Regular exercise is essential for good health. Too much exercise, however, can tire out the brain and cause mental fatigue associated with impulsive behavior and poor decision-making, according to new research. Published in the journal Current Biology, the findings showed that exercise overload led to the diminished activation of the lateral prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that is critical for … Continue reading Don’t overdo it: Extreme physical exertion linked to impaired decision-making
Boost brain health with taurine, an amino acid with antidepressant properties
Taurine is an ingredient found in sports supplements and performance-enhancing products. But outside of its reputation as a means to boost athletic performance, taurine is also hailed for its role in supporting brain health and development beginning from conception. In fact, taurine is one of the most essential and abundant amino acids in the brain, so … Continue reading Boost brain health with taurine, an amino acid with antidepressant properties
Headstand yoga DOES NOT increase blood flow to the brain, study finds
Researchers from Russia and the U.S. investigated the effects of Sirshasana (headstand) on the flow of blood to the brain. Their findings were published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Most yoga practitioners believe that Sirshasana can increase blood flow to the brain, but this is not consistent with autoregulation of cerebral blood flow.To … Continue reading Headstand yoga DOES NOT increase blood flow to the brain, study finds
The “root” of your problems: How valerian root can help with anxiety and sleep
There’s a good reason why valerian root is often called “nature’s Valium” — Research shows that valerian root can reduce anxiety and help a person sleep better. Valerian root is an herb that comes from the root of the flowering plant Valerian, belonging to the Valerianaceae family and native to Europe and Asia. While the flowers have a nice scent, the root has a … Continue reading The “root” of your problems: How valerian root can help with anxiety and sleep
This neuron-killing protein travels from the gut to the brain by hijacking a nerve
A recent study published in the journal Neuron found that alpha-synuclein (a-syn), a protein genetically linked to Parkinson’s disease, spreads from the gut to the brain through the vagus nerve. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore tested a previously proposed hypothesis suggesting that the gut-brain axis is involved in the progression of Parkinson’s — a neurodegenerative disorder that … Continue reading This neuron-killing protein travels from the gut to the brain by hijacking a nerve
7 Health benefits of PQQ, a natural brain-boosting supplement
Pandemics may come and go, but neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s, unfortunately, remain a common occurrence among the older population. However, despite these conditions affecting millions of people worldwide, they are not an inevitable part of aging. Numerous natural brain-boosting agents can help improve brain health, one of which is PQQ. The role of PQQ … Continue reading 7 Health benefits of PQQ, a natural brain-boosting supplement
Chinese herbal medicines that can improve memory and cognition
Older adults often suffer from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It is defined as the stage between cognitive decline that comes naturally with aging and the more serious decline in brain performance (dementia). MCI affects many aspects of cognition, such as memory, language, judgment and thinking. Although researchers have yet to pinpoint a single cause of MCI, they are … Continue reading Chinese herbal medicines that can improve memory and cognition
Middle aged women can experience cognitive decline as a side effect of stressful life experiences
Middle-aged women who experience stressful life experiences are more likely to develop dementia later in life, suggests a recent study from Johns Hopkins University. In their report, which was published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, the team noted that the findings were specific to women who experience chronic stress. This could also explain the disproportionate rates of … Continue reading Middle aged women can experience cognitive decline as a side effect of stressful life experiences
Coronavirus after-effects could include strokes, seizures and persistent confusion, according to new research
There is so much we don’t yet know about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), and a lot we’ve already learned. But because the virus has not been around for very long, despite the fact that the Chinese Communist government hid the outbreak for weeks and probably months, we know almost nothing about COVID’s long-term effects on those who … Continue reading Coronavirus after-effects could include strokes, seizures and persistent confusion, according to new research
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 