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Here Are Some of the Best Ways to Avoid Stress Eating at Night
You’re watching television late at night when your stomach growls and you head to the kitchen to rummage for a salty, fatty, or sweet snack. You return and begin to munch while you watch. Before long, you’ve eaten the entire pint of ice cream, bag of chips, or box of cookies. You feel guilt and self-loathing for overdoing it – again. You sleep poorly while your body digests the high calorie, fatty, sugary food. The excess calories are stored in your body as fat. Your blood sugar is affected and maybe even your blood pressure. The next morning, you wake up feeling bloated and unwell before the day has even started. This is called stress eating or nighttime bingeing. Nighttime snacking/eating is more common than you may think. A 2021 representative survey of more than 1,000 American adults, age 18 to 80, found that nearly half of Americans reported snacking after 8:00 p.m. If you’ve been struggling with this painful cycle of unhealthy eating, there’s good news. You can learn how to avoid stress eating and how to stop eating late at night by following some simple strategies. But first, let’s take a closer look at what drives stress eating. About Stress Eating Stress eating, also called emotional eating, happens when we turn to certain foods or meals to fill emotional needs. It often has very little to do with physical hunger and more to do with “coating the nerves” or suppressing difficult feelings. The only problem is that stress eating simply delays the inevitable pain of feeling the emotions. Then you have two problems – the toll unhealthy foods take on your body and mind, as well as the painful feelings that remain unprocessed. The American Psychological Association reports that 27% of adults say they eat to manage stress, and 34% of those who report stress-driven overeating or eating unhealthy foods do it habitually. Interestingly, research indicates that there’s a connection between stress and food. While in an acute stress response, appetite may go away. But if one experiences prolonged, excessive stress, it can lead to overeating and poor food choices. But you can learn to minimize instances of stress and night eating. Here’s how… 5 of the Best Ways to Avoid Stress Eating at Night 1. Start a Food Diary Keeping a food journal helps to bring clarity and awareness about what you eat and when you eat, as well as associated feelings and events. Write everything down without judgment – what you’ve eaten, the quantity or portion size, the time of day and what occurred before a meal or snack. Were you stressed? Did a craving overcome you? Were you exhausted? Hormonal? Usually, after a week or so, you’ll see a pattern emerge. Knowing your trigger foods, times of day, and situations are essential to overcoming emotional eating at night. You can take alternate action to ensure you don’t go down the self-sabotaging road! 2. Regulating Behaviors Sometimes people stress eat at night because they aren’t eating enough of the right foods during the day or failing to get enough sleep each night. Experts recommend getting into a routine with your meals and sleep. Consider eating three healthy meals a day at regular times, and possibly a nutritious snack or two between meals. If you’re up late, you may need a nutritious snack after dinner to keep your blood sugar levels stable until you go to bed. An example might be a green apple (low sugar, high fiber) and spoonful of almond butter (protein, fat, and fiber) Nourish yourself at every meal and snack with nutrient-rich, whole foods. Meals should be balanced with lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, healthy fats, and colorful fruits and vegetables. Fermented foods are wonderful too as they help boost your gut health, which is connected to your mental well-being. There are a number of foods that can calm anxiousness too, including omega-3-rich fatty fish like salmon or walnuts, seeds, and hemp seeds. Vitamin D-rich foods like sardines, mushrooms, and tuna can be calming too. Ensure you’re getting 7-9 hours of restful sleep at night. These regulating behaviors can help stabilize your blood sugar levels, energy, mood, and brain health. 3. Remove Obstacles If you’re struggling with typical stress-eating foods such as refined carbs, sugary candy, and high fat treats, keep them out of your home! That’s right. Round up the salty chips, ice cream, cookies, crackers, or whatever your trigger foods are and give them to someone or bring them to the office (the snacks will probably disappear in one afternoon). Find new, healthy comfort foods. Consider healthy soups, roasted root veggies, a baked pear or apple with cinnamon, and delicious gluten-free whole grains such as oats for breakfast, or wild rice or quinoa at lunch or dinner. Have healthy snack options at the ready...think nuts, apples, berries, veggies, hummus, plain Greek yogurt, and low-fat cottage cheese. 4. Address Your Stress Minimize the stress in your life and in your body. Leave earlier for work or appointments so you don’t have to rush. Eat meals at a table rather than on the run or in front of the television. If you notice a correlation between being overly busy and stress or nighttime eating, simplify your schedule. Take up some calming activities. Enjoy a walk in nature Try a yoga class Practice diaphragmatic breathing Find a meditation practice that you can do regularly Explore a hobby that calms and relaxes you Enjoy regular social time with family and friends Find gentle exercise that brings you joy like a dance class or swimming Bottom Line: you should try to live in a way that frequently activates your body’s “rest and digest” parasympathetic system, which reduces cortisol levels and is more centered around “being” than “doing.” 