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Kid's NeuroVite Supplements
By definition, vitamins and essential minerals are substances that are essential for normal health and functioning. Without them we develop deficiency symptoms that can be serious. Since they cannot be made by the body in sufficient quantities, they must be taken in from the environment – typically through food. Thanks to the dramatic amount of growth and development they are experiencing, children are especially in need of generous allowances of vitamins and minerals, which are critical for healthy growth, activity, learning, and behavior. Without question, the best possible source of vitamins and minerals for kids is high-quality, organic, locally-grown, unprocessed food. However, for most time-crunched families, eating home-cooked, well-balanced meals made from these ingredients 100% of the time just isn’t possible. Additionally, it is possible for genetic variation to raise an individual's requirements for a vitamin or mineral to way higher than they can obtain even from a perfect diet. Many Children Eat Less Than a Minimum Daily Allowance of Nutrients Alarming studies show that a high percentage of children in North America and other developed countries eat less than the minimum daily allowance of many essential nutrients. Additional studies indicate that modern foods don't meet children's needs for these nutrients. Adding an expertly designed multivitamin/mineral supplement to their diet helps to fill any nutritional gaps. Many clinical research studies have established that supplementing children's diets with multiple vitamins and essential minerals supports their brain and body development. So now that you know the importance of giving your child a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement, you are still faced with trying to figure out which one to buy: There are a lot of multiples out there – if you’ve ever walked down the vitamin aisle of your local health food store, pharmacy, or grocery store, you know how many choices there are. That’s why Dr. Amen and his BrainMD team developed Kids’ NeuroVite – to take the guess work out of what multiple vitamin-mineral supplement to use for your kids. This science-based formulation provides generous amounts of well-utilized nutrients for: making energy (magnesium, the B vitamins) supporting the brain's maturation (methylfolate, methylB12, choline) improving immunity (vitamin C, zinc, selenium) supporting vision (lutein, zeaxanthin) "Get kids started with the support they need. Kids’ NeuroVite was developed for my own children and grandchildren. It can help yours, too." – Daniel G. Amen, MD The BrainMD team scoured the clinical research to document which nutrients are best proven for kids over the long term. We didn't take any shortcuts when selecting the ingredients for our Kids’ NeuroVite. A broad spectrum of nutrients for healthy minds and active bodies was chosen while paying close attention to purity, optimal absorption, and utilization. You know what you WON’T find in Kids’ NeuroVite? Ingredients that you might find in other kids’ multivitamin/mineral supplements that: May be unsafe, such as cyanocobalamin (cyanide with vitamin B12) Are poorly absorbed, such as magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, other oxides Are poorly utilized once absorbed, such as folic acid, beta-carotene (poorly converted to vitamin A), and vitamin D2 Are simply unnecessary, such as titanium dioxide, artificial colorants, and sugar Your child will LOVE the taste of the orange-flavored penguin chewables which are free from sugar, dairy, gluten, wheat, eggs, and artificial colorings or flavorings. Give BrainMD’s Kids’ NeuroVite a try- risk free! We offer a 1-year, money back guarantee on your first bottle of any supplement. And you will have peace of mind knowing that you are providing your child with high-quality "nutritional health insurance," adds Dr. Amen.
