How to Boost your Brain
Experts expect dementia in the US to double or more in the next 20 years! They contribute it primarily to the increase of obesity and 
diabetes. It is first important for optimal brain function to follow a healthy lifestyle and diet, emphasizing alkalizing your body. Having said that, here is a great list of natural supplements, approved by David Mark, PH.D., that can be added to a healthy lifestyle to help prevent or delay brain degeneration…
Resveratrol – A polyphenol found in red wine. Resveratrol is a type of flavonoid, known for heart health and is possibly linked to reducing dementia or Alzheimer’s. This is not a green light to drink 3 glasses of red wine daily! The amount that you actually receive from one glass of wine is very minimal, less than one percent. Promising studies are being performed at the Medical College of Wisconsin giving 215 mg per day, in order to determine the best dosage for prevention. So the best way to take resveratrol is in supplemental form.
L-Theanine – Amino acid that is found in tea leaves. The best source is green tea, providing about 5-9 mg per cup of steeped leaves (it is even higher in Matcha green tea, about 10x more, because you are drinking the entire tea leaf ground into a powder). L-Theanine has also been found in oolong and black teas. If you drank five cups of tea daily, or 40 ounces, you could be consuming in the upwards of 45 ounces which is enough L-theanine to boost brain activity.
Lignans –found mainly in flaxseeds and other foods. Most studies, such as one that took place in the Netherlands in 2005, tested about 50-100mg per day per person. They found that 77% of the women taking lignans were “associated with a higher probability of intact cognitive function”.
Omega 3’s – Dietary fats found in fish oil, Flax oil, walnuts, Hemp Oil, sesame seeds, tahini, green leafy vegetables, pecans, tempeh, pumpkin seeds and more. These essential fats that we must consume from our diet can protect against dementia. The DHA found in fish oil and marine algae is essential for brain development and maintaining a healthy brain. Pregnant should be taking DHA/Omega 3 daily!!
Vitamin D & Calcium – In tests done with elderly people, vitamin D and calcium deficiency was connected to poor cognitive performance and “low” mood. The best way to absorb vitamin D is to get 15-20 minutes of sunlight daily and take a food-based vitamin D supplement if you don’t get enough sun. Oily fish and mushrooms are also good sources. Calcium is rich in raw nuts and seeds, whole grains, tempeh, sprouted tofu, hydrilla algae, alfalfa, tahini, green veggies, young Thai coconuts, legums, and on. The best way to supplement calcium is to take a whole food based such as Catie’s or Mega Foods or take plain hydrilla algae.
Alkaline Water – This is not an actual supplement but is one of the best antioxidants for the body. Free-radical damage, which can possibly be prevented by antioxidant intake, has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. I recommend drinking at least half your body’s weight in ounces daily.
*And of course stimulate your brain daily so that it does not become lazy. Activating the mind through reading, studying, learning and even simple brain games can help keep your brain function and memory strong.
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