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Food is Medicine: A Beginners Guide to Better Health Through Your Diet
Finally, Western medicine is beginning to embrace the idea that food is medicine. In aiming to solve the world’s diet-related health issues, health policy makers and medical researchers have determined that healthy foods need to be a formal part of patient care, a 2020 BMJ analysis reveals. Indeed, the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has created a Food as Medicine initiative to ensure food-insecure communities have access to healthy food and to explore evidence-based nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals as part of healthcare. While these are heartening developments, you don’t have to get sick or see a medical professional to enjoy the benefits healthy eating provides. You can start taking a “food is medicine” approach to eating today by starting to consume foods that help to support and protect your health. Here’s how. Understanding “Food Is Medicine” The idea behind “food is medicine” (used interchangeably with “food as medicine” in health policy) is simple: support health, reduce risk, and, in some instances, address serious health issues by changing what people eat. Of course, healthy foods aren’t a replacement for actual medicine or medical treatments. Rather, embracing food as medicine is one important key to the puzzle of health. What Foods Are Not Medicine? One of the first steps to adopting a diet of healthy foods as medicine is to eliminate or minimize the foods that can cause harm. Nutrition scientists from Harvard devised a list of unhealthy foods associated with most diet-related health problems. Eating these foods habitually (and to the exclusion of other healthy foods) can slowly destroy your health over time. They’re inflammatory and increase your risk of blood sugar problems, heart health issues, poor immune function, problems with memory, neurodegenerative issues, and more. Avoid or minimize your consumption of the following: 1. Added Sugar Added sugars (white sugar, brown sugar, honey, high-fructose corn syrup, etc.) may seem benign as they delight the taste buds, but they can wreak havoc on your health if overconsumed. Habitual overconsumption of sugary foods and drinks can lead to skin conditions and wrinkles, heart health issues, blood sugar problems, low mood, liver problems, excess weight, hormonal imbalances, lower immune function, and more. Too much is more than 36 grams of sugar a day for men, and 25 grams for women. Beware of artificial sweeteners! They can cause digestive issues and may have a negative impact on cognitive function, mental health, and memory. Use a healthy sugar alternative instead. 2. Baked Goods and “White” Carbohydrates Cookies, cakes, pastries, donuts, and other treats are loaded with added sugar (as well as refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and salt). The sugar-salt-fat content can trigger cravings for more sweets. Consuming white bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, and pancakes also can spike blood sugar levels. 3. Processed and High-Fat Meats Processed meats like pepperoni, ham, bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats offer protein but the curing, salting, smoking, and chemical preservatives involved in processing these meats makes them a health liability. Red meat is generally high in saturated fat (unless you get a lean cut). Research has shown that too much saturated fat can raise unhealthy cholesterol levels and the risk of heart health issues. 4. Too Much Salt Most Americans get 1½ teaspoons of salt daily. Ideally, salt intake should be less than 1 teaspoon a day. While our bodies need salt, too much can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart health problems. 5. Alcohol Alcohol consumption lowers blood flow to the brain. If consumed routinely, it can shrink brain volume, cause hippocampus atrophy, and reduce the number of new brain cells. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of neurodegenerative issues affecting memory function too. Alcohol can lead to problems with blood pressure, heart health, liver function, and your digestive health. What Foods Are Medicine? Now that you know what not to consume, let’s get to the good stuff! Inspired by the Mediterranean Diet, considered one of the most healthful diets, a dietary pattern made up of the following foods is truly medicine for good health. 1. A wide variety of colorful whole fruits and vegetables Among them, berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables offer extraordinary benefits. 2. Lots of beans, lentils, seeds, and nuts The longest-lived cultures around the globe enjoy legumes as a staple food. Seeds and nuts are loaded with fiber, minerals, and healthy fats. 3. Whole grains Rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, B vitamins, and more, enjoy a variety of whole grains such as buckwheat, gluten-free oats, quinoa, and brown rice. 4. Plant oils like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil These are excellent sources of healthy fats. Tropical oils (coconut oil, etc.) offer healthy medium-chain triglycerides, but are best enjoyed in moderation due to their saturated fat content. 5. Moderate amounts of seafood and fish Enjoy fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, sardines, and mackerel regularly, but stay away from those known to have higher levels of mercury. 