Vol.

2, Issue 12 / December 2010

Brain Fog: Is It Your Hormones?

D
o you find yourself sometimes wandering through life as if you are lost? Does your mind seem cloudy? Do you experience frequent confusion or lack of mental clarity? If so, you could be one of the thousands of Americans who suffer from brain fog, a condition that can cause problems with work and personal relationships, and even lead to accidents or delinquency. Brain fog isnt a medical term, but it describes a cluster of symptoms that most of us can relate to more readily than any textbook diagnosis. Whether frequent or occasional, that fogginess can interfere with our ability to think clearly and function at our best. Characteristics of brain fog can include difficulty concentrating or paying attention; feeling hazy; not remembering simple things; feeling mentally tired or drained; experiencing a lack of clarity; becoming abnormally confused; or feeling discouraged or a bit depressed. High-stress situations, exceptionally long work hours, and excessive multitasking can all contribute to mental fogginess. Frequently, underlying hormonal imbalances are also to blame, and can heighten the negative effects of challenging situations. To learn how hormones impact our mental clarity, The Mind Health Report consulted Alicia Stanton, M.D., a doctor who is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Stanton specializes in helping both men and women find a healthy balance for their hormone levels; she also lectures on this subject to physicians throughout the United States and around the world.

Dr. Daniel G. Amen:

Boost Energy and Focus

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Hormones are your bodys messengers, taking signals from your brain to your cells, from your cells to your glands, and from your glands to your brain, says Dr. Stanton. Unbalanced hormones act like a stoplight: The messages cant get through. Brain fog is one symptom of unbalanced hormones.

Sleep Optimizes the Master Hormone

As we go about our daily lives, dozens of hormones are continually interacting throughout our bodies. Our hormones are like an orchestra, says Dr. Stanton. None of them work alone, and the overall balance influences our state of health and the level of mental clarity we experience.

In ThIs Issue...
4 Cortisol Malfunction Brings On Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4 How Diet Triggers Stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 Gain Control of Cortisol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 Five Ways to Boost Energy and Focus . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4 Low Thyroid and Brain Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4 Mind Health Insights: Fit Heart, Healthy Brain. . . 6 4 Ask the Doctors: Supplements for the Brain . . . . . 8

Within this chemical orchestra, certain key hormones are often disrupted by todays hectic lifestyles. Growth hormone is especially important. But this hormone is depleted by a very common event: poor sleep. Being the master hormone, growth hormone oversees the production of all the other hormones and helps to balance them, says Dr. Stanton. Restful sleep is critical to its function because, she explains, We make most of our natural growth hormone in the first 90 minutes of sleep. Growth hormone also keeps us young and vibrant, helping us maintain energy and alertness. In addition to making you tired, lack of proper sleep can deplete growth hormone, causing diminished memory and brain fog, says Dr. Stanton.

Symptoms of Cortisol Malfunction

While brain fog can be brought on by too much or too little cortisol production, other symptoms differ with high or low levels of the hormone. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue and low cortisol levels include: Feeling very tired even after a long nights sleep Difficulty getting up in the morning Feeling tired all the time Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep Feeling dizzy, sweaty, or weak after not eating for a while Craving salty foods Daily tasks require more effort than they used to Decreased libido Mild depression Low body temperature Nervousness Difficulty losing excess weight Meanwhile, symptoms of cortisol overproduction include: Being in an active state of stress Feeling wired Not being able to calm down Elevated heart rate or blood pressure focusing, says Dr. Stanton. This happens because lack of cortisol interferes with the function of cortisol receptors on the brain. Overproduction of cortisol, caused by too much stress, also leads to brain fog. In this case, too much cortisol floods the brains receptors and impairs memory formation. Thats why some people cant remember their phone number after a car accident, says Dr. Stanton. Or even remember the event. The same mechanism makes it difficult to learn in a stressful environment.

Cortisol Malfunction Brings On Fog

One common cause of brain fog is underproduction of cortisol, the fight or flight hormone triggered by stress. These days, many people have high-stress lifestyles that frequently or continually raise the fight or flight hormone levels which might seem the opposite of brain fog. But thats exactly what leads to the problem. Adrenal glands are designed to produce cortisol to help us muster our physical and mental resources in emergencies. But when stress is chronic, those glands work overtime, and literally become exhausted. The result is adrenal fatigue, causing an underproduction of cortisol that is not sufficient to be classified as a disease but can, nevertheless, be mentally and physically debilitating. One of the big complaints among people with very low adrenal function and low cortisol levels is that they have a hard time concentrating and

The Mind Health Report is a publication of Newsmax Media, Inc., and Newsmax.com. It is published monthly at a charge of $59.00 per year and is offered online and in print through Newsmax.com. Our editorial offices are located at 560 Village Blvd., Ste. 120, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. The owner, publisher, and editor are not responsible for errors and omissions. Rights of reproduction and distribution of this newsletter are reserved. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution of information contained herein, including storage in retrieval systems or posting on the Internet, is expressly forbidden without the consent of Newsmax Media. For permission, contact the publisher at: PO Box 20989, West Palm Beach, FL 33416. CEO Christopher Ruddy Health Publisher Travis Davis Contributing Editor Vera Tweed Production/Art Director Elizabeth Dole To contact The Mind Health Report send e-mail to: mindreport@newsmax.com. Subscription/Customer Service contact 1-800-485-4350 or mindhealth@newsmax.com. Send e-mail address changes to mindhealth@newsmax.com. 2010 Newsmax Media, all rights reserved. Please note that this advice is generic and not specific to any individual. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action.

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December 2010

How Diet Triggers Stress

To keep brain fog at bay, cortisol needs to be maintained at an optimal level. The cycle of cortisol malfunction begins with chronically elevated levels as a result of ongoing stress. Although controlling stress is an obvious part of the solution, there is another, underlying factor that is generally overlooked: the way we eat. Over the past 25 years, our diets have become increasingly rich in refined carbohydrates, says Dr. Stanton. This triggers a vicious cycle that begins with another hormone insulin and leads to cortisol disruption and brain fog. When we eat, food is converted into fuel in the form of glucose, or blood sugar, and our bodies secrete insulin to deliver that fuel to cells. Sugary and starchy carbohydrates are converted more quickly than other foods, causing a flood of glucose in the blood. In response, our bodies produce insulin to quickly deliver this fuel to the cells. Once it is delivered, blood sugar drops to abnormally low levels. Routinely eating sugary and starchy foods or, likewise, drinking sugary beverages such as soda causes dramatic blood-sugar spikes and crashes. This roller-coaster effect gives rise to a type of internal stress that triggers cortisol to be secreted just as it would be in an externally stressful situation. The brain, in particular, needs blood sugar as fuel. Ultra-low levels of blood sugar trigger cortisol release as a backup system and protection mechanism. When the spike-and-crash cycle repeats for long periods of time, as it does with the typical Western diet, cortisol levels can remain high on a chronic or almost-chronic basis. This food-induced stress makes it more difficult for us to deal with externally stressful life situations, and places a greater burden on our adrenal glands. And, when cortisol levels are too high or too low, brain fog is a side effect.

levels of cortisol. Consequently, you can virtually eliminate the dietary trigger of stress and cortisol disruption with a proper diet. These are some key things to do: Start the day with a breakfast that includes lean protein Eat small meals every three hours or so Avoid starchy, sugary foods and beverages sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners Eat lean protein and non-starchy vegetables at every meal For snacks, choose vegetables or high-fiber fruits (apples, pears, and berries work well) and a small handful of nuts in place of starch If you drink regular or diet soda, switch to herbal tea, organic sodas that are naturally low in calories and sugar, or water Take a quality multivitamin and mineral supplement, plus antioxidants to support healthy metabolism Physical exercise also helps to control cortisol, as long as you choose activities that help you relax and reduce stress. The most important thing is to choose an exercise that works for you, and do it on a regular basis. To further reduce stress, make a point of leaving ample time to relax even if its only for a few minutes and just once each day. Nutritional supplements can provide additional support. In situations where the adrenal glands are significantly fatigued, prescription cortisol may
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Alicia Stanton
Alicia Stanton, M.D., is one of the leading experts in hormone therapy. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a diplomat of the Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Stanton has a special interest in hormone balance and its effects on stress, energy levels, weight gain, menopause, and andropause. She is the coauthor of Hormone Harmony: How to Balance Insulin, Cortisol, Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone To Live Your Best Life, and offers hormone-balancing tips at www.hormoneharmony.com.

