Education
These 5 Foods Will Get You Up To Speed.
Do you feel worn out? Are you forgetting stuff that you usually remember? Do you get worked up more easily than usual or find yourself getting sad over little things? If so, it’s possible that you’re not getting enough Vitamin B-12. You might have noticed that B-12 shots are all the rage right now (They’re even giving them in the mall!). There’s a good reason for that. B Vitamins are often called the ‘energy vitamins’ because they work like keys to unlock your body’s energy reserve. Let’s look at what Vitamin B-12 specifically can do for you and why you need it.
If you’ve been following health trends lately, you’ve no doubt heard people extol the wonder-working powers of turmeric in recent years. Well, in fact turmeric is an amazing spice in terms of what it can do for your body. It is not only a highly potent anti-inflammatory (as strong as pharmaceuticals according to some studies); it can also have major benefits for your brain. One of the main ingredients in turmeric (curcumin) may help increase blood flow to the brain and help protect against cognitive changes due to aging.
In a world of health fads and crazes, it’s easy to feel like science is changing every day. Some things that were healthy to our parents’ generation might now be considered dangerous and ill-advised. But in reality, most building blocks of good health never really change. It may not be revolutionary or sensational, but one of the best things you can do for yourself is take a multivitamin. Multivitamins provide a basic foundation of minerals and nutrients, and taking them can have a number of positive health benefits.
The more health-conscious you are, the more challenging it can be around the holidays. If you’re someone who’s used to having a strict routine, then the end of December can be physically and even emotionally stressful. One of the biggest obstacles to overcome is the challenge of eating healthy while traveling. However, if that describes you, then you are in luck. There are many practical, simple steps you can take to maintain (or at least mostly maintain) your diet while heading into the Christmas season.
If you’re in the thick of cold and flu season, and you’re nervous about getting sick, you’re not alone. December to February is peak flu season according to Web MD, and somewhere around 5-20% of us will catch the dreaded flu this year. Although 80% are in the clear, hardly anyone will avoid catching a cold: on average Americans catch 2-4 colds per year, and children typically contract anywhere from 6-10 colds per year. If you find yourself dreading all of this airborne illness, then fear not. There are things you can proactively do to greatly increase the likelihood of escaping winter with your health intact. Here is a round-up of 6 tactics to strengthen your immune system this winter.
It seems these days that we see the word 'antioxidant' everywhere, especially when it comes to food advertising. More and more brands are labelling their products 'antioxidant-rich,' as though that were universally understood. The funny thing is that unless we have a background in medicine or nutrition, we may only vaguely understand that antioxidants are a good thing. So the question remains: what's behind the antioxidant hype? As it turns out, antioxidants really are a big deal, and having enough of them can be critical for our health. The reason for this is because antioxidants protect us from a chemical process that is at the root of many health issues. On the flip side, getting enough antioxidants can help us stay looking good and feeling good. Today we take a close look at antioxidants--what they are, why they matter, and some practical ways that you can get enough of them in your diet.
Does your head feel foggy? Do you wake up inexplicably tired? Do you struggle with mood imbalance for seemingly no real reason? The root cause may be in a place you'd never think to look: the gut. You might be thinking, "Isn't all of this a brain issue?" It certainly is, but scientists are becoming more and more convinced that there is an incredibly complex connection between your gut and your brain. In other words, if something is off with your gut health, it can actually affect how well your brain functions.
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.
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:
