Bad for the brain: side effects and contraindications

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Bad for the brain: side effects and contraindications – a detailed review

I. Introduction: brain complexity and growing popularity of dietary supplements

The human brain is an incredibly complex and delicate system that controls almost all aspects of our existence. Cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, concentration, speed of thinking and the ability to learn, directly affect our productivity, quality of life and general well -being. In the modern world, characterized by a constant stream of information, high requirements for work and study, as well as an increasing level of stress, it is not surprising that many people are looking for ways to support and improve their brain.

This led to a significant increase in the popularity of dietary supplements (biologically active additives) for the brain, often called nootropes or “smart pills”. These additives promise an improvement in cognitive functions, an increase in concentration, decrease in fatigue and protecting the brain from age -related changes. However, despite wide advertising and positive reviews, it is important to understand that dietary supplements are not a magic wand, and their use may be accompanied by side effects and contraindications. Before starting to take any additives for the brain, it is necessary to carefully study their composition, action, potential risks and consult a doctor.

In this article, we will examine in detail the most popular dietary supplements for the brain, their alleged action, as well as in detail we will analyze possible side effects and contraindications to help you make a reasonable decision on the appropriateness of their use.

II. Classification of dietary supplements for the brain

Bades for the brain are a wide group of substances that can be classified according to various criteria, including their chemical structure, the estimated mechanism of action and the main ingredients.

  • Vitamins and minerals: This category includes B vitamins (especially B1, B6, B12), vitamin D, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, iron and other trace elements necessary for normal brain function. The lack of these substances can lead to a deterioration in cognitive functions, increased fatigue and a decrease in mood.

  • Plant extracts: Many plants have properties that can have a positive effect on the brain. The most popular plant extracts include ginkgo biloba, ginseng, Bakop Monier, Rodiola Pink and Green Tea (L-theanine source).

  • Amino acids and derivatives: Some amino acids, such as L-carnitine, L-tyrosine, L-tripthophanes and L-glutamine, play an important role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and maintaining the normal function of the brain.

  • Phospholippide: Phospholipids, especially phosphatidylserin and phosphatidylcholine, are the main components of cell membranes, including neurons membranes. They are necessary to maintain the structure and function of nerve cells.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (non-oxahexaenic acid), are important components of cell membranes and play a key role in the development and functioning of the brain.

  • Synthetic nootropics (available as dietary supplements): Some substances developed as drugs are also available as dietary supplements, often in smaller dosages. These include, for example, piracetams and other razzemates. It is important to note that the use of these substances as dietary supplements requires special caution and consultation with a doctor.

III. Popular dietary supplements for the brain: detailed analysis

In this section, we will examine in detail the most popular dietary supplements for the brain, their alleged mechanism of action, potential advantages and risks.

1. B vitamins B (B1, B6, B12):

  • The mechanism of action: B vitamins play an important role in the metabolism of energy in the brain, the synthesis of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) and maintaining the health of nerve cells. They participate in myelinization of the nerve fibers, which is necessary for the quick and effective transmission of nerve impulses.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of memory, concentration and attention; decrease in fatigue and irritability; improving mood; Protection against age -related brain changes.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Vitamin B1 (TIAMIN): In high doses, the stomach disorder, headache and allergic reactions can cause.
    • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin): With prolonged use in high doses (more than 200 mg per day), neurological disorders such as peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the limbs) can cause.
    • Vitamin B12 (CianoCobalamine): Rarely causes side effects. In rare cases, allergic reactions, diarrhea or nausea may occur. It is important to consider that vitamin B12 deficiency is often found in elderly people and vegetarians.
    • Contraindications: Individual intolerance; Some diseases of the kidneys and liver (consultation with a doctor is required).

2. Vitamin D:

  • The mechanism of action: Vitamin D plays an important role in the development and functioning of the brain. It participates in the regulation of genes expression, the synthesis of neurotransmitters and the protection of nerve cells from damage. Vitamin D receptors are widely represented in various areas of the brain, including hippocampus (plays an important role in memory) and cerebral cortex.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of cognitive functions; reduction in the risk of depression and anxiety; Protection against neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease).

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: When taking high doses, can cause hypercalcemia (an increased level of calcium in the blood), which can lead to nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, headaches and heart rhythm disturbances.
    • Contraindications: Hypercalcemia; hypervitaminosis D; some kidney diseases (consultation with a doctor is required); sarcoidosis; tuberculosis.

3. Vitamin E:

  • The mechanism of action: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects brain cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also plays a role in maintaining the health of cell membranes and improving blood circulation in the brain.

  • The alleged advantages: Protection against age -related changes in the brain; improving memory and concentration; Reduction of the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: In high doses, the risk of bleeding can increase, especially in people who take anticoagulants (drugs that thin blood). It can also cause stomach disorder, nausea and headache.
    • Contraindications: Blood coagulation disorders; reception of anticoagulants; Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum (at the stage of exacerbation).

