Brain Health Doesn’t Have to Make You Puzzled

If you’re like most of us, as we age, you’re looking for ways to improve your focus and concentration. There is an awareness, whether in the news or talk among friends about memory problems like dementia and Alzheimers. You may even find yourself “checking in” to make sure that you are not forgetting things. You may also start to notice brain fog and problems concentrating. Is this age related or something we fix? Concentration and memory

When I was younger, I never had to worry about my concentration or memory. If I had to take a test, I was always sharp. Somewhere along the line (I have forgotten when) I started to lose some of that sharp, quick mind. I have days when I battle a bit of “fog”. I notice that I struggle to stay focused on a project. Natural alternatives

Thankfully, there are natural alternatives that can be effective without the negative side effects of prescriptions. Let’s take a look at amino acids for brain health. So, we’re not focusing here on HOW we lose concentration due to poor diet or exposure to disruptors but instead, focusing on natural ways to support the brain. Amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They are essential for muscle growth, immune system function, and cognitive function. There are 20 different amino acids that the body needs in order to function properly. 11 of these amino acids can be produced by the body, while the other 9 must be obtained through food or supplements. Let’s focus on 3 that have been shown to be beneficial for brain function: tyrosine, glutamine, and choline. Please note that many other foods and supplements can be helpful. Tyrosine

Tyrosine supplementation may help increase your dopamine levels, neurotransmitters, adrenalin and norepinephrine. Some call it a “brain-booster” because it may help increase alertness and improve cognitive performance. It is being studied to see if it helps with depression. The FDA recognizes it as safe for most but it could react with other medications. Glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in our bodies so why would we need to supplement? Research shows that when the body is stressed due to illness or injury, it can be responsible for shorter hospital stays. It helps protect the brain from stress-related damage and increases white blood cells that help fight infection and disease. Dr Axe states that it can stall brain aging. Choline

Choline is important for memory and learning. A study was done on inadequate levels of choline and found that lower levels of choline meant lower working memory performance in older men. It also may lower the risk of stroke and boost metabolism.

There are numerous ways that the brain can become foggy and memory can be disrupted and there are numerous ways to support brain health. If you’re looking for a way to improve your focus and concentration without resorting to prescription drugs, consult with your doctor and discuss taking amino acids to stay focused naturally.

Read more at www.mensjournal.com