It’s not just a childhood disorder either. Just over 4 percent of all US adults live with ADHD as well.

Though not officially approved for this purpose by the FDA, the wakefulness-promoting drug modafinil – commonly sold under the brand name Provigil – is often used by doctors to treat ADHD.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look into why and whether this is, or is not, a good idea.

What Causes ADHD

ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, is a disorder which consists of multiple symptoms. Among them are difficulty paying attention, hyperactive behavior, and impulsive behavior.

Symptoms typically show up in children ages 3 to 6, and ADHD is, on average, diagnosed by age 7.

Often, ADHD stays with a person through adulthood, as well.

Genetics play a significant role in ADHD. In a majority of cases, between 75% and 91%, a genetic connection can be established.

Research has shown there is also a connection between ADHD and the neurotransmitter dopamine. Anyone suffering from the former tends to have lower levels of the latter.

Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin, which are both medications prescribed to treat ADHD, boost dopamine levels in the brain. Modafinil does the same.

The FDA has not yet approved modafinil as a treatment for ADHD. Some doctors do, however, see the potential benefit of using it and prescribe it as an off-label option.

How Modafinil Works

As mentioned, one of modafinil’s mechanism of action is to increase dopamine concentrations in the brain.

However, it does so in a slightly different way than typical ADHD drugs like Adderall or Ritalin. Instead of boosting the production of dopamine, modafinil instead prevents it from being absorbed and broken down.

This mechanism is a lot less intrusive and easier to handle. That’s why modafinil users rarely suffer from the crashes many people taking Adderall and Ritalin experience.

That said, modafinil is not without its side effects. Toxicity is not an issue you need to worry about, but there are several things to keep in mind.

Being a wakefulness-promoting agent and officially used to treat sleep disorders, using modafinil for ADHD may be disruptive to your regular sleep pattern.

Using it can also both reduce appetite and lead to dehydration. These factors can be tough to gauge, and you should pay close attention to both.

Unlike most other drugs prescribed to treat ADHD, however, modafinil has very low addiction potential.

In the US, modafinil is a Schedule 4 drug. Armed with a prescription, you can either buy modafinil online or at your local pharmacy. The former is usually significantly cheaper.

If you don’t have a doctor’s prescription, the internet is your only viable modafinil source.

How to Use Modafinil for ADHD

When a doctor prescribes modafinil for ADHD, the doses will vary between 100 mg and 200 mg, and there are typically one of two regimes you will be asked to follow.

You can take modafinil daily. The issue there is, over time, your body may start to build up a tolerance to it, making it progressively less effective.

That may never become be an issue for you. Everyone’s handles medication a little different. But, if your doctor does not mention tolerance, definitely bring it up.

The alternative to using modafinil every day is to take it between one and four times per week. Tolerance build-up will be less of a problem, but not taking it daily may have other downsides, such as reduced effectiveness.

Though again, depending on your exact condition and how your body handles the drug, that approach may work perfectly fine.

What to Expect When Using Modafinil

When you take modafinil, the most immediate feeling you’ll get – within the first hour or so – is a sense of stimulation. It may feel like a cup of coffee, just stronger. After all, both modafinil and coffee are stimulants.

As a side note, avoid mixing coffee and modafinil. Coffee can be a potentiator. As a result, it may amplify any potential modafinil side effects.

Around the same time you feel stimulated, you should also experience a stronger sense of focus. That is one of the benefits of modafinil that make it such a popular smart drug.

After taking a 200 mg tablet, you can expect to feel the effect for between 12 and 15 hours. That is a long time, which is why you should take special care to ensure modafinil does not disrupt your sleep pattern.

Downsides of Using Modafinil for ADHD

As does any drug, modafinil has downsides, though, arguably, not as severe as other ADHD medication.

Insomnia is a big one. As already stated, modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent. Keeping you awake is what it was designed to do.

Though your doctor will give you specific guidelines, taking it within a few hours of waking up is ideal. If it’s still in your system come bedtime, falling asleep will be an issue.

Besides insomnia, modafinil may trigger anxiety. If you are already an anxious person, this is definitely something to keep in mind before you start using the drug.

Another common side effect is headaches. In the vast majority of the cases, that’s due to not consuming enough water.

However, some people experience headaches despite staying well hydrated. This is likely because of their unique brain chemistry and definitely worth visiting a doctor about.

Other relatively common side effects include dry mouth, slight gastrointestinal upset, and a reduced appetite.

The latter is why proper nutrition is especially important when using modafinil. You may already be eating less, so at least make sure whatever food you do have properly feeds your body and mind.

The above list of side effects is, of course, not exhaustive. If you start taking modafinil, listen to your body. If anything doesn’t feel right, see your physician.

Conclusion

ADHD is a condition which many people in the US and, indeed, around the world struggle with daily. It may lead to social rejection, difficulties studying, or problems finding and keeping employment.

Though modafinil is not officially approved as a treatment for ADHD, in the eyes of many, it is a viable option. Some even argue it can work better than any currently FDA approved solution, especially in the long term.

If you have ADHD, it’s worth bringing up the subject of modafinil with your doctor. It may turn out to be precisely what you need to help you manage your condition and find even greater success in your life.

The post Modafinil for ADHD appeared first Healthy Brain for Life.

There are steps you can take to both make your brain more effective now and to potentially avoid debilitating cognitive conditions in the future.

Below are nine such steps. And the best part about them? They’re not complicated and should be straightforward to incorporate into your everyday.