6. Moderate amounts of low-fat or nonfat dairy Enjoy probiotic- and protein-rich Greek yogurt or natural cheese. 7. Fermented foods Add probiotic-rich fermented foods to your diet such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and yogurt. 8. Moderate amounts of quality poultry If you do strength training, protein consumption is needed to build muscle. Enjoy protein, such as pasture-raised, hormone-free eggs, with your breakfast to support healthy brain function. 9. Minimal amounts of lean red meat Enjoy occasional servings of lean red meat, organic and grass-fed, if possible. 10. Fresh herbs and spices Herbs and spices are chock-full of protective compounds and bring much flavor and enjoyment to food. 11. Green and herbal teas Drink plenty of water and beverages that promote relaxation and health. Green tea is a great alternative to coffee. Reap the Rewards A dietary pattern that includes an abundance of these healthy foods (and a minimal amount of the unhealthy foods) is associated with the following benefits: Greater longevity Healthy skin, teeth, and eyes Healthy muscles Healthy immune function Better brain function and mental health Strong bones Lowers risk of problems with heart health, blood sugar, and cellular function Healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding Healthy digestive function Healthy weight Remember though, it’s a dietary pattern that matters. As long as the majority of what you eat is healthy, occasional indulgences aren’t going to set you back. Here’s to making food your medicine! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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12 Best Foods for Your Brain Health
12 Best Foods for Your Brain Health Taking care of your brain may be as simple as eating the right foods, and consuming proper amounts of vitamins and other nutrients to support your heart, brain and muscles, too. Consistent exercise and other regular healthy habits (sound sleep) will help bolster your brain, too. Here are our top 12 foods that are very beneficial for brain (and heart) health. They’re also delicious! Fruits and Vegetables, Best Foods for Brain Health Spinach and leafy greens. These nutrient-dense vegetables are rich in magnesium, which helps dilate blood vessels, and boost blood flow to the brain. Asparagus. An incredible source of folate, asparagus is energy for your brain! Studies show that people with lower levels of folate tend to be more likely to experience depression. Oranges. Your body can’t naturally make vitamin C, but it’s an essential nutrient for eyesight and healthy brain cells, so eat up. Oranges are also rich in flavonoids, shown to improve memory and cognition. Blueberries. Cancer-fighting antioxidants in many berries help protect the brain from oxidative stress (and toxic pollutants) believed to reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Studies suggest blueberries support learning capability and motor skills. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Your Brain’s Best Friend Omega-3 fatty acids play crucial roles in reducing bad cholesterol, decreasing inflammation, and asthma, among other conditions. There’s a balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids you should know about. Walnuts. Consume them in whole form, with the skin on, for maximum polyphenols. These little nuts are full of Omega-3 fatty acids which lower your risk for depression, can help you sleep better, and increase memory. Salmon. Naturally high in Omega-3, these keep your brain full and fit. Studies show that people with low levels of Omega-3 have smaller brains than those with high levels. Olive Oil. High in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, consuming olive oil has natural anti-inflammatory benefits and has been shown to help improve memory. Flaxseed. A great source of protein and fiber, this little seed is also a good source of vitamin E, which can help decrease cognitive decline. Avocado. This incredibly underrated fruit, is full of healthy fats that help to normalize blood pressure and cranial blood flow. Healthy blood flow means a healthier brain. (And good guacamole can’t be beat!) [wc_box color="inverse" text_align="left"] Can Chocolate Actually Be Good for Your Brain? Dark Chocolate. It’s true, chocolate is a health food! Just a few ounces of organic cocoa can help improve blood circulation to the brain. It also stimulates “get happy” endorphin production and increases antioxidants. Try BrainMD's healthy chocolate bars! Peppermint. This food doesn’t even need to be eaten, based on its aromatic properties. Whether eaten, chewed, or smelled, peppermint can increase both alertness and memory, while improving reasoning and problem solving kills. Green Tea. Antioxidants in green tea help decrease toxic free radicals and encourages healthy blood flow. Drinking green tea in some studies has been shown to potentially decrease the risk for dementia and it may help curb cognitive decline. Always brew fresh leaves – powdered drinks will not provide brain health benefits. [/wc_box] Taking care of your brain may be as easy as eating healthy meals, drinking plenty of water (and tea), and ramping up that exercise routine. Find 100 brain-healthy recipes in Tana Amen’s and Dr. Amen’s newest book, The Brain Warrior’s Way Cookbook.
