10 Brain Supplements that Make You Smarter

Like a car that runs better on premium fuel, your brain will function better if you feed it with brain supplements that make you smarter. These may increase blood flow to the brain and, with it, oxygen. They may improve cognitive functions like memory and speed of thought. Or they may reduce your risk of dementia and boost your energy, both mental and physical. Taking brain supplements that make you smarter can improve your performance at work, your enjoyment of life, and your general health and happiness.

#1. CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that increases the absorption of energy by cells in your body. This is especially true in brain and heart cells, which results in increased mental and physical vitality. Though produced naturally in the body, production of Coenzyme Q10 diminishes with age. A dose of 200 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 daily will cause this brain supplement to make your smarter... or at least as smart as you were when you were younger.

#2. Ginkgo

The Gingko brain supplement (known as Ginkgo Biloba) is extracted from the leaves of the Chinese Gingko tree. Because of its blood thinking properties, Ginkgo has been found to increase oxygen supply to the brain and hence improve memory and increase cognitive functions. 120 mg. a day are recommended.

#3. Acetyl-L Carnitine

In healthy human beings the brain is protect by the Blood Brain Barrier, which prevents the passage of large particles in the blood stream through into the brain. Acetyl-L Carnitine was found to penetrate the Blood Brain Barrier and act as a potent antioxidant that will make you smarter by rejuvenating brain cells, preventing toxicity in the cells, and increase oxygen. No more than 1000 .mg of this brain supplement are recommended daily.

#4. Ashwagandha

Indian ginseng, commonly known as Ashwagandha (or Withania Somnifera), has been found to improve memory, chronic fatigue and senility. Believed to strengthen the Blood Brain Barrier, Ashwagandha is a brain supplement that makes you smarter by protecting your brain from negative influences found in your blood stream, such as viruses or toxins found in small quantities in processed foods. Patients who take the brain supplement, Gaba, and feel relaxed are likely suffering from a weak Blood Brain Barrier and would be especially advised to take Ashwagandha (learn more about this risk).

#5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA) have been found to protect the brain from deterioration due to age or stress. Though the brain is composed of 60% fat, the human body does not naturally produce Omega-3 Fatty Acids and must consume them through food. Taking DHA brain supplements will make you smarter by increasing your memory and concentration. Two Capsules of fish oil are recommended daily.

#6. Phosphatidyl Serine

The Phosphatidyl Serine brain supplement has been found effective in increasing memory and cognitive abilities. More than that, Phosphatidyl Serine reverses normal memory decline and even increases cognitive abilities in patients suffering from age-related dementia. 100 mg. taken three times a day are the recommended dose for this brain supplement.

#7. Feverfew

The brain supplement, Feverfew, has been found effective in treating headaches by inhibiting the release of Serotonin and Prostaglandins in the brain. This in turn prevents inflammation of blood vessels in the brain which leads to migraines and a sense of "brain fog". For people suffering from Migraines this brain supplement will make them smarter by clearing migraine symptoms. (For more on migraines, see my 10 Tips for Curing Migraines Permanently.)

#8. Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant that increases levels of Glutathione in brain cells. Since low levels of Glutathione have been related to dementia and other degenerative disorders of the brain, taking this brain supplement will make you smarter and cognitively lucid despite aging. A maximum of 200 mg. are recommended daily.

#9. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that aids in the transmission of signals through the brain. Consumption of up to 500mg of Vitamin C daily increases quickness of thought and cognitive reasoning. Larger amounts of Vitamin C are not recommended as new studies raise questions regarding carcinogenic consequences of high Vitamin C intake.

#10. Folic Acid

Folic Acid aids in reducing risk of heart disease, which in turn may lead to brain damage during a heart attack or stroke. Found to reduce Homocysteine, Folic Acid is a B-complex vitamin that should be taken with vitamin B12 to aid the production of red blood cells which, among other things, carry oxygen and nutrients to your brain.

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References :

1. Live in the Now: 7 Best Brain Boosting Supplements

2. Wikipedia: Acetylcarnitine

3. Ezine: Discover Why DHA Supplements Can Make You Smarter

4. Wikipedia: Withania Somnifera

5. Wikipedia: Feverfew

6. PubMedHealth: Folic Acid