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Natural Ways to Relieve PMS Symptoms With Your Diet
Here’s a shocking news flash for menstruating women: premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – the bloating, cramping, sensitivity, breast tenderness, and irritability that comes after ovulation and before menstruation – is not an inevitable occurrence. In fact, research shows that you can actually relieve PMS symptoms through diet. That’s great news for the roughly 75 percent of menstruating women who experience any number of PMS symptoms. Experts believe that the hormonal shifts before, during, and after menses play a key role in PMS, but the cause is unknown. That said, many studies have been conducted examining the role diet plays in PMS. It turns out there are specific foods to avoid and foods to consume that can help your body move through the menstrual cycle with fewer problems. So, why suffer any longer? Let’s take a closer look at how food can affect your PMS symptoms… Foods to Avoid Many healthcare professionals recommend eliminating foods that spike your blood sugar and cause bloating during the stretch of time before menstruation. That includes fatty foods, salty foods, and refined carbohydrates. Deep-fried foods, and foods high in saturated fat, are associated with cramping. Sodium (salt) can cause your body to retain fluid, which exacerbates bloating, swelling, and breast tenderness. Also, sugary sodas, cereals, snacks, and pastries are all pro-inflammatory offenders. These refined carbohydrates also spike blood sugar, affecting insulin levels, which can cause intense cravings and moodiness. It’s important to limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption. These are both disruptive to sleep. When your sleep is interrupted, it throws off your hormonal balance – which, in turn, complicates premenstrual hormonal shifts. If you think one cup of coffee won’t hurt, think again. According to well-known women’s health expert, Dr. Christiane Northrup, even if you only drink one cup of coffee per day, eliminating caffeine can make a huge difference for some women. Best Foods to Relieve PMS Symptoms Of course, it’s much more fun to contemplate what you can have than what’s off-limits. Here are the foods and nutrients that were shown to help mitigate PMS symptoms. Enjoy them! Complex Carbohydrates Rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, complex carbohydrates enter your bloodstream gradually over time causing only a moderate and manageable rise in insulin levels. Complex carbs help curb cravings and level off your mood. Whole grains, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, lentils, beans, and barley are all complex carbs. Many fruits and vegetables are as well. They are usually rich in an array of nutrients and antioxidants, too. Dark Chocolate There may be a reason you crave chocolate prior to menstruation. It contains unique natural substances that may enhance mood, and even trigger an uplifted feeling similar to that of being in love. Chocolate is also rich in iron and magnesium, which help to alleviate a host of PMS symptoms (see below). Just be sure to choose a small serving of quality, low-sugar dark chocolate to receive these benefits. You won’t get them from a cheap, sugar-laden, conventional milk chocolate bar. B Vitamins If you want to quell PMS symptoms such as moodiness, forgetfulness, and bloating, vitamin B6 can help. Additionally, vitamins B1 and B2 are associated with fewer PMS symptoms. You can find rich concentrations of all these B vitamins in foods such as pork chops, salmon, avocados, fortified tofu, and asparagus. Calcium, Vitamin D and Omega-3s Studies suggest that high intake of calcium and vitamin D may help reduce PMS. Also, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help with PMS-induced bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, low mood, anxious feelings, and lack of concentration. Great calcium sources are milk, yogurt, kefir, and cheese, as well as cruciferous vegetables, kale, soybeans, and almonds. You’ll find vitamin D in fatty fish (such as salmon or sardines), mushrooms, tofu, and eggs. Omega-3s are abundant in leafy green vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, and flaxseeds. Magnesium Magnesium is known for its relaxing properties. This is especially beneficial when it comes to PMS cramps and sleeplessness. Magnesium promotes calmness, which counters premenstrual irritability and anxiousness. Some magnesium-rich foods include spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, lima beans, brown rice, avocados, bananas, and chocolate, as mentioned above. Iron It’s important to increase iron intake before and during your period to replace what you lose each month. Without adequate iron, you may experience premenstrual tiredness. While red meat (preferably a lean cut) is known to be iron-rich, legumes such as white beans, lentils, soybeans, and chickpeas are too, and they have fiber, which further helps to alleviate PMS symptoms. Also, clams, oysters, quinoa, and dried fruit (sugar-free and without added preservatives) are all rich in iron. Bottom line: if you carefully watch your diet, limit caffeine and alcohol while ensuring you get plenty of these nutrient-rich vegetables, healthy fats, and quality proteins, you’ll likely reduce or eliminate many premenstrual symptoms. These foods are also good for your general health too! PMS-free and healthier...what woman doesn’t want that? 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 Best Ways to Reclaim Your Life with a Digital Detox
Why You May Be Ready for a Digital Detox While technology has improved our lives in countless ways, it has also presented many unique challenges. Due to the prevalence of digital devices, people today have grown accustomed to using social media to stay connected with the world. However, overdependence on devices can cause people to feel isolated – which is a double whammy in our stay-at-home existence. Most people place a high priority on maintaining strong connections. Sadly, social media can only provide the semblance of connection to others. "The bitter paradox of social media is that even while connected you can feel isolated." Your Brain and Screens Mounting research suggests that excessive screen time may be linked to cognitive, behavioral, and mood problems. The longing for genuine connection may create a vicious circle where a lonely individual interacts on social media only to feel more alone and isolated. This emptiness may create a craving for a deeper connection that leads to even longer screen sessions. Due to this growing hunger for connection, many have become attached to their devices over time. If left unchecked, this near-obsessive need can lead to digital dependence. Digital Dependence Few would argue that we’re becoming increasingly dependent on technology. For many, the desire to stay connected to the internet 24/7 has become a compulsion. But is there such a thing as digital dependence, and if so, does it come with a price? Leading cognitive neuroscientists (some specializing in “technopathology”) have identified new brain complications linked to society’s widespread reliance upon technology. These conditions range from a kind of separation panic over misplacing a device to hearing a phantom ring when no one is calling. Physical Complications In addition to its unhealthy influences on the brain, screen fixation also can take its toll on the body. Many screen bound individuals live a sedentary lifestyle. Becoming the proverbial “couch potato” can prevent you from maintaining healthy habits such as consistent physical activity, a healthy diet, and proper motivation to set and achieve goals…not to mention much-needed socialization. Remaining sedentary can increase risk factors for many illnesses and can even shorten your lifespan. One study found that internet obsession can even weaken immune function. Sleep Disruptions Spending long hours staring at screens can also disrupt your sleep. This is particularly true at night since the artificial light from screens can delay melatonin production and disrupt your body’s 24-hour circadian rhythms and sleep/wake cycle. Since sleep deprivation is linked to a host of mental and physical issues, it’s best to tuck in your devices at least one hour before you tuck yourself into bed. Bottom line: spending too much time browsing the internet, engaging on social media, watching TV and movies, playing video games, or occupying yourself with any other leisure activity that involves a screen, can potentially steal your health. To prevent the many adverse effects associated with screen fixation, try these 7 simple ways to improve your digital well-being: 7 Ways to Reset Your Mind with a Digital Detox 1. Get Moving When you’re sitting on the couch watching TV or YouTube, your brain isn’t being challenged. Find an outdoor activity (such as hiking, biking, walking, jogging, etc.) you enjoy so much, you’d rather do it than look at a screen. It’s recommended that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, so get moving. 