The term “brain nutrition” refers to consuming foods and supplements that improve your focus and cognitive ability. There is considerable interest in this topic in the field of functional medicine, especially with the increasing prevalence of autism in the United States. In the context of strength development, proper application of brain nutrition can help you get more out of your workouts.
The quintessential supplement for improving brain function is omega-3s. I especially like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) fish oil because the fatty acids in it increase blood flow to the brain and also enhance neurotransmitter function, so your brain is able to make connections better. Poor concentration and memory are indicators of DHA deficiency.
DHA is more important than the essential fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which can be found in plants, but you do need both. What is critical is having the right balance. The typical Western diet has a highly skewed ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids of between 15-1 and 50-1! You want a more equal ratio.
—Charles Poliquin
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