Supporting Brain Health

Brain health is the foundation for some of today’s most prevalent health concerns, including memory, focus and other cognitive functions; mood and behavior; stress and anxiousness; and sleep issues. Daniel G. Amen, MD, brain imaging expert, double board-certified psychiatrist, and founder of Amen Clinics and the BrainMD dietary supplement line, has developed a unique approach to supporting brain health and optimizing brain function. He has identified and documented 11 major risk factors that threaten brain health and formalized them with the mnemonic BRIGHT MINDS. 

Download BRIGHT MINDS

Table 1. BRIGHT MINDS risk factors. 

1. Poor circulation
2. Poor blood pressure control
3. Lack of exercise
4. Sedentary lifestyle 
5. Retirement and/or aging
6. Inflammation 
7. Genetics
8. Head trauma
9. Toxins 
10. Mental health 
11. Immunity 
12. Neurohormone deficiencies 
13. “Diabesity” 
14. Sleep

Table 2. Dietary Recommendations for BRIGHT MINDS Risk Factors

DIET FOR BRIGHT MINDS

Dr. Amen has developed the following dietary recommendations to correspond to each of the BRIGHT MINDS risk factors. Certain -recommendations apply to all the risk factors: REMOVE artificial dyes and preservatives from the diet. AVOID hydrogenated (“trans”) fats. LIMIT sugar, salt, sodas, caffeine, alcohol, gluten, MSG, processed meats, charred meats, and high-glycemic, saturated fat foods such as pizza, processed cheeses and microwave popcorn. Always choose organically raised chicken and turkey, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught salmon.

Table 3. Foundational Supplements For Overall Brain Health* 

SUPPLEMENTS FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Dietary supplements can support overall brain health, memory, mood, focus, a healthy response to stress, and sleep*. In addition, supplements can support brain health in the following ways:

1. Help correct nutrient deficiencies*
2. Promote brain-energy generation*
3. Support nerve-cell connectivity via synapse maintenance*
4. Promote blood flow and nutrient delivery*
5. Promote robust antioxidant defenses*
6. Promote healthy methylation for -neurotransmitter balance*
7. Support healthy blood-lipid balance*
8. Support healthy blood-glucose regulation*
9. Support healthy immune response*
10. Support healthy hormone balance*
11. Support restful sleep*

Note:  For overall brain and body health, Dr. Amen recommends blood vitamin D levels higher than 40 nanograms per milliliter, and an Omega-3 Index higher than 8 percent for his patients.

Wellevate PROTOCOLS

Memory, Mood, Focus, Stress, and Sleep*

With Wellevate, you can build and save your most-used protocols to make your patient-recommendation process quick and easy. Start with your template and customize as needed. Adding products, PDFs with additional information, and customized patient messages takes only a few minutes. Your patients will love the personal touch, and you’ll love the time you get back. Your Wellevate account also gives you access to the Wellevate Protocol Library’s catalogue of expert protocols from today’s thought leaders, including Daniel G. Amen, MD, double board–certified psychiatrist and brain-imaging expert. Log in to your Wellevate account to get started. Don’t have a Wellevate account? Visit www.wellevate.me to get started.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.