5. Get Help If you stop the stress eating, you may find out what’s eating you! All those emotions you swallow will come up. Get support. Reach out to an understanding friend, family member, or counselor who can help you process difficult feelings. It’s important to note that if your eating has an out-of-control quality to it and/or you consume large amounts of food in a short amount of time, you may have an eating disorder and need the help of a qualified mental health professional and/or a program of recovery such as Overeaters Anonymous. A New Freedom It’s always difficult to break an unhealthy pattern at first. However, if you persist with incorporating some of these tips, you may be on your way to finding freedom from the pains of stress and habitual stress eating at night. 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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4 Practical Ways to Cut Sugar Cravings Naturally
At certain moments, even the healthiest eater may have an overwhelming desire for a particular food – usually something high in sugar, carbohydrates, salt and/or fat. Many people experience food cravings; however, women appear to have them more often. A survey of 1,000 college students showed that nearly 100% of female participants and 70% of male participants reported experiencing food cravings over the past year. The problem is that for many people it’s extremely difficult to resist cravings. And if you’re trying to clean up your diet, improve your health, and shed extra weight, succumbing to these cravings can sabotage your efforts and dash your hopes of ever making lasting health changes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little knowledge and nutritional support, you can learn how to master your cravings. Here’s how! Why Do I Crave Sweets? It’s no secret that people love sweet-tasting foods, but our cravings for them can go beyond our tastebuds. Researchers believe that humans may be genetically hardwired to prefer fat and sugar. That means that back in our hunter-gatherer days when food sources were uncertain, we became evolutionarily wired to prefer fatty and sweet tastes because they’re a very efficient source of energy. Consuming sweet and fatty foods meant greater chances for survival. Our evolutionary preferences have yet to catch up to the fact that sugary/fatty foods are everywhere and consuming an abundance of them is no longer necessary. An abundance of research also has determined that sugar triggers the release of dopamine and excites the same pleasure and motivation center of the brain that drugs like cocaine and heroin do. This powerful area of the brain provides the passion and motivation that drives your behavior. Like a pleasure button being hit over and over again, every bite of a sweet treat you eat activates this area. But if it gets overused, you need more and more of the substance to get the same effect. Our emotions can get tied to sweet foods as well. The freshly baked cookies you made with your mother as a child holds a place in your brain deep within the limbic system. When you’re seeking nurturing, comfort, and belonging...these memories attached to certain foods can produce a craving. Once you’re aware of what’s driving your food cravings, you can take the next steps to help you successfully overcome them and maintain a healthy diet. Here are 4 ways to master your cravings. How to Cut Sugar Cravings Naturally 1. Balanced Blood Sugar Keeping your blood sugar balanced is one of the best things you can do for overcoming cravings. That’s because healthy blood sugar is tied to healthy blood flow. When it comes to controlling cravings, it’s vitally important to have a healthy supply of blood circulating through your brain’s prefrontal cortex (PFC). Your PFC plays a critical role in your self-control, impulse control, and judgment. The PFC essentially acts as the brain’s “brake” on behavior that might harm you. When it’s working optimally, it reminds you that eating cookies isn’t in your best interest and may even harm you. You can keep blood sugar balanced by eating frequent meals (5-6) throughout the day, and by including lean protein and healthy fat in them. Be sure to eat protein for breakfast (even if you don’t feel like it) as it will set you up for stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. Stay away from high sugar/high-fat foods, as well as refined carbs and processed foods, white bread, and white rice. They can spike blood sugar levels and reduce blood flow to your brain. They also activate the addictive/pleasure centers of the brain ensuring more food cravings. 2. Combat Stress Stress drives food cravings. Do everything you can to keep stress levels down with relaxation. Some of the best ways to do this is by getting regular exercise, practicing yoga or meditation, not rushing, practicing deep breathing, and engaging in hobbies and pursuits you enjoy. 3. Restful Sleep Make sure you get 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night. Poor sleep and sleep deprivation affect the levels of hunger and appetite hormones, which can create food cravings. Also, fewer than 6 hours of sleep is associated with a dramatic reduction of blood flow to the brain. Poor blood flow leads to poor decision-making and judgment, making cravings hard to resist. 