R BRAINPOWER
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, are vital for cognitive function. They improve cell membranes and certain parts of the brain have very large proportions of omega-3 built into the circuits. The problem is, the enzymes we use to absorb omega-3 are also used by omega-6, found in most vegetable oils, which we eat in much larger quantities. As Professor Pickard says: “If we have too much omega-6, omega-3 can’t get in.”
Equazen+ (£13.99; boots.com) has a unique ratio of omegas, allowing them to bypass many problems associated with absorption from food. It is clinically proven to boost reading scores in mainstream children and cut ADHD symptoms, and contains iron and vitamin B5, key for cognitive development. Alcohol is one of the few toxins that can cross the blood-brain barrier protecting our brain and, as most know, too much alcohol can cause blackouts. Booze disrupts the chemistry within synapses that convert shortterm memories, relayed as electrical signals, into long-term memories to be stored in the brain structure. Amazingly, it is possible to time your drinks to minimise damage.
“To compensate for the fact that alcohol bypasses our main defence system, we’ve developed a chemical called alcohol dehydrogenase, which breaks it down, Professor Pickard explains. “If you have a daily glass of wine at the same time, our bodies raise alcohol dehydrogenase levels to time with your drink. The body learns your routine and prepares for it. Those most at risk are people with the most erratic drinking style.” Clinical trials show a specific extract of bacopa monnieri produces significant improvements in learning and memory in 12 weeks.
Professor Pickard says: “Bacopa supports key neurotransmitters. By boosting the recycling and retention of acetylcholine, it gives your “car” of information more power to get on to the roundabout. It also regulates dopamine and serotonin, which improves neural connections in areas of the brain linked to memory.”
Potter’s Memory & Focus (£15.99; herbal-direct.com) uses an extract of bacopa monnieri proven effective in more than 40 studies. Tea has a number of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds which may protect the brain from degeneration and vascular damage. While Professor Pickard believes more research is needed, some studies suggest tea cuts the risk of brain drain. One found drinking black tea regularly cuts the risk of cognitive decline by 47 per cent.