Best Supplements for Brain Health

Certain dietary supplements play important roles in bone and joint health, while other supplements help lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even age-related vision loss. Here are some supplements that may enhance your brain health.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a popular dietary supplement that is thought to play an important role in brain health. People suffering from dementia often have poor cerebral circulation, or diminished blood flow to the brain.

It is thought that ginkgo biloba helps enhance blood flow in the small blood vessels of the brain. This may result in better cognitive function and improved memory.

In those without dementia, ginkgo biloba may help enhance alertness and improve the mood, which may help people who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Fish Oil

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may also benefit the brain. Rich in antioxidants, fish oil supplements help promote optimal blood circulation to the cerebral blood vessels, while reducing inflammation that may be caused by high blood pressure, renal disease, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fresh fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines. Fish oil supplements may also play a role in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders that cause abnormal behaviors.

Some studies have shown that fish oil supplements may be just effective, or even more effective than prescription antidepressants in the treatment of clinical depression.

The omega-3 fatty acids may help promote the release of “feel good” chemicals in the brain known as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.

It is important to note, that while fish oil supplements may enhance brain health, they possess powerful anticoagulant properties, and if taken with prescription blood thinners or large doses of aspirin, may cause abnormal bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.