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8 Ways to Boost Your Probiotic Health with These Foods
“Bacteria in your food” typically gets a pretty bad rap since most of the time we’re thinking about the bad ones, like E. coli, listeria, or salmonella. The bacteria in probiotic foods, however, are actually good for you – these are the “good bugs” that you want in your gut. You probably realize how critical it is to include probiotics in your healthy life plan. But, you are likely not getting enough in your diet. So where do you find them? Add some of these healthy foods to your diet to get a probiotic boost! 8 Probiotic-Rich Foods to Add to Your Diet 1. Kimchi Spicy and sour, this traditional Korean side dish is mixture of fermented vegetables and seasonings. Since it is primarily made of cabbage, brine, radish and spices such as ginger and chili pepper, kimchi is a great low-calorie source of fiber as well as providing beneficial bacteria. Try adding this unique ingredient to sandwiches, stir-fries or soup, but be sure to add it last to avoid cooking off the good bacteria. 2. Fresh Sauerkraut Found in the refrigerated section of the supermarket, fresh sauerkraut is shredded cabbage that has been fermented, which fosters the growth of probiotics. Be sure to choose the unpasteurized kind, because pasteurization (used to treat most supermarket sauerkraut) kills active, good bacteria. 3. Sour Pickles Salty pickle spears also deliver a punch of probiotics. However, when looking to pickles for probiotics, choose naturally fermented kinds, where vinegar wasn't used in the pickling process. A sea salt and water solution feeds the growth of good bacteria. A good rule of thumb: if they’re sold out on the shelf at room temperature, they definitely do not contain healthy bacteria. Look for a container labeled “live and active cultures” and sold in the refrigerator section. 4. Miso This traditional Japanese seasoning is made by fermenting cooked soybeans with barley or rice, salt, and koji (a starter culture) to form a red, white, or dark colored paste. To get the maximum benefit from the live cultures, buy unpasteurized miso paste in the refrigerated section of your grocery store and add to soups or stews just before removing from heat. Miso can also be used in place of salt in your favorite recipes, as well as in dips, marinades, and salad dressings. 5. Tempeh Another probiotic rich food made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a white, firm block that is frequently used as a protein-packed meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians. You can marinate and cook it, or try it crumbled over salads. Its flavor is often described as nutty, smoky, and similar to a mushroom. 6. Kombucha This 2000-year old beverage is a slightly sweet and effervescent liquid that results when sweet black tea is fermented with a colony of bacteria called a “SCOBY” (a Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast). Find it in the refrigerated section of your grocery store or pick up your own home-brew kombucha kit. 7. Kefir A milky beverage originating in Turkey and Russia, kefir is an outstanding source of probiotics – containing anywhere from 10 to 34 different strains. It is made by fermenting goat, cow, or sheep’s milk with kefir “grains”– a combination of yeast and bacteria. For those who are sensitive to dairy or lactose intolerant, coconut kefir, a non-dairy version, is also delicious and equally beneficial. 8. Yogurt Last but definitely not least is the popular and well-known fermented milk product made from cow’s milk, goat’s milk, sheep milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or even nut milk. Not all yogurts are the same, so stay away from those filled with sugars and syrups. Be sure to choose those containing “live and active cultures”. Food is by far the best way to build up healthy gut microbes, but if you're not consuming lots of kimchi and kefir on a regular basis, consider taking a probiotic supplement like BrainMD Health’s very own ProBrainBiotics.
