If you want to slow aging and remain mentally sharp and vigorous, you've got to protect your brain. As we age, our brains become more inflamed. With neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, we see much higher levels of brain inflammation. This reaction in the aging brain can lead to a loss of vital brain cells in the memory and cognitive parts of the brain (hippocampus and prefrontal lobes).
Fortunately, there are many supplements that can help protect your brain from the ravages of aging. For a full discussion on how to keep your brain healthy, read my report "Save Your Brain."
Here are some of the most effective supplements and plant extracts:
Curcumin. This extract of the spice turmeric commands first place as a brain protector for its ability to suppress the cell-damaging protein NFkB. Another way curcumin protects the brain is by binding free iron and preventing it from becoming toxic in the brain. Curcumin also reduces the brain toxicity of mercury and aluminum. It has been shown that mixing it with extra-virgin olive oil increases gut absorption 11-fold and brain uptake fourfold.
Quercetin. Like curcumin, this is a powerful anti-inflammatory that inhibits NFkB activation, thereby suppressing inflammation and excitotoxicity. Absorption is increased by dissolving in extra-virgin olive oil. You can mix it with the curcumin.
Resveratrol. Like the two anti-inflammatories curcumin and quercetin, it also acts on a number of inflammatory pathways in brain cells to reduce inflammation, shut off harmful microglial activation, and promote cell-protection mechanisms.
High gamma-tocopherol vitamin E. Vitamin E has been shown to reduce inflammation and excitotoxicity — especially the form that has the high gamma-tocopherol component. A related vitamin E component called mixed tocotrienols also protects the brain.
Buffered vitamin C (calcium or magnesium ascorbate). Aside from being an important antioxidant, vitamin C increases brain dopamine levels, improving mood and motivation. It also supplies energy to the brain and inhibits excitotoxicity. My special report "Key Vitamins that Save Your Heart, Prevent Cancer and Keep You Living Long"will give you all the details.
Magnesium citrate/malate. Magnesium is a very important mineral for overall brain protection. Unfortunately, most physicians do not know this and rarely give it to patients. Magnesium regulates one of the most important types of glutamate receptor, preventing excessive excitotoxicity. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory. Citrate and malate act as a metabolic fuel for the brain.
Medium chain triglycerides (MCT oil). This is a special fat that the brain can metabolize like sugar, but without producing inflammation or free radicals. It is an integral part of high-fat, low carbohydrate ketogenic diets such at the Atkins diet, and may also be a major weapon against malignant brain tumors and Alzheimer’s. Never take this oil on an empty stomach as it can cause severe cramping.
DHA oil. DHA is a component of fish oil and is the major omega-3 lipid in the brain. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and directly inhibits excitotoxicity and microglial activation. Because it is extracted from algae, DHA has little risk of mercury contamination.
These supplements have also been shown to improve one’s mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce one’s risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
For more of Dr. Blaylock’s weekly tips, go here to view the archive
© 2011 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
