Anyone who has sat through a night of gaming knows how draining it can be on the mind and body. The need for energy is most likely due to brain fatigue and partly due to the late hours of the night people often play. In either case, people reach for a quick fix with energy drinks high in caffeine (and sugar) to perk up their energy. They don’t realize this is harmful and will be ineffective over extended periods. What they do need are ingredients that avoid causing a “crash” or harming health, i.e., increased blood pressure, anxiety, sleep issues, and elevated blood sugar.
The following are some of my favorite “brain boosting” ingredients to support the needs of e-gamers and non-e-gamers:
Bacopa (as BacoMind from Natural Remedies)- Bacopa has multiple mechanisms of action that support neurotransmitters involved in cognition. Dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and serotonin are on the list. Bacopa is often looked at for its neuroprotective benefits, too. Multiple clinical studies in children and adults taking BacoMind show its ability to support many facets of cognition.
Citicoline (as Cognizin® from KYOWA HAKKO U.S.A)- is a potent nootropic precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and learning. It also supports the integrity of brain cell membranes and boosts mitochondrial function, enhancing mental energy. Clinical studies have found that Cognizin® improves motor speed and attention while increasing brain energy. This is crucial for those needing sustained attention and mental clarity over extended periods.
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) can increase energy and is considered a “brain booster.” PQQ is vitamin-like and supports your mitochondria, the energy factory of cells. Since PQQ helps the mitochondria work more efficiently and produce more energy, it enables you to have more energy without jitters or crashes. A recent study showed that higher doses (20mg daily) also enhance memory and cognitive health.
Red Grape (as Cognigrape from Bionap®)— Research has shown that Cognigrape aids cognitive function in attention and immediate and delayed memory and improves mood.
Sage (as Cognivia from Nexira®)— Studies with sage show its impact on acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks this neurotransmitter down. A study also points to sage for its high content of polyphenols and their neuroprotective benefits. As an e-gamer, better concentration, focus, and reaction times may put you ahead of the competition.
Final Thought: Want to take your game to a new level? Consider combining a few of these fantastic ingredients. One of my favorite thoughts would be combining BacoMind plus Cognigrape would be an example—two proven brain health ingredients with different mechanisms of action.