1. Get Quality Sleep

   Many of us find it increasingly difficult to get a good night’s sleep, something that’s vital for your brain. But, developing good sleep habits is often just a matter of providing the right conditions.

   

   For starters, your room temperature should be slightly cooler than during the day. You should also ensure the clothes you sleep in are loose and comfortable.

   Avoid eating late in the evening to prevent digestive upset and higher blood sugar levels. And, if hunger keeps you awake, have only a small bit of protein, such as a piece of cheese or a thin slice of turkey.

   Avoid alcohol before bedtime.

   Don’t exercise right before bedtime, either. Doing so may invigorate you, making falling asleep more difficult.

   To sleep well during the night, your choice of pillow is also essential. Choose one that correctly supports your head and neck.

   If light bothers you, install room-darkening shades or put a blanket over the window. And if you live on a busy street, consider a white noise machine or fan to help you sleep more soundly.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

   Eating a healthy diet every day is another critical way in which you can maintain proper brain function throughout your life.

   A diet that is rich in green, leafy vegetables, lean meats, fish, nuts, berries, avocados, flaxseeds, and whole grains will provide the vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids that are most beneficial for brain health.

   You should avoid processed foods whenever possible, opting instead for fresh alternatives that are free of additives and preservatives.

   Also, stay clear of foods that are high in salt and sugar. Doing so will help you manage your weight, enhance your health, and ultimately improve your brain function.

3. Exercise Regularly

   A regular exercise regime is not only good for your body, but it’s also great for the mind.

   

   Exercise improves blood circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients into the brain. It helps to manage weight and lower blood pressure too.

   Physical activity also helps improve insulin resistance and reduces inflammation. Both those things translate to better brain health.

   And that’s just scratching the surface. Exercise can relieve depression and anxiety, which clouds normal brain function. It can also stimulate the production of human growth factors, which help the development of new blood vessels in the brain.

   Any brain exercise will do, whether it’s playing tennis, riding a bike or taking brisk walks in the park. It’s an easy way to maintain and improve your cognitive functions. Take advantage regularly.

4. Stimulate Your Brain

   New experiences help create new brain connections, which results in better cognitive function and memory.

   Reading about new things, learning a foreign language, staying informed on current events, and even attending concerts or plays all provide your brain with mental stimulation.

   Why not take a class at your local community center on knitting, scrapbooking, programming, or photography?

   Even socializing with friends and colleagues can be beneficial. Play cards, go to the movies, organize a party, or enjoy a community event. All these activities help to keep your mind healthy and sharp.

5. Do Brain Training

   Many of us enjoy Sudoku or do crossword puzzles as a cognitive exercise to keep the mind engaged. These types of activities are great and can help you develop new brain connections resulting in clearer everyday thinking.

   Start with simple brain games that can be adapted to more complex training as you increase your capacity. These games should challenge you, without being so complicated that you can’t get better with practice.

   Also, you should try to vary the types of activities, to build a broader capacity in your mental function.

   And since not all brain-training programs are alike, don’t be discouraged if the first ones you try aren’t to your liking. Instead, move on to the next one.

6. Develop a Mindfulness Habit

   Mindfulness is the mental state of being fully present in the moment. It is being aware of yourself and your surroundings in a focused, immediate way. It helps you let go of past preconceptions and expectations about the future and allows you to experience what is happening right now.

   

   Research studying mindfulness has found that it can be beneficial in several ways.

   It can help reduce stress and improve heart function. It can lower blood pressure and improve mood. It can also reduce chronic pain, encourage healthy sleep, and increase positive thinking.

   Meditation is an excellent way to develop the habit of mindfulness, eliminating the random, intrusive thoughts that impede clear thinking.

   You can probably find a meditation class in your community to learn this essential stress-relieving technique. Tai chi and yoga also utilize meditative techniques that can increase mental health and well being.

7. Cultivate Healthy Relationships

   Good times with friends and family have a beneficial effect on brain function, allowing us to entertain new ideas and engage in different conversational styles. These activities help keep brain connections fresh and fluid, improving thought patterns, and memory.

   On the flip side, stressful relationships harm the mind and can increase the risk of depression and anxiety.

   So, choose your companions wisely.

8. Maintain a Positive Outlook

   A healthy, positive outlook on life is also vital for proper brain function.

   Life can be stressful, and common upsets can affect your ability to enjoy activities and function properly. Maintaining a positive mental outlook will help you to look outside yourself and find greater meaning.

   If you are a religious person, your faith can help you see the silver lining in difficult situations.

   If religion is not your thing, make a strong effort of looking for the good in life, to help both your body and mind function more effectively.

9. Avoid Smoking

   Scientific research shows that smoking has a detrimental effect on brain function as it damages the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to brain cells.

   

   People who have never smoked are less likely to develop various forms of dementia that can occur as we age.

   If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to stop.

   Many people find nicotine-replacement products helpful. Your doctor can provide medications that will help you quit smoking too.

   There are also plenty of quit smoking programs available. They offer support during the process of quitting and can help maintain a non-smoking lifestyle after that.

If you are proactive about it, you can help reduce the risks of various cognitive diseases and increase the odds of maintaining a healthy brain throughout your life.

You should be able to easily incorporate at least some of the above nine measures into your everyday. They’re not complicated and can foster significant cognitive benefits.

Your hobbies, social contacts, friendships, and family interactions can all contribute to a healthier mind. And managing conditions like as diabetes and high blood pressure makes a significant difference too.

Stimulate your brain by reading, learning new things, getting out into the world, and exploring new ideas and technology. These activities will help you promote better mental function and brain health now and well into your later years.

