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Here Are Some of the Top Benefits of Donating Blood
If you could take one hour of your time to save lives, would you do it? Well, remarkably, you can! Benefits of Donating Blood By donating one pint of blood, you can save up to three people. And if that isn’t enough to motivate you, there’s one more compelling reason to donate blood: It benefits you too. Researchers and health experts have noted several health benefits of donating blood on a regular basis – and they’re in addition to the great feeling that comes from performing a life-saving act. Blood Shortage As we head into the season of giving, it’s important to mention that donated blood is needed now more than ever since blood supplies are lower than usual. In late September, the American Red Cross reported an emergency blood shortage, stating in a press announcement that blood supplies are down approximately 10 percent due to low donor turnout. The U.S. needs about 36,000 units of red blood cells every day for people with chronic diseases, cancer patients, surgeries, traumas, and more. When you consider that the average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units, and a single car accident victim may require as much as 100 units of blood, you can see how vital donating blood is for those who desperately need it. And when it comes to donating blood, both the giver and receiver win. Here are some benefits of donating blood for donors and receivers. 5 Ways Giving Blood Can Promote Health and Save Lives 1. Attenuates High Iron Levels Research estimates 16 million Americans have some degree of iron overload. Either inherited or accumulated over time, iron overload is most prevalent in white populations with a European background, and it’s more common among men. Premenopausal women are largely protected from iron overload because of menstruation and pregnancy, but some women may begin to experience the symptoms of iron overload around menopause. Excess iron mainly collects in the liver, heart, and endocrine organs, and as it accumulates, serious liver health, heart health, blood sugar, and hormonal problems may arise. Iron overload can cause major health issues, so it’s important to have your iron levels checked by a medical professional. Most doctors will recommend iron reduction therapy for those who have too much iron. And the NIH has a blood bank donor program specifically for people who have iron overload. You can give your blood and help correct your own iron imbalance at the same time. But there’s more. In recent decades, several studies have examined the correlation of iron overload, reduced risk of cardiovascular health issues, and regular blood donation. The results have been promising. One 2012 study involving patients with the trifecta of elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and heart health issues showed improvement with consecutive reduction of iron stores via blood donation. The study concluded that “blood donation may have beneficial effects for blood donors” in patients with high iron stores and all three health issues. 2. May Improve Blood Flow When you donate blood, your body replaces the lost blood volume within 48 hours, and all the depleted red blood cells are completely replaced within one or two months. This replenishing process may help your body stay healthy by working more efficiently and productively. It’s also believed that regular blood donations may help your blood flow in a way that’s easier on the lining of the blood vessels, and could result in fewer blockages in your arteries. This could be one reason why a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that blood donors are 88% less likely to suffer a heart attack. 3. Provides a Mini Health Check To establish that you’re an eligible blood donor, you’ll first complete a quick physical exam that measures your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels. After your blood donation is collected, it goes off to a lab where it undergoes several tests. The tests will determine your blood type and whether you have a virus (such as hepatitis B or C, HIV, etc.). If anything comes back positive, you’ll be notified immediately. Consider it a bonus health checkup. (Of course, you shouldn’t donate blood if you suspect you’ve been exposed to a serious virus or use these diagnostic services in place of a regular medical exam.) 4. May Lengthen Your Life If your intention is to help others with your blood donation, research shows that it boosts longevity. A study published in Health Psychology found that people who volunteered for altruistic reasons had a remarkably reduced risk of mortality four years beyond those who volunteered for themselves alone! 5. Boosts Your Emotional Health Although most people know this intuitively, the Mental Health Foundation reports that helping others can reduce stress levels, improve your general sense of well-being, help minimize or eliminate negative feelings, and provide a sense of belonging, which reduces isolation. Become A Donor These are just a few of the many benefits of donating blood. The beauty of the process is that it’s win/win for you and the recipient. Keep in mind that even though 38% of the American population is eligible to give blood, only 2% donate. There’s room for many more to jump on board. Check the Red Cross requirements to find out if you’re eligible. 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.
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Here Are Some of the Best Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a unique food that humans have been consuming for centuries. Some are delicious and healthy to eat, others can be mind-altering and potentially deadly. Health Benefits of Mushrooms Throughout history, certain mushrooms have been known as “Food of the Gods.” Today, we know that mushrooms contain the antioxidants glutathione and ergothioneine as well as other desirable substances thought to contribute to human health and well-being. Over the past several decades, mushroom consumption has been increasing in the U.S. This is likely due to the fact that mushrooms are a widely accepted ingredient in many different cuisines and they’re also desirable for their nutritional value. Edible mushrooms are low in calories, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium. They’re also cholesterol free. Additionally, they provide a lot of nutrients such as selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D, protein, and fiber. Their fiber types include glucans, known to be powerful immunity enhancers. Mushrooms are a healthy addition to any diet and can provide a variety of nutritional benefits. Mushrooms and Longevity A study came out this year that helps provide more evidence of just how beneficial mushrooms can be to our health. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988-1994. In this study, over 15,000 participants beginning at an average age of 44 years were assessed for their mushroom intake and its relationship to dying from any cause during a study period of 19 years, on average. The researchers reported that those participants who consumed mushrooms had a lower risk of dying during this period. These researchers even concluded from this study, that replacing 1 serving of red or processed meat with 1 serving of mushrooms per day was associated with a lowered risk of death. They further reported that the higher the mushroom intake, the lower the risk of death. Mushrooms for Everyone If mushrooms can potentially help us live longer, healthier (and happier) lives, then maybe they really are an “elixir of life.” For those who like mushrooms, this is your cue to eat up! On the other hand, for those who don’t like to eat mushrooms, there’s some good news: you can find mushrooms in all shapes and forms these days. From teas and soups to supplements and powders, there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy the many health benefits of mushrooms. Smart Mushrooms Smart Mushrooms is firmly grounded in the most recent clinical and scientific research on medicinal mushrooms. It includes six mushrooms that have been revered for hundreds to thousands of years. All six are highly nutritious, and together they offer a broad spectrum of health benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the many powerful superfoods you’ll find in Smart Mushrooms: Lion’s Mane has shown promise in several clinical trials for improving cognition and mood, and its glucans also help boost immunity. Turkey Tail provides protein-bound glucan polysaccharides, intensively researched for their immune benefits. Cordyceps fights fatigue, supports immunity, helps counter stress, and benefits blood flow and oxygen utilization. Reishi’s immune and inflammatory response benefits help account for its 2,100-year popularity. Shiitake provides the glucan called lentinan, which improves immunity, and also has lung, liver, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal benefits. Agaricus has a variety of glucans with immune benefits, and supports healthy blood sugar, cholesterol, and liver functions. Smart Mushrooms offers substantial promise for improving memory, mood, and other cognitive functions. Most of these mushrooms are proven tonic medicinals, offering a great variety of benefits for the brain and body. Smart Mushrooms can help increase energy, wellness, and high-level brain performance. It’s the Smart choice for immune and whole-body support. Try it today! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Smart Mushrooms and our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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8 Ways to Keep Your Mind Sharp & Healthy
