by Michael Wright,
In 1952, an Italian scientist named Dr. Rita Levi Montalcini, discovered a protein called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF has been the topic of discussion amongst many neuroscientists for its role in helping to regenerate neurons and possibly help those suffering from Alzheimer’s, ALS, neuropathy and other neurological challenges.
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While neurogenesis is of interest to those of serious medical conditions, it has also become an incredibly hot topic for those looking to maximize brain health and mental performance.
Dr. Montalcini was quoted as saying, “Progress depends on our brain. The most important part of our brain, that which is neocortical, must be used to help others, and not just make discoveries.” It is in light of this quote that the following information is presented. The purpose is to present information that might be helpful to you or someone you know.
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Having graduated from university studying health and wellness and having worked professionally in the nutraceutical/health supplement industry for the past 4 years, as well as having studied the many facets of the industry for several more years, I make the following supplement, food and exercises suggestions with much thought, consideration and consumer testimony to back them.
Supplements
Lion’s mane mushroom has quickly become one of the most popular nootropics known, and for good reason.
Lion’s mane mushroom’s most prized benefits relate to the protein generally named Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Two compounds, erinacines and hericenones, are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the synthesis and secretion of NGF. NGF is well known to help the survival, maintenance and regeneration of neurons in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
It has been used by Asian monks for a few thousand years to help with meditation, concentration and memory and was once reserved only for royalty. The lore of Lion’s mane has also been proclaimed to help give the person consuming the mushroom the “memory of a lion and nerves of steel.”
The Lion’s mane supplement I like the most is from Host Defense, a company started and run by world-famous mycologist Paul Stamets. He’s arguably the world’s foremost expert on mushrooms and I trust his methods and processes. I also like that they can ensure zero harmful contamination in their products, which is something most companies selling Lion’s mane can’t guarantee.
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Going hand in hand with Lion’s mane mushroom is Acetyl L-carnitine. By itself, acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR) is an impressive nutrient for the brain. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and is a neuroprotectant against oxidative stress (free radicals), helps to modulate levels of acetylcholine and dopamine and transport fatty acids into the mitochondria where they are metabolized into energy. ALCAR also helps to preserve NGF and prevent the age-related loss of NGF receptors.
In fact, ALCAR has been shown to increase the effects of NGF by up to 100 fold when the two are present together. With Lion’s mane mushroom stimulating the synthesis and secretion of NGF and ALCAR preserving the receptors for NGF and potentiating the effects of NGF by up to 100 fold, Lion’s mane and ALCAR are a perfectly matched pair of nutraceuticals. Their relationship could be described as a lock and key combination. The Lion’s mane provides the key (NGF itself) and ALCAR provides the lock (receptors for NGF).
For a compound like acetyl l-carnitine, there isn’t much of a difference in who you get it from, though I’ve had many good testimonies from Country Life. They also sell it in glass, which is a benefit for the consumer and planet.
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The third nutraceutical to consider using is Na R-Alpha Lipoic Acid. Many have heard of Alpha lipoic acid, though it is this special form of it that is much more effective. More on that in a bit.
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid has been described as one of the most potent anti-oxidants and is a co-factor for mitochondrial enzymes involved in energy production. It also helps to recycle other anti-oxidants like Vitamin C, E and glutathione. It has been used successfully on Alzheimer’s patients and on those with neuropathy. It also has the ability to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor and promote fiber regeneration. Of special interest for this article, R-ALA has been well researched and shown to have a synergistic relationship with ALCAR. One study showed that when ALCAR and R-ALA were combined, they worked at 100-1000 fold lower concentrations than they did individually. The study also showed how the two nutraceuticals helped to increase mitochondrial biogenesis and decreased the production of free radicals. The Bio Enhanced ® (Na R-Lipoic acid) from GeroNova is the best and most stable form of R- Alpha Lipoic acid on the market. Their lab is well known to be the world’s best lab for Na R-alpha lipoic acid. The product I like the most comes from Life Extension, because they resell the Gero Nova Labs product under their own label at a very good price and for a good dose per serving.
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Foods
Many have heard how beneficial blueberries are for heart and eye health, though did you know that blueberries have been shown to increase a growth factor known as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)?
The plant pigments in blueberries, known as polyphenols, also help to improve blood circulation. This plays another part in helping brain health, due to increased oxygen by way of better circulation. The same process also leads to the aforementioned improved heart and eye health.
When choosing your blueberries, aim for organically grown ones. Many small farms and growers may not be certified organic, which is fine if they are still using clean and organic methods.
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The next food item, though could be considered a beverage, is green tea. The compound in green tea known as epigallo catechin 3-gallate (EGCG) has been shown to “increase neuronal survival in adult hippocampal neurogenesis.”
Many people enjoy green tea because of the slight amount of caffeine in it, as well as the l-theanine, both of which also benefit brain health, memory and concentration. The finding on EGCG gives us another reason to indulge more in this ancient nootropic drink. If one does not like the taste of green tea, you are able to buy standardized extracts of green tea which include EGCG in them.
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Exercise
Intermittent fasting continues to become ever more popular in health, longevity, bio-hacking and neurogenesis-focused groups. While there are numerous physical, emotional and spiritual benefits to fasting in general, we’ll look specifically at the physical neurogenesis aspect.
Intermittent fasting has been shown to boost BDNF, which helps to build new neurons and stimulate the creation of new synapses.
You can read online numerous testimonies of people who intermittently fast or partake in longer fasts who share their stories on how fasting improves their mental clarity, recall and focus. Fasting is wonderful for overall health and is no surprise that it offers our brain additional benefits.
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Related The Ultimate Guide to Intermittent Fasting
Click here to read part 2 and here to read part 3.
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This article Part 1 of 3: The Neurogenesis Regimen-Supplements, Foods and Exercises to Maximize Brain, Memory and Nervous System Health by Michael Wright originally appeared on StillnessintheStorm.com and is free and open source. You have permission to share or republish this article in full so long as attribution to the author and stillnessinthestorm.com
Stillness in the Storm Editor: Why did we post this?
The preceding article dispels the mainstream medical myth that aging and degradation of health is an absolute certainty. It successfully pokes a conceptual hole in the fallacious stranglehold the powers that be have on human health—a shackle easily removed by the wearer should they choose to do so. With this information properly understood, an individual can liberate their mind so as to make contact with greater realities of health and techniques of high-quality living. The basic human need of health, once addressed, liberates consciousness energy for use in altruistic works and efforts to dethrone the dishonorable and unlawful powers that be.
– Justin
Not sure how to make sense of this? Want to learn how to discern like a pro? Read this essential guide to discernment, analysis of claims, and understanding the truth in a world of deception: 4 Key Steps of Discernment – Advanced Truth-Seeking Tools
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