Improving concentration level can really help you a lot, regardless of whether you are a college student studying for your upcoming semester, have a kid suffering from ADHD, or a part of the workforce competing for promotion. There is probably no one among us who did not experience ‘brain fog’ in life ever.
We get fatigued after long hours of staring at the computer. However, we need not accept poor concentration as one of the inherent human traits.
There are in fact several things that you can do to boost attention, focus, and clarity of cognition. Today, we will check out on the best brain supplements that can increase concentration, improve productivity and enhance brain activity.
How Improving Concentration Works?
Before we begin checking out on the supplements that can help to concentrate, we need to know what concentration is. You know the feeling when you need to give 100% attention to a given task or a project. But what is happening in your brain that’s creating this focused state of mind? In the fields of psychology and neuroscience, concentration is defined as an executive function or endogenous attention. This is controlled by the anterior cingulate cortex located near the front of the brain.
The ability to concentrate is actually a neurological condition in which there is a quicker firing rate in the brain associated with a given stimulus. This procedure is mediated through neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, norepinephrine and dopamine that send signals between neurons for processing information and recognizing association. Through the enhancement of the efficiency of these systems, it is possible to control where you are paying attention to as well as the brainpower directed to a given task. This system allows ignoring distractions and regulating feelings of mental drive and motivation. If the brain is stimulated by increasing the supply of neurotransmitters or enhancing the receptiveness of neurons, you can enhance concentration and other forms of executive function.
Here is a list of focus supplements that can help to improve attention span and concentration.
Acetyl L – Carnitine (ALCAR)
An effective and powerful brain booster that has acquired significant popularity in the last decade or so, this is a well-researched amino acid found in some of the most effective focus as well as concentration supplements. It functions as a brain booster helping to maintain the functionality and health of brain cells. A study found that people with early signs of mind impairment and dementia benefit of small doses of Acetyl-L-Carnitine.
Advantages
- Brings down memory loss in older adults.
- Improves concentration. It increases concentration levels in adults aged between 25 and 70.
- Enhances blood flow to the brain. Taking small doses of Acetyl-L-Carnitine shows exponential improvement in blood flow in people with a history of poor attention span and concentration.
Ginkgo Biloba
A lot of research focuses on the natural booster herbs like Gingko Biloba. This functions as a focus booster enhancing oxygen flow. The brain needs adequate oxygen to function at its best. It’s natural that lack of it will affect performance.
Advantages
- Treats Alzheimer’s and memory loss caused by age
- Improves attention span and concentration in older adults.
- Improves short-term visual memory and mental processing speed.
Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE)
This is another focus booster studied extensively as a potential treatment for ADHD. It also works as a healthy brain booster in healthier people.
Advantages
- Enhances brain function, memory performance and mental energy in individuals suffering from senile dementia or
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Improves attention span and concentration in healthy adults.
L – Theanine
This increases dopamine levels in the brain. Most users state that combining coffee with L- Theanine renders considerable improvement in the depth and quality of thinking just after an hour or two. They further point out that they can sustain concentration and focus longer. A number of studies back this anecdotal user feedback today. L-Theanine is actually one of the very few supplements that do not have any negative side effects if used in the appropriate dosage.
Advantages
- Increases attention span and concentration, especially if taken with coffee.
- Helps to deal with anxiety, allowing focus on daily activities.
The brain supplements work within the natural framework of the body. The effective supplements increase blood flow, stimulate communication between receptors, provide rare nutrients, and improve brain cell growth as well as protection. The good brain supplements are not just effective in enhancing memory, focus or mental agility, but it also helps to protect and strengthen the brain.
This information is brought to you by Dr. XiPing Zhou, M.D.O.M., L.Ac. Dr. Zhou is the founder & president of East-West Healing Arts Institute Massage School, Dr. Zhou’s Acupuncture & Pain Management Clinic, Madison Family Wellness Community Clinic, The Herbal Palace, & China Delight Tours. Visit any of these websites to learn about Chinese medicine and culture.