Supplements are an important part of the ReCODE protocol, but most people are confused about which to take, which brands to use and what they do. In this blog, I want to explain the benefits of 4 supplements that are often recommended for those who are using a comprehensive plan to prevent or fight Alzheimer’s.
1. PLASMALOGENS play an important role in maintaining the structure and function of brain cells. They are crucial for the proper function of cholinergic neurons, which are responsible for cognition and neuromuscular function. Plasmalogens also help maintain the fluidity of cell membranes, which is necessary for proper functioning of brain cells and cells throughout the body. A deficiency in plasmalogens has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Your body makes its own plasmalogens and there aren’t any good dietary sources because they are degraded during the acidic digestive process. In fact, the same is true for most plasmalogen supplements. Plasmalogens decrease with age and toxic exposures. A supplement called Prodrome Neuro has been proven to increase plasmalogen levels. If you want to use this supplement, you can get it on the Prodrome website. Use the code ACHAPMAN25 for a 25% discount. The dose depends on your current cognitive status, and there is a test that will reveal your level of DHA and Choline plasmalogen levels. My plasmalogen levels are high, and I take the supplement to keep them that way.
2. OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS (DHA/EPA) are essential fatty acids that have powerful health benefits for the body, specifically the brain, heart and gut. DHA is a structural component for the brain, and EPA is anti-inflammatory. In addition to adding more Omega 3 foods to your diet, using an Omega 3 supplement in phospholipid form ensures proper absorbability and reaps the most benefits for the brain. Higher levels of Omega 3 acids in the blood increases life expectancy by almost five years . A 1% increase in Omega 3 acids in the blood is associated with a change in mortality risk similar to that of quitting smoking. Your Omega 3 index should be at least 8%.
Your Omega 6:3 ratio also is very important. The vast majority of people have too much Omega 6 in their blood and not enough Omega 3, which is an inflammatory situation. You can measure your Omega levels yourself with a simple finger prick. If you want to measure it yourself, order the Omega 3 Index Plus from OmegaQuant. You’ll receive a kit with instructions for the finger prick and then an easy-to-read report that includes your Omega 3 Index, Omega 6:3 ratio, AA:EPA ratio and Transfat Index.
3. CAT’S CLAW (Uncaria tomentosa) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Research shows that cat’s claw causes an immediate inhibition of beta-amyloid plaque formation and has positive effects on tangles of tau proteins, which is an issue related to memory loss and cognitive decline. Studies have shown a marked reduction in inflammation throughout the body and in the nervous system, which means a decrease in brain inflammation. Cat’s claw also stimulates the immune system and fights viruses. I typically recommend a liposomal version of this product that includes monolaurin and lemon balm.
4. PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone) is the first nutrient discovered that promotes the growth of new mitochondria in your cells. Supporting the health of your mitochondria is extremely important for your brain-body wellness. Brain cells have a higher concentration of these little cellular power plants than most other cells in your body. Mitochondria have their own DNA, and if you supply this super-nutrient, they start multiplying in each of your brain cells. It helps stop and reverse cell death, and increases cognitive function and efficiency. PQQ helps clean up free radicals and oxidative stress damage in brain tissue, helps you proactively prevent mitochondria death and keeps brain cells healthy. The supplement I recommend includes a liposomal blend of PQQ, CoQ10 and Resveratrol.
These are just a few of many supplements that can support brain health and help prevent or fight Alzheimer’s. You will derive the most benefit if you use supplements in conjunction with the ReCODE protocol because all aspects of it are synergistic. Which supplements you need depends on a number of factors, and the brands you use are important because all supplements are not created equally. Many have a lot of fillers, and some do not even contain the amounts they claim.
When it comes to buying supplements on Amazon, I am not a fan. There’s a lot of fraud on Amazon, so I don’t buy anything there that I’m going to swallow. You are welcome to set up an account on Fullscript using my practitioner link. Fullscript is a service practitioners use for recommending high-quality supplements. I share my discount with Direct Access members. The discount helps offset the monthly membership cost and may even equal or exceed it depending on your needs.
Anyone can schedule a call with me to talk about their supplements. Direct Access members also get special pricing on those calls. So why not go ahead and join us — everything you need is there!
Angela Chapman, M.Ed, FDN-P is a certified ReCODE practitioner and health educator. If you’re looking for ways to prevent or fight Alzheimer’s, her Sunday email is a great resource for you.