Are you looking for a new solution to help you lose weight? Garcinia cambogia is becoming a popular weight-loss supplement around the world.

Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit that looks similar to a pumpkin. The rind is a super nutritional source, packed with vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols.

Proponents of the supplement believe it has a variety of health benefits as well as anti-obesity effects. If you’re striving for better health and weight loss, it may be right for you.

Here’s everything you need to know about this popular vitamin supplement.

What Is Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia cambogia is native to Indonesia but can also be found in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa. The fruit is sour and usually yellow or green in color.

It has anti-fungal and antioxidant properties and is packed with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. It also contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which may suppress fat accumulation in the body and assist in weight loss.

Health Benefits of Garcinia Cambogia

Proponents of this super fruit believe it holds a variety of health benefits. This is why it’s becoming a popular supplement in the health and wellness industry.

Appetite Suppressant

The fruit may reduce the desire to overeat. It increases serotonin levels. This may help curb your appetite and reduce cravings which leads to weight loss success.

Mood Booster

Garcinia cambogia may elevate the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain which affect your emotions. Higher serotonin levels can elevate your mood and possibly improve depression.

Fat Blocker

The HCA in the fruit may block an enzyme the body uses to form fat. This disrupts the process and may help you lose unwanted pounds while decreasing bad cholesterol in the body.

The supplement may help boost your metabolic rate as well. This increases the number of calories you’re able to burn when your body is at rest.

Visceral Fat Reduction

The fat on the outside is what you notice, but it’s visceral fat that increases stress on your organs and puts your health at risk. This supplement may help reduce visceral fat in the body and lower the risk of many types of disease.

Lower Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

Taking a garcinia cambogia supplement may help lower your glucose levels. This is a plus if you have mildly elevated blood sugar levels. This supplement is not recommended for someone who is a diabetic, however.

Exercise Endurance

Garcinia cambogia may enhance athletic performance. It’s suggested that HCA promotes the use of fat as an energy source. This helps persevere glycogen stores which may help increase your physical endurance.

Digestive Aid

Garcinia cambogia is a popular digestive aid. It seems to be an effective remedy for diarrhea and other bowel and digestive issues.

Overall Weight Loss

Many people have had great success losing weight with this supplement. You may be able to lose weight just by taking the supplement without incorporating any other lifestyle changes. For best results, you should combine supplementation with exercise and a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Who Should Not Take This Health Supplement

Garcinia cambogia is thought to be safe for healthy individuals wanting to lose weight. It is not recommended for everyone, including:

• People who take diabetes medications such as metformin and insulin
• Individuals with liver problems
• Those with kidney problems
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you’re interested in trying this supplement but are on other prescription medications, ask your doctor if it’s safe for you. Some people may experience side effects, including headache, dry mouth, dizziness, or nausea.

Garcinia Cambogia and the Keto Diet

When your body experiences ketosis, it’s using fat as an energy source rather than carbohydrates. This allows you to burn fat and lose weight.

Garcinia cambogia may help block the accumulation of fat in the body. Instead, the fat becomes the body’s fuel.

Combining the keto diet with this supplement may boost the weight loss benefits. It’s easy to add the supplement to your health routine. A garcinia cambogia supplement patch is convenient and so easy to use.

Apple Cider Vinegar Plus Garcinia Cambogia

Apple cider vinegar can help lower blood sugar levels in the body. It contains acetic acid which may help suppress the appetite and aid in weight loss.

Although more research is needed, many people believe that combining apple cider vinegar with garcinia cambogia will enhance weight loss.

Eating Garcinia Cambogia

This fruit is a popular food ingredient in South and East Asia. Its sour taste is hard to take in its raw form, but it’s quite versatile in its dried form. It’s used as a spice and condiment that’s similar in taste to tamarind.

It’s a common ingredient in curries, soup, and fish dishes. People use it to enhance the taste and make dishes more filling.

Herbal Supplements

If you’ve never heard of eating garcinia cambogia, you may have noticed it as a key ingredient in various weight loss products. For many years, people around the world have used it as a weight loss aid.

The fruit’s rind has a high concentration of HCA and is used in a variety of herbal supplements. You can buy these supplements in various forms, including pills, powders, lotions, teas, and patches.

Find Quality Garcinia Cambogia Supplements

Garcinia cambogia is a tropical superfruit that may help you lose weight easier and faster. Proponents of this supplement believe that it offers a wide variety of health benefits beyond weight loss.

If you’re searching for a natural way to lose those unwanted pounds, garcinia cambogia may be the answer. If you want a quick and easy way to get the benefits of this super supplement, we offer it in a convenient patch.

At PatchMD, we offer a variety of healthy vitamin patches you will love. Before you go, take a moment to see the many high-quality products we have to offer.

Did you know that 20 million Americans have some type of thyroid disorder? In addition, women are five to eight times more likely to get diagnosed with a thyroid condition than men. 

While thyroid problems are common in the United States, fortunately, there are also many possible ways to treat these conditions. In fact, you may have heard of some people using thyroid supplements. 

If you’re considering using supplements that can help promote thyroid health, keep reading to find out what you need to know. 

Is Taking Thyroid Supplements Safe? 

There seem to be a lot of controversies out there about whether or not taking thyroid supplements is safe. Considering the fact that some supplements can have ingredients that are harmful to people with certain thyroid conditions, the answer to that question is, it depends. 

While it’s great to get the nutrition you need from your diet, it’s not always possible. In these instances, taking a supplement can help your body get the nutrients it needs to function. 

If you’re planning on taking supplements for thyroid care, you need to discuss it with your doctor first. Your doctor can make sure that the supplement you’re considering won’t interact with medications or cause more problems with your thyroid. 

In addition, they’ll be able to educate you on other possible effects of supplements. 

Benefits of Thyroid Supplements

If you’re still wondering whether or not it’s even worth the conversation with your doctor, we have that answer for you, too. There are many benefits to taking supplements that aid in thyroid health. 

One: Reduce Fatigue

One possible component of a thyroid supplement is thiamine. This is a B vitamin, and it’s needed for metabolism. 

Individuals with Hashimoto’s or Grave’s disease might not adequately absorb thiamine. 

In one study, patients getting treated for Hashimoto’s disease were given thiamine. Over the course of a few days or hours, there was a regression of fatigue symptoms. 

Two: Increase Thyroid Hormone Production

Zinc is required in your body to help with the production of thyroid hormones. However, for people who have reduced zinc levels, their thyroid will produce fewer thyroid hormones.

In addition, there’s a bit of a loop going on here because thyroid hormones are needed to help your body absorb zinc. 

Therefore, insufficient zinc levels could be a reason behind hypothyroidism. But, hypothyroidism can also create an acquired zinc deficiency. 

For individuals with hypothyroidism, zinc in thyroid supplements could help increase the production of thyroid hormones. 

One study on this looked at two young women in college. These women were given zinc over a four-month period. 

