Skip to content
Wellness Blog
What is Fair Trade? And Why Is It More Expensive?
If you’ve ever set foot inside any health food store, then you’re probably familiar with the term “Fair Trade”. Many higher-end products proudly display this badge on their packaging, but what exactly is Fair Trade? Does your mind just immediately assume higher prices? You’re not alone, but why is the price higher and why is it important? Paying More or Paying Fairly? Fair trade is both a market-based approach and a social movement committed to promoting safe, healthy working conditions, protecting the environment, enabling transparency, and empowering communities to build strong, thriving businesses. Fair trade is business with social responsibility. What is Ensures This socially responsible business practice ensures that suppliers of commodities, who are often in under-developed countries, receive fair pay and work in safe environments. It also restricts the use of pesticides and fertilizers and prohibits GMOs (genetically modified organisms), in order to protect farmers’ health and maintain the ecosystem. Another important guarantee when buying Fair Trade products is that children have not been forced into slave labor to lower the price of goods. Where the Money Goes In addition to providing adequate wages to workers, funds from fair trade sales are also set aside to improve local communities via programs such as school development, environmental protection, women’s rights, leadership training, and quality of life improvements. Before Fair Trade Recently, fair trade has gained greater prominence in the US, specifically for commodities like chocolate, coffee and tea. But it hasn’t always been that way; there have been labor issues on cocoa farms for as long as we’ve been consuming chocolate. These issues include poor compensation for labor, dangerous working conditions, even slavery and child trafficking. On occasion, these issues have been brought to the public eye and large chocolate companies have been forced to respond. Unfortunately, when they respond, it’s often to protect their public image; not to address or correct the real issues. Ask Yourself So when you consider the products you’re purchasing, even down to your chocolate bar, perhaps it is important to ask yourself some questions: Do I know that this product was sourced and produced ethically? Is it worth a little more money to know that these products are being sourced and produced ethically? Is saving a little bit of money worth the harm it may be causing to others? At BrainMD, we asked ourselves these questions when sourcing ingredients for our Brain in Love and Brain on Joy chocolate bars. We are incredibly proud to say that we use Fair-Trade chocolate in our bars. It is not charity, it is fair. And the cherry on top- it tastes great and is healthy too!
Learn more
One Secret for Keeping Your 2nd Brain Healthy
You have likely heard about the many health benefits of probiotics. But what about PREbiotics? Although many people think that prebiotic is just a misspelling of the word probiotic, they are actually two very different things! While a probiotic is a living microorganism (such as lactobacillus or bifidobacterium) that when consumed (as in a food or a dietary supplement) maintains or restores beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract; a prebiotic is defined as a “nondigestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating growth and/or modifying the metabolic activity of one or a limited number of bacterial species in the colon that have the potential to improve host health.”1 Simply put, prebiotics are the “food” for probiotics. They act as a fertilizer for the good bacteria – helping them grow and improving the good-to-bad bacteria ratio. Research has demonstrated that this ratio has a direct correlation to your health and overall wellbeing, from your gut to your brain. In a 2008 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with healthy volunteers, gastrointestinal discomforts thought to be related to occasional stress were noticeably improved by a combination of Lactobacillus helveticus Strain R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum Strain R0175 taken daily for three weeks.2 Another double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with this very same combination of probiotic strains, at the very same dosage, was published in 2011. Taken for 30 days, it was found to measurably promote healthy mood and to assist in coping with occasional anxiety likely related to occasional stress.3,4 The strains used in BrainMD Health’s ProBrainBiotics are the very same as those that proved beneficial in these two double-blind clinical trials. However, in order to fully reap these benefits, the probiotics must be well “fed”. So where are prebiotics found? Most prebiotics are a form of fiber called soluble fiber. Our body does not digest the fiber, but the bacteria in our gut do. In order for a food ingredient to be classified as a prebiotic, it must: not be broken down in the stomach or absorbed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract be selectively fermented by potentially beneficial bacteria in the colon alter the makeup of the colonic microbiota towards a healthier composition induce effects that are beneficial to the host health5 Rich sources of prebiotics include: Nuts: almonds, cashews, and pistachios Fruits: bananas, apples, pomegranates, cherries, kiwi, berries, and nectarines Vegetables: Jerusalem artichokes, wild yams, jicama, green peas, leeks, asparagus, chicory, broccoli, kale, garlic and onions Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, and red kidney beans Whole grains and seeds: oatmeal, flaxseeds, and chia seeds Unlike probiotics, where supplementation is recommended, you don’t need to go out of your way to get prebiotics so long as you’re eating a varied, healthy diet, you should be getting enough soluble fiber to keep your beneficial bacteria happy. If you take good care of your gut, it will take good care of you! References: Ashwell M. Concepts of Functional Foods (ILSI Europe Concise Monograph Series Ed Walker, R) 2002. Available at: https://www.ilsi.org/europe/publications/c2002con_food.pdf. Diop L, Guillou S, Durand H. Nutrition Research28:1 (2008). Messaoudi M, et al. British Journal of Nutrition105:755 (2011). Messaoudi M, et al. Gut Microbes2:256 (2011). Gibson GR. Dietary Modulation of the Human Gut Microflora Using the Prebiotics Oligofructose and Inulin. J Nutr. 129:1438S-1441S (1999).
