Keep Your Mind Sharp: The Top 4 Supplements to Support Cognitive Health

Keep Your Mind Sharp: The Top 4 Supplements to Support Cognitive Health

Are you worried about losing your cognitive edge as you age? Do you want to keep your mind sharp and your memory strong? If so, then you're not alone! As we age, our cognitive health can start to decline. This can lead to problems with memory, focus, and decision-making. Even some lifestyle habits can play a role in your brain power, like poor sleeping and eating habits.

But there’s good news: there’s a super simple way you can help protect your cognitive health for the long haul—-supplementation. Supplements are convenient, and the ones of the highest quality include all the essential nutrients your brain is craving.

No need to get overwhelmed—we’ve got you covered! Read on to learn the importance of cognitive health, how you can protect it, and which supplements on the market today can help get the job done.

Two people sitting

Common Signs of Poor Brain Health

Poor brain health doesn’t just have to do with your mental or emotional state—your brain is working nonstop, and when it’s struggling, the rest of your body struggles with it. Some of the most common signs of poor brain health can include: [1-16]

-Memory problems
-Confusion
-Trouble concentrating
-Language problems
-Fatigue and/or exhaustion 
-Food cravings and indulgence
-Energy crashes
-Disrupted or poor quality of sleep
-Decision-making problems
-Changes in personality or behavior
-Changes in daily activities (things like dressing, bathing, or cooking)
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If you have any questions, concerns, or experience any of the above symptoms, please consult with your healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions. 
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Woman eating food.

The Non-Negotiables for Optimal Brain Health

Supplements can be a beneficial addition to your daily health regimen, but they're not everything. Here's what you need to know first to keep your mind sharp:

Eat a Healthy Diet [1,2]

Fuel your brain with brain food. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are packed with nutrients that are essential for brain health.
Go nuts for healthy fats. Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and seeds, can help to protect your brain from damage.
Skip the processed foods. Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, which can all contribute to cognitive decline.

    Get Regular Exercise [3]

    Move your body to boost your brain. Exercise helps to improve blood flow to the brain, which can help to protect it from damage and improve cognitive function.
    Get your heart rate up. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
    Find an activity you enjoy. Exercise is more likely to stick if you find something you enjoy doing.

      Stay Mentally Active [4]

      Learn something new. Learning a new skill or language can help to keep your brain active and engaged.
      Read. Reading is a great way to exercise your mind and improve your cognitive function.
      Solve puzzles. Puzzles and other brain games can help to improve your memory, problem-solving skills, and concentration.

        Get Enough Sleep [5,6]

        Let your brain rest. Sleep is essential for brain health. When you don't get enough sleep, your cognitive function can suffer.
        Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
        Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This will help you to wind down and fall asleep more easily.

          Manage Stress [7]

          - Find healthy ways to relax. Yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature are all great ways to manage stress.
          Talk to someone you trust. Talking about your stress can help you to feel better and cope with it more effectively.
          Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and listening to your body.
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            Various Pattern Wellness product bottles.

              The Pattern Wellness Difference: Science-Backed Supplements for Cognitive Health

              Turmeric Curcumin with Bioperine & Boswellia Serrata

              This golden spice and ancient resin can help to keep your mind sharp and your memory strong. 

              Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce inflammation, protect brain cells from damage, and improve memory and learning. Bioperine is a compound that is found in black pepper, and it helps to increase the absorption of curcumin, making it more bioavailable. Boswellia Serrata is a resin that has been used for centuries to treat inflammation and pain. It has also been shown to improve cognitive function in a variety of ways.[8,9,13]

               

              Ashwagandha with Organic Black Pepper

              This adaptogenic duo can help you to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost your brain power. 

              Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body to adapt to stress. It has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can harm cognitive function. Organic Black Pepper is a supplement’s best friend, as it helps to increase the absorption of nutrients and essential ingredients, giving you the most benefits possible.[9,10]

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              Probiotics with 51 Billion CFU

              These good bacteria can help to keep your gut healthy and your mind sharp. 

              Probiotics are live bacteria that are similar to the good bacteria that naturally live in your gut. They can help to improve gut health, which can have a positive impact on cognitive function. Gut health and brain health are closely linked, and research has shown that probiotics can help to improve cognitive function in several ways.[11]

              To learn more about the gut-brain axis and why this is great news for your brain, click here.

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              Multivitamins

              This all-in-one health capsule (full of premium, essential nutrients) can help to protect your brain from decline. 

              Multivitamins are a great idea for your overall cognitive wellness for several reasons, including (but certainly not limited to):

              1. Multivitamins can help to ensure that you are getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. These nutrients are involved in a wide range of bodily processes, including cognitive function.[14]
              2. Some studies have also shown that taking a multivitamin can help to improve cognitive function in older adults. For example, a study published in the journal "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that taking a daily multivitamin for three years improved overall cognitive function in older adults, as well as memory and executive function.[12]
              3. Multivitamins can help to protect against chronic diseases that can affect cognitive function. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Taking a daily Multivitamin with the right dosage and high-quality ingredients can give your brain a B12 boost.[15,16]

                Here are just a few of the important “brainiac” ingredients to keep an eye out for in your Multivitamin: 

                - Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit messages between brain cells.

