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The Problem With Some Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements
Although often used interchangeably, the words curcumin and turmeric actually describe two different things. Turmeric is a yellow-orange spice, related to ginger, that is found in curry, while curcumin is the naturally occurring chemical compound in turmeric. There are three major curcumins – curcumin, demethoxy-curcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin – which are the substances most responsible for the 4,000-plus years of traditional medicinal use of turmeric root. Modern science has extensively researched these curcumins (technically, curcuminoid polyphenols) and established their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits along with a myriad of other positive actions. It isn't difficult to find research demonstrating the health benefits of curcumin, including benefits to cardiovascular health, cognitive health, and mood. But they have a fatal flaw: they are normally very poorly absorbed when taken by mouth. In fact, conventional curcumin powders and supplements can be so poorly absorbed that NO curcumin is actually found in the bloodstream – which translates to no appreciable benefit to the brain and body. Additionally, there is very little consistency in terms of quality control among curcumin supplements. Research done by ConsumerLab.com found that more than 20% of turmeric and curcumin supplements they selected for review delivered less than 15% of the advertised amount of the compounds. BrainMD Health is very proud to introduce Brain Curcurmins containing LONGVIDA® Optimized Curcumin Extract – a breakthrough formula optimized to deliver curcumin into target tissues through the critical bioavailability requirements of permeability, solubility, and stability. This dramatically improved oral absorption is verified by human trials. Furthermore, a triple-blinded clinical trial revealed important brain benefits of LONGVIDA®: conservation of working memory, improved calmness and "contentedness" (roughly equating to satisfaction) when under mental strain, and less tendency to physical fatigue from such challenges. In this trial the curcumin group also showed cardiovascular benefit, by lowering total and LDL cholesterol statistically better than the placebo group. The Brain Curcumins supplement from the BrainMD Health team supplies 25% more LONGVIDA® per capsule (500 mg) than was used in the clinical trial (400 mg), for additional benefit to mind and body. So if you are looking for a supplement that promotes alertness and calmness, supports working memory while under mental strain, and which is protective to your brain and body through powerful antioxidants, give BrainMD Health’s Brain Curcumins a try – your satisfaction is guaranteed!
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4 of the Best Ways to Calm Anxious Thoughts
In today’s ever-changing, fast-paced world, we’re faced with a variety of responsibilities and stress on a daily basis – there’s no escaping it! For many, it can be difficult to cope with everyday situations and experience peace, calm and happiness. See if any of these questions apply to you: Do you often feel overwhelmed? Is it difficult to relax? Does your mind race with anxious or stressful thoughts? Do you find yourself being irritable with those around you? Is it hard to handle life’s ups and downs? If so, you are not alone! When you calm your mind, you’re much less likely to overreact to the inevitable frustrations of life AND you can begin to experience clarity, happiness and a sense of wellbeing. Much easier said than done, though, right? Some of the tools that can help you cope with daily stress are things like exercising, eating right, getting plenty of sleep, meditating, and nurturing relationships with positive people. However, adding a supplement containing nutrients that help act as the biochemical “brakes” your brain needs to slow down your anxious or fretful thoughts can be a huge help. As you will learn in this short video featuring Dr. Amen and BrainMD’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Parris Kidd, BrainMD Health’s GABA Calming Support [insert link] is made up of several potent nutrients that support a healthy response to everyday stress and promote relaxation and a tranquil body and mind, naturally. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_HOp1jIZgg “Taming your anxious thoughts is integral to good quality of life. GABA Calming Support supports your body’s own mechanisms for achieving a calm, relaxed state.”– Daniel G. Amen, MD Here’s what you get with GABA Calming Support: GABA - Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid and neurotransmitter widely distributed throughout the brain that regulates brain excitability by inhibiting excessive firing of neurons, resulting in a sense of calm. Supplementing with GABA can help flip the "off" switch on worrisome, ruminating thoughts by supporting the body’s natural mechanism for quieting the mind. Additionally, GABA has mild relaxation properties and can enhance mood and support sleep. Lemon Balm - a member of the mint family and has been used as a medicinal herb in Southern Europe for many years. It has been attributed as a calming agent with mild sedative effects and is often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Research suggests that lemon balm may inhibit GABA transaminase, the main enzyme that breaks down GABA, therefore ensuring the brain maintains a healthy supply. Magnesium - Known as "the relaxation mineral," magnesium plays an important role in muscle relaxation, energy production, and the de-activation of adrenaline. Research suggests that magnesium’s calming properties are enhanced when taken with Vitamin B6. Magnesium may also help to correct stress-causing nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin B6 - Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin essential in the production of such critical neurotransmitters as serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, GABA – which help improve mood -- and melatonin, a hormone that supports your natural body clock. It is required by the nervous system and is needed for normal brain function as well as DNA synthesis. Stay calm, cool and even-keeled with BrainMD Health’s GABA Calming Support.