Learn more
8 Ways to Boost Your Probiotic Health with These Foods
“Bacteria in your food” typically gets a pretty bad rap since most of the time we’re thinking about the bad ones, like E. coli, listeria, or salmonella. The bacteria in probiotic foods, however, are actually good for you – these are the “good bugs” that you want in your gut. You probably realize how critical it is to include probiotics in your healthy life plan. But, you are likely not getting enough in your diet. So where do you find them? Add some of these healthy foods to your diet to get a probiotic boost! 8 Probiotic-Rich Foods to Add to Your Diet 1. Kimchi Spicy and sour, this traditional Korean side dish is mixture of fermented vegetables and seasonings. Since it is primarily made of cabbage, brine, radish and spices such as ginger and chili pepper, kimchi is a great low-calorie source of fiber as well as providing beneficial bacteria. Try adding this unique ingredient to sandwiches, stir-fries or soup, but be sure to add it last to avoid cooking off the good bacteria. 2. Fresh Sauerkraut Found in the refrigerated section of the supermarket, fresh sauerkraut is shredded cabbage that has been fermented, which fosters the growth of probiotics. Be sure to choose the unpasteurized kind, because pasteurization (used to treat most supermarket sauerkraut) kills active, good bacteria. 3. Sour Pickles Salty pickle spears also deliver a punch of probiotics. However, when looking to pickles for probiotics, choose naturally fermented kinds, where vinegar wasn't used in the pickling process. A sea salt and water solution feeds the growth of good bacteria. A good rule of thumb: if they’re sold out on the shelf at room temperature, they definitely do not contain healthy bacteria. Look for a container labeled “live and active cultures” and sold in the refrigerator section. 4. Miso This traditional Japanese seasoning is made by fermenting cooked soybeans with barley or rice, salt, and koji (a starter culture) to form a red, white, or dark colored paste. To get the maximum benefit from the live cultures, buy unpasteurized miso paste in the refrigerated section of your grocery store and add to soups or stews just before removing from heat. Miso can also be used in place of salt in your favorite recipes, as well as in dips, marinades, and salad dressings. 5. Tempeh Another probiotic rich food made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a white, firm block that is frequently used as a protein-packed meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians. You can marinate and cook it, or try it crumbled over salads. Its flavor is often described as nutty, smoky, and similar to a mushroom. 6. Kombucha This 2000-year old beverage is a slightly sweet and effervescent liquid that results when sweet black tea is fermented with a colony of bacteria called a “SCOBY” (a Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast). Find it in the refrigerated section of your grocery store or pick up your own home-brew kombucha kit. 7. Kefir A milky beverage originating in Turkey and Russia, kefir is an outstanding source of probiotics – containing anywhere from 10 to 34 different strains. It is made by fermenting goat, cow, or sheep’s milk with kefir “grains”– a combination of yeast and bacteria. For those who are sensitive to dairy or lactose intolerant, coconut kefir, a non-dairy version, is also delicious and equally beneficial. 8. Yogurt Last but definitely not least is the popular and well-known fermented milk product made from cow’s milk, goat’s milk, sheep milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or even nut milk. Not all yogurts are the same, so stay away from those filled with sugars and syrups. Be sure to choose those containing “live and active cultures”. Food is by far the best way to build up healthy gut microbes, but if you're not consuming lots of kimchi and kefir on a regular basis, consider taking a probiotic supplement like BrainMD Health’s very own ProBrainBiotics.
