Nutritional Modifications To Boost IQ

--- Vitamin Supplements You Can Take ---

Taking vitamins can boost your IQ. This is because you might have a nutrition deficiency which you didn't know existed, which is therefore lowering your IQ and mental output. Below are some vitamins you can take to improve your IQ and protect your brain:

1. Take Vitamin C.

This is good for concentration and mental clarity. It contains something called "anti-oxidants" which help maintain and protect the integrity of your brain cells. It is also very good for clearing away toxins and maintain a good blood flow to the brain (by helping the circulatory system). The immediate effect of taking vitamin C over a period of time, will be reduced mental fog and an increase in the things you remember. This is found in oranges, lemons, kiwis and all other types of citrus fruit.

2. Vitamin E.

Also good for concentration, precision and clarity. Vitamin E has an awesome antioxidant effect like Vitamin C, but it goes further in helping to reduce the clogging of blood vessels, including those blood vessels which go directly into the brain. This means you are ensured a good supply of nutrients to the brain at all times, so your thinking is greatly improved.

3. Alpha-Lipoic acid.

This is very good for your memory, and for increasing the creativity and number of thoughts you have. You probably haven't heard of this compound before, but it is absolutely awesome for helping your brain. This compound is called a "super antioxidant" because it acts as the boss of vitamin's E and C. It therefore increases their effects, such as mental clarity, enhanced memory etc. Alpha Lipoic acid is produced by the body itself, but only in minute quantities. Supplementation can enhance the cognitive benefits.

4. Inositol.

This is very good for clear thinking and mental endurance, as well as being found in many common foods. It also contributes to energy production, and so you can stay awake during the day instead of being half asleep. Studies show a measurable increase in physical activity for up to five hours after taking it.

5. Folic acid.

This mineral found in many common foods is good for your memory. In a nutshell, it helps to reverse memory loss (meaning your memory improves dramatically) and it helps to reduce the seriousness and effects of mental depression. Supplementation can stave off any memory defects.

--- Excellent Brain Boosting Supplements To Take ---

Brain boosting supplements is a fancy term for any product you can take to increase your IQ, but which is not a vitamin and mineral. The majority of the list below are common herbs which you can find at your local health store. All of them have strong evidence supporting their IQ increasing and cognitive improving effects. Be sure to follow the recommended government daily dosages for optimal mental gains (the dosages are explained fully in our e-book guide). Please note that any suggestions given below should never be substituted for professional medical advice, and all of the information below relates to strictly herbal supplements, and not any medication. If you have a condition or are on medication, please seek a doctor's approval and advice.

1. Phosphatidyl Serine (PS).

This famous supplement has been shown in clinical studies to increase lucidity and rate of learning. It helps regulate brain cell growth and makes sure that the brain is communicating within itself correctly. It is also thought to reverse memory decline. Phosphatidylserine has no known adverse side effects and is commonly consumed alongside Ginkgo Biloba, which is explained below. There are many natural sources of PS, such as mackerel, chicken heart, herring, tuna, white beans and anchovies. There are many supplements available in health food stores as well.

2. Ginkgo Biloba.

This famous product increases the blood flow to the brain and leads to rapid increases in short term memory and alertness. However, it is not recommended for those over 50 years old or those under 18 years of age. It should never also be taken with any medication. Please see your doctor if you are unsure. This herbal supplement comes from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree and has many reported cognitive benefits.

3. Saint John's Wort.

This herbal supplement is a common weed that may be growing in your yard! Although it doesn't help with long-term depression , many people swear by it's temporary mood-elevating effect, which helps us to function well mentally. It is best for those who have had their intelligence affected due to depression and poor moods.

4. Caffeine.

Caffeine found in tea and coffee is a very famous stimulant to improve mental performance. In fact, the research clearly shows that higher test scores are recorded for students who drink coffee before major college exams. However, too much caffeine is a definite no-no because it leads to over stimulation of the brain, which can therefore lead to a poor quality of decisions. The key here is moderation. Also, make sure you don't become addicted to it.

5. Creatine.

Creatine supplementation in subjects showed improvement in working memory and general intelligence, such as in concentration and focus. This is a compound found in meat, and is used by athletes to help build muscle. So it helps both your body and brain together.

6. Nuts.

These have minerals and amino acids that are beneficial to the brain. The best forms to use are almonds and walnuts. The reason why its good to supplements with these is because we may have an amino acid deficiency without even knowing. A correction on this can easily create a 3-4 IQ points difference in test results.