As the executive control center of the entire body – and the supervisor of every thought, mood, memory, and action – your brain makes you you. That’s why you must do everything you can to take care of your brain. How Fit Is Your Brain? Many people don’t realize that the brain is like a muscle. In fact, keeping your brain fit is a great way to support your cognition and memory throughout your life. Cognitive skills tend to dip after you graduate from college or retire from work, so don’t stop challenging your brain daily. No matter your age, mental exercise can have a positive effect on your brain. If you’re looking to improve your brain fitness, here are 8 natural ways to maximize your physical and mental well-being… 8 Ways to Keep Your Mind Sharp & Healthy 1. Protect Your Brain Though protecting your noggin should be a no-brainer, it’s helpful to be reminded of some practical brain safety tips that can reduce your risk of head injury. These include avoiding high-risk sports where you can hit your head, remembering to wear a seat belt when in a vehicle, and always wearing a helmet when on a motorcycle, bicycle, skateboard, snowboard, skis, or rollerblades. 2. Play Brain Games Brain games are excellent for cognition – especially for older adults. Spending just 15 minutes a day, five days a week on games such as crossword puzzles, memory games, chess, sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles can improve concentration. They also can boost memory! 3. Listen to Soothing Tunes Listening to music can increase pleasurable feelings, improve mood, boost energy, raise dopamine levels, and help with focus and concentration. Remaining in a relaxed state of mind is easier to accomplish when you have a happy tune running through your head. Listen to brain enhancing music specifically composed to enhance mood, gratitude, motivation, and inspiration. 4. Avoid Harmful Foods Proper nutrition is essential to peak brain function. Unfortunately, the standard American diet is filled with toxic foods that increase your risk for physical problems as well as issues with your focus, mood, and memory. Many of these unhealthy foods are: Highly processed Pro-inflammatory Pesticide sprayed Artificially colored and sweetened High glycemic Low fiber Laden with hormones Tainted with antibiotics In place of these harmful foods, be sure to eat a healthy diet…one that includes lean protein, high fiber, and healthy fats. Also, it’s recommended that you eat 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. 5. Learn Something New Brain researchers emphasize that the “use it or lose it” principle applies to the brain. When the brain stops learning it can start fading, so be intentional about learning new things. Set aside sometime each day to learn something new. Take a class, learn a new language or musical instrument, or try square-dancing, chess, tai chi, yoga, or sculpture. Einstein said if someone spends 15 minutes a day learning something new, they’ll be an expert in a year! 6. Revitalize with Exercise Aerobic exercise, sufficient to make you sweat for 30 minutes, increases blood flow to your brain as well as your muscles and other tissues. This helps deliver nutrients and remove waste products. It can even increase the growth factor BDNF which promotes improved brain function. Physical activity also has been associated with improved mood and a more optimistic outlook on life. Walking can help clear your mind, improve your mood, and burn some calories all at the same time. 7. Clear Your Mind Make time for yourself every day. Taking breaks for relaxation and meditation provides benefits for both your physical and mental health. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh your mind. Clearing your mind and slowing your breathing can help restore inner calm. Repeating simple words like “May I be safe and secure” can increase positive emotions and decrease negative ones. Loving Kindness Meditations can help reduce stress and improve your overall outlook on life. 8. Get Nutritional Support One of the best ways to optimize your health is with brain directed supplements. At the foundation of every supplement regimen should be ultra-pure, clinically proven vitamins and nutrients that can help improve energy, focus, and memory. At BrainMD, we’re proud to recommend… Nutrients to Keep Your Mind Sharp Brain & Body Power MAX is recommended for those who want a truly powerful dietary supplement system that offers superior memory and brain support nutrients.* It provides clinically significant levels of vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, herbal extracts, and other nutrients that support, promote, and enhance the brain.* This all-in-one supplement system makes it easy to stay healthy on the go with portable packets for your purse or pocket.* Brain & Body Power MAX Each packet of Brain & Body Power MAX contains: NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin (2 capsules) Over fifty vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts (all in their most active forms) are combined in this clinically proven multivitamin.* NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin is also the only way to get Dr. Amen’s proprietary Brain Boosting Blend of brain-supporting nutrients. Omega-3 Power (2 capsules) To operate at peak performance, a healthy brain, heart, and body require plenty of omega-3s.* MAX gives you greater levels of EPA and DHA with its double dose of Omega-3 Power.* It provides a much higher potency than the typical fish oil product and undergoes the most advanced purification process in the industry to ensure safety.* Brain & Memory Power Boost (3 capsules) Brain & Memory Power Boost contains brain directed nutrients, grounded in solid clinical science to support healthy brain and memory performance.* With its all-star lineup of potent ingredients, Brain & Memory Power Boost promotes the brain’s basic functions including its energy, connectivity, and overall performance.* These practical and natural techniques can help keep your brain fit so you can live your life to the MAX!* At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Brain & Body Power MAX and 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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Mindfulness for Kids & Teens: How to Help Your Child Be Calm & Resilient
Now more than ever, young children and adolescents need tools to help them maintain calm and find emotional resilience. In late October 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association issued a joint statement declaring a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. What can parents do to teach their kids to be calm and resilient during these challenging times? In one word: Mindfulness. Yes, the popular relaxation and awareness practice among adults – which involves bringing a gentle, accepting attitude to the present moment through meditation, breathing, guided imagery, movement, and more – can help kids, too. Mindfulness for Kids A growing body of research on mindfulness for kids is showing remarkable results. Studies indicate that mindfulness practices in young people can help to reduce stress, anxious feelings, reactivity, and bad behavior. Mindfulness for kids may also help them sleep better, feel better about themselves, and operate with greater calmness, self-awareness, and empathy. Kids who practice mindfulness tend to do better with regulating their emotions and show improved memory, cognition, and executive function. Importantly, mindfulness can help young people to have greater attention, focus, and problem-solving function. You can help your kids now by starting them with any of the following mindfulness activities. 6 Mindfulness Activities for Children & Teens For Young Children Strike A Superhero Pose Body poses provide a fantastic way to bring your child into mindfulness. Start by explaining to them that doing a fun and/or powerful poses can make them feel happy, strong, and brave. Choose a safe place in your home or yard, and suggest they strike their favorite superhero pose. They could be Superman, standing with feet a little wider than hip-distance apart with fists clenched and arms out to the sky in either direction while they stretch as tall as they can. Or maybe they want to be Wonder Woman, standing in the same manner but with hands or fists placed on their hips. Ask them what it feels like after a few rounds of trying different poses. Busy Mind/Calm Mind Jar This is a fantastic mindfulness activity that illustrates how to find peace amidst overwhelming emotion. Get a mason jar and fill it nearly full of water. Then add a heaping spoonful of glitter glue or glue and dry glitter to the jar. Put the lid on it and shake it until the glitter swirls and set it down. Then, say something like this: “I want you to imagine that the glitter you see swirling are your thoughts if you’re mad or upset. Do you notice how they’re swirling around, and they make it really hard to see clearly? When you’re upset, and you have these swirling thoughts, it’s really hard to know what to do because your thinking isn’t clear.” Put down the jar. “Now look at what happens when you’re still for a minute or two. See how the glitter starts to settle to the bottom and the water becomes clearer? That’s the way your mind works, too. When you’re calm for a short while, swirling thoughts settle down and things become clear. Deep breaths during this calming process can help us settle when we feel a lot of emotions.” This activity may help children to see how emotions can cloud their thinking, yet the mindfulness of watching the glitter in the jar calms the thoughts and promotes clear thinking. Spot the Animal Go on a “spot the animal” walk with your child. This activity makes a daily walk an adventure, while enhancing the senses and providing focus, grounding them in the moment. Explain to your kid that on this walk, the