefits both you and the business. Plus, proposing such cross-training will demonstrate your assertiveness and flexibility, which may lead to a promotion and/or increased pay in the future. 7. Nutritional Support One of the best ways to boost memory is with brain directed supplements. At the foundation of every supplement regimen should be ultra-pure, clinically proven vitamins and nutrients that are essential for your health and can help improve energy, focus and memory. At BrainMD, we’re proud to recommend… Bright Minds Memory Bundle Support your brain and body with this delicious, sugar-free drink mix and pleasantly flavored, high-potency omega-3 capsules.* The Bright Minds Memory Bundle includes Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin plus 2 bottles of Omega-3 Power. Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin was scientifically formulated to support memory and the brain’s higher functions – such as attention, mood, judgment and behavior – without the hassle of having to swallow handfuls of capsules or tablets each day.* It includes all the essential and conditionally essential nutrients from NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin along with other efficient and well-tolerated nutrients that can help boost memory function.* We blended all these ingredients into a citrus-flavored drink mix. Simply add the powder to water, juice, or a fruit smoothie and mix. What makes this memory supplement special isn’t just the way you take it. We selected an array of nutrients proven to be effective for brain health, including: plant nutraceuticals, standardized herbal concentrates, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other ingredients that help enhance memory for names, faces, words, numbers, recent events, and cherished life experiences.* Omega-3 Power The omega-3 fatty acids in Omega-3 Power are critical to building healthy cell membranes, which are crucial for all our cells to work.* Membranes, and the omega-3 fatty acids they contain, are essential for our brain cells to make the trillions of connections that enable peak cognitive, mood, and behavioral performance.* Surveys indicate most Americans are deficient in omega-3s,² getting barely a third of the daily amounts they likely need for optimum brain and body health.* Each serving of Omega-3 Power provides 1,600 mg of EPA, DHA, and other omega-3s from ultra-purified, high-quality fish oil – roughly 5 times what you’d find in conventional brands and big box stores!* Sourced from anchovies, a fish species that are pelagic (mid-ocean, not bottom-feeding), and short-lived (which accumulate less toxins) fish species, the fish oil in Omega-3 Power undergoes the most advanced purification process in the supplement industry.* To ensure purity, Omega-3 Power is tested by independent labs to ensure lack of rancidity and to exclude 250 potential environmental contaminants, including mercury, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), dioxins, furans, and a diverse range of other organic pollutants.* Omega-3 Power complements the Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin to ensure your brain cells are adequately supplied with the biochemical fundamentals they need for growth, maintenance, repair, and for creating and accessing memories.* Bundle Up! The Bright Minds Memory Bundle not only makes your monthly supplement order easy and convenient, it saves you $30 over purchasing them separately. That’s like getting one bottle of Omega-3 Power for free! By ordering these powerful products together, you can save a bundle. BrainMD is committed to promoting, optimizing, and supporting brain health naturally. Your memory is what allows you to revisit and treasure the most special moments in your life. Make sure to support it with the finest herbals and nutrients. Try the Bright Minds Memory Bundle today! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about the Bright Minds Memory Bundle and 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. References: 1. Yue, W. L., Ng, K. K., Koh, A. J., Perini, F., Doshi, K., Zhou, J. H., & Lim, J. (2023). Mindfulness-based therapy improves brain functional network reconfiguration efficiency. Translational Psychiatry, 13(1), 345. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-023-02642-9 2. Papanikolaou, Y., Brooks, J., Reider, C., & Fulgoni, V. L. III. (2014). U.S. adults are not meeting recommended levels for fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake: Results of an analysis using observational data from NHANES 2003–2008. Nutrients, 13(31). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-31
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Best Multivitamins for Both Men and Women: What You Need to Know
