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The New Science of Sleep: Personalized Supplements for Stress, Discomfort and Racing Thoughts

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Here Are 6 of the Best Ways to Avoid Cognitive Decline

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Smart Electrolytes: We Just Gave Your Water the Health Boost It Needs!

Veterans Day: One Warrior Shares Some of the Best Ways to Heal from Trauma

Veterans Day: One Warrior Shares Some of the Best Ways to Heal from Trauma

As we prepare to honor those who’ve selflessly served our country this Veterans Day, it’s important to recognize the toll such service can take on the individual. In this article, Jill Chambers, US Army COL (Ret), shares helpful tips from her journey of recovery and healing after living through one of our nation’s most horrific events…   After personally experiencing the tragic events of 9/11 while serving in the Pentagon, I was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress (PTS). I was sure I didn’t want to go down the path of medications if I could help myself through non-pharmaceutical approaches. Through research, personal connections, and the help of Belleruth Naparstek, founder of Health Journeys, I was introduced to therapies like neurofeedback, biofeedback, and guided imagery. All three of these modalities were life-changing for me and significantly helped mitigate my PTS. Soon after I was enjoying the positive results of my journey, I read Dr. Daniel Amen’s books, “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” and “Unleash the Power of the Female Brain.” I was completely intrigued at this point of discovering exactly how my brain was functioning and how I could raise it to a level of optimal performance. Single Best Decision My husband and I scheduled appointments at the Amen Clinic in Orange County, CA to have brain SPECT imaging performed and to learn exactly what would be appropriate, healthy ways forward to maintain positive brain health. This was the single best decision we could’ve made to enhance our health and longevity! We both made a declaration to live to be at least 120 and have a sharp brain all the way there. Dr. Amen was able to tell from my scan that I did have the pattern that indicated I experienced a post-traumatic event. However, the signature pattern, which is a triangle shape, was encapsulated indicating I was actually experiencing post-traumatic growth (PTG). I quickly learned that PTG was allowing me to find a way to make new meaning from my traumatic experience and take the adversity and turn it into positive growth. At that point, I felt certain that by actively using neurofeedback, biofeedback, and guided imagery for months enhanced my chances of reaching PTG. Through the SPECT imaging, Dr. Amen was able to share with me additional steps I could take to keep my brain functioning at maximum capacity. The Great Revelation One other interesting discovery that the SPECT imaging showed was that I was very low in vitamin D. At first, I had a hard time believing that since blood work from my annual physicals showed that my vitamin D was at a healthy level. Well, the great revelation was that even though my vitamin D was within normal limits, it was always at the very bottom. Dr. Amen suggested I get a DEXA scan to check my bone density and sure enough, I was on the verge of osteoporosis. My doctor wanted to start me on Alendronate, but Dr. Amen suggested I increase my daily dose of vitamin D from 1000 mg to 5000 mg daily. 18 months later, I had another DEXA scan and my doctor couldn’t believe there was actual improvement in my bone density, something he’d never seen before. I call that great news! Targeted Supplements Because every person’s brain is different, Dr. Amen specifically targets supplements that will benefit the individual. For the last decade, I’ve been taking: Brain & Memory Power Boost NeuroVite Plus Iron Omega-3 Power Squeeze Brain MCT Energy Vitamin D3 5000 I’ve just felt great and have literally not been sick in the last ten years. It’s wonderful to know that these supplements are just right for me, and with the SPECT imaging there’s no more guessing or spending time in the vitamin aisle wondering if I should buy something because it looks like a good idea. Continuing Service The education and inspiration I received from the Amen Clinic helped me move forward with my company, This Able Vet, LLC, with the specific purpose of supporting our military Veterans and their family members with non-pharmaceutical approaches to empowering their personal health. I’ve been able to help, encourage, and financially support our Veterans to receive brain SPECT imaging and begin to get them on a path of recovery and a fulfilling life.   BrainMD would like to thank Jill and all the brave men and women who’ve served or are still serving our nation. We’re only able to continue the work we do because of you. Thank you for your service! Colonel (R) Jill Chambers, US Army COL (Ret) Jill W. Chambers, CEO of This Able Vet, LLC, is widely recognized as the first person in the history of the U.S. Military to develop a successful, sustainable strategy designed to reduce the crippling stigma associated with mental health challenges in a Warrior culture. Her deep understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) changed the military culture equipping those likely to face adversity with tools to help them positively process those experiences. Jill was inducted into the Army Women’s Hall of Fame in 2015 for her contributions in this area. In recognition of her rare gifts as a leader and her many groundbreaking accomplishments over 30 years of service, Colonel (R) Jill Chambers was most recently selected, as a “Next Maker” by AOL and PBS honoring trailblazing women whose physical, intellectual, and emotional strength have opened doors, opened minds, and inspired change. She was also selected in as the Senior Professional Women’s Association Department of Defense Woman of the Year in recognition for her contributions that have positively impacted the community specifically with her work in her organization, This Able Vet, LLC, a Woman Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. With a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Human Resources, and another Master’s of Science in National Resource Strategy, Jill utilized her Post 9/11 GI Bill to further her education and earned two additional degrees; one is a Master’s in Health and Wellness with a concentration in Aromatherapy and the other is a Master’s in Complementary Alternative Medicine, both from the American College of Healthcare Sciences in 2019. Jill is married to Country music superstar Michael Peterson, best known for his #1 hits, “From Here to Eternity,” “Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie” and “Too Good to Be True.”     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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Ask Dr. Avena: An Interview With Our CSO On The Benefits Of Testosterone