goal is to notice as many dogs, squirrels, birds, bugs, bunnies, and any other animals as they can. Anything that flies, runs, crawls, or swims is what they’re to spot and describe. They’ll need to focus all of their senses to find them. For Teens Write in a Journal Writing in a journal can help a teen connect with their innermost feelings. Journal writing is wonderful for coping with low mood, anxious feelings, and stress while also providing an outlet for your teen to discover what’s important to him/her. With so many outward distractions, it’s a great exercise for them to be with their own thoughts and feelings. Start Cooking Encourage your teen to bake or cook. Teach them to do it on their own. It’s highly meditative and requires focus on textures, flavors, and smells. The sound of cutting vegetables or mixing batter can be calming. They’ll learn to appreciate every aspect of the food and will feel good about having created something rather than buying it. Drink Tea Select some fine tea and make a cup with your teen to get them started. There’s a meditative quality to the tea steeping in a pot or mug. They can then sip it quietly and thoughtfully, perhaps staring out the window. Tea involves all the senses and will bring them into the present. The soothing warmth of the mug will quiet and slow them down. They should focus on the entire act of sipping out of the mug and how it feels. With each sip, they can allow worries of the day to melt away. These are just a few tips for how to teach mindfulness for kids. Check mindfulness apps and videos online. Of course, the best way to teach a child to be mindful is to embody the practice yourself. Be sure to keep up your own mindfulness practice! 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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Here’s How to Know If You’re Right- or Left-Brained
You’ve probably heard about personality measures that determine if an individual is right- or left-brained. Do you know which side of your brain is more dominant? Are You Right- or Left-Brained? The human body is mostly symmetrical – it has a right and left side that closely resemble each other, yet have anatomical, functional differences. The human brain also has this subtle asymmetry.¹ This is the basis for the understanding that each person’s brain will be functionally dominated by either the right or left side, that each of us is either right- or left-brained. This theory, which emerged in the 60s and is based on the research of psychobiologist, Roger W. Sperry, is built on the idea that the two brain hemispheres operate differently. It has now entered the general lexicon as the idea that individuals who are analytical and methodical are left-brained, while those who are more artistic and creative are right-brained. When a person is identified as either right- or left-brained, it doesn’t mean that the other side of the brain doesn’t work. Both brain hemispheres carry out many unique functions. Being right- or left-brained simply means that one of your brain hemispheres may be dominant over the other. Many of the functions and characteristics associated with being right- or left-brained can be attributed to the temporal lobes. Functions of the Temporal Lobes The temporal lobes, situated behind the eyes and below the temples on either side of the brain, are involved with encoding memories into long-term storage. They also are linked to mood stability, receptive language (reading and hearing), interpreting social cues, and spiritual experience. These lobes store memories and images and help define our sense of self. Some temporal lobe functions are more evenly divided between the left and right sides – vocal sound processing and music processing, for example. The temporal lobes also house the “what pathway” in the brain. This allows us to identify objects by sight so that we know “what” they are. Recent scientific research on the brain has discovered that despite the “division of labor” between the two sides of the temporal lobes and the rest of the brain, the brain has the capacity to flip these divisions. If one side of the brain becomes damaged, the other side can step in and take over those tasks.² Dominant Side (usually the Left) most language processing visual and auditory processing intermediate-term, and long-term memory auditory learning word retrieval emotional stability Nondominant Side (usually the Right) reading facial expressions visual learning interpreting vocal intonation sense of rhythm musical ability spiritual experience Dominant Temporal Lobe Language is one of the keys to being human. It allows us to communicate with each other. Receptive language, being able to receive and understand speech and written words, requires temporal lobe stability. The dominant temporal lobe helps to process written words and sounds into meaningful information. The ability to read, comprehend, remember, and integrate new information depends on the dominant temporal lobe. Problems with this lobe may contribute to difficulty understanding speech, language struggles, communication problems, and reading disabilities. Emotional stability is heavily influenced by the dominant temporal lobe. The ability to feel stable and positive – despite the ups and downs of everyday life – is important for the development and maintenance of consistent character and personality. Healthy temporal lobe function may produce mood stability, but increased or decreased activity in this part of the brain can lead to inconsistent or unpredictable behaviors and moods. Nondominant Temporal Lobe The nondominant side of the temporal lobe assists with recognizing familiar faces and facial expressions, and with being able to accurately perceive voice tones and intonations. Having the ability to determine if someone is happy, sad, angry, or busy, is essential when interacting with others. Both the right and left temporal lobes help us process sights and sounds. This part of the brain allows us to experience a wide array of emotions when listening to music. Often called the “interpretive cortex,” the temporal lobes help us interpret what we hear by accessing stored memories, which provides meaning to new information.³ Strong convictions, meaningful insights, and the capacity to know the truth have been attributed to the temporal lobes. Though different sides will dominate in different people, the best way to protect the dominant and nondominant lobes is to keep the entire brain healthy. Problems with the Temporal Lobes Dominant Side dark or violent thoughts internally or externally focused aggression overly sensitive mild paranoia reading challenges problems finding the right word emotional instability Nondominant Side struggles with social skills problems recognizing facial expressions difficulty decoding vocal intonations Either or Both Temporal Lobes memory problems, memory gaps headaches or abdominal pain anxiousness or fear with no discernable cause feelings of déjà vu or jamais vu periods of spaciness or confusion abnormal sensory perceptions, visual or auditory distortions hypergraphia (excessive writing) religious or moral preoccupation Left Temporal Lobe Problems A common left temporal lobe problem is aggressiveness, which can be expressed either externally toward others or internally in negative thoughts or feelings about oneself. Temporal lobe damage or dysfunction can make someone more prone to anger, irritability, or violent thoughts. People with left temporal lobe issues can be more sensitive to slights, even those that are done in jest. This sensitivity can cause serious relational and work problems. Right Temporal Lobe Problems Right temporal lobe problems typically involve issues with social skills, especially with respect to recognizing facial expressions and voice intonations. Either/Both Temporal Lobe Problems Left temporal lobe issues are often linked with externally directed discomfort (such as aggressiveness, anger, irritability), while right temporal lobe problems are usually associated with internal discomfort (anxiousness and fearfulness). It’s common for those with temporal lobe issues to have illusions, such as: Perceiving size or shape changes of objects Seeing shadows or bugs out of the corner of the eyes Hearing bees buzzing or static from a radio that isn’t there Smelling odors, odd tastes in the mouth Feeling bugs crawling on the skin or other skin sensations Unexplained headaches and stomachaches are also common temporal lobe problems. Many people who experience sudden feelings of anxiousness, nervousness, or panic may develop fears or phobias. Protect Your Brain Temporal lobe issues can happen without us even knowing it. Many of the above issues are considered psychological when they may be biological. The temporal lobes sit in a vulnerable area of the skull in the temporal fossa (or cavity). The front wall of the cavity has a bony ridge. The front part of the temporal lobes can be damaged if it impacts against this hard surface. Since the temporal lobes are housed in a cavity surrounded by bone on five sides (front, back, right side, left side, and underside) they can be damaged by a blow to the head from almost any angle. Temporal lobe problems can come from many different sources, including head injuries, genetics, and toxic or infectious exposure. The temporal lobes, prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate gyrus are the parts of the brain most vulnerable to damage by virtue of their placement within the skull. They’re also the most heavily involved in thinking and behavior. Memory, Identity and Personality Memories give us both our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. Memories can influence everything we do. Essential components of memory are integrated and stored in the temporal lobes. The most precious treasures we have in life are the images and memories we store in our brains. The sum of these stored experiences can contribute to our sense of personal identity and connectedness to those around us. In many ways, our experiences make us who we are. As the executive control center of the entire body – and the supervisor of every thought, mood, memory, and action – your brain makes you you. That’s why, regardless of whether you’re right- or left-brained, you must do everything you can to take care of your brain. 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. References: 1. Walsh, V. (2000). Hemispheric asymmetries: A brain in two minds. Current Biology, 10(12), R460–R462. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-9822(00)00533-9 2. Uddin, L. Q. (2020). Stability and plasticity of functional brain networks after hemispherectomy: Implications for consciousness research. Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery, 10(6), 1408–1412. https://doi.org/10.21037/qims-20-554 3. Penfield, W. (1959). The interpretive cortex: The stream of consciousness in the human brain can be electrically reactivated. Science, 129(3365), 1719–1725. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.129.3365.1719
