Brain fuel for on-the-go professionals

Feed your head, the doctor said

We live in the information age. If you're a professional, you're constantly solving problems, making decisions, evaluating options and thinking through complex issues.

But sometimes it seems as if your brainpower hits the skids.  You have to make an important decision or solve a tough problem and you don't feel like you've got the necessary mental horsepower at that particular time.

If you've ever felt like you're mentally running on empty or your short-term memory is unreliable from time to time, you need a brain fuel boost.  Fortunately, the 1990's witnessed an explosion of research in the neurosciences, leading to evidence certain nutrients and herbs can turbocharge brain function.

They do this by promoting healthy mitochondrial function, scavenging free radicals, and promoting healthy blood circulation to the brain.

Key players in the brain fuel game include:

• Gingko Biloba — has been shown to increase oxygen to the brain.
• DMAE — elevates mood, dampens depression, and boosts cognitive functions.  May increase intelligence.
• Gotu kola — enhances mental sharpness, staves off mental deterioration, and helps concentration and focus.
• St. John's Wort — fights depression
• Whey Protein Isolate

A study done at the University of California's Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute showed that ginkgo biloba improved verbal recall among people with age-related memory impairment (as measured by brain scans.)

St. John's Wort is so effective at fighting depression that it's a prescription anti-depressant in Germany.   It is known to stimulate secretions of the feel-good hormone dopamine and it protects your brain's supply of serotonin—another feel-good chemical.

Brain supplements offer all of the benefits of prescription drugs with much less side effects, although there are a few precautions that you should be aware of.

Gingko biloba is a blood-thinner, so if you are on other blood-thinners such as an aspirin a day, consult your physician before taking gingko.

Gotu kola can cause enhanced sensitivity to sunlight in some people, so use sunscreen when you take it until you know how you react to it.

DMAE has no known harmful side-effects.

Whey Protein Isolate is in a class of its own for brain fuel, since it is a food. One of the best ways to ensure mental alertness throughout the morning is to include a 2 scoop serving in your shake. 

Other good lean protein choices include Canadian bacon, Energy First whey protein isolate mixed into yogurt, scrambled egg whites, lean turkey, or lean chicken breast.

Gerry Morton, CEO of EnergyFirst, has these suggestions for jumpstarting your brain:

1. Include lean protein at every meal and snack, particularly breakfast
2. Take St. John's Wort if you have symptoms of depression
3. Use gingko biloba supplements to keep mental acuity high
4. Work a pen-and-paper puzzle or crossword at least once per day to stimulate your brain – or you can play my favorite game: Chess!
5. Cut down on TV watching because it dulls your mental edge