Boost Your Brain Power with Alpha GPC | | By Lindsay Wilson
| Alpha GPC is just one of many 'neuronutrients' that act as building
blocks for neurotransmitters in the brain. The following nutrients are
known to support cognitive function, including memory and mental sharpness: Acetyl L-carnitine: Enhances brain cell function and may help
prevent the deterioration of brain cells during times of stress and with
age. Acetyl L-carnitine also increases levels of acetylcholine, which
is essential for memory. B12: Promotes mental sharpness and clarity. Deficiencies of B12
can sometimes mimic symptoms of Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia
and low levels of this B vitamin are often associated with severe depression.
Turmeric: Supports cognitive function and has a protective effect
on the brain. Curcumin, the active constituent of turmeric has been found
to improve cognitive function in seniors and in one recent study was shown
to inhibit the formation of amyloid protein. Amyloid protein is a damaging
protein found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and is considered
to be a major characteristic of the disease. Fish oils: The omega-3 fats found in fish oil are needed for normal
brain development in infants and children and for normal brain function
in adults. Along with improving poor memory and thinking processes, fish
oils may help with a number of mood disorders, including depression, bipolar
disorder, hostility, and aggressiveness. Phosphatidylserine (PS): Improves cognitive function and memory,
especially in age-related memory decline. Phosphatidylserine is incorporated
into the fatty membranes of brain cells, where it maintains flexibility
and enables communication between brain cells. | As I've grown older, I've found that
I have to write everything down or else I forget.
Appointments, errands, meetings, phone calls
to be made, birthdays and anniversaries,
and even dates with friends have to be
recorded, sometimes in several places,
to be remembered. Post-it® notes,
To-Do lists, date books, and calendars
fill my personal space, but
even with all of these "notes to
self" still, I sometimes forget.
For most of us, minor
memory -- let's call them hiccups --
are inconsequential
and are no cause for worry.
For some, however, significant
and sustained memory
loss, or a decline in concentration
and cognition, could
be a red flag for more serious
neurological issues. Though
the underlying causes may be
varied and complicated, the
good news is that there are certain
nutrients that can support
and improve overall brain health
and functioning for those of us with
memory "hiccups" to those with more
serious cases of cognitive decline. One of
these nutrients is alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine,
better known as alpha GPC.
Alpha GPC is a natural precursor to acetylcholine, a
neurotransmitter that is involved in memory and other cognitive
functions. Neurotransmitters are biochemicals that act as chemical messengers
and are used by the brain and nerve cells to communicate with
one another. Neurotransmitters are vital for optimal brain functioning, but
are often depleted from a variety of factors including stress,
inadequate nutrition, caffeine and other stimulants,
aging, and certain over-the-counter drugs (especially
those for allergies, sleep, and colds) and
prescription drugs. When neurotransmitters
are thrown out of balance, mental
performance is hindered, at best.
Low levels of acetylcholine specifically
may interfere with
concentration and memory and
may lead to emotional instability.
This is where alpha
GPC comes in. As mentioned
earlier, alpha GPC acts as
a natural precursor to this
important neurotransmitter.
This means that the body
can easily convert alpha
GPC into acetylcholine, thus
increasing acetylcholine levels
in the brain. Alpha GPC is
known to be more bioavailable
than other forms of choline
because it has the ability to
cross the blood-brain barrier into
the brain, where it becomes a
part of the cell membranes. Both
animal and human studies indicate
that alpha GPC improves learning and
memory and that it can protect the brain
and other neural tissues from damage.
If you find yourself like me, drowning in a sea of
Post-it "reminders", or if you just feel that you are not
as sharp as you used to be, alpha GPC may be just the thing you
need to give your memory, and other cognitive functions, a boost.
References available on request. More Health Hotline articles | 
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