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9 Easy Ways To Boost Your Focus
The Focus Struggle Are you easily distracted when driving? Do you struggle to pay attention to boring tasks? Do you generally have problems focusing, or know someone who does? If so, you are not alone! Can you believe that research shows that humans have an attention span of only 8 seconds? This is less than a goldfish which loses focus after about 9 seconds It seems like evolution may be going in the wrong direction. In 2000, the human attention span average was estimated at 12 seconds, which is not great; but losing a third of our attention span in fifteen years is alarming! 9 Easy Ways to Boost Your Focus In today’s fast-paced, demanding, multi-tasking world, you need to be able to focus and pay attention in order to be successful. The good news is that there are countless strategies you can use to become more focused and have better attention – start with these 9. 1. Good, healthy food is brain medicine. For people who struggle with attention and focus, a healthy fat, high fiber, quality protein, low glycemic diet can have a powerfully positive effect on brain function. The sugar-filled, pesticide-laden, high glycemic Standard American Diet (SAD) leads to increased distractibility, decreased energy, and illness. It is especially important to eat protein with each meal and snack which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and maintain focus. 2. Drink lots of water. Your brain is 80 percent water. Anything that dehydrates it, such as too much caffeine or alcohol, decreases your thinking and impairs your focus and judgment. Make sure you get plenty of water every day. To know you are drinking enough water for your brain, a good general rule is to consume half your weight in ounces per day unless there is significant obesity and then usually not more than 120 ounces a day. 3. Calm and focus your mind on mindful exercise. Yoga, tai chi, and other mindful exercises have been found to reduce anxiety and depression and increase focus. 4. Decades of research have shown that prayer, meditation, visualization, and self-hypnosis can calm stress; improve focus, mood, and memory; and enhance overall brain function. Taking 5 to 10 minutes twice a day to focus on your breathing, gratitude, a beautiful scene in nature, or scriptures is simple, yet can have a powerful effect on your life. 5. Used properly, music is medicine. Music can soothe, inspire, and help you focus. That is why Dr. Amen has teamed up with best-selling author and Grammy Award-winning composer, Barry Goldstein Music to compose pieces specifically designed to enhance mood, memory, energy, and focus. Other music to consider in order to improve focus is: “Just the Way You Are”: Bruno Mars Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448: Mozart “Silk Road”: Kitaro 6. Neurofeedback has been shown to help improve focus, impulse control, and memory along with other cognitive functions. It helps your brain function better by retraining certain brainwave patterns. You essentially get to play a video game using just your mind. While doing it, a computer continuously monitors your brain’s function and provides feedback. It is through repetition that the brain can retrain itself; therefore, a neurofeedback program will involve multiple sessions, but it’s worth it. 7. Boost your attention span with BrainMD’s Attention Support containing natural focus boosters. All its ingredients were picked for their clinically proven benefits to attention, concentration, calm, and overall self-control. Working through multiple action pathways in the brain, Attention Support’s nutrients and herbals help your distractible brain stay on track. 8. Give yourself regular breaks. Many people equate taking breaks with wasting time, but research demonstrates that taking breaks actually improves our focus and efficiency. Our cognitive control system can often begin to fail after a while of focusing on a task. By switching our attention to something else briefly – in other words, by taking a break – we can then return to our original task refreshed and focus on it once again. 9. Get rid of distractions when you prepare to focus – close your email, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Put your phone on airplane mode and turn off anything that blinks, dings, buzzes, or vibrates. Although multitasking may seem like the best way to get things done, research shows that even people practiced at multitasking don’t do it very well.
