When to Use Neurological supplements and Why?
How would you like if your memory receives a boost to help you remember all names, appointments, and dates in your life? Too good to believe right? Well, tell you what; Medical researchers and scientists have been working long to figure out the right formula that can help boost a person’s memory but have failed invariably or to some extent were met with dangerous side effects along the way. The usual question arises–Is staying sharp as simple as taking an ordinary pill?
A majority of healthcare experts opines that there is no sure-fire way or proof of study that favors the working of neurological supplements to enhance human memory.
University of Rochester Medical Center scientists ran a couple of clinical trials that involved 1,200 patients to verify the tolerance level when injected with a high dose of coenzyme Q10, to bring early symptoms of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s to a stop. Awarded with $13 million from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the trials followed a similar design to the previous attempts that depicted how CoQ10, when administered in low doses positively worked to slow down the symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders, as there is no major treatment option available for the Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, put together. 267 participants were observed for no less than 16 months or there occurred a need for dopaminergic treatment.
The primary outcome measure included a noticeable UPDRS score (Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale) change right from the baseline to the final visit. Baseline characteristics for each participant were quite well balanced with the mean age being 62.5 years, out of which around 66 percent were males and the UPDRS score was noted at 22.7. The overall treatment was well tolerated without any concerns about safety. Further, the study was terminated when the pre-specified “Futility Criterion” was reached. Thus, as a neurological supplement Coenzyme Q10 was concluded as safe and quite well-tolerated without showing any evidence of clinical benefit.
That brings us to mull over the very idea of using neurological supplements to help enhance memory and mindfulness by using store-bought drugs that claim to include the goodness of natural herbs in the shape of drugs. Vitamins, as well as nutritional supplements, have gained widespread popularity globally to help prevent neurological disorders or to fight early symptoms. This is a crucial juncture where the neurologists have a significant role to portray in respecting as well as acknowledging patient ideas. A neurologist must explain to his patients that some supplements may have a role in effectively treating a disease, but not for all. Here’s a look at four such components and herbs that are being marketed as memory-enhancing neurological supplements and its side effects that comes along in its trail.
4 Effective Neurological Supplements to Enhance Your Mental and Physical Health
Biotin
One of the most essential vitamins in the B complex group, Biotin, helps in the transmission of nerve signals and also in neurotransmitter activity. Biotin also helps in improving your memory, protects your brain health, and enhances immunity against neurodegenerative disorders as well as cognitive issues. This B complex vitamin has also been found to counter Alzheimer’s disease and dementia effectively. Along with preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, neurological supplements containing biotin and the other B vitamins can help you better your concentration and keep a positive outlook.
Ginkgo biloba
Claiming to boost mental performance, the working mechanism of this herb is based on small studies that are highly questionable. However, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine came up with a study report that shows Ginkgo Biloba doesn’t have any adverse effect in preventing or reducing a cognitive decline. Nevertheless, the drug does come with a series of side effects that include headache and stomach upset. Also, important to note, that Ginkgo is quite a bit of blood thinner which can react with anticoagulants like Aspirin for instance. Also, it is advised to stay away from consuming this drug, if you are already under medication for seizure.
Ginseng
A Chinese herb that is popularly used to treat erectile dysfunctions pre-dominantly, Ginseng is also believed to carry memory-enhancing power. However, there are no studies to prove such claims. Reportedly, regular intake of Ginseng might have a series of side effects that include headache, nosebleeds, sudden tremors, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Similar to Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng too is a blood thinner and should be avoided by people who suffer or have a medical history of psychosis or bipolar disorder.
Omega-3 fatty acids
These fats are necessary to help your brain function well, apart from having an overall positive effect on your body. Foods that contain a high dose of Omega-3 fatty acids include fishes like trout, salmon, albacore, halibut, herring, and sardines. Besides, shrimps, spinach, and walnut as well flaxseeds are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
A healthy nervous system will inadvertently increase your chances of leading an active and long life. So, be sure to check out neurological supplements containing the above-mentioned substances today.