Vitamins and minerals are essential for our survival. Our foods provide the energy we need to power our brain and body. But to unlock this energy, we need the essential nutrients that power our enzyme systems. They should be coming from our foods, but ongoing population surveys clearly indicate the standard American diet is failing to do this job. Based on large surveys of Americans’ dietary patterns, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently reports insufficient average intakes of various essential nutrients: the vitamins A, B6, C, D,¹ E, K, and folate; the minerals magnesium, and zinc; and omega-3 EPA+DHA. Nutritionists advise taking dietary supplements to ensure getting enough of these nutrients and to help close the nutrition gap. The Best Natural Multivitamins for Men and Women At BrainMD, we believe that the best way to attain and maintain peak performance, both physically and mentally, is the natural way. We recommend optimizing your diet and supporting your nutrition with supplements, first and foremost before putting medications or other harmful substances into your body. Our vitamins and supplements are ultra-pure, clinical strength, and brain directed based on the highest quality scientific research. The ingredients in our supplements come from the purest sources, have undergone rigorous clinical testing, and have been formulated for maximum absorption and utilization. Our goal is to give you the nutrients you need to handle life’s stresses with more composure. If you want to naturally improve your athletic, academic, or work performance, or just want more energy to get through the day, BrainMD is proud to offer potent, scientifically formulated multivitamins for men and women. NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin The body can’t work optimally until it’s fully supplied with essential nutrients. The cornerstone of any nutritional regimen is a high-quality multiple vitamin-mineral supplement. NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin combines more than 50 vitamins, essential minerals, conditionally essential nutrients, and plant extracts (along with digestive enzymes) in their most active forms to provide whole mind-body nutrition.* It contains 3 of Dr. Daniel Amen’s proprietary nutrient blends: The Brain Boosting Blend of clinically researched, brain-healthy nutrients* The Fruit and Vegetable Blend with antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetable powders (no sugar added)* The Digestive Enzyme Blend to support the body’s digestive processes* NeuroVite Plus delivers vibrant health and wellness in 5 major ways: Nourishes your body’s cells, tissues, and organs – NeuroVite’s wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients provide your cells with the key nutrients they need* Promotes high-level brain functioning – NeuroVite’s uniquely diverse array of nutrients help protect, energize, and renew your intensely active brain cells* Supports the health of all the body’s major organ systems – PS (phosphatidylserine) for the brain, lutein and zeaxanthin for the eyes (and brain), resveratrol and hesperidin for the heart and circulation, and vitamin A for the immune system* Protects against free radical damage – with an array of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, d-alpha vitamin E, mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols (7 other natural vitamin Es), CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, and the minerals zinc, selenium, and manganese* Easily absorbed and tolerated – due to the careful selection of its ingredients based on human clinical studies of absorption and safety* Free of common allergens or other unhealthy ingredients – contains no sugar, gluten, dairy, corn, nuts, eggs, or artificial colors or flavors* NeuroVite Plus was formulated to feed our trillions of cells with the vitamins, minerals, and conditionally essential nutrients they need to keep the body alive.* Its many additional ingredients further contribute to optimizing energy generation and utilization, maintenance, and repair of the brain and entire body.* The current research on brain and body nutrition demonstrates that everyone can benefit from taking a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement that’s naturally derived, science-based, and made with integrity.* For all the above, try NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin. For women, we offer a premier prenatal supplement that’s safe to take before, during, and after pregnancy… Smart Prenatal The ingredients in BrainMD’s Smart Prenatal represent the most advanced scientific research on the nutritional requirements of mother and baby during pregnancy and after birth.* This high-quality formula is for mothers who want to make certain their nutrition supports their baby’s developing brain, eyes, heart, and other organs.* We also carefully selected the ingredients in this formula for their superior safety of use, not only during the pregnancy period but postpartum as well, to promote the adequate nutrient content of breast milk during the lactation period.* Smart Prenatal includes vitamins in their most active forms, including folate (as methylfolate), which is better utilized by mother and baby than the synthetic folic acid.*² This formula also includes the methylcobalamin form of vitamin B12, which is essential for methylfolate to work at its best.* Most cheap prenatal formulas contain B12 as cyanocobalamin, which contains cyanide that is a threat to the well-being of mother and child.* Smart Prenatal contains a total of 28 crucial ingredients, including 9 essential minerals and conditionally-essential nutrients, the vitamin-like nutrient choline, CoQ10, boron, and lutein and zeaxanthin which are now known to be crucial for healthy eye development and brain function.