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Boost Your Brain Power
Did you know the fountain of youth is between your ears? It is your brain that makes the decisions that keep you healthy, happy and on track to live a long time. Likewise, it is your brain that makes the bad decisions that ruin your health and send you off to the undertaker early. If you want to live a long, happy life, the first place to start is by having a better brain! Through the imaging work done over the past 26 years at Amen Clinics with tens of thousands of patients from around the world, it is very clear that you have a choice: You can either accelerate the aging process and make your brain look and feel older than your chronological age, or you can decelerate it and have a brain that looks and feels much younger than your age. Even though getting older is not optional, having a brain that looks and feels old is! The brain is the most complicated organ in the universe and thus the most vulnerable to damage and aging. It is estimated that your brain has one hundred billion neurons (brain cells), with each one having by up to ten thousand individual connections to other cells. This means that you have more connections in your brain than there are stars in the universe! As you can probably imagine, all of these cells and connections need a tremendous amount of energy in order to function. So even though your brain is only about 2 percent of your body’s weight (about three pounds), it uses 20 to 30 percent of the calories you consume, 20 percent of your body’s blood flow, and 20% of the oxygen you breathe – and even more than that when your brain is on “overdrive”! BrainMD Health’s Brain and Memory Power Boost is exclusively formulated to promote healthy brain metabolism and optimal functioning of its staggering amount of cells. Watch this short video featuring Dr. Amen and BrainMD Health’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Parris Kidd, to learn more about the ways in which this supplement supports memory, learning, attention, mood, and behavior. Brain and Memory Power Boost is formulated with seven brain boosters, which help promote brain energy, support important neurons, and defend against free radical damage to the brain. Together they help power up mental sharpness and cognition so you can think fast on your feet again. Brain and Memory Power Boost contains: PhosphatidylSerine – a natural building block for cell membranes that supports healthy cognitive function Acetyl-L-Carnitine – an amino acid which helps protect against mental fatigue and can enhance mood N-AcetylCysteine – an amino acid that supports healthy cognition and mood and enhancing coping Alpha-Lipoic Acid – a potent antioxidant that protects against cell damage Ginkgo Biloba Extract – helps ensure reliable and sufficient blood flow to the brain Vinpocetine – works with ginkgo to support healthy brain blood flow Huperzine A - improves the actions of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter system, which plays a central role in memory and behavior If you are looking for a brain-boosting formula that will provide you with an all-star lineup of potent ingredients to support your brain’s energy, connectivity, and overall performance, look no further than Brain and Memory Power Boost. “This is one of the best brain-health supplements available, offering support for a wide range of cognitive functions including focus, memory and mental clarity.” – Daniel G. Amen, MD
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Celebrate "Fit" - Not "Fat" Tuesday
Getting ready to celebrate Fat Tuesday, so named for the tradition of gorging on special rich foods before the fasting season of Lent? This year, turn it into Fit Tuesday! Did you know that physical exercise is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to keep your brain and body healthy over time? Physical exercise not only boosts blood flow and other positive nutrients to the brain – it actually stimulates “neurogenesis,” the ability of the brain to generate new brain cells. Exercise can do so much for your body that it’s kind of mind-boggling that anyone would choose not to exercise. Our bodies are designed for movement! Research has shown that the benefits of mild to moderate exercise include: Improved cognitive abilities Improved mood Improved cardiovascular function Lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone Higher levels of endorphins and other feel-good neurochemicals Better oxygenation in your body’s cells, leading to increased energy and improved cellular health Improved blood pressure Higher rate of metabolism Better sleep So what are you waiting for? Just get started! It is really important to find activities that you enjoy - biking, swimming, walking, hiking, aerobic classes, Cross-Fit, tennis, or dancing. Try something new! If you have not been exercising regularly, begin slowly. Even if you commit to just walking to the end of the block and back every day, it's a start. Then set a goal to increase the frequency and intensity of the physical exercise every week until you are exercising four to five times per week for at least 30 minutes. For those short on time, interval training is recommended by the American College of Cardiology to be as effective as sustained aerobic exercise. Thirty minutes of cardio 5 days per week is equivalent to twenty minutes of interval training 3 days per week. Interval training is basically 90 seconds of warm-up followed by a series of "bursts" of exercise - 30 seconds of going almost as fast as you can and then 90 seconds at a moderate pace. Repeat this 8 times with a 90-120 second cool down at the end. Interval training can be done with any form of exercise such as running, treadmill, elliptical, StairMaster, swimming, biking, and walking. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
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How Supplements Can Help You Live Healthier