The post 9 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy appeared first Healthy Brain for Life.

Much research has been done into this. The almost unanimous conclusion is that both our memory and problem-solving skills can much benefit from regular exercise. Our risk for developing dementia at some point in our lives is also reduced.

Exercise affects the brain on a few fronts. It increases the supply of blood (and therefore sugar). It also helps the brain create new cells in several critical parts making them more elastic and better able to respond to challenges.

Dr. Alvaro Pascual-Leone, who is a professor at the Harvard Medical Institute is one of the world’s leading neurology experts. He explains everything in greater detail in the video below.

Prescriptions, medications, nootropic supplements, and stimulants you buy online only go so far. Physical exercise is by far the best we can do for our bodies. This also includes, as it turns out, the brain.

The post Exercise Not Stimulants Is the Path to Brain Health appeared first Healthy Brain for Life.

The biggest modafinil stumbling block for most is that technically, it is illegal to purchase without a prescription from a US based vendor. And even if you have one, prices are usually sky high.

Those are the reasons why many people resort to getting it online where you can do so without a prescription and for significantly less. But, plenty of others also seek modafinil alternatives.

If you fall into the latter category, below are three options which are worth considering.

Popular Alternatives to Modafinil

1. Adrafinil

   The nootropic adrafinil is an excellent alternative to modafinil. It is entirely legal to purchase in the United States and does not require a prescription. It’s a prodrug to modafinil, and therefore its effects are nearly identical. It can help with concentration, memory, alertness levels, and even physical performance.

   The most significant disadvantage of this nootropic is that it can be harmful to the liver when used extensively for long periods of time. It’s a supplement that needs to be cycled and used responsibly. To help alleviate this potential side-effect, you may want to provide your liver with reinforcements and stack adrafinil with a supplement like milk thistle.

   

2. Sulbutiamine

   Sulbutiamine is a synthetic version of Vitamin B1. This supplement is capable of providing many of the same benefits as modafinil and can be purchased legally online in the United States. Sulbutiamine easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and is capable of helping improve memory and reduce fatigue, effects which are similar to modafinil.

3. Phenylpiracetam

   This is another very useful nootropic which can be taken as a substitute for modafinil. In fact, it may actually be the best prescription-free option for a modafinil alternative.

   Phenylpiracetam is not only an effective stimulant but also proven to improve cognitive function when taken over an extended period. Its ability to increase mental and physical performance is what makes it such a great option. On top of it, phenylpiracetam is 60 times stronger than the nootropic brethren piracetam and can even provide anti-anxiety effects and mood improvement.

There are many other alternatives to consider if you prefer to stay clear of buying modafinil. That said, the three listed above are, in my opinion, the best of the bunch and can all be obtained inexpensively and prescription free.

The post Alternatives to Buying Modafinil Online appeared first Healthy Brain for Life.

The stimulant modafinil is one of the most popular drugs to buy online. The number one concern of most people who do so is the legality. In other words, is getting modafinil from on online vendor legal, illegal or somewhere in between? This post will hopefully answer that question for you and make your decision process a little clearer.

What Is Modafinil?

It is an oral drug that was primarily designed to counteract sleepiness, fatigue, and general lethargy. Those are the conditions modafinil is prescribed for by medical professionals.

Among the general population, however, modafinil is often called a smart drug or nootropic. It gets this name because of how taking it can improve your mental performance. It stimulates the brain, gives it more energy and kicks it into a higher gear. Those who use modafinil become more alert and experience much better focus. These are just some of the benefits that make this stimulant a popular choice with students.

As an aside, because of how long its effects last, modafinil is usually taking in the morning.

Legality of Buying Modafinil Online

Getting modafinil from a pharmacy requires a prescription and can be very expensive. To get around one or both of these issues, many people choose to buy it online. The elephant in the room is whether doing so is legal?

The answer depends on whether or not you have a prescription. According to law, you cannot purchase a drug such as modafinil without one. It is classified as a controlled substance and is strictly regulated by the FDA.

That doesn’t mean people without prescriptions can’t successfully purchase modafinil online. You just won’t be able to do so from a US based vendor. By not having a prescription, your order will be immediately rejected.

By purchasing modafinil from an online source outside the US, the only risk you’re running is your order getting inspected and seized at the border. The odds of that are very slim, but it does happen.

If your order is intercepted, you will receive a letter from customs asking for verification of your prescription. Since you won’t have one, the letter can be ignored and that will be it; your drugs will end up in the disposal bin. Assuming you bought from a reputable seller, your order will then either be reshipped for free or you can get your money back.

So, unless you have a valid prescription, getting modafinil on the internet is technically illegal. But, despite there being plenty of alternatives which will give you similar effects (though, unfortunately, not quite as powerful), everyone from students to professionals buys modafinil online anyways and without problems. Whether that’s something you choose to do is, of course, entirely up to you.

The post Is Buying Modafinil Online Legal? appeared first Healthy Brain for Life.

1. Avocados

   Avocados are known for the rich, creamy, and smooth flesh that packs plenty of nutrients and most importantly essential fatty acids. Among other nutritional elements, avocados are a rich source of oleic fatty acids. This compound is primarily needed to help build the brain’s gray matter (myelin), or the insulation coating around the white matter. Myelin facilitates the smooth transfer of information (at rates of up to 200 miles per hour) from neurons to core brain tissues.