Ask Dr. Avena: An Interview With Our CSO On The Benefits Of Testosterone

Dr. Nicole Avena, our Chief Science Officer, has a PhD in neuroscience and psychology from Princeton University and an expertise in brain health and nutrition. Today, we’re picking her brain on the benefits of testosterone supplements, getting the answers to your most pressing questions, and diving deep into the science behind Brain-T MAX, BrainMD's new testosterone supplement. Brain-T MAX Testosterone Supplement: Interview With Brain Health Expert, Dr. Nicole Avena [wc_box color="secondary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] BrainMD: What does testosterone do? Dr. Nicole Avena: Testosterone is a sex hormone that both men and women need, but as we age it tends to decline. Supporting healthy testosterone levels can help an individual’s vitality, cognitive function, immune health, and overall wellness. BrainMD: Speaking of cognitive function, what’s the connection between brain health and testosterone? Dr. Avena: Testosterone is an important modulator of cerebral functions and plays a role in cognition. Low testosterone levels have been associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment, so supporting healthy testosterone levels may help enhance mood and cognitive function in aging men with reduced testosterone. BrainMD: Research shows that testosterone is declining in the U.S. In fact, in the last two decades, testosterone levels in men have fallen over 50%. How common is low testosterone in men? Dr. Avena: Testosterone peaks in men at around age 18, and after age 30, it decreases by 1% a year. So if you’re not a teenager anymore, your testosterone levels are already falling. BrainMD: What causes low testosterone?  Dr. Avena: The process of aging can cause decreased levels of testosterone production. Testosterone levels typically peak during adolescence. Once this peak hits, testosterone production gradually declines by around 1% per year. Due to the decline in testosterone that can be experienced, those affected may experience changes in sexual function, physical changes, and emotional changes. Other conditions associated with low testosterone include: Injury (trauma, interrupted blood supply to the testes) or infection of the testes (orchitis) Chemotherapy Metabolic disorders such as hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body) Dysfunction or tumors of the pituitary gland Certain medications Alcohol abuse Chronic renal (kidney) failure Inflammatory conditions such as sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs and other organs) Kallman syndrome (abnormal development of the hypothalamus, a gland in the brain that controls many hormones) Obesity or extreme weight loss Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus Obstructive sleep apnea Estrogen excess (usually from an external or environmental source) Previous anabolic steroid abuse Severe primary hypothyroidism Pubertal delay Trauma (head injury) Radiation exposure or prior surgery of the brain BrainMD: How do you know if you have low testosterone? What are the symptoms?  Dr. Avena: Low testosterone is diagnosed with a blood test. Since testosterone levels vary throughout the day, it may take several measurements to determine if someone has low testosterone. Symptoms of low testosterone may include: Low sex drive Low mood Erectile dysfunction Decreased sense of well-being Difficulties with concentration and memory Fatigue Moodiness and irritability Loss of muscular strength Fertility problems Increased body fat BrainMD: Should women also be concerned about low testosterone?  Dr. Avena: Testosterone isn't just a “male hormone.” It's also critical for cognitive function, fertility, mood, metabolism, bone density, and cardiovascular health. Many people wrongly think that testosterone is a male hormone. But women need testosterone too, just at lower levels. Healthy testosterone levels in women support sex drive, menstrual health, fertility, breast and vaginal health, bone density, and muscle mass. Just like men, women’s testosterone levels decrease over time, especially once they hit menopause. The #1 complaint of women with low testosterone typically is decreased libido, which is why so many women are searching for libido supplements.  