Can supplements really boost brain health?

Have you ever had brain fog? You know those days where you lose your train of thought mid-sentence, can't remember simple details, and feel like you don't have access to the power your brain usually has. We've all been there before. If you're like most people, you've probably wondered one thing during those foggy days - can supplements really boost your brain?

If so, what are the best supplements for brain health, mood, and/or memory?

What is brain fog? 

While the term brain fog is not a medical term, nor is it scientific, it is something we can all relate to – feeling sluggish or “foggy.” Whether it’s diet-related, caused by fatigue, or a toxic environment, we can all agree that brain fog is not a fun experience.

So, what can you do to combat brain fog? Adjusting your diet is a good place to start, and using supplements for brain fog can also be beneficial. But before we look into these solutions, we first need to ask ourselves what is causing brain fog.

Feel free to read more here about vitamin C and all its benefits .

Causes of brain fog

Potential causes of brain fog include:

• Diet
• Environment
• Lack of sleep
• Stress 
• Hormonal imbalances 

As we mentioned earlier, the term brain fog is not medically recognized , meaning there is no diagnosis and no “official cause.” That said, it is still possible to speculate. The first cause (and probably the most common) is diet. The brain is among one of the most sensitive organs in the body, and can be easily affected by even the smallest inputs. Of course, when foods that are not in harmony with the body are consumed, it not only drains the body of important resources during the digestion of these difficult foods, but it also creates inflammation that puts additional stress on the body as a whole.

Another theory is that our environment can cause brain fog. Even if you live in a clean house, use eco-friendly and "green" cleaning products, and don't work in an overtly toxic environment, the pollution found in our air, water, and resources is hard to avoid.

Honestly, there is a limit to how much one person can do, and everyone has different sensitivities involving the environment around us.

Stress and hormonal imbalance can cause trouble

Finally, brain fog can also be limited to personal challenges with stress, sleep, or hormonal imbalances. While these may sound like separate challenges, they are all easily interconnected. In a world where people are chronically stressed and working harder than ever, lack of sleep is a fairly common problem. Lack of sleep can increase stress and vice versa, and can also lead to hormonal imbalances that make it harder to sleep while affecting the body's ability to respond to stress.

It's a self-perpetuating cycle that will leave everyone feeling exhausted!
So now that you know what brain fog is, and some potential causes, let's take a look at the hottest question - do supplements actually have an effect on brain health?

Can supplements boost brain health?

The answer to this question isn't exactly simple, and there are a couple of reasons why.

Because brain health is based on many different factors, the effect of a given supplement on a person's health varies from individual to individual.

Factors that affect brain health include:
• Stress
• Sleep
• Diet
• Training
• Genetics
• Age
and much more

What about concussion?

When it comes to brain health, the best thing you can do is give your body the nutrients it needs to function optimally - either through diet or supplements.

Can this actually boost brain health? Again, it's hard to say, as this depends on many factors and how efficiently your body uses these nutrients.

But by supplementing with the best vitamins for brain health, you will certainly have a great opportunity for improved mood, memory, and top-notch cognition.

Nootropics for better brain health

We couldn't mention brain health without discussing nootropics. While this word seems like something we just made up, the effects of nootropics on the mind have actually been studied for quite some time.

What are nootropics? 

Nootropics, often known as "smart drugs," are substances used to improve brain function and memory. While these can be synthetic, there are many natural substances that also have nootropic effects.
This is what we often see in brain supplements with claims of improved attention, focus, and/or memory.

Examples of Nootropics:

• Ginkgo Biloba

• Panax Ginseng

• Rhodiola

• Lion's Mane (mushroom)

You might be thinking, why doesn't everyone try nootropics? Well, the fact is that they are still being studied, and their effectiveness also varies from person to person.

While some report improved brain function, concentration, or memory, others may experience increases in risk behaviors and worsening of psychiatric challenges.

Simply put, nootropics are not for everyone!

Should I take supplements for better brain health?

It seems like a lot of the research out there is still on whether supplements can actually boost brain health. What is not disputed, however, is that the brain needs certain vitamins and minerals to function optimally. Nutrients like healthy fats (EPA and DHA), antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E), B vitamins, and magnesium are all necessary for the brain’s daily function.
So supplementing your diet with these nutrients ensures that your base is also covered for brain health, giving your body the best chance for optimal health.

If you feel like your diet is lacking in these nutrients, supplementation can really make a difference in your brain health. While there is no supplement currently known to boost your brain beyond what is considered normal, incorporating high-quality supplements, a well-balanced diet, and regular exercise into your routine can be the difference between living life in a fog or energized through the 8 seasons!