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Brain Health in Veterans: How to Honor & Support Veterans
“On Veterans Day, we salute the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have rendered the highest service any American can offer, and we rededicate ourselves to fulfilling our commitment to all those who serve in our name.” President Obama, Veteran’s Day 2014 Veteran’s Day is one day, every year, when we are called by our nation to consider, remember, honor and thank those who have risked their lives and offered themselves for the preservation of our freedoms. Today, we remember what has been risked by these courageous men and women, and more importantly, what has been sacrificed. While these soldiers were fortunate enough to return home with their lives, we must remember that they have still made great sacrifices: time away from their families, physical injuries, and likely even their mental health. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 11-20 out of every 100 Veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year. PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is defined as a mental health problem that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or otherwise traumatic event. While PTSD is not limited to members of the military, its history in soldiers after returning from battle goes back centuries. It has not always been well-understood or even commonly accepted. Previously called nostalgia, soldier’s heart, railway spine, shell shock, battle fatigue, combat stress reaction, and gross stress reaction; these conditions all reflected similar symptoms. In 1980 PTSD was added to the third version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-III. Symptoms of PTSD include: Intense recollections such as flashbacks and nightmares Inability to recall certain aspects of what happened Avoidance of people, places or things that are reminders of the event Distressing memories Inability to stop thinking about it Increased or excessive anxiety Always being on guard or “jumpy” Feeling emotionally numb Problems with sleep Anger and irritability Depressive symptoms Social isolation It’s important that we do not overlook, or underestimate, the seriousness of this condition. Attempting to return home to normal life, to their families and their previous responsibilities after service can be difficult enough, but suffering from any combination of the symptoms listed above adds more stress to the adjustment process. The length of suffering varies, but can also lead to other struggles, with relationships, jobs, and even addiction. We must do all that we can to help care for our Veterans, and all of those who suffer from PTSD. At BrainMD, our mission is to help support the brain health of everyone we can. Natural supplements can support the structures and the functions that makeup what we would argue to be the most important organ in our bodies. We also encourage everyone, especially those who think they may be suffering, or know someone who is suffering, from PTSD to seek help. Amen Clinics, a leader in brain health and brain SPECT imaging, helps people suffering from a wide array of conditions to improve their brains. One great way to help a Veteran in need is by helping them take care of their brain. This may include encouraging them to see someone who can help. By giving them support as a friend or loved one, this is a great way to show your respect, honor, and thank them for their sacrifice. BrainMD would like to thank all the men and women who have served, and continue to serve both near and far, in order to protect our freedoms and our safety. We are able to continue the work we do, because of you. Thank you.
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Why Multiple-Mechanisms are Better for Your Memory
Your brain gets sick or it ages in many different ways, and that is exactly how we assess and optimize it. Assessing and targeting multiple processes like inflammation, blood flow, cell membrane health, and more can make a radical difference in your brain function. Single-mechanism interventions, such as taking just single supplements like chromium or vitamin E by themselves, have not consistently worked in large-scale studies to stave off cognitive impairment. But when we use smart combinations to fight the war for brain health on multiple fronts our effectiveness significantly improves. One such combination formula is BrainMD’s Brain & Memory Power Boost. This is the supplement formulated to help in our brain enhancement work with active and retired NFL players. When used in conjunction with a brain healthy program, we demonstrated significant improvement in memory, reasoning, attention, processing speed and accuracy. It was so effective that I take it every day. Brain & Memory Power Boost includes the super-antioxidant N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), phosphatidylserine to maintain the integrity of cell membranes, huperzine A and acetyl-l-Carnitine (ALC) to enhance acetylcholine availability, alpha-lipoic acid to improve cellular energy production, and vinpocetine and gingko biloba to enhance blood flow. This is a novel combination of powerful antioxidants and nutrients essential in enhancing and protecting brain health. It supports overall brain health, circulation, memory and concentration. Some of the prettiest looking brains I have seen through our imaging work are those on ginkgo. Ginkgo extract comes from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, the oldest living tree on the planet, dating back roughly 200 million years! It is a powerful antioxidant that is best