Researchers analyzed the parameters of the study at zero, two, and four months. Over the course of four months, both women’s zinc deficiency was corrected, and there were positive results for thyroid hormone levels as well. 

Three: Reduce Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Levels

Thyroid peroxidase or TPO is an enzyme that gets found in your thyroid gland. It helps to produce two thyroid hormones that are important, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. 

In order to produce these hormones, TPO uses an important nutrient in your body, iodine. However, antibodies can disrupt that process and keep your TPO from having the ability to use iodine. 

When your thyroid isn’t able to make enough hormones, it results in hypothyroidism. In addition, the antibodies can also cause inflammation. 

This inflammation can, over time, destroy part or all of your thyroid gland and cause it to form nodules or become enlarged. 

However, research has looked at selenium as a possible answer. Research has shown that selenium supplements can help normalize antibody concentrations. 

However, there is some risk with taking selenium supplements. The therapeutic window is very small, and taking it in excess can be toxic. Make sure you talk to your doctor about proper dosage. 

Four: Improve Iron Deficiency Anemia

Are you struggling with iron deficiency anemia and hypothyroidism? It’s possible that they’re connected, according to research.

Iron deficiency anemia could be the cause of hypothyroidism. Taking supplements with iron in them could help with this. 

However, taking too much iron can decrease zinc absorption. Iron might also interact with some thyroid medications. 

Talk to your doctor before you begin taking iron or a vitamin with iron. 

Five: Increase Vitamin D levels

Many studies are looking at possible links between vitamin D and thyroid disorders. However, one thing that has been noted is the fact that individuals with thyroid cancer and autoimmune hypothyroidism often have lower levels of Vitamin D. 

Six: Regulate Thyroid Hormone Metabolism

Vitamin A is another vitamin that plays a significant role in your thyroid. This vitamin can help regulate thyroid hormone metabolism and inhibit thyroid-stimulating hormone. 

If you don’t have enough Vitamin A in your body, thyroid disorders can become worse. One type of Vitamin A is retinoids.

It can negatively affect the metabolism of iodine. There is still more research occurring on the benefits of treating thyroid conditions with Vitamin A. 

Seven: Correct Vitamin B12 Deficiencies

Individuals with certain thyroid disorders have a higher risk of becoming deficient in Vitamin B12. 

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia. While a mild deficiency might go unnoticed, if it goes untreated, you could experience a variety of symptoms. 

Some of these include: 

• Pale skin
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Lightheadedness
• Vision Loss
• Nerve problems
• Mental problems (for example, depression, behavioral changes, or memory loss) 
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Gas
• A smooth tongue

Supplements that contain B12 can help to prevent and treat this type of deficiency.

Find the Right Supplement for You

Thyroid supplements can help with addressing various deficiencies you might experience. However, before starting supplements, you should always discuss them with your doctor. 

Are you ready to buy supplements that will help you? Patch MD sells supplement patches to fit your lifestyle. Start shopping with us today. 

According to the American Thyroid Association, about 12% of Americans will develop a thyroid condition. Yet, almost 60% of people with a thyroid disorder or disease are unaware of it.

Despite having symptoms, these people don’t get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Typically, physicians can reverse thyroid dysfunction with early awareness and treatment. Sometimes, a thyroid condition may require surgery. But, in other cases, a thyroid condition is easily fixed with medication like levothyroxine.

Iron deficiencies can cause thyroid conditions. The conditions, in turn, can exacerbate the iron deficiencies. To treat deficiency-related conditions, a doctor may recommend an iron plus supplement.

Yet, too many people don’t get treatment because they’re unaware of the symptoms.

This ignorance can be dangerous. The thyroid is a critical gland in the human body. As part of the endocrine system, it creates hormones that facilitate vital physiological functions.

In severe cases, low thyroid function causes myxedema: organ shutdown and coma. While myxedema is rare—roughly only one in one million patients end up in this state—it’s often fatal. 29% of myxedema patients die in the coma.

Read on to discover how the thyroid works. Then, learn nine early warning signs of hypothyroidism: a low-function thyroid.

What does the thyroid do?

The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland in the endocrine system. The endocrine system regulates the processes of organ systems in the body.

The thyroid produces triiodothyronine (T3). It also produces thyroxine (T4). These hormones enable effective metabolism function. The metabolic process:

• Digests food
• Turns food into energy (like body heat)
• Regulates heart rate and breathing

At the same time, thyroid hormones interface with other hormone cycles in the body. So, thyroid conditions can disrupt the sleep cycle. T3 is also critical to muscle and tissue growth.

When the thyroid is underactive, it doesn’t produce enough of these hormones. As a result, people with low-functioning thyroids experience disruptive symptoms.

What causes underactive thyroid?

Hypothyroidism is the medical term for a thyroid that doesn’t produce enough thyroxine or triiodothyronine. Hypothyroidism typically has an underlying cause.

Physicians typically want to determine the underlying cause of hypothyroidism to pursue the best course of treatment. The most typical causes of hypothyroidism include:

• Autoimmune condition (Hashimoto’s disease)
• Iodine insufficiency/goiter
• Medication side-effect
• Cancer treatments
• Treatments for hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid)
• Congenital thyroid condition
• Thyroid nodules
• Pituitary gland condition (congenital or tumor)

Different underlying causes require different treatments. In a worst-case scenario, an endocrinologist might have to remove a patient’s thyroid. In these cases, a patient will have to take synthetic (pill) versions of the thyroid’s hormones as part of staying healthy.

But, if the problem is as straightforward as iodine and iron deficiencies, doctors can treat that. There’s a range of supplements and vitamin options.

If you have any of these nine symptoms of a low-functioning thyroid, talk to a doctor. They can determine the underlying cause of your condition with some lab work.

9 Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function

There are nine critical signs that your thyroid might not be as healthy as it could be. Consider tracking your physical sensations and experiences throughout the day to find symptom patterns. This data can help a physician narrow down the cause of your symptoms.

1. Fatigue

Fatigue is lethargy or tiredness. Hypothyroidism can slow your heart rate, which causes fatigue. It can also make it harder for t=your body to take in energy from food.

In addition to physical tiredness, fatigue can impair memory. This is called “brain fog.”

2. Feeling Cold

Coldness is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Metabolism maintains internal body temperature. When it’s disrupted, your body can’t heat itself properly.

Hypothyroidism can likewise cause increased cold sensitivity.

3. Constipation

Constipation is difficulty passing bowel movements. Stools may be hard, and elimination is often painful and incomplete.

Constipation can happen when your colon’s contractions are slower or weaker than they should be. Hypothyroidism causes this colon weakness (also called reduced gut motility).

It can also impact the digestive processes that absorb water from food. Hypothyroidism can cause the digestive system to over-absorb water in the colon, which dehydrates the stool.

4. Dry Skin

Hypothyroidism causes all metabolic processes to slow down. This reduces eccrine gland secretion. Healthy eccrine glands produce sweat and other natural fluids, which maintain your body’s temperature and keep your skin moisturizer.

