Did you know that between the ages of 20 and 90, the average person loses
5–10% of his/her brain weight—with an accompanying loss in memory, attention and
other cognitive functions? Scientific and medical wisdom suggest that some
decline in brain health and cognition is part of the aging process. However,
it’s encouraging to learn that neurological structure and function can be
preserved as we age. We can now take scientifically substantiated steps to
preserve—and even enhance—our brain health.
How do we lose brain function?
Various factors contribute to the gradual decline of mental acuity as we age.
Recent studies suggest that inflammation, high blood pressure, elevated insulin
levels, obesity, arterial inelasticity, and metabolic syndrome are all risk
factors that can lead to an accelerated decline in brain health. Anxiety and
depression can also predispose an individual to a deterioration of brain health.
A good strategy for preserving brain function starts with preventing
illnesses that are known to contribute to cognitive decline. Good nutrition and
a healthy lifestyle are obviously beneficial to brain health and should be
addressed daily.
Dietery supplements to support brain health
In addition, a number of dietary supplement ingredients have been found to
support brain health. Antioxidants help scavenge free radicals in the neurons of
the brain and thus minimize neuronal damage.
Magnesium also plays an essential role in nerve synapses. However, magnesium
shortages have become common due to the increase in processed foods and the lack
of whole foods rich in magnesium in the diet. Moreover, most forms of magnesium
are not well absorbed by nervous tissue.
A group of researchers at MIT discovered that magnesium L-threonate, a highly
absorbable form of magnesium, can easily cross the blood–brain barrier and
increase the brain’s magnesium levels—which in turn results in improved
cognitive performance. In this study, both young and old participants expressed
an increase in cognitive function while taking magnesium L-threonate.
Consuming a dieteary supplement that contains magnesium L-threonate can help
support memory, attention and some cognitive functions.
Mind-Max from Nature’s
Sunshine contains magnesium L-threonate plus gotu kola aerial parts, bacopa leaf
and ginkgo leaf—herbs known to benefit circulation and brain health—for a
powerful brain boost.
The brain, like any other organ in the body, is subject to the aging process.
But the loss of brain function as we age is not inevitable. Supplements provide
a smart option for maintaining brain health throughout life.