brain health


 

My daughter just had a seizure a couple of weeks ago,she is 37 years old and has never had these before ,it left her very weak. we would like to know what vitamins she can take for brain health,please get back to me as soon as you can. Thank you for your time in helping us, Carolyn

 

First, it is very important that your daughter get an appropriate work to find out why she had a seizure in the first place.  Brain imaging and blood tests are an absolute must and should be performed by a neurologist. 

Many natural supplements can be supportive for the brain.  Probably one of the most widely publicized supplements for brain support is fish oil.  Fish oil’s are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which play a very important part in neurological function.  Cultures that consume large amounts of omega 3 fatty acids from fish are found to have the lowest incidences of brain related issues such as Alzheimer’s Disease.  The brain consists of almost 80% fat and a large portion of that fat is in the form of omega 3 fatty acids.  

Another very important brain supportive supplement is phosphytidylcholine.  This compound is particularly important to the health of cellular membranes.  Cell membrane health is imperative to cellular function because it is responsible for the intricate communication between cells.  Brain cells must communicate at amazing rates to ensure that neurological signals are sent clearly and quickly.  Brain signals between neurons are thought to travel at over 250mph.  Phosphytidylcholine has been studied for its ability to affect brain function and has shown impressive results specifically for issues related to focus and memory. 

Vitamin B12 is among one of the B vitamins specifically associated with neurological function.  B12 deficiency can lead to numerous neurological symptoms such as numbness and nerve problems.  It has been associated with improved brain function when supplemented to people who are low.  Some of its neurological supportive properties are due to its ability to improve the health of the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells.  These sheaths insulated the neurons and help to speed nerve transmission along. 

Although not a supplement, it is worth mentioning that sleep is one of the most powerful modulators of brain function.  Less than 6 hours of restful sleep a night can have very detrimental effects on brain function.  It is common for a person with a predisposition to seizures to have their first episode after being sleep deprived. 



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Lead Medical Director

As a certified and fully trained Naturopathic Doctor, Passero has trained and preceptored with some of the nation's leading doctors in the field of natural medicine, working under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. Furthermore, he is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

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