Originally published July 20 2014
Improve brain circulation and cognitive abilities with natural compounds
by Dr. David Jockers
(NaturalNews) Low energy, poor memory and brain fog are common day epidemics. These symptoms also signal that the brain is dealing with inflammatory stress and if that stress is not addressed it will lead to neurodegenerative conditions. Natural compounds can dramatically improve brain circulation and cognitive abilities.
Lowered cognitive function results in lowered working efficiency, relationship disputes and significantly reduced quality of life. The brain is extremely sensitive to free radical damage, poor circulation and poor blood sugar balance. Individuals with chronic inflammatory stress, arterial restriction and blood sugar imbalances will often have trouble with memory, cognitive function and brain fog.
Certain compounds have been shown to help dilate cerebral arteries and improve blood flow to the brain. They also provide key anti-oxidants that help protect the blood vessels that supply the brain and protect the neurons when brain oxygen is low. They also help to modulate the blood viscosity and blood pressure so as to optimize blood flow to the brain.
Ginko biloba
The most powerful components of ginkgo leaves are the flavonoid glycosides myricetin and quercetin. They also contain terpenoid anti-oxidants ginkgolides and bilobalides. Flavonoids are plant-based anti-oxidants that protect the cardiovascular system, neurons and retina.(1) Terpenoids enhance blood flow by dilating the blood vessels and reducing platelet aggregation.(2)
These molecules are shown to be non-discriminative monoamine oxidase inhibitors that maintain optimal levels of major neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in regions of the brain.(3) This is a similar mechanism as common pharmaceuticals that are used to treat depression and bipolar disorders.
These anti-oxidant flavonoids are also highly neuroprotective from the dangers of oxidative stress. Prolonged oxidative stress in particular regions of the brain is the leading factor in the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease.(4) This anti-oxidant protection also boosts memory, mood and creative thinking.(5)
Several different studies have showed that ginkgo can improve memory and attention span in healthy individuals with peak performance coming about two hours after ingestion.(6) Ginkgo also improves vision and overall eye health as it prevents against macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts.(7) Ginko has been shown to improve blood flow into all regions of the body which is particularly useful for sexual dysfunction in women and erectile dysfunction in men.
Feverfew
This has been classically used as a safe and effective way to manage migraines. Research has shown that feverfew has profound effects on the vascular system and reduces inflammatory stress throughout the circulatory system.(8)
Clinical tests have shown the use of feverfew may reduce of frequency and severity of headaches better than NSAID medications like tylenol. It is the combination of ingredients in the feverfew plant that brings such effective relief. It works to inhibit the release of three inflammatory substances that contribute to the onset of migraines.
These inflammatory substances include excessive serotonin, histamine and inflammatory prostaglandins. By modulating these substances, feverfew controls inflammation that constricts the blood vessels in the head and prevents blood vessel spasms which may contribute to headaches.(9)
Butcher's broom
Butcher's broom has been known to enhance blood flow to the brain, legs, and hands. It has been used to relieve constipation and water retention and improve circulation.(10) Since Butcher's broom tightens blood vessels and capillaries, it is used to treat varicose veins.(11)
Butcher's broom has been shown to reduce vascular permeability. The ruscogenins, which are a group of steroidal saponins from butcher's broom, showed remarkable anti-elastase activity in vitro but were inactive against hyaluronidase. They are also very powerful anti-inflammatories and anti-coagulants.(12) These actions help explain the herb's apparent utility in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.
Sources for this article include:
1) http://www.iovs.org/content/46/12/4796.long
2) http://science.naturalnews.com
3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8614288
4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19221412
5) http://science.naturalnews.com
/2010/511374_Effects_of_Ginkgo_biloba_in_dementia_systematic_review_and_meta.html
6) http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs002130000501
7) http://science.naturalnews.com
/2004/4691148_The_Ginkgo_biloba_extract_EGb_761_provides_a_neuroprotective_effect
.html
8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22435410
9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210009/
10) http://journals.lww.com
11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18946195
About the author:
Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.
His website features great articles on natural health and incredible recipes. He is the author of the best-selling book SuperCharge Your Brain - the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory and mindset. He has over 50,000 active followers on his social media and email newsletter and is a big influencer in the Primal Health movement.
Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance consultations and health coaching to help you beat disease and reach your health goals. For more information got to www.drjockers.com
Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.
His website features great articles on natural health and incredible recipes. He is the author of the best-selling book SuperCharge Your Brain - the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory and mindset. He has over 50,000 active followers on his social media and email newsletter and is a big influencer in the Primal Health movement.
Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance consultations and health coaching to help you beat disease and reach your health goals. For more information got to www.drjockers.com
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