Memory & Cognitive Health Solutions
Our memory and cognitive abilities can decline for a variety of reasons. Whether it happens due to natural aging, stress, or conditions such as Alzheimer's, it can take a heavy toll a person's quality of life.
The use of Bacopa monnieri has shown promising effects on helping boost brain function such as learning, understanding, and focus (all together known as cognition), as well as memory. Recent studies report that it may help treat ADHD and protect against chemicals involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. On top of all this, Bacopa is a powerful antioxidant.
Bacopa, also called Brahmi or Waterhyssop, has been used in Ayurveda and other forms of traditional medicine for its benefits on cognitive health and memory for thousands of years. Can this darling white flowering plant help improve your train of thought? Here are the facts about Bacopa and some reasons why you should consider trying it today!
How Memory Works
Before we take a look at how memory works, we need to establish how cognition works. All thoughts, and brain function in general, are the result of neuron activity in the brain.
Neurons are nerve endings that form connections called synapses. When certain neurons and synapses are active (or inactive), memories are being formed, stored, or recalled. Adding or strengthening synapses also all affect memory and memory storage in the brain.
Memory health issues occur when the proper balance of neuron activity such as this is disrupted. Medical conditions that affect memory include Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, both of which are irreversible. There are other health issues that affect memory which are reversible, such as hypothyroidism, alcoholism, certain vitamin deficiencies, and even depression.
Memory issues and mental health are also closely related. Depression and anxiety can take a toll on memory and cognition in general. People who experience mental health problems may also have trouble sleeping, which further disrupts memory and cognitive health.
Memory Health Products
There are plenty of memory health vitamins and cognitive health supplements on the market today. Some combine various herbs and vitamins. Most of these contain Bacopa as a main ingredient.
Bacopa supplements are growing in popularity due and may soon become the #1 memory health dietary supplement. It has received positive reviews from consumers who report that it has helped them with cognitive health issues and memory health problems.
Bacopa Monnieri May Help Reduce ADHD Symptoms
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is characterized by having difficulty paying attention, difficulty in controlling impulsive behaviours, and overall hyper-activeness. This disorder is usually diagnosed early in childhood and continues on to adulthood as well.
Bacopa was used as a treatment in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 120 children diagnosed with ADHD in Israel in 2010. The overwhelming majority of children who took the Bacopa showed significant improvement in their symptoms, whereas nearly all of the children in the placebo group showed no improvement at all.
Another study in Mumbai of 31 children with ADHD showed the same results. After 6 months of taking Bacopa supplements, 85% of the participants showed great improvement in their symptoms.
More studies are needed to prove the connection between Bacopa and ADHD treatment, but the outcomes of those done so far have shown promising results.
Other Bacopa Benefits
In addition to providing memory and cognitive health solutions, Bacopa also has other benefits on physical health.
Bacopa contains powerful antioxidants that can fight the oxidative damage done by free radicals in the body. These free radicals attack healthy cells all over the body, which can lead to a number of health problems.
Bacopa monnieri may reduce inflammation as well. Studies have been conducted on the bioactive compounds within Bacopa called Bacosides. The results have shown positive effects on reducing chronic inflammation in the central nervous system, brain, and other areas of the body.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Bacopa are currently being studied to examine if they can provide relief for such conditions as arthritis and central nervous system disorders.
Who Should Not Take Bacopa?
People who suffer from thyroid conditions or take thyroid medications should avoid taking any supplement containing Bacopa. This is because Bacopa may affect the natural thyroid hormones in the body, which could cause disruptions in hormonal balance.
In addition to thyroid disorders, people who have urinary tract or heart conditions should also speak with a doctor before taking Bacopa supplements.
Finally, there have been no studies providing reliable data on how Bacopa taken by mothers affects newborn babies or babies in the womb, so women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Bacopa supplements.
If you have any other serious health conditions or are taking any prescription medication, you should speak to a doctor before taking Bacopa or any other natural health supplement.
Is Bacopa the right supplement for you? Find more information on Orgen Bacopa here.
