More and more people, both young and old, are diagnosed with brain disorders, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, learning disorders, and memory problems.

Learning about some causes and risk factors associated with these conditions will give you a greater understanding of what you can do to help prevent and treat these life-limiting disorders.

Studies show that nutritional supplementation helps control symptoms of these mental health disorders. The general population in North America is often deficient in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, and individuals suffering from mental health disorders are often exceptionally deficient.

It is also important to recognize various factors that interfere with optimal brain function. These brain busters include food allergies, environmental toxins, gut microbe imbalance, gluten sensitivity, stress and inflammation, bad fats, and refined foods. Addressing these factors can be a very potent and effective treatment for many people with mental health disorders without the risk of side effects.

Gut Microbiome and Brain Health

Ongoing research shows that gut bacteria communicate with and influence brain function. An imbalance in the good and bad gut microbes, called dysbiosis, is associated with many brain disorders and symptoms. Some of these include ADHD, autism, mood swings, memory problems, anxiety, and depression.

For optimal brain health, it is essential to take the time to learn the importance of lifestyle essentials, like diet and exercise, and the use of supplements to restore and maintain mental well-being.

Cognitive Supplement Cocktails for Mental Health

One formula cannot provide the nutrition required to have a therapeutic effect for foundational brain health. Rather than taking five single-ingredient products, a “kit” called Daily Brain™ provides an easy, convenient all-in-one daily packet.

  • DAILY BRAIN formula contains phosphatidylserine, curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, grapeseed extract, and probiotics. Many mental health disorders and chronic diseases have listed stress as one of the leading causes. As a result, most people, if not all, would benefit from supporting the adaptive stress system. Chronic stress increases cortisol, a stress hormone, which leads to inflammation, an underlying cause of many mental health disorders and chronic diseases.
  • STRESS LESS formula contains the extracts of ashwagandha, rhodiola, Panax ginseng, and green tea, combined with choline to help regulate stress hormones and calm the nervous system.

Age-Related Memory Problems

Age-related memory problems are not the same thing as dementias. While specific brain changes are inevitable in aging, major memory problems are not one of them and are preventable in most cases.

  • BRILLIANT MIND™ formula contains phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, omega-3 fatty acids, L-alpha-glycerophosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC), and green tea extract. This formula can be an excellent cognitive cocktail for those who are starting to experience memory issues.

Mood disorders

Studies show that probiotics have proven beneficial for stress, anxiety, and depression. For those who struggle with anxiety or depression, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids are very important as basic supplement support.

Depression

Accumulating evidence shows that inflammation is a significant factor in developing chronic disease and anxiety, depression, and memory problems. Preventing inflammation is vital.

  • BRAIN DEFENCE, the inflammation buster, contains bacopa, ashwagandha, curcumin, chamomile, and boswellia to prevent and treat inflammation. In addition to taking the inflammation buster, Brain Defence, Cloud Nine is specifically formulated for mild-to-moderate depression.
  • CLOUD NINE contains inositol, saffron, 5-HTP, and vitamin B6, which have proven beneficial in the treatment of mood disorders.

Anxiety Disorders

  • ADRENASENSE® is a vital supplement to reduce stress in individuals with anxiety. Some people might benefit from extra supplement support to calm the nervous system during anxious periods. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-theanine are both safe and effective in stress-related anxiety.

Eating for the Optimal Brain

The building blocks and fuel for optimal brain health start with daily exercise, a diet rich in wholefoods, and dietary supplements. Carbohydrates are for energy; proteins for the synthesis of the chemical messengers, the neurotransmitters in the brains; antioxidants for preventing free radical damage and inflammation; and good fats for building and protecting neurons.

The Mediterranean diet is an excellent guide to maintaining healthy brain function, along with drinking at least 1.5 litres of water a day. The brain is 73% water, and a shrivelled dehydrated brain does not perform well.

Exercise for Peak Brain Function

New studies provide even more evidence that regular aerobic exercise not only prevents issues with memory, but can help turn back the clock on aging. Daily activity also decreases inflammation and increases healthy gut bacteria – both factors that positively benefit brain health. Try incorporating moderate exercise like walking, aerobics, or swimming into your schedule 3–4 times a week for 20–30 minutes.

For more in-depth information on natural approaches to optimal brain health and mental health disorders, please refer to my book, Three Brains: How the Heart, Brain, and Gut Influence Mental Health and Identity.