Brain Specific Supplements

 Obviously, before anyone adds anything new to their routine they should ask their doctor, to make sure there is nothing in any products that can harm them. The purpose of this blog is to share with people what Paula is taking and how she is doing.
     Click on the links at the end of the paragraphs and it will take you to Swansons website and directly to the product in the picture with information about the product and also the ability to purchase online. I was surprised at the affordable prices, compared to buying retail in any of the  local vitamin stores that I visited. Also at the top of the page, notice the "Buy one get one Free" click on that, and then notice at the top left of the page "Online specials" and the "Deal of the Day". These really make it affordable to start taking supplements. I wish I had found this out months ago. Good luck and hope this info helps some of you out there. Another great site for supplements and information is www.vrp.com click on Research Center for a wealth of information.

These are small tablets and are dissolved under the tongue. This natural coenzyme of vitamin B3 works at the cellular level, stimulating energy production within the cells and supporting the development of vital neurotransmitters. Our fast-acting, 20-mg Swanson Ultra Maximum-Strength NADH are double the potency of the original!  http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU427/ItemDetail

This is Sulforaphane,derived from broccolli.If you want to make the most of broccoli's cell- defending power, you'll have to eat an awful lot of the green stuff. Swanson Sulforaphane capsules feature BroccoPhane broccoli-sprout powder with guaranteed levels of broccoli's key master nutrient.http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWR048/ItemDetail?n=0

Powdered  magnesium malate/citrate we add to a shake in the mornings (see july 2011 posts).
 Magnesium is a mineral that is critical for energy production and metabolism, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission and bone mineralization. It is required cofactor for an estimated 300 enzymes. Among the reactions catalyzed by these enzymes are fatty acid synthesis, protein synthesis and glucose metabolism. Malate is an important Krebs Cycle intermediate, indicating that it is an important molecule in the production of cellular energy derived from carbohydrates.   http://www.swansonvitamins.com/NVT001/ItemDetail

• Promote cardiovascular protection with Jarrow Quercetin! Quercetin is a flavonol (a subclass of flavonoids) and is a potent antioxidant, helping to enhance cardiovascular health. Quercetin is one half of the rutin molecule, another flavonol, and is the more active antioxidant. Each capsule delivers 500 mg of quercetin. http://www.swansonvitamins.com/JR038/ItemDetail

We  open the capsule and add to extra virgin olive oil or pesto. Has been used  to repair damaged brain cells. 
       Curcumin 95 is an 18:1 concentrate of the antioxidants found in the spice turmeric root. Curcumin 95 delivers 95% curcuminoids, which are powerful antioxidants. Specifically, curcumin and its derivatives protect DNA against oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species. http://www.swansonvitamins.com/JR187/ItemDetail

• NOW Foods' Acetyl L-Carnitine is in a highly bioavailable form of L-Carnitine that can cross the blood-brain barrier, where it exerts an antioxidant effect, helps to maintain healthy cellular energy metabolism and supports brain function. Acetyl L-Carnitine is a modified amino acid that supports cellular energy production by assisting in the transport of fat into the mitochondria where it is oxidized and converted into ATP (chemical energy for the cell). http://www.swansonvitamins.com/NWF012/ItemDetail 

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• A potent free-radical fighter aiding your body's defenses
• Features antioxidant polyphenols that neutralize free radicals
• Standardized to 60% polyphenol concentration

Fortify your body's defenses against the harmful effects of free radicals with the natural antioxidant nutrition of Swanson Green Tea Extract. Treasured for centuries as an all-natural health tonic, green tea is packed with antioxidant polyphenols that neutralize free radicals to protect vital organs and tissues throughout the body. Our Green Tea Extract is standardized to 60% polyphenol concentration for guaranteed antioxidant potency in each convenient capsule.http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWH099/ItemDetail?n=

• This omega 3 supplement is very good for the brain, because of the higher DHA content.
  The Natural Fish Oil Concentrate used in this softgel is manufactured under strict quality control standards. It is tested to be free of potentially harmful levels of contaminants (i.e. mercury, heavy metals, PCB's, dioxins, and other contaminants). Those who experience nausea or reflux from other fish oils should find this enteric coated, odor controlled softgel easier to tolerate. http://www.swansonvitamins.com/NWF600/ItemDetail

Reading the label states clinical studies show positive affects on the brain, including  dopamine assistance. I purchase this product at Sprouts (formerly Henry's) This is the same formula as used in the studies.

