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Tag: Optimal Brain Health

Rapidly Eliminate Brain Fog in Two Weeks or Less

There’s nothing worse than a heavy case of brain fog to keep you from doing everything you need to do and accomplishing everything you need to accomplish. But while it has many causes, brain fog thankfully also has many solutions, solutions that we’ve seen eliminate it in two weeks or less.

But first, let’s discuss the main culprits. 

CANDIDA 

There’s no way around it: candida is an ugly main player when it comes to brain fog. Candida overgrowth, especially in your gut, could be the prime culprit behind those foggy moments in your head. 

When candida levels take over your microbiome, it not only  messes with your gut’s balance, it also causes inflammation and releases toxins like acetaldehyde into your system. This inflammation can then spread to your brain, leading to trouble concentrating and causing you to feel mentally foggy. 

According to the Mitchell Medical Group, one in three Americans suffer from an serious candida overgrowth, leading to a variety of health issues, from mild infections to serious neurological diseases. 

Interestingly enough, most candida overgrowth is caused by the same things that we talk about here at Jinfiniti quite a bit: things that can shorten your lifespan, silently trigger disease and prevent you from the energy and vitality you desire. 

What are those things, you ask? Here’s the big ones: 

  • Low metabolic health 
  • Sugar 
  • Stress
  • Microbiome inbalance 

LOW NAD LEVELS

Let’s dive into how low levels of NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) might be linked to brain fog. NAD is the MVP of your body’s energy production, helping to convert food into energy that your cells can use. But as many of us already know, our NAD levels naturally decline, and certain lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and chronic stress can speed up this process. 

When your NAD levels dip too low, it can throw a wrench into your body’s energy production, leaving you feeling sluggish and mentally foggy.

But that’s not all –specifically when it comes to brain fog, NAD plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your neurons, the cells in your brain that transmit signals. When NAD levels are low, it can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which can interfere with communication between neurons and impair cognitive function. This can manifest as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and that frustrating feeling of brain fog.

LIMITED EXERCISE 

Let’s talk about how skipping those workouts can leave you feeling a bit foggy in the brain department. When you don’t exercise enough, your body misses out on all those feel-good chemicals like endorphins and dopamine that get released during physical activity. These chemicals not only boost your mood but also help improve blood flow to your brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that keep your noggin sharp. 

Plus, regular exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, which can contribute to that foggy feeling when left unchecked. So in order to keep your brain clear and focused, make time for even a little bit of movement each day, even if it’s just a walk around the block or a quick yoga session.

Some other causes of brain fog to consider: 

  • Processed foods
  • Hormone imbalance 
  • Sleep
  • Neuro or brain inflammation 
  • Infections 
  • Iron deficiency (especially in women, but get your levels checked before getting on a supplement) 
  • B vitamins deficiency 

How to Eliminate It

And now for the best part. 

DIET

First off, make some tweaks to your diet. Focus on eating whole foods like fruits, veggies and clean proteins. Cut back or eliminate sugar and simple carbohydrates. These dietary changes can help stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes that contribute to brain fog.

SLEEP

Sleep acts as a crucial reset mechanism for the brain, facilitating memory consolidation, information processing, and the removal of toxins accumulated throughout the day. Getting enough sleep is crucial for cognitive function, so aim for 7-9 hours of shut-eye each night. And while we’re on the topic of relaxation, managing stress is key too. Whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking some time to unwind with a good book, finding ways to de-stress can help clear your mind and banish brain fog.

SUPPLEMENTS

Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and certain herbs like ginkgo biloba and bacopa monnieri have been studied for their potential to improve memory and concentration, and have been linked to overall cognitive performance. As I stated above, hormone treatments may also be helpful if your levels are low.

NAD  

NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a total game-changer in combating brain fog because it is a powerhouse molecule that plays a vital role in cellular energy production and maintaining the health of neurons in the brain. When NAD levels are sufficient, it supports optimal mitochondrial function, ensuring that your brain cells have the energy they need to function efficiently.

