Education
If you deal with frequent migraines or headaches, then you know that finding relief isn’t always a simple fix. While over-the-counter products like aspirin can help relieve pain in some cases, they don’t always work and taking them too often can create problems in and of itself.
Many people know that probiotics are good, but few actually know what they are and why we need them. Today, we'll take a quick look at probiotics, the sources where you can get them, and some of the most common signs that you need a probiotic.
If you’re struggling with cognitive issues, your first instinct is probably not to think about your gut health. However, as more scientific research unfolds, experts are finding that your digestion could play a major role in determining how well your brain functions.
Scientists refer to this as the “gut-brain” connection, or “gut-brain axis.” While this a cutting-edge area of study, the research coming forward shows a connection between the two that is more complex and amazing than we ever realized. In this brief article, we’ll look at how the two are connected and what you can do to maintain your gut health for optimal brain function.
If you’re a newbie to the subject of probiotics, you may be wondering where to start. Visiting the probiotic section of a health food store can be a daunting task, and you will likely find an entire wall (and cooler) full of different options. Often we hear about probiotics as though it were one type of bacteria. In reality, there are myriads of bacterial strains, and telling them apart can be a challenge. What’s more, some types of probiotic strains can be more or less beneficial for certain people.
People of every age experience digestive issues from time to time, but as we get older, annoyances like constipation, diarrhea and gas can become increasingly common. Aspects of our physical health change naturally with age, but poor diet, reduced digestive enzymes, and unbalanced gastrointestinal flora can wreak havoc on both our digestive and immune systems. Because of this, the rest of the body (including the brain) not only miss out on vital nutrients but also absorbs toxins that can adversely affect many different areas of the body.
I think we would all agree that it has been a challenging and crazy year. What better time than now to reevaluate our schedule and to start working on healthier habits.
Many of us need a total transformation, but too many drastic lifestyle changes at once usually isn’t the recipe for long term success. Start small: pick one tiny health habit at a time, until it’s a natural part of your routine.
Haven’t made your New Year's resolutions yet? It’s not too late! Your resolutions don’t have to be about just hitting the gym or losing weight, they can also focus on your brain health and overall wellness. The beginning of the year is a terrific time to reflect on what you want to accomplish and improve over the next 12 months. Here are a few brain-healthy recommendations that will serve you well all year:
If you’ve been struggling with sleep lately, there might be a simple, free solution that’s as old as the hills: gratitude. Several studies have revealed that writing in a gratitude journal before bed may help improve sleep quality and duration. In a trial conducted by the University of Manchester (UK), participants who kept a gratitude journal slept on average 30 minutes more. They also reported feeling more refreshed upon waking, and were more alert during the day.
You’ve probably heard serotonin talked about in the news or in commercials, especially when it comes to mood and pharmaceuticals. But what is serotonin? To put it simply, serotonin is a chemical produced inside your body. It’s classified as a neurotransmitter, which means it sends signals back and forth between different nerve cells.
As a rule, we as Americans greatly undervalue sleep. According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, “Sleep is the most under-appreciated health crisis in America.” Dr. Oz helped gather information from a whopping 20,000 Americans to survey the current state of Americans’ sleep health. His findings suggest that sleep is vastly neglected by a number of US citizens: 79% of Americans get less than the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Everyone knows that exercise makes us look good and feel good. In fact, Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition at Harvard once said, “The single thing that comes close to a magic bullet in terms of its strong and universal benefits, is exercise (source.)” That’s a pretty strong endorsement, and most would agree. But what a lot of us don’t realize is the massive effect that exercise can have on our brain.
Have you ever wondered where the world’s healthiest people live? Have you ever thought that maybe somewhere people are living longer and healthier than the rest of us? If so, you’re not alone. Certain regions—called ‘Blue Zones’—have caught the attention of many researchers over the past century.
