All Natural

by Amber Niswonger

Five Brain Boosters

Are you worried about upcoming papers, exams, finals, etc., and how you will score on them? Maybe you have studied so much you think your brain is going to explode or maybe you haven't studied at all and you could use some extra brain power.

There are several things you can do to increase your think-ability. Aromatherapy works on the sense of smell to increase the thought process. Sound therapy, such as listening to classical music, boosts mental clarity. And there are several dietary supplements that will help push your brain into overdrive.

Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils to enhance physical and mental well-being. The essential oil of peppermint is said to be a mental stimulant, increasing test scores by 10 percent. For around $5 a bottle you can dab some peppermint oil on your wrist before going to take a test, or add it to your favorite shampoo or lotion.

Ginkgo biloba improves brain function by increasing cerebral and peripheral circulation and tissue oxygenation. Basically, it increases blood flow in the brain, allowing for greater brain capacity. A study from the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that it can improve long- and short-term memory and enhance concentration. Ginkgo is often referred to as the "smart herb" and is added to smoothies, teas, protein bars and brain supplement combinations. Any of these with ginkgo added to them would be good to eat or drink before a big exam.

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanob) is a chemical involved in the processes of learning and memory. DMAE had been known to be beneficial for people with autism, memory deficiency and dementia. It is best not to take it on a daily basis, but to take it on days when you need extra alertness and focus. DMAE is sold separately, but you can usually find it in combinations with other brain enhancing supplements. Similar to ginkgo, DMAE is also added to smoothies, juice drinks and protein bars.

PS (Phosphatidyl Serh) is a substance made by the brain that every cell in the body needs. It is especially abundant in nerve cells. Supplemental PS, which comes from soybean oil, has been found to reduce symptoms of depression and Alzheimer's disease, and to enhance memory. PS helps you focus and maintains your memory as you study.

Enada (NADH) is a natural approach to energy and brain health. Enada energizes both body and brain activity, improves alertness, concentration, emotion, and overall mood enhancement. It helps improve brain cell performance and helps keep cells alive for a longer period of time. The more enada a cell has available, the more energy it can produce to perform its process efficiently. Fish is a good food source of enada.

Including cold-water fish in your diet is another way to increase brain power. Fish such as tuna, salmon and herring in your diet are all good sources of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an essential fatty acid that is thought to be vital for brain function.

So when writing a paper, studying for an exam, or preparing for a final, you now know some things that could help your concentration, memory, and maybe even help improve your test scores. Of course, nothing takes the place of studying, but there are things that can help boost your brain along the way.