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Breast Cancer Basics: Signs, Risk Factors & Screening Tips
Did you know that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world? Earlier this year, the World Health Organization reported for the first time that breast cancer had overtaken lung cancer as the world's most commonly diagnosed cancer. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that roughly 1 in 8 U.S. women and 1 in 100 U.S. men (yes, men get it too) will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. Although the statistics are sobering, there’s a more hopeful fact: You have the power to dramatically decrease your risk factors for breast cancer. There’s a misconception with breast cancer that heredity and genetics determine your fate. And while they can play a role, it’s much smaller than you may think. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations cause only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer. And, epidemiological research has found that roughly 87 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have a single first-degree relative with the disease. While donating to breast cancer research or wearing a pink ribbon to observe Breast Cancer Awareness month are positive actions, changing your lifestyle to reduce your risk of getting the disease may be the best way to protect your long-term health. In that spirit, here are 7 researched ways to reduce your breast cancer risk: 7 Natural Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer 1. Signs, Risk Factors, and Screenings All adults, male or female, should know the following breast cancer basics: signs, risks, and screening recommendations. For starters, know how your breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to a healthcare provider right away. Signs of Breast Health Issues Signs for Men and Women New lump in the breast or underarm Thickening or swelling of part of the breast Irritation or dimpling of breast skin Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area Signs for Women Only Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood Any change in the size or the shape of the breast Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast Pain in any area of the breast In addition to genetics and family history, know these additional risk factors: Height (5’8” or taller) Dense breasts History of benign breast disease First menstrual period before age 12 First childbirth after age 35 No children Menopause at age 55 or over Older age, especially 60 years or over If you have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer (or a moderate family history and are of Ashkenazi Jewish or Eastern European ancestry), get genetically tested. If you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer, get a mammogram. Although regular mammograms won’t prevent cancer, studies show that breast cancer screening with mammography saves lives. Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 to 44 start having annual breast cancer screening with mammograms. Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years or can continue yearly screening. 2. Don’t Drink Alcohol The American Cancer Society doesn’t mince words about alcohol. It warns, “Drinking even small amounts of alcohol is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer in women.” Compared to women who don’t drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15% higher risk of breast cancer. Experts estimate that the risk of breast cancer goes up another 10% for each additional drink women regularly have each day. Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, and it has been shown to cause damage to DNA in cells. 3. Don’t Smoke Smoking is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in younger, premenopausal women. There also may be a link between heavy second-hand smoke exposure and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. If you don’t smoke, don’t start! If you do smoke, get support, and make efforts to quit. 4. Reduce Environmental Toxins Don’t overlook the air you breathe, the chemical toxins you use in your home, or the products you use on your body. Some have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer. Women exposed to air pollution with high levels of lead, mercury, and cadmium may have higher incidences of postmenopausal breast cancer. Among black women, using permanent dyes every five to eight weeks or more was associated with a 60% increased chance of developing breast cancer as compared with an 8% increased risk for white women. The odds of developing breast cancer increase with exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during prenatal development, puberty, pregnancy, and menopausal transition. About 300 chemicals used in personal care products, flame retardants, food processing, pesticides, and other purposes were tested and found to affect hormones known to increase breast cancer risk. Visit the Environmental Working Group website to learn more about the everyday hormone-disrupting chemicals you should avoid. 5. Get Your Phytonutrients Phyto means plant. You’ll find loads of phytonutrients in plants – vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. These phytonutrients fight against inflammation, free radical formation, growth hormones, estrogens, and the ability for cancer cells to bring new blood vessels to the cancer, a process that’s called angiogenesis. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, spinach, kale, and arugula), berries, and lignan-rich flax are particularly good to consume. 6. Green Tea Drinking green tea is a great way to decrease your breast cancer risk. Three cups of green tea a day can cut breast cancer odds in half because it’s loaded with the phytonutrient epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG potency is bumped up five times by squeezing lemon in your green tea! 7. Exercise The National Cancer Institute reports that physically active women have a lower risk of breast cancer compared to inactive women. Researchers believe that physical exercise regulates hormones including estrogen and insulin – hormones that can fuel breast cancer growth. These are just a few of the breast cancer basics you should keep in mind. Not only will adopting these natural habits help lower your risk of breast cancer, they also may boost your brain and body health too! 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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7 Scary Good Ways to Use the Whole Pumpkin + Recipes!
Did you know there are many ways to enjoy a Halloween pumpkin before and after carving it into a festive jack-o’-lantern? Better yet, if you adopt some of the ideas below, you won’t need to throw your pumpkin away, which provides the added bonus of helping the environment (more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkin ends up in landfills every year, where it turns into the greenhouse gas methane). So, plan ahead and savor the season by incorporating one or more of these creative and sustainable ideas into your Halloween jack-o’-lantern tradition. 7 Scary Good Ways to Use the Whole Pumpkin This Halloween! 1. Roast the Seeds for Eating Though jack-o’-lantern pumpkins aren’t the best for eating, as they have thinner flesh and are stringier than sugar pumpkins, they do have lots of seeds! Pumpkin seeds are delicious, especially when roasted. They’re a treasure trove of nutrition as well – loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and protein. They support health in many ways including promoting healthy blood flow, blood pressure, immune function, and blood sugar, to name a few. Cut a hole in the top of your pumpkin, scoop out the seeds and place them in a large bowl. Fill the bowl with water and use your hands to separate the seeds from the stringy flesh. Place the seeds in a colander and spray or rinse them in water, using your hands as needed to remove any additional stringy flesh, until they’re thoroughly cleaned. Set them aside to dry. They can be enjoyed raw, but they’re especially good roasted. See our Roasted Pumpkin Seed recipe (below)! 