* The vitamins include all the Bs, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E (all 8 natural forms), and vitamin K2 (as MK-7, the most active from).* The minerals include magnesium, calcium, iodine, zinc, selenium, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and potassium.* Smart Prenatal provides all these at levels that help ensure a healthy pregnancy.* Smart Prenatal uses only the purest available ingredients – those best proven for safe and effective utilization.* The formula is packed with nutrients that support, promote, and enhance healthy brain and body development during pregnancy and breastfeeding.* And it doesn’t have any herbs or other ingredients that are questionable for the vulnerable developing baby.* Better nourished mothers have healthier babies with well-developed brains.* BrainMD conducted extensive research to develop a combination of nutrients that are essential for you and your baby’s health while being safe and extremely well-tolerated.* Smart Prenatal is free of dairy, gluten, sugar, corn, eggs, nuts, and any artificial colors or flavors. Try These Multivitamins for Men and Women If you aren’t currently taking a multivitamin, now’s the perfect time to start! To maintain an active lifestyle, you need to ensure your stores of vitamins and minerals aren’t being depleted. These 2 broad-spectrum multivitamins for men and women can provide the energy and nutritional support you need to do the things you love.* Try them today! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin, Smart Prenatal, and our full list of 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. References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 1). Healthy eating tips. CDC twenty four seven. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/healthy-eating-tips Ismail, S., Eljazzar, S., & Ganji, V. (2023). Intended and unintended benefits of folic acid fortification—A narrative review. Foods, 12(8), 1612. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081612
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Here Are 3 of the Top Reasons to Take Liquid Vitamin C
Do you take a vitamin C supplement every day? If not, here’s why you should… Importance of Vitamin C Vitamin C is essential for human life. The body needs it but can’t make it, so we must get it from our diet. However, U.S. Government surveys indicate a substantial percentage of Americans aren’t getting adequate amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C is the best-studied and understood antioxidant: a substance that readily donates electrons to neutralize potentially damaging oxidative free radicals. When our cells use oxygen to make energy, they create free radicals, which can destroy DNA, proteins, and other key cell components. As one of our major natural antioxidant protectors,¹ vitamin C helps to defend against free radicals and the many toxins that can enter the body via the air, water, or foods. As an essential vitamin, C is involved in immune support, collagen production, and plays a key role in brain health. For these, and many other reasons, it’s important to take a vitamin C supplement every day. Vitamin C Deficiency In centuries past, sailors on long voyages could become malnourished and depleted in numerous essential vitamins and minerals. Many would develop scurvy, a life-threatening vitamin C deficiency. Did you know that vitamin C deficiency is also a problem for many people today? It’s almost unthinkable that in the land of orange juice and SunnyD, many Americans are deficient² in this essential vitamin. Truth is, these types of beverages often are loaded with sugar (which blocks vitamin C absorption), and many have less vitamin C than you think. Tablet or chewable supplements also can contain sugar, and many provide minimal or no vitamin C benefit to the consumer. So, how can you know if you’re getting a quality vitamin C product? The Problem with Many Vitamin C Supplements Sadly, when it comes to vitamin C supplements, many fail to provide what they promise. Some have inferior ingredients. Others are poorly absorbed. Still others contain lower amounts of the vitamin than what’s recommended for daily intake. Also, most vitamin C supplements contain ascorbic acid, a water-soluble form of vitamin C that exits the body quickly (yellow urine may be an indication of this). At lower doses (30-180 mg a day), 70% to 90% of ascorbic acid³ is absorbed. But at higher doses (1,000 mg+ a day), absorption drops to less than 50%. This makes it difficult to get the necessary amount of this vital vitamin every day. Since absorption is such a major consideration when taking vitamin C, many have looked for alternatives to taking vitamin C tablets or capsules. One delivery method that seems to have better absorption of vitamin C is the liposomal, or liquid, form of the vitamin. 3 Benefits of Liquid Vitamin C Here are 3 of the top benefits of taking liposomal vitamin C. Easily Absorbed Liposomal vitamin C is enclosed in bubbles called liposomes, which protect it from degradation by stomach acid. Liposomes, tiny fats called phospholipids, are similar to cell membranes. These liposomes readily enter your cells, which can increase the amount of C you absorb.