BrainMD: How does Brain-T MAX support healthy testosterone levels? Dr. Avena: Brain-T MAX is a supplement designed to support healthy testosterone levels, customized for adults. It supplies clinically effective doses of fenugreek, ashwagandha, tongkat ali, and zinc, which work together to naturally support healthy testosterone levels in the body. Fenugreek has been shown in various studies to have an androgenic and anabolic effect in the male body. Different parts of the fenugreek plant have been used as herbs, spices, and vegetables; it has also been certified in its seed extract form by the USDA. Fenugreek has been shown in studies to increase overall total serum testosterone. In one study, the administration of 500 mg of fenugreek seed extract in college-aged men led to an overall increase in testosterone and a decrease in the enzymes that inhibit the metabolism of testosterone.1 Ashwagandha is widely utilized as an herb that helps to support a healthy stress response and has been known to decrease cortisol levels. It has also been used to treat sexual weakness and dysfunction in men. Studies surrounding the effects of ashwagandha on the male body have been found to increase serum testosterone levels while decreasing both follicle hormone and luteinizing hormone.2 Tongkat ali is an herbal shrub that is found in various rainforest settings. Due to the active components found within tongkat ali, it has been shown in studies to increase overall serum testosterone levels.3 Zinc is a micronutrient that many individuals in the United States are deficient in. Research has found a positive correlation between the body’s zinc concentrations and testosterone levels. Zinc deficiency has been associated with decreased serum testosterone levels. Overall, zinc seems to be an important determinant of healthy serum testosterone levels.4 BrainMD: What makes Brain T-MAX different from other testosterone products?  Dr. Avena: Brain-T MAX is an expertly researched formula that took years to develop. This unique combination of Testofen® – the world’s most clinically-researched fenugreek seed extract – KSM-66® ashwagandha, LJ100® tongkat ali, and zinc, is the first of its kind. It uses all natural herbs to benefit your endocrine system. Unlike other supplements, the product is gluten free and free of artificial colors and flavors. Brain-T MAX targets the source of common sexual health issues that come with aging to help support your overall well-being, stress levels, and immunity. BrainMD: Beyond taking Brain T-MAX consistently, what do you suggest women and men do to support hormone health and healthy testosterone? Dr. Avena: To support hormone health and healthy testosterone, you should: Improve sleep Eat a nutrient-rich diet with minimal amounts of processed foods Avoid using endocrine disruptors (synthetic soaps and shampoos, food colorants, plastic cookware and containers, synthetic deodorants, etc.) Improve thyroid health Lower stress Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D and magnesium Exercise regularly BrainMD: What other supplements would make Brain-T MAX work even better? Dr. Avena: Pairing Brain-T MAX with Brain & Memory Power Boost will support your overall body in the aging process. Brain & Memory Power Boost helps keep your brain healthy, while Brain-T MAX supports hormonal regulation. Supporting both your brain and endocrine system during aging is essential. [/wc_box] Thank you, Dr. Avena! Is there a question we haven’t answered? Please share it in the comments. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients and standardized herbal ingredients to support your overall well-being. For more information about Brain-T MAX and our full list of supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.   Scientific References: Mansoori A, Hosseini S, Zilaee M, Hormoznejad R, Fathi M. Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta-analysis of clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2020;34(7):1550-1555. doi:10.1002/ptr.6627. Dongre S, Langade D, Bhattacharyya S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:284154. doi:10.1155/2015/284154. Henkel RR, Wang R, Bassett SH, et al. Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors--a pilot study. Phytother Res. 2014;28(4):544-550. doi:10.1002/ptr.5017. Prasad AS, Mantzoros CS, Beck FW, Hess JW, Brewer GJ. Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults. Nutrition. 1996;12(5):344-348. doi:10.1016/s0899-9007(96)80058-x