   Without myelin, the brain isn’t capable of processing information at such high speeds. For this reason, having a slice of avocado every day can help improve myelin levels around neurons, and much improve information transfer rates. The best thing about avocados is that they taste great and go well with virtually any meal.

   

2. Brown Rice

   Brown rice packs many nutritious elements needed for better brain and body development. It is not only high in energy but also contains high levels of riboflavin and other types of B vitamins. B vitamins are essential as they promote the production of mitochondria and its effectiveness in producing energy.

   Other vitamins found in brown rice include thiamin, niacin, and inositol. All these are crucial for optimal brain function. It’s also worth noting that most of the nutrients found in brown rice are absent in white rice.

   

3. Purple Grapes

   Purple grapes are among the tastiest of their kind. In addition to the yummy flavor, these grapes pack potent phytonutrients and antioxidants. Resveratrol, one of the phytonutrients commonly found in purple grapes, plays a crucial role in promoting blood circulation, especially around the brain. Modafinil has nothing on this substance. This compound is also be found in red wine, hence the reason why health experts recommend a glass of red each day.

   Among other benefits, resveratrol improves blood circulation within blood tissues and cells. This translates to an enhanced supply of nutrient-rich and oxygenated blood. Munching on purple grapes can also help prevent heart-related conditions and dementia.

   

4. Eggs

   Eggs are not only excellent sources of protein but also pack potent amounts of ‘good’ cholesterol. Although you may be trying to cut down on cholesterol, ‘good’ cholesterol is vital for brain health. Cholesterol is needed for the formation of neurons and supports their function.

   Eggs also supply the body with high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and DHA. These nutrients are needed for optimal performance of neurons and neurotransmitters at large. Anyone taking modafinil should be paying attention.

   Although the right amounts of cholesterol are needed to support most cognitive functions, an unhealthy diet plan (foods high in saturated fats) can have a devastating impact on the health of your brain. Cholesterol buildup can lead to blocked arteries, plague, and even unresponsive neurons. For this reason, health experts recommend going for plant nutrients which are low in bad cholesterol. Consuming eggs alongside dark leafy vegetables also provides the body with DHA, an essential compound needed to manufacture cholesterol naturally.

   

5. Lentils

   These tiny flying-saucer shaped legumes are among the best sources of iron in the human food chain. Iron is one of the critical elements needed for the formation of red blood cells, production of neurotransmitters, and myelin generation. Lentils can also provide the recommended daily allowance of iron.

   

6. Flax Seeds

   Flax seeds are a powerhouse of brain-healthy fats. They contain the different known types of omega fatty acids, most of which are excellent for brain health. Like many popular nootropic supplements, the seeds contain high-quality ALAs, DHA, and EPA. These compounds are absorbed directly by brain cells to help reduce inflammation as well as build gray matter. In addition to this, omega-3 fatty acids are known to protect neurons from toxic and harmful compounds.

   Research also shows that flax seeds contain different potent variants of omega-6 fatty acids. These compounds too play a huge role in ensuring neuron protection from toxic compounds.

   Aside from healthy fats, flax seeds pack extraordinary amounts of energy, dietary fiber, and proteins needed for proper cell development. Flax seeds are easy to work into your diet and can be freely mixed with other foods, or even added to salad dressing.

   

7. Sesame Seeds

   A hearty meal of sesame seeds gives your brain a treat like none other. They are considered the most abundant source of zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral needed for improved brain cell development, memory, and cognitive functions. Anyone using smart drugs without having enough zinc in their system is fighting an uphill battle. This wonderful mineral also forms the brain’s defense system and hence contributes significantly to long-term brain health.

   Health experts also believe that zinc helps balance out trace metal elements in the brain to boost immunity. Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hummus are all excellent sources of it.

   

8. Sweet Potatoes

   Having a sweet potato for breakfast prepares your brain for the most exhausting tasks you may have ahead. This is because sweet potatoes contain the potent antioxidant carotenoid which plays a prominent role in protecting brain cells. Carotenoids also aid in the natural production of vitamin A, another indispensable element needed for the development of new neurons. In addition, Vitamin A acts as a link between the billions of neurons in the human body.

   Many people prefer roasted sweet potato to a boiled one. Although sweet potatoes may be sweet, their glucose levels are much lower than you think. They also have a very low glycemic index.

   

9. Spinach

   Spinach contains a whole host of vital nutrients needed for good brain health. Its dark leaves are excellent sources of B-vitamins (in full spectrum), folate, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. Folate is essential for it improves blood circulation, helps form neurotransmitters, and protects DNA from damage as much, if not more, than some nootropics. In addition to this, having spinach salads every day helps detox the liver as well as promote healthy kidneys.

   

10. Sunshine

    Although this is not exactly food, early morning and evening sunshine is the best source of Vitamin D there is. Vitamin D is a crucial element needed for the production of neurotransmitters, improved immunity and overall feeling of well-being. So before you make the decision to go buy modafinil online with the aim of improving your memory, try taking a stroll outside first. Soaking your skin under the early morning sun is therefore as good for your skin as it is for your brain health. In a pinch, you could also get plenty of Vitamin D from a full-spectrum lamp.

    

The post The Top 10 Tasty Foods for Your Brain appeared first Healthy Brain for Life.

As you look at the faces staring back at you, what do you see? Bright and eager eyes, ready and expectant of a positive learning experience? Or is everyone distracted, fidgety and barely able to stay awake?

How does the classroom look mid-morning? And how about by the afternoon? Are the students filling the room looking rather anxious and stressed? Maybe even hopeless and depressed?