When hypothyroidism slows down or disrupts secretion, you get dry skin and brittle nails.

5. Hair Loss

Thyroid hormones are responsible for the growth of bodily tissues. This includes hair growth.

As hair follicle growth slows, hair thins. As dead hair falls out, there’s no new, healthy living hair to replace it. Fortunately, treating the underlying condition can reverse air loss.

6. Weight Gain

Hypothyroidism disrupts metabolism. This makes it harder for your body to turn food into energy. Instead, excess salt, water, and fat accumulate in adipose tissue.

Hypothyroidism also increases the half-life of cortisol. At the same time, it decreases how frequently the metabolism clears away cortisol. This causes cortisol buildup.

The body stores excess cortisol in adipose tissue. The resulting stress causes people to gain weight. At the same time, fatigue from hypothyroidism makes it hard to move and exercise healthily.

7. High Cholesterol

Hypothyroidism causes high cholesterol because it slows metabolism. The body cannot process cholesterol frequently enough. Cholesterol builds up.

8. Muscle Aches, Weakness

Hypothyroidism causes muscle aches and weakness. The technical term for this is “hypothyroid myopathy.” Poor thyroid function dysregulates metabolism on a cellular level.

T4 deficiency prevents the mitochondria in muscle tissue cells from processing glucose for energy. Without these processes, muscle tissues change to become weaker, more easily injured, and slower to recover.

9. Puffiness or Swelling

Hypothyroidism can cause puffy face and tissue inflammation. It slows the production of enzymes that break down the fluids our tissues absorb. Without enough of these enzymes, fluid builds up and causes swelling.

Sometimes the thyroid itself is swollen. In these cases, hypothyroidism causes painful swallowing and hoarseness. These symptoms require urgent evaluation.

Low Thyroid Treatments: Surgery, Levothyroxine, Iron Plus Support Supplements

If your thyroid dysfunction stems from Hashimoto’s disease, your doctor will probably prescribe T3 and T4 replacement therapy. Endocrinologists call this form of HRT “Synthroid.”

Treatment differs for patients with atrophic thyroiditis disease (a type of congenital thyroid condition). To diagnose thyroiditis, goiter, or complications from hyperthyroidism treatment, you may need a thyroid ultrasound. Treatment may include surgery, levothyroxine, and synthetic growth hormones.

Thyroid support supplements can boost thyroid health and wellness. Supplement options like Korean Ginseng and Ashwagandha can improve thyroid function. Just make sure to talk to your doctor if you take Synthroid, as some supplements can disrupt Synthroid absorption.

Thyroid Maintenence for Whole-Self Health

Health and wellness encompass every organ of your body. All our systems are interconnected. At Patch MD, discover supplements that support whole-self wellbeing.

Consider iron plus supplements. Iron improves how well your circulatory system carries oxygen in red blood cells. This improvement, in turn, gives your thyroid a boost. If you’re ready for a life with more energy and less fatigue, discover our best energy supplements today.

Magnesium is one of the 13 minerals the human body requires to function properly. Your body needs magnesium in order to facilitate around 300 biochemical reactions and support a healthy immune system, among various other functions. 

However, not all magnesium is built equally and different types of magnesium can be beneficial in the treatment of various conditions. It can be hard to navigate the supplement aisle when you see all these magnesium products and their name variations, unsure of what they mean.  

This article outlines nine of the most common types of magnesium, along with their uses and benefits so that you can choose the right one for your needs. 

Let’s get started!

1. Magnesium Malate

Magnesium malate contains malic acid, an acid present in certain fruits. Given its sour, acidic nature, it can be used to enhance certain flavors in food items. 

Additionally, it is also absorbed effectively and can serve well to increase low levels of magnesium in the human body. Unlike some types of magnesium, magnesium malate has a minimal laxative effect on the bowels.

2. Magnesium Taurate

Magnesium taurate or magnesium ditaurate refers to the magnesium salt of taurine, an amino acid. This compound has been proven effective in regulating blood sugar levels. 

A recent study also suggests that it can help lower blood pressure. This type of supplement is generally recommended for people at an increased risk for cardiovascular issues due to its potential benefits for heart health.

However, be wary of using these supplements as an absolute treatment because research within this area is currently scarce and efficacy may vary.

3. Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate is a combination of magnesium and glycine, an amino acid. Like magnesium malate, magnesium glycinate is easily absorbed in the digestive tract and can be helpful in increasing magnesium levels in the body. 

While higher doses of other magnesium variants do have the potential to cause side effects, magnesium glycinate is fairly well tolerated. Anecdotal evidence suggests that magnesium glycinate patches and supplements can be helpful in calming individuals with anxiety, high levels of stress, insomnia, and depressive symptoms. 

4. Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate refers to the form of magnesium that is bound to citric acid, another fruit acid commonly found in lemons, oranges, and tomatoes. 

This is also one of the more bioavailable types of magnesium and can be used to treat magnesium deficiencies. However, it can also create a laxative effect which makes it an effective treatment for people with constipation. 

Given its laxative effects, it has been known to cause diarrhea in normal patients as a side effect when consumed. If you are not constipated, but still require a magnesium supplement you might find magnesium malate better suited to your needs. 

5. Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide is a salt. This salt is a combination of both magnesium and oxygen and is generally sold in its white, powdered form or in a capsule. 

Given its poor absorption rate, it is generally not prescribed for people with magnesium deficiencies. However, it is one of the primary ingredients in milk of magnesia, a laxative that works by drawing water into your intestines. 

Magnesium oxide is often used to treat migraines and digestive issues like heartburn and indigestion. 

6. Magnesium Sulfate

More commonly referred to as an Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate is a combination of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. When consumed orally, magnesium sulfate can be used as a treatment for constipation.

Additionally, Epsom salts are commonly used to alleviate sore muscles, aches, and stress. However, this is done by soaking feet, joints, and the body in bathwater with diluted Epsom salts. 

Given its soothing properties, it is a common ingredient in bathing and skincare products. 

7. Magnesium Lactate

Magnesium lactate is a combination of magnesium and lactic acid. It is easily absorbed in the gut and tends to have fewer side effects than magnesium variants. 

Additionally, it works well as a food additive and is often used as an acidity regulator by food and beverage manufacturers. As a supplement, it is sometimes prescribed to alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

8. Magnesium Chloride

This salt is a combination of magnesium and chlorine.

It is typically found in salt lakes and some rivers. As a supplement, it is used in the treatment of heartburn, and magnesium deficiencies, but it is also used in topical ointments to soothe muscles. 

9. Magnesium L-Threonate

Magnesium L-threonate or magnesium threonate is a compound of magnesium and threonic acid, a sugar acid derived from the breakdown of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). When consumed, this salt increases the level of magnesium in the brain cells and assists in the improvement of brain function. 

It may help in managing certain brain conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and other cognitive issues including memory loss. Some side effects include dizziness, headaches, and the sensation of increased blood flow towards the head. 

What Types of Magnesium Are Right for Your Needs?