known for its ability to enhance circulation, memory, and concentration. Studies show that ginkgo extract supplementation supports healthy cerebral blood flow, which brings more oxygen to the brain, promoting cognitive health. However, as I mentioned earlier, single-mechanism interventions are not nearly as effective as multiple-mechanism interventions. This proves true for ginkgo as well – thankfully, clinical research supports that the effectiveness of ginkgo is substantially increased when combined with phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid, one of a unique molecular category that are essential building blocks for all our cells. Though phosphatidylserine is essential for every cell of the body, it is highly concentrated in the brain where it is crucial for information transfer between nerve cells at the synapses. It is also essential for the mitochondria, the cell’s energy generators. Furthermore, ginkgo biloba has been shown to improve working memory when combined with vinpocetine, an alkaloid compound prepared from the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor). If you want a mind that's clear, sharp and powerful, consider trying Brain & Memory Power Boost – an all-star lineup of potent nutrients that protect circulation in your brain, boost brain circuit function, and promote mental sharpness. [wc_box color="inverse" text_align="left"] Don’t just take our word for it! Here is a recent testimonial to the power of Brain & Memory Power Boost: “Yesterday my husband and I had a fun revelation about your Brain and Memory Power Boost. We ran out about 3 weeks ago. Confession time....we have both REALLY noticed that there has been a drop in focus and memory. Just a little edge has been removed. I can hardly wait to get back on track. Last year at this time I stopped taking them for about month just to see if I noticed anything and boy, oh boy, did I! My husband and I are feeling the same thing again. We will never go without a big supply of Brain and Memory Power Boost again!! NEVER NEVER NEVER!!” - Jill C. [/wc_box]
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4 Brain Warrior Ways to Attack Aging
We all want to know how to stay healthy as we age. We ask ourselves, “Are there secrets to looking and feeling younger, longer? Are there small, daily habits I can easily start to protect my mind and body as I age?” It’s clear that not everyone—or every brain—ages the same way. But by putting neuroscience into practice in our daily lives, there are a number of things we can all do to help preserve our mental abilities; prevent cognitive impairment, memory problems, and illness; and improve our brain health for a higher quality of life as we grow older. The key to staying healthy is to keep our bodies, including our brains, in top form. But as opposed to strategies that depend on deprivation, “Brain Warriors,” as we call them, focus on the abundance of amazing habits. Now we all know exercise, diet, and quality sleep are important, but here are 4 Brain Warrior ways to attack illness and aging that you probably haven’t thought of. 1. Find Your Tribe Who you spend time with matters. Their daily habits are contagious. Good friends are good for your health. And, as you guessed, unhealthy friends and/or minimal contact with friends is bad for your health. So it’s important to have friends and be selective with them because they can affect your brain, mood, and physical health. Interacting with others helps people feel connected. We’re social animals, who by nature have always needed others for survival. It's in our genes. Studies have found that healthy friends can actually help lower your risk of cognitive decline, may protect against dementia by providing emotional and mental stimulation, and can make a key difference in life longevity. Tip: Try joining new social circles— perhaps a community group, book club, chess club, faith-based group, or a volunteer meet-up. 2. Eat More Fat! What you put in your mouth affects your mind. Good fats are essential to your health. And it’s important to start eating right as early as possible— to restore energy, optimize brain and hormone functioning, reduce the risk of disease, and help maintain a healthy weight. Brain Warrior’s tap into the power of food with both an abundance of illness-fighting nutrients from whole, living plant foods and high-quality protein (plant or animal), with an essential mixture of healthy fat. It’s the good fat that helps keep the brain sharp, fuels muscles, and regulates vital organs to function properly. Tip: Try eating a diet that’s 70% plant-based foods, 30% high-quality protein, and focus on eating healthy fat like avocados, cashews, coconut oil and olive oil mixed in. 3. Manage Your Stress These days, when stress factors seem unrelenting (work stress, financial stress, traffic, raising kids, and so on), stress may seem like a normal part of life. But chronic stress can wreak havoc on your mind and body causing actual physical wear and tear. Research has shown that stress causes physical changes in the body that can take a heavy toll on our physical and emotional health and actually accelerate aging. Stress causes a variety of health issues, including anxiety, depression, obsessive anger and hostility, insomnia, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. That’s because stress sends surges of adrenaline and cortisol to the brain and body, which cause blood pressure to rise and the heart to beat faster. Tip: Try meditation, it’s one of the most effective ways to neutralize stress. Remember, the most important thing is to find something you enjoy that helps you relax, like a hobby, reading a book or doing yoga. 4. Do Mental Aerobics Novelty, variety, and new experiences will help keep your mind sharp and healthy. New experiences, even small, simple changes, stimulate more neural connections in your brain. This causes nerve cells to produce nutrients that strengthen cells and makes them more resistant to the effects of aging. Studies show that brain exercises can help prevent cognitive decline. The best learning activities for your brain are mentally engaging, interactive, enjoyable, and new for you. Make lifelong learning a priority in your life. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to support your brain health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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8 Ways to Have a Positive Effect on Future Generations