2. Healthy Pleasure Centers Deep inside the brain, your pleasure centers respond to several neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. When dopamine is depleted, low mood and motivation are much more likely to occur. Monitor your high-excitement activities, limit video games, and boost your dopamine naturally by engaging in meaningful conversations and fun outdoor activities. 3. Tech Timeout It’s not unusual for parents to limit their kids’ TV or tablet time, so why shouldn’t that same rule apply to adults? Establish a time when all devices will be turned off for the remainder of the evening. Not only will this provide a break from calling, texting, browsing the internet, and posting content on social media, it will allow you to spend more time with family. 4. Streamline Your Screen Time Using devices or playing video games for hours on end can be habit-forming. Excessive screen time has been linked to a greater risk of developing attention problems. Determine a screen time limit each day and use a timer to remind you to disengage from screens and engage with people. 5. Tech-free Bedroom Remove all electronic devices from your bedroom since they emit light that can stimulate the brain and keep you awake. A tech-free bedroom can help reduce harmful electromagnetic frequencies (EMF), which might also interfere with your sleep. Creating a relaxing environment, free from the distractions of the outside world, may help facilitate better sleep. 6. One Screen at a Time It’s common for people to use more than one form of technology at the same time. To prevent your attention from being divided by multiple devices, follow the “one screen at a time” rule. This should aid your ability to focus while also giving your overstimulated brain some much-needed downtime. 7. Internet Fast A great way to prevent the onset of digital dependence is to reserve one day of the week for the internet fast. Rather than being glued to a screen all day, find a new hobby, have a quality conversation, start an exercise routine, or enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. You might be surprised at how many things you can do, and how much fun you can have while taking a break from the internet. Implementing these 7 tips can help limit your screen time, reduce your exposure to EMFs, and improve your mental, physical, and overall well-being. Most importantly, they can help you live in harmony with technology rather than being controlled by it. 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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How to Stop Negative Thoughts & Self-Talk
When considering ways to improve the overall health of our brain and body, we tend to focus on getting consistent exercise, achieving restful sleep, and eating a healthy diet (accompanied with quality nutritional supplements). But what about thoughts? It’s estimated that 60,000 thoughts run through our minds each day. What effect do they have on our health, happiness, and well-being? Thoughts Are Powerful Our thoughts are powerful and can have a profound effect on the way we feel. They can even trigger physiological responses in the body. “Whenever you have a sad thought, an unkind thought, or a hopeless thought – such as ‘I’m never going to land my dream job’ – your brain pumps out a dose of chemicals that makes you feel bad. On the flip side, conjure a happy, loving, or encouraging thought, and your brain gives you a blissful jolt of feel-good chemicals.” - Dr. Daniel Amen Habitual negative self-talk trains the brain to see things pessimistically. Researchers believe that negative thinking effectively rewrites our neural networks, reinforcing pathways in the brain that make it more likely we’ll continue seeing the glass as half empty. Additionally, having negative thoughts can reduce activity in the area of the brain involved with self-control, judgment, and planning, which can lead to poor decisions. These patterns of negative thought can cause a downward spiral. So, exactly how can you turn around negative self-talk? Automatic Negative Thoughts The first step to finding liberation from negative thinking is to recognize that our thoughts frequently tell us things that just aren’t true. They tell us lies that cause us to feel emotionally down. They also can randomly pop into our minds without permission. Dr. Amen refers to them as Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs). To a greater or lesser extent, we all deal with them. ANTs generally fall into one of these nine categories: 1. “All or Nothing” Thinking – Thoughts that are all good or all bad. 2. “Always” Thinking – Thinking in words like always, never, no one, everyone, every time, everything. 3. Focusing on the Negative – Only seeing the bad in a situation. 4. Fortune Telling – Predicting the worst possible outcome to a situation with little or no evidence for it. 5. Mind Reading – Believing that you know what another person is thinking even though they haven’t told you. 6. Thinking with Your Feelings – Believing negative feelings without questioning them. 7. Guilt Beatings – Thinking in words like should, must, ought, or have to. 8. Labeling – Attaching a negative label to yourself or someone else. 9. Blame – Blaming someone else for your problems. Do you recognize any of these in your own thinking? For your health and well-being, it’s important to do something about these types of thoughts. If you leave your ANTs unchecked, they can color your perceptions and wreak havoc in your life. How to Stop Negative Thoughts Numerous studies show that combatting negative thinking helps us feel better. You can start exterminating your ANTs by challenging them with these four questions: Is it (the negative thought) true? Can I absolutely know that it is 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? Whenever an ANT enters your mind, write it down. Then apply these questions and you should start to feel the freedom that comes from clearing your mind of negative thoughts. 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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Why Eating High-quality Fish Is Good for You
Do you get enough fish in your diet? (If you don’t enjoy the taste of fish, keep reading for a healthy alternative to eating fish). 4 Major Benefits of Eating Fish There are many evidence-based reasons to eat a diet rich in fish. One reason is that fish supply high-quality protein and many vitamins and minerals. Fatty fish – such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, lake trout, and tuna – are particularly rich in fat-based nutrients like vitamin D. Here are 4 other major health benefits of eating fatty fish: 1. Heart Health- The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are important for improving cardiovascular health, promoting healthy triglyceride status, and supporting healthy blood pressure regulation. 2. Mood Support- Numerous studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help improve mood, self-esteem, and coping with distraction and stress. 3. Improves Attention- Omega-3s have been shown to reduce stress and anxiousness, and improve attention and behavior in children. 4. Brain Boost- An important reason to eat fish is because of its omega-3 fatty acids help preserve memory and protect brain circulatory function. Facts About Fatty Acids Fish oils are oily fats found in fish, particularly cold-water fish, and in marine oils from other sea life such as krill. These oils are rich sources of functional omega-3 fatty acids. Our cells are equipped with membranes, thin sheets of molecules, that manage most of our life functions. We need a variety of fatty acids for our cell membranes to function, including omega-3s. The two most studied omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are major building blocks for the membrane systems and are needed for a diverse range of essential life functions. EPA + DHA Each of our nearly 30 trillion cells needs EPA and DHA. The only practical way to ensure we get the amounts of EPA and DHA we need is through foods or supplements. Unfortunately, the modern diet has an unhealthy balance of fatty acids: we get an abundance of saturated and omega-6s and not nearly enough omega-3s. Also, most of the omega-3s we do get are not long-chain and must be converted to EPA, which is less than 5 percent efficient; then EPA must be converted to DHA, which is an even less efficient conversion. As a result of this complicated process, most people worldwide have poor nutritional status of EPA and DHA. Numerous surveys indicate populations that don’t consume a lot of seafood (such as the U.S.) don’t get nearly enough EPA and DHA from their diet. Since plant foods don’t supply them, the main dietary sources of EPA and DHA are cold-water fish. Certain commercially available cold-water fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, are sources of actual, preformed EPA and DHA. Avoid farmed salmon (which are much higher in omega-6 fatty acids and often carry toxins) and try to get salmon and other cold-water fish from Alaska, the Arctic Circle, or the Antarctic, where the ocean waters are the least contaminated. Purity and Safety While the desired omega-3 fatty acids reside in the fatty tissue of fish, so can environmental toxins. Oil derived from these tissues often contains high levels of these impurities. That’s why it’s dangerous to consume fish caught in ocean zones that are known to be contaminated. Fish (especially longer-lived species, and higher-level predators that consume other fish) will bioaccumulate heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead that originated from industrial sources and reached the body of water in which they feed. These contaminants often end up in the flesh of the fish, as well as in the oil derived from such flesh. In addition to heavy metals, there are also other toxic compounds that bioaccumulate in fish. Some of the most toxic chemicals known to science, including hundreds of different PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), PBBs (polybrominated biphenyls), dioxins and furans, can bioaccumulate in fish and have been linked to problems with the functioning of the brain, liver, immune system, endocrine, and reproductive systems, and essentially all the organs. Considering the widespread contamination of seafood by mercury and other toxins, many experts advise that taking a purified fish oil supplement could be a smart choice. For those concerned over the impurities in fish or who don’t enjoy the taste of fish, BrainMD offers an advanced liquid omega-3 fatty acid supplement… Liquid Fish Oil Supplement: Omega-3 Power Squeeze Omega-3 Power Squeeze is a pleasant-tasting fish oil liquid emulsion, customized for children and adults seeking an alternative to taking large capsules. It delivers 910 mg EPA and 590 mg DHA for a total of 1500 mg per serving. Why You Should Try Omega-3 Power Squeeze: Quality Sourcing - Sourced from wild-caught fish species (mainly anchovies) that are pelagic (don’t feed on the bottom and therefore pick up fewer contaminants), the fish oil in Omega-3 Power Squeeze undergoes the most advanced purification processes in the supplement industry. Ultra-safe - The ultra-pure fish oil in Omega-3 Power Squeeze is extracted in its natural triglyceride form from sustainably harvested fish. The fish oil is tested by independent labs to exclude over 250 toxic contaminants, heavy metals, and other substances. It is maintained fresh throughout the verification process and then is gently purified and emulsified for better absorption and taste. Well Absorbed - The advanced emulsification technology behind Omega-3 Power Squeeze makes it better absorbed than standard fish oils. However, since individuals differ in their absorption and utilization of EPA and DHA, it would be prudent to measure your Omega-3 Index every 4-5 months and increase your daily intake as needed to cross the 8% threshold. Pleasant Tasting - One serving of this citrus-flavored emulsion gives the body at least 5 times more EPA and DHA than a serving of conventional fish or krill oil, without the fishy smell/taste or unpleasant reflux problems experienced with many fish oils. Healthy Pregnancy - Not only is the EPA and DHA in Omega-3 Power Squeeze safe, but it’s also absolutely vital for a healthy pregnancy and for breastfeeding. Also, the US National Academies recommend omega-3s for toddlers and older children. Children aged 1-3 can take a half tablespoon every other day. Allergy-Free - Omega-3 Power Squeeze is free from dairy, gluten, sugar, corn, soy, nuts, eggs, yeast, and artificial colorings or flavorings. It is also non-GMO. Getting adequate amounts of EPA and DHA is a great way to improve overall brain and body function and well-being. The ultra-pure EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids in this well absorbed, proprietary fish oil liquid promote positive mood, healthy attention, and whole-body health. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Omega-3 Power Squeeze 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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Concussion Rescue: Strategies for How to Treat a Concussion
Like many of you, part of my weekends involves escorting my children to various sports games and practices. One particularly chilly day in November during my 12-year-old son’s basketball game, our team was playing against an especially aggressive opponent. I turned my head away from the game for a minute to help my 6-year-old get a snack. I heard the crowd go silent, then a resounding thud reverberated around the court. David’s Injury David, one of the boys on my son’s team, had taken a hard shove that knocked him straight off his feet. He landed flat on his back and slammed his head onto the floor. The coach rushed over as he lay there crying. He stayed down, disheveled, then was helped to his feet and over to the bench. Although David never appeared to lose consciousness, he had a splitting headache for the rest of the day and was very fatigued. I found out later that he was seen by his pediatrician and told to stay out of school for a week and rest. Following his doctor’s advice, when he finally attempted to go back to school, he found it difficult to concentrate and focus on his schoolwork. The headaches began to reappear and he had light sensitivity in school – especially under the fluorescent lights which never bothered him before. He was more irritable and seemed to be in a bad mood all the time. He was not his normal happy self. A Better Way to Heal Your Brain After a Head Injury As a naturopathic physician at Amen Clinics with primary experience in psychiatry and the author of Concussion Rescue: A Comprehensive Program to Heal Traumatic Brain Injury, unfortunately, I