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Why DHA & EPA Are Essential For Your Brain to Function Optimally
It has been scientifically demonstrated that your brain needs specific types of essential omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), to function optimally. These fats are called essential for a reason—our bodies need them, and the only way to get them is through foods or supplements. But what else does science say about how omega-3 fatty acids can support our health? Here is a review of some exciting discoveries: Enhancing Mood New research published in the journal Biological Psychiatry found that omega-3 fatty acids can help lift mood. The researchers noted inflammation has been linked with low moods and found that omega-3 fatty acids had a marked impact on inflammation-induced mood issues. Most of the subjects who took the omega-3s felt better after just two weeks. Supporting Memory Scientists in Rhode Island studied 819 men and women, 117 of who were taking fish oil supplements. The researchers found that those who were taking fish oil scored higher on tests of memory and thinking than those who were not. Also, the brains of those taking fish oil were larger than the subjects not taking it, particularly in two brain structures critical for memory and thinking. A larger brain is generally a sign of better cognitive health. Promoting Focus Research published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that omega-3 fatty acids helped improve focus in children. The subjects who got the omega-3 supplement were rated as more attentive by their parents. What to Look For when Choosing an Omega-3 Supplement If you want the health support benefits that taking a quality fish oil supplement can bring, keep these tips in mind when shopping for omega-3s: Because fish can accumulate toxins such as mercury, dioxins, and PCBs, it’s extremely important that the product be highly purified. Fish oil spoils easily; look for a product that is manufactured according to the highest quality standards. Choose a product that has high amounts of EPA and DHA (at least 500 mg of each). Some inferior quality brands are lacking in one or the other, or sometimes both.
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Ways to Avoid Overeating This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving…a holiday intended to be dedicated to gratitude. Unfortunately, for millions of Americans, the focus on appreciation takes a back seat to gorging on high-calorie, sugar-laden food. And for most people, that feast marks the beginning of a downhill food battle for the rest of the holiday season. Why does it matter? According to research conducted by the National Institutes of Health, the vast majority of people will never lose the weight they gain during the winter holidays. But with a little planning, you can keep from eating too much during the holidays. The following 11 tips can help you feel better and have more energy to enjoy the holiday season. 1. Don’t Skip Meals While it can be tempting to skip meals earlier in the day in order to “save room” for the big event, it will backfire every time. It is important to have your normal meals because when you get overly hungry, you will overeat! 2. Indulge Sensibly Depriving yourself of every treat or food you like is more difficult this time of year and is a set-up for failure. Allow yourself to enjoy those treats that you look forward to all year long, but keep in mind there's no need for an all-out binge-fest. In fact, research indicates that the first few bites of food are the most satisfying. So follow the three-bite rule: Be fully present and conscious while you have three bites so you can really concentrate on enjoying the food. 3. Take Your Time Eat slowly, and before you go back for dessert or seconds, wait at least 20 minutes. Why? It takes at least that long for your digestive system to signal to your brain that you are full. Unfortunately, if you eat to the point of fullness, the real feeling of being full will kick in later…once you are overfull. After waiting, you might find that you don’t really want anything else to eat after all. 4. Stay Hydrated Sometimes we actually mistake dehydration for hunger. Drinking water throughout the day will help to alleviate this potential signal cross. Be sure to drink water, seltzer, or herbal tea before you eat – it will take up space in your stomach, is calorie-free, and is good for your health! 5. Start With Veggies Most people don't eat enough vegetables anyway, so take this opportunity to eat the healthier options first. Vegetables are rich in nutrients, high in fiber, and low in calories so that by the time you get to the pecan pie and eggnog, you may find that you have less room to overindulge. 6. Use Smaller Plates Though it is an optical illusion, the same amount of food looks larger on a smaller plate than it does on a larger plate. In fact, research from Cornell University shows switching from a 12-inch to a 10-inch plate can help you eat 20-25% fewer calories. 7. Limit Your Alcohol Not only are alcoholic drinks high in calories and bad for the health of your brain, drinking alcohol will also decrease your resistance to temptations. 8. Get Moving Make it a new family tradition to play flag football, do a 5K together, play an active game, or go ice skating, rather than continuing to mindlessly eat or have a TV marathon. While you are at holiday parties, stay active. Try standing instead of sitting, or dancing to burn calories. 9. Talk To People Fully participating in conversations and being engaged can help as a nice distraction from food. During the meal, have more conversations so that you aren’t just shoveling food into your mouth. 10. Focus On Friends And Family Thanksgiving is not just about a delicious bounty of food. It is also a time to celebrate relationships with friends and family. Enjoy quality time together and focus on socializing rather than what is on the dessert table. 11. Just Say No Don’t let people push food on you. Just because Aunt Susie made her famous pumpkin cheesecake (though it’s not one of your favorites) doesn’t mean that you have to eat it. Do NOT eat to please others. How do you keep from overeating during the holidays? Share your tips in the comments below.
