Maximizing Brain Power – Part 2

Maximizing Brain Power – Part 2

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been touted for their cardiovascular benefits. These “essential fatty acids,” meaning we must consume them in our diet, help reduce triglyceride levels, increase HDL (good cholesterol), and reduce blood pressure. They also act as a counterbalance to Omega-6 fatty acids. Unfortunately, our current Western diets have an overabundance of Omega-6 fatty acids, which lead to inflammation in the body, causing inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders and heart issues to name a few.

It can also lead to inflammation in the brain. 

Neuroinflammation causes mood disorders, cognitive decline, and increases the risk of age-related cognitive impairment. Maintaining a balanced ratio of these Omega 6’s to Omega 3’s is imperative for a healthy aging process.  Omega-3’s consist primarily of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EHA and DHA are plentiful in the brain and are essential for brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids modulate cell membrane fluidity, leading to enhanced neurotransmitter binding and signaling in the brain, which optimizes cognitive function as a whole.

Recent studies have shown the positive effects of Omega-3 on patients exhibiting cognitive impairments, specifically EPA for mood disorders and DHA in helping neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.

There have also been promising results in individuals with attention-deficit disorders, displaying symptoms such as difficulty focusing, staying on task, and brain fog. Omega 3 supplementation in ADHD patients showed a reduction of hyperactivity/impulsivity, improvements in emotional and behavioral problems, and reduced sleep problems.

Interesting to note, this same study revealed the damaging effects of high sugar on cognition. Diets high in sugar and deficient in Omega-3 are incredibly inflammatory to the brain and negatively impact our daily decisions. 

DHA deficiency also disrupts our “mood hormones” impairing the transmission of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This can have  negative effects on mood and cause mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Keeping a good balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6 in the brain has been shown to fight depression, anxiety, and brain fog.

So how do we ensure a healthy balance of essential fatty acids in the brain?

Omega-3s are found in fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna, and in nuts and seeds like flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. However, some fish with DHA and EPA also have high levels of mercury, which can harm the brain. 

By incorporating a high quality fish oil, like Titan’s Omega-3 Triple Strength, you can bridge the gap between a possible deficiency and optimal brain function. 

While the NIH suggests consuming 1.1-1.6 grams of omega-3 a day, it’s important to note that while some fish oil supplements may state 500mg or 1000mg on the label, it does not necessarily mean that is the amount of DHA and EPA in the capsule itself. 

As always, our full transparency labels provide you with efficiently dosed DHA and EPA, and are sourced from wild-caught anchovies, the highest concentration of omega-3 fatty acids of any marine fish. Our meticulously dosed 700mg capsules contain 420mg EPA and 280mg of DHA per capsule. We’ve also included natural lemon oil to ensure an easy and mellow taste, compared to some lower quality supplements that leave you with bad fish burps. 

Boost your mood naturally and protect against age-related neurological disorders with Omega-3 Triple Strength.

Make it a Brain Boosting Bundle…

Stack up your brain power by adding Creatine 200 to your daily routine. Loss of creatine in the brain as we age plays a large role in age-related neurological diseases and impairs cognitive processing. By supplementing 5g of creatine monohydrate daily, you are not only preventing muscle breakdown and reducing soreness, but also strengthening memory performance and cognition.

Another powerful brain supplement and possibly the hottest new topic in supplement news is NMN, or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, a molecule that's been gaining attention for its potential role in anti aging and brain health. 

NMN acts as a precursor to NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a critical coenzyme involved in various cellular processes, including those in the brain. By increasing NAD+ levels, NMN works to improve cognitive functions and  address age-related cognitive decline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bos DJ, Oranje B, Veerhoek ES, Van Diepen RM, Weusten JM, Demmelmair H, Koletzko B, de Sain-van der Velden MG, Eilander A, Hoeksma M, Durston S. Reduced Symptoms of Inattention after Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Boys with and without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015 Sep;40(10):2298-306. doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.73. Epub 2015 Mar 19. PMID: 25790022; PMCID: PMC4538345.

 

Orchard TS, Gaudier-Diaz MM, Weinhold KR, Courtney DeVries A. Clearing the fog: a review of the effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids and added sugars on chemotherapy-induced cognitive deficits. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2017 Feb;161(3):391-398. doi: 10.1007/s10549-016-4073-8. Epub 2016 Dec 8. PMID: 27933449; PMCID: PMC5526680.

 

Dyall SC. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Front Aging Neurosci. 2015 Apr 21;7:52. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00052. PMID: 25954194; PMCID: PMC4404917.

 

Su KP. Biological mechanism of antidepressant effect of omega-3 fatty acids: how does fish oil act as a 'mind-body interface'? Neurosignals. 2009;17(2):144-52. doi: 10.1159/000198167. Epub 2009 Feb 4. PMID: 19190401.

Maximizing Brain Power – Part 2

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