Learn more
How Supplements Can Help You Live Healthier
Many physicians say that if you eat a balanced diet you do not need to take supplements. However, consider this quote written by Dr. Mark Hyman in his book The UltraMind Solution: Fix Your Broken Brain by Healing Your Body First: “If people eat wild, fresh, organic, local, non–genetically modified food grown in virgin mineral- and nutrient-rich soils that has not been transported across vast distances and stored for months before being eaten . . . and work and live outside, breathe only fresh unpolluted air, drink only pure, clean water, sleep nine hours a night, move their bodies every day, and are free from chronic stressors and exposure to environmental toxins, then it is possible that they might not need supplements. Because we live in a fast-paced society where we pick up food on the fly, skip meals, eat sugar-laden treats, buy processed foods, and eat foods that have been chemically treated, we all could use a little help from a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement.” Natural supplements have both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the primary advantages are: Supplements are often effective when targeted properly Typically, they have dramatically fewer side effects than most prescription medications They are usually significantly less expensive than prescription medications Plus, you never have to tell an insurance company that you’ve taken them. As awful as it sounds, taking prescription medications can affect your insurability! Many people have been denied or made to pay higher rates for life, long-term, and disability insurance because they have taken certain medications. If there are natural alternatives, they are definitely worth considering. Yet, natural supplements also have their own set of potential issues. For instance, many people are also unaware that natural supplements can have side effects and need to be thoughtfully used. Just because something is natural does not mean it is innocuous. Both arsenic and cyanide are natural, but that doesn’t mean they are good for you. Another concern about natural supplements is there can be issues with quality control, and because of this, it’s important to find brands you can trust. One more short-coming can be that many people get their advice about supplements from clerks at health food stores who may not have the best information. And keep in mind that supplements are NOT a cure-all. They can’t replace important health-supporting habits such as a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management. Remember, they are called "supplements" because they support, but don’t replace, healthy choices. Supplements CAN pick up where food and good health habits leave off, giving our bodies some of the extra firepower they need. Even when weighing the possible pitfalls, the benefits of natural supplements make them really worth considering, especially with high-quality products based on scientific research such as those from the experts at BrainMD Health. Of course, it’s important to discuss supplements with your healthcare professional. If he or she doesn’t know much about them (which is common), talk to a naturopath or integrative medicine physician.
Learn more
8 Natural Immune System Boosters
The cold and flu season is here. Do you want to fight off that illness that’s spreading around your child’s school or the office? Boosting your immune system is a great way to start. These 8 natural immune system boosters are easy to incorporate and will help you stay healthy and active this winter season! 1. Eat Right While no single food will magically fend off the flu, certain nutrients can help protect your body from billions of bacteria, viruses, and other germs. Some nutrients and foods that researchers have found to enhance the immune system include: Garlic Omega-3 fatty acids, found in nuts, salmon, tuna, mackerel, and flaxseed oil Zinc-rich foods, like oysters, crab, lean meats and poultry, and chickpeas Selenium-rich foods, such as broccoli, sardines, tuna, brazil nuts, and barley Vitamin C-rich foods, like strawberries, papaya, brussel sprouts, kale, and citrus fruits Vitamin E-rich foods, including almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds 2. Eat More Mushrooms The only possible exception to #1 above is mushrooms. Whatever variety you choose – enoki, shiitake, maitake, reishi, or oyster – Japanese mushrooms are a great immunity booster. They contain beta-glucans (complex carbohydrates) that enhance immune activity against infections, as well as ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that does not get destroyed during the cooking process. 3. Exercise Regularly Getting 30 minutes of daily physical activity can strengthen many defenses of the immune system. Exercise gets antibodies and white blood cells moving through the body faster, so they may detect illnesses sooner. Additionally, an increase in circulation may also trigger the release of hormones that “warn” immune cells of intruding pathogens. 4. Manage Your Stress When you are chronically stressed, your body churns out hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline) which, according to the National Institutes of Health, tax your immune system and can raise your risk of the common cold and other viruses. Take time out of your day to do a relaxing activity you enjoy. In fact, research shows that stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, produce positive changes in the immune system. 5. Drink Water Water helps to cleanse the body and remove toxins, including germs. By keeping body systems— especially the respiratory system—well-hydrated, you can enhance your cold-fighting potential. 6. Get Enough Sleep Sufficient, deep sleep stimulates the immune system, while sleep deprivation has the opposite effect. In fact, according to a sleep study published in 2001 in the journal Seminars in Clinical Neuropsychiatry, significant detrimental effects on immune functioning can be seen after just a few days of total sleep deprivation or even several days of partial sleep deprivation. The average adult should be getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. 7. Boost Your Vitamin D Vitamin D plays a number of roles in promoting normal immune function. Unfortunately, nearly one-third of the U.S. population is vitamin D deficient. Very few foods contain much vitamin D, so your best bet is to take a supplement containing Vitamin D. BrainMD Health’s own NeuroVite Plus combines more than 50 nutrients, including Vitamin D, and plant extracts in their most active forms to give you whole body-mind nutrition in a way that drugstore multivitamins cannot do. 8. Make More Love Science shows that intimate, sexual relationships have immune system perks. According to gynecologist Dr. Dudley Chapman, orgasms boost infection-fighting cells up to 20%. A study done at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that students who had regular sexual activity had a third higher levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that boosts the immune system and can help fight colds and flu.