see this all too often in my practice. Patients receiving dated recommendations from doctors not looking at the whole picture. Current Concussion Protocol The current treatment for concussions and TBI (traumatic brain injury) is rest and time. These are helpful, but there is more that you can do. Imagine a sprained ankle. We’ve all heard of the R.I.C.E. approach (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to healing and have been told to apply this immediately. My strategy for treating a concussion or traumatic brain injury is akin to that. Concussion Rescue Healing Protocol To treat a head injury, I recommend supplements to quench inflammation, antioxidants to reduce oxidative damage, a dietary strategy to help get the brain the fuel it needs to heal, and the right kinds of exercise at the right time. Fortunately, in David’s case, I was able to help his mother develop a strategy that put David’s brain into a healing state instead of allowing his brain to suffer the cascade of events that happen in the brain after a concussion. While David did take it easy and rest for much of the week following his injury, once put on a plan, his symptoms rapidly began to improve. Several weeks later, he had no symptoms and had returned to his happy self. Bringing Concussion Rescue to the Masses There are over 2 million head injuries a year. I know that not everybody can come to our clinics for treatment, so I wanted to develop a program that you can follow from home. My new online course, Concussion Rescue, is a 15-lesson comprehensive online course designed to put you on a path to brain repair and recovery. This course will show you how to start healing your brain now. That alone can change your life. You’ll learn how to choose which foods to eat to promote healing, simple lifestyle strategies that make a big difference, which supplements to take, along with techniques to retrain your brain, and so much more. Concussion Rescue walks you through the exact protocols I used with David and my patients at Amen Clinics. To learn more about my new Concussion Rescue online course, head here. If you have friends or family members who are interested in learning how to heal from a concussion or head injury, please share this course by forwarding this article to them. 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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6 Calming Nutrients You Should Get Each Day
It’s estimated that your brain has as many as one hundred billion nerve cells, with each one connected to other cells by thousands of individual connections. They communicate using electrical signals and messenger chemicals called neurotransmitters (or just transmitters). More important than the activity of any one transmitter system is the overall balance between all the systems in the brain. When your brain transmitters are balanced, you may think more clearly, feel happier, and experience greater well-being. But when your transmitters are out of balance, you may experience difficulties in many areas of your life. Brain Circuit Basics Our brain uses circuits (collections of nerve cells) to manage our information processing, cognition, behavior, and emotions. A circuit can have millions or even billions of nerve cells (neurons), finely tuned to communicate with each other and to influence each other’s electrical activity. Neurons communicate via connections (synapses), which are driven by transmitters. Typically, each neuron makes one type of transmitter that it releases across synapses to influence the neuron “downstream” from each synapse. Each neuron can have a thousand or more upstream and downstream partners. These complex networks use one-directional transmitter releases to unite their thousands of neurons into individual functional circuits. Is Your Brain’s Symphony In Tune? Circuits driven by one transmitter type also make synaptic connections with circuits driven by other transmitters, creating complex yet harmonious patterns of electrical activity that have been compared to the music of a symphony. And like a symphony, the brain’s circuits must stay in tune for the mind to be balanced, happy, and productive. Nutrients for Brain Harmony Our mental state is affected greatly by our brain transmitter chemistry. Some people have a consistently sunny outlook on life, while others struggle to remain positive and even-tempered from day-to-day. One of the best ways to achieve better balance is with high-purity, brain-healthy supplements. If you find yourself having negative thoughts or if you feel that your stress levels have nearly reached the breaking point, BrainMD offers a range of powerful supplements for calm and relaxation that can help turn your day around. These brain-directed supplements have been formulated with the highest quality ingredients to help you feel calm, content, and able to keep your mental focus. One product we’re particularly proud to recommend is… NeuroLink Powder NeuroLink Powder broadly supports emotional and behavioral health. By promoting a variety of transmitter actions, it maintains healthy brain chemistry, which in turn promotes positive outlook, relaxation, and mental focus. NeuroLink Powder provides nutrients that occur naturally in the brain and are essential for keeping its circuits working in harmony. These nutrients help the brain sustain sufficiently high transmitter levels to keep in healthy balance. Wide Range of Benefits Beyond their support of transmitter actions, the nutrients in NeuroLink Powder benefit both brain and body. They help produce myelin, an outer insulation necessary for the neurons to efficiently conduct electricity. The nutrients in NeuroLink Powder support vital survival, maintenance, and specialized functions in the body. They also contribute to the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland, the adrenals, liver, digestive, skin, and other organ systems. 6 Calming Nutrients to Keep Your Brain Balanced 1. Vitamin B6 – as pyridoxine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, both very efficiently absorbed and utilized. B6 is essential for at least 100 enzymes that help the brain make the key transmitters dopamine, serotonin, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), norepinephrine, and glutamate. The neurons, and their support cells, also need B6 to make their myelin insulation. 2. L-Tyrosine – an amino acid required to produce two transmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine, which then can be further converted to the transmitter and hormone epinephrine (aka adrenaline). The thyroid gland also needs tyrosine to make the hormone thyroxine, and the skin needs it to make melanin. Having adequate quantities of tyrosine in the brain promotes mental clarity, particularly when under stress. 3. GABA – an amino acid that is a calming transmitter, inhibits excessive firing of neurons in the brain. GABA can help flip the “off” switch on overactive circuits and thereby enhance quieting of the mind along with easy transition into sleep. 4. L-Glutamine – an amino acid that the neurons and their support cells convert either to the excitatory transmitters glutamate and/or aspartate, or to GABA. Glutamine also can improve the health of the intestinal lining. 5. L-Taurine – an amino acid that reinforces GABA’s calming effects. Taurine is concentrated in electrically active tissues such as the heart, retina of the eye, and brain. It helps protect against calcium overactivity, which can kill brain cells. 6. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) – an amino acid that neurons can readily convert into serotonin when they have the necessary vitamin B6 available. Serotonin circuits widely influence other transmitter circuits to promote a positive mood. By enabling serotonin production, 5-HTP also promotes the production of melatonin, our sleep hormone. NeuroLink Powder FAQ How do I take NeuroLink Powder? Each scoop (3.8 grams) of NeuroLink Powder is equivalent to 4 NeuroLink capsules and has identical ingredients and amounts. Mix one serving into water and consume between meals, preferably on an empty stomach. Do not exceed two scoops (7.6 grams) per day. Can children take NeuroLink Powder? NeuroLink Powder can be very beneficial for children with behavioral or emotional issues, but its administration should be directed by a physician. For details, please contact BrainMD. Can I use NeuroLink Powder if I’m taking an antidepressant medication? If currently taking antidepressant or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor medications, only use NeuroLink Powder under the supervision of a physician. Does this supplement contain allergens? NeuroLink Powder is free from dairy, gluten, sugar, corn, soy, eggs, nuts, yeast, and artificial colorings or flavorings. It is suitable for vegans. NeuroLink Powder provides an exclusive blend of nutrients that can help you relax, maintain a positive mood, and keep your mental focus. It broadly supports your emotional and behavioral health by helping your neurotransmitters stay in balance. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about NeuroLink Powder 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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How to Naturally Boost Your Immune System During a Pandemic
On a daily basis, we’re being assaulted with frightening news about the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic. One study from researchers in the department of integrative biology at the University of Texas at Austin suggests that 70% of all counties in the U.S. will likely have epidemics. Social distancing and hand-washing may help, but ultimately, it will be up to your immune system to fight off the virus in case of exposure. Because of this, it is more critical than ever to boost your immune system and power up your body's natural defenses against infections, such as COVID-19. 7 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System 1. Boost your vitamin D levels. You may think of vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin,” but it could be renamed the “immunity vitamin” considering that a controlled study in a 2009 issue of Brain: The Journal of Neurology shows it possesses immune-modulating potential. Unfortunately, over 75% of American adults have low levels of this vital immune supporter. To optimize your levels, get about 20 minutes of sunshine daily (while following social distancing and facial mask recommendations) or supplement with a high-quality Vitamin D3 nutraceutical. 2. Protect your gut. Did you know that much of your immune system is found in your gut? The lining of your gut protects it from foreign invaders like viruses. Big trouble happens if that lining becomes too porous, allowing nasty invaders to infiltrate the digestive lining and get into the bloodstream. This is one of many reasons why the food you eat matters. If you’re consuming a junk-food diet, it will harm the healthy bacteria in your gut and can weaken your gut lining. In some people, certain foods—such as wheat, dairy, and produce sprayed with pesticides—can damage your gut. To promote better gut health, eat probiotic foods—think sauerkraut or kimchi—and consider supplementing your diet with a high-quality probiotic. 3. Say no to Happy Hour at home. During this pandemic, many people are looking for stress relief in the form of wine, beer, or cocktails. That’s not a good strategy for the immune system. A 2015 issue of Alcohol Research: Current Reviews summarized the scientific evidence on alcohol and the immune system, showing that drinking too much heightens your vulnerability to illnesses, including pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia. According to their findings, the “alcohol-provoked lung damage goes undetected until a second assault, such as a respiratory infection, leads to more severe lung diseases than those seen in nondrinkers.” Part of the problem may lie in the fact that alcohol kills bacteria. That’s why nurses use it as a disinfectant to kill germs before giving you a shot. Drinking alcohol may kill off good-for-you gut bacteria that play a role in immune system function. 4. Manage your stress. During a pandemic, you may be feeling overwhelmed by stress, which impairs immune system function. One of the most effective stress-busting immunity boosters is meditation. Learning to meditate is easy with the simple meditation audios on BrainFitLife. Just click and follow along from the safety of your own home. 5. Get adequate sleep. An eye-opening 2013 trial in PNAS found that a single week of insufficient sleep can alter the expression of over 700 genes, including those involved with the immune and stress response. And according to a 2017 study on identical twins in the journal Sleep, chronic sleep deprivation suppresses the immune system. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep at night is essential for stronger immunity. Stick to an evening routine that encourages relaxation—don’t watch distressing news right before bedtime, make sure your bedroom isn’t too warm, and don’t have any caffeine after lunchtime. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, consider calming vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, melatonin, and GABA, some of the ingredients found in Put Me To Sleep Naturally and Restful Sleep. 6. Eat more mushrooms, garlic, and onions. These foods all possess unique immune-enhancing properties that help you fight viruses. Add them to your quarantine soups, stews, or omelets to supercharge your immune system. 7. Power up with potent nutrients. News outlets are reporting that hospitals are using high dosages of intravenous vitamin C as part of the treatment for coronavirus patients. Other immune-boosting nutrients—such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc—also help the body defend itself against viruses and bacteria. For an immunity boost, increase your intake of nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables that are high in these important vitamins and consume zinc-rich foods like beef, oysters, and pumpkin seeds. These nutrients are just some of the 50-plus vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts found in BrainMD's NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin. The following content was originally presented during a special Facebook Live event by Dr. Daniel Amen. 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 supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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How to Relieve Stress Naturally & Conquer Your Day
Did you know that stress causes 80% of all disease and illness? It’s true! But even if you ignore that startling statistic from the National Safety Council, there are many other serious problems associated with stress. Take a look at just a few of the things on that list: Fatigue Headaches Irritability Mood swings All of that should make you want to fight hard to reduce the stress in your life, right? Sure it does. But most of us have a difficult time pulling that off when stress has been largely accepted as an unavoidable part of living in today’s “modern world.” The good news is that we don’t have to panic. It’s not all gloom and doom when it comes to stress. In fact, there’s a ray of hope coming from Daniel G. Amen, MD, clinical neuroscientist, board-certified psychiatrist, brain-imaging expert and New York Times bestselling author. Check out this video where Dr. Amen explains how you can beat back stress. FIGHT OR FLIGHT: Why Your Brain Could Use More Calming Nutrients We’ve all heard of "fight or flight." It’s our built-in system for dealing with threats--real or perceived. When we sense danger, our brain’s hypothalamus immediately sends an alert to your body. The brain then triggers the adrenal glands to release a surge of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline gets your heart rate and blood pressure up and