Gain Control of Cortisol

So how can we avoid the spike-and-crash cycle that leads to brain fog? For one thing, by eating the right kinds of food. Proteins, fats, and fiber convert to blood sugar more gradually than refined carbohydrates, and help to maintain stable
December 2010

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By Dr. Daniel G. Amen

Five Ways to Boost Energy and Focus

Do you feel tired and run down? Do you find it hard to stay focused on the task at hand? Are you always reaching for the coffee pot, or an energy drink, or candy to get you through the day? Well, stop! These quick-fix energy boosters are actually energy robbers in the long run. They reduce blood flow to the brain, and when the immediate effects wear off, they make you feel even more fatigued and mentally foggy. The next time you need an energy boost, consider some of these natural supplements that support brain health, energy, and focus. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it enables the body to better handle stress, anxiety, and fatigue. It helps to rejuvenate and energize the nervous system in addition to increasing physical endurance and restoring sexual health. It also has antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-aging effects. Caution should be used if you are taking thyroid medications, as ashwagandha may stimulate thyroid function. It may also lower blood pressure or blood sugar, so caution should be used when combining it with hypertensive or diabetic medications. Recommended dosage is 125 mg, twice a day. Vitamin B3 (niacin) is important in energy production. It helps convert fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy. It also helps to eliminate toxic chemicals from the body, and has been shown to increase the level of HDL (good) cholesterol. Niacin also helps to increase blood flow near the skin. Higher doses may cause skin flushing, characterized by a red and itchy face and neck, which lasts a few minutes. One form of niacin, called niacinamide, causes less flushing. Food sources include meat and dairy products, leafy vegetables, broccoli, tomatoes, avocados, nuts, and whole grains. Dosage is 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance for B vitamins. Green tea leaf extract is another potential energy booster. Included in the extract is L-theanine, an amino acid derivative that has been shown to induce relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety while increasing concentration and energy. There is scientific
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evidence that green tea boosts exercise ability, helps muscles recover faster from workouts, and improves attention span. The typical recommended dosage is 200 mg to 300 mg of green tea leaf extract capsules daily. Up to three cups a day of green tea can be consumed for health benefits, but pregnant women should use with caution, as green tea does contain caffeine. Panax ginseng is most widely known as a stimulant that promotes energy, improves circulation, and speeds recovery after illness. Research supports its energyboosting properties, and has shown that it improves physical performance during endurance exercise. Panax ginseng is also considered an adaptogen. Panax ginseng is well tolerated by most, but caution should be used when taking blood thinners, as its effects can be additive. Ginseng may cause hypoglycemic activity, so caution also should be used when taking it with insulin or medications for hypoglycemia. The recommended dosage is 200 mg of the extract, containing 4 to 7 percent of ginsenosides. Rhodiola is an herb that has been used to fight fatigue, improve memory, and increase attention span. Research has shown that it does indeed help prevent fatigue. In addition, scientific evidence points to an ability to fuel sexual energy, boost immunity, and ease depression. The recommended dosage is 200 to 600 mg daily for the treatment of fatigue and depression. Rhodiola is best taken on an empty stomach, early in the day, as it may interfere with sleep. It should not be used by individuals with bipolar disorder or those taking hypertensive or hypoglycemic medications. Daniel G. Amen, M.D., is a psychiatrist, brain-imaging specialist, and the CEO and medical director of Amen Clinics, Inc. (ACI) in Newport Beach and Fairfield, Calif.; Tacoma, Wash.; and Reston, Va. ACI has the worlds largest database of functional brain scans related to psychiatric medicine and the clinics have seen patients from 75 countries. Dr. Amen is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and human behavior at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. He is the author of 22 books and wrote and produced two PBS specials.
December 2010

Revealing the Deadly Secrets of Statin Drugs

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Red Yeast Rice: Better than Statins?

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Buyer Beware: Not All Red Yeast Rice Is Equal

Red Yeast Rice is a smart choice for heart protection, however its important that you choose a product made with organic Red Yeast Rice, to ensure that it has been processed to remove citrinin, a potentially toxic byproduct of the manufacturing process. Ideally, also choose a supplement that is made in the USA and contains a clinically effective daily dose of 1,200 mg of organic Red Yeast Rice.