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11 Foods You Need For a Bright Mind
If your memory is worse than it was ten years ago, you should know that your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s has risen. Did you know that food can play an important role in getting your memory back to where you want it to be? It’s never too late to heal your mind and boost your memory. What is “BRIGHT MINDS?" Dr. Daniel Amen uses the mnemonic “Bright Minds” in his book Memory Rescue. This mnemonic gives you your memory loss risk factor and its brain healthy solution. Here is a food for each: Blood Flow: Pistachios raise a chemical in the body called arginine. Arginine helps blood vessels become wider and increase blood flows. Retirement: as you age, your brain gets less and less active. One of the ways to reverse aging is to strengthen the antioxidant capability of your body. The most potent antioxidant on the planet is cloves. Inflammation: It is a major cause of depression and dementia. Omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and curcumins that come from curry all decrease inflammation. Curried salmon would be the perfect anti-inflammatory meal. Genetics: Some of us are more vulnerable to illness. With Alzheimer's disease, if you have the genetic vulnerability, your body produces too much of something called beta-amyloid. Sage has A level scientific evidence to help your memory, plus it tastes awesome and decreases the production of beta-amyloid. Head Trauma: Head trauma is a major risk for memory problems, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia. Shrimp boosts choline, which helps our brains make acetylcholine, which is very important, and very helpful for memory Toxins: We live in a toxic world. Whether it's your deodorant, shampoo, friends, or the toxic thoughts you have. Brassicas like cauliflower and brussel sprouts help boost glutathione in your body. Brassicas help your liver work better and helps you detoxify. Mental health: Saffron is a beneficial spice that has been shown to have anti-depressant effects that boost your memory, decrease your appetite while taking care of PMS. What could be better? Immunity and Infections: One of the best ways to strengthen your immune system is to boost your Vitamin D level. Eggs are a great way to incorporate Vitamin D into your diet. Neurohormones: For men and women, testosterone is critical to your sense of energy, motivation, mood, memory, libido, and sugar like eating cheesecake for dessert happens to drop it. But, adding pomegranate can strengthen testosterone. Diabesity: This is where you have a combination of high blood sugar, diabetes, or pre-diabetes, and you're overweight. It also increases your risk of memory problems. Cinnamon helps to stabilize your blood sugar, boost your mood, and it can decrease your appetite. Sleep: If you're not sleeping, you're much more likely to get a head injury. Cherry juice naturally has melatonin in it, the hormone that helps us sleep. A healthy and balanced diet- incorporating the foods listed in this Bright Minds mnemonic- regular exercise, and a good supplement regimen to support your nutritional deficiencies, brain, and body are all actions you can take to help your brain and memory today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your life! Good habits start when you’re ready!
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Why Choose Plant-Based Protein Powders?
Protein is an Essential Building Block Our bodies are incredibly efficient machines, performing thousands of functions each day without requiring any awareness on your part. When you consume nutrients, in the form of food, your body springs into action breaking everything down into its usable components, extracting the vitamins and minerals, converting the sugars into energy and energy stores, and utilizing the protein to repair and rebuild the tissues of our muscles, skin and organs. At least this is what is supposed to happen. However, to effectively give your body the proper nutrition does take awareness. Food is medicine or it can be poison, and your body will respond and perform according to how you feed it. High-quality protein is one of the macronutrients required for a high-performance life. Protein can literally be found in every living cell in your body. Simply put: You can’t live without protein. The prospect of eating the recommended 45 to 100 grams of dietary protein (for adults) every day is a bit daunting. You may not want to start the day with a heavy breakfast chock-full of animal proteins. If you’re thinking you’d like to try out a protein powder instead, but don’t have any idea what to look for, here is some help. Other Sources of Plant Proteins Chia seeds Spirulina Nutritional yeast Pea protein Whey Protein, Plant Protein. What's Best to Buy? What are the differences between traditional whey protein and plant-based protein? Whey protein is a by-product of the cheese manufacturing process, and is the liquid that is left behind after milk is curdled and strained. Since whey protein is derived from milk, lactose intolerance is one of the most common side effects from consuming whey protein. Whey protein is a common allergen and can affect the immune system of individuals who may be allergic to it. Whey proteins are also notorious for causing bloating which is a symptom of the body’s inability to digest it. Additionally, the caseine in milk protein converts to something called “exorphins” during digestion. Exorphins cross the blood brain barrier, binding to the same receptors that many opiate drugs do. This can negatively affect brain function, focus, and mood. Plant-based protein is a much easier digestible source of protein for humans without the side effects associated with whey protein. Plant proteins are typically packaged with an abundance of phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber — all critical components for brain and body health. Today, the health benefits of plant-based, nutrient-dense diets are widely recognized by experts in nutrition. As a result, both vegans and non-vegans can try to get most or all of their daily protein intake from plant sources instead of red meat.