Learn more
Too Much Sugar Can Eat Away At Your Brain Power
Do you enjoy eating candy canes and cookies as a regular part of your holiday celebration? Then don’t be surprised if you start forgetting where you left your keys because, according to research, eating too much sugar can eat away at your brainpower. While most people are aware how eating too much sugar harms your body, most people don’t realize that it harms your brain as well. Studies show that sugar increases erratic brain cell firing which means that brain cells don’t communicate well with each other. Additionally, eating too much sugar can damage your health and threaten your life in number of ways: Chronic high blood sugar leads to type 2 diabetes High blood sugar in people with diabetes can lead to skin ulcerations and nerve damage Can cause elevated cholesterol, high triglycerides, vascular disease and heart disease Can lead to hypertension and stroke Is toxic to the liver and can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Promotes chronic inflammation Suppresses the immune system Although we know that sugar is bad for us and should be avoided, nobody likes to feel deprived, especially during the holidays. So it is important to find healthy alternatives. To indulge your sweet tooth without harming your health, try this delicious "Sugar-LESS" Cookie recipe from NY Times bestselling author, registered nurse, highly respected health and fitness expert, and nationally renowned speaker, Tana Amen, BSN, RN.
Learn more
Get Yourself Back on Track After Thanksgiving
Did you eat so much pie that you are starting to look like a pumpkin? Is the smell of gravy coming from your pores? Did you learn the hard way what a food hangover is? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone! The results of a study by the Calorie Control Council concluded that the average American could consume as much as 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day. According to USA Today, that’s equivalent to seven Burger King Whoppers or 15 Dairy Queen hot fudge sundaes. Too many carbs, too much sugar, too much booze… Chances are you knew that having a third serving of your Grandmother’s pumpkin cheesecake wasn’t the best idea, but in the moment you just couldn’t resist. The good news is that one day of overindulgence is not going to irrevocably wreak havoc on your system. There are things you can do to help get your body and mind back-on-track. 4 Ways to Get Back On Track After Thanksgiving 1. SHOW COMPASSION For yourself! It is incredibly important that you challenge any automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) you have and avoid blame, shame and guilt! This type of “stinking thinking” is sure to sabotage your attempts at getting back on track. Remember, when you have thoughts that are negative, mad, sad, hopeless or helpless, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel bad. Conversely, every time you have a thought that is good, happy, hopeful, kind or loving, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel good. 2. DON’T SKIP MEALS Don't try to make up for the extra calories by skipping meals the next day. That just leaves you hungry. Plus, skipping meals can trigger your metabolism to slow down and can throw off your hunger/satiety hormones. Instead, focus on eating lean protein and lots of fresh vegetables, while avoiding sugar. The protein and fiber in the vegetables help to slow digestion, which will help you feel full longer, and keep your metabolism churning. 3. GET MOVING Exercising is a great way to get back on track. But don't do a mega-workout to try to burn off all the calories you just ate. Just get moving. This helps control cravings, burns calories and helps to balance your mood and blood sugar. Go for a long walk (walk like you’re late), or maybe do some lunges, squats and crunches while watching your favorite holiday movie. Exercise will induce sweating out excess salt and helps you regain your sense of what a healthy body feels like. 4. DRINK MORE WATER Your body fluids transport waste products in and out of your cells, while your kidneys and liver flush those waste products and other toxins out of your body. However, this process can only work properly and efficiently if you are well-hydrated. Research shows that drinking water naturally curbs your appetite. It can also help you feel better fast, because drinking more water flushes out excess sodium to help you quickly de-bloat. And it gets things moving in your digestive system to relieve constipation. It is recommended that you drink at least 84 ounces of water a day. But who really likes to drink plain water all day long? Try BrainMD’s newly reformulated Brain Boost on the Go – a convenient way to add nutrients and flavor to your daily hydration. Getting back on track is important after Thanksgiving because the holidays have only just begun! You CAN do it!