Many physicians say that if you eat a balanced diet you do not need to take supplements. However, consider this quote written by Dr. Mark Hyman in his book The UltraMind Solution: Fix Your Broken Brain by Healing Your Body First: “If people eat wild, fresh, organic, local, non–genetically modified food grown in virgin mineral- and nutrient-rich soils that has not been transported across vast distances and stored for months before being eaten . . . and work and live outside, breathe only fresh unpolluted air, drink only pure, clean water, sleep nine hours a night, move their bodies every day, and are free from chronic stressors and exposure to environmental toxins, then it is possible that they might not need supplements. Because we live in a fast-paced society where we pick up food on the fly, skip meals, eat sugar-laden treats, buy processed foods, and eat foods that have been chemically treated, we all could use a little help from a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement.” Natural supplements have both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the primary advantages are: Supplements are often effective when targeted properly Typically, they have dramatically fewer side effects than most prescription medications They are usually significantly less expensive than prescription medications Plus, you never have to tell an insurance company that you’ve taken them. As awful as it sounds, taking prescription medications can affect your insurability! Many people have been denied or made to pay higher rates for life, long-term, and disability insurance because they have taken certain medications. If there are natural alternatives, they are definitely worth considering. Yet, natural supplements also have their own set of potential issues. For instance, many people are also unaware that natural supplements can have side effects and need to be thoughtfully used. Just because something is natural does not mean it is innocuous. Both arsenic and cyanide are natural, but that doesn’t mean they are good for you. Another concern about natural supplements is there can be issues with quality control, and because of this, it’s important to find brands you can trust. One more short-coming can be that many people get their advice about supplements from clerks at health food stores who may not have the best information. And keep in mind that supplements are NOT a cure-all. They can’t replace important health-supporting habits such as a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management. Remember, they are called "supplements" because they support, but don’t replace, healthy choices. Supplements CAN pick up where food and good health habits leave off, giving our bodies some of the extra firepower they need. Even when weighing the possible pitfalls, the benefits of natural supplements make them really worth considering, especially with high-quality products based on scientific research such as those from the experts at BrainMD Health. Of course, it’s important to discuss supplements with your healthcare professional. If he or she doesn’t know much about them (which is common), talk to a naturopath or integrative medicine physician.
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8 Natural Immune System Boosters
The cold and flu season is here. Do you want to fight off that illness that’s spreading around your child’s school or the office? Boosting your immune system is a great way to start. These 8 natural immune system boosters are easy to incorporate and will help you stay healthy and active this winter season! 1. Eat Right While no single food will magically fend off the flu, certain nutrients can help protect your body from billions of bacteria, viruses, and other germs. Some nutrients and foods that researchers have found to enhance the immune system include: Garlic Omega-3 fatty acids, found in nuts, salmon, tuna, mackerel, and flaxseed oil Zinc-rich foods, like oysters, crab, lean meats and poultry, and chickpeas Selenium-rich foods, such as broccoli, sardines, tuna, brazil nuts, and barley Vitamin C-rich foods, like strawberries, papaya, brussel sprouts, kale, and citrus fruits Vitamin E-rich foods, including almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds 2. Eat More Mushrooms The only possible exception to #1 above is mushrooms. Whatever variety you choose – enoki, shiitake, maitake, reishi, or oyster – Japanese mushrooms are a great immunity booster. They contain beta-glucans (complex carbohydrates) that enhance immune activity against infections, as well as ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that does not get destroyed during the cooking process. 3. Exercise Regularly Getting 30 minutes of daily physical activity can strengthen many defenses of the immune system. Exercise gets antibodies and white blood cells moving through the body faster, so they may detect illnesses sooner. Additionally, an increase in circulation may also trigger the release of hormones that “warn” immune cells of intruding pathogens. 4. Manage Your Stress When you are chronically stressed, your body churns out hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline) which, according to the National Institutes of Health, tax your immune system and can raise your risk of the common cold and other viruses. Take time out of your day to do a relaxing activity you enjoy. In fact, research shows that stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, produce positive changes in the immune system. 5. Drink Water Water helps to cleanse the body and remove toxins, including germs. By keeping body systems— especially the respiratory system—well-hydrated, you can enhance your cold-fighting potential. 6. Get Enough Sleep Sufficient, deep sleep stimulates the immune system, while sleep deprivation has the opposite effect. In fact, according to a sleep study published in 2001 in the journal Seminars in Clinical Neuropsychiatry, significant detrimental effects on immune functioning can be seen after just a few days of total sleep deprivation or even several days of partial sleep deprivation. The average adult should be getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. 7. Boost Your Vitamin D Vitamin D plays a number of roles in promoting normal immune function. Unfortunately, nearly one-third of the U.S. population is vitamin D deficient. Very few foods contain much vitamin D, so your best bet is to take a supplement containing Vitamin D. BrainMD Health’s own NeuroVite Plus combines more than 50 nutrients, including Vitamin D, and plant extracts in their most active forms to give you whole body-mind nutrition in a way that drugstore multivitamins cannot do. 8. Make More Love Science shows that intimate, sexual relationships have immune system perks. According to gynecologist Dr. Dudley Chapman, orgasms boost infection-fighting cells up to 20%. A study done at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that students who had regular sexual activity had a third higher levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that boosts the immune system and can help fight colds and flu.
