Your ability to focus can be influenced by a variety of different factors. These factors can include stress, disease, diet, medications, nutrient deficiencies, and age. We rely on concentration and focus to get through each day, and our performance in areas like school and work can be affected when we aren’t focused.
Thanks to science, there are supplements available on the market today to help you out with focus, attention, and other cognitive functions. Staying proactive and taking supplements can improve your brainpower for better focus overall, so to give you more of a guide I will be covering points that include:
- Why you might not feel as focused
- Top supplements for focus and concentration, including my very own XP-RX supplements to give you the perfect boost!
- Foods that can contribute to better focus
Why Have I Been Lacking Focus?
As mentioned previously, there are a number of different factors that contribute to a lack of focus throughout your life. Check out some of the common causes more in detail and how they can relate to a lack of focus and concentration.
Lack of Sleep
Getting enough sleep is very important to maintain a healthy cognitive function. Unfortunately, it can be hard to achieve consistently, especially for adults. During different sleep cycles, the body and brain experience changes. Without adequate rest, the neurons that are responsible for coordinating information can become overworked and thus unable to function properly. This can lead to memory loss and confusion.
Stress
Getting stressed and anxious can make it hard to focus on a task and lead to various negative effects on one's physical and mental health. A study revealed that people who were experiencing chronic stress were more prone to having difficulty focusing on information.
Vitamin Deficiency
If you're not focused on the task at hand, then you might be missing out on the benefits of certain bioactive compounds in your body. These compounds can help maintain a healthy cognitive function and provide various health benefits. One of the most common factors that can affect concentration and focus is a lack of vitamin B.
Hormone Imbalance
Over-consumption of certain hormones, such as estrogen, can cause changes in concentration and mental focus. Since these chemicals are powerful messengers sent from the bloodstream, they can leave an impact on our health overall.
Top Supplements for Focus and Concentration
There are many nutrients and ingredients out there that can have an affect on our cognitive health. Some supplements claim to provide benefits for our memory, attention, focus, development, and mood, but not all of them are backed scientifically. When looking for the best supplement for focus and concentration, take note of the following ingredients.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are known to improve alertness, focus, and energy. They play a role in various processes, such as the conversion of nutrients to neurotransmitters, and the improvement of mitochondria.
These nutrients can help boost one's resilience, improve memory, and increase one's energy levels. Unfortunately, people who are not getting enough of these nutrients can develop slower learning abilities and become more prone to distraction.
Getting enough B-3, B-9, and B-12 vitamins is also important to improve one's concentration and alertness.
D Vitamins
In addition to being neuroprotective, vitamin D is known to help with the balance of calcium and regulate the immune system. Although it is regarded as a vitamin, it plays a role in the brain and is a neurosteroid.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 is one of the most common supplements you can find today. It can optimize a wide range of functions in your body, such as your heart, liver, and sight.
Because of how beneficial it is for our cognitive functions, it's no surprise that Omega 3 can act as a great focus supplement. According to studies, it can improve memory, attention span, and the speed of neural transfer. It's also reportedly more powerful than Prozac and can directly affect one's brain size.
Due to the popularity of low-fat diets, many of us are not getting enough of the essential nutrients within Omega 3. This deficiency is linked to various health conditions, such as diabetes, depression, and ADHD. It can also decrease one's concentration and focus.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a type of mineral that can help with various health conditions and athletic performance, as well as improve bone mass and blood sugar regulation. Because of its role in the body's chemical reactions, it is an essential component of our overall health.
Magnesium can help you feel less stressed and less static. It can also help you feel more calm and relaxed, which is very important to achieve optimal focus.
It can also convert certain B vitamins into active forms and improve memory.
Mushroom Supplements
Due to the variety of compounds and nutrients found in mushroom supplements, they have gained a wide popularity for their benefits on various wellness and health issues. Some of these benefits include their ability to support memory and alertness. Hericium in particular can help with concentration and focus.
Another type of mushroom known as reishi is believed to help with mental and physical stress. It can also help strengthen the body's natural ability to handle stress by improving the concentration and focus of one's mind. Some other popular adaptogenic mushrooms include the chaga, turkey tail, lion's mane, and cordyceps.
Caffeine
Although many people swear by the positive effects of caffeinated drinks, it is important to note that not everyone enjoys the taste of them. Also, energy drinks that contain caffeine can have additional ingredients and calories. A focus supplement consisting of a pill with caffeine can be a better alternative for people who are looking for a boost in their energy.