NAD also acts as a cofactor for various enzymes involved in DNA repair, stress response, and cell signaling pathways crucial for maintaining cognitive function. NAD not only fights brain fog, it prevents brain fog from even happening in the first place. NAD helps protect neurons from damage and promotes overall brain health by scavenging free radicals and reducing inflammation. 

And if you happen to be 50+ years old, your NAD levels are likely not optimal unless you’ve been taking our Vitality Boost for quite some time. According to extensive research, the average healthy 50-year-old has already lost 50% of their NAD levels. 

At Jinfiniti, our flagship NAD supplement, the Vitality Boost, is a patent-pending formulation that has been extensively tested in clinical studies by  hundreds of clinics and by thousands of consumers. It allows optimization of NAD in approximately 90% of users, a figure incomparable to any other NAD supplementation on the market. 

No other molecule comes close to helping your cells function optimally as much as NAD. 

This means that pain, inflammation, fatigue and brain fog all decrease while mental clarity, stamina, recovery, energy, and youthfulness and vitality all increase when NAD is optimized.

So here’s your reminder to restock on your Vitality Boost. Don’t forget that our subscription option is always the best deal and will keep you from running out. 

3 Supplements for Optimal Brain Health in 2024

It’s no secret that it is far easier to prevent debilitating neuro diseases than cure them once you have them. So is there anything we can be doing to give our brains the proper nutrients they need to function properly well into our old age? Thankfully, research says yes. In this article, we will discuss 3 foods and 4 supplements that do just this. 

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, Parkinson’s disease is the fastest rising neurodegenerative disease in the world—currently affecting 1 million people in the US and 6 million people worldwide.  

But Alzheimer’s is also rising rapidly. Currently there are 44 million people in the world living with this particular diagnosed disease, but for a variety of reasons, only one in four people who have the disease will actually be diagnosed. 

So if you’re anything like me, taking supplements and eating delicious foods sounds like a far better alternative.

3 Supplements for Brain Health 

Turmeric

Turmeric is not just a golden-hued spice—it’s a huge ally for your brain. At the heart of its neurological benefits lies in its active compound, curcumin. This powerhouse component possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which safeguard the brain from the ravages of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. 

Studies show that curcumin has the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier and directly affect brain cells. Once inside that barrier, curcumin has been observed to boost brain levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth hormone that promotes the survival and growth of neurons. 

This neurotrophic factor is crucial for cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Ccurcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to the mitigation of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, by inhibiting the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and reducing oxidative stress. 

NAD Vitality Boost

Unless replenished, NAD levels decline with age, and this reduction has been associated with a range of age-related neurological disorders. Research suggests that maintaining optimal NAD levels supports cognitive health by promoting efficient energy metabolism (yes, even for the brain!), cellular resilience, and DNA repair which protects neurons from damage and age-related decline. 

NAD is also a key player in the regulation of sirtuins,m a family of proteins linked to longevity and cellular health. Sirtuins have been implicated in processes that impact brain function ranging from synaptic plasticity to the formation of memories. As we in the scientific community continue to delve deeper into the intricacies of NAD biology, there is significant optimism about its potential to address current neurodegenerative diseases. 

EPA & DEA Fatty Acids

EPA and DHA, two omega-3 fatty acids found abundantly in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, are also unsung heroes in brain health. These essential fatty acids are crucial components of cell membranes in the brain and play a pivotal role in its overall structure and function. 

EPA and DHA are associated with a vast range of cognitive benefits, ranging from improved memory and concentration to a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline. They contribute to the fluidity of cell membranes, facilitate efficient communication between brain cells, support neurotransmitter function, and quell chronic inflammation in the brain (which is a contributor to cognitive disorders). 

Regular consumption of EPA and DHA has been linked to lower risks of neurodegenerative diseases, but the human body cannot produce these fatty acids on its own, which is why this is one of the top supplements we recommend for brain health. 

