- \n
- Cerebrum<\/em> \u2013 involved in remembering, problem solving, thinking, feeling, and movement<\/li>\n
- Cerebellum<\/em> \u2013 controls coordination and balance<\/li>\n
- Brain stem<\/em> \u2013 controls automatic functions like breathing, digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Your cerebrum (which is the largest part of your brain) has a special outer layer called the cortex. The cortex is all those wrinkled layers, and scientists have found that various areas of the cortex are linked with certain functions.<\/p>\n
Your brain has a huge network of blood vessels which receive up to 50 percent of your body\u2019s fuel and oxygen if you\u2019re in deep thought. This network of blood vessels is made up of a variety of veins, capillaries, and arteries.<\/p>\n
There are also about 100 billion nerve cells in your brain. These nerve cells contain branches which connect them together at more than 100 trillion points. Memories, thoughts, feelings, and other signals travel through these groups of neurons to other cells. Once a signal has reached a synapse (a small junction between nerve cells), a burst of chemicals called neurotransmitters are released.<\/p>\n
Importance of Neurotransmitters<\/h3>\n
Although neurotransmitters aren\u2019t the only cause of brain conditions, they do play an important role. They are what help nerves communicate with each other.<\/p>\n
Harvard Medical School<\/a> (2<\/a>) mentions 6 different neurotransmitters that all have a different effect on our brain.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Acetylcholine<\/em> \u2013 Involved in learning, recall, and enhances memory.<\/li>\n
- Serotonin<\/em> \u2013 It helps regulate sleep, appetite, mood, and inhibits pain. When individuals have low levels of serotonin, they are linked with a higher risk for suicide.<\/li>\n
- Norepinephrine<\/em> \u2013 It has the ability to constrict blood vessels, which then raises blood pressure and may trigger anxiety. It also seems to determine motivation and reward.<\/li>\n
- Dopamine<\/em> \u2013 The \u201cfeel good\u201d neurotransmitter, it is the brain\u2019s reward system and influences motivation. It also plays a role in how people perceive reality, with low levels causing psychosis, hallucinations, or delusions.<\/li>\n
- Glutamate<\/em> \u2013 This neurotransmitter acts as an excitatory and plays a role in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.<\/li>\n
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)<\/em> \u2013 Helps to inhibit certain issues, such as anxiety.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
5 Supplements to Try for Brain Health<\/h2>\n
1. Fish oils<\/strong><\/h3>\n
When taking fish oil, you\u2019re getting two forms of omega-3 fatty acids. They include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)<\/li>\n
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
DHA is the form that is mostly associated with improved brain function. According to a 2016 article published in Nutrients<\/em> (3<\/a>), DHA makes up over 90% of the omega-3\u2019s found in the brain and 10 to 20% of the brain\u2019s total lipids. DHA is found at the synapses previously discussed; therefore they can affect neurotransmitter release.<\/p>\n
A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition<\/em> (4<\/a>) found that taking a DHA supplement improved thinking skills, memory, and reaction times in individuals who weren\u2019t getting enough DHA via diet. It\u2019s also helpful for people experiencing a decline in brain function.<\/p>\n
Harvested from the best fish sources – sardine and anchovy – Natural Wellness’s Super Omega-3 Fish Oil<\/a> contains 1000 mgs of active omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.<\/em><\/p>\n
2. Ginkgo Biloba<\/h3>\n
![\"Ginkgo](\"https:\/\/www.naturalwellness.com\/nwupdate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ginkgo-biloba.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThis herb is harvested from the Ginkgo biloba tree native to China. The form that is used in medicine and supplements is an extract from the leaves and has a specific formulation to keep it consistent.<\/p>\n
More research needs to be done, but there are promising studies out there that show this herb\u2019s potential. One 2013 review and analysis (5<\/a>) found that supplementing Ginkgo biloba reduced symptoms of schizophrenia, and also improved daily living of patients with dementia. On the other hand, there\u2019s limited evidence to show it can improve other neuropsychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, autism, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).<\/p>\n
In addition to 100 mg of DHA powder, Natural Wellness’s Brain Support<\/a> supplement also contains Ginkgo biloba.<\/em><\/p>\n
3. St. John\u2019s Wort<\/h3>\n
![\"St.](\"https:\/\/www.naturalwellness.com\/nwupdate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/st-johns-wort.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThis plant is grown in the wild and regularly prescribed for depression in Europe.<\/p>\n
A 2016 review (6<\/a>) found that St. John\u2019s Wort exceeded placebo pills when it came to treating mild and moderate depression. It was also right in line with antidepressant medication treatments.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to note that taking St. John\u2019s Wort on top of an antidepressant can cause serotonin to increase to potentially life-threatening levels.<\/p>\n
4. B vitamins<\/h3>\n
There are a grand total of 8 B-vitamins. They include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- B1 (thiamine)<\/li>\n
- B2 (riboflavin)<\/li>\n
- B3 (niacin)<\/li>\n
- B5 (pantothenic acid)<\/li>\n
- B6<\/li>\n
- B7 (biotin)<\/li>\n
- B12<\/li>\n
- Folic acid<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
According to Mayo Clinic (7<\/a>), these B-vitamins all play a role in how our brain produces chemicals. Low levels can affect our mood and other brain functions, which could potentially be linked with depression.<\/p>\n
A 2019 review and analysis (8<\/a>) found that B-vitamin supplementation had a positive effect on mood compared to placebo. This was especially true when it came to stress, but not significant when it came to depression and anxiety symptoms.<\/p>\n
You can find all 8 in Natural Wellness’s Stress Relief<\/a> supplement.<\/em><\/p>\n
- Serotonin<\/em> \u2013 It helps regulate sleep, appetite, mood, and inhibits pain. When individuals have low levels of serotonin, they are linked with a higher risk for suicide.<\/li>\n
- Cerebellum<\/em> \u2013 controls coordination and balance<\/li>\n
![\"Natural](\"https:\/\/www.naturalwellness.com\/nwupdate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/natural-wellness-stress-relief-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n