Natural Factors CurcuminRich Whole Body Optimizer - 60 Softgels

Fish Oil

Interestingly, the research studies performed on the benefits of fish oil are almost exclusively performed on fish oil supplementation and diets with high fish content. Fish and fish oils are probably the greatest source of EPA and DHA omega 3, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The mental health benefits of omega 3 oils are particularly attributed to fish oil supplementation. For more information on the benefits of fish oil.

How can I get more omega 3's?
Dosage recommendations for omega 3 fatty acids vary depending on the disease process or overall goal. If your goal is to lower your triglyceride level, for instance, it is recommended that you consume 3-4 g/day, whereas studies aimed at treating depression found that only 1 g of EPA/day showed better results than higher dosages of 2 and 3 grams. It is important to know that whatever dose you are recommended, you need to be sure your supplement contains the right stuff. On the bottle you will see the total omega content, as well as the specific contents of DHA, EPA, etc. If you have been advised to take 2 g of EPA + DHA/day, make sure you are looking at the breakdown and that you are following these numbers, rather than looking at the total omega count.

Brain Health
The brain requires the largest amounts of omega 3 fatty acids of the whole body. In fact, the brain is nearly 60% fat by weight, and a large percentage of this is DHA. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to have an affinity for the central nervous system, helping to treat and prevent cognitive decline, protect memory, treat depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorders and schizophrenia. DHA has been associated with improved brain function, while EPA is associated with mood balancing.

How Your Brain Communicates With You and Your Body
The brain, including all of these lobes, make up one portion of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The spinal cord and peripheral nerves, along with the brain are the key components of this system. The brain is made up of a vast number of nerve cells (neurons), through which electrochemical signals are transmitted. This is how messages are sent within the central nervous system. These messages can travel long distances jumping from one nerve cell to another (across synapses), or a short distance down one single neuron. Not all signals or messages need to travel to the brain in order for a response to be generated. Many reflexes, for example, are messages that enter the spinal cord through a sensory neuron, meet with a motor neuron, which then sends a message to the appropriate muscle (usually to contract.). More complex processes require information to be sent to the brain's cerebral cortex where it is processed and sent on. These signals travel extremely quickly and rely on a healthy environment to function optimally.

Curcumin and Brain Health
Recently, curcumin is being recognized for its anti-amyloid properties. A key feature of Alzheimer's disease is the development of amyloid plaques in the brain. Beta-amyloid is normally a harmless protein which builds up in the brain as we age. It is thought that some sort of genetic defect in these proteins may be involved in the degree of decline in neuronal activity that occurs in individuals suffering from Alzheimer's. Curcumin, due to its anti-amyloid properties is showing significant results in terms of treatment for these patients, improving overall memory.

Curcumin, a Natural Anti-Inflammatory
The same molecules inhibit inflammation anywhere within the body, thus acting as pain relieving agents, as well. Curcumin has been shown to improve joint mobility and reduce the pain and swelling associated with all forms of arthritis. This activity is equivalent to the effect of some NSAID drugs. Curcumin also lowers the level of harmful LDL, cholesterol and increases the level of helpful HDL, cholesterol. It increases circulation and blood flow. All of these properties make curcumin a good choice for individuals with compromised circulation, heart disease and high cholesterol.

Curcumin can be used as a spice (tumeric), encapsulated herb, dried herb, tincture or liquid extract. Better quality supplements are standardized which is an assurance that the product contains a certain amount of the more well known active constituents. Curcumin is found as a component of pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol lowering formulas. It may be also be found in topical creams or gels for pain relief.

Brain Health For Everyone
Even young, healthy individuals can suffer from 'brain fog', or the odd memory lapse and even the happiest of people can have a 'slump', suffering from fluctuations in mood or bouts of depression. Alzheimer's and dementia, among other often debilitating diseases involving brain function, are certainly a cause for concern but we don't have to be suffering from one of these diseases in order to take precautions. There are things we can do now, at any age, to protect our healthy brains from deterioration and provide them with the nourishment and support they deserve. There are a number of different supplements, as well as lifestyle and dietary tips that can support sustained and healthy brain function.