In such situations, therefore, it may be useful to resort to the "use of" specific food supplements, such as memory supplements.
Please Note
Memory supplements - as well as any other type of food supplement - are NOT drugs, therefore, they are NOT able to cure any type of pathology. Therefore, if the loss of concentration, memory and other cognitive functions is induced from pathological causes, it is necessary to contact the doctor who will be able to indicate the most suitable therapeutic strategy to the patient.
, fatty acids of the omega series, amino acids or their derivatives and plant extracts which are attributed with stimulating properties for brain functions.
Therefore, some of the ingredients most used in this field will be briefly analyzed below.
they carry out numerous functions inside the organism and its cells. Not surprisingly, their deficiency can lead to the appearance of disorders and even serious pathologies.It is therefore not surprising that vitamins and minerals are also useful when it comes to cognitive functions such as memory and concentration.
More specifically, within the memory supplements, minerals and vitamins are used that are involved in maintaining the well-being of the nervous system and / or are able to support cognitive functions, such as:
- Vitamins of group B (such as niacin or vitamin B3, pyridoxine or vitamin B6, thiamine or vitamin B1, cyanocobalamin or vitamin B12, etc.): they are involved in numerous metabolic processes fundamental for the organism. Vitamin B12, in particular, favors the functioning of the nervous system.
- Vitamins C and E: these are vitamins with strong antioxidant activity useful for protecting the cells of the body from oxidative stress induced by free radicals; moreover, both vitamin C and vitamin E play an essential role for the well-being of the whole organism.
- Magnesium: in addition to being a component of bone tissue, magnesium is also involved in the mechanisms of excitability of nerve cells and in synaptic transmission. Therefore, it is a very important mineral for the nervous system.
- Zinc: it is a nutrient of vital importance for the organism involved in numerous activities, including antioxidant mechanisms and the functioning of the nervous system.
- Iron: iron deficiency favors the appearance of tiredness and fatigue, which can lead to a reduction in concentration and memory. In such cases, therefore, its integration can be very useful.
Please Note
On the one hand, the lack of vitamins and minerals can be dangerous for the well-being of the organism, on the other hand an excess of them can cause problems. Therefore, the "use of" supplements that contain these nutrients should only be done in case of actual need.
. These include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These are semi-essential fatty acids which perform various functions in the organism and which have been shown to possess interesting neuroprotective activities which may prove to be potentially useful in maintaining brain functions.
Possible Pharmacological Interactions
Since both EPA and DHA also have an antithrombotic action, their integration could interfere with any antiplatelet or antithrombotic therapies in progress. Therefore, if you suffer from bleeding disorders, you should seek the advice of your doctor before taking memory supplements based on omega-3 fatty acids.
Side effects
Typical side effects that can occur following the intake of the aforementioned fatty acids consist of abdominal pain, diarrhea and belching.
Contraindications
Taking memory supplements based on omega-3 fatty acids is contraindicated in case of a known allergy to any of these products and in case of allergy to the source from which the fatty acids in question were extracted (fish).
. It is an amino acid compound with strong antioxidant properties, very useful in protecting nerve cells from the damaging action of free radicals and from the consequences it induces on cognitive functions.
The use of carnitine at the recommended dosages is considered safe and free of side effects. However, excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal disturbances (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps). It is also contraindicated in case of known allergy to the substance, during pregnancy and during lactation.
it is considered the natural remedy par excellence in the presence of loss of memory and concentration, for this reason, it is part of the composition of numerous memory supplements.The action of improving cognitive functions and, in particular, mnemonic functions, is exerted by the ginkgolides and flavonoids contained in the plant. This action, however, has been confirmed by various researches.
To tell the truth, many studies conducted on the extracts obtained from this plant have shown that ginkgo can induce an improvement in memory and cognitive functions in general only in patients over the age of 50; while the increase in cognitive functions operated by the active ingredients contained in the plant does not seem to interest patients aged between 20 and 40 years.
Possible drug interactions
Ginkgo extracts can interfere with numerous drugs, such as, for example: anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, MAOIs, diuretics, cardioactive glycosides, antidepressants, etc. Therefore, in the event that you are following particular pharmacological therapies, before taking ginkgo-based food supplements, it is good to ask your doctor for advice.
Side effects
Ginkgo biloba extracts, and therefore the memory supplements that contain them, can cause some side effects, especially of the gastrointestinal type. Fortunately, in most cases, these effects occur in a mild form.
Contraindications
The use of ginkgo extracts and memory supplements containing it is contraindicated in case of known allergy to the plant, in the presence of coagulation disorders, in pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Eleutherococcus
Eleutherococcus - also known as Siberian ginseng - is used within memory supplements not so much because it is able to directly stimulate cognitive functions, but because it can prove useful in counteracting the states of physical and mental fatigue that lead to a loss of memory and concentration. The ability to counteract the aforementioned states of fatigue is attributable to the eleutherosides contained in the plant.
Possible Pharmacological Interactions
Eleutherococcus extracts may interfere with insulin and aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Side effects
Taking eleutherococcus memory supplements may cause unwanted effects such as headaches, insomnia and irritability.
Contraindications
The use of eleutherococcus and supplements containing it is contraindicated in the presence of known allergy to the plant, in patients suffering from insomnia and / or hypertension.
Ginseng
Similarly to what was said for eleutherococcus, ginseng is also part of the composition of many memory supplements thanks to its ability to counteract fatigue and fatigue, both physical and mental. This ability, attributable to the ginsenosides contained in the plant, could be useful for promote the recovery of cognitive functions in conditions of psycho-physical stress.
Possible Pharmacological Interactions
Ginseng and products containing it could interfere with the activity of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin, ephedrine and caffeine, MAOIs, sympathomimetics, cortisone and cardioactive glycosides.
Side effects
Undesirable effects such as headache, vomiting, agitation and insomnia may occur after taking ginseng.
Contraindications
The use of ginseng - therefore, the use of memory supplements that contain it - is contraindicated in patients suffering from severe psychiatric diseases, in patients with cardiovascular diseases, during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
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