Experts say internal environments within each student’s brain is a crucial part of learning and may be even more important than external classroom conditions. No matter how hard you try, and how positive of a surrounding you try to create, you may find some students are just unable to learn. This inability may be due to poor hydration and inadequate nutrition.

Inside your student’s brain, a fundamental neurochemical process is taking place. The process of learning. For the brain to make new connections, solve problems and find the meaning in things, it internally requires lightning fast electrical impulses. As memories form, entire networks of brain cells grow and change shape.

That great feeling each student gets when they realize they understand whatever it is you’re teaching, that’s as much a biochemical process as it is an academic one. When a student feeds the brain with water and nutritious foods, they optimize its environment. They give themselves the right tools to properly engage in class and reach their full potential.

Many students fail to realize this fact and instead choose to pursue nootropics or smart drugs to maximize their learning abilities. There are, of course, legitimate reasons to be taking modafinil online and other stimulants or wakefulness-promoting agents. But the modafinil vs. adrafinil as a learning tool debate can be overheard in many university halls. If students truly understood how to get the most out of their brains with nutrition, cognitive enhancers may not be as big of a problem as they are.

What the Brain Needs

Your brain is smaller than you think, on average only about 6 inches or 15 centimeters long. It is mainly composed of fat and water and surprisingly soft to the touch.

A neuron is the basic working unit of the brain. Neurons are what drives everything, from our ability to learn and think, to how we feel. To properly function, neurons need water and lots of it. They also require a good amount of protein, complex carbs, healthy fats and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). These are all things which fuel the learning functions of the neurons.

What Are Neurons

A neuron is a cell. Its shape resembles a bit a reaching arm with all its fingers spread out. The fingers are called dendrites. Their purpose is to attach to and receive information from other neurons. That information is then sent down the arm, called the axon, where another neuron can pick it up. The connection one cell’s dendrite makes with another’s axon is called a synapse.

There are many ways a single neuron can connect with other cells. It can attach to the same cell multiple times, connect with more distant cells by growing extensions, and even connect with several other cells at once by growing more dendrites.

Your brain is incredibly responsive and dynamic. Whenever it needs to make a record of and integrate new information it simply makes new connections. Old links no longer used are in time removed.

The process of building and removing connections is what happens both in a classroom environment, as it does in everyday life. Each thing experienced and learned gets integrated into the brain and affects both overall knowledge as well as personality.

The material and energy required to make and destroy neuron connection come from the food and liquids we consume.

How Neurons Talk

After two neurons make a connection, they talk to each other with a process called neurotransmission. Every time you think, speak, feel an emotion or move, brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are released via electrical impulses. These chemicals travel over the synapse, bringing with them information from one cell to the next.

This communication between neurons is the basis of learning. There are hundreds of neurotransmitters. Some connect different types of memories, others associate newly learned things with those learned previously. Other neurotransmitters still are responsible for mood, behavior, and alertness.

And from where do all these neurotransmitters come? They are produced by the neurons using protein, minerals, and vitamins from the food you eat.

Neuron Protection

Neurons can sustain damage from toxins that make their way into your system. These toxins can either come from the environment or form inside the body. How are cells be protected? With antioxidants that come ideally from food or alternatively from neuroprotecting nootropics supplements.

Anyone who has a diet low in antioxidants is much more likely to experience various illnesses and disease. If you recall, the brain is to a great part composed of fat. This fact makes it especially susceptible to damage from toxins, and a high amount of antioxidants is required to ensure adequate protection.

How to Feed the Brain

1. Healthy Fats

   It’s not so long ago that you were told to avoid consuming fat. It was considered to be the unhealthy part of any diet. Today, we know all about essential fats and understand how important they are to our system and, more specifically, the brain.

   The brain is built, for the most part, out of fatty membranes. About 60% of all its solid matter is fat, and the vast majority of that fat is polyunsaturated. Since the structure of polyunsaturated fats has very few, if any, double bonds, their molecules are quite flexible.

   These fats play a significant role in maintaining dynamic and flexible cell membranes, allowing them to send and receive information. They also benefit cell energy production and water storage.

   Cholesterol is a well know saturated fat. Though more often associated with heart attacks and vascular disease, its presence is vital for a healthy brain. Cholesterol does not need to be acquired from your diet, as the body produces sufficient quantities of it on its own.

   Fats can also provide very much needed energy for the brain as they undergo various transformations inside the neurons. The best fats to include in your diet are Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils. Fish, dark leafy greens, seeds, and nuts contain the former. Good sources of Omega-6 include corn, safflower and borage oils. In a pinch, certain supplements also supply these.

   

   What about other types of fats, like trans or saturated? Both can be problematic as they can displace the healthy fats. The result can be stiff, not flexible cell membranes. A stiff membrane will prevent cells from changing shape, a vital function for proper cell communication.

   Both trans and saturated fats can also impede the flow of oxygen to the brain and the removal of waste away from it. They clog up the circulation systems. The worse case scenario is when both these fats are present in a low magnesium diet. Such a combination can result in the formation of plaque and further damage to the brain.

   Trans fat will negatively impact internal brain communications by accumulating in synapses. They can also gather in the eye’s retina and worsen eye to brain coordination.

   A study out of the Medical University of Southern Carolina showed how rats which consumed a diet high in trans fats demonstrated learning difficulties. They learned at a reduced pace and more frequently made errors, especially when dealing with more complicated tasks. They measurable performed about five times worse than their counterparts which received soybean oil.