4. Magnesium:

  • The mechanism of action: Magnesium plays an important role in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those necessary for the brain. It is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, regulation of calcium levels in brain cells and protecting nerve cells from damage.

  • The alleged advantages: Improving memory and concentration; decrease in anxiety and depression; improving sleep; Protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: In high doses, it can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and decreased blood pressure.
    • Contraindications: Severe renal failure; bradycardia (slow heart rhythm); Atrioventricular blockade.

5. Zinc:

  • The mechanism of action: Zinc plays an important role in the development and functioning of the brain. It is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, the regulation of enzymes and the protection of nerve cells from damage. Zinc is also necessary for the normal operation of the immune system, which plays an important role in protecting the brain from infections and inflammation.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of cognitive functions; improving mood; strengthening immunity; Protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: In high doses can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach disorder and a decrease in immunity. Long -term intake of high doses of zinc can lead to a shortage of copper.
    • Contraindications: Individual intolerance; Some kidney diseases (consultation with a doctor is required).

6. Iron:

  • The mechanism of action: Iron is necessary for the transfer of oxygen to the brain, as well as for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. Iron deficiency can lead to a deterioration in cognitive functions, fatigue and depression.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of cognitive functions; increasing energy level; Improving mood.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. With prolonged use of high doses of iron, hemosiderosis can occur (iron deposition in organs and tissues).
    • Contraindications: Hemochromatosis (excess iron in the body); hemosiderosis; peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum (at the stage of exacerbation); Inflammatory intestinal diseases.

7. Ginkgo biloba:

  • The mechanism of action: Ginkgo biloba improves blood circulation in the brain, has antioxidant properties and protects the nerve cells from damage. It can also improve cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration.

  • The alleged advantages: Improving memory and concentration; reduction in the risk of dementia; improving blood circulation in the brain; Protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause headache, dizziness, stomach disorder and allergic reactions. In rare cases, the risk of bleeding can increase.
    • Contraindications: Blood coagulation disorders; reception of anticoagulants; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Age up to 18 years.

8. Ginseng:

  • The mechanism of action: Ginseng has adaptogenic properties, that is, helps the body adapt to stress. It can also improve cognitive functions, increase energy levels and strengthen immunity.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of cognitive functions; increasing energy level; decrease in fatigue; strengthening immunity; Improving mood.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause insomnia, headache, increase in blood pressure and nervousness.
    • Contraindications: High blood pressure; insomnia; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; age up to 18 years; Autoimmune diseases.

9. Bacopa Monnieri:

  • The mechanism of action: Bakop Monier improves cognitive functions, especially memory and training. It also has antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties. It is believed that bacosides, active components of the bacopa, improve the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of memory and training; reduction of anxiety; improving concentration; Protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause a stomach disorder, nausea, dry mouth and drowsiness.
    • Contraindications: Pregnancy and breastfeeding; hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function); Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum (at the stage of exacerbation).

10. Rhodiola pink (Rhodiola rosea):

  • The mechanism of action: Rhodiola pink is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress. It can also improve cognitive functions, increase energy levels and improve mood.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of cognitive functions; increasing energy level; decrease in fatigue; improving mood; Reducing anxiety.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause insomnia, headache and nervousness.
    • Contraindications: High blood pressure; insomnia; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Manic states.

11. Green tea (L-theanine):

  • The mechanism of action: L-theanine is an amino acid contained in green tea. It has soothing properties and can improve cognitive functions, especially concentration and attention. L-theanine increases the level of the GABA (gamma-aminomatic acid), neurotransmitter, which has a calming effect on the brain.

  • The alleged advantages: Improving concentration and attention; reduction of anxiety; improving sleep; Increasing stress resistance.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: In high doses can cause headache and stomach disorder.
    • Contraindications: Individual intolerance; Pregnancy and breastfeeding (consultation with a doctor is required).

12. L-carnitin:

  • The mechanism of action: L-carnitine plays an important role in the transport of fatty acids in mitochondria, where they are used to produce energy. It also has antioxidant properties and can protect nerve cells from damage.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of cognitive functions; increasing energy level; Protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause a stomach disorder, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause convulsions in people with epilepsy.
    • Contraindications: Individual intolerance; renal failure; epilepsy.

13. L-tyrosin:

  • The mechanism of action: L-tyrosine is an amino acid necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and adrenaline. These neurotransmitters play an important role in regulating mood, motivation, concentration and stress reaction.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of cognitive functions, especially with stress; improving mood; increasing motivation; Reducing fatigue.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause headache, nervousness, insomnia and an increase in blood pressure.
    • Contraindications: Hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function); Reception of MAO inhibitors (monoaminexidase); melanoma (malignant skin tumor).

