Supplements to Improve Mental Focus

Many people could not imagine beginning their day without their ritualistic cup of coffee. For some, the steaming brew bolsters clarity and readies them for the day ahead. For others, the caffeine content boosts energy levels. While a few cups of coffee are not harmful to health, drinking too much caffeine throughout the day can hinder your sleep at night. Experts recommend stopping caffeine consumption in the early afternoon, so as not to disrupt sleep. Although this may be hard for those who need caffeine for mental focus, certain supplements can offer the same benefits, sans the negative effects associated with caffeine.

Ginkgo Biloba for Mental Focus

Ginkgo biloba supplements come from the oldest living tree: the gingko tree. The herb is an historic herbal medicine that is still popular today. People with cognitive impairments and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, use the herb to enhance memory by improving blood flow in the brain. As a common ingredient in energy drinks and performance-enhancement products, gingko biloba is often consumed by athletes.

B-Vitamins

B-vitamins are a family of eight essential vitamins for health. By converting carbohydrates to glucose, the vitamins offer the body immediate usable energy. Like gingko biloba, b-vitamins are a main ingredient in hosts of energy drinks and products. Since they are water-soluble, the body excretes what you cannot use through urination, so there is no risk of overdosing.

Vincopectine

A powerful antioxidant, vinpocetine has anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Because of its ability to improve blood flow, the vitamin is largely used to treat cerebral disorders. Supplements are said to enhance memory and focus and support healthy brain activity. Similar to vitamin-E, vincopectine has antioxidant effects and is thereby helpful for protecting the brain against oxidative damage. Find the supplement alone or as an ingredient in other supplements for mental focus.

Other Interventions

Supplements are not the only effective way to boost energy levels without caffeine. Short naps help rejuvenate the body and mind. Resting for longer than 30 minutes, however, can have the opposite affect by allowing the body to drift too deeply into sleep and subsequently leading to inertia, or grogginess. Meditation and a healthy diet can also go a long way to increase your energy levels and improve mental focus.