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In recent years, taking supplements for brain health has become very popular among seniors. The market is saturated with various supplements that claim to provide protection against dementia and memory loss, and seniors are spending their hard-earned income on purchasing these supplements. In a 2019 report by the Global Counsel on Brain Health, it was projected that by 2023, people will spend more than $5 billion a year globally on brain health supplements. Therefore, this is a huge business for supplement manufacturers that keeps making more money.
However, to determine whether it is safe for you and your loved ones to consume these supplements, it is important to know how they are made and what to look out for when it comes to the labels and the claims made on them. Finally, supplements cannot replace a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you and your loved ones maintain your overall health, which in turns means keeping your brain healthy as well.
Why should I research the supplements I take?
The FDA does not stop any companies from creating a specific supplement until there is proof that they are causing harm. This causes supplement companies not to be regulated, and therefore there is no way of knowing if your product has all the ingredients and the dosage that is listed on the label.
You should always heavily research any supplements you are taking. This way, you will make sure that they are safe for you to consume and contain the proper ingredients and dosage you are looking for. Here are some things to look out for:
- Label:
The label should have the seal of approval from U.S. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab.com, or NSF International. These companies test the supplements to ensure they are manufactured in a proper way, have the ingredients they claim they do, and the proper dosage listed on their label. They also ensure that there are no harmful ingredients included in your supplement.
- Avoid gummies:
Even though they taste great, gummies usually fail the Consumer Lab’s testing as they break down during manufacturing so the manufacturers put more of a given ingredient than what may be listed on the label.
- Watch out for interactions:
Sometimes the medications you are taking may interact with a supplement. Consult your pharmacist before starting any supplements.
- Take supplements only as instructed:
There are various supplements that should be taken with food to ensure they are better absorbed by the body. Examples include vitamin D, curcumin etc. You can consult your pharmacist or a reputable website for more information on how to take a specific supplement.
- Don’t trust all health claims:
Supplements should never claim that they treat, cure, or prevent a specific disease. If you see a label with false claims, stay away from it.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle Helps Boost Brain Health
Many seniors opt for supplements as a magic pill that will help them as they age. However, the best thing we can do for our health as we age is maintain a healthy lifestyle. This will help our overall health and especially brain health. Here are some things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your brain healthy:
- Maintain a healthy diet:
Your diet should be rich in produce but also include healthy oils such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty cold-water fish. The more colorful your diet is, the better it is for you. It should include dark leafy greens and orange and red fruits and veggies which have antioxidants to protect your brain health.
- Limit your alcohol intake:
Alcohol increases the risk of cognitive decline and should be limited.
- Stay physically active:
You should exercise regularly to prevent cognitive issues. You should try and get at least 150 minutes of activity per week.
- Getting adequate sleep:
You should avoid being sleep deprived as it is linked to cognitive decline. You should make sure you get adequate sleep to help maintain your cognitive health.
- Socialize with others:
It is crucially important to socialize with others and avoid isolation, as social interaction is tied to maintaining cognitive health. Spend as much time as you can with friends and family, and it will help your brain health.
- Make sure to treat any health issues:
Make sure to work with your doctor to treat any chronic conditions such as Type 3 diabetes and high blood pressure as they can increase the chances of decline and dementia.
As mentioned earlier nothing can replace a healthy lifestyle. You should always strive to live as healthy as possible to maintain your overall health as you age. Supplements are meant to supplement your overall health and not replace it. Finally, always research any supplements you take and ensure that they are reputable before taking them.
Even if you take all the precautions for your brain health such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and even taking supplements for brain health, you or a loved one may end up getting dementia or memory loss. If you have a loved one with memory issues and need senior care services, Assisting Hands Home Care can help.
Our professional caregivers can provide dementia care for your loved one, right in their home. Our service areas include Deerfield, Buffalo Grove, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Grayslake, Green Oaks, Hawthorn Woods, Round Lake Beach, Vernon Hills, IL and the surrounding areas. For more information on our senior care services, give us a call at (224) 268-9068.
