Super Nutrients for Memory Power

Leaders often ask us what supplements help maintain a healthy brain into old age – especially the nutrients that can help keep the brain’s memory system in tact. You may want to try Acetyl-L-Carnitine [ALC], Alpha Lipoic Acid [ALA], Ginkgo Biloba and Phosphatidylserine [PS] described below. But you need an underpinning for these super-nutrients to do their thing!

Look at the checklist below to see how firm a foundation you have. Do you currently

____ Maintain a high bran diet along with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies?
____ Select virgin olive oil over butter?
____ Participate in invigorating weekly exercise that forces deep breathing?
____ Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily?
____ Embrace spiritual well-being?
____ Add plenty of daily laughter?
____ Participate in life-long learning activities?

At the same time, check off the killer foes -- do you avoid

____ Heavy-metal toxins?
____ Homocysteine?
____ Excessive animal fat consumption?
____ Free Radicals?
____ Passive activities with no challenge to your mind?
____ High stress overload?
____ Negative people?

Perhaps you found gaps and see areas to strengthen. Where will you start? With a great foundation in place, memory nutrients generally work well.

Specific vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that work to help sharpen your memory are detailed in Part One of this series, Nutrients to Turbo-Charge Your Brain!

Memory Nutrients Known to Boost the Brain

Acetyl-L-Carnitine [ALC] - nutrient that prevents premature brain aging

• Boosts production of dopamine and acetylcholine which enhances learning, memory, and emotional stability


• Inhibits accumulation of lipofuscin in the hippocampus by its antioxidant activity. [Lipofuscin accumulation opens the door to erosion of mental faculties.]

Alpha Lipoic Acid [ALA] – powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes

• Binds to heavy metals rendering them harmless


• Protects the mitochondra [present in living cells, takes charge of respiration and energy production] from the effects of free radicals

Ginkgo Biloba – an herb – has the ability to enhance mental functions and behavior and is frequently prescribed for memory loss. Here’s how it works.

• Boosts the brain’s capacity to use glucose for energy


• Enhances blood flow to the brain


• Helps cut down stress and anxiety


• Insures safe flow of oxygen to brain cells


• Protects red blood cells from free radical damage because of its antioxidant capability

Phosphatidylserine [PS] a derivative of soy lecithin and one of the brain super-nutrients. Reserach shows phosphatidylserine is effective for some folks, but more research is needed. For some people, PS

• Accelerates short-term memory and focus, as well as long term recall


• Controls nerve-growth regulation, and reverses decline of nerve growth in the hippocampus, our memory center


• Enhances acetylocholine and dopamine, which boosts memory and sense of well being


• Prevents premature brain aging by protecting cell membranes


• Protects cells against free radicals with its antioxidant properties


• Suppresses the hormone Cortisol, which helps reduce effects of stress

The ball is in your court. Building an overall healthy lifestyle is key. Here’s to a full functioning brain throughout your life!

Note: take any supplements with the consent of your physician or medical practitioner.