4. Take Targeted Supplements Nutritional supplements can go a long way toward keeping cravings in check – especially if they’re formulated to manage the mechanisms that drive food cravings. At BrainMD, we’re proud to recommend… Naturally Cut Your Sugar Cravings for Good Craving Control contains chromium and alpha-lipoic acid, two important nutrients for healthy blood sugar metabolism and utilization. Balanced blood sugar is necessary for healthy blood flow and optimal brain function. Healthy brain function will help give you the resolve to resist food cravings. As stress is a risk factor for food cravings, Craving Control includes l-glutamine, an amino acid that can become depleted during times of prolonged stress or intense exercise. L-glutamine is thought to help support healthy blood sugar levels as well. The formula also includes n-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is a powerful antioxidant and vasodilator, which means that it helps to relax your blood vessels. Relaxed blood vessels deliver more blood flow to the brain, helping it to work optimally. The addition of dl-phenylalanine helps promote alertness, mood, and appetite control as it plays a role in the synthesis of three key brain neurotransmitters: dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Master Your Cravings These basic steps can help you get a better grip on your food cravings. If you’re new to a healthier eating plan, know that it gets easier over time. Sugar cravings should gradually reduce within the first couple weeks of coming off sweets. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Craving Control and our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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5 of the Best Ways to Retrain Your Taste Buds
Many are aware that the food industry works overtime to make unhealthy products irresistible to consumers. Marketing or Brainwashing? Consider the slogans on food packaging and TV/internet ads: “I’m lovin’ it” “They’re gr-r-reat!” “Finger lickin’ good!” “They’re magically delicious!” “The Breakfast of Champions” “Betcha can’t eat just one!” Many food companies have intentionally designed these catchy jingles and phrases to target the pleasure centers in your brain. In a very real sense, many people are being brainwashed by these slick marketing campaigns. Discovery of the “Bliss Point” Research on what produces cravings has been conducted for decades now. In 1970, mathematician Howard Moskowitz discovered the perfect combination of sugar, salt, and fat that would enhance the brain’s pleasure experience. He called it the “bliss point.” Triggering the bliss point can increase sensory experiences, such as taste, and can activate areas of the brain that are associated with motivation and pleasure. These are the same areas that are influenced by addictive drugs such as cocaine, nicotine, and morphine. Knowing all of this, the sad truth is some companies design foods to hook your brain in a similar way that drugs do. Hijacking Your Taste Buds It isn’t an overstatement that the food industry has hijacked the taste buds of many in our society. There are several ways to provoke cravings, which can contribute to addictive responses to foods. Here are a few: Aroma – Humans have five major taste sensations: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, or savory. Though many foods target our taste buds, flavors also can be enhanced by our sense of smell. Smells can trigger cravings, like movie theater popcorn. “Crunchiness” – Four pounds per square inch is the ideal breaking point to produce crunchy pleasure. “Meltiness” – Foods that quickly melt in your mouth can trick the brain into thinking there are fewer calories, which may encourage you to eat more of these foods. Satiety – Satiety occurs when a person feels full while eating a meal. Some foods, particularly those with lots of added sugar, can override these satiety signals and fool your brain into thinking you aren’t full when you are. Sugar – Sugar has been found to be an addictive substance that prompts bingeing, reward-seeking, and craving. Unfortunately, even many “healthy” foods are filled with hidden sugars that can fuel cravings and mood issues. Texture – Some major store brands and fast-food restaurants alter the texture of the foods to make them taste more palatable, and as a result, they can end up containing less fiber than desired. Unfortunately, a lack of fiber in the diet may contribute to stomach problems, abdominal pain and discomfort, or poor gut health. Is It Your Fault? You may feel like a lack of self-control or portion control is your fault. But how can you have self-control when food companies have been using sophisticated neuroscience to plot against your diet, and your brain, for decades? Since food can play such a huge role in your physical and mental well-being, it’s vital that you do everything you can to support your diet and brain health. Here's how to retrain your taste buds by controlling the food you put in your body… 5 of the Best Ways to Retrain Your Taste Buds 1. Set the Tone The first meal of the day is crucial in setting the tone for what you’ll eat the rest of the day. Avoid sugar – in bread, jams, and orange juice – which can give you a quick energy boost followed by an energy crash. Eating protein (eggs, lean meats) with your morning meal can help stabilize your blood sugar. Also, adding green veggies and some low-glycemic fruit (berries and apples) to a protein smoothie is a healthy way to start your day. 2. Boost Your Produce It’s recommended that you eat fruits and vegetables from the full spectrum of colors and flavors, such as blueberries, pomegranates, squash, and bell peppers. Eating these foods can provide power-packed flavonoids, antioxidants, and an array of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for good health. It’s recommended to eat up to eight servings of fruits and veggies a day. Although sugar from fruit is considered healthy (as opposed to added sugars in cereals and baked goods), make sure you’re getting a good balance of fruits and vegetables; a two-to-one ratio of vegetables to fruits is recommended. 