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Why Your Brain is Like The Universe
Your brain is the most complex, mind-blowing organ in the universe. It is estimated to have over 100 billion neurons (also called nerve cells or brain cells), which is about the number of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. Each neuron is connected to other neurons by up to 40,000 individual connections (called synapses) between cells. Multiplying 100 billion neurons times 40,000 synapses is equivalent to the brain having more connections in it than there are stars in the universe. A piece of brain tissue the size of a grain of sand contains 100,000 neurons and 1 billion synapses, all communicating with one another. A neuron’s main job is to generate an electrical signal called an “action potential” which it does if sufficiently “excited” by other neurons. The action potential of a single neuron is like a lightning bolt that can stimulate other neurons. The stimulated neurons can then generate their own signals that travel to and stimulate yet other neurons to which they are connected, creating a network of neurons that perform a specific brain function. Another way neurons communicate with each other is through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. There are many different neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, adrenaline, noradrenaline, glutamate, and norepinephrine to name a few. Your brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to beat, your lungs to breathe, and your stomach to digest. They can also affect mood, sleep, concentration, weight, and other problems when they are out of balance. Neurotransmitter levels can be depleted many ways. Stress, poor diet, genetic predisposition, drugs (prescription and recreational), alcohol and caffeine use can cause their levels to be out of optimal range. But when your neurotransmitters are balanced you can think more clearly, feel happier, and experience greater well-being. You’ll feel less worried, enjoy a more positive outlook and cope more effectively in stressful situations. The good news is: there are ways you can help balance the neurotransmitters in your brain! Beyond removing stress, maintain a perfect diet, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, the supplements from BrainMD Health provide nutrients to support the brain’s neurotransmitters. Here are a few products and the neurotransmitters they are designed to support. Top Supplements For Nourishing Your Neurotransmitters Serotonin Mood Support: supports serotonin which plays an important role in mood, sleep and appetite. GABA Calming: contains GABA to help provide a sense of calm. Everyday Stress Relief: among its multiple mechanisms to support your body’s response to stress is the use of Taurine, to help balance GABA in order to promote relaxation. NeuroLink: helps to balance many neurotransmitters including adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, and serotonin for overall balanced brain chemistry. Backed by decades of experience, our clinical research team incorporates the latest scientific findings in creating a wide array of specialized formulas that support brain function, energy, memory and learning, mood, stress reduction and sleep. Better brain chemistry = Better quality of life
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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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Feeling Blue About the Passing of Summer?
While warm days may linger for a while, the fact is, summer is officially over. The gradually shorter days of fall and the shift to more time indoors can trigger some physiological changes in the brain, which can affect mood. Specifically, less sunlight may cause a drop in the neurotransmitter serotonin, which in turn, can trigger low mood. Our human physiology is closely connected to the rhythms and cycles of nature! Serotonin is a naturally soothing neurotransmitter produced by our brain throughout life. It plays multiple roles in the brain’s biochemistry and is a critical component in facilitating sustained and deep sleep, maintaining a balanced mood, self-confidence, social engagement, and even supporting healthy appetite. So if you are feeling blue about the passing of summer – or perhaps you simply feel a gnawing sense of anxiety, or worry – supporting healthy and balanced serotonin levels in your body may help. You may be wondering how to do this naturally. Double board-certified psychiatrist, clinical neuroscientist and brain imaging expert, Daniel G. Amen, MD, has something for you to consider. He recommends a combination of healthy lifestyle habits such as daily exercise, consuming “smart” carbohydrates in moderation, and taking a dietary supplement, like Serotonin Mood Support. Serotonin Mood Support is a nutritional supplement designed by Dr. Amen to work through multiple mechanisms to optimize the brain’s serotonin levels in order to create a positive mood state. And it’s completely natural. In this short video, Dr. Amen and BrainMD Health’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Parris Kidd, tell you all about Serotonin Mood Support and how its winning combination of clinically researched ingredients may help lift your mood right away and help you to sail into fall with a positive outlook! While serotonin levels may dip with less exposure to sunlight, many people suffer from low serotonin year round. According to Dr. Amen, if you answer yes to some or all of the following questions, you may have a serotonin issue: Do you worry frequently? Are you rigid? If things don’t go your way, do you get upset? Do you suffer from low mood? Do you have poor sleep? Do you lack craving control? The good news is that the right nutritional support can help. Serotonin Mood Support contains vitamins B6 and B12 to support healthy methyl groups, which help regulate the production of serotonin and many other neurotransmitters. Also included is a superior saffron extract from the Middle East that is well-studied and beneficial for mood management, as well as 5-HTP which, in a number of scientific studies, has been found to help support mood and a sense of relaxation. The bottom line is that Serotonin Mood Support uses multiple mechanisms to support healthy serotonin levels in the brain, naturally. Here’s to a brain healthy, brain happy fall season! [wc_button type="primary" url="https://www.brainmdhealth.com/serotonin-mood-support" title="Order Now" target="self" position="float"]Order Now[/wc_button]