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Inside L-Theanine Gummies: An Interview with Neuroscientist Dr. Nicole Avena

Inside L-Theanine Gummies: An Interview with Neuroscientist Dr. Nicole Avena

Dr. Nicole Avena, Chief Science Officer at BrainMD, has a PhD in neuroscience and psychology from Princeton University and an expertise in nutrition, diet, sugar, brain health, and addiction.  Today, we’re picking her brain on gummy vitamins, getting the answers to your most pressing questions about sugar, and diving deep into the science behind our new sugar-free L-Theanine Gummies. Read the full interview below. Inside L-Theanine Gummies: Frequently Asked Questions     BrainMD: This is BrainMD’s first gummy vitamin! Are there any advantages to a gummy vitamin versus pills or capsules? Gummy vitamins can be advantageous because they are normally of preferable flavor and texture when compared to supplements in pill form. In addition, gummy vitamins can be chewed, meaning there is no difficulty for people who struggle with swallowing pills. Given the favorable aspects of gummy vitamins, people can be more consistent in taking their supplements. BrainMD: What’s the best way to take L-Theanine Gummies?  Most dietary supplements, including BrainMD’s new L-Theanine Gummies, work best when taken consistently. In substantial clinical research, l-theanine has been found to rapidly bring on relaxation, often within minutes. Over a longer period, l-theanine can improve coping with stress, lessen feelings of anxiousness, and support healthy sleep in both adults and children. BrainMD: L-theanine sounds like a pretty powerful nutrient. How exactly does it work in our brain? L-theanine is known to easily enter the brain when taken by mouth. Its fast-acting relaxation effects are very likely related to its down-regulation of NMDA receptors, which drive many excitatory pathways in the brain. BrainMD: These gummies taste good — almost like candy! Can you take more than one? Take 2 gummies daily. Up to a total of 4 gummies per day can be consumed as needed or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional. We suggest you take them on an empty stomach.  BrainMD: Are they safe for kids? Yes, these gummies are safe for children aged 8 and up. BrainMD: Why was it important to keep these gummies sugar-free? What does sugar do to your brain?  Other gummy vitamins are typically high in added sugars. While the amount in the gummy vitamin might seem small, continuous use of the vitamins can accumulate excessive sugar intake. Excess sugar intake can lead to obesity, heart disease, and dental cavities. Our gummies are sweetened with allulose, an alternative sweetener. If you want to learn more about the dangers of added sugars, tune into my TED-ED talk, How Sugar Affects the Brain. BrainMD: Are there any supplements you recommend pairing with the new L-Theanine Gummies?  Taking BrainMD's NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin and Omega-3 Power will help you be sure to get the core essential nutrients your brain and body need to best utilize L-Theanine Gummies.   Thank you, Dr. Avena! Is there a question we haven’t answered? Please share it in the comments.   At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients and standardized herbal ingredients to support your overall well-being. For more information about our new L-Theanine Gummies and our full list of supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.

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Inside Calm My Brain: An Interview With Integrative Medicine Expert Dr. Parris Kidd

Inside Calm My Brain: An Interview With Integrative Medicine Expert Dr. Parris Kidd