3. High-quality Protein It’s recommended that you eat some high-quality protein with every meal and snack (at least every 4 to 5 hours). Protein helps to balance blood sugar levels and can help decrease cravings. You’ll likely feel fuller longer and burn more calories when eating a protein-rich meal or snack than you will eating high-carb, sugar-filled foods. Nuts, seeds, and legumes are good sources of protein. Many meats, including wild-caught fish and free-range poultry, are rich in protein and amino acids. Be sure to shop for animal protein that’s free of hormones and antibiotics. 4. Get More Fiber Fiber should be taken along with protein to ensure a balanced, nutritious meal. Getting sufficient fiber in your diet can help support healthy digestion, heart health, bowel regularity, stable blood sugar levels, and weight loss. Fiber absorbs water and creates bulk, which can increase the time it takes for food to move out of the digestive system. The longer food stays in your system, the fuller you’ll feel and the less likely you’ll be to experience the spike in blood sugar that occurs when food digests quickly and glucose is dumped right into the bloodstream. 5. Healthy Swaps A great way to retrain your taste buds is to replace simple sugars and refined carbs with healthier options. For example, swapping candy for a square of sugar-free dark chocolate can help you kick a sugar habit. Rather than a candy bar or energy drink, enhance your energy with a healthy snack like two slices of lean deli turkey and a dozen grapes. This well-balanced snack is high in protein and fiber and should tide you over until your next meal. Reimagine Your Diet Improving your diet will help you get the proper nutrients your body needs. One of the best ways to retrain your taste buds is to replace fatty foods and sugary snacks with nutritious foods, including high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fortifying fiber. Try the above tips and feel free to share them with your friends and family. 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. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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Here Are Some of the Best Ways to Outsmart Your Sugar Cravings
There’s mounting evidence that sugar can be toxic…even lethal. It can lead to many physical and mental problems and can act like a drug in the brain. When you consume sugar, it boosts the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain and causes your blood sugar to spike, which makes you feel good…temporarily. But then your blood sugar levels can crash, impacting your mood and sense of well-being. Over time, high sugar diets can worsen inflammatory issues, cause sleep problems and fatigue, trigger cravings, and contribute to memory and learning struggles. The evils of sugar may be no surprise to you. Maybe you’re making a conscious effort to eat a low sugar, brain healthy diet. Unfortunately, even many “healthy” foods are filled with hidden sugars that can fuel your cravings and mood issues. Since the standard American diet is filled with nutritional pitfalls, here are some of the best ways to reduce cravings and avoid foods with hidden sugars… 10 Simple and Natural Ways to Outsmart Your Sugar Cravings 1. Balance Your Blood Sugar Low blood sugar levels are associated with overall lower brain activity, including lower activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the brain’s brake system. Low brain activity in the PFC can translate to more cravings and bad decisions. Research in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Review shows that self-control failures are more likely to occur when blood sugar levels are low. Counter to what you might think, drinking alcohol and eating sugary snacks, sweetened beverages, and other high-glycemic foods (rice, pasta, cereal) can cause blood sugar levels to drop. Stabilizing blood sugar levels throughout the day can help improve self-control and overall feelings of wellness. These simple tips can help you keep your blood sugar balanced: Eat protein and healthy fats at every meal. Have smaller meals throughout the day. This helps eliminate the blood sugar rollercoaster ride that can impact your emotions and increase cravings. Replace simple sugars and refined carbs with healthier options. For example, swapping candy for a square of sugar-free dark chocolate can help you kick a sugar habit. 2. Eliminate Artificial Sweeteners One way to decrease your sugar intake is to get rid of artificial sweeteners. You may think of these sweeteners as “free” because they have no calories, but they can be significantly sweeter than sugar. Also, they may activate the appetite centers of the brain, making you crave even more sugar. If you can do without any sweeteners, your brain will stop craving the sweetness. If you can’t do without sweeteners, try to replace sugar with sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. 3. Manage Your Stress Stress can trigger certain hormones that activate your cravings, making you believe you need the ice cream, cake, or other high sugar snacks or desserts to feel better. Meditation and hypnosis are powerful stress-management techniques that can boost blood flow to the PFC. These practices can help you resist the temptation to binge on your favorite sugary treat. 