Your life is not just about you, it is about generations of you, literally. A new field of genetics, called epigenetics, has exploded onto the scientific scene in the last 20 years. Epigenetic means "above or on top of the gene." It refers to the recent discovery that your habits, emotions, and environment can turn on or off certain genes, making illness more or less likely in you, as well as in your children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Your habits, feelings, and environment impact your biology so deeply it causes changes in the genes that are transmitted to the next several generations. It is these epigenetic "marks" or “etches” that tell your genes to switch on or off or to express them more loudly or softly. It is through epigenetics that immediate environmental factors like diet, stress, toxins, and prenatal nutrition can affect the activity of the genes that are passed to your offspring and beyond. Once you know this, it is your responsibility to act on it! For you to have a positive effect on others you need to do everything you can to make sure that your own brain is healthy and working in top condition. Here are 8 steps to take NOW: Keep your brain and the brains of those you love safe by avoiding toxic foods, chemicals, and illicit drugs, and staying away from dangerous activities that could traumatize your brain or theirs. Stabilize your weight at a healthy level, and gently encourage others to do the same. Get exercise that keeps your blood flowing – especially to your brain, and preferably do it in a group. Get sufficient sleep every night and resolve problems like sleep apnea. Keep your brain flexible and active by exercising it and learning new information. Resolve issues like ADHD, depression, anxiety, and stress by getting appropriate help. Surround yourself with a network of supportive people who will encourage your efforts and help you stay on your healthy program. Take action to be the change you want to see with fun, creative ways of engaging those around you. For example: Encourage family and friends to join you for exercise with group walks, hikes, and bike rides Teach your children and friends brain healthy recipes you learn Start family game night or invite friends to trivia or other memory games Make doctor appointments for your family to address any health issues that may be harming brain function if left untreated These things won’t happen on their own and no one will do them for you. You must be conscientious for your own health. Not only is this for your own good, but for the good of everyone you influence. And there’s only one time when you can make the necessary changes to boost the power of your brain and improve your health, and that time is right now. Putting it off until tomorrow usually means putting it off indefinitely. How long have you been intending to start living differently? Hasn’t it been long enough? In keeping with the BrainMD core value of being committed to helping you transform your life for the better by focusing on improving the health of your brain, this information is being shared as a sneak peek into the new book, The Brain Warrior's Way, by New York Times bestselling authors Daniel & Tana Amen. We are even offering some amazing free gifts to celebrate the pre-order of the book. See all the details here.
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Keep Your Mind Sharp by Staying Fit at the Office
It is no doubt that exercise is essential to brain health. But as a working woman and a mom, sometimes getting to the gym during the week seems next to impossible. Once you have kids, getting to the gym before work is nothing more than a fantasy. After work, most people are tired from a stressful day of work. And the day isn’t over! There are kids to drive around, homework to help with and dinner to get prepared. Whew! To make matters worse, research revealed that 77% of call center and office based employees spend their working day is spent sitting. We now know that long periods of sitting are as bad for your health as smoking, not to mention coping with stress. The effects of inactivity has long-reaching effects on our health in such ways as obesity, heart problems, depression and diabetes Parenting, long meetings, aggressive book deadlines and hectic travel schedules force us to be creative with scheduling workouts. But instead of thinking, “I don’t have time to workout”, I know it’s not an option. As someone who has been very ill in the past, I know I don’t have time NOT to exercise. By having this attitude, I will always find a way. By staying active at the office, I am able to keep my mind sharp. Here are a few of my favorite tips for staying fit in the office: Use a pedometer or fit bit. This will help you assess how many steps you take throughout your work day. It’s amazing how just being aware and having a goal will cause you to move more. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator Schedule “walking meetings”. Daniel often has people walk with him to discuss work matters, or he schedules phone meetings so he can walk while he talks. We both find that we think better on the move. Devote 15- 20 minutes to go on a power walk for your lunch break, and take a co-worker with you. Ask co-workers if they want to pitch in for an inexpensive ping-pong table so you can play at lunch. We provided one for our staff members and now we have an office tournament going. In addition to the exercise, coordination enhancement and brain stimulation this provides, we’ve seen wonderful bonding between our staff members as a result. Stretch your stress away. Tension in your shoulders, neck and back is easy to release with some simple stretches using your office chair. Use an exercise ball for a chair. Unlike sitting in a chair, sitting on an exercise ball engages your core muscles and helps improve balance and flexibility. My treadmill desk is the best investment I’ve made as an author who normally has to write for long periods at a time. Walking at a very slow pace while I write or answer email has completely changed my focus and energy. I keep a change of clothes and deodorant at the office. If I have a long day, I make sure to block out an hour for a workout. I can either do this in the small space available in my office or at the gym (which is a short drive). I’ve learned to embrace being sweaty. A quick splash to the underarms and some deodorant is usually enough to get me through until I get home. I’d rather be a little sweaty and healthy, than glamorous and full of disease-causing inflammation. There’s nothing glamorous about that! Please share your ideas for staying fit at work. I love hearing from you. If you enjoy my weekly tips, I invite you to check out our two new books, which are filled with hundreds of tips to help you win the war for the health of your brain and body! The Brain Warrior’s Way and The Brain Warrior’s Way Cookbook are now available for pre-order here.
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Is Your Sugar Substitute Any Better Than Sugar
In an effort to provide sweet options to the people who choose not to eat sugar, food manufacturers, as well as good-intentioned but misinformed nutrition “experts”, recommend swapping sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup. Don’t believe the claims that these sweeteners are wholesome, healthy substitutes for sugar. Whether it comes from a beehive, a maple tree, or any other natural source, sugar is sugar. Sure, these foods are often less processed than table sugar, so you may feel better about using them. But their effect on your blood sugar, insulin, liver, and cholesterol are the same. If you like a little sweetness in your tea or smoothies, try stevia, which is a much safer option than sugar or artificial sweeteners. Stevia is an herb with leaves that are ten to fifteen times sweeter than sugar. You can buy stevia plants at nurseries or grow them from seed and use their leaves as natural sweeteners. Many people refer to it as the “natural” alternative sweetener. However unless you are crushing stevia leaves and using them to sweeten your favorite drink, we’re not talking about a totally natural sweetener. You can also buy stevia extract which is extracted from stevia leaves that are dried with a water-extraction process. It is refined using ethanol, methanol, and crystallization. The extract then goes through ultra-filtration and nano-filtration to remove those alcohols. Be sure the brand you buy has no alcohol remaining in it. Stevia extract is as much as two hundred to three hundred times sweeter than sugar, so you need only the tiniest amount. If you use too much, you may taste its bitter licorice-like aftertaste. Use it sparingly until you get the hang of it. For many uses, you might try vanilla or chocolate-flavored stevia as it tastes less bitter if you happen to use too much. Stevia (the leaf) has been used in South America for centuries and in Japan for decades. So far, there is no evidence that stevia is anything but safe. Some early studies (done with the extract) suggested that it might cause genetic damage in the people who consumed it, but the studies turned out to be flawed because the data were mishandled. Stevia does not impact blood sugar levels the way sugar does, and it does not acidify the system the way toxic sugar substitutes do. There is some evidence to suggest that it may stabilize blood sugar levels, enhance glucose tolerance, and reduce blood pressure—but more research is needed to figure that out for sure. If you take blood pressure medication or medication for diabetes, use stevia with caution. There is some evidence that it may act synergistically with these medications and could cause hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You will find stevia to be the sweetener of choice in BrainMD Health food products because it has the least reported problems and the greatest reported health claims. Please note that stevia should be used in limited amounts, as it still keeps the taste buds hooked on the “sweet” taste of foods.
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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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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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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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