Metagenics & PhytoMulti®
In a stroke of genius, Metagenics decided to produce a supplement that combines phytonutrients and multivitamins: PhytoMulti®, a really well formulated product. It contains a marvellous spread of diverse phytonutrients. Diversity is key to deriving the health benefits of these substances. You can purchase PhytoMulti® here.
The purpose of this page is to provide you with information about the benefits of phytonutrients. At some point, we’ll do a similar page that focuses on multivitamins.
The Benefits of Phytonutrients for Brain Health and Recovery
Phytonutrients are natural compounds that come from plants. While they are not essential for human survival like vitamins or minerals, they provide significant health benefits. In humans, they support health by reducing inflammation, combating oxidative stress, and promoting cellular repair.
Phytonutrients are powerful allies in promoting brain health and supporting recovery after brain injury or stroke. Additionally, people living with mood disorders benefit from them. In fact, they are multitalented actors on the nutritional stage and have a plethora of health benefits.
Phytonutrients comprise a family many different chemicals. Amazingly, there are over 25,000 different types of phytonutrients. They come in various categories, each with unique health benefits:
- Anthocyanins
- Caffeine
- Carotenoids
- Flavonoids
- Indoles
- Glucosinolates
- Organosulfur compounds
- Phenolic acids
- Phytoestrogens
- Phytosterols
- Polyphenols
- Saponins
- Tannins
Furthermore, these bioactive substances deliver remarkable benefits for the body and mind. Consequently, at Ormond Neuroscience, we recognize the importance of these plant-based nutrients in optimizing brain function and aiding recovery. So, what do they do for you?
Boost Neuroprotection Naturally with Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients provide robust antioxidant properties that protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, this natural defence helps mitigate damage from free radicals, often a problem in stroke or traumatic brain injury. Additionally, by reducing inflammation, they support the repair of neural pathways and encourage neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt.
Enhance Cognitive Performance
Compounds like flavonoids help to improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. They come from berries, dark chocolate, and green tea. Additionally, these substances stimulate blood flow to the brain, ensuring that your neurons receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to perform optimally.
Support Vagal Nerve Function
Phytonutrients also play a role in regulating the autonomic nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve. Interestingly, turmeric (curcumin) and leafy greens, promote a healthy inflammatory response and help balance stress levels, enhancing vagal tone. Of course, optimal vagal nerve function is critical for recovery and emotional regulation.
Phytonutrients and Gut-Brian Health
Closely related to the vagal nerve, phytonutrients have a positive influence on the microbiome in your gut. Intake of these nutrients improves the composition of gut microbiota. They help to normalise the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio. This refers to the relative abundance of two major bacterial phyla, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, in the gut microbiome. Consequently, the F/B ratio is a marker of gut health. Higher ratios are associated with obesity and metabolic disorders.
Promote Long-Term Brain Health
Diets rich in phytonutrients reduce risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Of course, by using a supplement like PhytoMulti®, you provide your brain with a diverse range of nutrients that keep it resilient and healthy.
Further Reading
We want you to know that there is very good hard science behind the information on this page. Importantly, phytonutrients are not whoo-whoo nonsense but rather part of mainstream science and medicine. Thus, you might wish to read some in depth journal articles on the topic. To that end, please have a look at this great review paper. Additionally, you could read this paper which reviews the relationship between phytonutrients and the gut-brain axis.