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6 Ways to Fall Asleep at Night and Relax Your Brain
Does it feel like your mind is constantly racing? When you close your eyes to go to bed, do you hear silence and feel calm, or are you bombarded with worries and thoughts rushing through your head like a hamster on a wheel? "Monkey mind" is a term used to refer to that chatter of worry, fear, and doubt that we hear in our heads. Whether directed at ourselves or others, monkey mind can rob us of peace of mind, joy and happiness. A restless mind has many negative effects that can include trouble sleeping, poor decision-making, anxiety and even depression when left to run amuck. Repetitive, ruminating thinking limits effective problem solving, and promotes procrastination, avoidance and withdrawal, only resulting in further problems. You may have heard the expression "what you resist persists." As long as we fight against the monkey mind, we give it more energy and make it stronger. As long as we try to beat our thoughts away, we make them bigger. Everyone has monkey mind. It's a part of being human, and it never goes away. So while it is impossible to banish the monkeys in your mind, you DO have the power to tame your monkey mind and keep it in order. Here are 6 simple ways to quiet your mind: 1. Meditate The single most effective way to still your mind is meditation. Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention to help you feel calm and give you a clear awareness about your life. There are many types of meditation and relaxation techniques that have meditation components; all share the same goal of achieving inner peace. 2. Breathe deeply Deep diaphragmatic breathing is a very effective, yet simple method for overcoming stress and quieting your mind; one that can be done anywhere, anytime! When you take shallow breaths, it reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain cells and reduces your overall brain function. Taking deep breaths relaxes your muscles, relieves tension, and helps your brain function better. 3. Practice gratitude Did you know that practicing gratitude causes real changes in your brain that enhance brain function and make you feel better? If you want your brain to work better, practice being grateful for the good things in your life. Writing down your grateful thoughts makes the practice that much more powerful. 4. Write it down Try journaling or otherwise putting your thoughts on paper. This process gives those stressful thoughts a home – another place they can live besides your brain. Once those thoughts are expressed, they often no longer feel the need to wreak havoc on your brain so that you can mentally relax. 5. Exercise Physical exercise is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to keep your brain 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 – especially the cells that help the brain self-regulate and calm down! 6. Add GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid) GABA's natural function is to reduce the activity of the neurons to which it binds and is vital to quieting an overactive mind. Dr. Daniel Amen’s GABA Calming Support contains clinically tested GABA shown to promote relaxation by increasing calming, focused brain waves, while also calming other brain waves associated with worry. Complimenting this clinically tested and natural substance are vitamin B6, magnesium and lemon balm, an herb traditionally known for its calming effects. When you calm your mind, you can begin to experience clarity, happiness and a sense of well-being. Practicing these simple strategies helps give you your peace of mind back.
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Be Your Own Valentine This Year
Valentine's Day is a time to Focus on Love and Nourishment. This year reframe Valentine's Day and make it about Loving and Nourishing Yourself. Be Your Own Valentine. Take this time to Treat Yourself with calming, healthy and relaxing acts. Make this a sweet but sugar free Holiday! As you prepare for treating your special Valentine this year focus on treating yourself, AS YOU ARE THE VALENTINE. WAYS TO TREAT YOURSELF FOR VALENTINE'S DAY: Take a bath with spa music and relaxing beeswax candles. Book a Massage Appointment. Do a yoga class. Go for a Hike. For chocolate: Indulge in one of Dr. Daniel Amen's Brain in Love Bars. Have some treats without the sugar. Spend time reading a book. Buy yourself Flowers. Better yet give back and plant a tree. Make yourself a beautiful home cooked healthy meal. Treat yourself to a romantic dinner alone. Take 3 hours to yourself. Instead of baking heart shaped cookies. Try having heart shaped strawberries and watermelon. Take a meditation class. Organize your space and de-clutter your life and mind. Make this a healthier Valentine's Day and instead of treating yourself to material items, fancy unhealthy meals, and alcohol, treat yourself with love, peace, kindness, healthy nourishing foods and a calm day. There is no better way to treat yourself than to feed yourself loving and nourishing foods.
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