7. Olive oil.

Olive oil has been shown to improve memory. It also helps to circulate blood to the brain so that it obtains sufficient nutrients for development. A cheaper alternative is canola oil. The reason why olive oil helps to raise IQ, is because it contains Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids balance against the Omega-6 fatty acids which are overtly prevalent in our brains (by a factor of 1:50 in most cases). Balancing the two fatty acid types is crucial for proper mental functioning, and so supplementation with olive oil proves a massive help to increase the concentration ability.

8. Selenium.

This is a mood-elevator and is found in many foods. Your brain almost certainly functions better when you are in a better mood. Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts and garlic.

--- Food Modifications To Make In General ---

1. Eat brain foods.

Foods that may be good for your brain include: Avocados, bananas, lean beef, brewer's yeast. broccoli, brown rice, brussell sprouts, cantaloupe, collard greens, eggs, flaxseed oil, legumes, oatmeal, oranges, peanut butter, peas, potatoes, romaine lettuce, salmon, soybeans, spinach, tuna, turkey and wheat germ. They are good for you because they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They also contain certain ratios of carbohydrates, proteins and fats which help maintain body and mental function. The other benefit is that they are natural foods so they don't contain any of the negative effects from artificial sweeteners etc.

2. Eat foods high in antioxidants.

Antioxidants protect all your cells, including brain cells. Some of the foods highest in antioxidants include: prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, garlic, kale, cranberries, strawberries, spinach, and raspberries. Without antioxidants, your mental faculties will automatically decline because brain cells will get destroyed by cell scavenging free radicals. It is therefore better to take the steps now to improve your antioxidant intake so that this mental decline can be stopped now. The long term affect will be that you will have a much better memory, more mental stamina, and live longer.

3. Get some fiber.

It isn't just what goes in, but what comes out the other end that is important to brain function. Toxic build-up in the body and brain can cause "brain fog." People often report clearer thinking as one of the benefits of curing their constipation anyway.

4. Avoid too much fat.

Having the right balance of fats means you can learn things quicker and increase your problem solving flexibility. Most fats are rich in Omega 6. Saturated fats have been shown to actually stunt the growth of brain cells whereas Omega 3 fats are better for you in helping to regain a balance between fatty acids in the brain.

5. Avoid suspect foods.

There is evidence that the following foods can be bad for your brain: Artificial food colorings, artificial sweeteners, colas, corn syrup, frostings, high-sugar drinks, hydrogenated fats, sugars, white bread, and any white-flour products. Basically, your usual fast food meals such as burgers, fries and hot dogs will have a long and short term effect on your mental abilities. Simple consumption of these foods can effect your brain within 24 hours, and lead to mental haziness, confusion and reduced concentration spans.

6. Avoid sugar.

Any simple carbohydrates can give you "brain fog." Sometimes called the "sugar blues" as well, this sluggish feeling makes it hard to think clearly. It results from the insulin rushing into the bloodstream to counteract the sugar rush. Avoid pasta, sugars, white bread and potato chips before any important mental tasks.

7. Eat breakfast.

When kids who didn't eat breakfast started to eat it, researchers found that their math scores went up a whole grade on average. This basically means that you can go from a B grade to an A, simply by having breakfast! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and must never be avoided. When you think about it, your whole body and brain has been fasting the whole night. On waking, it is craving nutrients to help it function properly so you need to feed it well and break this cycle. Make sure you at a large breakfast ever morning, and make it a habit.

8. Eat less overall.

Overeating has the immediate effect of redirecting more blood to the digestive process, leaving less for the brain. Long term, it can cause arterial obstructions that reduce blood flow to the brain permanently. This means you will not be able to maintain or increase your mental functioning from other tasks which you do.

9. Consume alcohol in moderation.

It is known that alcohol can kill brain cells, so moderation seems to be the key. This goes without saying, but you would be surprised by the number of people who complain about a poor memory and mental skills because of alcohol, when they know fine well that this was going to happen. The trick here is to change your lifestyle so that alcohol is not a major part of it. This will happen through discipline, and taking the right steps with this discipline to counter-act negative alcohol effects.

What To Expect

Most supplements and vitamins will have an immediate effect on your mental ability. Other tools will compound their positive effects over time. Either way, you will be automatically left with a clearer and sharper mind. The effects of diet alone can be as much as 25-30 IQ points on your IQ score over time. It is therefore in your best interests in both the short and long run to stick to better lifestyles. This will ensure that you maximise your mental faculties throughout your life.

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