Brain function tends to decline with age. The good news is that exercise is found to boost brain health, especially for aging men. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology revealed that older men who exercise regularly saw better improvements in their cognitive function or executive function than older women. Executive function refers to a person’s ability … Continue reading Physical fitness equals brain fitness for older men, according to study
Put some purple on your plate: Why you should eat more of these powerhouse veggies
You’ve probably heard that we should “eat a rainbow” if we want to be healthy, with the brightest-colored natural, whole foods often containing the most nutrients. When you put this advice in action, however, your plate probably leans more toward the red, orange, yellow and green parts of the spectrum given the number of foods … Continue reading Put some purple on your plate: Why you should eat more of these powerhouse veggies
Beat depression by eating more fiber, vegetables
It’s pretty clear how your diet can impact your heart health and your weight, but did you know that it can be just as influential when it comes to mental health? While there are lots of interesting connections between food and mental health, one of the most useful in the wake of climbing depression rates … Continue reading Beat depression by eating more fiber, vegetables
Epigenetic Tags on Serotonin Transporter Gene Linked to Stress
METHYLATION OF SEROTONIN TRANSPORTER GENE IN SALIVA, BRAIN AND BLOOD DNA ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASES IN AMYGDALA ACTIVITY A new study offers an epigenetic explanation as to why some people are more reactive to stress or more vulnerable to disorders related to stress. A team of researchers at Duke University have found that methylation of a gene linked … Continue reading Epigenetic Tags on Serotonin Transporter Gene Linked to Stress
Ashwagandha: Discover the health benefits of this popular ancient adaptogen
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a class of medicinal herbs prescribed to alleviate stress and fatigue. Also called Indian ginseng, it has recently gained immense popularity as a health supplement that helps people deal with chronic stress. Adaptogens restore and promote balance. These nonspecific herbal remedies respond to the body’s needs. If the user feels nervous, adaptogens will exert a … Continue reading Ashwagandha: Discover the health benefits of this popular ancient adaptogen
The potential neuroprotective properties of salidroside from Rhodiola rosea
Researchers from China investigated the potential neuroprotective properties of salidroside, a chemical compound found in the plant Rhodiola rosea. Their findings were published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. Microglial activation leads to increased production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which is considered to be a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Only a few drugs target microglial … Continue reading The potential neuroprotective properties of salidroside from Rhodiola rosea
Maintaining brain health: Keep your brain young with these supplements and lifestyle habits
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that impairs memory and other important cognitive functions. Today, it affects about 5.3 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. The number is alarming and continues to increase each year. Before it’s too late, take extra steps on keeping your brain young and … Continue reading Maintaining brain health: Keep your brain young with these supplements and lifestyle habits
Understanding how B vitamins help improve brain, heart health
The risks of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline increase with age, but that doesn’t mean that these problems can’t be prevented. Older people can avoid suffering from these conditions by adhering to a healthy diet and taking supplements that contain B vitamins. An article published on the website NaturalHealth365.com discussed how B vitamins, such as vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamin B12 … Continue reading Understanding how B vitamins help improve brain, heart health
Gut microbiota linked to mood and mental health
In this review, researchers from York University in Canada systematically evaluated current literature on the impact of probiotic supplementation on anxiety and depression symptoms in humans. They used multiple databases to search for relevant trials and evaluate them. Their results were published in the journal Nutrition Research. Gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota – microbial communities that live in the gastrointestinal … Continue reading Gut microbiota linked to mood and mental health
Making your own hemp milk is easy and the health benefits beat store-bought cow’s milk
Growing up, children are bombarded by dairy advertisements and the constant message that cow’s milk will make them grow “big and strong.” Subsidized and popularized, cow’s milk is affordable and convenient, served up in cartons with every school lunch and splashed in cereal bowls morning after morning. What if, after all these years of dairy … Continue reading Making your own hemp milk is easy and the health benefits beat store-bought cow’s milk
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 