Magnesium serves various functions in the human body including protein formation, gene maintenance, and energy creation. However, in supplement form, it can be used to treat and manage constipation, anxiety, and other cognitive ailments. When dissolved, certain types of magnesium can also help soothe aching joints and sore muscles. 

Now that you’re caught up on the various kinds of magnesium, you’ll know exactly what to look for when you head over to our online supplement store. Browse through our various patches and supplements, read through the ingredients, and find the right one for your needs!

Did you know that leucine was among one of the first amino acids discovered in muscle fiber and wool? Leucine plays an essential role in your body. 

However, it might also have the ability to help with muscle recovery. If you’re looking to help your muscles recover more quickly after a workout, this could be the right supplement for you. 

Keep reading to learn more about how leucine benefits your muscles and body. 

What Is Leucine?

Leucine is one of 20 amino acids found in the human body. Of those 20 amino acids, nine are essential, and leucine makes that list. 

This amino acid helps with building muscle, improving physical performance, and muscle recovery. However, studies on these benefits have been unreliable as of now.

There are also a few other things that it might do but are, as of now, unproven. 

Possible leucine benefits include: 

• Enhanced fat loss
• Aid in healing skin and bones
• Increase production of human growth hormone
• Aid in controlling blood sugar

Leucine Benefits

If you’re interested in using leucine as part of a post-workout recovery plan, there are a few benefits you should be aware of. Consider the following as you decide whether or not to buy leucine. 

One: Builds Muscle

Many bodybuilders and other athletes use leucine because it does help with gaining muscle. There have been some mixed results when it comes to studies on this benefit. 

However, one study suggested that when you pair leucine with other amino acids, it’s more effective in helping promote muscle growth. In addition, increasing the amount of protein in your diet can also help to get the most out of leucine. 

Proteins contain essential nutrients and amino acids that help muscle growth. 

Two: Prevent Muscle Loss

Muscle loss can occur as you age, along with many other changes. Some individuals can develop sarcopenia. 

This is the gradual deterioration of your skeletal muscles. Sarcopenia is an age-related process; however, there are risk factors that can make you more likely to struggle with it, such as lifestyle and genetics. 

As sarcopenia worsens, it can cause weakness and decreased stamina. This will often lead to a decrease in physical activity. 

One thing that leucine can do is help to prevent muscle loss due to aging. Studies done on leucine and muscle loss show that it’s the most effective when the person is taking in enough protein. 

Three: Improve Performance

We mentioned earlier that athletes and bodybuilders will often use leucine to help build muscle; however, this isn’t the only reason that they use leucine. Leucine also has the potential to help improve physical performance. 

One study looked at competitive canoeists. Over a six-week period, these individuals took leucine. 

The results of the study showed that the canoeists not only saw improvement in endurance but also in upper body power. 

Four: Helps With Fat Loss

Leucine not only helps with building muscle but can also help you shed the extra body fat you want to get rid of. There have been several studies on this as well. 

One study looked at rats who were supplemented with a low dose of leucine over six weeks. During the study, the rats who were given leucine lost more weight than the rats who did not. 

Five: Helps With Muscle Recovery 

Have you ever left the gym and a few hours later or the next day started experiencing muscle aches and cramps? When you work out and work your muscles harder than they’re used to it is believed that it can cause microscopic damage to the fibers of your muscles. 

This damage is what causes the post-workout soreness. 

Using leucine for muscle recovery has the potential to help your muscles recover. One study looked at cyclists and how supplementing with leucine helped. 

For these cyclists recovery was improved and they also experienced enhanced high-intensity endurance performance. 

Six: Stabilize Blood Sugar

Have you ever been encouraged to eat carbs after you exercise? Eating carbs after you exercise can help to stabilize your blood sugar and promote muscle glycogen recovery. 

Studies have looked at eating carbs and taking leucine after a workout and found that in combination, they can help to improve muscle recovery. 

Seven: Human Growth Hormone Production

Taking leucine might help to increase the production of human growth hormone or HGH. There are many benefits to HGH; however, over time our bodies naturally begin to reduce the amount of HGH our pituitary glands produce. 

There’s a lot of hype around HGH and the potential benefits it provides your body. However, most of the hype surrounds the fact that many people believe it might keep away signs of aging. 

But, HGH plays some other essential roles as well. One of the things it does is help to build, maintain, and repair tissue that’s healthy in your brain and organs. 

It can also help to speed up healing when you’re injured and with repairing your muscle tissue after you exercise. Other workout-related benefits include that it helps build muscle mass, increase exercise capacity, boost metabolism, and burn fat. 

Supplement Your Muscles Today

There are many reasons to use leucine as a part of your workout routine. If you’re looking for ways to boost your workout leucine benefits might provide the answer that you need. 

Patch MD wants to help you find the supplements you need to improve your life. We provide patches that help you get the vitamins, amino acids, and essential nutrients your body needs. Take the time to shop our online store today. 

Iron deficiency is common but can be hard to identify. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin. Without sufficient hemoglobin, your muscles and tissues don’t get enough oxygen.

This can lead to anemia. Although there are other causes of anemia, low iron is the most common cause. The symptoms of iron deficiency may come on quickly or develop slowly, and they can affect your quality of life.

If you think you may be iron deficient, talk to your doctor. Here are 9 warning signs of iron deficiency to watch for.

1. Extreme Tiredness

Tiredness is one of the most common symptoms of low iron. Even a mild dip in your iron levels can cause fatigue.

Iron deficiency can be hard to recognize. Fatigue is a common complaint. This is especially true if you’re busy with work, family, and other responsibilities.

If your body fails to make enough hemoglobin, your muscles and tissues become oxygen-deprived. Your heart has to work harder to move oxygen-rich blood throughout your body.

This can make you feel very tired, weak, or irritable. It’s hard to diagnose iron deficiency based on these symptoms alone.

2. Pale Skin

The hemoglobin in your blood cells gives your blood its red color. Low levels of iron can affect the color of your blood. Without enough iron, your skin may appear pale.

This may be evident on your face, but it can also affect your gums, lower eyelids, lips, and nails. Paleness is one of the symptoms doctors look for if they suspect iron deficiency.

Paleness is common in cases of moderate and severe anemia. If you suspect an iron deficiency, talk to your doctor. The only way to diagnose the problem is with a blood test.

3. Headaches and Dizziness

Low iron levels can lead to headaches. This symptom is more common in women. These headaches often occur with dizziness or lightheadedness.

Low levels of hemoglobin may result in less oxygen reaching the brain. As a result, the brain’s blood vessels can swell, resulting in pressure or headaches.

If you are experiencing frequent headaches without a known cause, talk to your doctor. Frequent headaches or dizziness may be related to low levels of iron in the body.

4. Shortness of Breath

Hemoglobin fuels your red blood cells and enables them to transport oxygen throughout your body. When your hemoglobin is low, oxygen levels are low as well.

