VitalNutrition

BRAIN
POWER
Our muscles aren’t the only
things that benefit from proper
exercise and supplementation.
Our brains need them, too.
Keep yours in shape.
Here’s how.
By Pete Ciccone

Now more than ever,

we live in a super high-speed society where 25
hours a day still isn’t enough. We work more, drive
more, think more but sleep and rest less. In our
high-speed lifestyle where peak performance is
critical, there are several key nutrients provided
by nature that can keep us at our best − high-
tuned, power focused and clear.
Now we’re not talking about over-stimulated, over-
caffeinated, over-adrenalized jitter products...these have
become passé and are less than health supporting anyway.
No, the new breed of power-antioxidants, neurotransmitter
support “neuroceuticals” and adaptogens, help feed and
nourish the brain, support neuro-chemistry and nerve
health, and may prevent age-related decline in mental
function.
Like Subway Cars In an Electrical
“Grand Central Station”
The human brain is a complex network of electrical
pathways, junctions and focal centers. The brain is the
control center for the entire body, overseeing and regulating
nearly all of the vital body functions. The 3 pounds or so
of grey matter contained within the cranium is an infinitely
complex network of billions of nerve cells called neurons.
Nerve impulses are transmitted electrically between
neurons and from neurons to other body cells through the
release of chemical “neurotransmitters.” Neurotransmitters
are the “chemical communicators” of the nervous system.
These chemicals relay messages back and forth within
the brain, and between the brain and the rest of the body.
By supporting optimal levels of these various chemical
messengers, we can maintain and maximize healthy brain
function. Several natural substances have been shown
to contribute to healthy brain function by supporting the
production and longevity of the various neurotransmitters.
With the passing of time, our wisdom is said to increase.
Unfortunately, as we age, our brain function does not follow
a similar course. Our society is growing old. Brain function
and health has become a major focus of concern for our
aging population. Just ask the baby boomers. Comprising
more than 25 percent of the entire U.S. population, folks
born between 1946 and 1965 have become more focused
than previous generations on their health and longevity.
Preserving the functionality of the brain is dependant on
keeping our grey matter healthy, fed and oxygenated, and
also nourishing the formation of our neurotransmitters. Just
like our skeletal muscles, a healthy brain is best maintained
through exercise and good nutrition. Use it or lose it!
Researcher and brain fitness guru, Joshua Reynolds,
author of the book “20/20 Brain Power, 20 Days to a Quicker,
Just like physical
exercise, challenging the
brain regularly will help
keep it fit and sharp.
Calmer, Sharper Mind,” suggests three interventional
strategies for preserving brain function: neuro-exercise,
proper nutrition for brain health, and the utilization of
“neuroceuticals” or supplements designed to support
cognitive health and function. It is important to address all
three components to maximize and preserve brain health.
Brain exercise can include activities as simple as regular
reading, memory challenging games, word searches or
crossword puzzles. Just like physical exercise, challenging
the brain regularly will help keep it fit and sharp.
Good nutrition for brain health follows the same rules that
keep our physical bodies fit and trim. Lean sources of protein
contribute the amino acids needed in the formation of
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many neurotransmitters. “Healthy” fats, from fish and nuts,
provide essential fatty acids that are vital to the formation
of brain cells. Maintaining a stable blood sugar level by
avoiding sweets and choosing complex carbohydrates and
fibers will not only help control your waistline, it will optimize
brain function by helping to maintain cellular energy.
Modern science and the practice of herbal medicine share
with us many substances of natural chemistry shown to
maximize brain potential. Substances such as anti-oxidants
have a protective affect on the brain and brain health, which
help to scavenge damaging free radicals. Other substances
also help increase circulation and oxygenation to the brain,
feeding and preserving the integrity of the living brain
BRAIN SUPPORT
Max Muscle Sports Nutrition has several products
containing “neuro-support” substances, including
Syner-B12 and several products containing brain-
boosting vinpocetine, resveratrol and GABA. Max
Nutraceuticals offers several specific brain power
products, such as Brain Support Soft gels, Melatonin,
Brain Power Ginkgo and Feverfew.
Brain-boosting supplements and herbs that have been
shown to support and protect our grey matter include:
Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR): A more
absorbability version of L-carnitine, ALCAR is a potent
antioxidant and also provides neurotransmitter support.
Combined with ALA, studies show that ALCAR may have
anti-aging and cognitive protecting properties.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: A brain protectant that has
been shown to guard against the effects of aging. ALA
is a powerful anti-oxidant with many additional health
benefits, including supporting blood sugar stability.
Coenzyme Q10: supports cellular energy and
scavenges free radicals in the brain. A powerful
antioxidant, CoQ10 is commonly used to promote
cellular health.
Essential Fatty Acids: contribute to the
formation of neurotransmitters. EFAs are integral to
cellular health of the brain. Essential Fatty Acids are
components of the brain cell membrane, and help form
the fatty sheath that surrounds and protects neurons.
Ginkgo Biloba: increases blood flow to the
brain, providing increased nutrient delivery; supports
neurotransmitter production. Ginkgo is used in the
treatment of many cognitive disorders associated with
aging. Check out Max Nutraceuticals Brain Power
Ginkgo.
Huperzine A: slows the breakdown of the
neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This may help improve
brain function, including memory and cognition.
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VitalNutrition
tissue. Still others support neurotransmitter formation and
sensitivity, to keep the signals flowing clearly. And several
natural compounds have been shown to support relaxation,
or improve sleep (see box below).
Preserving brain health and even improving cognitive
function is a focal point of our modern culture. With the
advancements in the health sciences and medicine, we are
living longer, more active lives over the course of a lifespan
than our counterparts from even a few generations ago. We
place high value on the quality of the life we live. Through
good nutrition, exercise and the utilization of proper
supplementation as an adjunct, we can maintain our high-
performance lifestyles – and do it with a smile. MS&F
Phosphatidylserine: a plant-derived nutrient
that has been shown to improve memory and
cognitive function. Phosphatidylserine improves the
communication between neurons for more efficient brain
function.
Resveratrol: a powerful anti-oxidant found in the
skin of red grapes, and in red wine. When taken in high
concentration, resveratrol has neuro-protective, anti-
oxidant properties.
Vinpocetine: improves blood flow to the brain and
supports cellular energy. Increases oxygen and nutrient
delivery to the brain.
Vitamins: Brain-boosting vitamins, specifically
the “B” family (as in Syner-B12) feed brain cells and
support neurotransmitter production. Vitamins C and E
act as brain protectors, anti-oxidants and free-radical
scavengers.
Several products are available to help with sleep
promotion and recovery. Sufficient rest is crucial to brain
health. Sleep helps rejuvenate brain cells and recharge
an overtaxed brain.
5-HTP: supports the formation of serotonin, the
neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.
Feverfew: Used in the treatment of migraines,
feverfew relaxes the blood vessels in the brain.
GABA: an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter
in the body, GABA is used to improve restfulness
and deep sleep. GABA may also increase mental and
physical relaxation. Supports dopamine production.
L-Theanine: promotes relaxed state, reduces stress.
Melatonin: a natural hormone produced by the body,
supplemental melatonin is also available. Melatonin,
used as a sleep enhancement product, has also recently
been shown to have powerful anti-oxidant and anti-
inflammatory effects.