gives you a rush of energy to escape the danger. Cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone, releases glucose to repair damaged tissue. It also puts your body in survival mode, reducing non-essential functions, altering immune responses, and suppressing the digestive and reproductive systems. Our body’s natural alarm system communicates with the area of the mind that manages mood, motivation and fear. It helps us react quickly and move toward safety. After the danger passes, hormone levels go down and the body’s heart rate and blood pressure return to normal. If “perceived stress” continues day in and day out, it can disrupt many of your body’s processes and lead to all sorts of health problems. That’s where a natural stress-reduction supplement can come to the rescue. The right formula can help support your brain and body to “turn down” our own stress response. How to Relieve Stress Each Day Naturally Dr. Amen and his team have created a brain-directed supplement that supports the body’s healthy and natural response to stress. It’s called Everyday Stress Relief and is formulated to promote calmness without causing drowsiness. Whether you suffer from mild or chronic stress often, you’ll want to learn how this natural calming supplement can help you. Here are the natural key ingredients in Everyday Stress Relief: Magnesium: The “relaxation mineral,” it’s estimated that 80 percent of the population is low in magnesium. Holy Basil: An adaptogen that supports healthy relaxation. L-theanine: Derived from green tea, l-theanine supports healthy focus and relaxation. Relora: A proprietary botanical complex that has been clinically tested to support calmness. IT WORKS! “This is what I take when I’m stressed,” says Dr. Amen. “And it works.” Everyday Stress Relief has a 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee. You have nothing to lose except your stress, and a lot to gain by caring for 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 Everyday Stress Relief and our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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Benefits of Lithium Orotate: According to Triple Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Having a doctor recommend that you take Lithium may bring up feelings of fear and confusion. These sentiments are understandable, given that prescription Lithium has significant risks. As a psychiatrist, I generally recommend Lithium for clients with behavioral health issues such as bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression with suicidal thinking. When treating these illnesses, dosages of Lithium can reach 1800mg daily. Supplements contain much smaller quantities of Lithium than the prescription form and generally range from 1mg to 5mg per dosage. I have to admit, initially, I was skeptical that such a low dosage would have any effect on my clients. I’m happy to say I was wrong. Here’s a little background on Lithium Orotate and some examples of what it’s used for. Lithium Orotate Essentials Lithium Orotate is an over-the-counter nutraceutical that consists of orotic acid (a compound produced naturally in the body) and Lithium (an alkali metal). Lithium is present in the diet, mainly in grains and vegetables. This is why the supplement is often called “nutritional lithium.” Lithium has been added to the World Health Organization’s list of nutritionally essential trace elements. Lithium metal is in the drinking water of many cities, and there is a correlation of lowered incidences of crimes, suicides, and arrests related to drug addictions in these areas. This suggests that Lithium, at a low dosage, has a beneficial effect on behavior. Another clinical indication of Lithium Orotate is for impulsive aggressive behavior associated with ADHD. I’ve seen a great effect on these individuals within my clinical practice. Lithium is regarded as a neuroprotective agent. It’s being studied in certain neurodegenerative disorders, namely: Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. It’s been shown to disrupt glycogen synthase kinase-3, a key enzyme responsible for the development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease. As you can see, Lithium Orotate is really a different drug than full-dose prescription lithium. Should you want to learn more about Lithium Orotate or have your lithium level tested, find an integrative psychiatrist or functional medicine provider who can order a hair metal analysis for you. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to support your brain health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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How to Improve Your Mood This Winter Season
Winter is here. While some people are energized by the crisper air and winter activities, others may experience a downturn in mood and energy during this season. There are several reasons why the winter months can negatively affect a person’s thoughts and feelings. Due to colder temperatures and inclement weather, the tendency for many people is to stay inside where it’s warm and hunker down for the winter. Spending more time indoors can create physiological changes in the brain, which can have a significant impact on attitude and outlook. Also, getting insufficient sunlight can trigger the winter blues. Signs of Winter Low Mood Many people deal with low mood during the winter months. Whether initiated by the demands of work, relationship challenges or excessive stress, anxious or depressive thoughts can come on without warning. Low mood can contribute to adverse physical consequences and can also lead to possible mental health concerns. The signs of winter blues may include: Negative or guilty thoughts Mental fogginess Purposefully avoiding social interaction Overeating and emotional eating Periods of low appetite Difficulty with concentration and memory Since many people dismiss these issues as just feeling down, they may not get the help they need, which can result in serious mental or emotional difficulties. Low mood can also be brought on by nutrient deficiencies. Here’s a look at two common mood problems that can occur during the winter and some of the best ways to overcome them… Winter Mood Challenge #1: Vitamin D Deficiency The body needs sunlight to make vitamin D. Getting necessary amounts of vitamin D can be particularly challenging during the winter season when there are fewer hours of sunlight and the sunlight itself is less intense. Vitamin D converts to a hormone important for a variety of important life functions, and not having enough can lead to mental and physical health problems. The lower your vitamin D levels, the more likely you’ll be to feel blue rather than happy. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with higher incidences of anxiousness and mood issues. Our Recommendation: Vitamin D3 5000 BrainMD’s Vitamin D3 5000 provides sufficient vitamin D3 to raise your tissue levels into a healthy range within a short time period while being safe to take long-term. Clinical research has established that taking this safe dose of vitamin D3 daily works better than taking high doses every few weeks or getting a very high dose by injection. Intensive clinical and scientific research continues to make incredible discoveries about this vitamin-hormone and its impact on optimism, physical health, and overall well-being. In the past two decades, researchers have confirmed its favorable effects on healthy gene regulation, calcium metabolism, cell growth control, hormone balance, and coping with stressful challenges. Vitamin D3 promotes: healthy mood immune response cognitive function cardiovascular health muscle and bone strength overall brain health The current U.S. Daily Value recommendation is 400 IU, but experts agree this is well below the physiological needs of most individuals and suggest 2,000-10,000 IU daily. BrainMD’s Vitamin D3 5000 can rapidly raise your levels on just one soft gel a