Memory Supplements

Memory Pills

Memory supplements and memory pills are experiencing increasing demand as rates of Alzheimers and similar cognitive disorders keep rising in the Western world.

Unfortunately, however, there is no guaranteed fix. Even the best supplements and memory pills cannot cure progressive conditions such as Alzheimers. On the other hand, they can significantly help stave off cognitive decline and promote healthy mental functioning and acuity.

What follows is a discussion of the memory supplements that, from our understanding, offer the most promise for maintaining and restoring a sharp mind.

Gingko Biloba: long touted as one of the best memory supplements

Gingko a well known herb that has been double-blind tested many times for its ability to increase the oxygen content to the brain (and other bodily tissues). Because of this, Gingko is often taken to enhance memory, and increase mental focus and clarity.

Recently, researchers from University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute showed that "the herbal supplement ginkgo biloba has demonstrated in brain scans to improve verbal recall among people with age-related memory impairment."

"Additionally, the researchers say, differing results could have much to do with the quality of ginkgo biloba used and the duration of studies." [Emphasis ours]

We will discuss below the basic requirements for buying only the highest quality gingko (and other herbs, vitamins, and nutrients, and memory supplement and memory pills).

DMAE is a naturally occurring nutrient found in high concentrations in fish.

DMAE can elevate one's mood, counter depression, and boost cognitive functions (such as memory and concentration), and even increase intelligence. These benefits stem from this nutrient's role in manufacturing acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter that is responsible for healthy mental functioning.

Indeed, acetylcholine's main role is in acting as the messenger for memory, and has been shown to be severely depleted in those afflicted with Alzheimers.

In short, DMAE is one of the most powerful memory supplements that most people aren't even aware exists.

The leaves of the Gotu Kola are a favorite food among elephants. Perhaps this is why there is an age-old adage that says "having a memory like an elephant."

Whatever the case may be, goto kola is showing a great deal of promise as one of the best memory supplements and memory pills. It has been attributed a broad range of benefits that include enhancing mental acuity, staving off memory deterioration, and improving blood flow by strengthening blood vessels.

Indeed, in the book published by Reader's Digest called "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs" it states: "In one study, 30 developmentally disabled children were found to have significantly better concentration and attention after taking gotu kola for 12 weeks..."

The following are some precautions that you should be aware of before taking any of the aforementioned memory supplements.

Because ginkgo is a blood thinning agent, people who are already on other blood thinners -- such as aspirin -- should consult a qualified health practitioner or their physician to let him or her know of your intent.

Gotu kola can cause sensitivity to sunlight in some individuals. If you are the kind of person who burns easily in the sun, take extra precautions.

There are no known side effects with DMAE.

As always, pregnant women or women who are nursing should refrain from taking herbal remedies.

This list of precautions is not exhaustive. It only represents some of the more well known possible side effects of these memory supplements.

1. Always purchase your memory supplements from pharmaceutical GMP compliant Facilities, which adhere to the most rigorous manufacturing standards. This is an issue consumers need to take seriously because supplements in the U.S., are largely unregulated, and many products on the market do not have the amount of ingredients stated on the label, or, worse, harbor contaminants.

2. Acetylcholine cannot be produced by DMAE alone; the presence of some B vitamins -- like Vitamin B5, Biotin, and Folic Acid aids in the production of DMAE.

3. Always purchase memory supplements made from standardized herbal extracts. These are produced with the highest quality and potency. Most supplement manufacturers do not use standardized herbal extracts because they cost more. And the less the cost for them to produce, the higher their profit margins. As the researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric stated, results can surely be dependent upon the quality of the ingredients used. That's why it's important to only purchase from ethical companies where the integrity of the products comes first.

Why not buy the best? Your health depends on it.

One company that produces a product that meets the above requirements -- and much more -- is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand, which has one of the strictestregulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their Neuro Natural Memory Formula contains standardized extracts of gingko biloba, gotu kola, the nutrient DMAE, B vitamins, along with many other potent memory supplements and nutrients, herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc., many of which are documented in this site.

We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Info personally have taken Xtend-Life's products for over 2 years.

Their Neuro Natural Memory for the brain is brand new, having just been released in June 2004, and we look forward to including it as part of our health regimen -- due to the broad spectrum of powerful memory supplements and ingredients it contains.

After using Xtend-Life products for a few months, we have noticed in increase in energy, mental focus and acuity, and general feeling of well being.