2. Save the Seeds for Planting If you don’t want to eat the seeds, plant them! Follow the steps above until the seeds are dry, then store them in a brown paper bag for a month. After a month, discard any seeds that show signs of rot or mold. Label your good seeds and store them in a dark, cool place until spring rolls around and you can plant them. 3. Make Pumpkin Stock Jack-o’-lantern pumpkins may not be great for eating, but the fibrous strands can make a wonderful pumpkin stock. Homemade pumpkin stock can be used for hearty soups and chowders. After you scoop out your pumpkin, separate the seeds from the strings. Place the strings in a big stock pot with veggies like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, etc. Add a bay leaf or two, cover with water, and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Simply strain out the veggies, and voila, you have a lovely stock you can use right away or freeze for future use. 4. Done with It? Compost It! With its abundance of nutrients, pumpkin can make a fantastic addition to your compost. If you have a compost heap, just toss the pumpkin on top. However, if you have a compost bin, you may need to cut it into pieces. Don’t compost? Don’t worry. Chances are pretty good there’s a community compost near you. Check your city website or a neighborhood app to find out. 5. Leave It for Local Wildlife Do you live in an area with an active wildlife population? Cut your pumpkin into pieces and leave them out for local wildlife, away from the road. Be sure to remove any candles or wax. Deer, raccoons, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, coyotes, gophers, badgers, and birds are common wildlife that may eat pumpkin. Wildlife can struggle to find food in the fall so some bits of pumpkin might be a welcome treat! 6. Make a Feeder or a Planter This is a really fun thing to do with young kids. Plan ahead to make a bird feeder out of your jack-o’-lantern. After you’ve carved your pumpkin, dip it in a large bucket of vinegar solution: one part vinegar to four parts water. That will help it to last longer. After Halloween, remove any candles or wax, and fill the bottom with a layer of bird feed. If you want to hang the pumpkin, carve out a section of the back so you can see the birds eating. Another idea is to turn your jack-o’-lantern into a festive flower planter, or hollow out a jack-o’-lantern that wasn’t carved and transform it into a fall flowerpot. You can also place the whole plant (sans the pot) inside the pumpkin, then bury the pumpkin in the ground. The pumpkin will break down in the ground, fertilizing the plant as it decomposes. 7. Make Pie from Sugar Pumpkins Include some smaller sugar pumpkins with your Halloween displays, but don’t carve them. After Halloween, use them to make fresh pumpkin pie! See the recipe below to make the puree and pie. Carve Out A New Tradition These are just a few healthy recipe ideas. If you have some of your own, please share them below. Enjoy! [wc_box color="inverse" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] Fresh Sugar Pumpkin Pie (Don’t use a jack-o’-lantern pumpkin for this recipe, only sugar pumpkins) Fresh Sugar Pumpkin Puree Preheat oven to 325°F. Halve the sugar pumpkins crosswise and place them, cut sides down, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cover the entire sheet with foil, tenting it over the pumpkins and crimping the edges. Bake until the flesh is very tender, usually about 1 ½ hours. Remove the foil and let the pumpkin halves cool. Remove the seeds, scrape the flesh into a food processor and puree (or strain) until smooth. Ingredients 2 cups pumpkin puree 3 eggs ¼ cup pure maple syrup ¼ cup coconut sugar (or organic cane sugar) ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk alternative) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice ¼ teaspoon salt 1 gluten-free pie crust Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, add pumpkin puree, eggs, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and salt. Mix until well combined and completely smooth. Pour into pie pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes until filling no longer jiggles. Check pie every 20 minutes to make sure crust isn’t burning. If it’s getting too golden brown, just cover pie edges with foil or a pie shield. Allow pie to cool an hour before serving. Top with whipped cream or ice cream! Serves [/wc_box] [wc_box color="inverse" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss your fresh raw pumpkin seeds in a bowl with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to taste. Spread and separate the seeds evenly on a lightly greased cookie sheet for even roasting. Place sheet in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, making sure to toss the seeds every 5 minutes for even browning. You’ll know they’re ready by their gold brown color and nutty aroma! Enjoy as a snack, on yogurt, or topped on healthy pumpkin muffins. [/wc_box] 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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Here Are Some of the Best Ways to Find Emotional Healing
At some point in life, we all get dealt an emotional blow. Maybe it’s a job loss or health crisis, a breakup or divorce, the loss of a loved one, or a major disappointment. When emotional pain strikes, it’s vital to our well-being to take a step back and allow room for emotional healing. Yet emotional healing only can happen if we have the proper tools, support, time, and willingness to deal with the pain and move through the hurt to the other side. If we try to avoid feeling the pain, or had to hide our emotional pain as children, it can go unattended. Like dirty clothes stuffed into drawers or under a bed, if we have too many unattended emotional pains, they may start to build up and spill into our lives. We may have pains in our bodies or overreact emotionally in different situations. Also, we may have frequent low mood, anxious feelings, or feel isolated and afraid. Maybe our negative self-talk becomes debilitating, or we engage in compulsive behaviors. Or maybe we go from relationship to relationship, trying to outrun it. These challenges and behaviors are an invitation to heal. It’s never too late, but it does take work to gain emotional healing. Here are tips gleaned from research and mental health professionals to help you on your journey to emotional healing. 9 Practical Tips That Can Help You Find Emotional Healing Admit Your Emotional Pain Admitting you’re in emotional pain is the first step in the healing process. This can be difficult, especially if you feel it’s shameful or a sign of weakness to have emotional difficulties. It’s important to remember that vulnerability actually can be a strength. If you can admit it, that means you’ve stopped fighting and/or running from your pain, and you’re willing to move through it. Emotional healing is possible. Seek Support We can’t do emotional healing alone. Get support. When we disclose our emotional pain to someone we trust – whether that’s a mental health professional, spiritual advisor, partner, or friend – it facilitates healing, which can boost our emotional and physical health. One study showed that holding a loved one’s hand when sharing emotional pain can provide healing and comfort. The love, empathy, and caring another person shows us, especially when we’re vulnerable, can help us out of isolation. Take Restorative Time Alone Solitude or downtime is really important to access your own thoughts and feelings, and to heal. This is especially true if you’re processing a painful loss. Make sure your schedule isn’t too full. Do something that doesn’t require too much mental activity. Garden Go for a walk Fold some laundry Enjoy a cup of tea Bake Meditate Take time to be alone Research shows solitude is important for coping, emotional release, and self-renewal. Write It Down If you’re processing painful emotions, remember what may be difficult to express out loud can be given voice through writing. Keep a journal. Take time to write in it every day. You can start with just 10 minutes. The beneficial effects of writing as a means for emotional healing are well documented. Expect Less Emotional healing requires time and space. You’ll likely be more limited in what you can do. Schedule less, don’t take on big challenges, and don’t overextend yourself. This isn’t a time to push yourself. Give yourself a pass if you make mistakes or have to say no. Prioritize Your Health Emotional and physical wellness are closely knit together. Practice these healthy habits: Do your best to get restful sleep Nourish your body with brain healthy food Take nutritional supplements as needed Get regular exercise Go to the doctor and get your blood work done Get a massage or try acupuncture Practice meditation or yoga Make it a priority to take good care of your health. Combat Negative Thoughts You can aid your emotional healing by improving the way you talk to yourself. Correcting your negative thinking can help reduce your internal stress. Whenever a negative thought pops into your head, combat it with these 4 questions: Is it true? Can I absolutely know that it’s true? How do I react when I think that thought? Who would I be without that thought? Or, how would I feel if I didn’t have that thought Discover New Things As you start to heal, explore new hobbies and interests. Novelty is good for your brain health and well-being. Take a hike on a new trail Go to the museum Try a new recipe Learn to play an instrument Try playing pickleball Take a dance class While emotional pain is often about loss; emotional healing can be about new beginnings. Help Others and Find Gratitude Helping others is a wonderful way to boost your own emotional well-being. This is a known truth. Also, when we see the challenges others are facing, it helps us to feel more gratitude. Look for reasons to be grateful. Gratitude is the song of emotional health. Remember that it takes courage to face difficult emotions. Be patient. It won’t last forever. You will come out wiser, stronger, and more resilient on the other side. 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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Fluoride Essentials: Is Fluoride Good or Bad for Your Teeth?
