General Health Information

Good mental health means having good intellectual function as well as good mood balance. Good intellectual function helps protect against various memory disorders and dementias of old age. Good mood balance keeps us from slipping into such emotional illnesses as anxiety and depression, or other various types of mood swings. When we think of good health, we often think only about our bodies and overlook our minds. To be truly healthy however, we must have good mental health along with good physical health.

Good mental health starts with a healthy brain. In order for the brain to function properly, it must have an adequate supply of necessary nutrients, a continuous supply of oxygenated blood, and sufficient amounts of properly functioning neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are substances found in the brain that transmit information from one nerve cell to the other, and are ultimately responsible for all of the functions of our body and brain.

There are numerous reasons why the brain may not function properly. Nutritional deficiencies, especially B-vitamins and amino acids, can be one cause. Free radical damage of cell membranes contribute greatly to degenerative diseases and dementias of the brain as well. An insufficient supply of blood to the brain due to poor circulation is yet another cause of brain dysfunction and memory loss. Insufficient or out of balance neurotransmitters can produce mood swings, anxiety and depression.

There are many steps we can take to ensure good mental help. A well-balanced diet and a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids not only help supply the brain with the nutrients it needs to function properly, but also help avert hypoglycemia (or low blood sugar) which can aggravate mood swings and forgetfulness. Eliminating caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and refined sugar also helps keep the brain in balance. Plenty of exercise helps oxygenate the blood better and improves blood circulation to the brain. Avoiding exposure to environmental toxins, tobacco smoke, and stress reduces the formation of damaging free radicals. Supplementing with high quality vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and certain herbs goes far in ensuring optimal mental health.

Wellness Plan

• Well balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Stress management
• Pharmacist’s Supplement Recommendations:
  • Vitamins, Minerals, and Trace Elements  - B-complex, folic acid, inositol, copper, manganese, potassium, zinc, selenium, boron, calcium, magnesium
  • Herbs and Phytonutrients - ginkgo biloba, rosemary, ginseng, fenugreek, gota kola, stinging nettle, brazil nut, phosphatidylserine, DMAE, huperzine
  • Antioxidants - coenzyme Q10, vitamins C and E, n-acetylcarnitine, grape seed extract
  • Essential Fatty Acids - all omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
  • Amino Acids - glutamine, phenylalanine, 5-HTP, tyrosine, taurine, GABA, glycine, asparagine, aspartic acid