   Similar behavior and results are observed in humans. A student eating fish, eggs, nut butter, lean meats and olive or safflower oil based salad dressing will develop a much different brain from a student whose diet consists of mostly fried, high trans fat meats, french fries, and crackers.

2. Protein

   Proteins are providers of amino acids, which are the building blocks of neurotransmitters and some support structures in neurons. Tryptophan, found in milk and turkey, is an amino acid which is used to produce the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin. Tyrosine, an amino acid which can come from a variety of sources like meat, avocados, and almonds makes the neurotransmitter dopamine.

   In addition to the above, amino acids also turn into vital antioxidants which protect cells from toxins damage. They also create receptors which are embedded in cell membranes and help with neuron communication.

   

   Protein can come from a wide variety of food sources, both healthy and unhealthy. Some nuts, for example, make excellent sources of protein. In addition to having protein and healthy fats, almonds also have many other beneficial vitamins and minerals. On the flip side, heavily processed peanuts, frequently found on store shelves, lack the benefits. In fact, artificial flavoring and coloring added to such products can be quite harmful. So, not all nuts are created equal.

   Similar things can be said of just about any other food: baked vs. deep fried chicken, broiled cold water fish vs. battered fried fish, plain organic yogurt vs. artificially colored and sweetened yogurt. The list goes on and one. The value of the protein source is not something to be ignored.

3. Carbohydrates

   Carbs are simply an energy source for the brain. Sugar specifically is the primary fuel. You must have surely more than once experienced the boost in energy you get from consuming something sugary.

   The problem is most students eat too much sugar. This is especially an issue with breakfast. Consuming high quantities of sugar first thing in the morning will cause a quick burst of energy and then degrade to drowsiness, poor concentration, restlessness, and headaches. These symptoms may come as early as mid morning, and almost certainly by the early afternoon.

   Rising bloodstream sugar levels result in the release of insulin by the pancreas. Insulin quickly steers sugar into cells to keep the blood sugar level stable. When this occurs inside of a student’s body, they become drowsy. The more sugar is consumed, the worse the problem gets.

   The real kicker is this often become a cyclical issue. As a student feels drowsiness set in and their energy levels drop, some may reach for even more sugar to get an energy boost the feel they need. This once again sets the entire process in motion. Others make take refuge in nootropic supplements or wakefulness promoting agents to get them through the day, also not an ideal solution.

   

   Any student who starts the day with a large glass of sugary juice followed by, say, a donut for a snack and several soda drinks throughout the day is in trouble. Think of the effort required from the student, not to mention their teacher, to overcome the effects of all that sugar and the insulin response that follows.

   The answer is quite simple. Every meal and snack needs include complex carbohydrates. Whole grain products need to take priority over ones which contain refined sugars. Those same whole grain products also include fiber. Fiber will not only reduce the absorption rate of sugar but is also introduces healthy nutrients like Vitamin B, Vitamin E, and many others.

   All refined sugar will be missing these vital nutrients unless they are added back in after the fact. Not ideal, but better than nothing. Regardless, refined sugars are absorbed much quicker than complex carbs, resulting in a greater and faster release of insulin into the bloodstream.

   The glycemic index (abbreviated as GI) measures how quickly food turns into sugar. The lower the GI, the smaller the insulin response, the better. Food high on the GI scale will not only cause drowsiness but due to the stress it causes on the pancreas, may lead to type 2 diabetes in the long run. High glycemic index foods can also lead to obesity, which will further stress a student’s system and impair their ability to learn.

4. Micronutrients

   Our brains do not require large quantities of micronutrients, but they are nonetheless essential for good brain health. There are micronutrients which are key.

   Vitamins in the B family help to produce energy for your brain cells. They also help make several neurotransmitters, including the one which gives you the sense of well being, serotonin. Vitamin B is found in most leafy greens as well as in grain hulls.

   GABA, or Gamma-amino butyric acid, is vital for the brain to maintain proper focus and concentration.

   Zinc, a mineral, also helps produce serotonin as well as GABA. It is also a critical component to learning. Zinc is essential to the brain when it builds new and manages existing pathways. It is used in the creation and pruning of dendrites and cell repair. Memory formation also heavily relies on zinc, which is why it is found in large quantities in the area of the brain that processes short and long term memory, the hippocampus. An abundant source of zinc is red meats, as are most nuts and seeds.

   Another mineral, calcium, regulates transmissions from nerves and the brain’s electrical environment as a whole. It also helps to keep the brain clear of certain harmful substances by either getting rid of or binding them.

   

   Phytonutrients is yet another group of micronutrients with enormous health benefits for the brain. It is sourced from plants where it’s function is to give color to fruit and vegetables. Phytonutrients are from where the recommendation to “eat your colors” comes. They are not directly responsible for the production of any neurotransmitters. But, phytonutrients are vital for protecting and repairing neurons. They neutralize various free radicals which may otherwise damage them.

   The absolute best way to ensure a student gets all these vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients is not by using smart drugs or nootropics, but rather by keeping a diet high in both fruit and vegetables. Most don’t come close to keeping the currently recommended 5 to 9 service a day. In fact, fewer than 15% do.

   Not getting these necessary nutrients impacts both how well the brain functions and overall health. Student or not, everyone should be encouraged to include a variety of fruit and vegetables from all color groups in their food to get the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients necessary.

5. Water

   Something interesting neurons do is they store water. They do so in tiny little structures called vacuoles. The importance of water for brain function and health cannot be understated. It keeps the tone of membranes needed for optimal neurotransmission. It enhances blood circulation and helps move waste out of the brain. Water also keeps the brain cool and prevents it from overheating, which could otherwise cause a visible decline in cognitive abilities and even longer term damage.