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What Do Your Brain And Butter Have In Common?
Did you know that the human brain – the thing that runs your life – is as soft as jello? And that it's encased in a skull with many sharp, bony ridges? Your brain is easily damaged and it is critical to protect it at all costs! Watch this short video where Dr. Amen demonstrates just how soft and vulnerable your brain really is. If you would like to assess the health of your brain, take our new, free, online Brain Health Assessment based on 35 years of Dr. Amen’s clinical experience and research. It will give you insights and help personalize targeted recommendations to your specific concerns.
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5 Quick Tips to Improve Your Focus and Energy
According to an article in the Harvard Business review, Beware of the Busy Manager, 1 our unhealthy lifestyles are diminishing our capacity at work. Only 10% of managers are high in both focus and energy, two of the main ingredients for success. The authors found that 20% were disengaged, 30% were high in procrastination, and 40% were easily distracted. This means that 90% of managers, and likely the rest of us, lack both focus and/or energy. You don’t have to be a statistic. There are many things you can do today to have better focus and energy. IMPROVE YOUR FOCUS If you want to improve your focus, it all starts by knowing your motivation. If you don’t know where you want to go and why you want to go there, how will you ever get there? Here is a great exercise to keep you focused on your goals: 1. The One-Page Miracle Clear, focused, written goals are essential to achieving what you want in your life. The One-Page Miracle is a powerful exercise that can make a dramatic difference in your life. Do NOT try to do this exercise in your head – you MUST write it down. The act of writing it down creates a greater connection between your thinking self and your doing self—and makes it appear more real than if you simply think it in your head. Here are the simple steps: On a piece of paper, write down the specific goals for each area of your life, including your health (physical, emotional, and spiritual), relationships, work/school, and finances. Post it where you’ll see it every day, such as on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror or desk at work. Focusing on what’s important to you on a daily basis will make it easier to behave in a way that makes it happen. Ask yourself, “Is my behavior today getting me what I want?” INCREASE YOUR ENERGY 2. Nourish Yourself If you want to look your best, feel amazing, perform optimally at work or in school, and have great relationships in life, eating right is one of the most effective strategies. You’ll have more energy, be in a better mood, and be mentally sharper, which is a recipe for success in every area of your life. 3. Get Restful Sleep Good sleep is essential for optimal brain and body health. It is involved in rejuvenating all the cells in your body, gives brain cells a chance to repair themselves, and activates neuronal connections that might deteriorate from inactivity. You need to sleep well if you want to have consistent, good energy. 4. Exercise One of the most important things you can do during the day to increase your energy, stay healthy and optimize your brain is to exercise. Finding ways to bring small bits of fitness into your day will help you feel energized, relieve stress, improve your mood, and keep your brain vibrant and young! 5. A Natural Boost When you are desperate to increase your energy levels, you may be tempted to try unhealthy methods. Energy boosters to avoid include diet pills, sugary caffeinated energy drinks, too much coffee, caffeinated sodas, and smoking. All of these are harmful to the health of your brain and body. Instead, whenever you need a safe, swift pick-me-up, you can count on BrainMD Health’s very own Brain Boost on the Go to provide the natural, caffeine-free energizers that will leave you feeling sharp and focused. References: 1Bruch H, and Ghoshal S: Beware of the busy manager. Harvard Business Review, February 2002
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Advice for Setting Your Goals