* Gentle on the Stomach Compared to other forms of high-dose vitamin C, liposomal vitamin C is less likely to cause upset stomach.* Clinically Researched Research has found that liposomal vitamin C achieves higher levels of vitamin C in the blood and white blood cells than ascorbic acid.* Recommended Daily C Recently the recommended Daily Value for intake of vitamin C was raised to 90 mg per day,⁴ and sugary drinks or foods are unlikely to provide that much functional vitamin C. Unless you have a well-balanced diet rich in citrus fruits you may be at risk of not obtaining sufficient vitamin C. So, how can you ensure that you’re getting enough of this essential nutrient. To protect against vitamin C deficiency, and to fuel better brain health, neurotransmitter production, and antioxidant defense, try BrainMD’s Neuro-C Liposomal Vitamin C. BrainMD’s Neuro-C Liposomal Vitamin C This breakthrough nutraceutical formula was scientifically designed to promote advanced brain and immune defense.* A versatile and powerful nutrient, vitamin C is crucial for immunity, circulation, skin quality, peak mental performance, and overall well-being.* Neuro-C Liposomal Vitamin C delivers vitamin C more efficiently than tablets, capsules, or powders.* This liquid vitamin C contains a special, lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that stays in the body longer than ascorbic acid, so it’s well-absorbed at higher doses.* 6 Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements 1. Crucial for the Brain Several important human enzymes need vitamin C to function. This is most evident in the brain, where C is more highly concentrated than in any other organ. Our nerve cells need C to make the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, along with carnitine, creatine, tyrosine, and the myelin that electrically insulates the nerve cells. Vitamin C is vital for enzymes that make collagen, which is essential for strengthening the walls of the brain’s blood vessels. 2. The Collagen Connection Collagen is a family of large proteins that provide strength to the body’s connective tissues. Collagen is a major structural component of this connective tissue “glue” that holds our cells in their assigned locations within our tissues and organs. The body needs vitamin C to make collagen for healthy circulation, skin, joints, bone and other hard tissues, and all the body’s organs. 3. C is for Circulation The body’s miles of blood vessels need vitamin C to maintain the collagen that builds the structure of their walls. Sufficient availability of C helps the blood vessels maintain their strength and functional flexibility. The circulating blood relies on vitamin C for its antioxidant, anti-free radical capacity. Immune cells that circulate with the blood are particularly reliant on C. 4. Added Immune Protection Much of our immune system consists of mobile single cells that circulate with the blood or patrol our tissues looking for hostile invaders. These cells need high levels of vitamin C to power their movements, but without enough C, they may be unable to perform their task. Also, many of the circulating immune cells produce highly toxic free radicals to destroy bacteria, viruses, or other harmful agents and need internal C to protect them against self-destruction. The solid tissues of the immune system also need C for optimal function. 5. Adrenal Gland Support The adrenals are small glands positioned like caps on each of our kidneys and are loaded with vitamin C. They make much of the body’s necessary steroid hormones, as well as hormones important for managing stress, and both these functions depend on enzymes that require vitamin C. By supporting the adrenals’ key life-sustaining functions, vitamin C is a major asset against stress. 6. Increasing Blood Vitamin C with Liposomes Liposomes are tiny molecular spheres with hollow interiors, and outer shells made of phospholipids like those that make up our cell membranes. The hollow interior can be loaded with a substance that isn’t normally well absorbed – in this case, vitamin C – then made into a dietary supplement ingredient. When Neuro-C is taken by mouth, its liposomes help protect their loads of vitamin C molecules from being broken down by the acidity of the stomach.* After the liposomes reach the intestine, their shells are dissolved by digestive enzymes. This releases the vitamin C molecules to be absorbed across the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. The specific liposomes used in BrainMD’s Neuro-C were shown to be an effective molecular vehicle for increasing vitamin C levels in the blood.* Neuro-C Vitamin C FAQ [wc_box color="inverse" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] How do I take Neuro-C? We recommend adults take 1 tablespoon (15 ml) with food, one to three times a day, or more as desired. Can children take Neuro-C? Yes. Children ages 4 and up can take 1 tablespoon (15 ml) with food, one to three times a day or more under parental supervision. Does this supplement contain allergens? It is free from dairy, glutens, corn, eggs, yeast, and artificial flavorings or colorings. Is Neuro-C suitable for vegans? Yes. BrainMD’s Neuro-C is suitable for vegans, and for anyone seeking to improve their mental performance, immunity, and overall well-being.