3 of the Best Brain-Boosting Supplements
After extensive research, I am convinced that what learners (of any age) do now to boost their brain power, memory, and cognition–if maintained as daily health habits–can continue to impact and improve their brains (and psyches) for life.
While researching the chapter in my book called “Biohacking for Scholars,” my grandmother was suffering from advanced dementia, and my mother was experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of caring for someone in that dire condition. With those painful realities of life as the backdrop of studies, you can imagine my fascination when, as I searched for tips, tricks, foods, and supplements to improve students' learning abilities, I discovered that almost without exception, these same brain-boosting “hacks” also resulted in delayed or decreased symptoms of dementia and mood-enhancing benefits. (Wait–what?!) That’s right. I learned that the same tools that help young people optimize their brain power can also positively impact the mental health and well-being of people of all ages and stages of life. And that’s when I made it my mission to share my knowledge, not only with students, but with everyone smart enough to listen.
After extensive research, I am convinced that what learners (of any age) do now to boost their brain power, memory, and cognition–if maintained as daily health habits–can continue to impact and improve their brains (and psyches) for life. And while I wish I could share all of the brain-boosting hacks I uncovered in my research here, there's not enough space, so you’ll just have to order a copy of my book to learn them all. For now, however, I’m opening my kitchen cabinet to give you a peek at the top three supplements I take every day to keep my brain sharp and my mood balanced.
The following includes excerpts from my book, Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind: The Busy Student’s Guide to Study Hacking, which is available wherever books are sold.
MCT Oil
MCT stands for medium-change triglyceride, which is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in coconuts and, “because of its molecular structure, can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, providing instant energy to the brain—in other words, brain power. What’s more, MCT oil is shown to improve long-term memory and executive cognitive function…”
MCT oil is a supplement I infuse into my morning routine with a generous pour into my first cup of coffee or tea. I find the easiest way to get a new habit to stick is by incorporating it into an existing practice (which is why I am such a fan of my “superfood lattes” – more on those later).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
“Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and function. Did you know that the majority of your brain is composed of fat, and most of that fat is in the form of omega-3 fatty acids? Omega-3s are the brain’s building blocks; they build brain and nerve cells, support memory, and even help regulate emotion.”
While these fatty acids are found in foods like fish, walnuts, and chia seeds, I prefer to supplement daily because the overall health benefits of omega-3s are just too good to miss. And believe it or not, I experience a noticeable difference in my mood and overall sense of well-being when I take omegas regularly.
Curcumins
While antioxidant and anti-inflammatory curcumins are found in turmeric, I don’t cook with the spice enough to receive its benefits from food alone. For this reason, I take a curcumin supplement in addition to an occasional golden milk latte. (You can learn more about this and other brain-enhancing “superfood lattes” in my new book.)
Curcumin, much like MCT oil, “can cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it can directly enter the brain and benefit cells there. Some of those benefits may include improving memory, boosting mood, and helping brain cells grow.”
While these three supplements aren’t the only ones I take for better brain health, they are the few I can’t live without.
Follow me on LinkedIn for more brain-boosting tips, and order your copy of Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind today.
SOURCE:
Lopez, Christina Carmelle. Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind: The Busy Student’s Guide to Study Hacking. New York, NY: Morgan James Publishers, 2024.
Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind: Online Resources
The following are resources referenced in the print and electronic versions of the book Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind: The Busy Student's Guide to Study Hacking.
The following are resources referenced in the print and electronic versions of the book Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind: The Busy Student's Guide to Study Hacking.
Ryan Holiday’s Notetaking System
Learning Style Quiz
https://learningstylequiz.com/quiz/start
Binaural Beats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_G60OdEzXs
Office Yoga
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fnLKyRJsrs
Tony Robbins Priming Exercise
Yoga Nidra
10-Minute Guided Practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0u9GST_j3s
30-Minute Guided Practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEw5BkK9K9A