Carnitine, Curcumin and DHA - Nutrient trio boosts brain health and cognition

Monday, December 13, 2010 by: John Phillip
Tags: carnitine, brain health, health news

(NewsTarget) Cognitive decline and memory loss are considered a normal function of aging by millions of people. A `senior moment` is the term coined to describe momentary forgetfulness that some people experience from time to time. Lapses in memory are not normal and are a strong indicator of brain decline that typically progresses over a period of several decades. Our brain requires nutrition, healthy blood flow and oxygen just as any organ to remain `plastic` and be able to function at optimal capacity. Years of dietary abuse and exposure to toxic household and environmental chemicals cause brain stress, inflammation and insulin resistance. A trio of super nutrients demonstrates the capacity to improve brain health and lower the risk of cognitive decline.

Memory Decline is Not a Normal Part of Aging
The brain receives 20% of your body`s supply of freshly oxygenated blood. When this supply is restricted through narrowing of the arteries and inflammation, the brain experiences stress and cognition is diminished. Any nutrient that can specifically target and increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain can slow or even reverse brain decline and restore memory and learning abilities.

Carnitine Promotes Brain Rejuvenation
Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid that has been shown to benefit brain health, improve stress tolerance and protect against excitotoxic damage to brain neurons. Carnitine helps to prevent the nerve-related wear and tear that promotes the buildup of amyloid plaque and is associated with Alzheimer`s disease. The results of a study completed at the University of Milan demonstrated that the amino acid inhibits the secretion of nerve cell proteins that become tangled plaque in the brain.

Curcumin Reduces Brain Mediated Stress
The normal process of metabolic function creates free radicals that are damaging to the brain. We can limit the effects of free radicals by eating a naturally raw diet filled with fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds and limiting stressful situations. Super nutrients such as curcumin can help keep free radicals at bay by absorbing the impact of these damaging particles. The results of information published in the journal Neurotoxicity show that curcumin deactivates one of the most damaging free radicals known as peroxynitrite by boosting antioxidant defenses in the brain and lowering inflammatory responses.

DHA Required for Optimal Brain Function
The Omega-3 fat DHA continues to gain importance for its ability to rejuvenate brain cells and prevent cognitive decline. Not only is this essential fat required for neuronal and synaptic connections, but research also confirms that it actually controls the genetics that power the development of neural stem cells. Research published in the journal Neuroscience details how DHA helps to maintain brain plasticity and can prevent the decline that often leads to vascular dementia and Alzheimer`s disease.

Too many people take brain health for granted and accept a steady decline in memory and learning to be normal and acceptable. While the brain remains well protected, it`s still susceptible to many of the ravages brought about by poor diet, stress and the environment. Natural nutrients including carnitine, curcumin and DHA are shown to prevent cognitive decline, improve memory and ensure vibrant brain health through advancing age.

Article References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18801359
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20869986
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18620024

About the author

John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.