4. Control Your Cravings Nearly everywhere you go, someone is trying to entice you to eat something sweet. Think of the candy displays near the checkout counter at the grocery store, which are purposely positioned to tempt you to make an impulse buy. To control your cravings, you must avoid the things that trigger you. Know what fuels your cravings and plan for your vulnerable times. For example, strategically plan your route in the grocery store to avoid the soda, candy, or chip aisles. 5. Determine Food Allergies Hidden food allergies and food sensitivities can trigger cravings and make you fall back into old habits. In some cases, gluten and milk sensitivities or allergies can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the brain, which can impair your judgment. In addition, food allergies can cause concentration problems and anxiousness, which can increase cravings. To determine if you have any food sensitivities, consider trying an elimination diet. Stop eating corn, soy, dairy, gluten, artificial sweeteners, and food colorings for 3 weeks. Then introduce them back into your diet one at a time and see if you have any reactions. You can eliminate foods that cause a negative reaction or health problem. 6. Practice Willpower Willpower is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. Practice saying no to the things that aren’t good for your health and over time you may find it easier to resist sugary foods or beverages. 7. Get Moving Physical exercise can help reduce cravings. A study in the journal Appetite showed that taking a brisk 15-minute walk decreased cravings for chocolate. Exercise also fended off cravings for an additional 10 minutes following the walk. Since cravings typically only last about 10 minutes, a short workout may be all it takes to distract you from the sugary foods you’re craving. 8. Make Sleep a Priority Multiple studies, including a study in Nature Communications, show that lack of sleep can increase hunger levels and the desire for food. “It’s important to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night to help battle cravings,” says Shane Creado, MD, psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at Amen Clinics Chicago. “Creating a healthy bedtime routine that promotes relaxation can help.” 9. Professional Assistance Sometimes you may need additional help to take the edge off your cravings. Enlisting the advice of a registered dietician, or your medical doctor, can be a great way to get additional tips and support. This can help you get your diet under control and reduce your intake of sugar. 10. Avoid Hidden Sugars Even if you aren’t adding sugar to the foods and beverages you enjoy, you still may be consuming sugars without even realizing it. Many so-called health foods contain added sugars. Always read food labels to identify these hidden sugars. 10 “Health” Foods That May Contain Hidden Sugar 1. Flavored Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which may benefit your gut by adding the good bacteria your intestinal tract needs to stay healthy. Packed with protein, Greek yogurt is often portrayed as a healthy food. But some flavored varieties also include large amounts of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients, so be sure to check the labels before you buy them. 2. Pre-made Protein Smoothies A protein smoothie can be a great way to start the day. However, some smoothie brands try to hide their high sugar content. If necessary, opt for homemade smoothies to ensure you’re consuming healthy ingredients (without the added sugars). 3. Nut Butters Almond butter, cashew butter, and other nut butters can be a good source of protein and fat. But be sure to read the nutrition labels. Some brands sneak sugar into their product to amp up the bliss point. 4. Instant Oatmeal Packed with fiber and loaded with vitamins and minerals, slow-cooked oatmeal is associated with numerous health benefits. Instant oats, however, are highly processed and rank much higher on the glycemic index, indicating that they can spike blood sugar. Popular instant oatmeal flavors, like maple and brown sugar, can include added sugars, so it’s recommended to consider healthier options for breakfast. 5. Milk Alternatives Going dairy-free can be beneficial for brain health and overall well-being for some, especially those who have milk allergies or sensitivities. However, some flavored milk alternatives – vanilla, chocolate, or pumpkin spice – can have high amounts of sugar per serving, so exercise caution when purchasing them. 6. Flavored Bottled Water Water is essential for the health of your brain and body. Being even mildly dehydrated can make you feel more tense, moody, or angry and can also sap your energy levels and reduce concentration. Keep an eye on flavored waters, which may add unwanted sugar to make the taste more pleasant. 7. Gummy Vitamins Taking nutritional supplements is a great way to make sure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need. Be aware that when you or your kids take gummy vitamins you’re likely also getting a dose of sugar with those nutrients. It’s practically impossible to make gummies without using sugar or sugar alcohols, which can cause stomach discomfort or contribute to blood sugar problems. Parents are strongly cautioned when purchasing gummies for their children, since many contain excessive amounts of sugar. 8. Bottled Green Tea Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, as well as a compound called l-theanine, which has been found to inhibit excessive overfiring in the brain and to help produce a feeling of calmness. Be sure to skip brands that infuse unhealthy added sugars into the healthy green tea. 9. Salad Dressing Eating more greens and veggies provides your brain with a variety of nutrients and antioxidants. Dousing salads with sugar-laden, store-bought dressings can turn your healthy meal into one that has far more sugar than you realized. Consider making your own healthy salad dressing. 