* Is it chalky or unpleasant tasting? No. Neuro-C is a liquid and doesn’t have the powdery or tart taste of many vitamin C tablets or chewables. It has a delicious citrus vanilla flavor. [/wc_box] Here’s What Others Are Saying About Neuro-C: “This is like drinking a creamscile! I love it.” -Barbara L. “I take it daily. Love the taste and feeling like I have more energy and skin is more vibrant and youthful.” -Michelle M. "If you want to get more vitamin C to boost your immunity but you’re struggling with pill fatigue, Neuro-C is for you. It’s a liquid that’s more powerful than a capsule. And it tastes great—like sunshine in a bottle.” -Daniel G. Amen, MD C the Difference Getting adequate amounts of vitamin C every day is a great way to improve overall brain and body health.* Neuro-C Liposomal Vitamin C supplies 1,000 mg of vitamin C in a form that’s conveniently drinkable, highly absorbable, and easy on the stomach.* Support your immune system, circulation, adrenal glands, collagen production, and total well-being with BrainMD’s Neuro-C Liposomal Vitamin C.* Try Neuro-C Liposomal Vitamin C today! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Neuro-C Liposomal Vitamin C and 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. References: 1. Frei, B., England, L., & Ames, B. N. (1989). Ascorbate is an outstanding antioxidant in human blood plasma. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 86(16), 6377–6381. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.86.16.6377 2. Reider, C. A., Chung, R.-Y., Devarshi, P. P., Grant, R. W., & Mitmesser, S. H. (2020). Inadequacy of immune health nutrients: Intakes in US adults, the 2005–2016 NHANES. Nutrients, 12(6), 1735. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061735 3. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Vitamin C - Health professional. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/ 4. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Daily value on the nutrition and supplement facts labels. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved January 9, 2025, from https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/daily-value-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels
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What Are Some of the Best Ways to Manage Stress and Anxiousness?
Occasional stress and anxiousness are a normal part of life. But sometimes unexpected circumstances arise that prove to be anything but normal. During periods of uncertainty, it’s easy to give in to fear and worry. When people have too much stress in their life, they often turn to unhealthy ways of dealing with it to feel better. However, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long-term. So, what positive coping strategies can you adopt during seasons of stress? Let’s take a look at some practical “dos” and “don’ts” for how to respond to adverse or stressful situations. Dos & Don’ts of Managing Stress [wc_box color="inverse" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] Don’t Increase Alcohol Intake While drinking to deal with stress is more common in men than in women, the truth is, it isn’t healthy for anyone. Research shows that alcohol use may compound the effects of stress.¹ The numerous scientific studies on alcohol indicate there is no minimum intake that is safe or beneficial to our health. Alcohol use can change the functioning of the brain’s stress response system and impair your ability to cope with stress. In the long run, excessive alcohol consumption may make your body more susceptible to the effects of stress. Alcohol is a toxin, and this is just one of the many ways alcohol use negatively affects the brain and body. Do Drink More Water Since your brain is mostly water, drinking plenty of water can help the brain and body in numerous ways, including: Helping prevent fatigue Sustaining attention and mental performance Helping to balance mood and emotions Maintaining short-term memory function Supporting healthy blood volume to deliver oxygen to the brain Helping prevent and relieve minor headaches Supporting brain mineral balance to promote coping with stress Don’t Binge-Watch TV While staying informed is important, too much news can produce feelings of anxiousness. Switching away from the news might not yield a more favorable result since the suspenseful, frightening, or violent scenarios often featured in fictional entertainment can raise stress levels without you even realizing it. If that wasn’t bad enough, research has shown that watching TV to escape stress can make you feel guilty because you aren’t being productive, which may make it that much harder for you to relax. Do Get Consistent Physical Activity Exercise is a great way to increase your feel-good neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. It also can help raise your heart rate and lower stress hormones. Exercise equips you to better handle stress and possible crises in the future because it raises beta-endorphins, the brain’s natural form of morphine. As a bonus, exercise is a well-documented way to raise the brain growth factor called BDNF,² which promotes the brain’s