When this occurs, your muscles don’t receive the oxygen they need to perform. This can affect your ability to perform daily activities, including walking.

As you try to push yourself to perform daily activities, your body needs oxygen to do its job. A lack of oxygen results in shortness of breath.

If you’re feeling short of breath performing daily tasks such as walking, working out, or climbing stairs, ask your doctor to check for iron deficiency.

5. Dry Skin and Hair

Dry skin and hair can be signs of iron deficiency. Low hemoglobin levels reduce the oxygen levels in the body. This deprives the cells that affect hair growth.

When your skin and hair are oxygen-deprived, they become dehydrated and weak. Some people with iron deficiency also experience hair loss.

Although it’s normal to lose some hair each day, excessive hair loss may be a symptom of low iron levels or anemia.

If your doctor discovers you are iron deficient, you may need to eat more iron-rich foods or take an iron supplement. There are many ways to increase your iron levels, including wearing a supplement patch.

6. Heart Palpitations

Noticeable heartbeats or heart palpitations can be a sign of anemia. If you have low levels of oxygen in your body, your heart has to work overtime to carry oxygen to your vital organs.

This can lead to heart palpitations and the feeling that your heart is pounding or beating too fast. Without medical intervention, this could lead to an enlarged heart or even heart failure.

Heart-related issues are less common than other symptoms of anemia. Heart palpitations are more common in individuals with long-term iron deficiency.

7. Swollen or Sore Tongue and Mouth

Changes to the mouth or tongue can be a sign of an iron deficit. If your tongue appears swollen, pale, inflamed, or oddly smooth, it could indicate a lack of iron in the bloodstream.

Other mouth symptoms include:

• A burning sensation in the mouth
• Dry mouth and lips
• Sores or cracks in the corners of the mouth
• Mouth ulcers

If you notice any change in your mouth or tongue, talk to your doctor.

8. Brittle Nails

Another less common symptom of anemia is brittle or fragile nails. A lack of oxygen-rich blood can also affect your fingernails.

Someone who’s iron deficient may notice their nails chipping and cracking easily. In severe cases, fingernails or toenails can take on a rounded appearance like a spoon.

This is a rare side effect of iron deficiency and is usually associated with severe cases of anemia.

9. Feeling Cold

If you find that you are cold all the time regardless of the temperature, it could be a symptom of anemia or iron deficiency. Your thyroid needs iron to function properly.

A lack of iron can wreak havoc on your thyroid and cause a variety of symptoms, including intolerance to cold. Eating an iron-rich diet or taking some form of iron supplementation can raise your iron levels and help regulate thyroid function.

The Signs of Iron Deficiency

If you think you may have an iron deficiency, talk to your doctor. The good news is there’s an easy blood test to detect it.

It’s important to understand why you’re iron deficient and identify the best ways to treat the condition. For many, an iron-rich diet, iron supplements, or iron patches are the perfect solution.

Before you go, be sure to take a look at our quality nutritional patches, created with your optimal health in mind.

With nearly 8% of adults using fish oil in 2012 alone, this was the #1 most popular supplement used in the US. Fish oil promises to have positive effects on depression, alleviate symptoms of arthritis, and to offer relief for a condition known as dry eye syndrome. 

Considering all these benefits and more, it’s no wonder. Yet, did you know not all fish oils are created equal? That’s right, there are small differences between EPA, DHA, and DPA fish oil. Differences that can add up to massive changes in how these supplements benefit your health. 

You take supplements to give your body everything it needs to function optimally. The last thing you want to hear is that you’re taking the wrong fish oil because of a few pesky acronyms. That’s why we’re bringing you this guide to help you understand the differences and similarities between EPA, DHA, and DPA fatty acids. 

Ready to discover why DHA is vital for growing kids while EPA positively affects your mood? Keep reading to find the answer to these questions and more. Plus, stick around to learn where you can pick up high-quality fish oil supplements!

EPA vs. DHA vs. DPA Fish Oil: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

EPA, DHA, and DPA are all Omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids. You may also hear them referred to as “Omega 3s” or by their own acronym, PUFAs. While your body requires PUFAs to function correctly, our bodies don’t make these fatty acids in abundance. Instead, we must ingest them from our food. That’s where Omega-3 supplements like fish oil come in. PUFAs have a variety of benefits for your body. The most well-researched of these is their effect on heart health. In studies looking at the effects of DHA and EPA on markers of heart health, the former had significant benefits for decreasing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.  Yet that’s not all. Let’s take an in-depth look at the differences and similarities between the three most well-researched PUFAs out there: DHA, EPA, and DPA.

EPA

EPA stands for eicosapentaenoic acid, and this PUFA is found in fish like tuna, halibut, and salmon. The FDA has approved EPA prescription medication for people with high levels of triglycerides (the main ingredient in body fat). Meanwhile, EPA supplements are used for a much broader range of complaints. For example, people report ingesting EPA for heart disease, especially after a heart attack. Depression and menopause symptoms are two other commonly cited reasons for taking EPA supplements. Perhaps most surprising are reports of EPA’s benefits for chemotherapy side effects, post-surgical recovery, memory, and cognition (thinking). 

DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid, or just DHA, is another PUFA found in fish oil supplements. This type of fatty acid also comes from shellfish and some types of algae. Considering that DHA is found in every single cell in your body, it’s arguably the most important Omega-3 to supplement. Potential benefits of using a DHA supplement include:

• Reducing inflammation
• Preventing neurodegeneration
• Boosting memory recall

DHA plays a role in everything from brain development to preventing signs of skin aging. That’s why DHA supplementation is as vital for your kids as it is for you. In fact, DHA’s role in development is the reason pregnant and nursing women are encouraged to take fish oil supplements. 

DPA

The most recent discovery in the study of fatty acids, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is changing the way scientists look at EPA and DHA. That’s because DPA is the intermediary between EPA and DHA. That means that as EPA is converted into DHA, it briefly becomes DPA. All that scientific jargon aside, we know what you’re really here to ask: what are the benefits of DPA fish oil? Since DPA was only discovered recently, there has been limited research on its benefits. What we do know, though, is pretty exciting. Studies have found that DPA assists in normal aging processes, especially in the brain. Further research shows DPA’s influence over inflammation, which has implications for helping with pain disorders and asthma symptoms. We need more research on this PUFA, but in the meantime, it could hurt to add DPA to your supplement regimen. 

Emerging Research on the Possible Shared Effect of These PUFAs

Today, scientists are looking at PUFA’s role in aging. More specifically, they’re studying the effects of DHA, DPA, and EPA on neurodegeneration. This is the process of your brain getting older, and is associated with disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia. One 2015 review gathered information from multiple studies on these three PUFAs. It found that while DHA was essential for healthy brain cell repair, EPA and DPA may help with the inflammation commonly found in brain diseases and disorders.  What does this mean for you? DHA is clearly more critical to your health than other PUFAs. Still, it’s likely even stronger alongside EPA and DPA than is it alone. 