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Why Your Brain Needs Specific Types of Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain health! Your brain needs specific types of essential omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), to function well. These fats are called essential for a reason—our bodies need them, and the only way to get them is through foods or supplements. Most people get far too little omega-3 in their diet. Research consistently indicates that most Americans have just slightly over half the EPA and DHA in their tissues that they likely require for optimum brain and body health. This is partly due to high dietary intakes of less healthy fats and partly to inadequate intakes of EPA and DHA. Multiple studies have shown that deficiencies in these vital fatty acids are associated with less-than-optimal cognitive and emotional health. Additionally, extensive research indicates that omega-3s may play a key role in keeping our brains and bodies healthy, including helping reduce inflammation, support heart and joint health, and even help you look better (thanks to its skin enhancing properties). While you undoubtedly know that fatty fish – like salmon, sardines, trout, and tuna – is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, it is definitely not the only source. Here are several other things you can add to your Thanksgiving dinner to make sure you are getting enough omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts Out of all the nuts, walnuts are the omega-3 champions. You can eat them raw as a snack or sprinkle them on salads, over cooked green beans or other veggie side dishes, add them to your favorite baked goods, or mix them into soups. You can stir-fry your veggies in walnut oil instead of olive oil for an omega-3 boost, add it to salad dressings, or drizzle it over your meat. Enriched Eggs When farmers feed their hens fish oil, flaxseeds, or even algae, they lay eggs with more omega-3 fatty acids. These special, enriched eggs contain three times the omega-3 fatty acids you would find in ordinary eggs! Add some chopped, hard-boiled egg to a salad or serve some deviled eggs for a health-boosting appetizer. Spinach Spinach is well known for being high in iron, potassium, protein and fiber, but is not well known as another source of omega-3s! Substitute your usual lettuce with some spinach in a salad, on a sandwich, or in a smoothie to increase your omega-3s. Cruciferous Vegetables The whole family of cruciferous veggies is another overlooked source of omega-3s. Make sure to have some raw crudités available as an appetizer or sauté some broccoli or cauliflower in some walnut oil for a delicious side dish. Winter Squash Winter squash, including familiar favorites like pumpkin, acorn squash and butternut squash, are a rich source of omega-3s. Serve some roasted winter squash as a side dish, or make a delectable winter squash soup to boost your omega-3 intake. Seeds Pumpkin, chia, sesame, flax, and hemp seeds are all fantastic sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Sprinkle some on a salad or add them to your baked goods. Even if you are eating each of these foods every day, you are likely still not getting sufficient amounts of these crucial fatty acids that your body needs for optimal health, so it will be important to supplement your diet. BrainMD Health’s Omega-3 Power provides highly purified omega-3 fatty acids at optimal dose levels from the most advanced production, detoxification and purification process in the industry. "Omega-3 fatty acids play such an important role in brain and body health that I suggest most people take them every day, regardless of their brain type or age. Taking Omega-3 Power is insurance that your body gets the nutrients it needs to be at its best." - Daniel G. Amen M.D.