Guarana
Guarana is an excellent natural supplement that can help promote alertness and cognitive function. One of its unique characteristics is that it doesn't cause jitters, which is often associated with the consumption of caffeinated drinks. Taking guarana with coffee can help calm one's mind and remove any anxiety that can be caused by the caffeine!
Huperzine A
The name Hup-A refers to Chinese Club Moss, which is native to southeast Asia. It has been used for thousands of years as a traditional medicine.
Known for its ability to inhibit the activity of an enzyme known as AChE, Huperzine-A is used to treat various conditions.
It increases the transmission of Acetylcholine in the brain, which helps improve attention and memory. It also promotes neuroplasticity, which is a vital part of brain cell health.
Vyamind
Vyvamind is a dietary supplement that does not contain any harmful side effects. It can help improve concentration and focus, and the manufacturer claims it can increase one's concentration and focus by up to 20%. Users should take it for at least three months to see the results.
Vyamind can help improve one's clarity, energy, and cognitive function. It contains a powerful blend of antioxidants and vitamins that can protect the brain from the effects of aging. It also has important nutrients such as Choline, which can help boost one's concentration and memory.
For people with ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Vyvamind supplements are a great choice due to their tried-and-true ingredients. These supplements can help improve concentration and memory.
L-Theanine
There's growing evidence supporting the effects of L-theanine supplements on improving concentration and focus. This amino acid can reportedly increase the alpha brain waves, a region that's associated with states of relaxation, such as creativity and focus. Because of how it can improve concentration and focus without sedation or adverse effects, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their mental agility.
People suffering from ADHD or other mental disorders can improve their concentration, working memory, and attention by taking L-theanine. According to studies, taking this supplement can help decrease fatigue and improve focus. It can also prevent hangovers as it increases the body's antioxidant, glutathione.
L-Tyrosine
Studies have shown that taking L-Tyrosine can help improve concentration and focus during times of stress, especially when it comes to dealing with intense movies and other short-term problems. These types of stressors can occur due to various factors, such as war zones or relationship problems. L-Tyrosine can also help lower blood pressure.
L-Tyrosine supplements help boost the amount of Acetylcholine in the brain, which is a vital part of the development and maintenance of memory and cognitive function. It can also help individuals with depression.
Dynamine
Kucha tea leaves contain a purine alkaline known as Dynamine methylliberine, which is a component of the alkaloid family that includes caffeine. It can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters and improve mood and energy levels. Like Caffeine, this substance also acts on the receptors of adenosine.
Citicoline
In the body, the chemical citicoline is produced naturally. It's present in dietary supplements, but was previously used as a medication in Japan.
It can be used as a medication that can improve memory and function after a stroke. In addition, it can increase the levels of other chemicals in the brain that are used to send messages.
Individuals suffering from age-related cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and other conditions, are known to take citicoline.
Turmeric
Turmeric can help prevent cognitive impairment, reduce inflammation, and boost antioxidant activity.
In addition, it can help prevent cognitive decline by protecting the nerve cells from free radicals. This process can help slow down the progression of brain aging.
Turmeric can also improve the synthesis of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the body. This is a vital fatty acid that is linked to the development and protection of the brain.
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid, which is a type of fatty substance that can protect and carry messages between different cells in the brain. It plays a key role in keeping your memory and mind sharp.
Dr. Emil’s XP-RX Gaming Capsules
Outside of my career in medicine, I am quite the avid gamer! Gaming is the perfect decompression after a long day, however I was really struggling with energy and focus while I was playing.
I decided to put my medical expertise to use by creating the perfect supplements with quality ingredients to level up your game! Some top benefits of these supplements include improved focus, energy, eye health, and reaction speed.
Foods to Help you Focus
Along with trying out supplements, eating the right foods can help you manage stress, fatigue, and boost your brainpower. Check out some of the top foods you can add into your diet, along with the supplements, that might also lead to improved focus!
Nuts
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for the functioning of the brain, and nuts are high in these nutrients. They also contain various other nutrients such as copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc.
Pumpkin Seeds
Zinc is a mineral included in pumpkin seeds that help boost the immune system and metabolism. You can enjoy pumpkin seeds as a snack to help improve your thinking and memory skills!
Although pumpkin seeds can be consumed raw, roasted ones are often the most favorite choice. To prepare them, coat them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and add them to foods like smoothies and salads.
Dark Chocolate
Due to its caffeine content, dark chocolate can improve one's focus. However, it is advised to consume it in moderation due to its sugar content!
It can be frustrating to deal with a lack of focus, but fortunately there are a variety of different supplements out there proven to provide benefits. Sticking to a cleaner diet and getting rid of a couple habits mentioned here will also help!