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Meatless Monday Tips + Brain-Smart Smoothie Recipe!
Cherries and berries may not be available at a Farmer’s Market near you, yet, but frozen berries do retain their vitamins and nutrients well. Add healthy grams of fiber with spinach, dark greens and hemp seeds, and you’ll consume more than half of your daily fiber needs in one smoothie recipe, says fitness expert Tana Amen, BSN, RN, author of The Brain Warrior’s Way Cookbook. Beyond their basic fruity tartness and high levels of vitamin C and K, these super-berries pack in folic acid and minerals like manganese, which are affiliated with brain health. (By many accounts, blackberries are considered one of the most powerful antioxidant foods consumed in the U.S.). Super Berries May Battle Viral Infections, Ulcers, and “Bad” Cholesterol The National Institutes of Health is funding research to study the powerful effects of these “super berries.”¹ In one large study, women who ate more than three servings of blueberries and/or strawberries per week had a 34 percent lower heart attack risk than those who ate less than that. “Brain activity is linked with appropriate nutrition,” says Amen. Even short-term alterations in the quantity and makeup of antioxidants (like berries) can affect your mental cognition, mood and healthy body weight. Certain supplements may also help you get adequate amount of these free radical-fighting antioxidants. As an added health wallop, Amen adds hemp seeds² for more calcium and iron; and freeze-dried Chinese goji berries with 20 vitamins and minerals. Shop your favorite books, supplements and smoothie recipes, and stay tuned for our healthy nutrition tips. We have so many delicious, quick-and-simple recipes to choose from. What are your favorite smoothie add-ins? At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. References: 1. Keservani, R. K., Sharma, A. K., & Kesharwani, R. K. (2016). Medicinal effect of nutraceutical fruits for the cognition and brain health. Scientifica, 2016, Article 3109254. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3109254 2. Mihoc, M., Pop, G., Alexa, E., & Radulov, I. (2012). Nutritive quality of Romanian hemp varieties (Cannabis sativa L.) with special focus on oil and metal contents of seeds. Chemistry Central Journal, 6, Article 122. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-153X-6-12
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Can You Be Born With a Bad Memory?
