An increasing number of consumers are reaching for health supplements to help boost cognitive function; however, with such a wide range of products on the market, it can be hard to know what to choose. We’ll count down five top brands in our search for the best supplements for memory and brain fog.
If your train of thought is constantly derailing or if you can’t even remember the Alamo, you may be experiencing transient global amnesia or, in simpler terms, brain fog. However, brain fog is not a sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This mild forgetfulness is just a part of aging. Fortunately, there are ways to combat it, including finding the best supplements for memory and brain fog.
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What causes brain fog?
Think of your brain as a high-functioning computer with hundreds of programs running simultaneously. It’s easy to see why the hard drive and memory often get overloaded. You can clear some disk space and improve your cognitive functioning by understanding what’s causing this slowdown. Some factors that contribute to brain fog include:
- Overwork: Stressing about work can cause your cortisol levels to spike, which often leads to brain fog.
- Lack of sleep: When your body is fatigued, so is your brain. It becomes difficult to concentrate and remember even the simplest things.
- Excessive screen time: Spending too much time in front of the television or computer can affect the brain’s gray matter (the tissue in your central nervous system that plays a crucial role in allowing you to function.) Researchers say excessive time on the computer increases the risk of dementia.
- Poor nutrition: Too much sugar and a diet lacking essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin C, and ginkgo, may also affect memory and lead to cognitive impairment. Fortunately, the right supplements can help correct this issue, making it worthwhile to search for the best supplements for memory and brain fog.
- Stress and anxiety: Chronic stress overstimulates your brain and impairs cognitive ability, affecting decision-making skills and memory.
- Toxins in your home: Exposure to toxins such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and polychlorinated biphenyls can decrease neurological function and lead to memory loss.
- Certain medications: Some anti-anxiety and anti-depressant prescriptions, as well as narcotics and sleep aids, can cause confusion and brain fog. Even over-the-counter antihistamines and heartburn medications can sometimes lead to memory loss.
- Physical inactivity: Physical exercise promotes endorphins, glucose, and oxygen flow to the brain. It also decreases the stress hormone cortisol and helps develop new brain cells. Doctors and the Mayo Clinic recommend 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week for patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can take a toll on memory. Nursing mothers often experience periods of forgetfulness and brain fog (sometimes called “mommy brain.”) These same hormonal changes affect women experiencing menopause, causing difficulty concentrating.
The best supplements for memory and brain fog
The Global Council on Brain Health estimates that people around the world spend more than $5 billion a year on brain health supplements. However, before investing your money, let’s take a look at the best supplements for memory and brain fog by reviewing the top five brands. We’ll start with number five and work our way to the best.
5. Vyvamind: This natural nootropic contains citicoline to support the brain’s neurotransmitters, L-theanine to boost serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels, and L-tyrosine to suppress stress hormones and promote mental processing. It’s worth noting that Vyvamind also contains caffeine, which can cause jitters and interfere with sleep in some people. A 30-day supply of Vyvamind costs $75.
4. Mind Lab Pro: This supplement supports biopathways to promote healthy brain cells. The key ingredients are Lion’s Mane mushrooms to stimulate the growth of new brain cells, citicoline, and L-theanine. A one-month supply of this supplement costs $69, and the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, they suggest trying it for at least 90 days to get the full effect.
3. Nooceptin: Nooceptin also uses Lion’s Mane mushrooms, citicoline, and theanine to improve cognitive performance, but it adds ginkgo biloba and ginseng for a longer-lasting effect. The company claims its nootropic promotes the growth and proliferation of neurons. The recommended dosage is three capsules a day, so a 30-day supply costs $69 for a bottle of 90 capsules, which is comparable to our other choices.
2. Onnit Alpha Brain: Alpha Brain is one of the most popular products on the market, and at first glance, it may seem like a bargain. However, the $35 bottle contains only a two-week supply, so like the products mentioned above, it will cost you $70 for a one-month supply. The capsules are caffeine and gluten-free and contain L-tyrosine, L-theanine, and vitamin B6 to enhance cognitive abilities and improve memory. The downside is that some users report side effects such as headaches and sleeplessness.
1. Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Brain Pill: Our list of the best supplements for memory and brain fog concludes with Medicine Man Plant Co.’s The Brain Pill at our number one spot. There are several reasons for this: first, at $46, it’s the most cost-effective memory-boosting supplement on our list. The supplement contains all-natural ingredients, including Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, ginkgo, and sage. These natural herbs increase oxygen flow to the brain and boost cognitive ability without negative side effects such as headaches and restlessness.
Medicine Man Co.’s The Brain Pill is also tested in a third-party lab for toxins and heavy metals, which often contribute to brain fog. Moreover, the company is committed to using only responsibly sourced and harvested ingredients. While they offer a 45-day money-back guarantee, they also promise 100% satisfaction and will do what it takes to make it right.
The best supplements for memory and brain fog:
Final word
Even the best supplements for memory and brain fog won’t turn you into a genius or a computer scientist overnight, but they can help repair your body’s hard drive and keep all systems running efficiently, even as you age. Your mind is a terrible thing to waste, so keep it functioning optimally by considering one of the best supplements for memory and brain fog.
Further reading for additional reference:
National Institute of Health: Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not?
Cleveland Clinic: 5 Side Effects of Working Too Much
BMC Neuroscience: The impact of mental fatigue on brain activity: a comparative study both in resting state and task state using EEG
National Library of Medicine: Digital dementia in the internet generation: excessive screen time during brain development will increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in adulthood
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