10. Protein Powder You may think that making a protein smoothie at home is the best way to control what you put in it. But be sure to check the ingredients of your protein powder since many of them sneak sugar into the mix to enhance the flavor. Adding fruit – blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries – should be all the natural sugar your smoothie requires. So Long, Sugar Consuming large amounts of sugar can be detrimental to your health. Many illnesses have been linked to excessive sugar intake over extended periods of time. If you’ve been struggling to curb your sweet tooth, these ten tips may help you outsmart your sugar cravings. Now is the perfect time to make a clean break from sugar. 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. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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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 serious memory issues. 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 help lower your risk for mood issues, 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!) 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. 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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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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4 Simple Ways to Stop Dieting & Get Healthier Habits
Going vegan, the Cabbage Soup Diet, a Paleo Diet, the Mediterranean Diet… We have all been there. You spend hours or even days trying to decide if or when you should start that detoxing juice cleanse, the low-carb diet, the list goes on and on. You commit all week long and then your weekend get-together rolls around, and you decide that you are tired of being starving. Or feeling deprived or depressed. Or lonely. Down goes the diet. Don’t let this toxic yoyo cycling ruin your chances of shedding excess body weight and living a more vibrant lifestyle. The brain is your command-and-control center. It’s how you make good or bad decisions about behavior and food, and it also tells you: What, when and how much to eat What to buy at the grocery store or order in a restaurant When and how often to exercise Here are simple and thoughtful strategies from Amen Clinics to thread into your food practices and into your life. Rather than forming a stand-alone diet, these tips help you navigate mealtime and choose healthier eating practices. Remember, you may need brain health and emotional support to overcome some of these trendy diets. 4 Simple Ways to Stop Dieting & Get Healthier Habits 1. Drink 8-10 ounces of glass of water before meals The idea of eating something very healthy to boost satiation before a main meal has been around a long time – and it still works. Also, the premise of many soup diets and cleanses, the idea is you drink to fill up, creating fewer hunger signals to the brain and false cravings, which can help you ingest less during meals. Some dieters may find that broth or even an apple can satisfy food cravings pre-meals and help you eat less during the main event. 2. Eat smaller portions and chew slowly Get rid of large clunky entrée plates and try eating your snacks and meals on smaller appetizer-size plates (or salad bowls) for more control. Try using chopsticks and appetizer-sized cutlery to take in smaller portions. There are portion-sized plates and Tupperware in every supermarket to help you. When you are eating, tune into your food and turn off any digital interference until the last bite. 3. No gobbling, guzzling, or skipping meals On your new practical diet, eat moderately, take smaller bites, and allow your stomach to expand and send the signals back to your brain when it needs to turn off the hunger switch. You already know that drinking excessive alcohol may help you lose control of your appetites, so avoid that too. Also, eat organic, all-natural whole foods as often as you can to keep all the “bad” cholesterol and extra calories at bay. (By the way, skipping meals slows your metabolism – the rate you burn calories – which may cause overeating and intensify your hunger at the next meal.) 4. Plan ahead to practice smart meal preparation Pick one day of the week to shop healthfully, filling your cart with vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods to help you fuel up all week, and keep your brain active and healthy. Try chopping up veggies every morning to feast on throughout your day. Bring your own healthy bag lunch (think colorful salads) to work every day, too. Not only will this help your wallet, but it will help your waistline as well. Set aside an evening and throw together quick dishes that are balanced and healthy. Here is the thing: There is no perfect diet for every single human. We are all different when it comes to our brain and genetics, and your diet should be customized for that. The reality is, with diligence and nutritional knowledge you can not only lose weight, and keep it off, but you can learn to live a brain-healthy lifestyle too, one that also benefits your heart, mind, and body. Amen Clinic food philosophies stand apart from the crowd because by discovering your brain type, we get very significant information to help create the best custom nutrition and lifestyle plan to help you lose weight, optimize brain function, become healthier, and increase your energy. Hear more about this food and nutrition topic on one of our Live Chats on Facebook.