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 40 million adults in the U.S. and approximately 7% of children aged 3-17 experience anxiousness each year. If you experience anxiousness, you know that it can have a crippling effect on your productivity and well-being. Calm My Brain was scientifically formulated by BrainMD's Dr. Parris Kidd, working with CEO Dr. Daniel Amen, to specifically target this problem. With generous daily doses of magnesium - 100 mg per serving (as citrate, malate, glycinate, and threonate in equal amounts), the ashwagandha standardized root extract KSM-66® - 600 mg per serving, and l-theanine - 400 mg per serving, no other brand offers a formula for anxiousness as effective and meticulously researched as this one. An Inside Look At Calm My Brain Today we’re joined by Dr. Parris Kidd for a master class on Calm My Brain: what it does, how it works, who it’s for, and if it’s right for you. In his deep dive, he breaks down the clinical research that directed his careful ingredient selection, shares the science behind why you can feel the benefits – calm and relaxation (potentially within just minutes) and in the longer term, less anxiousness and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol – and reveals other BrainMD supplements that can make Calm My Brain work even better.  Class is in session, and this is one you don’t want to miss. An Interview With Integrative Medicine Expert Dr. Parris Kidd [wc_box color="secondary" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] BrainMD: Why did you develop Calm My Brain?  Kidd: I monitor the clinical and other scientific research on nutrients and herbals very carefully, and I noticed that the evidence that certain ingredients could improve anxiousness had reached a breakthrough point. It had become very clear that dietary supplementation can be used to relieve feelings of anxiousness. For some people the action may be quite rapid.  The BrainMD science team brings a new supplement to the marketplace when – and only when the clinical trial research has reached consensus that the ingredients have a very good chance to work for a specific brain benefit. BrainMD follows the science and acts on it responsibly and ethically. And what better time to tackle anxiousness, than now? BrainMD: BrainMD is known for its science-based formulas and high-quality ingredients. Can you discuss how you selected the three ingredients found in Calm My Brain? Kidd: This concept grew and matured in my mind for over 3 years. I used my science training and my 38 years' experience with supplements to laser-focus on the clinical track records of the most promising ingredients. I reviewed ALL the clinical trials to determine the benefits and the overall strength of the evidence - animal and "test-tube" studies don't cut it.  BrainMD: You reviewed more than 50 scientific resources and clinical studies during the research and development stage of formulating this product. Do you have any advice for people at home trying to do their own research when shopping for supplements? Is there anything consumers should look out for? Kidd: Actually, I reviewed literally hundreds of clinical trials, other clinical research, and other scientific background on at least 60 potential ingredients. I made sure BrainMD used the best ingredients - identical to those used in the clinical trials. It's very important that we educate consumers that supplements work best when they're grounded in actual science.  BrainMD: Calm My Brain is unique in that it can provide calming relief from anxiousness within the first 40-60 minutes. What makes this supplement so fast-acting? Kidd: The very generous dose of l-theanine. In human brain studies it boosted alpha wave activity, which is linked to calm and relaxation. The most anxious persons showed the most alpha-activation. The trials suggest many individuals may experience improvement within 2 weeks.  BrainMD: Aside from increased calm and relaxation, what else can you expect from taking Calm My Brain? Kidd: Lowering of that feeling of being stressed, including when you're engaged in mentally challenging tasks - a tough work project, for example, or an academic exam. The stress hormone, heart rate, other stress indicators all may improve. High-anxiety students may experience less stress and sharpened focus - begin on it 2-3 weeks prior to your exams.  BrainMD: Is it best to take Calm My Brain every day or intermittently for occasional support and relief? Kidd: This supplement, like others, should be taken daily. Supplements are not drugs. KSM-66 ashwagandha and magnesium have important dimensions of benefit in addition to the potential rapid action of l-theanine, but take days to weeks to develop their greatest benefits. I settled on these 3 ingredients to optimize the ongoing benefits from Calm My Brain. More than half all Americans aren't getting sufficient magnesium from their foods. Also, many use popular over-the-counter or prescription meds that deplete magnesium. Ashwagandha is highly revered in the East, and its KSM-66 extract consistently improves anxiousness, stress, mood, and sleep quality. It also reduced food cravings, which improved weight management. BrainMD: What are the long-term benefits of taking this product every day? Kidd: Greater resistance to becoming anxious, apprehensive or otherwise fearful, particularly when in stressful situations. Better sleep quality is also a strong possibility. BrainMD: Which supplements do you suggest pairing with Calm My Brain? Are there any other supplements that improve its efficacy?  Kidd: I strongly urge everyone that it's crucial for their overall wellbeing to take a science-based multiple vitamin-mineral and a highly concentrated fish oil. The best of these provide the nutrients that are the "nuts and bolts" of our capacity to make and utilize life energy. BrainMD's NeuroVite Plus and Omega-3 Power are the best in these categories. If you're really struggling with anxiousness and also having mood problems, I recommend adding in Happy Saffron Plus, another excellent product from my collaboration with Dr. Amen. If severe stress is exacerbating the anxiousness problem, try adding Everyday Stress Relief. If your sleep problems are relatively severe, add in Put Me To Sleep.  BrainMD: Calm My Brain is great for adults and children with anxiousness, people challenged by food cravings related to stress, anyone with nervous tension, elderly individuals, people who have trouble sleeping or difficulty winding down in preparation for going to sleep, and those low in magnesium. Is there anyone that shouldn’t take Calm My Brain?  Kidd: No one I can think of. Practically everyone can benefit from the highest-grade magnesium in this supplement, especially since so many other brands have magnesium oxide which is very poorly absorbed. This product has no common (or rare) allergens and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. BrainMD: As an integrative medicine expert, can you make other recommendations for people coping with stress and anxiousness?  Kidd: Sure. Whether it's people in your life who are increasing your level of stress, a bad job situation, or some other mental burden you've had for a long time, face up to the situation. Get professional help if you can - many community organizations can assist with the financial cost. Meditation or even brief periods of "emptying" your mind during the day can be helpful. BrainMD: Thank you, Dr. Kidd. With all the stress and worry out there, this product has the potential to help millions.  [/wc_box] Is there a question we haven’t answered? Please share it in the comments!   At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients and standardized herbal ingredients to support your overall well-being. For more information about Calm My Brain and our full list of supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.

