Top Nutrients Shown to Improve Cognition

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month! One of the biggest complaints we find with our patients besides fatigue is brain fog or impaired cognition. Whether this is from lack of sleep, stress, food sensitivities, toxin exposure, or another root cause, the brain is an organ we cannot overlook when taking a deep look at our health journey. Give your brain a little TLC by boosting these nutrients in your diet or in your supplement regimen! Please consult your doctor before starting any new supplements. 

Fat

Our brains are made up of 70% fat, so it is rightfully so that fat in our diet is very important for the brain! The right types of fat are even more important to protect neurons, cognition, and memory. Aim to have a healthy serving of omega 3 fats every day from foods such as fatty fish like sardines, salmon or herring, or add in some plant based options like algae, chia, flax, hemp, walnuts and macadamia nuts. Do your best to limit higher inflammatory fats such as canola oil, soy oil, corn oil, peanut oil, hydrogenated oils, and trans fats primarily found in processed foods.   

Antioxidants

Multitudes of research conclude that antioxidants improve oxidative stress status of brain cells, cognitive functions and motor skills by preventing free radical damage to brain cells (1). The brain is vulnerable to excessive oxidative stressors because of its fat content, high energy requirements, and weak antioxidant capacity, making antioxidants essential nutrients for total brain vitality (2). Boost foods such as berries, carrots, citrus, dark leafy greens, cherries, pomegranate, and pretty much most whole foods with rich colors! 

Choline

Research is emerging showing that choline is showing effectiveness in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Since this nutrient is needed to produce acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for memory, mood, muscle control, and other brain and nervous system functions, it is essential for protection of the brain. Choline also plays important roles in early brain development, making it significantly important for pregnant women (3). Choline rich foods include eggs, meat, poultry, beans, white fish, and some cruciferous vegetables.  

Probiotics

If you have followed any functional medicine practitioner in the last 10 years, then you most likely have heard of the gut being the second brain. The more research we are doing with the gut microbiome, the more connections we are finding with good bacteria and how important it is for healthy cognition and preventing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. One of the major pathways that the gut and brain communicate is through the vagus nerve, which often is referred to as a “communication superhighway” between the gut and the brain. There have also been many studies showing reversal of cognitive impairments associated with chronic conditions such as with obesity or insulin resistance (4). To ensure your gut and brain are communicating effectively, be sure to add in some healthy probiotic rich food sources such as yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables, refrigerated pickles, and kimchi. 

Magnesium

These essential mineral plays so many roles in the body and its pathways. One of the many benefits of magnesium is its neuroprotective effect. Not only does it help in protecting the nerve cells from being overstimulated and dying, but it is also greatly involved in healthy brain development, memory and learning (5). To get enough magnesium in your diet, eat foods like pumpkin seeds, legumes, nuts, leafy greens, and dark chocolate.