How to Get the Most Out of Red Yeast Rice

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be required, in combination with supporting nutrients, other hormones, and/or adrenal gland extracts to restore normal function. Testing of cortisol levels is done to determine individual needs and to monitor response to cortisol replacement. An individualized approach can also resolve cortisol overproduction.

Cortisol malfunction isnt the only hormonal problem that leads to brain fog. However, with todays diets, it is a very common one.

Low Thyroid and Brain Fog

Low levels of thyroid hormone are estimated to affect one in seven Americans, and brain fog is one of the most common symptoms. Others include: Constipation Dry skin Weight gain Thinning of the outer part of the eyebrows Lack of energy Depression Dry, coarse hair Muscle cramps Swelling of the legs Increased sensitivity to cold Lack of iodine in the diet is one reason for low thyroid levels, especially for anyone who doesnt eat regular table salt, which is iodized. Iodine is not usually added to sea salt or gourmet salts, which many people view as a healthier option. Other good food sources of iodine include the seaweed used in sushi rolls and other Asian dishes, and kelp, which is used as a seasoning. To maintain healthy thyroid function, only a small amount of these foods is necessary. Eating sushi (a type that includes seaweed) once a week will fulfill your iodine needs. Dried seaweed is also available as a seasoned snack. Dr. Stanton does not recommend taking iodine supplements without a physicians supervision, as taking too much can put the thyroid into overdrive, causing symptoms such as anxiety and hyperactivity. Two other minerals, selenium and
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What to Look for in a Multivitamin

Look for these key ingredients in a good multivitamin. These daily amounts of each nutrient, usually found in several pills, are a rough guide: Vitamin A, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids: 5,000 IU or less of vitamin A; up to 15,000 IU of mixed carotenoids B vitamins: 100 mg of B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin or niacinamide), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine), and up to 1,000 mcg of B12 (cobalamin). If these amounts are not in your multi, take a B complex supplement to make up the shortfall Folic acid: 800 mcg. Folic acid is listed separately as an ingredient and is often included in B-complex supplements Vitamin C: 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily, divided into several doses. During times of stress, take extra C, as it supports adrenal function; up to 5,000 mg total Vitamin D: 2,000 IU daily of the D3 form (cholecalciferol), from a multivitamin and additional vitamin D supplements. Best to get vitamin D levels tested to make sure you are getting the correct amount Vitamin E: 200 to 400 IU of a combination of vitamin E and mixed tocopherols Calcium: 500 mg (in addition to food sources) Magnesium: at least 250 mg Chromium: at least 200 mcg Selenium: 200 mcg Zinc: 30 mg for women and up to 50 mg for men Copper: 2 mg Antioxidants: Look for a variety of antioxidants, such as alpha-lipoic acid, grape seed extract, quercetin, and fruit and vegetable extracts in a multivitamin or a separate antioxidant formula
December 2010

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Mind Health Insights

Design Your Own Work Space
Most companies strive to have offices that reflect a corporate identity, leaving little room for employees to design their own work spaces. However, such a strategy could be counterproductive. This is the conclusion of a series of British studies that examined attitudes toward work spaces, well-being, and productivity among 2,000 office workers. The research, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, shows that, compared to people working in bare and functional space decorated with pictures and plants are 17 percent more productive People who are allowed to design their own work spaces are 32 percent more productive Researchers also found that employees who have control over the design and layout of their work space are happier and healthier. Not only does office design determine whether peoples backs ache, it has the potential to affect how much they accomplish, how much initiative they take, and their overall professional satisfaction, said study co-author Alex Haslam, Ph.D. Other research shows strong links between lack of control over work space and office sicknesses. how much blood the heart pumps and the size of the brain, which naturally shrinks with age. Among study participants, only 7 percent had heart disease. However, about 30 percent had a low cardiac index, meaning that their hearts pumped lower than normal amounts of blood. Of that 30 percent, MRIs showed that subjects brains were smaller by an amount equivalent to two years of aging, compared to people with a high cardiac index. Brains were also smaller among people whose cardiac index was on the low end of normal. The people with smaller brains did not have impaired brain function, but researchers remained concerned that the structural changes may be early evidence that something is wrong, according to lead researcher Angela L. Jefferson, Ph.D. Currently, the brain-heart connection is not well understood. However, one theory speculates that a lower volume of blood pumping from the heart might reduce blood flow to the brain, providing less oxygen and fewer nutrients needed for brain cells, said Jefferson. As a general rule, the ability of the heart to pump more blood with each beat increases with regular aerobic exercise. The heart becomes stronger when it is challenged to work harder during physical activity. ranged from 50 to 79, during a 29year period. The study, published in Archives of Neurology, found that compared to people with the highest levels of vitamin D, those with the lowest levels were three times as likely to develop Parkinsons disease. Earlier research found that the region of the brain most affected by Parkinsons contains a high concentration of vitamin D receptors. This may help to explain why the nutrient plays an important role in preventing the disease. Vitamin D levels can be checked by your doctor with a simple blood test.