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Benefits of Taking Omega-3 Fatty Acids Daily

Benefits of Taking Omega-3 Fatty Acids Daily

Following is an interview with Dr. Kristen Willeumier regarding her talk, "Why Powering Your Brain with Pure Fish Oil is Genius." BrainMD: Can you briefly describe what Dr. Amen’s Omega-3 Power is? Dr. Kristen Willeumier: Omega-3 Power is a concentrated, highly purified, pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential because the body cannot produce them, therefore they must be obtained from the diet or through supplementation. Two softgels of Omega-3 Power contain 1.5 grams of omea 3 fatty acids (860 mg of EPA and 575 mg of DHA), a significantly higher amount than what is found in most concentrated fish oil supplements. BMD: How can taking a fish oil like Omega-3 Power with high amounts of EPA DHA support brain health? KW: Omega 3 power functions to support cellular membranes and keep them flexible. Omega-3 fatty acids are comprised of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). While both are components of cellular membranes, EPA plays a critical role in supporting the healthy regulation of cellular inflammation while DHA is the most abundant omega-3 found in the brain and is important in maintaining nerve cell structure and function. With over 100 billion neurons in your brain, a daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids with high levels of EPA and DHA to adequately support these cells is essential to optimal brain health. BMD: How do omega-3s specifically support focus? KW: Omega-3 fatty acids maintain the fluidity of the cell membranes which allows for proper communication between nerve cells, therefore, it helps to support focus and mental clarity. BMD: What happens when we don’t provide our bodies with healthy omega-3s, but instead consume a lot of saturated fat? KW: It is essential to be mindful of the type of fats you consume. A diet high in trans fats (vegetable oil, corn oil, sunflower oil) and saturated fats (meat, dairy) can result in elevated omega-6 fatty acids, which are pro-inflammatory. Alternatively, a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, olive oil, avocados) is associated with lower levels of inflammation. One way of assessing health status is to monitor the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. An optimal ratio of omega-6:omega-3 is 1:1, but the typical ratio in the American diet is 15:1. Since the standard American diet tends to be low in omega-3 fatty acids and high in omega-6 fatty acids, a majority of individuals have high levels of inflammation in the brain and body. Ultimately, elevated inflammation can result in a myriad of serious health issues. BMD: Healthy blood flow to the brain is a hallmark of brain health. How does taking omega-3s help get more blood flow to the brain? KW: Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to support healthy blood flow through the vasodilation of the blood vessels. This is beneficial in supporting both cardiovascular health as well as brain health. BMD: For someone who wants to take a plant-based omega-3, why is it more beneficial to go with an ultra-pure, high-potency fish oil like Omega-3 Power? KW: Omega-3s derived from fish (sardine, salmon and mackerel) are comprised of the long chain fatty acids EPA and DHA. Omega-3s derived from plants (flaxseed, chia) are comprised of the short chain fatty acid alpha linoleic acid (ALA), which is a building block of EPA and DHA. Plant-based omega-3s contain considerably lower levels of EPA and DHA; therefore, it requires consuming a significantly higher amount to get the equivalent found in a fish-based omega-3 fatty acid supplement. BMD: What other surprising areas of health does omega-3 supplementation support? KW: The benefits of taking omega 3 fatty acids daily not only include supporting brain and heart health, they are also essential to maintaining healthy vision, hair, skin and nails. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids support healthy joints as well as help healthy weight management. To learn more about Omega-3 Power, click here.

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