day. Winter Mood Challenge #2: Low Serotonin The human brain naturally produces a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin plays many important roles in the brain’s functioning and is involved in maintaining positive mood and optimism, self-confidence, and even healthy appetite and social engagement. The winter months tend to keep people indoors, which can lead to weight gain, low energy, negative mood and a falloff in serotonin brain activity. As the neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in mood, serotonin decrease is often linked with an increase in depressive thoughts and feelings. Our Recommendation: Serotonin Mood Support Taking BrainMD’s Serotonin Mood Support can help correct stress-related nutritional deficiencies, help curb emotional eating, and support positive mood. It can help you handle the ups and downs of life with more composure. This formula includes: Vitamin B6– Vitamin B6 is fundamental to healthy brain function. It’s also an essential cofactor for enzymes that make serotonin and other key transmitters. It works in harmony with methylfolate and methyl-vitamin B12 to support the brain’s structural brain maintenance and functional efficiency. Methylfolate– Methylfolate is pre-activated folate, and is the body’s most readily utilized form of this B vitamin. It’s better utilized than folic acid, which is a manufactured substance not found in nature. Many people cannot efficiently convert folic acid into usable folate (methylfolate). Methyl-cobalamin– the body’s most readily-utilized form of vitamin B12, is paired with methylfolate to help ensure the brain has sufficient methyl to make melatonin (our sleep hormone) and has the biochemical tools for renewing and maintaining its nearly 200 billion cells. We avoid using cyano-cobalamin, which contains toxic cyanide. Saffron– The world’s most expensive spice, saffron has a long history of being used to induce happiness. Saffron concentrated extracts have consistently improved mood, stress, and other mental functions in many clinical trials. Lifestyle habits such as seeking out healthy foods rich in tryptophan, and taking a dietary supplement like Serotonin Mood Support can work together to help boost your optimism this winter season. Improve your mood with pure nutrients and safe, clinically validated herbals backed by science to help clear and calm your mind. BrainMD’s mood-enhancing supplements help you feel happier, calmer, and less anxious naturally. 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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10 of the Best Gifts You Can Give Yourself This Holiday
The holiday season is upon us. How are you doing with your holiday shopping? As you survey your shopping list, you probably see lots of items for friends, family and coworkers. But does the list contain the ultimate gift…one you can even give yourself? The Gift of Wellness Can you put a price tag on health? Sadly, most Americans don’t place a premium on health until it’s jeopardized. Other than exercise equipment or a gym membership for the New Year, most people spend relatively little on their health during the holidays. So, how can you invest in your health during one of the busiest times of the year? It might surprise you to learn that there are many things you can do each day to improve your well-being. It also might surprise you that many of them are absolutely free! There are plenty of ways to promote brain and body wellness during the holiday season. Here are 10 self-care gifts just for you… 10 Gifts to Give Yourself This Holiday Season 1. Daily Journaling The process of journaling gives stressful thoughts a place to live other than your brain. Once those concerns have been expressed, they often lose their intensity and urgency, which will help you to relax mentally. Writing in your journal 10 minutes before you go to bed can help relieve the stresses of the day and put you in a restful state of mind. 2. Quality Sleep Many people sacrifice quality sleep to keep up with the increased demands of the stressful holiday season. Lack of sleep often leads to illness, which makes it that much harder to accomplish everything on your to-do list. To ensure that you have the energy you need to get the most out of the holiday season, it’s recommended that you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. 3. Physical Activity Instead of wasting the holidays watching TV or playing video games, get outside for some exercise. Take a jog or long brisk walk (always test the surface before departing). Exercise increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain. It’s recommended to get 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily. 4. Happy Tunes Remaining in a blissful state of mind is easier to accomplish when you have a happy tune running through your head. Listen to brain-boosting music specifically composed to enhance mood, gratitude, energy, focus, motivation, and inspiration. 5. Grateful State Did you know that practicing gratitude causes real changes in your brain that can improve brain function and make you feel better? Research has demonstrated that people who express gratitude on a regular basis are healthier, more optimistic, make more progress toward their goals, and have a greater sense of well-being. Here’s an exercise: write down five things you’re grateful for every day. Then, experience the joy that gratitude can bring. 6. Just Say No Experts say that the holidays can make people feel out of control – at the mercy of traditions or expectations. But you can take control of the holidays by not allowing them to control you. Say “no” to events and activities that aren’t important to you. If what you’re doing is causing holiday stress, it’s time to do something different. 7. Deep Breathing Diaphragmatic breathing is an effective and simple method for overcoming stress and quieting your mind. It’s also ultra-convenient since it can be done anywhere, anytime. When you take shallow breaths, it limits the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain cells and reduces your overall brain function. Taking deep breaths relaxes your muscles, relieves tension, and helps your brain function better. 8. Pamper Yourself All of us need time to recharge our batteries and self-care is often the best thing you can do to improve your well-being. If you typically feel down or get stressed out during the winter months, look for ways to pamper yourself. Getting a massage can do more than just improve your physical function. Clinical studies indicate that a massage is beneficial for improving mood and coping with stress. Massages can help to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and increase the activity of such positive mood neurotransmitters as dopamine and serotonin. 9. Ask for Help You don’t have to do everything yourself – you can share your to-do list with others. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Share tasks with friends and family in preparing the holiday meal, shopping, cleaning and decorating. You don’t have to be the hero of the holiday season. 10. Stay Connected Social connections are incredibly important to your overall well-being. Spending time in a community of like-minded people is a wonderful way to boost your bliss hormones, such as oxytocin. Since the health habits of the people you spend time with can have a dramatic impact on your own health, surround yourself with people who are happy, upbeat, and kind. Also, for personal growth, you need people in your life who will push, teach, and guide you. Focusing your energy on positive people can affect your everyday life and longevity. Adopting these self-care strategies can help brighten your outlook during the holiday season. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to support your brain health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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Here Are Some of the Best Benefits of Vitamin B12?
