ACCORDING to the Global Council on Brain Health, it was projected that the supplement industry will reach US$5B by 2023, although there was no supporting data that supplements enhance brain functions and prevent certain brain related diseases.

Harvard Medical School published just this month a disclaimed health article that asserted the same theory but did not provide data or substantial evidence.
But why does brain and body health stimulate such interest that it translates to a financially viable industry? According to a renowned inspirational writer, “Where the mind goes, the man follows” implying that your words, thoughts and actions are from the direct impact of the way the mind functions. The human brain has been programmed since the beginning of time to incline towards negativity; this is why gossip is a hot seller. However, on the flip side, it was proven that the human brain can be successfully reprogrammed to think positively, contributing to your overall health, your outlook on challenges and may guarantee a successful life. This is a welcomed message during the current difficult global crisis where there is a threatening rise in cost of living as a result of the war in Ukraine and post-pandemic adjustments.

Cleveland Clinic recommends the six pillars for a better brain health. These pillars are adequate sleep/relaxation, exercise, good nutrition, social interaction, mental and medical fitness. Simply put by Forbes, there should be sleep time, physical time, focus time, time-in, downtime, playtime and connecting time, all built into your daily schedules using good time management skills. It must be noted that during playtime your creativity peaks allowing you to problem-solve innovatively when challenges arise.
Certainly, just a handful of persons would have deliberately achieved a balanced lifestyle, because “life happens”, resulting in unexpected demands of your time such as caring for a sick relative, an unplanned pregnancy, an abusive relationship, the death of a breadwinner or a highly demanding job.

In some studies reviewed, it was found that the brain of older men and women developed compensatory pathways when faced with obstacles, which are reinforced over time to develop their own coping mechanisms. That explains why, despite a debilitating illness, loss of financial independence or family support or other imposed sanctions like restrictions to basic human needs (as seen in Ukraine), some older folks may be relentless where they have learnt to co-exist with their situation.
However, some brain disease are more unavoidably pronounced in older persons and may have a direct physiologic component. Alzheimer’s risk is increased when there is a buildup of an abnormal protein beta amyloid plaque due to sleep deprivation, lack of stress management, relaxation or meditation. Dementia risk is increased with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, head trauma, hypercholesteremia and smoking. Generally, some common untreated mental health diseases such as depression and anxiety affect memory, concentration, mood and performance. Like your other muscles in the body, if you do not use it you lose it, so mental exercises are key.

Exercise induces the neurotransmitters in the brain called endorphins which elevate mood. Generally, physical exercise also increases blood flow resulting in more energy, oxygen and new cell growth and connections thus enhancing brain performance. Complimentary brain exercises such as board games, meditation, visualization, puzzles, improving your vocabulary or learning a new language, creative arts (dance, music, painting, sculpting and instruments) enhance memory, cognition and creativity.

The pharmaceutical industry has been frown upon since many drug manufacturers have labelled and marketed their products as brain and body boosters, which some opinion leaders later referred to as a placebo effect. Brain and body supplements are worth billions world-wide as they are highly sought after performance phenomena for the different choices of life whether it is in sports, body building or simply for studies.
The following supplements have been marketed for increased concentration and overall brain health, with disclaimer statements; omega-3 fish oil, creatine, Vitamins B (B6 and B12), folate, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, choline and vitamin K. Despite not labelled for brain and body health products such as Pharmaton, One a day (Men and Women), Centrum Silver (for 50 plus persons) and Focus Factor are available brands which may have a combination of most of the vitamins highlighted.

Anti-oxidants supplements such as vitamin A, C, E and turmeric may prevent illness like dementia. Oxidation is unavoidable and occurs due to stress, external environmental factors such as radiation, use of gadgets such as cell phones and lap-tops or improper nutrition. This process may damage brain cells if cell renewal substances, derived from nutritious foods or supplements, are not engaged.
For further pharmacological guidance and physician referral, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.