                - Folate: Folate is also involved in the production of neurotransmitters. It is also important for DNA synthesis, which is essential for brain development and function.

                - Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for brain health in several ways. It helps to protect the brain from damage, and it also plays a role in cognitive function.

                - Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that is essential for brain health. It is involved in many processes, including the production of neurotransmitters and the maintenance of cell membranes. 

                - Manganese: Manganese is another mineral that is important for brain health. It is involved in the production of neurotransmitters and the metabolism of carbohydrates.

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                    The information in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
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                    Your Brain on Pattern Wellness

                    Woman using Pattern Wellness Gut Support.

                    Looking to get started on your brain health journey? Pattern Wellness has you covered. Here’s why you’ll love our brain-boosting supplements:

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                        The time is now to focus on your health and wellness. You and your body deserve the very best! Click here to browse our line of premium feel-good supplements that use simplified, natural ingredients to transform your health. 

                        Resources:

                        1. Lachance L, Ramsey D. Food, mood, and brain health: implications for the modern clinician. Mo Med. 2015 Mar-Apr;112(2):111-5. PMID: 25958655; PMCID: PMC6170050. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6170050/ 
                        2. MD, E. S. (2022, September 18). Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626 
                        3. Di Liegro CM, Schiera G, Proia P, Di Liegro I. Physical Activity and Brain Health. Genes (Basel). 2019 Sep 17;10(9):720. doi 10.3390/genes10090720. PMID: 31533339; PMCID: PMC6770965. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770965/ 
                        4. Brain health: The importance of keeping mentally active for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Department of Experimental Psychology. (2023, July 24). https://www.psy.ox.ac.uk/news/read-our-blogs/brain-health-the-importance-of-keeping-mentally-active-for-reducing-the-risk-of-alzheimer2019s-disease 
                        5. Alhola P, Polo-Kantola P. Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2007;3(5):553-67. PMID: 19300585; PMCID: PMC2656292. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656292/ 
                        6. The impact of sleep on learning and memory: Chronobiology and Sleep Institute: Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The Impact of Sleep on Learning and Memory | Chronobiology and Sleep Institute | Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. (n.d.). https://www.med.upenn.edu/csi/the-impact-of-sleep-on-learning-and-memory.html 
                        7. Can YS, Iles-Smith H, Chalabianloo N, Ekiz D, Fernández-Álvarez J, Repetto C, Riva G, Ersoy C. How to Relax in Stressful Situations: A Smart Stress Reduction System. Healthcare (Basel). 2020 Apr 16;8(2):100. doi 10.3390/healthcare8020100. PMID: 32316370; PMCID: PMC7349817. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7349817/ 
                        8. Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods. 2017 Oct 22;6(10):92. doi 10.3390/foods6100092. PMID: 29065496; PMCID: PMC5664031. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/ 
                        9. Han H.K. The effects of black pepper on the intestinal absorption and hepatic metabolism of drugs. Expert Opin. Drug Metab. Toxicol. 2011;7:721–729. doi 10.1517/17425255.2011.570332. 
                        10. Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-13. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9. Epub 2011 Jul 3. PMID: 22754076; PMCID: PMC3252722. 
                        11. Clapp M, Aurora N, Herrera L, Bhatia M, Wilen E, Wakefield S. Gut microbiota's effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis. Clin Pract. 2017 Sep 15;7(4):987. doi 10.4081/cp.2017.987. PMID: 29071061; PMCID: PMC5641835.
                        12. Lok-Kin Yeung, Daniel M. Alschuler, Melanie Wall, Heike Luttmann-Gibson, Trisha Copeland, Christiane Hale, Richard P. Sloan, Howard D. Sesso, JoAnn E. Manson, Adam M. Brickman. Multivitamin supplementation improves memory in older adults: A ... American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (May 2023). https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)48904-6/fulltext 
                        13. Siddiqui MZ. Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2011 May;73(3):255-61. doi: 10.4103/0250-474X.93507. PMID: 22457547; PMCID: PMC3309643.
                        14. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Office of dietary supplements - multivitamin/mineral supplements. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/MVMS-HealthProfessional/ 
                        15. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Daily multivitamins may improve cognition in older adults. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/daily-multivitamin-may-improve-cognition-older-adults 
                        16. Jatoi S, Hafeez A, Riaz SU, Ali A, Ghauri MI, Zehra M. Low Vitamin B12 Levels: An Underestimated Cause Of Minimal Cognitive Impairment And Dementia. Cureus. 2020 Feb 13;12(2):e6976. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6976. PMID: 32206454; PMCID: PMC7077099.

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