Is Bad Memory Due to Genetics? Can it be Fixed? No one quite knows how memory works, and although researchers are getting closer to figuring it out, there is conclusive evidence that you can be born with a poor memory – but you can also fix it. Some evidence in adults shows that hormonal birth control, for one thing, can negatively affect memory retention. The good news is that the effects are not permanent and only affect temporarily while they are taking hormones. How Can You Be Born with a Poor Memory? A recent research study published in the journal of Neurology shows a strong correlation between birth weight and the number of weeks in gestation, and memory and attention problems as an adult. After studying adults who were born prematurely, studies indicate that those with the lower birth weight still score lower on their attention and visual memory tests when compared with those born full term. Although the study didn’t conclusively pinpoint what exactly happens in the womb during those crucial weeks, research indicates the longer a baby is in the womb, the better for his or her brain. Some studies show that this could be because of the development and maturity of the hippocampus, part of the brain that is essential for developing contextual memories. When the structure of the brain itself was studied, Amen Clinic’s SPECT brain imaging showed that the maturity of the hippocampus at birth and memory function as an adult were associated. Those born prematurely appear to have significantly smaller hippocampus’ than full-term babies, and this may explain why specialists find weaker memories in preemies later in life. How Can You Improve Your Memory Now? Poor memory can also be caused by a variety of things, not just hormones or being born prematurely. The most common sources of poor memory tend to be from very preventable conditions: Stress Lack of sleep Traumatic brain injuries By developing routines that can help to alleviate these issues, and using natural supplements to increase blood flow and circulation, your memory can improve over time. BrainMD Health’s Brain and Memory Power Boost was developed for exactly those reasons. With seven powerful brain boosters – including Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, and Vinpocetine – Ginkgo Biloba and Vinpocetine work synergistically to increase blood flow to the brain, promoting increased circulation. Huperzine A, a medicinal herb, improves the function of acetylcholine, a brain neurotransmitter that plays a central role in memory. The Amen Clinics are committed to promoting, optimizing, and supporting brain health naturally. Your memory is what allows you to treasure and revisit the most special moments in your life. Make sure you fortify your brain with the nutrients and supplements that can strengthen and restore it.
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Meet Dr. Parris Kidd, Chief Science Officer
Under today’s intense pressures, we must actively work to conserve and improve our mental functions. The fast-growing body of neuroscience research proves that the human brain is always working to improve itself, and that literally by changing your brain you can change your life. At BrainMD, we’ve dedicated our careers to helping people feel better by creating the highest quality nutritional products for optimizing and balancing brain health. BrainMD's supplement products are developed from the published knowledge base of successful clinical trials and other scientific research on the safety and effectiveness of specific nutrients and herbals. Additionally, BrainMD’s product development team has over 75 years of combined experience in developing dietary supplements that work. Heading up that team with Dr. Amen is BrainMD’s Chief Science Officer and Director of Quality Control, the renowned Dr. Parris Kidd. Revolutionary Dietary Supplements for the Brain Dr. Kidd has developed a diverse array of dietary supplements over his career, and since 1994 has specialized in developing dietary supplements for the brain. A native of Jamaica, Dr. Kidd has been active in integrative medicine for over 30 years. Dr. Kidd earned a B.Sc. with First Class Honors in Zoology at the University of the West Indies, then a Ph.D in cell and developmental biology at the University of California, Berkeley. Subsequently he pursued an academic career that included teaching developmental biology at Berkeley, doing research and teaching at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, and research at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF). [caption id="attachment_4669" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Left to right: Laura Nunes, Tana Amen, Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Parris Kidd[/caption] In 1983, having developed a strong interest in “alternative medicine,” Dr. Kidd began a collaboration with Dr. Stephen Levine (another Berkeley PhD) that resulted in the 500-page book Antioxidant Adaptation — Its Role in Free Radical Pathology. While developing a thriving consulting practice, beginning in 1994, Dr. Kidd reoriented his focus to specializing in brain nutrients. He was the scientist on the team that brought PS (PhosphatidylSerine) into North America in 1994 and helped launch PS in Europe and Asia. His support also helped popularize GPC (Glycero-Phospho-Choline) beginning in 1997, and Krill Omega-3 Phospholipids in 2003. Throughout his career, he has developed numerous dietary supplement products, has published extensively on the science behind supplements, and has done hundreds of radio and video features. Highly respected for his integrity and exemplary contributions to building the scientific knowledge base of nutritional medicine, Dr. Kidd’s continued dedication to the quality and effectiveness of supplemental products lead him to BrainMD. He has championed a quality mindset within the company to ensure the best, most effective products reach our customers. “Dr. Kidd’s passion for science and for people’s health reflects in his work every day. His heart is driven by a desire to help people live healthier, happier lives; his decisions are driven by the science – what has been shown to make a difference. He, along with Dr. Amen, has a never ending need to help people and to do right by them. It is inspiring to work with someone like that.” – BrainMD Our Products are Created for People Just Like You You are important to us and we consider our BrainMD customers part of our family. We want you to be confident with and satisfied by every aspect of doing business with us — from our products and customer service to our one year money back guarantee. When you feel better and your family is healthier, we know we have done our job well.