This year, I am going to… eat more healthfully! lose twenty pounds! stop smoking! save more money! Sound familiar? New Year’s is the time of year when many people reflect on the year that is ending and set goals for themselves for the coming year. Research has shown that while almost half of Americans set New Year’s resolutions, only 8% of them are successful at achieving them! So why set them? In order to be successful in the world, we need to have clearly defined goals. Specifically, we need to know who we are and what we want to accomplish in our relationships, at work, and within ourselves. When we know what we want, we are more likely to change our behavior to get it; being goal-directed helps keep our behavior and choices on track. When I first mention goal setting to my patients, they generally look at me with blank stares or mutter something vague about a career or money. Goal setting is not for some far-off dream. It is for now, and it is very specific. Making goals that you can focus on daily will make a big difference in your life. I have my patients do a goal-setting exercise I developed called the One-Page Miracle (OPM). In studying successful children and adults, I have found that the one thing they have in common is a sense of personal responsibility and clear goals. The OPM will help guide nearly all of your thoughts, words, and actions. I’ve seen this exercise quickly focus and change many people. Do NOT try to do this exercise in your head – you MUST write it down. The act of writing it down creates a greater connection between your thinking self and your doing self and makes it appear more real than if you simply think it in your head. Here’s how to develop your own OPM. Take one sheet of paper and clearly write the following main headings and subheadings: RELATIONSHIPS Spouse/lover Children Extended family Friends WORK MONEY Short-term goals Long-term goals SELF Body Mind Spirit Next to each subheading, briefly write out what's important to you in that area; write what you want, not what you don’t want. Be positive and use the first person. Write what you want with confidence and the expectation that you will make it happen. After you complete this exercise put it up where you can see and read it every day. It is a great idea to start the day off each day by reading your OPM to get focused on what really matters to you. Then before you do or say something, ask yourself if your potential behavior fits your goals. In that way, you focus your eyes every day on what’s important to you. Your life becomes more conscious and you spend your energy on goals that are important to you. Tell your brain what you want and your brain will help you match your behavior to get it! “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupery French writer (1900 - 1944)
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Too Much Sugar Can Eat Away At Your Brain Power
Do you enjoy eating candy canes and cookies as a regular part of your holiday celebration? Then don’t be surprised if you start forgetting where you left your keys because, according to research, eating too much sugar can eat away at your brainpower. While most people are aware how eating too much sugar harms your body, most people don’t realize that it harms your brain as well. Studies show that sugar increases erratic brain cell firing which means that brain cells don’t communicate well with each other. Additionally, eating too much sugar can damage your health and threaten your life in number of ways: Chronic high blood sugar leads to type 2 diabetes High blood sugar in people with diabetes can lead to skin ulcerations and nerve damage Can cause elevated cholesterol, high triglycerides, vascular disease and heart disease Can lead to hypertension and stroke Is toxic to the liver and can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Promotes chronic inflammation Suppresses the immune system Although we know that sugar is bad for us and should be avoided, nobody likes to feel deprived, especially during the holidays. So it is important to find healthy alternatives. To indulge your sweet tooth without harming your health, try this delicious "Sugar-LESS" Cookie recipe from NY Times bestselling author, registered nurse, highly respected health and fitness expert, and nationally renowned speaker, Tana Amen, BSN, RN.