What kind of toothpaste do you use? Too personal? Okay, does your toothpaste have fluoride in it? A debate has been waged for decades over the ostensible benefits of fluoride. Some feel it’s healthy for human consumption and others strongly disagree. So, which side is right? Before you scrub your pearly whites tonight, here are some of the pros and cons you should know about fluoride… Is Fluoride Good or Bad for My Teeth? Before we get to that question, it’s important to answer this basic question… What is Fluoride? Fluoride is one of the most abundant elements found in nature. In scientific terms, fluoride is an inorganic, monatomic mineral, and is the ionic form of the element fluorine. The salts of fluorine are odorless but have a bitter taste. Fluoride is found in soils, rocks, and water supplies. It occurs in some foods, usually in low amounts, and is highest in brewed tea, coffee, and canned shrimp. It doesn’t seem to be essential for human health. About 99% of the fluoride found in the body is concentrated in the bones and teeth. Dentists commonly use fluoride to strengthen enamel (the outer layer of your teeth). It’s also believed that fluoride can help prevent cavities. Fluoride has been added to many toothpastes, mouth rinses, and even public water supplies (water fluoridation) in certain regions. In addition to these oral hygiene supplies, fluoride is used in medications, pesticides, cleaning agents, and to make aluminum, steel, and Teflon products. Now that we know what fluoride is, let’s look at some of its benefits and potential drawbacks. Fluoride Benefits Some of the oral benefits of fluoride are that it: helps prevent tooth decay helps curb the growth of harmful oral bacteria helps reduce the loss of minerals from tooth enamel helps rebuild tooth enamel Eating foods high in sugar is bad for your health. Turns out it’s also bad for your teeth. When the bacteria in your mouth break down sugar, it produces acids that creates demineralization of the tooth enamel. Over time, this process can lead to the creation of cavities. Fluoride can help remineralize your tooth enamel. This can serve to ward off cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride Precautions Though fluoride is a natural substance, it can have negative health consequences if consumed in large amounts. One of the serious side effects of excessive fluoride consumption is dental fluorosis. Dental Fluorosis This condition is seen as white flecks or brown spots on teeth. Most fluorosis is barely noticeable, but in extreme cases it can cause pitting of the teeth. Dental fluorosis most typically affects children under the age of 8 and is thought to be more prevalent in children who swallow toothpaste. But data from the CDC up to 2012 found fluorosis was increasing and had reached 41% in adolescents. Skeletal Fluorosis Skeletal fluorosis impacts bones rather than teeth. Initial complications may include stiffness and joint pain. More advanced issues may include the calcification of ligaments and the altering of bone structure. This condition is more prevalent in areas of the world where there’s a high level of fluoride in the drinking water. Though rare, there have been cases of skeletal fluorosis in America. Fluoridated Water Fluoride is naturally found in fresh water. Its concentration depends on the geographical region and water source. Public water fluoridation began in the U.S. in 1945. The scientific evidence is considerable and clearly indicates that adding fluoride to drinking water supplies has consistently reduced rates of cavities in children, very likely also in adults. However, due to the risk for negative effects, the maximum fluoride level in drinking water must be controlled. In recent years, concerns over fluoride toxicity have driven many away from drinking fluoridated water. In the Unites States, the Public Health Service recommends fluoride in drinking water not to exceed 0.7 milligrams per liter (about 27 milligrams per gallon). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes fluoride levels in drinking water by county, though many counties don’t fluoridate their drinking water. Numerous studies focusing on fluoride in water have been conducted around the world. Some people claim that drinking fluoridated water creates such health issues as joint pain, bone problems, kidney dysfunction, muscle atrophy, and low IQ scores in children. However, the competently conducted research suggests the daily or one-time intakes required to cause such problems is considerably higher than the levels in drinking water or any other single fluoride source. Adverse effects from high fluoride intakes – such as 375 milligrams in a single dose – can be severe. Long-term risk is mostly to individuals who acquire fluoride from multiple sources: diet, fluoridated water, fluoridated salt, fluoride dietary supplements. Children should be discouraged from swallowing fluoridated toothpastes, though without other substantial sources of fluoride exposure this alone shouldn’t harm them. Avoiding Fluoride If you’re concerned about the possible negative effects of fluoride, there are practical ways you can avoid consuming fluoride. These include purchasing bottled water or a fluoride filter if you live in an area where there’s a concerning amount of fluoride in the water. Also, many toothpaste brands offer fluoride-free options. Proper Oral Maintenance Regardless of which side of the fluoride debate you fall on, it’s crucial that you maintain daily oral care. Oral health is extremely important to your overall health. You can’t have a healthy mouth without healthy gums and teeth. The best way to ensure healthy gums is to brush your teeth (with fluoride or fluoride-free toothpaste) after every meal and floss at least once daily. Some prefer to floss first thing in the morning; others like a thorough cleaning before they go to bed. Either way is fine, but doing both is recommended for even greater benefit. Some may consider flossing as optional, but it’s absolutely vital to tooth/gum health and overall wellness. Flossing helps loosen food particles and plaque, and brushing removes that debris from your teeth and gums. Since it may help lessen the risk of memory problems, flossing is also a brain-healthy exercise. Be sure to brush and floss daily to keep your teeth healthy, white, and bright! 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’s How to Flavor Your Foods with Brain-Smart Herbs and Spices
It’s easy to forget that herbs and spices aren’t just flavor enhancers for food, but promoters of good health too. These plant-derived seasonings have a long history of medicinal applications that you can use in your cooking. Here are some of the most powerful, brain-smart herbs and spices, along with a few of their benefits. Flavor Your Foods with These Brain-Smart Herbs and Spices! Brain-Smart Herbs Basil This herb is loaded with potent antioxidants that can improve blood flow to the brain, which is essential for good cognitive function. Garlic This bulbous herb has a particularly unique array of sulfur antioxidants. Eating garlic promotes healthy blood flow and overall brain function. Regular consumption of garlic can help boost the immune system’s ability to ward off colds and flus. Garlic also can help keep blood sugar manageable along with cholesterol levels. Marjoram The lineup of nutrients in this sweet-flavored herb is impressive – vitamin C, vitamin A, as well as the vitamin-like nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin, which are essential for vision and may also be important for a healthy brain. Marjoram also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Mint The scent of peppermint can help improve memory and focus, and its oil can soothe digestive issues. Recent clinical research reported that certain substances in peppermint enhanced cognition. Oregano A potent antioxidant herb, oregano helps protect brain and body cells from free radicals that can cause premature aging. It may also ease migraine headaches. Rosemary Rosemary is a well-known herb that has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes healthy circulation and digestion, and helps protect the brain’s cognitive functions. Saffron This herb has been extensively researched and found to help boost mood and alleviate occasional anxiousness. Recent clinical research suggests saffron may also help improve memory and learning. Sage Sage contains substances that inhibit an enzyme which breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps improve memory. In this way sage can help the aging brain and body conserve acetylcholine nerve pathways, which are crucial for numerous bodily functions. Thyme This herb is densely packed with polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals which contribute to brain health. Brain-Smart Spices Black Pepper This spice enhances absorption of cognitive-supporting compounds such as curcumin (a group of 3 powerful antioxidants). It also may aid with digestion. Cayenne Pepper The bold taste in cayenne is created by capsaicin, a well-known pain reliever. Capsaicin supports healthy blood flow to tissues by stimulating the release of nitric oxide, which helps your blood vessels expand. This allows for greater blood flow and increased energy in the brain and body. Cayenne pepper may also stimulate metabolism, but too much of it may elevate blood pressure. Be sure to moderate your intake if you suffer from hypertension. Cinnamon This sweet/savory spice has been in use for over 4000 years. It supports healthy management of cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose. Cinnamon provides a treasure trove of health benefits including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, modulating effects on cholesterol levels, and promoting healthy blood flow and blood pressure. Cloves This fragrant super-antioxidant spice has had many medicinal roles over the centuries, from soothing upset stomach and tooth pain (clove oil) to relieving diarrhea and acting as an expectorant. It also contains eugenol, a potent anti-inflammatory. Cloves can help support healthy blood flow, which is crucial for the healthy function of the brain and body. Coriander The phytonutrients in coriander may help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels. It’s rich in manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Curcumin Deriving from the turmeric root, curcumin is a mixture of 3 gold colored polyphenol substances that are used in curries. Curcumin has been extensively researched for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also helps promote working memory, calmness, and satisfaction in coping with mental strain. Curcumin concentrates are proven to be well absorbed and have been found beneficial for mood, circulatory, vision, joint, liver, skin and prostate health. Nutmeg This aromatic spice gives foods a delightful flavor. Traditionally, it’s been used for occasional anxiousness, against diarrhea, and for antibacterial control especially in tooth decay. NOTE: Avoid use of higher amounts of nutmeg (120 milligrams or more). Spice Up Your Life These are just some of the many brain-smart herbs and spices that can support your brain and body health. To boost your mood, memory, and overall mental clarity, start adding these herbs and spices to your diet. For some of these herbs and spices, more doesn’t necessarily mean better. For instance, using too much nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne, and garlic can cause stomach discomfort. You can introduce them one at a time or pick up all of them during your next visit to the grocery store. Try them out and feel free to share your “spiced up” recipes 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 Benefits of Going On a Nature Adventure