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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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How to Purchase Protein Powder and What to Avoid
You’ve decided to increase your protein consumption because you realize that eating more protein has numerous health benefits, including: Keeping hunger at bay by balancing the hormones of metabolism Helping stabilize your blood sugar Preventing energy crashes Speeding up weight loss Helping your body become more sensitive to the hormones that tell you when you are full But the prospect of eating the recommended 45 to 100 grams of dietary protein everyday is a bit daunting, so you decide to try out a protein powder. You head to the store and are overwhelmed by the shear number of options available on the shelf. How do you know what to buy? To ensure that you are receiving the best health benefits, here are the top three things to AVOID. DAIRY After the age of two, fewer than 35 percent of humans produce the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose (milk sugar) and digest milk. Without lactase in your gut, lactose remains undigested, fermenting in your intestines and causing an array of gastrointestinal symptoms that we refer to as lactose intolerance. Even if your body can break down lactose, it’s still bad news, because it is converted to galactose and glucose, which elevates blood sugar and causes inflammation. Additionally, casein (a protein in milk) is an excitotoxin in the brain. When left unchecked, excitotoxins can lead to brain inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. SOY Modern commercial marketing would have you believe that soy is the miracle food that can replace dairy. This is not the case. Soy actually contains components that are harmful to our health: A high concentration of lectins which are carbohydrate-binding proteins found in a large number of plant foods that can cause biochemical changes to the cellular lining of the intestines; these changes contribute to leaky gut, poor absorption of nutrients (including other proteins), and the death of intestinal cells Large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, which in excessive amounts can lead to systemic inflammation A substantial amount of phytic acid, which is believed to reduce the absorption of vital minerals SUGAR In addition to being addictive, sugar consumption is associated with a list of health problems. Eating foods containing sugar 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 suppresses 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 you eat, the hungrier you will be! Unfortunately, most protein powders on the market today contain at least one of these ingredients. In addition to being free of dairy, soy, and sugar, BrainMD Health’s new and improved Chocolate OMNI Protein Powder is also free from gluten and GMOs, as well as artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. To help you get started incorporating more protein in your diet in a really easy and delicious way, here is a recipe from NY Times bestselling author, registered nurse, highly respected health and fitness expert, and nationally renowned speaker, Tana Amen, BSN, RN. Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Bars Ingredients: 1 cup organic pumpkin puree ½ cup almond butter ½ cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder (plant based, sugar free) ½ cup erythritol 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 3 eggs- cage free, all natural 1 cup coconut or almond flour 1 cup rolled oats or grainless granola Optional: 2 tablespoons raw honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ounce sugar-free, dairy-free chocolate, melted or chopped (can be used as a drizzle or as chunks) Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-11-inch pan with cooking spray, or line with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine pumpkin puree, almond butter, protein powder, erythritol, baking soda, spices, honey and vanilla, if desired. Add flour, oats and egg. Mix well, until thoroughly blended. Dough will be very thick. Press dough into pan, spreading until it covers the entire pan evenly. Make sure the center isn’t thicker than the corners. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chunks if desired, or wait to drizzle chocolate sauce. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While bars are baking, place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl if you wish to make a drizzle. Microwave for 15-20 seconds at a time, stopping to stir before microwaving for another 15-20 seconds. Chocolate should be thoroughly melted after about 45-50 seconds. If a thinner sauce is desired add a teaspoon of coconut oil while microwaving. After pumpkin bars have cooled completely, drizzle melted chocolate in zig zag lines across the pan using a small spoon. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow chocolate to set. Nutritional information per serving: 187calories, 15.2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, 2.6g fiber, 1.3g sugar, 10.8g fat, 0.9g saturated fat, 34.9mg cholesterol, 45.5mg sodium
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