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Probiotics Offer a Broad Spectrum Of Health Benefits
When my wife Tana told our daughter about the bacteria in her gut, Chloe was grossed out. “You mean I have bugs in my gut?!” Tana responded, “Think of them like your pets sweetheart. Only these pets actually take care of you, if you feed them right.” Tana and Chloe went on to name the pets Biff (for bifidobacterium) and Lacy (for lactobacillus). There is an entire world of microorganisms living in your body! Your intestines host trillions of organisms, including at least 1,000 different species of bacteria. Some are beneficial, and some are not. When most people hear about bacteria, they think of germs, illness and its reputation as the bad guy, as Chloe did. However, unlike the bad bacteria that can cause disease, these are the good guys – the beneficial bacteria that are critical to digestion, vitamin and neurotransmitter production, and maintaining good health. A number of factors, such as aging, stress, taking antibiotics, or eating an unhealthy, pesticide-laden diet, can disrupt the delicate balance between beneficial and bad gut bacteria. Not having a proper balance of good-to-bad bacteria can create a whole host of problems throughout the brain and body. Scientists are discovering that probiotics and the resulting healthy balance of gut bacteria offer a broad spectrum of previously unknown health benefits. Although supplementing with probiotics has historically been viewed as providing support against intestinal conditions, research is now demonstrating that they help support many processes in the body, including those typically thought to be connected to your brain, including your mood and stress levels. Fortunately, scientific evidence demonstrates that supplementing with the right combination of probiotic bacteria to restore the balance of gut bacteria also restores natural protection. There are many probiotic formulas available that can help replenish levels and support your gut bacteria. However, not all probiotics are the same. When searching for a probiotic you want to look for one with clinical studies that show it works. BrainMD Health’s very own ProBrainBiotics contains the precise probiotic strains at the same potency used in double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. These special strains have many unique features, including: Are not destroyed by stomach acids, so they can work in the intestines Help repel harmful bacteria Supports the tight “seal” of the gut lining to prevent “leaky gut syndrome” Supports healthy immunity While it may seem strange or unsettling to imagine all the diverse microorganisms working nonstop inside you, day and night, it is important to realize how critical probiotics are to the health of your body and mind! The reality is that you want more life inside you, not less. If you take care of your internal world, it will take care of you.
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Do You Really Need Supplements? Think Before You Buy.
Ask yourself…do you: Spend the majority of your time outside where you breathe only fresh, unpolluted air? Drink only pure, clean water? Sleep 8-9 hours every night? Exercise every day? Experience little to no stress? Have no exposure to environmental toxins? Eat wild, fresh, organic, local, non-GMO food grown in virgin mineral- and nutrient-rich soils that has not been transported across long distances and stored for weeks, or even months, before you eat it? If you answered yes to ALL of the above questions, then congratulations—you may not need to take supplements to support your brain and body health! For the rest of us, however, living in a fast-paced society where we too often get food to-go, skip meals, eat too much sugar, buy processed foods, experience stress, are sleep-deprived and dehydrated, drink too much caffeine, and don’t find enough time to exercise regularly, supplements are critical to supporting and optimizing our health. Supplements are NOT a cure-all. They can’t replace important health-supporting habits such as a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, and stress relief. But supplements CAN pick up where food and good health habits leave off, giving our bodies some of the extra firepower they need to fight disease and protect us from the everyday assaults of the toxins that surround us, such as air pollution and pesticides. Supplements can also help reduce inflammation, protect our DNA, boost our immune system, improve our moods, and contribute to brain health. So now that you understand why you can really benefit from supplements, where do you start? There are a lot of supplements out there—if you’ve ever walked down the supplement aisle of your local health food store or pharmacy, you know how many choices there are. Even grocery stores sell supplements these days. The key is to know which supplements to take and in what quantity. Taking the wrong amounts of the wrong supplements is not only a waste of money, but can be harmful to your health. That’s why I developed Brain & Body Power (and Brain & Body Power Max with a double boost of key nutrients for brains that need it). Brain & Body Power and Brain & Body Power Max deliver almost 60 vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, and other nutrients to support optimal brain and body function in a convenient packet that you take twice daily—and at a much better price than if you were to buy all the nutritional supplements separately! We want to provide you with the highest quality, science-based products and Brain & Body Power and Brain & Body Power Max are just that. In fact, there are over 150 clinical trials that have been done on the nutrients contained in Brain & Body Power and Brain & Body Power Max which provide solid evidence about the breakthrough effects that these nutrient combinations can have on brain function. “Of all our supplements, my favorite is Brain & Body Power. I take it every day to support my need and desire for high level performance.”—Daniel G. Amen, MD We are really proud of BrainMD's supplement line, and we want them to work for you. That’s why we offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied.