The Bottom Line on Fish Oil Supplements

So, what’s the takeaway here? DHA supplements have the most proof supporting their benefits, so you should always choose a supplement with this Omega-3. Yet, that doesn’t mean you should forget about EPA and DPA fish oil. Choose a fish oil supplement with all three PUFAs when in doubt. That way, you can take advantage of the potential shared effects these Omega-3s could have in tandem. Now that you’re an expert at choosing fish oil supplements, are you ready to discover an easier way to take your supplement than ever? Check out PatchMD’s Omega-3 Plus Patches and let us change the way you think about taking your supplements!

You now the feeling around 3 p.m. when your brain can’t seem to function? When you stare blankly at your computer screen and can’t process your coworker’s sentences? Even when that feeling is all day, instead of just the later hours of the workday?

Your brain is the engine that drives your entire body, and if your brain is grinding gears, it might be time to consider whether it needs a little extra help.

Fortunately, you’re the kind of person who believes in taking a front-row seat for your own health. Which is why you’re here, researching whether brain supplements are the right fit for you. Here’s everything you need to know about giving your brain a leg up–and what vitamins and minerals are perfect for the job.

Understanding Your Brain

It’s astonishing to think that a spongy mass of about three pounds is more complex than any other structure in the known universe. We actually know more about outer space than we know about the human brain.

The human brain named itself, contemplates itself, and researches itself. It is the driver behind every action in your body, whether you’re aware of it or not. Brain scans have shown that your brain makes a decision ten full seconds before you become conscious of making that decision.

So when we talk about brain vitamins and brain supplements, you need to understand that this is not the same thing as putting gas in a car.

Think of it like adding a line of code to the most complex supercomputer in the universe. Except that supercomputer is both astonishingly durable and inexpressibly fragile. It is possible (if exceptionally difficult) to survive a gunshot to the head, yet you can suffer permanently disabling brain damage from a simple trip and fall.

How the Brain Works

At first blush, the brain seems to be made of humble stuff. In basic terms, your brain is a mass of supportive tissues and nerves connected to the spinal cord. It has three main parts:

1. Cerebrum

2. Cerebellum

3. Brain stem

The cerebrum controls thinking, reading, learning, speech, emotions, and planned muscle movements like walking, to name a few. It is split into the right and left hemisphere, each controlling the opposite side of the body.

The cerebellum, located in the back of the brain, controls balance, coordination, and fine muscle control while helping the body maintain posture and equilibrium.

The brain stem, at the bottom of the brain, connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls fundamental life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, and eye movements.

Because the brain is so important and so fragile, the body has a complex defense system to guard it. The skull and meninges (the lining of the brain) cushion and shield the brain, while the spinal column protects the spinal cord. There’s also the blood-brain barrier, a semipermeable gate protecting the brain from harmful substances while allowing oxygen and nutrients through.

Pillars of Brain Health

In short, the body goes to great lengths to ensure that its most vital control system is protected. The brain is the crown jewel of humanity, controlling everything that we do.

It should come as no surprise, then, that an engine so complex has an equally complex maintenance system. In basic terms, there are six key pillars of brain health:

1. Nutrition

2. Exercise

3. Medical health

4. Mental health

5. Sleep

6. Social interaction

Since your brain is involved in everything you do, every action you take and every minute of caretaking (or lack thereof) has an impact on how the brain performs in the short-term and over the course of your lifetime.

Take mental fitness, for example. Your brain is a use-it-or-lose-it system. When you form and maintain habits, the brain forms and strengthens neural pathways associated with those habits. This is how you get better at habits over time and how it becomes easier to maintain these habits.

Conversely, if you don’t maintain certain habits, your brain quickly loosens the neural pathways in favor of those you use more often, allowing the brain to stay efficient.

In short, the brain is always changing. It never stops working, not quieting down even when you sleep (though it does rely on sleep to function successfully).

What are Brain Supplements?

This brings us to the question of brain supplements.

Walk into any supplement store today and you’ll see an army of so-called “smart drugs,” or nootropics, promising to superpower your brain, usually cognition. Remember the movie Limitless, where Bradley Cooper took a pill and became a super genius? Nootropics promise real-life Limitless, though they stop short of promising Einstein-level brilliance.

More than 80 wildly different substances fall under this category, ranging from Adderall to coffee to psychedelics. The kicker is that given what they promise (improved cognition), they’re mostly ineffective.

What Brain Supplements Can and Can’t Do

First, let’s get clear on what supplements can and cannot do.

Most nootropics aren’t supplements at all, but stimulant drugs–short-acting chemicals that function like a highly concentrated dose of caffeine. They will wake you up and give you a boost (for a few hours, anyway).

As for cognition, well, not so fast.

The nootropics with the best scientific support include stimulants like Adderall and Modafinil in the USA. The kicker is that these are not actually nootropics. They’re prescription stimulants for ADHD and narcolepsy, respectively.

Those with ADHD do report that prescription ADHD stimulants like Adderall do help them think clearly. Not so for those without ADHD. That’s because ADHD actually results from underactivation of the brain, resulting in insufficient attention regulation. Adderall helps bolster brain activity closer to average, which is why it helps ADHD patients settle and focus.

If you don’t have ADHD, Adderall may give you some focusing and calming effects, but that’s mostly due to the placebo effect. You’re more likely to get nasty side effects ranging from loss of appetite to jitteriness to insomnia. A review of more than 40 studies found that prescription stimulants offer no cognitive improvement.

So, despite hefty promises, brain supplements cannot improve cognitive function.

Brain Vitamins vs. Stimulants

At this point, it’s important to distinguish between brain vitamins (which we’ll be discussing here) and stimulants, which are the common culprit in nootropic smart drugs.

Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are basically caffeine, but stronger and more targeted. On a broader scale, stimulants are a class of drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. Basically, they speed up messages between the brain and body and make the brain work a little faster (for a few hours, anyway).

If you’re concerned with your brain health, brain vitamins and supplements focused on improving your overall health are the better investment. These are like any other vitamin, providing essential nutrients that your body needs to function.

Given that the brain is an energy hog, consuming a huge volume of your body’s energy for its size, vitamins can be useful, especially if you have nutritional deficits. However, the best way to take care of your brain is to take care of your whole body, since the brain’s health is closely entangled with your full-body health.

The Best Brain Supplements

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the best brain supplements to try.

Keep in mind that a holistic approach is the best approach to brain health. Do things that you should be doing anyway–get eight hours of sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, spend time with people.

If you already check all of those boxes and want to give your health a bit more oomph, supplements can help make up for a few lacking areas. However, supplements cannot replace good nutrition, regular exercise, or other good health habits.

We’ll take a look at some good overall supplements, then some specific vitamins that can help with certain concerns. Remember, though, that most of the items on this list can benefit your health overall.

Best Supplements

Before we look at specific vitamins, let’s look at a few overall supplements. Some of these you’ve heard of before–your doctor may have even recommended you start them. Others are less common and less researched but do have anecdotal support.

