Huperzine A is a natural herb for Memory, Concentration and Alzheimer's - Huperzine A is a natural Chinese herbal remedy extracted from club moss (Huperzia serrata) may significantly improve memory and mental function -- with none of the negative side effects of commonly prescribed prescription drugs. HupA has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries to treat inflammation. HupA works in a similar fashion to the two most commonly prescribed drugs for Alzheimer's disease, tacrine (Cognex) and donepezil (Aricept). All three inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine. While all three have been shown to enhance memory, boost acetylcholine and protect brain cells from toxins, HupA has none of the significant side effects of the prescription drugs, which can cause nausea, vomiting, excess sweating and salivation, and liver damage. HupA also has a longer duration than both of these drugs. Several studies have shown that HupA improves brain function in patients with dementia. HupA seems to have additional properties that may help it to slow the progression of Alzheimer's. One study showed that it can slow the formation of a harmful plaque, a buildup of protein deposits in the brain. Other studies indicate that it can protect brain cells from glutamate, a neurotransmitter that becomes toxic when it is secreted in large amounts. Some research also indicates that Huperzine A helps to block the process of inflammation that occurs as Alzheimer's disease progresses. The recommended dose of Huperzine A is 100-200 mcg per day in divided doses. It may take 2-3 months to see clinical improvement. A double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated 103 people with Alzheimer's disease who received either huperzine A or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. About 60% of the treated participants showed improvements in memory, thinking, and behavioral functions compared to 36% of the placebo-treated group, and the difference was significant. Benefits were also seen in an earlier double-blind trial using injected huperzine in 160 individuals with dementia or other memory disorders. Huperzine is also reportedly helpful for improving memory in healthy individuals. A double-blind trial of 34 matching pairs of junior middle school students reported improvements in memory in the treated group.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Ginkgo Biloba extract has several major effects: antioxidant protection from free radicals within cells including protecting mitochondria, dilating blood vessels by releasing endothelium-derived relaxing factor, inhibiting platelet-aggregating factor and thereby blocking blood clots, inhibition of stress response of excessive glucocorticoid steroid and promoting the release of alpha amyloid precursor protein which is neuroprotective and enhances memory. The large majority of double blind, placebo controlled clinical trials have found supplementation with ginkgo biloba extract to be effective for helping people with poor memory function. Most of these clinical studies used 240 mg per day. Ginkgo Biloba Boosts Brain Power and Support Alzheimer's Disease. Ginkgo Biloba is an antioxidant, meaning it scavenges the blood for harmful free radicals (toxins) that would otherwise interfere with normal brain chemistry and function. Ginkgo also improves blood flow, hence increased oxygen availability to brain cells. Mounting research demonstrates that it can increase mental alertness and improve memory, not only in Alzheimer's patients, but in otherwise mentally fit individuals who don't want to lose any of their brain power to aging.

Introducing Cogni-Flex

I recommend one Cogni-Flex twice a day with Acetyl-L-Carnitine 1000- 2000mg/day for Enhancing Memory and Cognition.

Alpha lipoic acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant which is active in water-soluble as well as lipid-soluble areas of the body including the brain. Furthermore, alpha lipoic acid can regenerate oxidized, inactive vitamin E, vitamin C and CoQ10 back to being active antioxidants. Alpha lipoic acid is an essential cofactor for several mitochondrial enzyme complexes that catalyze critical reactions related to energy production and the catabolism (breakdown) of fatty acids and amino acids. Double-blind placebo controlled trials have shown that alpha lipoic acid 600 mg per day can help improve nerve health. The most common cause of poor nerve health is elevated blood sugar levels so common in today's society because of the over consumption of sugar and other simple carbs.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is part of the electron transport chain in mitochondria and is critical for mitochondrial energy production. Acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid and/or CoQ10 increase mitochondrial energy production which also increases dangerous free radical formation. CoQ10 and alpha lipoic acid are powerful antioxidants which protect the cells and particularly the mitochondria from free radical damage. The combination of CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine may be synergistic for increasing mitochondrial energy production while protecting mitochondria from free radical damage and may increase mental stamina and physical stamina. For example, studies in elderly rats have shown a synergistic improvement using alpha lipoic acid together with acetyl-L-carnitine for improving memory tasks by lowering oxidative damage and improving cellular energy production in mitochondria.

L-carnitine

L-Carnitine It is never too late to start nutritional supplementation. A placebo-controlled study of extremely old people (over one hundred years old) given L-carnitine reported increase of total muscle mass, reduction in total fat mass, improvement in mental fatigue as well as physical fatigue and improvement in cognitive health. Carnitine has also been reported to improve attention in people with problems concentrating. Aged dogs with cognitive decline given a supplement which included phosphatidylserine, alpha lipoic acid, L-carnitine and CoQ10 for two months had significant improvement in disorientation, social interaction and soiling.

Three studies reported that drinking five cups or more of green tea daily was associated with more than a 50% reduction, a 65% reduction and a 69% reduction in the risk of brain damage from decreased cerebral blood flow. You can also take Green tea extract containing the most potent antioxidant bioflavonoid which is capable of reducing inflammation and pain, strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation, fight bacteria and viruses, improve liver function, lower cholesterol levels, improve vision and even helps burn calorie and loose weight.

Magnesium

A placebo-controlled study of people with narrowing of their carotid arteries (which are major arteries in the neck for blood flow to the brain) reported that drinking one glass a day of pomegranate juice resulted in improvement of the carotid arteries. Pomegranates have high levels of a unique family of antioxidants called punicosides. Cardio-Edge contains Pomegranate Extract and other cholesterol lowering nutrients such as Plant Sterols, Sytrinol and tocotrienols - a formula that embodies the most recent science to help maintain cardiovascular health and support healthy cholesterol levels.

Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Low fish intake and low blood levels of the omega-3 DHA are associated with increased risk of poor memory health in humans and in mice. Furthermore, when these mice were given omega-3 DHA starting later in life, there was marked reduction in amyloid beta accumulation in the brain, reduction in oxidative brain damage, and improved cognitive function.Epidemiological studies report that regularly eating cold-water fatty fish as well as a placebo-controlled study giving omega-3 fish oil EPA and DHA in softgels are associated with better cardiovascular health. Healthy brains generally contain high levels of DHA whereas low levels of DHA have been found in brains of people with amyloid beta accumulation and severe memory loss.

The Framingham Heart Study measured the omega-3 DHA blood levels and then prospectively followed for 9 years 899 people (average age of 76 years). Cognitive function was tested every 2 years. People with the highest quartile (top 25%) of DHA blood levels had an average DHA intake of 180 mg per day, average fish intake of 3 servings per week and had a 47% reduction of the development of poor memory health (as compared to the other 75% of people with lower DHA blood levels). People who averaged two servings of fish per week did not have a reduction of the development of severe memory loss.

The optimal dosage of omega-3 EPA and DHA appears to be 2,000 mg per day. Unfortunately the amount of mercury and other heavy metals plus PCBs in most fish would make it dangerous to attempt this level by just eating fish. I recommend the fish oil supplement which is molecularly distilled to remove mercury and other heavy metals and PCBs, pharmaceutical quality. I recommend taking Omega 3 2 - 4 softgels per day.

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