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5 Tools to Rediscover the Joys of The Holidays
“I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel… I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed." —Charlie Brown in, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." While it's commonly referred to as "the most wonderful time of the year," the holiday season is, for many people, not so great. The holidays are meant to be sources of joy, right? But do you end up feeling more like the Grinch? Are you accused of being a Scrooge? Use these 5 tools to rediscover the joy of the holidays! 1. Practice Gratitude Did you know that practicing gratitude causes real changes in your brain that enhance brain function and make you feel better? When you bring your attention to the things you are grateful for in your life, your brain actually works better. Research has demonstrated that people who express gratitude on a regular basis are healthier, more optimistic, make more progress toward their goals, have a greater sense of well-being, and are more helpful to others. Here is an exercise: every day, write out at least five things for which you are grateful. The act of writing helps to solidify them in your brain. Then experience the joy that gratitude can bring. 2. Give Yourself A Break Experts say that the holidays can make people feel out of control—at the mercy of tradition or expectations. But you DO have a say. The key is to take some control over the holidays, instead of letting them control you. Say “no” to events and activities that aren't important to you. Be conscious about what you do, how you spend your time and energy. Don’t unthinkingly do things the same way just because that’s how you’ve always done them. If what you’re doing isn’t making you happy and is causing holiday stress, it’s time to do something different. 3. Be Honest With Yourself Figure out what REALLY brings you peace and joy – not what you think you should love or what you think should bring you joy. If you truly enjoy sending holiday cards, go for it! If you’re not much of a partygoer, saying no to the fifth one this week means saying yes to more time to do the things that really bring you happiness. 4. Volunteer The holidays are usually a time when everyone is focused on their families and friends. However, it's also a wonderful time to focus on giving to others in need. Research shows that volunteering not only alleviates stress but also increases health and happiness. Helping others is a fantastic way to help yourself. It can bring you a lot of joy to know you’re making a difference! Shovel an elderly neighbor’s driveway, donate clothes to a battered women’s shelter, work a few shifts at the local food bank, sponsor a wild animal through wildlife rescue, or donate a few gifts to a charity for children and families. 5. Be Mindful Of Your Language Be mindful and conscious of how you talk to yourself and others and watch how your mood improves! Thoughts can make your mind and body feel good or they can make you feel bad. You can train your thoughts to be positive and hopeful or you can just allow them to be negative and upset you. You can choose to think good thoughts and feel good, or you can choose to think bad thoughts and feel lousy. That’s right, it’s up to you. Research has shown that it’s impossible to be fearful and appreciative at the same time, so the next time you find yourself in a negative tirade to yourself or someone else, take a breath, shift your thoughts to what you are grateful for and the people you appreciate in your life and let your body and mind feel the peace and joy of the holiday season.
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Navigate The Holidays Calmly and With Better Energy
‘Tis the season to be jolly, isn’t it? Are you feeling more overwhelmed and frazzled than merry and cheerful? While the holidays can be a happy and joyous time, they can also be a time when many people experience increased stress, worries, lower moods and trouble sleeping. If this sounds like you, there is good news! With a brain-directed supplement support plan in place you can navigate the holidays more calmly and with better energy so you can enjoy the pleasures the holiday season has to offer. Here are 4 of BrainMD Health’s top holiday survival supplements. Everyday Stress Relief Everyday Stress Relief contains a combination of magnesium, Relora®, holy basil, taurine, and L-theanine designed to: Promote calm without drowsiness Maintain a positive mood with sharp mental focus Manage healthy stress hormone levels Support your brain and adrenals in dealing with stress Enhance your energy, endurance and vigor L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea which has been demonstrated to promote relaxation and focus as well as enhance feelings of well-being. Taurine, another amino acid, has been shown to support healthy cognition and mood. Holy basil, a treasured herb in Ayurvedic medicine, helps support healthy cortisol levels in the body. Relora®, a proprietary blend of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense, has been clinically shown to reduce cortisol, stress and fatigue while improving vigor and mood. Combined with magnesium, the “relaxation” mineral, these natural ingredients promote calm while supporting focus. GABA Calming Support This exclusive formula contains nutrients that help act as the biochemical “brakes” your brain needs to slow down your anxious or fretful thoughts. GABA Calming Support helps support the production of calming brain waves, corrects stress-causing nutritional deficiencies, and promotes relaxation. The formula’s key ingredient, GABA, is an amino acid and neurotransmitter that is shown in studies to help increase calming brain waves, while reducing “anxious” brain waves. This comprehensive relaxation formula also includes, vitamin B6, essential for the production of critical neurotransmitters which help improve mood; magnesium, which plays an important role in muscle relaxation, energy production and healthy adrenaline levels; and lemon balm, an herb demonstrated to increase calmness and alertness while improving mood. Serotonin Mood Support The neurotransmitter serotonin plays many important roles in the brain’s biochemistry and is intimately involved in facilitating sustained and deep sleep, maintaining healthy mood and self-confidence, even supporting healthy appetite and social engagement. Serotonin Mood Support contains ingredients shown to support healthy serotonin balance in the brain, lift your mood and promote feelings of calmness. The formula contains Satiereal®, a patented saffron extract, which has been shown in clinical studies to support a healthy mood. It also includes 5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin that promotes calm, positive mood, relaxation, and healthy sleep. Methylfolate and vitamin B6 are vitamins required by the brain to make neurotransmitters. Additional synergistic support is provided by vitamin B12 which has been linked to better control of mood and behavior. Restful Sleep When you are sleep-deprived, blood flow to your brain drops, and you are much more likely to make bad decisions. Restful Sleep provides completely natural sleep support that won’t leave you feeling groggy. This effective formula contains melatonin, a sleep hormone, to keep you asleep throughout the night. It also includes the calming neurotransmitter GABA, as well as the “relaxation mineral”, magnesium. Vitamin B6, which helps balance the neurotransmitters necessary for healthy sleep, and valerian, an herb long-used for its calming and sleep-inducing effects, round out this formula. Together, these nutrients produce a soothing, sedative effect that helps relax your body and mind and ease you into peaceful sleep. Instead of being stressed-out, anxious, sad or sleep deprived, take care of your body and mind so you can enjoy all the happiness, connection, love and fun the holiday season has to offer.
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Get Yourself Back on Track After Thanksgiving
Did you eat so much pie that you are starting to look like a pumpkin? Is the smell of gravy coming from your pores? Did you learn the hard way what a food hangover is? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone! The results of a study by the Calorie Control Council concluded that the average American could consume as much as 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day. According to USA Today, that’s equivalent to seven Burger King Whoppers or 15 Dairy Queen hot fudge sundaes. Too many carbs, too much sugar, too much booze… Chances are you knew that having a third serving of your Grandmother’s pumpkin cheesecake wasn’t the best idea, but in the moment you just couldn’t resist. The good news is that one day of overindulgence is not going to irrevocably wreak havoc on your system. There are things you can do to help get your body and mind back-on-track. 4 Ways to Get Back On Track After Thanksgiving 1. SHOW COMPASSION For yourself! It is incredibly important that you challenge any automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) you have and avoid blame, shame and guilt! This type of “stinking thinking” is sure to sabotage your attempts at getting back on track. Remember, when you have thoughts that are negative, mad, sad, hopeless or helpless, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel bad. Conversely, every time you have a thought that is good, happy, hopeful, kind or loving, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel good. 2. DON’T SKIP MEALS Don't try to make up for the extra calories by skipping meals the next day. That just leaves you hungry. Plus, skipping meals can trigger your metabolism to slow down and can throw off your hunger/satiety hormones. Instead, focus on eating lean protein and lots of fresh vegetables, while avoiding sugar. The protein and fiber in the vegetables help to slow digestion, which will help you feel full longer, and keep your metabolism churning. 3. GET MOVING Exercising is a great way to get back on track. But don't do a mega-workout to try to burn off all the calories you just ate. Just get moving. This helps control cravings, burns calories and helps to balance your mood and blood sugar. Go for a long walk (walk like you’re late), or maybe do some lunges, squats and crunches while watching your favorite holiday movie. Exercise will induce sweating out excess salt and helps you regain your sense of what a healthy body feels like. 4. DRINK MORE WATER Your body fluids transport waste products in and out of your cells, while your kidneys and liver flush those waste products and other toxins out of your body. However, this process can only work properly and efficiently if you are well-hydrated. Research shows that drinking water naturally curbs your appetite. It can also help you feel better fast, because drinking more water flushes out excess sodium to help you quickly de-bloat. And it gets things moving in your digestive system to relieve constipation. It is recommended that you drink at least 84 ounces of water a day. But who really likes to drink plain water all day long? Try BrainMD’s newly reformulated Brain Boost on the Go – a convenient way to add nutrients and flavor to your daily hydration. Getting back on track is important after Thanksgiving because the holidays have only just begun! You CAN do it!
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