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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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How Hypnosis Can Help You Gain Mastery Over Your Mind
Your brain is the most complex organ in the universe. It weighs about three pounds, or roughly 2 percent of your body’s weight, and yet it uses 20-30 percent of the calories you consume, 20 percent of the oxygen you breathe, and 25 percent of the blood flow in your body. What’s more, your brain is 85 percent water! We estimate that the brain has 100 billion nerve cells and more connections than there are stars in the galaxy. Your beautiful brain is the organ of learning, loving, and behaving. When the brain within a family or an organization work properly, for example, the family or organization tends to be positive and effective. When the brain of one or more family members or an organization is troubled, the family or organization may experience increased stress and strain. Hypnosis may help change all that. How Can Hypnosis Combat Negative Thinking? It’s simple. Negative thinking disrupts healthy brain function. And chronic stress also kills cells in the memory centers of the brain. Hypnosis is a powerful tool to help you gain mastery over your own mind and body. Hypnosis can also be helpful for sleep problems , as well as for anxiety and pain. Before trying hypnosis, your health professional will first help you eliminate anything that might interfere with optimal brain function and positive thinking: These include lack of sleep, drug abuse or alcohol, too much caffeine before bed, being sedentary, and simple tips like unplugging electronics before bed to allow for more restful and brain rejuvenating sleep. One Fascinating Case Study in Hypnosis I have used hypnosis as a tool to help many patients. When I was an intern at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center years ago, many of my patients wanted sleeping pills. As you can imagine, it’s hard to sleep in a busy, noisy hospital. Before I gave them the pills, however, I asked if I could hypnotize them first. Almost everyone agreed, and it was very helpful. Several of my first professional papers came from using hypnosis for sleep issues. One of my patients, a decorated World War II hero, had Parkinson’s disease and when he was in hypnotic trance for sleep, his intensive tremors went away. When I told the attending neurologist about it the next morning, he thought I was crazy. So, I repeated the exercise in front of the doctor, and the astounding results became my first clinical paper. Just as negative thoughts can make a body sick, promoting positive and nurturing thoughts (via hypnosis) can help you heal the brain. What Does It Feel Like to be Hypnotized? First, let’s admit that real hypnosis is definitely not the woo-woo Las Vegas trickster magician scenario, where he’s up on stage making his audience cluck like chickens just for laughs. Not at all. Hypnosis is another tool to help you (and other professionals) understand your brain. It is often accompanied by talk therapy, lab tests, and doctor’s visits. When you are under, some people claim being hypnotized is more like a heightened state of relaxation that helps you get more in touch with your unconscious. The term “hypnosis” may mean different things to different people, but it generally entails becoming fully relaxed by entering a trance-like state, then listening to a hypnotist as he or she communicate in a rhythmic, calming voice. Dr. Amen says hypnosis is quite effective for becoming much more aware of what your body needs. For one example, a small study from the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that women who were hypnotized for weight loss shed an average of 17 pounds within 6 months, compared to a mere half a pound in the control group. If you’d like to investigate how hypnosis can enrich your brain function, better induce sleep, help you with food cravings, smoking cessation – or just help you understand certain difficult situations with deeper clarity – ask your health professional to steer you to an appropriate pro. If you’d like to read more about Dr. Daniel Amen’s real-people case studies, pick up his newest book, The Brain Warrior’s Way. Until then, you may find yourself getting very, very sleepy!
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4 Tips to Become the Best Version of You This Year
Jingle bells, jingle bells – wait a minute. Hold your reindeer, there. If you are not feeling quite in the holiday swing of things yet, just do it. Let out one giant “Humbug!” and get it out of the way… Ah, now, that feels better! It is the time of year to look back, take stock and rewrite your negative stories. Set goals for the new year that center around gratitude, strength, and mindfulness. Try these four expert techniques to get in touch with your healthier, calmer self, the best version of you this year. We can help you slow down your busy brain, create healthier relationships, and ultimately bring your life back under control, all of which increase the likelihood for glad tidings of comfort and joy. 4 Ways to Make the Season Merry and Bright 1. Boost Your Immunity Naturally No one feels happy and bright when they are sniffling over the Christmas cookies! While no single food will magically fend off the flu, some nutrients can help protect your body from billions of germs and bacteria. Here are specific nutrients and foods that researchers may suggest to enhance your immune system: Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed oil, nuts, salmon, tuna, mackerel Zinc-rich foods found in chickpeas and some legumes, oysters, crab, lean meats and poultry Selenium-rich foods found in barley, broccoli, sardines, tuna, Brazil nuts Vitamin E-rich foods found in seeds, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts 2. Slate Time to Tune Up Getting 30 