
Have you ever walked into a room only to forget exactly why, or you’ve absentmindedly lost your car keys? While it may be the result of a poor night’s sleep the night before, it could also be a sign of mild cognitive impairment, especially in older adults. This article covers the top 3 brain health supplements to help you maintain your cognitive abilities over the long term.
Why is brain health important?
Quality of life depends on good cellular health, and good cellular health depends on mitochondrial function. While other factors can influence the health of your brain, mitochondrial function is vital for safeguarding brain cells from damage that can impair cognitive function. Supplying your body with the right nutrients is your first line of defense against cognitive decline and helps maintain healthy brain function.
How does nutrition affect brain health?
The brain relies on a steady supply of glucose to function properly, yet excessive glucose intake can disrupt metabolic balance and contribute to neuroinflammation. When metabolism is in a healthy balance, cells can more efficiently detox and digest; this balance helps reduce inflammation throughout the brain and body. Research shows that dietary supplements may help improve cognitive function and slow the onset of cognitive decline if you have a deficiency.
Nutrients to support brain health
While there is no cure for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, a healthy diet may help slow memory loss and support overall well-being. A healthy lifestyle includes lots of leafy greens and whole grains for mental clarity and mental health.
The best brain supplements also include other nutrients that may help maintain healthy cognitive performance, such as folate, ginkgo biloba, lion’s mane mushrooms, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements, vitamin B, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and magnesium. Discuss your brain health plan with your dietician or healthcare provider to see what’s right for you.
Studies indicate the importance of B vitamins when it comes to maintaining healthy neurons and preserving brain health. B vitamins are involved in facilitating complex reactions of metabolism, and ultimately get converted into other molecules that help us extract energy from our food.
Some of these metabolites have been touted as novel ingredients for use in dietary supplements as a more efficient way to enhance anti-aging efforts. For instance, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and spermidine stand out for their potential in augmenting the progression of age-related neurodegenerative disease.
What is NAD?
NAD, sometimes referred to as NAD+ or NADH, is a critical coenzyme and antioxidant that is necessary to fuel energy metabolism and support a healthy brain. This coenzyme is produced abundantly throughout youth, and naturally declines with age. Clinical research suggests there is a correlation between NAD levels and cognitive function.
You can increase your NAD levels with a balanced diet and by taking an NAD supplement. However, the bioavailability and absorption of NAD may be suboptimal when compared to nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
What is NMN?
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a derivative of vitamin B3, or niacin, that gets converted to NAD. NMN may be more efficiently absorbed by the body, offering an alternative way to support your longevity through indirectly increasing cellular NAD.
NMN supplementation can help reduce inflammation, enhance cardiovascular health, energy metabolism, and cognitive resilience. Two variations of this product are suggested in our list of the top 3 brain health supplements, both a capsule and powder formula, so you can decide what works for you.
What is Spermidine?
Spermidine is a polyamine that is derived from the amino acid ornithine. It is produced naturally in the body and also found in certain foods like wheat germ and natto. Studies show that spermidine has anti-aging properties when it comes to maintaining cellular health. By helping the body clear out and recycle unwanted cells and cellular material, spermidine can help lower inflammation so you can stay mentally sharp.
Top 3 Brain Health Supplements
If you want to improve cognitive function, consider incorporating one of the following supplements into your wellness routine.
Double Wood Supplements NAD Plus
NAD Plus by Double Wood Supplements contains 95% pure nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), offering a straightforward approach to preserving your cognitive health. Each two-capsule serving provides a robust 500 mg of NAD to support brain health.
Double Wood Supplements NMN Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) can help boost NAD+ levels to support optimal brain health, energy production, and cellular metabolism. Double Wood Supplements NMN Nicotinamide Mononucleotide features 250 mg of this incredible longevity nutrient in each two-capsule serving size.
Double Wood Supplements Sperimidine
Sperimidine is a nutraceutical on the leading edge of scientific research when it comes to anti-aging support. Double Wood Supplements Spermidine replenishes the cells with 10mg of this antioxidant per two capsule serving size, which supports healthy cell signaling and autophagy.
Conclusion
Mental acuity and executive function are critical for a healthy and happy life, and while these qualities naturally decline with age, there are things you can do to safeguard your brain health. Ensuring you get a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and amino acids can help you mitigate the onset of age-related cognitive decline.
FAQs
What are the benefits of NMN for brain health?
NMN may enhance cognitive function by increasing NAD+ levels, which support energy metabolism and neuronal health. As a derivative of niacin, NMN may be a more absorbable, effective option for increasing your NAD levels as opposed to taking NAD in supplement form.
What role does spermidine play in brain health?
Spermidine promotes autophagy which is the body’s natural process for removing unwanted cellular material. By helping to remove damaged cells from the brain and body, spermidine can help reduce inflammation and help detox the brain so you can preserve your mental acuity.
What are natural ways to improve brain health?
There are various lifestyle factors to consider when looking at alternative ways to improve your brain health. Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis is one of the strongest steps you can take towards enhancing neuroplasticity. In addition, you can limit your alcohol consumption and exposure to pesticides and chemicals that can accumulate in brain cells and impair cognitive abilities.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.