We don’t need science to tell us that traveling is good for our mental health, or that nature makes us feel better. If you travel or spend time outdoors, you probably already know this to be true. But science does confirm this. The health benefits of traveling are well documented. Travel has been shown to boost creativity, mood, and physical activity. Numerous studies show that nature has a highly beneficial effect on the brain, too. It promotes greater well-being by helping to alleviate stress, anger, and fear, and it makes us more caring and empathetic. Physically, time in nature (or even looking at images of nature), helps to support healthy blood pressure and heart health, as well as lessen muscle tension and the production of stress hormones, which can boost immune function. Going on a nature adventure can be a powerful and enjoyable combination for greater well-being. A few years back, I took a nature adventure of my own. It wasn’t without challenges. But I continue to reap benefits from the experience, even to this day. To the Amazon? When I agreed to lead a writing workshop in the Peruvian Amazon, I wasn’t exactly thinking about the health benefits of forest bathing or being away from electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs), or the brain health benefits of traveling to foreign country. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to go. Leaving my 12-year-old daughter to travel somewhere so wild, untamed, and remote with no roads, cities, or electrical transmission or cell phone towers, made me nervous. Add to that the real dangers that exist in the Amazon rainforest – such as exposure to infectious diseases, poisonous insects, and predators like giant snakes and jaguar – and I wondered if going was being downright irresponsible. What if something happened to me? There are times when measured risks are worth taking. In this case, the rewards far outweighed the risks. At Home in the Jungle So off I went with a small group of writers and climate scientists on our nature adventure, sponsored by the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research, to a foreign land and the oldest and most biodiverse ecosystem on earth. After two flights, an overnight stay in Lima, a bumpy bus ride, and a riverboat ride, we arrived at Posado Amazonas, our eco-lodge, located in the Madre De Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon. We stowed our belongings in our rooms and headed out to the nearby watchtower, where we could get a sunset view of the majestic Amazon. Single file, we made our way for our first walk in the forest. A trail of leaf cutter ants greeted us and continued to zig zag across our path throughout our trek. I noticed how our guide asked us to tread carefully so as not to step on them. A native to the area, he held a healthy reverence for forest life, both great and small. His deep knowledge and understanding of the plant and animal life commanded our trust and respect We climbed to the top of the watchtower just in time to catch the last bit of sunlight as we looked out at the Amazon and the Tambopata River in all its glory. For as far as the eye could see, there was a blanket of forest treetops, punctuated on one side with the winding curves of the Tambopata. There were no buildings, no lights, no roads, and no dwellings – just deep, green forest illuminated by the light of the setting sun. In this first hour in the Amazon, surprisingly, I felt safe and very much at home. Nature’s Energy The next morning, a colleague and I returned to the watchtower. This time, it was just the two of us and our guide. It wasn’t long after sunrise when we finally reached the top of the tower. The sun quickly rose and bathed the steaming Amazon in its golden rays. The view was breathtaking. In the darkness the previous evening, I had missed the most glorious Brazil nut tree. Confidently standing before us at approximately 160 feet high, it took center stage in the forest canopy. Hosting a variety of tropical birds, it looked like the very tree of life itself! I observed the Brazil nut tree for a long time, absorbing its quiet strength and mature beauty. While I’d left my electric-powered world behind, here in the lap of nature, I felt a different power. The entire rainforest was abuzz with energy, the life energy pumping through all the biodiversity surrounding me. In a flash, a flock of scarlet Macaws flew before me. I’d never seen such a magnificent bird outside of captivity, flying free in its natural environment. It was truly a wondrous sight. Again, I was surprised at how comfortable, whole, and relaxed I felt among the trees, birds, and many other creatures. There’s something primal, positive, and life-giving about the rainforest. That was just the beginning. A Nature Adventure Awaits Nature restores us in ways that are unquantifiable. Since returning from that trip, our writer’s group has continued to meet online every month. We even united once to meditate and write atop a building in Venice, California. Traveling to the Amazon together bonded us, provided us with a new perspective, fueled our creativity, and deepened our spirituality and well-being. Is there a nature adventure you’re considering? Maybe now is the time to book it! (If you’re unable to travel to the Amazon at this time, you still can help protect it every day by applying the practical principles in Kim’s book, 50 Simple Steps to Save the World’s Rainforests.) 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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The BrainMD Difference: Natural, High-quality Supplements
Why Supplement? In a society where eating fast or processed food, consuming massive amounts of sugar, skimping on sleep, drinking too much caffeine and/or alcohol and not enough water, and consistently passing up on exercise has become the norm, supplements aren’t just a good idea, they’re critical to supporting and optimizing your health. There are many reasons why taking dietary supplements should be a part of everyone’s daily health routine, including: Our life processes require vitamins, essential minerals, and conditionally-essential nutrients. Deficiencies can lead to illness and death. Practically everyone has genetic mutations or polymorphisms, which increases their need for specific nutrients. Stress (emotional, chemical, physical, infectious), alcohol, smoking, and many medications deplete nutrients from the body. Traditional medicinal plants, when standardized and tested, invariably have superior benefit-risk profiles compared to medications. Dietary supplements based in science can equal or surpass pharmaceuticals. They also help pharmaceuticals work better. One of the best explanations for the importance of taking supplements daily comes from Dr. Mark Hyman, who says: "If people eat wild, fresh, organic, local, non-genetically modified food grown in virgin mineral- and nutrient-rich soils that has not been transported across vast distances and stored for months before being eaten…and work and live outside, breathe only fresh unpolluted air, drink only pure, clean water, sleep nine hours a night, move their bodies every day, and are free from chronic stressors and exposure to environmental toxins, then it is possible that they might not need supplements.” The Nutrition Gap Numerous large population surveys have consistently documented that the foods currently available in the Standard American Diet (SAD) aren’t providing enough of the nutrients the brain and body need. Even if you try to maintain a healthy diet, many foods are so low in nutrients that there will always be a gap in nutrition. That’s where dietary supplements come in – they help fill the gaps in your diet with the nutrients you’re missing by only eating foods. However, supplements are NOT a cure-all. They can’t replace good habits such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management. But supplements CAN make solid contributions to a healthy lifestyle by giving your body added protection from the everyday assaults of the environmental, biological and chemical toxins that surround you, such as air pollution, pesticides, and the thousands of chemicals that generate dangerous free radical molecules. Supplements also can help bolster inflammatory response, protect your DNA, assist with healthy gene regulation, boost your immune system, improve your mood, and promote overall brain health. The Supplement Trap When you walk into a vitamin store or the health section of a supermarket, what do you see? Hundreds of vitamins and dietary supplements with different ingredients, amounts and sourcing…not to mention bottles in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. What’s the one thing they all have in common? They all claim to be the best. Of course, you realize they can’t all live up to their promise. But how can you find a quality dietary supplement amid the sea of inferior products? As you search for effective, high-purity supplements there are many pitfalls to avoid and many elements to consider: 10 Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing Supplements 1. Absorption The digestive system must extract the vitamins and nutrients you need from food and supplements, but the body’s absorption of vitamins can be affected by several factors, including competition of digestion and the addition of other supplements. For example, sugar interferes with the absorption of vitamin C. Many supplement ingredients (such as magnesium oxide) are known to be poorly absorbed yet are used simply because they’re cheaper or take up less space in a tablet or capsule. 