Dr. G’s Top 5 Brain-Boosters

Some doctors will tell you that some form of cognitive decline is expected—even inevitable—as you get older.

They even call it “age-related cognitive decline.”

Well I call it a bunch of hooey.

You might be noticing some slips in your brain function—losing your keys more often, getting distracted more easily, being less motivated—but I guarantee you it’s not inevitable.

A lifetime of modern living…things like too much processed foods, dirty electricity, environmental pollution…all mount a progressive attack on your brain function.

But roll over and play dead? No way! That’s never been my motto, and I hope it’s not yours either.

Here are five simple steps you can take for keeping your brain firing on all cylinders…no matter how old you are.

Step 1: Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C. It might be more well-known as an immune-booster, but vitamin C is absolutely essential for cognitive function.

Studies have shown that cognitively healthy people have higher blood levels of vitamin C, while those with cognitive impairment have lower levels.

And if vitamin C is removed from the brain? Critical brain receptors STOP WORKING altogether.

In addition to oranges, excellent sources of vitamin C include strawberries, kale, and broccoli.

Step 2: Load up on calcium. Like vitamin C, calcium is more well known for benefitting something other than brain health (in this case, healthy bones).

But you might be surprised to learn that calcium plays a role in relaying the signals that come into your brain cells. It makes sense, then, that not enough calcium can results in lower brain function.

Step 3: Get more zinc. Studies show that zinc improves your memory and learning abilities. This is because it helps neurons communicate more efficiently with one another. This explains why the highest amounts of zinc in the brain are found in the hippocampus—the part of the brain that controls learning and memory.

The best food sources of zinc include lamb, grass-fed beef, and chickpeas.

Step 4: Supplement with magnesium. There’s not much this mineral can’t do… and since it’s involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions in the body, it’s no wonder! Boosting brain health is no exception.

Not only has zinc been shown to improve long-term memory, it can also REVERSE signs of brain aging.

Unfortunately, because the soils have become nutrient deficient, you likely can’t eat your way out of a magnesium deficiency. But I do recommend taking a supplement like magnesium glycinate.

And I saved my favorite for last…

Step 5: Load up on omega-3s—especially DHA. Not getting enough omega-3s is one of the most surefire ways of increasing cognitive decline as you get older. These critical compounds help to build the connections between brain cells, while also protecting the nerves themselves.

In fact, numerous studies have shown that the people with the most omega-3s have bigger brains!

For the best results, eat fatty fish like salmon at least twice a week. 

To a brighter day,

Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.