Learn more
Ways to Avoid Overeating This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving…a holiday intended to be dedicated to gratitude. Unfortunately, for millions of Americans, the focus on appreciation takes a back seat to gorging on high-calorie, sugar-laden food. And for most people, that feast marks the beginning of a downhill food battle for the rest of the holiday season. Why does it matter? According to research conducted by the National Institutes of Health, the vast majority of people will never lose the weight they gain during the winter holidays. But with a little planning, you can keep from eating too much during the holidays. The following 11 tips can help you feel better and have more energy to enjoy the holiday season. 1. Don’t Skip Meals While it can be tempting to skip meals earlier in the day in order to “save room” for the big event, it will backfire every time. It is important to have your normal meals because when you get overly hungry, you will overeat! 2. Indulge Sensibly Depriving yourself of every treat or food you like is more difficult this time of year and is a set-up for failure. Allow yourself to enjoy those treats that you look forward to all year long, but keep in mind there's no need for an all-out binge-fest. In fact, research indicates that the first few bites of food are the most satisfying. So follow the three-bite rule: Be fully present and conscious while you have three bites so you can really concentrate on enjoying the food. 3. Take Your Time Eat slowly, and before you go back for dessert or seconds, wait at least 20 minutes. Why? It takes at least that long for your digestive system to signal to your brain that you are full. Unfortunately, if you eat to the point of fullness, the real feeling of being full will kick in later…once you are overfull. After waiting, you might find that you don’t really want anything else to eat after all. 4. Stay Hydrated Sometimes we actually mistake dehydration for hunger. Drinking water throughout the day will help to alleviate this potential signal cross. Be sure to drink water, seltzer, or herbal tea before you eat – it will take up space in your stomach, is calorie-free, and is good for your health! 5. Start With Veggies Most people don't eat enough vegetables anyway, so take this opportunity to eat the healthier options first. Vegetables are rich in nutrients, high in fiber, and low in calories so that by the time you get to the pecan pie and eggnog, you may find that you have less room to overindulge. 6. Use Smaller Plates Though it is an optical illusion, the same amount of food looks larger on a smaller plate than it does on a larger plate. In fact, research from Cornell University shows switching from a 12-inch to a 10-inch plate can help you eat 20-25% fewer calories. 7. Limit Your Alcohol Not only are alcoholic drinks high in calories and bad for the health of your brain, drinking alcohol will also decrease your resistance to temptations. 8. Get Moving Make it a new family tradition to play flag football, do a 5K together, play an active game, or go ice skating, rather than continuing to mindlessly eat or have a TV marathon. While you are at holiday parties, stay active. Try standing instead of sitting, or dancing to burn calories. 9. Talk To People Fully participating in conversations and being engaged can help as a nice distraction from food. During the meal, have more conversations so that you aren’t just shoveling food into your mouth. 10. Focus On Friends And Family Thanksgiving is not just about a delicious bounty of food. It is also a time to celebrate relationships with friends and family. Enjoy quality time together and focus on socializing rather than what is on the dessert table. 11. Just Say No Don’t let people push food on you. Just because Aunt Susie made her famous pumpkin cheesecake (though it’s not one of your favorites) doesn’t mean that you have to eat it. Do NOT eat to please others. How do you keep from overeating during the holidays? Share your tips in the comments below.
