Brain Function / Learning Problems / Memory (see also ADD, Alzheimer’s)

June 23, 2010

Brain function can be greatly improved with the right nutrients, so don’t give up on yourself!

Suggested Remedies to Improve Brain Function:

B12 Complete (Liquid),  Brain-ProtexClove BudDHADulseEvening Primrose OilEleutheroEucalyptusFlax Seed Oil,  Focus AttentionGABA PlusGinkgo BilobaGinkgo & HawthornGinkgo/Gotu KolaGlyco EssentialsGrapefruit (Pink) -mental clarityJasmine -alertnessNature’s ChiNervous Fatigue Formula (Chinese) -confusion, forgetfulnessL-GlutamineLecithinMyrrh -improve intellectNiacin Nutri-CalmParsley -enhancePeppermintPine -mental stimulant PregnenoloneRosemary -mental fatigueStress PackSuper Omega 3,  Valerian -mental overactivity VitaWave

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) (see also Brain Function)

June 17, 2010

The characterizations of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) are inappropriate inattention and impulsivity … and with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) hyperactivity is also present.  People with this “imbalance” have a tendency to haphazard and poorly organized activity.    Often times the sympathetic nervous system is weakened with a corresponding overactivity of the parasympathetic nervous system.  You can actually tell by looking at a person’s pupils whether they’re suffering from anxiety or ADD.   When the pupils are enlarged, this is a signal that there is too much sympathetic nervous system activity (anxiety).  In this case nervines such as Stress-J, Lavender, or Lobelia will calm them down.  When the pupils are small and contracted it signals an excess of parasympathetic nervous system activity.  In this case (believe it or not), stimulants like caffeine will actually have a calming effect.

There are nutrients that provide support to the sympathetic nervous system as well as for adrenal function, and this is usually critical to correct these imbalances.   Some of the products that provide these nutrients include Adrenal Support, ENERG-V, Licorice Root, HistaBlock (helpful for leaky gut), and small amounts of caffeine (preferably from green tea).   Please note that the green tea extract from NSP will not work because it is caffeine-free.

Also since the brain is made up of mostly fat, essential fatty acids are absolutely necessary for the brain to function properly.  It is imperative to provide good fats – not the fats in processed foods.  Specific neurotransmitters in the brain calm down excessive nervous system reactions.  Two products that help with elevating the levels of these neurotransmitters and calming down excess brain activity (very helpful for some people with ADHD) are Focus Attention and  GABA Plus.

Protein is also very important … it balances blood sugar and creates neurotransmitters.   The amino acid l-tyrosine is the precurser to the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine, which regulate attentiveness and mental focus.   The richest source of l-tyrosine is from red meat.   People with ADD should eat a hearty breakfast which includes eggs and red meat, and they will be more focused.   Sugar sweetened breakfast cereals or other simple carbohydrates (like pop-tarts, etc.) should be avoided.  If you’re vegetarian, Super Algae or Free Amino Acids can provide the essential amino acids (including l-tyrosine).

Other causes of ADHD are heavy metal poisoning (particularly with lead or mercury), hypoglycemia and leaky gut syndrome.   Heavy Metal Detox is very helpful, and Licorice Root helps with both hypoglycemia and leaky gut.

Artificial sweeteners and food additives, including aspartame, have been found to cause hyperactivity and other behavioral disorders, so it’s a good idea to completely avoid these . 

Other useful products include: AdaptaMax, Astragalus, Black Currant Oil, Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Flax Seed Oil, Herbal Sleep, Magnesium, Master Gland, Nerve Eight, Nutri-Calm, SpirulinaSUMA Combination, SynerProTein, TS IIWood Betony,  DHA,  Focus -stimulate awareness, concentration, and Ginkgo/Gotu Kola

Reference:

Steven Horne, R. (. (2003). The Comprehensive Guide to Nature’s Sunshine Products. St. George, UT: Tree of Light Publishing.

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