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

Forgotten dreams: REM sleep helps prevent information overload, explain scientists

Dreams are quickly forgotten the moment people wake up. This is likely due to a group of neurons that gets activated during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep – the phase of mammalian slumber when most dreams are made. A recent study published in the journal Science examined the neurons that produce appetite and sleep hormones in mice. Japanese and American … Continue reading Forgotten dreams: REM sleep helps prevent information overload, explain scientists

Feeling tired after enjoying a cup of coffee? You should probably limit your caffeine intake, advise researchers

A lot of people rely on coffee to keep them awake and improve their focus. That’s because coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that’s also found in tea and cacao plants. But if you’re a frequent coffee drinker and notice you’re feeling more tired, you might need to lay off coffee – experts say that caffeine can … Continue reading Feeling tired after enjoying a cup of coffee? You should probably limit your caffeine intake, advise researchers

Lower heart attack and stroke risk by increasing your intake of this essential vitamin

Heart disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide. It puts a person at risk of heart attack and stroke, which can leave survivors disabled for the rest of their lives. There are drugs used to treat heart disease, such as statins. But these medications often come with side effects and are found ineffective … Continue reading Lower heart attack and stroke risk by increasing your intake of this essential vitamin

Cannabidiol (CBD) found to alleviate seizures in those with neurodevelopmental conditions: Study

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 113 organic compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant, commonly known as hemp. Previous studies on CBD have focused on its medicinal uses for pain relief, epileptic seizures, insomnia and Parkinson’s disease. But a recent study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) found that CBD could also benefit children and adults suffering from Angelman syndrome … Continue reading Cannabidiol (CBD) found to alleviate seizures in those with neurodevelopmental conditions: Study

Medicinal plants: 15 Must-have herbs in your survival garden

When SHTF, medicinal plants and herbs on hand become indispensable. But instead of foraging for them in the wild when disaster strikes, it’s better to grow them in an outdoor or indoor garden for a more sufficient and stable source of herbal remedies. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com) Potent medicinal herbs to have in your survival garden Here … Continue reading Medicinal plants: 15 Must-have herbs in your survival garden

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

Chemicals in organophosphate pesticides cause brain damage: Study

Prenatal exposure to organophosphate pesticides, a kind of pesticide considered toxic to humans, has been linked to impaired cognition and significant changes in the brain. In a major breakthrough, scientists from the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) and Stanford University found that teenagers exposed in utero to organophosphate pesticides demonstrated altered brain activities during tasks that required executive control. Sagiv and her … Continue reading Chemicals in organophosphate pesticides cause brain damage: Study

Small but healthful: Here are 8 berries that boast a fantastic nutritional profile

Berries boast a formidable reputation in the realm of health foods. Chock-full of antioxidants, berries can keep mental faculties sharp in later life and protect against the toughest chronic diseases, including cancer. Potent organic compounds and immune-boosting plant pigments in berries can also confer a long list of health benefits, including better blood pressure control, … Continue reading Small but healthful: Here are 8 berries that boast a fantastic nutritional profile

Study: Over-the-counter drugs can increase your risk of developing dementia

Anticholinergic drugs are prescribed by doctors to treat a variety of conditions. These range from inflammatory lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine, which serves as the chief neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system. This part … Continue reading Study: Over-the-counter drugs can increase your risk of developing dementia