People in offices that are

SSRIs Dont Benefit Autistic People

Antidepressants often are prescribed for children and adults with autism. However, a review of clinical trials has found that such use of the drugs is not supported by science. A study conducted by The Cochrane Collaboration an international, nonprofit organization that publishes research reviews by scientists around the world analyzed the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in seven clinical trials with a total of 271 autistic patients. In five trials with children, evidence showed no benefits, but did show harm. In two trials with adults, results were inconclusive. Parents are often anxious to try treatments regardless of the lack of evidence, said Katrina Williams, Ph.D., and lead author of the study. Its important that doctors are open about the lack of evidence, and explain any risks fully before prescribing these treatments.
December 2010

strong may slow down the aging of your brain, according to a study of 1,504 people between the ages of 34 and 84. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found a correlation between
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Fit Heart Keeps the Brain Young Vitamin D Protects Against Parkinsons Keeping your heart healthy and

High levels of vitamin D in the blood significantly reduce risk for Parkinsons disease, according to a study of more than 3,000 men and women in Finland. Researchers tracked the group, whose ages

Continued from page 5

zinc, are especially important for healthy thyroid function, and are best taken in a multivitamin. If the thyroid has been underperforming for

some time (thinning outer eyebrows are a sign that hypothyroidism has been ongoing), eating iodine-rich foods and taking key minerals may not be sufficient to restore its function. At that point you may need to consult a qualified physician about appropriate treatment. In Western medicine today, below-optimum thyroid function is frequently not classified as severe enough to merit treatment. However, physicians who are specifically trained to balance hormones can easily resolve the condition.

Other Beneficial Supplements

These supplements are not usually found in multivitamins, but are just as important for balancing hormones and avoiding brain fog. For overall hormonal function: Fish Oil. 3,000 mg. Helps build cell membranes in the brain and nervous system, and reduce internal inflammation CoQ10. 100 mg. Vital for energy production To improve sleep and reduce elevated cortisol: Magnesium. 400 mg twice daily of the glycinate form or 600 mg twice daily of the oxide form. If diarrhea occurs, reduce the amount L-theanine. 200 mg in the evening. Can also be taken during the day to reduce stress 5-HTP. 200 mg at night Melatonin. If L-theanine and 5-HTP dont resolve sleep problems, take 3 mg of melatonin before bed For low cortisol: Licorice Root. 250 to 500 mg three times daily of a standardized extract. But do not take if you have high blood pressure For high cortisol: Phosphatidylserine. 200 mg twice a day To normalize cortisol: Ashwagandha and Rhodiola. These herbs are adaptogens, meaning they work to balance systems within the body and help it adapt to stress and changing circumstances. Taking one or both will help to raise low cortisol or reduce elevated cortisol to more optimum levels To stabilize blood sugar: Chromium. Daily total of 400 to 600 mcg Alpha-Lipoic Acid. 200 to 600 mg Cinnamon. 3 to 6 g daily as a spice, or take 100 to 200 mg of a cinnamon extract For women: Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C). 200 to 400 mg daily. Helps prevent estrogen-related cancers

Other Hormonal Factors

Low levels of estrogen in women and testosterone in men are other factors that contribute to brain fog. For both genders, alcohol can lower levels of these hormones, and should be consumed in limited amounts. In men, alcohol also contributes to testosterone being converted into estrogen. Zinc, on the other hand, supports healthy testosterone production for men. For women, B vitamins and indole-3-carbinol (a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli) help estrogen to be metabolized in a way that reduces risk of estrogen-related cancers. For everyone, toxins in food, water, grooming and beauty products, household cleaners and air fresheners, and garden pesticides disrupt hormones and can lead to brain fog. Non-toxic green products are a far safer alternative. In particular, its wise to avoid products withfragrances, which are typically synthetically made odors with hormone-disrupting compounds. Instead, look for products scented with essential oils, which are not hazardous. Changes in the course of life, such as menopause or male andropause, are natural periods of hormonal transition. However, when combined with stress-inducing diets and life situations, along with environmental toxins, shifting hormone levels are likely to prompt brain fog and other unpleasant symptoms. Where diet, exercise, stress reduction, and nutritional supplements dont resolve a situation, a physician trained in balancing hormones can help by testing and prescribing appropriate and safe hormone-balancing treatment.
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December 2010

Ask the Doctors

The Mind Health Report editors seek out top doctors across the nation to provide answers to your mind health concerns. Please include your full name, city, and state when submitting. If you have a question, please e-mail it to: mindreport@newsmax.com. My son is autistic and Ive read that having a dog can be therapeutic for autism. Is there any evidence to support this, or is it a false hope? Andrew, Columbus, Ga. Dr. Lupien responds: The first study to measure the physiological effects dogs on autistic children was recently done in Canada. We found that among most autistic children, levels of stress hormones dropped significantly when a dog became part of the family. In those cases, parents reported dramatic improvements in their childs behavior. Keep in mind that dogs that help autistic children are not ordinary pets, but are chosen and specially trained for this role. Therefore, they require human company and care. Such a dog can be very therapeutic if a family likes dogs and the child is not afraid of the animal. I have found that when parents become more stressed, a normal child, and quite likely an autistic child, also becomes more stressed, increasing problematic behavior. For most autistic children and their families, a specially trained dog can decrease stress and be very beneficial, but this isnt true in 100 percent of cases.
Sonia Lupien, Ph.D., is a senior researcher and professor at the University of Montreal Department of Psychiatry and director of the Centre for Studies on Human Stress at Louis H. Lafontaine Hospital in Montreal. Her research focuses on stress among children and adults.

Ive read about so many different supplements for the brain. What are the most important ones to take to stay mentally sharp? Norman, Sarasota, Fla. Dr. Rosenblatt responds: The primary cause of dementia and decline of brain function is oxidative damage caused by free radicals stray molecules that are generated when oxygen is burned to produce energy. The process is much like oil or butter turning rancid. Although oxidation affects all tissues of the body, the brain is especially vulnerable because it uses more oxygen and energy relative to its size than any other organ. The nutrients below have been found to reduce free radical generation and other brain cell dysfunction and thus reduce dementia. The amounts are approximate, as individual needs vary. Vitamin E is responsible for many types of signaling in the nervous system and helps to prevent oxidation in the brain (1,000 IU per day) Alpha-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant which readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. It can partially restore enzyme activity in the aging brain and prevent Alzheimers disease (600 to 1,200 mg per day) Acetyl-L-carnitine helps nutrients to be utilized in areas of the brain that relate to memory (1,500 to 2,000 mg per day, in divided doses) Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help to preserve the myelin sheath, the fatty covering on the nerve cells that enables them to function normally (2,000 to 4,000 mg of fish oil per day) Phosphatidylserine is an important ingredient for rebuilding nerve tissue; studies have shown that it helps to preserve memory (200 to 300 mg per day)
Steven Rosenblatt, M.D., Ph.D., L.Ac., is a nationally recognized leader in the field of integrative medicine and was the cofounder and clinical director of the UCLA Acupuncture Clinic. He is in private practice in Los Angeles, Calif.

Please note: All information presented in The Mind Health Report is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. All information presented in The Mind Health Report should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publications contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the information found in The Mind Health Report is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the authors best judgment, readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potential ill effects. The opinions expressed in The Mind Health Report do not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media. Page 8 December 2010