Magdeli van Niekerk | Nov 6, 2025

Boost Brain Power

Ever find yourself forgetting where you put your keys or struggling to concentrate on a task? We all have those days when our brains feel a bit foggy. But here’s the good news — you can actually give your brain a boost through the right mix of food and supplements. Think of it like fueling your car: the better the fuel, the smoother the ride. In this article, we’ll chat about some science-backed nutrients, simple diet tweaks, and a few stand-out supplements from Nutrition Directory that can help you stay sharp, focused, and ready to tackle your day.

1. Brain-Boosting Nutrients You Need

· Omega‑3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA): Found in salmon, chia, flaxseed — shown to support memory, mental clarity, and mood.

· B Vitamins (B6, B9, B12): Keep brain energy steady and help build brain chemicals.

· Choline: A precursor to acetylcholine — your learning and memory neurotransmitter.

· Magnesium: Helps your brain run smoothly and supports relaxation.

· Antioxidants & Polyphenols (vitamin C, E, curcumin, resveratrol): Protect your brain cells and help you think sharper.


2. Supplements Worth Considering

Cogniserine (Smart PS™ / Cogni-Serine):

· Brain‑friendly phospholipid featuring phosphatidylserine, a key building block for brain cell structure and function.

· Supports mental alertness, memory, and concentration

· Especially useful in ADD/ADHD, age-related decline, and stress resilience.

Omega 3:

Supports cognition, inflammation control, and overall brain health.

Products include:

· Natroceutics Omega 3 Fortified: Wild‑caught Alaskan pollock with lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin K2 for brain, cardiovascular, and eye health

· Coyne Purest Omega 3: Rich in EPA and DHA, tested for purity.

· OmegaGenics® EPA-DHA 720 features a concentrated, purified source of omega-3 fatty acids from sustainably sourced, coldwater fish.

Altwell Brain +:

A premium brain supplement designed to support multiple aspects of cognitive health through a multi-ingredient formula:

Some ingredients include:

· PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone): Improves cognitive flexibility, executive speed, attention, memory, and sleep; reduces stress and fatigue.

· Huperzine-A: Supports focus, memory, and thinking skills.

· Resveratrol: Improves cognitive performance, fights brain cell ageing, and helps reverse cognitive decline.

· Ashwagandha (KSM-66®): Anti-stress, mood-stabilizing, sleep-improving, and longevity-promoting.

· Co-Enzyme Q10: Supports brain mitochondrial energy production, especially important in inflammation or statin use.

· Alpha Lipoic Acid: Antioxidant with neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, gut health, and energy benefits.

Release SCE (Advanced Syrup or caps):

· Combines neuro-vitamins, chelated minerals, amino acids, and Sceletium tortuosum.

· Supports stress, anxiety, mood, and immune health.

DNA-MLT Magnesium Threonate:

· A highly bioavailable form of magnesium that can cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other types.

· Supports synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.

· Research suggests it may enhance short- and long-term memory and slow cognitive decline.

· Particularly beneficial for people under high stress, older adults, or those with sleep disturbances.


3. Foods to protect your brain

· Eliminate refined sugars and seed oils. A study found that diets high in refined sugar & saturated fat directly impair the hippocampus which is the brain’s navigation and memory centre. These foods include sweetened coffee drinks, fried takeaways, ice cream & pastries, chips & processed snacks.

· Eat More Fatty Fish & Plant Omegas: Include salmon, mackerel, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts at least 2–3 times per week. These foods are rich in DHA and EPA, which are essential for maintaining brain cell structure and function.

· Load Up on Greens & Eggs: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli provide folate and magnesium, while eggs offer choline for memory support.

· Spice It Up: Add turmeric to soups, curries, or smoothies. Curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

· Stay Hydrated: Even mild dehydration can affect memory and mood — aim for at least 1.5–2 liters of water daily.

· Avoid Highly Processed Seed Oils (e.g., sunflower, corn, soybean): These are often high in omega-6 fatty acids, which in excess can promote inflammation in the brain. Instead, opt for cold-pressed olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.

· Support Insulin Sensitivity: Choose whole, unprocessed carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and legumes, paired with protein and healthy fats to slow glucose release and maintain steady brain energy.


Conclusion

Boosting your brain power is about smart combos — good food, healthy habits, and a few key supplements. Cogniserine, Omega‑3s, Brain+, DNA-MLT Magnesium Threonate, and Release SCE each bring unique benefits. Pair them with brain-friendly meals, avoid inflammatory foods, and support insulin sensitivity, and you’re on your way to sharper thinking and better focus.


“Food isn’t just fuel. It’s information. Choose wisely.” -Dr Mark Hyman


References

1. Frontiers in Nutrition. ‘The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on brain functions.’ 2023. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1072653/full

2. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/

3. PubMed Central (PMC) — ‘B vitamins and brain health: Mechanisms, dose and efficacy.’ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4772032/

4. PMC — ‘Magnesium intake and brain health.’ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7303813/

5. PMC — ‘Antioxidants in neurodegenerative diseases.’ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6466005/

6. Medford SA — Cogniserine details. https://medford.co.za/product/cogni-serine-smart-ps/

7. Healthy Life Cape Town — Cogniserine information. https://healthylifecapetown.co.za/product/cogniserine/

8. Francis, H., & Stevenson, R. (2011). Higher reported saturated fat and refined sugar intake is associated with reduced hippocampal‑dependent memory and sensitivity to interoceptive signals. Behavioral Neuroscience, 125(6), 943–955. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22023100/

9. Molteni, R., Barnard, R. J., Ying, Z., Roberts, C. K., & Gómez‑Pinilla, F. (2002). A high‑fat, refined sugar diet reduces hippocampal brain‑derived neurotrophic factor, neuronal plasticity, and learning. Neuroscience, 112(4), 803–814. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12088740/


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