2. Additives Many supplements have fillers, which reduce their effectiveness and may even be harmful to your health. Some companies add agents to their supplements simply for cosmetic reasons, e.g., titanium dioxide for whiteness. Others include artificial dyes, some of which are linked to cancer. Some supplements, particularly those marketed to children, have substantial amounts of sugar added – take a look at the label for a gummy product. Many products that contain minerals have revealed lead contamination when tested. 3. Fad Supplements Perhaps you’ve seen fad supplements being sold on TV. Many of those products claim to have the backing of clinical trials, though often no such trials have been published in scientific journals. The makers of fad supplements can even stoop to adding drugs (pharmaceuticals) into their products labeled as dietary supplements, even though this is expressly prohibited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can cause serious harm. If the supplement maker can’t show you controlled clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals, proceed with great caution. 4. Formulation Just because a product has a certain ingredient in it doesn’t mean there’s enough of that ingredient in each dose proven (in clinical studies) to benefit people. A dirty little secret of the dietary supplement industry is that many products have less-than-proven amounts of ingredients – especially when those ingredients are expensive – to make it seem like the consumer is getting more for their money than with a competing product. Some in the industry call this “dusting” with “Fairy Dust.” Effective dietary supplements provide safe and clinically proven ingredients in doses that have reasonable probability of creating benefits for those who take them. 5. Labels & Claims Before you buy a supplement read the label, especially the Supplement Facts box which, by law, must list the active ingredients. Carefully read the directions for use and any cautions or warnings that follow them. Read the packaging and any claims for efficacy and/or safety that are on the label. The FDA prohibits supplement makers from claiming that their products “treat,” “diagnose,” “prevent,” or “cure” diseases, so carefully read the label to make sure it isn’t making any extravagant claims. 6. Manufacturing GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) are the legal requirements for the minimal manufacturing system to ensure a dietary supplement product has the correct ingredient identity, strength, purity, safety, and process documentation that matches the content of its label. The cGMP (current GMP) regulations were developed by the FDA to ensure that dietary supplements are safe to take, by being manufactured to the highest quality possible from the available technology. If the product you’re considering wasn’t manufactured in a GMP certified facility, leave it on the shelf. 7. Marketing Outlandish claims in marketing materials can be an indication that the company is over-promising in order to boost sales. Look for realistic statements about a product for “supporting,” “promoting” or “enhancing” specific structures or functions. Everyone’s body works differently, so supplements are rarely one-size-fits-all. Be sure the supplement’s ingredients have been put through controlled human clinical trials, which are the highest level of proof that they possibly could work for you. 8. Quantity Not all supplements are created equal. The number of ingredients in dietary supplements widely vary, which is especially true of multiple vitamins. Some leading supplement companies take a minimalist approach, claiming that less is more. At BrainMD, we believe that more is more. We include all the vitamins and essential minerals that can be safely combined into one product. 9. Reviews Online reviews can be beneficial when they’re presented in an honest manner. Unfortunately, some websites, including well-regarded ones, pay people to create positive reviews. It can be a good sign to see some average or negative reviews since one supplement won’t have the same effect for every person. However, be cautious when a large number of reviews simply repeat the same claims for the product. 10. Testing Testing is most effectively done on the raw material ingredients before they enter the chain of production. But in-process testing is also necessary, and the finished product must also be tested to ensure the integrity of the entire manufacturing process. Many companies cut corners, so make sure your supplement has gone through identity and potency verification, heavy metal testing, and microbial testing. So, how can you really know if you’re getting a high-quality supplement or just cheap ingredients in a fancy bottle? The BrainMD Difference Our Why At BrainMD, we passionately believe that a better brain leads to a better life. We realize the last thing the world needs is another line of poorly-made supplements. From the moment we started operations in 2009, we’ve committed ourselves to provide ultra-pure, clinical-grade, ethically sourced dietary supplements that can supply you with the nutrients you need to lead a brain-healthy life. We subscribe to a whole-person approach to physical and mental wellness. We’ve dedicated ourselves to helping people feel better by creating the highest quality dietary supplements and nutritional products on the market. The integrity of our work and our devotion to helping people inspires our commitment to excellence. Solid Foundation One of the distinguishing factors of BrainMD is that we’re backed by the combined knowledge, clinical experience, and guidance of an MD and a PhD. Our Founder: Daniel G. Amen, MD Dr. Amen is a double board-certified psychiatrist, clinical neuroscientist, brain-imaging specialist, and multiple New York Times, bestselling author. He is the visionary behind Amen Clinics, Amen University, and the numerous products and services offered by BrainMD. Our Chief Science Officer: Nicole Avena, PhD Dr. Nicole Avena completed her PhD in Neuroscience and Psychology from Princeton University, followed by a postdoctoral training fellowship at The Rockefeller University in New York City. She is a research neuroscientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet and addiction, with a special focus on nutrition during early life and pregnancy, and women’s health. In addition to over 100 peer-reviewed scholarly publications, Dr. Avena has written several books, including What to Eat When You’re Pregnant, What to Feed Your Baby and Toddler, and What to Eat When You Want to Get Pregnant. Backed by Science Would it surprise you to know that many of the supplements in the marketplace today have little or no backing from human clinical studies? The BrainMD research team incorporates the latest scientific findings into creating a wide array of specialized formulas that promote optimal brain function. We want you to be fully informed regarding our products. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with educational resources on the clinical research behind our products, and the science that supports our choice of ingredients that comprise our superior grade nutritional formulas. Our ingredient selection process is based on clinical trials and other studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and our supplements are formulated to exacting standards. Brain Directed We recognize that the health of your brain is central to your overall success. Feeding your brain properly is essential for optimal fitness and can be the first line of defense in preserving your mental and physical well-being. With the use of brain SPECT imaging, Dr. Amen discovered that some prescription medications can damage the brain. He sought out non-toxic solutions for his patients and developed dietary supplement formulas targeted to memory, mood, focus, and other specific brain functions. Those early formulas were so effective, they eventually led to the creation of the first supplement company solely dedicated to brain health, BrainMD. Rigorously Tested Our products are developed to promote brain-healthy living, and their ingredients, combinations, and dosages are solidly grounded in human brain research. During the product development process, our team may be required to review hundreds of studies to make sure we’re aware of all the research relevant to the product. We work to ensure that the specific ingredients (and the levels of each ingredient) in our products are safe, effective, and well-tolerated. We have stringent standards for selecting the raw materials for our products and work hard to verify that our ingredients are free of heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, bacteria, mold, glutens, sugar, egg, dairy, corn, and any other unnecessary additives. Our ingredients undergo extensive testing to establish their identity, purity, potency, and freedom from contamination. We partner with the highest-quality manufacturers, which conform to the cGMP as required by the FDA. We use independent labs to further verify the manufacturer’s quality test results. With BrainMD products, you always get the nutrients promised on the label. Array of Products BrainMD has developed several products that are essential for everyone’s nutritional needs: our premium multivitamin, NeuroVite Plus, ultra-concentrated EPA and DHA fish oil, Omega-3 Power, and high-purity Vitamin D3 5000.* Our line of 30 supplement products was designed to support a wide range of individual needs, including: Everyday Essentials (Brain & Body Power, Brain & Body Power Max) Focus & Attention (Focus & Energy, Attention Support) Mood & Anxiousness (Serotonin Mood Support, SAMe) Food & Drink (Brain Boost On The Go) Protein (OMNI Protein – Vanilla and Chocolate) Kids & Prenatal (Smart Prenatal, Kids’ NeuroVite, Coromega Omega-3 Squeeze) Memory (Bright Minds Memory Powder, Brain & Memory Power Boost, NeuroPS) Stress & Relaxation (GABA Calming Support, Everyday Stress Relief) Sleep (Magnesium Chewables, Restful Sleep) Probiotics (ProBrainBiotics) This extraordinary group of products is the only line of dietary supplements available today that are specifically developed to address the full spectrum of brain health concerns.* Note: it’s important to discuss supplements with your healthcare practitioner. If your doctor isn’t knowledgeable about nutraceuticals (which is common), consult with a naturopathic or integrative medicine physician before starting any supplement regimen. 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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