Remember to do your research before beginning any supplement, and always check with your doctor to get recommendations and ensure you don’t have any potential complications. Ideally, you should talk to a specialized nutritionist to get a complete picture of what your diet is lacking.

Fish Oils

Fish oil supplements have long been sung as an excellent choice for your health. That’s because they’re rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two common types of omega-3 fatty acids.

These fatty acids are considered essential both because of their broad utilization in the body and because, unlike most fats, the human body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids from other fats and raw materials. Omega-3s have to be consumed in food.

As for your brain, there are several benefits to both omega-3s. DHA, for example, accounts for 25% of the brain’s total fat and 90% of the omega-3 fats found in the brain (keep in mind that the brain is 60% fat).

EPA is more commonly associated with anti-inflammatory effects than with brain function, though it can have a positive impact on the brain in certain cases. One study of supplements with 60% or more EPA showed benefits on mean depression scores, improving mood in depression patients.

That said, this may be attributed to EPA’s anti-inflammatory effects, as depression and chronic fatigue are associated with an increased inflammatory activation of the immune system in the peripheral and central nervous system. Furthermore, higher levels of baseline inflammation are a reliable predictor of lower treatment efficacy in most cases.

Curcumin

Curcumin is the compound that gives turmeric its bright orange color–and its many health benefits. It’s a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

It should come as little surprise, then, that it can have a positive impact on your brain. It’s actually believed to be one of the reasons why seniors in India, who consume curcumin almost every day, have a far lower prevalence of Alzeimher’s disease.

The best way to consume curcumin is the old fashioned way: in your food, with a dash of turmeric. The average Indian diet contains 2,000 to 2,500 mg of turmeric per day, which translates to 60 to 100 mg of curcumin.

Vitamins for Concentration and Alertness

Vitamin B3

The B vitamins are a critical family for the human body. Among them is vitamin B3, or niacin, which is necessary for humans to convert food into energy.

Every tissue in the body converts absorbed niacin into the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), its metabolically active form. More than 400 enzymes rely on NAD to catalyze reactions (more than any other vitamin-derived coenzyme).

Basically, without niacin, your body can’t perform the chemistry required to turn your food into energy.

The good news is that niacin is widely available in our food, from meat to plant products, though animal products have more bioavailable niacin than plants. That said, bioavailability is decreased in some grain products, as naturally available niacin is bound to polysaccharides and glycopeptides.

Niacin deficiency is possible, though given its high availability, it’s more common in cases where the body’s absorption ability is inhibited, such as gastrointestinal disorders or severe alcoholism.

Vitamin B6

Of all the B vitamins on this list, B6 is the one best-recognized for its implications in brain health.

Vitamin B6, like many B vitamins, is highly versatile. It involves more than 100 enzyme reactions throughout the body. Typically, these are related to protein metabolism. However, B6 has also been shown to play a role in the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain.

The riches B6 sources include:

• Chickpeas

• Beef liver and other organ meats

• Yellowfin tuna

• Potatoes and other starchy vegetables

• Salmon

• Banana

We offer vitamin B6 as part of a wide range of our patches, including our Focus Plus Topical Patch.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse vitamin for the human body.

On a chemical level, it’s a cofactor for methionine synthase, which catalyzes the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, and methionine in turn is required for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, a universal methyl donor for over 100 different substrates.

In plain English, it’s a building block that makes it possible for your body to synthesize DNA, RNA, hormones, proteins, and lipids (a.k.a. fats, which make up more than half of the brain).

That said, most people don’t actually have a vitamin B12 deficiency, except in highly specific circumstances.

For as important as B12 is to the human body, humans don’t need that much of it per day–men and women over the age of fourteen only need 2.4 mcg per day. Most people get far more than that in their diet.

The good news is that the human body is exceptionally good at storing B12, and our absorption and reabsorption rates are only about 0.1% on average (higher for those with pernicious anemia or atrophic gastritis). Even with an unusually high turnover rate, your body can still store several years worth of B12 at any given time.

There are only a few exceptions to this rule, which is related to our B12 sources. B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, which means that vegans and vegetarians who don’t eat dairy are among the few at risk of B12 deficiency. Those with gastrointestinal disorders who have trouble absorbing B12 are also among the few at risk of deficiency.

Vitamin C

If you’re looking to give your brain a boost, reach for something bright to get a dose of vitamin C.

Vitamin C indirectly boosts your brain in two ways: its powerful antioxidant properties and its ability to improve iron absorption. This gives your brain better access to essential building blocks while also helping protect it against ongoing oxidative damage.

Think of it like metal bike handles slowly getting rusty over time. You can use them for a while, but the bike doesn’t work as well as it should, and eventually the handles wear out beyond the point of no return. That’s oxidative damage in action, and vitamin C helps protect your brain against it.

Plus, iron absorption is critical for those eating a meat-free diet, as most of our dietary iron comes from animal products (and vitamin C is available primarily in plants).

Vitamin C is also one of those vitamins that the human body cannot produce on its own. It has to be acquired through food. The best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits–oranges, grapefruit, etc. But you can also get a strong dose of vitamin C from red peppers–just half a cup has 95% of your daily value of vitamin C.

You can also find lower amounts of vitamin C in:

• Strawberries

• Brussels sprouts

• Kiwi

• Broccoli

• Green pepper

• Cantaloupe

• Tomato juice

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

If you’re not a huge citrus fan, no worries. Our C Plus Topical Patch makes it easy to get the vitamin C you need quickly and effectively, even if you’re on the go. Who says early morning meetings have to result in brain fog?

Zinc

Zinc is what doctors call an essential trace element–the human body needs small amounts of zinc on a regular basis to function successfully. Unfortunately, unlike B12, humans don’t store zinc, so we have to eat it in our food.

Zinc is predominantly involved in cellular metabolism, allowing your body to catalyze more than 100 enzymes and process energy effectively.

It’s commonly found in:

• Oysters

• Beef

• Crab

• Pork

• Chicken

• Baked beans

• Pumpkin seeds

By far the best source of zinc is oysters, with six medium oysters containing 32 mg or 291% your daily value of zinc.

If you’re not a shellfish fan or if you’re not a meat eater, we’ve got several patches with zinc as a key ingredient. For a good all-around option, check out our Multi Plus Patch for your daily dose of zinc.

Iron

Iron is one of the body’s essential building blocks. You’ll notice it quickly if you’re deficient in iron, and the effects are decidedly unpleasant.

That’s because iron is an essential component in hemoglobin, a protein that transfers oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Without iron, your body can bring in oxygen, but your tissues can’t use it.

In other words, your brain can’t breathe.

Insufficient iron, either through iron deficiency anemia or other causes, means that your body doesn’t have enough oxygen to go around and has to conserve resources to keep you more or less functional. The problem is that the brain doesn’t deal with lack of oxygen very well, and you’ll quickly start to feel tired, weak, and dizzy.