capacity to make new nerve cells. Don’t Eat Unhealthy Foods When you’re stressed out, you may be tempted to use food as a coping mechanism. Craving foods loaded with sugar, salt, and simple carbohydrates can make you feel worse by causing your blood sugar to spike and then crash. As difficult as it may be at first, try reaching for healthy, whole foods when you’re emotionally overwhelmed. Do Eat Brain-Boosting Foods Making healthier choices in your diet can benefit your waistline, help lift your mood, and provide a long-lasting increase in energy and focus. Your brain requires foods that are high in vitamins, essential minerals, and other nutrients to help meet its huge energy requirements throughout the day. Consider adding these good mood foods to your grocery list. [/wc_box] Due to the poor nutritional quality of the standard American diet (SAD), many people aren’t receiving proper nutrition from the foods they eat. To help fill in the nutrition gap, it’s essential to get energy-enhancing, stress-reducing nutrients. 2 of the Best Ways to Reduce Your Stress and Anxiousness Everyday Stress Relief To stay healthy in today’s fast-paced world, you need to be resilient to stress. Everyday Stress Relief helps replenish your brain and body’s stores of magnesium, a mineral crucial for practically all our life processes and which can be depleted during times of increased stress.* This science-based supplement also includes herbal extracts clinically proven to have calming and anti-stress effects, helping to ease anxiousness without causing sleepiness.* This formula helps you cope with apprehension, tension, worry, and fatigue.* It includes: Magnesium – magnesium is a major mineral important for us to make energy and keep our brain connections (“synapses”) fine-tuned so that we can stay calm, balanced and maintain a mentally focused demeanor in the face of stress.* Taurine – a nutrient classified as conditionally-essential because some people need it from their diet, taurine has versatile benefits for electrical transmission in the brain.* It also supports the adrenal glands, which are crucial for coping with stress.* Holy Basil – holy basil (Ocimum sanctum, also called Tulsi), is revered both in Europe and the East for improving adaptation to occasional anxiety, feelings of exhaustion, forgetfulness and other problems related to stress.* L-theanine – derived from green tea, l-theanine is a unique amino acid found in clinical trials to improve mood, anxiousness, and cognition as well as the quality of sleep in people coping with stress.* Relora® – a unique mix of two herbs (Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense) that can enhance healthy management of the stress hormone cortisol while easing tension, anger, negative mood, and confusion.* This safe, non-sedating, and non-habit-forming formula combines the multiple beneficial actions of these well-studied herbs and nutrients to help your brain and body cope with stress on multiple levels.* GABA Calming Support GABA Calming Support is a unique combination of clinically proven ingredients that can help you cope with restlessness, irritability and other challenges associated with occasional anxiety.* This formula can help calm your racing thoughts to help prepare you for sleep; it doesn’t cause drowsiness, so it’s safe to take during the day.* It includes: GABA – the brain’s main calming neurotransmitter, GABA supports the body’s natural mechanisms for quieting the mind and gradually falling asleep.* L-Theanine – this unique amino acid has also been found to have calming and relaxing effects while preserving mental sharpness.* Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – a member of the mint family that has been used as a medicinal herb for over 2000 years, lemon balm likely increases GABA’s calming activity in the brain.* Magnesium – magnesium has calming and relaxing effects and promotes overall sleep quality.* Vitamin B6 – also known as pyridoxine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, vitamin B6 is essential for over 100 enzyme reactions.* The brain’s circuits need adequate vitamin B6 to produce various neurotransmitters, including GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, all of which help promote calm and relaxation while helping you stay in a good mood.* GABA Calming Support can help facilitate the production of calming brain waves, correct stress-causing nutritional deficiencies, and promote relaxation.* You’ll find Everyday Stress Relief and GABA Calming Support, along with other natural and effective products, in our Stress & Relaxation category. Try them both today! 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. References: 1. Anthenelli, R. M. (2012). Overview: Stress and alcohol use disorders revisited. Alcohol Research, 34(4), 386–390. PMID: 23584104 2. Sleiman, S. F., Henry, J., Al-Haddad, R., El Hayek, L., Abou Haidar, E., Stringer, T., Ulja, D., Karuppagounder, S. S., Holson, E. B., Ratan, R. R., Ninan, I., & Chao, M. V. (2016). Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate. eLife, 5, e15092. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15092
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This Is Why You Should Boost Your Memory with Curcumin!