Learn more
Why Your Brain Needs Specific Types of Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain health! Your brain needs specific types of essential omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), to function well. These fats are called essential for a reason—our bodies need them, and the only way to get them is through foods or supplements. Most people get far too little omega-3 in their diet. Research consistently indicates that most Americans have just slightly over half the EPA and DHA in their tissues that they likely require for optimum brain and body health. This is partly due to high dietary intakes of less healthy fats and partly to inadequate intakes of EPA and DHA. Multiple studies have shown that deficiencies in these vital fatty acids are associated with less-than-optimal cognitive and emotional health. Additionally, extensive research indicates that omega-3s may play a key role in keeping our brains and bodies healthy, including helping reduce inflammation, support heart and joint health, and even help you look better (thanks to its skin enhancing properties). While you undoubtedly know that fatty fish – like salmon, sardines, trout, and tuna – is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, it is definitely not the only source. Here are several other things you can add to your Thanksgiving dinner to make sure you are getting enough omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts Out of all the nuts, walnuts are the omega-3 champions. You can eat them raw as a snack or sprinkle them on salads, over cooked green beans or other veggie side dishes, add them to your favorite baked goods, or mix them into soups. You can stir-fry your veggies in walnut oil instead of olive oil for an omega-3 boost, add it to salad dressings, or drizzle it over your meat. Enriched Eggs When farmers feed their hens fish oil, flaxseeds, or even algae, they lay eggs with more omega-3 fatty acids. These special, enriched eggs contain three times the omega-3 fatty acids you would find in ordinary eggs! Add some chopped, hard-boiled egg to a salad or serve some deviled eggs for a health-boosting appetizer. Spinach Spinach is well known for being high in iron, potassium, protein and fiber, but is not well known as another source of omega-3s! Substitute your usual lettuce with some spinach in a salad, on a sandwich, or in a smoothie to increase your omega-3s. Cruciferous Vegetables The whole family of cruciferous veggies is another overlooked source of omega-3s. Make sure to have some raw crudités available as an appetizer or sauté some broccoli or cauliflower in some walnut oil for a delicious side dish. Winter Squash Winter squash, including familiar favorites like pumpkin, acorn squash and butternut squash, are a rich source of omega-3s. Serve some roasted winter squash as a side dish, or make a delectable winter squash soup to boost your omega-3 intake. Seeds Pumpkin, chia, sesame, flax, and hemp seeds are all fantastic sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Sprinkle some on a salad or add them to your baked goods. Even if you are eating each of these foods every day, you are likely still not getting sufficient amounts of these crucial fatty acids that your body needs for optimal health, so it will be important to supplement your diet. BrainMD Health’s Omega-3 Power provides highly purified omega-3 fatty acids at optimal dose levels from the most advanced production, detoxification and purification process in the industry. "Omega-3 fatty acids play such an important role in brain and body health that I suggest most people take them every day, regardless of their brain type or age. Taking Omega-3 Power is insurance that your body gets the nutrients it needs to be at its best." - Daniel G. Amen M.D.
Learn more
Probiotics Offer a Broad Spectrum Of Health Benefits
When my wife Tana told our daughter about the bacteria in her gut, Chloe was grossed out. “You mean I have bugs in my gut?!” Tana responded, “Think of them like your pets sweetheart. Only these pets actually take care of you, if you feed them right.” Tana and Chloe went on to name the pets Biff (for bifidobacterium) and Lacy (for lactobacillus). There is an entire world of microorganisms living in your body! Your intestines host trillions of organisms, including at least 1,000 different species of bacteria. Some are beneficial, and some are not. When most people hear about bacteria, they think of germs, illness and its reputation as the bad guy, as Chloe did. However, unlike the bad bacteria that can cause disease, these are the good guys – the beneficial bacteria that are critical to digestion, vitamin and neurotransmitter production, and maintaining good health. A number of factors, such as aging, stress, taking antibiotics, or eating an unhealthy, pesticide-laden diet, can disrupt the delicate balance between beneficial and bad gut bacteria. Not having a proper balance of good-to-bad bacteria can create a whole host of problems throughout the brain and body. Scientists are discovering that probiotics and the resulting healthy balance of gut bacteria offer a broad spectrum of previously unknown health benefits. Although supplementing with probiotics has historically been viewed as providing support against intestinal conditions, research is now demonstrating that they help support many processes in the body, including those typically thought to be connected to your brain, including your mood and stress levels. Fortunately, scientific evidence demonstrates that supplementing with the right combination of probiotic bacteria to restore the balance of gut bacteria also restores natural protection. There are many probiotic formulas available that can help replenish levels and support your gut bacteria. However, not all probiotics are the same. When searching for a probiotic you want to look for one with clinical studies that show it works. BrainMD Health’s very own ProBrainBiotics contains the precise probiotic strains at the same potency used in double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. These special strains have many unique features, including: Are not destroyed by stomach acids, so they can work in the intestines Help repel harmful bacteria Supports the tight “seal” of the gut lining to prevent “leaky gut syndrome” Supports healthy immunity While it may seem strange or unsettling to imagine all the diverse microorganisms working nonstop inside you, day and night, it is important to realize how critical probiotics are to the health of your body and mind! The reality is that you want more life inside you, not less. If you take care of your internal world, it will take care of you.