The good news is that iron is widely available in our food. Common sources of iron include:

• Oysters

• Beef liver

• White beans

• Lentils

• Tofu

• Chickpeas

• Sardines

• Kidney beans

If you’re worried about your iron intake, we’ve got your back. Our Iron Plus Topical Patch is an easy way to ensure that your brain has enough iron to go around, no matter where you are.

Taking Charge of Your Brain Health

Your brain is the most important organ in the whole body. Why wouldn’t you take the time to take care of it with brain supplements?

If you’re ready to take charge of your brain and treat it with the same care it treats you, we’re here to help you get what you want from your health. Click here to learn more about how our patches work.

Choosing between supplements for autism can be a confusing task but our Focus Plus Topical Patch makes things simple. We partnered with renowned clinician, Barry Smeltzer, to develop an easy-to-use patch that contains all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your child needs. In this article and the accompanying video, we discuss some of the most useful supplements for autism, challenges around compliance, and how topical patches can help.

Do People on the Spectrum Need Supplements?

There are several reasons why children on the spectrum may benefit from taking nutritional supplements. Some are restrictive in what they will eat, preferring certain textures or colors over others. This can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies since they aren’t eating a wide variety of different food types.

It has also been suggested that people with autism may not absorb or metabolize nutrients in the usual way. This could mean that even if they are consuming the nutrients they need, their body isn’t actually able to utilize them effectively. Signals that children may not be absorbing enough nutrients include chronic constipation, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal inflammation.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for the brain to function at its best. They have a particular impact on nerve cells or neurons and how they influence behavior and thought processes. The body can’t manufacture these types of nutrient itself so is completely reliant on food sources.

Research indicates that omega 3 deficiency is associated with impulsivity, aggression, schizophrenia, ADHD, and may also be linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder. There have been some very small-scale studies involving less than 20 children that tried omega 3 supplements for autism. These found that hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors decreased in the children who took the supplements. They also found that concentration, cognitive and motor skills, sociability, eye contact, and sleep were improved, however, further research is still needed with larger groups of participants.

The type of fish oil found in sardines and mackerel, along with walnuts, flax, and chia seeds are all good sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Because the body can’t produce them itself, it is important to supplement if your children aren’t eating these types of foods.

B Vitamins

B vitamins perform a wide range of different functions in the body. They act as ‘coenzymes’ in lots of different reactions, many of which are involved in the metabolism of food nutrients. For the body to break down carbohydrates, fats, and different types of amino acid, it needs a plentiful supply of B vitamins to aid the process.

This vitamin family includes niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, biotin, and folic acid among others. Vitamin B6, in particular, has been highlighted as one of the potentially beneficial supplements for autism. As early as the 1960s, researchers noticed a link between B6 levels and autism. Over the years numerous scientific studies have found an association and combined high doses with magnesium.

Vitamin B12 is another nutrient that the body can’t manufacture. Meat and fish are the main sources for most people, so if your child doesn’t eat these foods then supplementing is a good idea. It’s also something that many vegans and vegetarians take since it’s difficult to consume enough from purely plant-based sources.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties, but it is also a highly effective antioxidant. A number of scientific studies have shown that children on the spectrum suffer from an increased amount of oxidative stress. This may be one way in which vitamin C can be one of the most effective supplements for autism.

Free radicals have a spare electron which means they try to bind with anything and everything. This makes them highly unstable so they cause damage to surrounding cells. The only way to stabilize them is to find something for the spare electron to bind with and vitamin C provides just that. Free radicals have been implicated in numerous cancers, but they are also associated with neurological conditions. For children diagnosed with autism, it may provide additional support at a cellular level.

L-theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea. It is known to have positive effects on the brain and is linked to improved metabolism as well.

According to reports, individuals who regularly consume theanine tend to report fewer mood swings as it suppresses glucocorticoids, a hormone linked to depression. 

It is said to be beneficial for children with autism as it prevents damage to the brain by stopping glutamates from damaging neurons. It competes with them and binds to the same receptors as glutamates. 

Autistic individuals tend to have high levels of glutamates, an important neurotransmitter that helps the brain communicate with the rest of the body. However, high levels of glutamate can be bad for the brain. 

It puts too much pressure on the brain and kills brain cells. L-theanine supplements for autism prevents this from happening while also improving the ability to learn.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane is a medicinal and edible mushroom known to provide several health benefits.

It’s said to have anti-anxiety, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, and anti-tumor properties that make it suitable to treat serious conditions including Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, and autism.

According to reports, it can improve muscle coordination, personality development, stability, and creative expression. 

It is commonly found in the US and grows in the wild. You can also order lion’s mane supplements for autism. It’s said to decrease the demand for repeated behaviors, however, it must be taken carefully as consuming more than the suggested amount can result in health issues. The suggested limit is 1,000mg per day to be consumed with meals.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine, also often written as PS, is a type of fat found in cell membranes, especially the cells in the brain. It’s considered one of the most important supplements for autism as it reduces stress hormone and improves cognitive function. Individuals who regularly take PS show improvements in mood, cognitive function, and memory.

It plays an important role in keeping the membranes found in the brain cells fluid and healthy. It’s also known to support nerve growth factor, a neuropeptide that’s very important for the growth, maintenance, and development of the brain.

PS can be a great supplement for children with autism as it removes worn out cells and eases the brain.

Phosphatidylserine also acts as a signaling molecule and ensures the brain can communicate with the rest of the body and respond to neurotransmitters and hormones.

Challenges Around Supplements for Autism

When it comes to taking supplements for autism, compliance is a big challenge. Many children do not like to take oral tablets, either because they taste bad, are difficult to swallow, or cause stomach pain. For some children, taking capsules can create sensations like nausea that they don’t understand.

For parents of children with autism, it can be difficult to know which supplements they need. There are so many conflicting reports of different nutrients and how they can be beneficial for autism. Sadly, there are many websites that promise miracle cures and prey on the hopes of families.

If you do choose to purchase supplements for autism, then it can be overwhelming to have so many different pill bottles and packets for your child to consume. Getting them to take one tablet can be challenging, but five or six may be almost impossible. This is one reason that multivitamins are a popular choice among parents. To address these challenges, we developed the Focus Plus Topical Patch.

Patch Supplements for Autism

The Focus Plus Topical Patch was developed in partnership with Barry Smeltzer, a doctor who wanted to find a better way of providing nutritional support to children with autism. Vitamin patches allow you to bypass the major issues related to compliance since they are tolerated much better than tablets. They also remove the worry of giving your child excessive amounts of vitamin pills.

The Focus Plus Topical Patch combines several nutrients into one patch so they no longer need to take multiple tablets each day. It contains vitamin A, C, and D, along with B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. Simply attach it directly to the skin and allow the nutrients to be absorbed over the following 8 hours. This not only provides an initial nutrient boost but delivers a sustained release over time which allows the body to fully metabolize the contents at its own pace. They’re also gluten-free and certified suitable for numerous types of allergy and intolerance.

Focus Plus Topical Patch

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