Brain health: Diet, Natural remedies and Medicinal Plants' Influence on brain optimization

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The notion that constituents of the normal diet can influence brain function is not novel. Perhaps the best-known example is caffeine (and related methylxanthines), which is contained in coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks. Caffeine is a mild stimulant that may improve mental alertness and performance (1). In the past few decades, it has become clear that many other constituents of the diet, from macronutrients to vitamins, influence brain function. For some, the effects so far noted are biochemical, whereas for others, functional and behavioral effects have been observed (and the underlying biochemical mechanisms are obscure). Because the field of diet and brain function is very young, it should not be surprising that large gaps exist at the biochemical, physiologic, and behavioral levels in our knowledge of the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nevertheless, sufficient information is available to allow a glimpse of the promise of this area of investigation and its likely utility to human health. Of particular recent interest are observations in fetal and infant animals and humans linking dietary essential fatty acids and folic acid to brain development and function. Here, clear functional effects are evident, although underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In contrast, the influence of amino acids on the synthesis and release of the brain neurotransmitters into which they are converted has been quite well documented, whereas the consequences of this relation for brain function are incompletely understood. I discuss these examples from the perspective of the conference goals, that is, to identify effects of nutrients and functional food components on health and aging as well as gaps in our knowledge of these relations, and to develop strategies for evaluating effects of food components on health and aging. It has long been suspected that the relative abundance of specific nutrients can affect cognitive processes and emotions. Newly described influences of dietary factors on neuronal function and synaptic plasticity have revealed some of the vital mechanisms that are responsible for the action of diet on brain health and mental function. Several gut hormones that can enter the brain, or that are produced in the brain itself, influence cognitive ability. In addition, well-established regulators of synaptic plasticity, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, can function as metabolic modulators, responding to peripheral signals such as food intake. Understanding the molecular basis of the effects of food on cognition will help us to determine how best to manipulate diet in order to increase the resistance of neurons to insults and promote mental fitness. The brain is clearly one of the most important parts of our body. With many of the processes and functions of the brain still not fully understood, it can be difficult to tell exactly what you need to help make it function properly. Natural substances are already well researched and documented in being able to balance brain functions; of all, fish oil is the easiest and least expensive way to achieve fast results in this area. Harvested from the bodies of fish, fish oil is purified through a scientific process and turned into supplement form. Containing Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can have numerous effects on your body for the better. For one, fish oil can aid in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been associated with better memory, clearer thinking, and health of the heart. One of the best nutrients for brain health, this supplement’s effect on your body can be vast. Be sure to only purchase pharmaceutical grade fish oil, however, since this is the process which removes the heavy metals found in fish due to pollutants. If your fish oil is not pharmaceutical grade, you run the risk of consuming such dangerous materials as mercury. Omega 3 is also high in a nutrient called DMAE. DMAE can lift one's mood, beat depression, and boost cognitive functions, and even increase intelligence. These benefits come from this brain nutrients role in manufacturing the crucial neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine's main role is in acting as a messenger for memory, and has been shown to be severely depleted in those afflicted with Alzheimers. To conclude, DMAE is one of several potentially very promising brain natural nutrients that most people have never heard of. it is one of the best nutrients for brain health however in our opinion. Herbal remedies also offer a good variety of brain helpers. Here are a few of them: St. John’s Wort:

A remedy for depression that has been used for centuries, this naturally occurring substance has far less side-effects than the anti-depressants offered by the drug companies. All but proven to elevate moods and ward off depression, this herb is rapidly gaining validity as an anti-depressant in the scientific community. It can be purchased in supplement format.

Gingko Biloba:

Harvested from the oldest species of a tree naturally occurring on the planet, Gingko can help keep your brain in its finest working condition. Used for over 5,000 years, ginkgo is known for its help in aiding memory loss and age-related circulation problems. Studies show that ginkgo may help increase blood flow to the brain and stimulate neural activities, resulting in better short-term memory. Gotu Kola: The leaves of Gotu Kola are a favorite food for elapahnts which they consume daily. Perhaps this is why there is an old saying that goes "has a memory like an elephant." Goto kola is showing signs of becoming one of the best nutrients for brain. It has been attributed to a broad range of benefits that include enhancing mental activity, and improving ones blood flow by making blood vessels stronger. when we read the book published by Reader's Digest called "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs" it states: "In one study, 30 developmentally disabled children were found to have significantly better concentration and attention after taking gotu kola for 12 weeks..."

The following are precautions that you should be aware of before taking any of the above nutrients for brain. Due to Ginko being a blood thinning agent, people who are on any other medication, such as aspirins, what are also blood thinners, should consult a qualified practitioner first. Gotu Kola can cause sensitivity to sunlight in some individuals. If you burn easily in the sun, take extra precautions. There are no side effects that we have come across with DMAE. Pregnant woman or woman who are nursing should consult with their doctor before taking any herbal remedies or natural brain nutrients.

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