Memory problems will affect all of us at some point in our lives. Today however, there is ample research in how many of these memory problems can be minimized. The research covers medications as well as nutritional supplements. There are three main supplements that can help with memory as we age. These nutritional supplements include ginkgo biloba, acetyl-l-carnitine, phosphatidyl serine.

In order to protect the mind you must keep it active. There are many memory exercises you can do to keep it healthy and active. You can read books and newspapers, doing crossword puzzles, playing a musical instrument, participate in a continuing education course, even learn a new language. Keeping the mind active throughout your life will keep your memory sharp, as well as incorporating these researched nutritional supplements.
Ginkgo biloba, is a well studied botanical formula that has been shown to increase blood flow to the head, as well as a memory enhancer. This supplement may cause dementia to progress slower in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. This herb takes 6-8 weeks to saturate proper levels in the body so do not discouraged too soon. When looking for this supplement at the store, look for a standardized formula that is at least 24 percent of ginkgo flavone glycosides. A healthy dose is 60 to 120 milligrams two times per day, since ginkgo has low toxicity there is no worry about over consumption.

Acetyl-L-carnitine, is derived from an amino acid and is quite expensive due to the complex way of extracting it. The compound has been so successful in animal studies that human studies are being planned. This cognitive booster is also non-toxic, and is taken twice per day on an empty stomach of 500-1000 milligrams.

Phosphatidyl serine is a naturally occurring lipid in the body which is a component of all cell membranes. PS is known as a brain cell nutrient and studies have shown that it is very effective on memory and concentration. Cognitive function in adults has also been studied as well as reversing age related memory decline. The supplement is derived from soybeans and the recommended dose is 100 milligrams two to three times per day.

Optimum nutrition is possible only with the right balance of vitamins and minerals in your diet, and vitamin K is essential for supporting healthy bone growth, efficient digestion, and a strong immune system. The vitamin’s primary role is to control blood clotting, making it important for people who seem to bruise easily. Expectant mothers should ask their doctors about vitamin K supplementation, since vitamin K is especially important for pregnant women. A deficiency may lead to hemorrhaging for the mother, especially during labor, and can result in danger to the baby in the form of muscle hematomas and intercranial hemorrhages. Supplementation is not recommended during the last stages of pregnancy, though. Read the rest of this entry »

No matter what your age or health condition, amino acids are essential building blocks for your muscles, and play an important role in healthy cell functioning. Since your body needs enough protein for growth and energy, it also requires a significant amount of amino acids. Amino acids help with protein breakdown and processing, making the key nutrients available to your body. This is known as bioavailability, and is especially important for athletes since the body needs enough protein to recover after a hard workout.

Amino Acid Functions

Amino acids help to repair muscles, provide your body with fresh skin cells, and also help with hair and nail growth. If you aren’t getting enough of the essential amino acids from food sources, a supplement is another option. An amino acid deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems.

Types of Amino Acids

There are approximately 23 amino acids, nine of which are indispensable. This means that your body cannot function properly without them, and these can only be found in specific types of food. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet is vital for ensuring that you’re getting the nutrition you need, and adding a supplement can help provide the valuable protein sources for muscle building, repair, and growth. Read the rest of this entry »

Are you are a serious, seasoned bodybuilder? An established athlete just beginning a concentrated weight-training regimen? Chances are that besides carefully planning your exercise program, you’re eating right as well, conscious of every morsel that creeps between your lips. A devout calorie-counter, you. A born ingredient-reader. So, why would you consider taking a supplement? Even when you’re doing all the right things, supplements can enhance your diet and exercise plan. Take nitric oxide, or NO, for example. Read the rest of this entry »

Don’t you hate it when you realize Mom was right about something?

Remember how she always told you to eat your greens? You probably responded by pushing them around your plate until she gave up. If you wanted dessert, you might even have gone so far as to touch the broccoli or asparagus to your lips, but that was it. Well, even back then your mom knew her stuff. Green foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, water, and antioxidants. Experts stress that the key to getting all the benefits that greens offer is to include different shades of green in your diet. Don’t think that because you’re eating a side salad with every meal that you’re getting enough greens in your system. Remember, the more variety, the greater the benefits. Read the rest of this entry »

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned ephedra in 2004, thousands of manufacturers of diet and weight-loss drugs turned their attention to finding natural and synthetic alternatives that would mimic its effects. Many of the ingredients in these fat burners also pose a number of health risks, but some of them may still be safer than ephedra. Understanding how ephedra works in the body can help you determine if alternative supplements are right for you. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, regularly have chest pains even though your heart checks out fine, or you find it difficult to breathe after eating, you may have a form of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Read the rest of this entry »

If you seek a natural supplement that can work wonders, look seaward. The benefits of fish oil for coronary health have been widely documented. But fish oil isn’t just for heart health. It can treat or help prevent a variety of conditions, including depression, diabetes, osteoporosis, macular degeneration, attention deficit disorder, stroke, and auto-immune disorders. You can harness the power of fish oil by taking Nature’s Way Fisol or Super Fisol. Read the rest of this entry »

Are you up all night tossing and turning? If so, you’re in good company. According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, nearly half of all Americans report dealing with sleeplessness some of the time, and more that 20 percent experience it nearly every night. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re a dedicated bodybuilder, you’re probably aware of nitric oxide (NO) boosters on some level. Because they seem to work very well, they’re extremely popular with bodybuilders and other athletes. Read the rest of this entry »