Learn more
Pumpkin Chocolate Smoothie
Halloween is arguably the beginning of that time of year when you are tempted to overindulge on all the holiday goodies and your dedication to a healthy lifestyle can go out the window. This DOESN’T have to happen! Although we all know we should stay away from foods containing sugar and simple carbohydrates, it can be especially difficult to resist and avoid these foods during Halloween. Eating sugary foods causes a spike in your blood sugar, contributes to insulin resistance and triggers inflammation in your body. Additionally, simple carbohydrates (like sugar) negatively affect your cholesterol, as well as suppress the signals sent by the hunger and satiety hormones, which are responsible for letting you know when to stop eating. Simply put, the more sugar and other simple carbs you eat, the hungrier you will be! However, nobody wants to feel deprived, especially during the holidays, so it is important to find healthy options. In this short video, NY Times bestselling author, registered nurse, nationally renowned speaker, and highly respected health and fitness expert, Tana Amen, BSN, RN shares a delicious and satisfying recipe for a yummy dessert, Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Smoothie. One of the critical ingredients in this recipe is Omni Protein. Omni Protein takes plant-based protein powder to a whole new level. Its unique, plant-based protein blend is combined with important amino acids and digestive enzymes for a fiber-rich formula that nourishes the body and tastes great - so you don’t feel deprived! Additionally, Omni Protein contains no artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, soy, dairy, sugar or GMOs while it delivers 21 grams of complete protein. By helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels while creating a feeling of fullness, it also supports healthy appetite management and helps you resist sugar-laden Halloween treats and avoid candy coma! “Creating a feeling of satiety with fiber-rich protein intake, supporting balanced blood sugar levels, and promoting brain focus and healthy metabolism are all critical to success. Omni Protein does it all.” – Tana Amen, BSN, RN
Learn more
3 Strategies for Overcoming Cravings
Are there times when cravings often get the best of you? Or are your loved ones concerned that certain behaviors you have seem out of control? Don’t get too down on yourself! This may be a sign that your brain’s reward system has been HIJACKED! What is the brain’s reward system? It is an intricate network of brain systems and neurotransmitters that are critical to human survival. It drives us to seek out the things we need to stay alive and carry on the human race. Additionally, the brain’s reward system will tell us to repeat things it finds pleasurable (even if they aren’t good for us), and is linked directly to the emotional memory centers that drive us to repeat “rewarding” behaviors. For example, think of how you feel when you smell freshly baked cookies. Even if you’re not hungry, your brain may urge you to eat one anyway! While the reward system can be activated when listening to music, taking a warm bath, or looking at a beautiful painting, it can also be activated by many unhealthy things such as, alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, gambling, electronics, sugar, junk food and chronic overeating. After working with thousands of people with cravings, we know just how tough it can be to overcome them and take back self-control. However, we have seen it work over and over again and know that it is one of the most worthwhile things you can do in your life. Here Are 3 Strategies To Help Curb Your Cravings 1. H-A-L-T You will be better able to exercise self-control and deal with your cravings if you live by the acronym H-A-L-T, which stands for: Don’t get too Hungry. Eat frequent, small, high-quality meals and take nutritional supplements to optimize your brain and balance your blood sugar. BrainMD’s Craving Control can help diminish the frequency and intensity of your cravings, allowing you to more effectively achieve better control over your behavior. Don’t get too Angry. Maintain control over your emotions and don’t let negative thinking patterns rule your life. