Natural Supplements to Boost & Nourish the Brain
By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
A good night’s rest every night is the best remedy for improving the health and function of our brains. Like most people, we do not get as much rest as we would like and often wonder if there is anything else we can do for our brains. Eating well and working on improving our quality and quantity of sleep are top priorities, of course! But, the brain, just like every other part of the body requires proper nutrition and its normal functions can be supported by supplementation.
Many herbal products and nutraceuticals (i.e., food-based supplements with medicinal benefits) have been used for hundreds of years to help with improving cognition and brain function. The line of products from Bennet’s Choice are a series of combination product that aim to fuel the brain and heal it. Their flagship product is called “EVOLVE” and was developed to support the health and healing of the brain in three ways: it limits inflammation in the brain, provides nutrients to the brain to maintain neural cell integrity and function, and helps to balance hormones to improve sleep and recovery.
Dr Matthew Bennet, a naturopath with a history working alongside the medical staff of various professional sports teams, developed this blend that is the only product on the market that is NSF Certified for Sport as an aid to heal concussion. It is also patented in the U.S.A. as a treatment for mild traumatic brain injury. But, its benefits are not limited to athletes. Anyone with any type of brain injury, simply wishes to improve mental clarity, focus, or energy, or who is hoping to improve brain health to be more resilient against neurological decline (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, recovery from stroke) can benefit.
Brain Evolve consists of 16 ingredients: curcumin, acetylcarnitine, R-alpha lipoic acid, quercetin, taurine, astaxanthin, epigallocatechin 3-gallate, glycine, L-glutamine, ginkgo biloba, creatine monohydrate, melatonin, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, and D-ribose. There are no fillers or other additives in this original formula. It is best taken in the evening before bedtime as it can promote a deeper sleep. Having said that, it will not cause any residual drowsiness in the morning.
For those who are looking to improve their focus during the day, consider the “BEAST” blend of nutraceuticals as a replacement for your afternoon caffeine kick. “DREAM” is ideal for those looking to improve their quality of sleep.
Although these products are safe for most individuals, it is always recommended to discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Come talk to our Integrative Health Pharmacists at Cloverdale Pharmasave and Pharmasave Steveston Village to learn more.