minutes of daily physical activity can strengthen many defenses of the immune system, kick-start your stamina and keep anxious thoughts at bay. Since consistent exercise is a natural anti-depressant, it can help deflect some of those daily and seasonal anxieties. “Exercise gets antibodies and white blood cells moving through the body faster, so they may detect illnesses sooner,” says Daniel Amen, M.D. “Additionally, an increase in blood circulation [from exercise] may also trigger the release of hormones that ‘warn immune cells of intruding pathogens,’” which may help sidestep sickness while enhancing your mood. 3. Take Your Vitamin D, for Goodness Sake Vitamin D plays a number of pivotal roles in promoting weight loss, good moods and immunity. Unfortunately, nearly one-third of the U.S. population is vitamin D deficient, says Dr. Amen. Very few foods contain much vitamin D, so your best bet is to take a supplement containing Vitamin D. NeuroVite Plus combines more than 50 nutrients, including vitamin D and plant extracts in their most active forms, to provide whole body-mind nutrition. 4. Train Your Brain to Bring Joy to the World Every time you have an unkind thought or a stress-out thought, your brain releases negative chemicals that make your body feel bad, says Dr. Amen. Every time you have a happy thought, or a kind thought, your brain releases chemicals that make your body feel good. Whenever you're happy, imagine that your brain is releasing bubbles with smiling faces, he suggests. And pass them on to the next person who may be mumbling “Humbug” right about now. Being vital and feeling hearty around the holidays improves your mood and boosts your stamina. (Go chop that firewood already.) To celebrate additional glad tidings, try more of these “good mood” nutrients.
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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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Overcoming Cravings: The Ultimate Guide
craving (n.): an intense, urgent, eager, or abnormal desire or longing; yearning. Most people experience cravings on a daily basis. At 9 am, that donut looks delectable. At 1 pm, that hot, greasy slice of pizza seems irresistible. At 5 pm, you can’t wait for a glass of wine. At 10 pm, the ice cream is calling your name from the freezer. And so on. It requires hard work every day to resist these temptations and then we blame ourselves if we succumb to them. Like many people, you probably think that being a slave to your cravings is a sign of weakness. In reality, your cravings may be an indication that your brain’s reward system has been hijacked. What is the brain’s reward system? It is an intricate network of brain systems and neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that are critical to human survival. It drives us to seek out the things we need to stay alive and carry on the human race. However, many things that are not necessarily crucial to our survival also activate the reward system, such as listening to music, having a massage, or watching a good movie. Then there are substances and behaviors that are actually detrimental to our health and well-being that cause the reward system to kick into high gear—cocaine, alcohol, gambling, and yes, even chocolate cake, salty potato chips, and chronic overeating. There are four primary neurotransmitters that play important roles in your brain’s reward system. Neurotransmitters act as the brain’s chemical messengers, relaying information within the brain. The strength or weakness of each of these neurotransmitters plays an important role in your ability to control your cravings. Brain Chemicals Involved with Cravings Dopamine is a feel-good chemical. Whenever we do something enjoyable, it’s like pressing a button in the brain to release a little bit of dopamine to make us feel pleasure. If we push these pleasure buttons too often or too hard, we reduce dopamine’s effectiveness. Eventually, it takes more and more excitement and stimulation to feel anything at all. Cocaine, methamphetamines, alcohol, nicotine, sugar, and high-fat, high-calorie foods all cause an increase in dopamine that makes these substances highly desirable. Serotonin is thought of as the happy, anti-worry, flexibility chemical. Many of the current antidepressants work on this neurotransmitter. When serotonin levels are low, people tend to be worried, rigid, inflexible, oppositional and argumentative, and suffer with anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking, or compulsive behaviors. Serotonin is raised in the brain by its amino acid precursors, l-tryptophan or 5HTP. Simple carbohydrates increase l-tryptophan in the brain, which is why some people can get hooked on cookies, bread, potatoes, and sugar as a way to boost their mood. GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms or helps to relax the brain. If you have suffered an emotional trauma or you are under a lot of stress, GABA may be depleted and your emotional or limbic brain may become excessively active, making you feel anxious, uptight, or sad. This can make you eat in an attempt to calm your limbic brain. Endorphins are the brain’s own natural pleasure and pain-killing chemicals. They are the body’s own natural morphine or heroin-like substances. These substances are heavily involved in addiction, cravings, and the loss of control. So if you’ve been told that cravings are “all in your head,” in a sense, it’s true! If you feel like your cravings are running your life, be sure to check out this article with tips on how to deal with your cravings. Additionally, you may consider trying BrainMD Health’s very own Craving Control, which contains six clinically studied ingredients that complement each other to help manage cravings in the brain, support healthy blood sugar levels and promote a positive mood.
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