    Fights inflamation. Swanson Resveratrol is a high-quality supplement that is naturally derived from the polygonum herb, the most economic and effective natural source discovered. Science continues to grow stronger in support of resveratrol for its daily good health and longevity benefits. Swanson Resveratrol 250 promotes free-radical reduction with the help of antioxidants. It also supports the immune and cardiovascular systems, as well as a healthy lipid balance. Derived from the Chinese herb Polygonum cuspidatum. http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU530/ItemDetail

• High Potency DMAE from Swanson Ultra
• Natural precursor to neurotransmitter
• Promotes mental health and healthy cognitive function for optimal alertness & attention

DMAE is structurally similar to choline and functions as a biochemical precursor to the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is known to influence cognitive functions like alertness and the ability to maintain attention. Our High Potency DMAE delivers pure DMAE in fast-absorbing liquid form, with 250 mg per softgel for adequate supplementation in a once-daily dose. Try DMAE, the natural neurotransmitter precursor that promotes mental focus and supports healthy cognitive function.  http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU537/ItemDetail

This is a B-12 vitamin.

• State-of-the-art B-12 nutrition for your brain
• Your body gets more active B-12 nutrition faster for enhanced nervous system health
• Each tablet delivers 5 mg of potent mind nourishment  
• Swanson Ultra brings you a breakthrough in vitamin B-12 supplementation with Methylcobalamin, the neurologically active form of B-12. Traditional B-12 supplements give you cyanocobalamin, a form that the body must convert into methylcobalamin to harness its neuro-nourishing potential. Our Methylcobalamin completes this conversion for you, so your body gets more active B-12 faster, for the health of your entire nervous system.http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU122/ItemDetail

From what I have read and researched these are some very good supplements for your brain,(the ones pictured are what Paula takes daily), as mentioned before, what takes place inside our bodies at the cellular level is absolutely amazing and incredible. Our bodies take nutrients and combine them with others to create new concoctions and then use them to repair and maintain our bodies. Well , what if some of them are missing, kinda like a hospital trying to do business without penicillin and Vicodin. So, if you have a Parky brain, there's a good possibility that there are a few ingredients missing and with our way of thinking, that could partially be how we got here to begin with.
   We know that our bodies started changing around age 30 and many ingredients deplete further through out the years. We know that if we supplement our bodies with the ingredients that have depleted, we get a positive response. We are experiencing an amazing  response in  Paula's case.
   We continue, to strive to have a diet of around 70% veggies and fruits, we do this with the shake in the morning and stir fry's or a large salad (lot's of chopped veggies along with lettuce) for dinner, adding either skinless chicken or lean turkey or lean beef or salmon (salmon has excellent brain nutrients) . We cook with only extra virgin olive oil and as much tumeric as our taste buds will allow. Tumeric has about 5%  curcumin which appears to have an incredible positive effect on the brain. We use the extra virgin olive oil because the curcumin is best transported from the stomach to the blood to the brain when mixed with oil, and extra virgin olive oil is the best oil for heating without turning into something toxic, also it doesn't damage the tumeric when heated in extra virgin olive oil.
   You will notice in the pictures, you can buy curcumin as a supplement and also quercetin, both of these are top shelf brain nutrients. One thing we do is buy Pesto (Mezzetta brand at Ralphs) is made with extra virgin olive oil, and open the capsules, one each and mix it with the pesto, its even better mixed if heated. We will eat this by dipping with bread or on crackers as an appetizer or on pasta ( salmon on top of a small bed of pasta) Pasta converts to not so good stuff for the brain in the digestion process so alot of pasta, probably not good for a Parky.
   You may notice the links to other websites at the top right of the blog. These are great sites for quality supplements and researh of supplements. There is a subscription on the Consumerlab.com site for access to  info and testing of products, The Vitasearch.com site is great for getting info on research of any item you wish to search. There is also great information on the Swansonvitamins.com site, it's very well organized and easy to access. For instance once you get there you can look for supplements for specific purposes, go to the bottom of the page and look under Top Catagories and at the bottom choose "memory and brain support" it will show products for brain and memory. Also check out the Lee Swanson Line of products, these are probably the best quality and contain trade marked mixtures (probably proprietary blends) from other companies. And it may be more cost effective to purchase one bottle designed for the brain, than many as individual items. That gives you a good idea of how to get started, happy surfing, and wish you all the best.