Top 5 Brain-Boosting Supplements

As longtime TRANSCEND fans know, maintaining your good health is one of the most critical steps in the journey towards a longer, happier life. It's not all about physical fitness either (though that's important!) — your mental health is just as crucial. 

In these unprecedented times, when so much of the world around us feels uncertain, it's especially critical to take charge of the things we can control. Luckily, you don't have to do it alone. If, like many of us, you're having a hard time focusing on your work right now, supplementation may help.

Here are the top five nootropic supplements we recommend to help you boost your brainpower.

1. Memory Support

TRANSCEND's Memory Support, a proprietary blend of alertness and memory-boosting ingredients, also contains 10 mg of vinpocetine. 

Vinpocetine, a synthetic alkaloid derived from the periwinkle plant, has been used to treat cognitive decline, stroke recovery, and epilepsy. This powerful memory enhancer has been shown to facilitate brain metabolism by improving cerebral blood flow, increasing brain cell ATP production (for energy), and increasing glucose and oxygen utilization. 

In studies, vinpocetine has been shown to improve attention, concentration, and memory more than a placebo. 

2. Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidycholine—one of Ray's top supplements, actually— is one of the top nutrients to combat aging at the cellular level. In studies, phosphatidylcholine was found to stimulate the growth of new brain cells and neural connections. This process, known as neurogenesis, was once thought impossible after a certain age.

Choline occurs naturally in protein-heavy foods, like eggs, soybeans, and meat. Still, it's not easy to get enough phosphatidylcholine from diet alone. That's why supplementation is your best bet.

3. EPA/DHA

EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3 fatty acids, are found naturally in cold-water fish, nut oils, and fortified foods, to name a few sources. 

DHA is one of the most prevalent fatty acids in the brain, which could explain why our brains perform better when we increase DHA intake. DHA supplements have been linked with improved thinking skills, memory, and reaction times. EPA has anti-inflammatory effects, which can protect the brain against damage and aging.

Fish oil, like TRANSCEND's EPA/DHA, has been shown to help reduce age-related declines in brain function.

4. Anti-Aging Complex

TRANSCEND's Anti-Aging Complex (ALA/ALC/Carnosine/GSE) is a proprietary blend, specifically designed to provide a significant amount of antioxidant and anti-aging protection.

ALA, or alpha-lipoic acid, is a synthetic version of lipoic acid, which helps cells make energy. Its antioxidant properties may reduce inflammation, and studies have shown that it may help prevent Alzheimer's and improve cognition by raising acetylcholine levels, which diminish with age.   

ALC, or acetyl-l-carnitine, is a naturally occurring molecule that helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria to create energy. It is widely used to improve memory in healthy adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Carnosine is a dipeptide of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine. Throughout the body, it's found in the highest concentrations in high-energy-demand areas like the brain, heart, and muscles. 

GSE, or grape seed extract, has been shown to have significantly better free-radical scavenging abilities than vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene. It also supports the growth and viability of normal cells.

5. TMG

TMG, or trimethylglycine, can help facilitate methylation, a critical biological process involved in DNA repair and the production of beneficial compounds like SAMe and methionine.

Your brain's nerve cells use SAMe to make energy, maintain connectivity, and generate mood-related neurotransmitters. After all, good mental health means taking proactive care of your mood as well.

Talk to Your Doctor

Remember, before adding any additional supplements to your routine, it is best to talk to your doctor first. Here's to your good health!