Best Vitamins for Improved Brain Function

Can’t seem to remember things anymore? Do you find brain fog occurring more often these days? A decline in cognitive functioning may result from many factors, aging being the most common. Medications, stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and medical conditions are some reasons we may notice a decline in our cognitive health.

When issues such as those described above occur, it can add more stress to our lives. we tend to panic and think the worst. It can leave us confused and concerned with our health, in hot water with our bosses, or missing out on important meetings or events because we forgot.

You can improve cognitive functioning in most cases.

How to Improve Your Brain Health

The best way to improve cognitive health is through a healthy diet. Including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet ensures your body receives the needed nutrients to promote good health. If your diet is lackluster, your cognitive health suffers tremendously. That is why many people turn to vitamins and supplements to boost their brain health.

Many vitamins work specifically to improve cognitive functioning, particularly those using omega-3 fatty acids as their main ingredients. The promise of sharper focus, improved memory, and greater attention span entice many people enough to supplement their diet with vitamins.  If you are concerned about a decline in cognitive functioning, perhaps the time has come to add a vitamin to your daily regimen.

Best Vitamins for Cognitive Health

Talk to your doctor before starting any new medication, including vitamins. The doctor can better determine if a nutrition deficiency is the cause of your concerns and recommend the vitamin best suited for your specific concerns. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a combination of vitamins to improve your cognitive health.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acid, also called fish oil, plays an important role in your overall health, including brain health. Find omega-3 fatty acids in foods like flaxseed, tuna, mackerel, salmon, and walnuts.

If you don’t eat enough of the aforementioned foods or don’t consume them enough, a fish oil supplement can improve cognitive functioning, particularly in older adults. The supplement can also help ward off anxiety and depression, lower inflammation levels, and improve heart health.

Vitamin B12

Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 plays a critical role in many bodily functions, including DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, proper metabolism of amino and fatty acids, and proper nerve function. Furthermore, vitamin B12 can also benefit cognitive health in older adults.

Found in fish, dairy products, meat, and eggs, B12 can also o obtained through supplements. Vegans, vegetarians, and people whose diets cause a B12 deficiency can supplement their levels with an over-the-counter vitamin, spray, or even through a B12 injection.

When B12 deficiency happens, you may feel weak, fatigued, and have trouble walking. Cognitive decline and anemia are additional signs of a B12 deficiency. Severe B12 deficiency can cause irreversible nerve damage and other health problems.

Vitamin D

Some refer to it as the sunshine vitamin, since we commonly turn to sunshine for vitamin D absorption into the body. We can also find vitamin D in many foods, including milk, fortified cereals, and fatty fish like tuna and salmon. The water-soluble vitamin is critical in maintaining strong teeth and bones, regulating calcium absorption, and supporting proper immune function.

Some people become vitamin D deficient despite frequent sun exposure. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to health concerns such as weakened bones, increased risk of fractures, increased risk of diabetes, and others. Supplements may be necessary to correct a vitamin D deficiency.

Never start a vitamin D supplement before discussing it with your doctor. He can determine the dosage best suited for your needs. Excessive vitamin D intake can be harmful to your health.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E works as an antioxidant in the body. Its main purpose is to protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals, either of which can contribute to signs of aging, chronic disease, and immune function. If you’ve ever noticed, many anti-aging creams and products contain vitamin E.

Vitamin E may also play a role in brain health. Many users turn to Vitamin E for its cognitive health properties. Getting Vitamin E via natural food sources such as nuts, vegetable oils, and vegetables such as avocado and broccoli is best, although supplements can help when your diet isn’t enough.

People using blood thinners and certain other medications should not use Vitamin E supplements since they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Curcumin

Found in the turmeric plant, Curcumin has been part of medicine for centuries, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The benefits of consuming Curcumin are numerous and include reduced inflammation, improved brain function, reduced risk of heart disease, and improved brain functioning.

Eating spicy foods is the best way to supply your body with curcumin, however, supplements can provide you with adequate amounts so you can enjoy the health benefits. Most curcumin supplements cannot be absorbed by the body on their own. You’ll need additional vitamins or compounds when using curcumin supplements.

Ginkgo Biloba

Designed specifically to address issues that occur in response to cognitive decline, Ginkgo Biloba is the perfect companion for those looking to improve their memory and concentration. This supplement may interact with certain medications. Speak with your doctor if you are considering taking Gingko Biloba.

Should You Take a Vitamin for Brain Health?

The choice is yours, although adding a vitamin can definitely make a positive impact on your brain health. Approximately 25% of adults 50 and older use a brain health supplement to help them improve their cognitive functioning. Regardless of your age, supplying your body with the necessary vitamins and nutrients always is a good idea.

The Bottom line

Stay sharp, stay focused, and never again worry about your cognitive health when you supplement with vitamins. The vitamins mentioned above are best for cognitive health improvement.  Find them all at VitaSave and save money on high-quality vitamins that boost your brain health.