In our fast-paced society, where convenience has driven many to eat on the go, skip meals, munch on sugary snacks, purchase processed foods that are low in vitamins and other essential nutrients, and consume foods that have been chemically treated, it’s becoming more and more difficult to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Due to this gap in nutrition, most people could use a little help from dietary supplements to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients needed for optimal health. This is especially true of the B vitamin family, which is made up of 8 vitamins. All our cells need the 8 B vitamins to function at their best. Although they’re commonly recognized as a group, each of the B vitamins is required by a unique set of the body’s enzymes to perform unique and important functions. Deficiencies in any of these can lead to serious health problems. Let’s take a closer look at vitamin B12… Vitamin B12 Essentials This B vitamin, also known as cobalamin, is a team player. It works with a set of enzymes that use folate to generate and utilize methyl groups that have a huge impact on our health. Though a small chemical group (one carbon atom with three hydrogens attached), methyl is needed by all our cells to make their DNA, repair DNA that becomes damaged, make and regulate DNA and the RNA involved in protein production and regulation, and facilitate the growth and proliferation of all our approximately 30 trillion cells. The methyl form of vitamin B12 is used as a backup for the methyl groups provided by methylfolate. Substantial dietary intakes of B12 are required for the bone marrow to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen, and the variety of white blood cells that are crucial to our immune defenses. Growing children, pregnant women, and the elderly all tend to have an increased nutritional need for B12. There’s a consensus among experts that for these populations, supplementing with vitamin B12 is a good idea. Most of the multiples and other dietary supplements that provide B12 offer it in a form that is potentially harmful and requires more of our energy to process. The most commonly used B12 dietary ingredient is cyano-cobalamin, B12 with a cyanide group attached. The body has to expend precious energy to remove the cyanide group, then convert the B12 to methyl-B12 or other forms before they can use it. Smokers and women who use certain birth control hormone mixes are especially at risk of damage from cyano-B12. BrainMD provides B12 as methyl B12 because it’s safe to take, needs less energy to utilize, and is the most effective B12 ingredient available. In our products, we also team methyl-B1 with folate as methyl-folate, which works better than the artificial substance known as folic acid. Vitamin B12 is crucial for the brain and all the body’s other nervous tissues. Beyond needing B12 for their usual housekeeping functions, our nerve cells need it to assist in producing such key neurotransmitters as dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). The brain also needs B12 to make melatonin, the main hormone that ensures we can get to sleep and stay asleep. Vitamin B12 is essential for the structural integrity of the brain and spinal cord. Higher levels of B12 are linked to better memory, mood, behavior, personality and mental clarity. Vitamin B12 for Memory and Mood The availability of methyl groups is fundamental to every aspect of the brain’s functioning, from its management of our basic physiological functions, such as sleep, to its higher responsibilities of managing memory, mood, judgment, behavior, and personality. The brain must have ample supplies of methyl-B12 along with ample methylfolate, to ensure it can generate sufficient energy, maintain healthy neurotransmitter balance, and carry out hundreds of other enzyme reactions. B12 deficiency can mimic severe memory impairment. Vitamin B12 in Foods Vitamin B12 is predominantly found in various meats, such as chicken, beef, fish, pork, and clams. Since it doesn’t naturally occur in plant foods, vegans and vegetarians may have low levels of vitamin B12. Those who don’t get enough in their diet may need to take a B12 supplement. However, the absorption of B12 is complicated and requires a very healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and even meat-eaters can be deficient in B12. Vitamin B12 Deficiency The array of proteins along the GI tract that enable the absorption of vitamin B12 can be damaged by over-the-counter “digestive aids” such as antacids, histamine type 2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and metformin also can deplete B12. Growing children, vegans, vegetarians, pregnant women, the elderly, smokers, and others taking various medications, all are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Quality Vitamin B12 BrainMD closely follows clinical and scientific research on vitamins and other nutrients. With vitamin B12, the research clearly proves that methyl-vitamin B12 is the best ingredient to use in supplements.* We spare no expense in providing a sufficient allowance of methyl-B12 in our supplements to enable its efficient absorption by mouth.* By teaming it with methylfolate, we ensure our customers have access to adequate supplies of methyl, that small chemical group so incredibly important for the health of our brain and entire body.* 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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