   Most students will go for extended periods without having water, which leads to dehydration. To compound the problem, when they are thirsty, instead of drinking water they choose to reach for some form of a sweetened drink.

   By the time a student feels thirst, they may have lost close to 2% of their body weight due to water loss. More shockingly, they may also be experiencing up to 10% in cognitive decline. Other than reducing cognitive abilities and concentration, dehydration will also result in fatigue and dizziness. Any level of dehydration is enough to be detrimental to classroom performance.

   

   All students should be encouraged to drink water. There are many ways to implement this. An official structured water break is one option. Students can also be urged to keep a bottle or glass of water at their desk and drink throughout the day. The aim is to have them take in at least eight glasses of water per day, with half of that amount consumed while they at school.

There Is No Substitute for Nutrition

Healthy living starts with proper nutrition and hydration. There simply is no way around it. The best way for any student to excel in their education is to make and maintain healthy nutritional choices. By helping them understand why that is the case and guiding them along the way, educators will ensure their student’s success and overall well-being.

An educator at any level has the ability promote these habits by doing any or all of the following.

1. Have all students bring water with them to class or have several scheduled water breaks throughout the day.
2. Drive home the importance of having only healthy snacks and treats. Whole grains, fruit, and vegetables should be at the top of the list.
3. If the school has a cafeteria, teach students how to pick the healthiest options from the menu.
4. Most schools have a wellness policy. Be aware of it, contribute to it and drive changes to it where necessary.
5. When it makes sense, work nutrition education into your teaching and the curriculum.

By ensuring students eat healthily and stay well hydrated, you will have a classroom full of pupils who are more attentive, motivated and enjoy learning.

The post Feed Your Brain for Academic Success: Boost Learning With Proper Hydration and Nutrition appeared first Healthy Brain for Life.

There are many reasons you may want to buy modafinil online. Maybe you’d like to save money on your prescription, or perhaps you’re thinking of using modafinil for its nootropic properties.

Whatever your goal, you’ll be glad to know there are several reliable, and trustworthy Internet sources which do sell modafinil. I use them, as do thousands of others. But, before we talk vendor specifics, there are a few things of which you likely should be aware.

Is Modafinil Legal

Just about every western country labels modafinil as a prescription only drug. This does mean that buying it without a prescription is technically a no-no. In practice, however, doing so won’t get you into trouble. Once you get it, it’s also perfectly legal to possess modafinil.

Other nations may carry similar classifications. I’m just unfortunately not aware of the specifics, so I don’t want to lead you astray.

If right off the bat potential legality issues are a show-stopper for you, you may instead want to consider another eugeroic called adrafinil. It’s a product which is very similar to modafinil but entirely legal to buy and own. It’s what is called a prodrug to modafinil and becomes it once metabolized by your body.

The downside is adrafinil is much slower to act. Because of the metabolization process, there’s also a chance extended use of adrafinil may negatively impact the liver. Though, this only tends to occur in the most extreme cases when people attempt to push dosage limits for weeks on end without taking a break.

If at this point you are still reading, I will assume you’re throwing caution to the wind as far as the law. While I, of course, am in no way trying to encourage that, there is one thing I will say. I live in the US, and in all my years of buying modafinil online, I have not run into a problem even once. Maybe I’m just lucky, but I suspect authorities have much bigger fish to fry and tend to not care much about the personal use of modafinil.

Modafinil Manufacturing

When you buy modafinil online, you’re getting a product made in India by either Sun Pharma or HAB Pharma. While this may sound shady, don’t let it turn you off. Both companies are massive international pharmaceutical players. They make their products to similar standards as in the US, and I have never had cause to be concerned about a lack quality.

The reasons you see Indian companies making modafinil is that by that country’s law, there is no requirement to respect pharmaceutical patents which came before 1995. Modafinil has been around since 1990 and is, hence, fair game.

The modafinil and armodafinil products made by Sun are called Modalert and Waklert respectively. Those made by HAB go by the names Modvigil and Artvigil.

If you’re wondering which company produces a better drug, I feel there is very little, if any, difference. As I mentioned, both Sun Pharma and HAB Pharma follow the same strict manufacturing standards. I have used product made by both and felt they were pretty much equivalents.

Where to Buy Modafinil Online

So any modafinil you can buy online is produced by one of two companies. Does it then really matter where you buy from? Most definitely. While it is true you are getting the same product, how trustworthy and reliable the sellers are should be of concern.

I prefer to give my hard earned money to a company which delivers time and time again and stands behind their service. If my package goes missing, I expect a free re-ship (a la Amazon). If I’m not happy with what I received, I won’t be satisfied with anything short of a full refund. I have enough headaches in my life to have to worry about yet something else.

There are three modafinil vendors I have come to know and trust. I’m comfortable giving each a thumbs up based on both my own experience as well as feedback from friends and people on various online nootropics communities like Reddit. They are as follows.

BuyModa

While they’re a relatively new modafinil seller, BuyModa has quickly become my go-to. After hearing many positives, I ordered from them for the first time earlier this year and have not looked back since.

To start with, BuyModa is the only of the three vendors to offer live chat support. It’s available 24/7, very quick to respond, and the staff is actually helpful. Their prices are some of the lowest around, shipping is free, and orders go out in less than 24 business day hours, complete with tracking. And, depending on where you live, your package can arrive in as few as seven days (which has been my experience in the US).

