Memory Boosting Supplements; How Safe are they?

For all those of us who are suffering the effects of aging and finding a lessening in the acuity of our brains, the thought of supplements to boost brain power and memory has to have crossed our minds. Of course what also crosses our mind is are these supplements safe to take? Will they have any harmful side effects and are they really as effective as they say they are?

Take Gingko Biloba for instance. By all accounts this is an effective memory boosting supplement that many recommend. This herbal supplement is extracted from one of the oldest known trees to man, which is also known as the Maidenhair tree. The use of Gingko to cure several ills, for general good health and well being has been practiced in places like China literally for thousands of years. So this is really something that is ‘tried and tested’ so to speak. Also the fact that this is a herbal remedy makes it safe. As long as the supplement you use is not spurious, is of a good quality, and free from any adulteration, Gingko is excellent for you and will cause you no side effects.

A word of caution while using any kind of memory boosting supplements though.

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Memory Boosting Drugs

There is no doubt that we can now, as a result of modern medical advancement, have access to drugs that improve memory, concentration, planning and reduce impulsive behavior. These are variously termed as smart drugs, smart nutrients, cognitive enhancers, brain enhancers. They are also termed as Nootropics. Studies relating to memory and memory boosting drugs are being carried out all the time as reported in this BBC article here.

This Time article talks about how a 40 year old executive used Adderall, a prescription amphetamine ordinarily used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) very successfully to help him in his continue work and the multitasking and speed that is typically required. The article raises a lot of questions about the safety of such drugs and the moral and the ethical implications that their use involves.

Given that many issues surround the popping of pills for reasons such as boosting the memory or otherwise, one is always on the lookout for safe supplements that are natural or as close to what nature intended as they can reasonably be. Among these, Fish Oil, Gingko Biloba and Gotu Kola are known to be beneficial.

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