4 Foods for Brain Health 

Purple Japanese Sweet Potatoes

Popularized by the Netflix series, Living to 100, Japanese purple sweet potatoes, hailed for their vibrant hue and delightful flavor, offer more than just culinary pleasure – they also pack a punch when it comes to promoting brain health. 

These sweet potatoes boast a rich concentration of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants responsible for their distinct purple color. These compounds exhibit neuroprotective properties, shielding the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Studies suggest that the anthocyanins found in purple sweet potatoes may enhance cognitive function by improving blood flow to the brain and supporting the growth of nerve cells. Improved blood circulation ensures that the brain receives an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, essential for optimal cognitive performance. Additionally, the presence of anthocyanins may contribute to the prevention of age-related cognitive decline, offering a potential defense against neurodegenerative conditions.

Grass-Fed Butter 

The omega-3 fatty acids in grass-fed butter, particularly DHA and EPA, are renowned for their brain-boosting properties. DHA, in particular, is a major structural component of brain tissue and is crucial for the development and maintenance of cognitive function. The antioxidants also present in grass-fed butter, such as beta-carotene and vitamin E, play a role in protecting the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation— factors that are associated with age-related cognitive decline.

Grass-fed butter is also a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known for their quick conversion into ketones, a wonderful alternative energy source for the brain and a much healthier energy source than glucose. 

Grass-Fed Beef

Unlike its conventionally raised counterparts, grass-fed beef is notably high in essential nutrients that play a crucial role in supporting cognitive function.

One key factor is the omega-3 fatty acid content, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Grass-fed beef has higher levels of ALA compared to grain-fed counterparts. Omega-3 fatty acids are renowned for their neuroprotective properties, aiding in the formation and maintenance of cell membranes in the brain. 

Additionally, grass-fed beef is a rich source of various vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins like B12 and folate. These vitamins are essential for nerve function and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, contributing to optimal cognitive performance. The presence of antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene also may help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are implicated in age-related cognitive decline.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Avocados

Extra virgin olive oil, a staple in the Mediterranean diet, is rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, which both contribute to improved blood flow, reduced inflammation, and enhanced overall heart health, which, in turn, positively influences brain function. The presence of polyphenols in olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados protect against oxidative stress in the brain, potentially mitigating the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Coconut oil, famed for its unique composition of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs can be quickly converted into ketones, as explained with the grass-fed butter. 

Avocados contribute to brain health through their abundant monounsaturated fats, which support healthy blood flow. They are also a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, essential for cognitive function. 

If you are interested in learning more about supercharging and super-protecting your brain, I suggest the following books:

Dr. Goodwin is a prominent brain researcher and expert on aging from the UK who wrote SuperCharge Your Brain, which we highly recommend. Here’s his website: https://www.drjamesgoodwin.com/about

 One of the best books on mental health in decades, Dr. Palmer talks deeply about metabolic function in the brain is a key driver of mental health and why it’s so vital to keep optimal. Highly recommend as well.

In addition to adding the above foods and supplements, we highly recommend avoiding the following neurotoxic foods:

  • Conventionally fried foods
  • Alcohol
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Sugar 
  • THC (It does not help your neurons fire more effectively).

Don’t forget to check out our new Healthspan Insider, a weekly newsletter with cutting-edge healthspan information!

Citations:

Supplementation with NAD+ and Its Precursors to Prevent
Cognitive Decline across Disease Contexts
by Jared M. Campbell

Lastly, if you’re interested in going deeper on health-related content, here are a few of our recent posts that you may want to read:

  1. Why Optimized, Precision Medicine is the Future
  2. 9 Powerful Benefits of Optimizing Your NAD
  3. What Does Peak Performance Look Like? 
  4. Andrew Huberman is Wrong About NAD, NAD+ precursor & Longevity

P.S. Want to boost your intracellular NAD levels? Try a 2 week trial of our Jinfiniti Vitality Boost (do 2 scoops per day), use the discount code Blog15 if you’re a new customer for 15% off your 1st order).