14. L-Triptophan:

  • The mechanism of action: L-tripthophanes is an amino acid necessary for the synthesis of serotonin, neurotransmitter, which plays an important role in regulating mood, sleep and appetite.

  • The alleged advantages: Improving mood; improving sleep; reduction of anxiety; decrease in appetite.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause drowsiness, nausea, dizziness and dry mouth.
    • Contraindications: Reception of antidepressants (especially SIOOS and SIOZSN); Pregnancy and breastfeeding; liver and kidneys.

15. phosphateidix:

  • The mechanism of action: Phosphatidylserin is phospholipid, which is an important component of cell membranes, including neurons membranes. It plays an important role in maintaining the structure and function of nerve cells, as well as in the transmission of nerve impulses.

  • The alleged advantages: Improving memory and concentration; decrease in stress; improving mood; Protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause a stomach disorder, nausea and insomnia.
    • Contraindications: Individual intolerance; Reception of anticoagulants (consultation with a doctor is required).

16. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA):

  • The mechanism of action: Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are important components of cell membranes and play a key role in the development and functioning of the brain. They participate in the transmission of nerve impulses, regulation of inflammatory processes and protecting nerve cells from damage.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of cognitive functions; improving mood; reduction in the risk of depression; Protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause an disorder of the stomach, nausea and a fish taste in the mouth. In high doses, the risk of bleeding can increase.
    • Contraindications: Blood coagulation disorders; reception of anticoagulants; Allergy to fish (in case of fish oil).

17. Synthetic nootropics (piracetams and other razzemates):

  • The mechanism of action: The mechanism of action of piracetam and other razzemates has not been fully studied, but it is assumed that they improve blood circulation in the brain, increase glucose metabolism and improve the transmission of nerve impulses.

  • The alleged advantages: Improvement of memory and training; increased concentration; Protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Side effects and contraindications:

    • Side effects: It can cause headache, nervousness, insomnia, nausea and disorder of the stomach. In rare cases, it can cause convulsions.
    • Contraindications: Severe renal failure; hemorrhagic stroke; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; age up to 18 years; Huntington disease.

IV. Factors affecting the risk of side effects

The risk of developing side effects on taking dietary supplements for the brain depends on many factors, including:

  • Dosage: High doses of dietary supplements are more likely to cause side effects. It is important to follow the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging or prescribed by a doctor.

  • Individual sensitivity: People with increased sensitivity to certain substances can experience side effects even when taking low doses of dietary supplements.

  • Related diseases: The presence of certain diseases, such as diseases of the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system and thyroid gland, can increase the risk of side effects.

  • Taking drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect, as well as increasing the risk of side effects.

  • Age: Older people are more sensitive to side effects of dietary supplements due to age-related changes in the body and the presence of concomitant diseases.

  • Bad quality: The quality of dietary supplements can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer. Poor -quality dietary supplements may contain impurities or incorrect dosages of ingredients, which increases the risk of side effects.

V. General recommendations for receiving dietary supplements for the brain

  • Consultation with a doctor: Before starting to take any dietary supplements for the brain, you need to consult a doctor in order to verify their safety and expediency in your specific case. The doctor will be able to evaluate your health status, take into account the accompanying diseases and the drugs taken, as well as choose the optimal dosage and dietary supplement scheme.

  • Choosing a quality product: Choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers with a good reputation. Pay attention to the availability of quality and conformity certificates.

  • Dosage compliance: Strictly follow the recommended dosage indicated on the package or prescribed by a doctor. Do not exceed the dosage to avoid the development of side effects.

  • Observation of the reaction of the body: Carefully observe your body’s reaction to dietary supplement. When any side effects appear, stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.

  • Information of the doctor: Be sure to inform your doctor about all the dietary supplements to avoid undesirable drugs with drugs.

  • Not a replacement for treatment: Bades are not a replacement for the full treatment of brain diseases. If you have any problems with memory, attention or other cognitive functions, you must consult a doctor to diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment.

  • Healthy lifestyle: Bades can be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle, but they cannot compensate for the lack of sleep, improper nutrition and lack of physical activity. To maintain brain health, it is necessary to observe the daily routine, eat right, regularly play sports and avoid bad habits.

VI. Conclusion: Responsible attitude to dietary supplements

Bad for the brain can be useful for improving cognitive functions and maintaining brain health, but their use requires a responsible approach and consultation with a doctor. It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not a magic wand and cannot replace the full treatment of brain diseases. Before taking any dietary supplements, it is necessary to carefully study their composition, action, potential risks and contraindications, as well as verify their safety and expediency in your specific case. Compliance with the doctor’s recommendations, the choice of a quality product and careful monitoring of the body’s reaction will help minimize the risk of side effects and get the maximum benefit from taking dietary supplements for the brain.

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