All orders placed with BuyModa are guaranteed. If for whatever reason, you don’t receive your package, you’ll get a free reshipment or, if you prefer, your money back. You get 30 days to decide if you like the product too. If you don’t, you can get it fully refunded. It’s also worth noting that BuyModa is the only seller that extends their guarantee to Canada.

Payment wise, BuyModa accepts all major cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover) as well as Bitcoin. By opting for the latter, you will get a 20% discount on your order. Buying more than $99 worth of modafinil will also get you 30 bonus pills, and if you return to BuyModa in the future, you have an additional 20% pill bonus to look forward to.

ModafinilXL

Though ModafinilXL is now my former go-to, that shouldn’t make them any less of a consideration. They’re a great modafinil source. They’re just as reliable as BuyModa and actually even a little cheaper. In fact, ModafinilXL’s pricing is the lowest I have been able to find.

They have excellent support that has always taken care of me (not that I really needed to call upon them much). ModafinilXL offers free shipping on orders over $80, and a 100% money-back guarantee should anything happen with your order along the way or if you’re not fully satisfied with it. All packages are shipped out within just 2 hours.

Every payment option you expect is accepted. Visa and MasterCard are there, as is Bitcoin. ModafinilXL also takes US bank eChecks and debit cards. Cryptocurrency purchases receive a huge 35% discount while eChecks get 10% off. And as a returning customer, you’re treated to a further $25 off on top of it all.

Of special note is that ModafinilXL is the only modafinil vendor I know of that offers free samples. That’s how confident they are in the quality of their product.

AfinilExpress

Last, but certainly not least, is AfinilExpress, as established of an online modafinil seller as they come. They’ve been around forever, and though I haven’t used them in a while, from everything I hear they continue to deliver top-notch service to this very day. They’ve outlasted many larger competitors, including my former favorites DuckDose and ModafinilCat (who incidentally recommended AfinilExpress as an alternative as they were shutting down in 2016).

Pricing from AfinilExpress is very competitive. Free worldwide shipping with tracking is standard, and packages lost in transit are reshipped for free or fully refunded. Accepted forms of payment include Visa, Mastercard, and Bitcoin. Anyone paying with Bitcoin receives a flat 20% discount on their entire order. And if you return for your future modafinil needs, you will also receive an additional 10% off.

My Online Source

Of the three vendors, lately, I’ve been exclusively using BuyModa. The other two are excellent options to buy modafinil online too, and I’ve happily bought from both in the past. But, how BuyModa does things just really agrees with me. I like how they treat me as a customer, and their low prices plus various discounts and bonuses are hard to argue with.

The post Modafinil Online – Where to Buy It appeared first Healthy Brain for Life.

Roger focuses on methods to prevent cognitive decline and nurture positive cognitive growth by strengthening various brain mechanisms and structures. The result is a much-improved mood, happiness and an enhanced sense of purpose.

While Roger primarily works with the elderly, his innovative cognitive intervention program is something from which everyone can benefit, no matter their age. He translates his cutting edge science into easy to understand and implement methods.

The TEDx talk is a great watch and will give you some excellent information on strategies you can apply to your own brain health. If you’re interested in finding out more about Roger and his teaching, don’t forget to visit his website at www.mindramp.org.

The post Brain Health Strategies TEDx Talk appeared first Healthy Brain for Life.

For starters, there are several exercises in the traditional sense which can help out your brain:

Aerobic and Resistance Training

These two types of training have been proven capable of boosting your memory. In turn, this will help you recall different things better and faster.

Yoga

Concentration and focus are two important aspects of Yoga, and practicing it can help your brain further develop them.

Leisure Walks

People can often get some of their best ideas when moving around. Simply going for a long walk can help you become more creative in solving whatever you may be facing.

There is also a whole other category of more targeted exercises which can help better the mind. But, before getting into details, it is important to understand a few things about the brain.

The brain is the most complex organ in the body. It is not just unique but also extremely powerful. It handles multiple functions ranging from judging to manipulation and thinking. The brain processes a lot of information on a daily basis and lets individuals learn new things. It is therefore important to ensure your brain is well maintained to help remember things in the future.

Any person may experience extraordinary moments when they see, smell or hear something that reminds them of a particular past event. People recalling memories tend to be overwhelmed by certain events before they slowly evaporate and a person comes back to reality.

Memory can be enhanced, organized and managed by exercising our brains. Just as physical workouts helps our bodies to tone up and maintain its muscles, certain exercises also improve the brain’s memory.

There are two main categories of brain training:

Neurobics
Mnemonics

These forms of exercises are used to optimize a person’s memory power. There are a couple of activities that anyone can engage in to improve their memory building capacity. These activities have a sort of connection to the brain. Regularly performing them has been associated with improvement in memory speed and quality.

There are also several simple everyday activities which can help improve the brain’s memory functionality:

Trying to Shop Without a List

Memories fade because we don’t challenge ourselves. Most of the time, we let our brains relax and coast. Try going to shop without your shopping list. This technique challenges your mind to remember everything you need. You can break down your needs into various categories to make it easier for you to remember.

Improving Your Vocabulary

Challenge yourself to learn a new word on a daily basis. This method will help improve your memory as you will constantly be trying to recall the new words and their meaning.

Engaging Yourself in New Activities

Most people have a habit of engaging in the same activities over and over. You need to find something new in which to commit yourself. It’s irrelevant how hard or easy that something is. All that matters is you change your routine. This will challenge your brain to remain focused as it tries to figure out the next move.

The post Brain Exercises to Improve Memory appeared first Healthy Brain for Life.