seven top vitamins and/or supplements to boost your brain health - according to flint rehab

I’ve always been a vitamin-taker, sort of.  But I was not as big a supplement-taker as Tom till my stroke. Since my stroke I have been doing a lot of reading and the push is for both vitamins and supplements. Here are the top seven recommended by Flint Rehab (I recommend you read their article issued October 12, 2018, “Top 7 Vitamins for Stroke Recovery to Boost Brain Health”).

Be sure to check with your doctor first to ensure none of these will mess with the medications he/she has already prescribed for you.

1. Vitamin D - I had actually heard Vitamin D being suggested to many women before my stroke - by their doctors!  It helps protect your brain, muscles and bones!! And, it’s associated with stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.You can get Vitamin D naturally from the sunshine, or from easy dietary sources such as cheese or egg yolks. And of course you can take a Vitamin D tablet over the counter (but ask your doctor first).
2. Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 keeps the nervous system and blood cells healthy and can be found in animal products like meat, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs and milk. Also, you can take a Vitamin B12 tablet over the counter (but ask your doctor first).
3. Probiotics - which actually aren’t a vitamin or a mineral.  But, probiotics can be found in in foods like yogurt or kefir.
4. Vitamin B3 - this is actually Niacin - and it helps you recover brain function. It can be found naturally in tuna, salmon, chicken and turkey. And it can be found in meatless options such as peanuts and brown rice!! Again, you can take a Vitamin B3 tablet over the counter (but ask your doctor first).
5. Fish Oil -  Fish oil is a great source of EPA and DHA – two omega-3 fatty acids that are excellent for a healthy brain, the entire goal of stroke recovery. To get it naturally, you can find an abundance of fish oil in fattier fish, like salmon. Same again, they make over-the-counter Fish Oil tablets you can take - ask your doctor first.
6. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - this is most famous for promoting heart health, but it’s very good for the brain. It can be found naturally in liver organs, or in smaller amounts in spinach, broccoli and cauliflower.  Same again, they make over-the-counter CoQ10l tablets you can take - ask your doctor first.
7. Vitamin C - besides oranges, consider papaya, bell peppers, broccoli and strawberries. Of course, you may already take over-the-counter Vitamin C!

God Bless, Peg

“As long as you keep going, you'll keep getting better. And as you get better, you gain more confidence. That alone is success.” -- Tamara Taylor

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