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7 of the Best Ways to Handle Holiday Stress
For many of us, the holiday season represents a much anticipated joyous time of the year; a time of happiness and good cheer. But for others, it’s a period of chaos, stress, and overwhelming expectations that has become synonymous with exhaustion, overeating, accruing debt, and enduring one's relatives. Just hearing the word "holiday" can create anxiety and stress for some people. We have little time to get a lot done, and it seems as if the year has just flown by. In fact, a survey by Consumer Reports found that 90 percent of Americans find at least one thing stressful about the holiday season. Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. If you are already experiencing stress in other areas of your life, you may be especially vulnerable to increased feelings of anxiety and depression during the holidays. However, you don't have to let this time of year become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Here Are Some Tips to Help You Cope with the Holidays! Take Time for Yourself You may feel pressure to be everything to everyone, but there is only so much that one person can accomplish! Increase your energy and stamina by giving yourself a “time out.” All of us need time to recharge our batteries and self-care is often the best thing you can do. Plus, others will benefit when your stress is reduced and your mood is improved. Get a massage, read a new book, or take time out to listen to your favorite music. Maintain Healthy Routines Don’t stop doing whatever it is you normally do throughout the year to keep yourself healthy. Eat nutritious foods, drink enough water, get enough sleep and keep exercising! Taking care of your health will help you deal with stressful situations during the holidays. Use a Natural Calming Supplement BrainMD Health’s own Everyday Stress Relief and GABA Calming Support are two natural supplement formulas that contain ingredients shown in clinical studies to help relax your body and mind so you can stay calm and healthy during stressful times. Learn To Say No 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. Know Your Spending Limit Financial worries are one of the biggest causes of stress during the holiday season. Make a realistic budget to determine how much you can spend without jeopardizing your financial health. Then stick to it! Creating debt will only add to the stress you are already feeling. Let Others Help You don’t have to do everything yourself – you can share your “to do” list with others. Ask for help! Enjoy spending time with friends and family while you share tasks like preparing the holiday meal, shopping, cleaning and decorating. You don’t have to be the hero of the holiday season. Give To Those in Need The holidays are usually a time when everyone is focused on their families and friends. However, it's also a great time to focus on giving to others in need. Research shows that volunteering not only alleviates stress but also increases health and happiness. Shovel an elderly neighbor’s driveway, work a few shifts at the local food bank, or donate a few gifts to a charity for children and families. While you may not be able to completely avoid stressful situations during the holidays, you can plan to respond to them in a healthy way.
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Research Shows Sleep Cleans Your Brain
This past weekend marked the end of daylight savings time, where the clocks “fell back” an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, presumably giving the millions of sleep-deprived Americans an extra 60 minutes of shut-eye. Since people theoretically get an extra hour to sleep, "falling back" or reverting to standard time is generally thought to be less physically stressful than the clock springing-forward. But is it really? Even though we gain precious minutes to sleep, turning back time can still disrupt our circadian rhythm, the “internal clock” responsible for regulating sleep. Harvard Health reported that it can take a week or more for our bodies to adjust to the time change. Other research indicates that even the relatively small 60-minute time change can have negative effects on the body, health and even traffic safety! These negative effects are more significant for those who already struggle with good sleeping habits. For them, this can often translate into more insomnia, rather than more sleep. In reality, many people don’t, or can’t, take advantage of this past weekend’s extra hour of sleep. They may see the extra hour as an excuse for 60 more minutes to binge-watch another episode of “Orange Is The New Black.” Skimping on sleep can affect your health in more ways than you might imagine. When you don’t get enough sleep, you have overall decreased blood flow to your brain, which disrupts thinking, memory, and concentration. Furthermore, in fascinating new research, scientists discovered that the brain has a special “waste management system” that works while you sleep to get rid of toxins, including the brain plaque thought to contribute to age-related memory issues. Without healthy sleep, the cleaning crew does not have enough time to do their job and trash builds up, causing brain fog and memory problems. Having high-quality sleep is essential to wellness, although for some it can be elusive. If you already do all the right things, such as maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeine later in the day and get regular exercise but still have problems falling asleep, a natural supplement that supports sleep may give you the relief you need. BrainMD Health’s own GABA Calming Support and Restful Sleep are two natural supplement formulas that contain ingredients shown in clinical studies to help relax your body and mind and ease you into peaceful sleep. There’s just no better way to start the day than waking up feeling refreshed and ready to go!
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Pumpkin Chocolate Smoothie
Halloween is arguably the beginning of that time of year when you are tempted to overindulge on all the holiday goodies and your dedication to a healthy lifestyle can go out the window. This DOESN’T have to happen! Although we all know we should stay away from foods containing sugar and simple carbohydrates, it can be especially difficult to resist and avoid these foods during Halloween. Eating sugary foods causes a spike in your blood sugar, contributes to insulin resistance and triggers inflammation in your body. Additionally, simple carbohydrates (like sugar) negatively affect your cholesterol, as well as suppress the signals sent by the hunger and satiety hormones, which are responsible for letting you know when to stop eating. Simply put, the more sugar and other simple carbs you eat, the hungrier you will be! However, nobody wants to feel deprived, especially during the holidays, so it is important to find healthy options. In this short video, NY Times bestselling author, registered nurse, nationally renowned speaker, and highly respected health and fitness expert, Tana Amen, BSN, RN shares a delicious and satisfying recipe for a yummy dessert, Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Smoothie. One of the critical ingredients in this recipe is Omni Protein. Omni Protein takes plant-based protein powder to a whole new level. Its unique, plant-based protein blend is combined with important amino acids and digestive enzymes for a fiber-rich formula that nourishes the body and tastes great - so you don’t feel deprived! Additionally, Omni Protein contains no artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, soy, dairy, sugar or GMOs while it delivers 21 grams of complete protein. By helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels while creating a feeling of fullness, it also supports healthy appetite management and helps you resist sugar-laden Halloween treats and avoid candy coma! “Creating a feeling of satiety with fiber-rich protein intake, supporting balanced blood sugar levels, and promoting brain focus and healthy metabolism are all critical to success. Omni Protein does it all.” – Tana Amen, BSN, RN
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3 Strategies for Overcoming Cravings
Are there times when cravings often get the best of you? Or are your loved ones concerned that certain behaviors you have seem out of control? Don’t get too down on yourself! This may be a sign that your brain’s reward system has been HIJACKED! What is the brain’s reward system? It is an intricate network of brain systems and neurotransmitters that are critical to human survival. It drives us to seek out the things we need to stay alive and carry on the human race. Additionally, the brain’s reward system will tell us to repeat things it finds pleasurable (even if they aren’t good for us), and is linked directly to the emotional memory centers that drive us to repeat “rewarding” behaviors. For example, think of how you feel when you smell freshly baked cookies. Even if you’re not hungry, your brain may urge you to eat one anyway! While the reward system can be activated when listening to music, taking a warm bath, or looking at a beautiful painting, it can also be activated by many unhealthy things such as, alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, gambling, electronics, sugar, junk food and chronic overeating. After working with thousands of people with cravings, we know just how tough it can be to overcome them and take back self-control. However, we have seen it work over and over again and know that it is one of the most worthwhile things you can do in your life. Here Are 3 Strategies To Help Curb Your Cravings 1. H-A-L-T You will be better able to exercise self-control and deal with your cravings if you live by the acronym H-A-L-T, which stands for: Don’t get too Hungry. Eat frequent, small, high-quality meals and take nutritional supplements to optimize your brain and balance your blood sugar. BrainMD’s Craving Control can help diminish the frequency and intensity of your cravings, allowing you to more effectively achieve better control over your behavior. Don’t get too Angry. Maintain control over your emotions and don’t let negative thinking patterns rule your life. Learn how to kill your ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) so you can gain more control over your feelings and behavior. Don’t get too Lonely. Social skills and a positive social network are critical to maintaining freedom from cravings. Enlist a team of supporters and healthy role models. Don’t get too Tired. Make sleep a priority to boost brain function and improve judgment and self-control. 2. EXERCISE Physical exercise is a fantastic strategy to help you reduce cravings and increase self-control. Exercise helps in a number of ways, including: Boosting serotonin in your brain to help you get unstuck when you can’t stop thinking about pepperoni pizza, potato chips, beer, or checking your phone Increasing blood flow and dopamine in your brain which improves impulse control Reducing stress, improving your mood, and lowering your blood sugar levels 3. DISTRACT YOURSELF Multiple research studies have demonstrated that cravings typically last for only 10 minutes. Recognize that and divert your mind: Call a friend, read a book, solve a crossword puzzle, work in your garden, take a bath, do chores around the house, listen to music, run an errand, meditate or exercise (see strategy #2). Conquering your cravings will improve every aspect of your life, including your family life, your relationships, your career, and your school life.
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Craving Control Can Support Your Willpower
Willpower – we all have it, some more than others. But do you really know what it is? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines willpower as the ability to control yourself with energetic determination. Willpower is like a muscle. You have to use it—or you’ll lose it. Most of us learn to develop self-control as children. When our parents say no to us when we ask if we can do things that aren’t good for us—have a plate of cookies before dinner, ride on the back of a neighbor’s motorcycle without a helmet, or grab the tail of a strange dog—we learn to say no to ourselves. But maybe your parents weren’t around much, and you had free rein to do whatever you wanted so you never learned self-control. Or perhaps your parents had addictions, and you learned to give in to your desires by watching their behavior. Or perhaps the stress of your over-scheduled life has robbed you of your ability to say no. No matter what the reason is for your lack of willpower, you can strengthen it. To pump up your willpower, you need to practice it. Making a habit of saying no to the things that aren’t good for you will, over time, become easier to do. Easier said than done, though, isn’t it? One of the things that can dramatically challenge our willpower is cravings. Anyone who has ever tried to make better choices knows all too well how cravings can sabotage the best intentions. Giving in to cravings is indeed undermining your health! If you’re trying to change unhealthy habits, BrainMD Health’s Craving Control can support your willpower to help you stay in control. Together with a healthy diet, exercise and Dr. Amen’s brain-healthy strategies, Craving Control can diminish the frequency and intensity of your cravings, helping you to more effectively achieve better control over your behavior. Taken as directed, Craving Control helps to: Reduce cravings for sweets, other foods, and other cravings Support healthy blood sugar and insulin levels Support your weight-loss goals Provide antioxidants and other essential nutrients Craving Control contains six active ingredients that work synergistically to help calm the craving centers in the brain, balance blood sugar and insulin levels and promote a positive mood with clinically studied, all-natural ingredients. 6 Powerful, Natural Ingredients in Craving Control Chromium This diet-friendly element has been shown to ease cravings for fatty foods by supporting healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) This powerful anti-oxidant also helps to reduce cravings. As a vasodilator, NAC helps to relax blood vessels, improving the flow of blood, nutrients and oxygen everywhere in the body. L-Glutamine An amino acid that supports healthy muscle and cell metabolism, it has also been shown to help reduce food cravings. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) ALA is an antioxidant made by the body. It’s found in every cell, where it turns glucose into energy. ALA helps support healthy blood sugar, which is important for brain health and decreasing cravings. DL-Phenylalanine This amino acid helps to produce three key brain neurotransmitters: dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, thus helping to promote alertness, mood, and appetite control. High-Flavonol Cocoa Cocoa flavonoids exhibit significant anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune stimulating effects. By stimulating blood flow to the brain, these flavonoids can promote a more positive mood and sharper mind. If you’re trying to change unhealthy habits, Craving Control can help, by boosting your willpower to stay more in control. “Craving Control, along with the right food and behavioral strategies, can help strengthen your ability to defeat the craving monster that steals your success.”– Daniel G. Amen, MD
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How Probiotics Keep You Balanced
Did you know that there is an entire world of microorganisms living in your body? It’s true! Your intestines host TRILLIONS of organisms, including at least 1,000 different species of bacteria. Some are beneficial, and some are not. You are more likely to be healthy and happy when the beneficial microorganisms in your gut outnumber and outpower the harmful ones. That’s where probiotics come in – they support the healthy microorganisms that help keep you balanced. In fact, the word “probiotic” comes from Latin: pro means “support” and biotic means “life.” The very definition is something that affirms health and life. That's true even by today’s standards – the World Health Organization defines a probiotic as any living microorganism that has a health benefit when ingested. Likewise, the USDA defines a probiotic as any “live, nonpathogenic, nontoxic microbial organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” 1. Immune Support Research has documented the beneficial effects of probiotics supporting the immune system. Your immunity starts in your gut. A condition called intestinal permeability, also known as leaky gut syndrome, is a major source of impaired immunity. When the lining of the intestines is harmed, it becomes permeable – meaning substances that should stay in the intestines can pass out of them. Permeability allows undigested food, bacteria, and waste products to “leak” out of the intestines, which can cause infections, allergies, and digestive problems. It is vital to increase the level of all “good bacteria” in the gut. These bacteria actually help tighten the intestinal “junctions” through which leaking occurs. Probiotics provide these good bacteria thus helping to balance the flora in the gut. 2. What Hurts Your Good Bugs Gut flora can be thrown out of balance by many factors, including antibiotics, pesticide-laden foods, artificial sweeteners, leaky gut, poor diet, infection, stress, a high-acid diet, and even just the normal changes that occur in your digestive system as you age. It is pretty clear that probiotics are beneficial for the body, but did you know that they can also help your brain? 3. Supporting Brain Health Multiple research studies have shown that a healthy gut is linked to better memory, improved stress response and better behavior. A research study done at Oxford University found a connection between gut bacteria and mental health in humans. Another study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles found that women who regularly consumed probiotics showed altered activity of brain regions that control central processing of emotion and sensation and had a reduced level of worry compared to women given a placebo or no treatment. 4. Ways To Boost Happy Bugs Now that you realize how critical it is to include probiotics in your healthy life plan, how do you do it? Probiotics are found in a variety of foods, including: Yogurt Kefir Fresh sauerkraut Raw dandelion greens Miso Tempeh Kimchi Kombucha tea 5. ProBrainBiotics Another way to help support gut flora is by taking a probiotic supplement. That’s why BrainMD Health created ProBrainBiotics – that was specifically formulated to support the health of your gut and your brain. Make ProBrainBiotics a part of your daily life! “When your gut isn’t healthy, your brain will not be healthy. Intestinal problems increase inflammation, a low level fire that destroys your organs, and increases your risk for moodiness, nervousness, pain and memory issues. When we take antibiotics or eat pesticide-laden foods, it upsets this delicate balance and we are much more likely to get sick. Remember, pesticides kill bugs, even the ones in your gut. Eat right and take probiotics. I designed ProBrainBiotics to give people an easy way to get the beneficial gut bacteria they need in one easy-to-use supplement.” — Daniel G. Amen, MD
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Brain Boost on the Go
Your brain is 80% water, which means you need to stay well-hydrated in order to keep your brain functioning optimally. According to a study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, participants in the study who drank water before performing cognitive tasks reacted faster than people who did not drink water beforehand. Conversely, being dehydrated decreases your thinking, increases your stress hormones, impairs your judgment, and can damage your brain over time. Hydration is key not only to brain function, but to whole-body health. Every organ in the body needs adequate hydration to function properly. 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? That’s why Dr. Amen created Brain Boost on the Go. It is primarily for people who don’t like drinking water all day – or who simply want some variety when seeking healthy hydration. And, he took it to another level by adding brain healthy ingredients to boost your mental function and energy with a delicious, refreshing flavor! 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 the newly reformulated Brain Boost on the Go can help: promote concentration and attention enhance mental clarity and cognitive function increase energy levels without caffeine We’re constantly on the run, trying to juggle all the things we have to do with all the things we want to do. And in order to make it in today’s fast-paced world, you’ve got to stay focused with plenty of energy. It is tempting to reach for a “quick-fix” energy drink or cup of coffee. But watch out! Relying on caffeine and energy drinks actually makes you feel worse in the long run by causing your system to crash, burning out your energy reserve, and constricting your blood vessels (NOT what you want for your brain!) Furthermore, excessive long-term caffeine use is associated with dehydration (which can harm your brain and body in numerous ways), stress on your heart, high blood pressure, sleep issues, moodiness, jitteriness, and headaches, to name a few. So why not opt for the smarter choice? Here’s what you get with Brain Boost on the Go: Effervescence – helps to oxygenate your brain and body as you drink it B6 – calms things down in the brain and can be helpful for memory function B12 and Folate – promote cognitive health and mental sharpness L-Theanine – a component of green tea (decaffeinated) which has been demonstrated to promote relaxation and focus as well as enhance feelings of well-being Organic fruit blend – powerful antioxidant fruits which are providing you with phytonutrients which are chemicals from plants that may help prevent disease and keep your body working properly And best of all, it tastes GREAT! Brain Boost on the Go is a convenient way to "feed your brain" with easy-to-carry drink sticks that add nutrients and flavor to your daily hydration. “Your active brain needs nutrients, but it also needs water. I put a Brain Boost on the Go stick in a bottle of water and I stay energized and focused.” – Daniel G. Amen, MD
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