Brain Gains: Top 7 Supplements
Focusing on your brain health will change your life.
The new school year is right around the corner, and that means we need all of the “brain gains.” There are specific vitamins and minerals that help with cognitive function, mental clarity, and multitasking. Grab a pen and jot down this list that will take your mental game to the next level.
• Creatine
Creatine is often discussed in the fitness community with regards to its ability to increase muscle protein synthesis, but often forgotten when it comes to cognition. Creatine is effective enough to reduce the symptoms of Huntington’s Disease and Parkinson’s. In another study, sleep-deprived participants were supplemented with creatine. The cognitive deficits caused by sleep deprivation were either reduced or negated. Exhausted moms, rejoice!
Creatine has also shown positive results as an add-on supplement in the treatment of depression. It reduces the effects of environmental stress – think of your kids smashing their toys and yelling while you are trying to compose a slew of work-related emails. Creatine can blunt the effects of the noise on your ability to think clearly.
Pick up Max Creatine. Women can take 2 grams (1/2 scoop); men can take up to 10 grams (2 scoops).
• Acetylcholine
In a study with individuals with mild cognitive impairment, 1000 mg per day showed marked improvement.
NeuroVEX contains a bevy of brain-boosting ingredients including acetylcholine.
• Acetyl-L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid produced in the body that helps the body produce energy. It also helps with memory and increases blood flow to the brain. It has been shown to be effective in treating early onset Alzheimer’s.
Max Muscle NeuroVEX contains acetyl-L-carnitine.
• Caffeine
One of the most loved supplements to date, caffeine stimulates brain chemicals like glutamate and dopamine. The increase in these chemicals positively affects mental clarity, gives you energy, and fights age-related mental decline. Caffeine also increases serotonin, a.k.a the “feel good” chemical. Serotonin enhances our mood. Energy, mental focus, and a good mood? That sounds good to me.
Max Muscle StimoVEX-XT, Emerge, or Max Shred are great choices and a few of my favorites for a dose of caffeine.
• Sage
A study found that adults who took sage oil capsules (50-150 mg) performed better on memory tests than the control counterparts. Sage decreases the amyloid-b plaque build-up in the brain. A build-up of amyloid-b plaque has been found in the brain of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Sage also can help depressed moods.
Don’t be shy to cook with it! Sage adds delicious flavors to meals.
• Vitamin B12
B12 is found in meat, fish, and milk. B12 boosts cognitive processes related to memory, learning, attention, and problem solving. It also allows us to metabolize protein, carbohydrate, and fats properly. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning the body cannot store it for long periods of time. Providing the body with B12 daily is important.
Try our Men’s Max Multi or Women’s Max Multi for a blast of B12! The doses found to be most effective are those that ranged between 1000- 2000 mcg per day.
• TeaCrine
TeaCrine is a clinically tested ingredient containing pure theacrine and is molecularly similar to caffeine. It increases mental clarity and improves energy. Enhanced mood has also been reported in studies with participants taking 200- 400 mg of TeaCrine per day. It can also increase your motivation to exercise. Talk about a powerhouse!
Incorporate these supplements into your daily regimen for maximum mental clarity, focus, energy, and enhanced mood. Time to take this school year by storm!
By Karey Northington