Though often used interchangeably, the words turmeric and curcumin aren’t synonymous. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between turmeric and curcumin, and their important connection. Is There A Difference Between Turmeric & Curcumin? What is Turmeric? Turmeric is a plant that’s been used for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. Turmeric originates from India and comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. This tropical plant is a member of the ginger family. From the outside, the turmeric root looks a lot like ginger. But when you break it in half, turmeric’s interior is yellow-orange, while ginger’s is green. Due to its long and cosmopolitan history as a spice, turmeric is found in many different foods. The turmeric root is dried, ground into powder, and added as a major constituent of yellow curry sauces. Hundreds of millions of people in other countries include turmeric in their daily diet. Turmeric’s health benefits are numerous. It contains polyphenol substances called curcuminoids, and the most active of these is called curcumin. What is Curcumin? Curcumin is now an umbrella name for the three main active curcuminoids of turmeric known to improve health: curcumin, demethoxy-curcumin and bis-demethoxycurcumin. Each brand of curcumin concentrate prepared from the turmeric root has a different ratio of these three curcuminoids. Modern science has extensively researched the curcumin complex of curcuminoids and established their powerful antioxidant and inflammatory response benefits. Curcumin brands have a myriad of clinically proven actions, including benefits to memory and mood. In addition to supporting the brain, curcumin has been shown to benefit the eyes, heart and circulation, joints, intestinal tract, skin, prostate, muscles, nerves, and numerous other human tissues. The key to getting the maximum benefit from a curcumin supplement is to ensure that it’s adequately absorbed once you take it. The Bad News About Curcumin Supplements Many curcumin supplements have a fatal flaw: they are poorly absorbed when taken by mouth. In fact, turmeric root powder and other conventional curcumin powders and supplements can be so poorly absorbed that only tiny amounts of curcumin are actually found in the bloodstream – which translates to no appreciable benefit to the brain and body. Additionally, there’s very little consistency with respect to quality control among curcumin supplements. Research conducted by ConsumerLab.com¹ found that 20% of the turmeric and curcumin supplements they selected for review contained only half of the advertised amount of the compounds. Filling the need for an ultra-pure, high quality curcumin supplement, BrainMD is proud to introduce Brain Curcumins.* Brain Curcumins BrainMD’s Brain Curcumins supports working memory, calmness, and satisfaction in coping with mental strain.* It provides the three major curcumins in Longvida® Optimized Curcumin Extract. Longvida is a breakthrough formula that helps fight physical fatigue and maintain a healthy mood.* It’s also clinically confirmed to have high absorption in humans along with proven brain benefits.* Benefits of Brain Curcumins Extremely Well Absorbed The three curcumins from the turmeric root have potent benefits in experimental systems, but are poorly absorbed when taken by mouth, which greatly limits their effectiveness in the human body.* Longvida is excellently absorbed and delivers curcumins to the brain.* Promotes Healthy Mood Resilience When Under Stress A double-blind clinical trial revealed many important brain benefits of Longvida.² Healthy volunteers with age-related memory difficulties had to take a challenging computerized test on Day 1 then again on Day 28. On Day 1, right after taking the test, compared to those on the placebo, those on Longvida showed improved alertness and better working memory (roughly equivalent to recalling information while distracted). When tested again on Day 28, the volunteers on Longvida displayed better calmness and contentedness (satisfaction) after the mental strain of test, versus those on placebo. The curcumin group also had lower total and LDL cholesterol on Day 28, compared to the placebo group. Supports Working Memory Under Mental Strain The repeat of the cognitive assessment test at 28 days also found the curcumin group statistically more improved than the placebo group on conservation of working memory. This is related to alertness and to the brain’s short-term information capacity to facilitate doing a task. Longvida may help conserve this faculty, which tends to decline with age. Lessens Physical Fatigue Associated with Mental Strain As the trial began, taking the test brought on physical fatigue similarly in both groups. On the repeat test, after the trial ended, the curcumin group reported less fatigue than before, to a statistically superior extent compared to the placebo group. Boost Your Memory with Curcumin In the clinical trial, some subjects who received Longvida curcumin showed better sustained attention and working memory (such as multitasking) just 1 hour after taking it. Brain Curcumins supplies 25% more Longvida per capsule (500 mg) than was used in the trial (400 mg), for additional benefit to mind and body.* Don’t wait to boost your memory with curcumin.* Try Brain Curcumins today! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Brain Curcumins and 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. References: 1. ConsumerLab.com. (2011, February 16). Some turmeric and curcumin supplements fail quality review -- ConsumerLab.com finds 20% of turmeric supplements selected for review deliver less than 15% of promised compounds. ConsumerLab.com. https://www.consumerlab.com/news/Some-turmeric-and-curcumin-supplements-fail-quality-review---ConsumerLabcom-finds-20-of-turmeric-supplements-selected-for-review-deliver-less-than-15-of-promised-compounds/2/ 2. Cox, K. H. M., White, D. J., Pipingas, A., Poorun, K., & Scholey, A. (2020). Further evidence of benefits to mood and working memory from lipidated curcumin in healthy older people: A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, partial replication study. Nutrients, 12(6), 1678. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061678
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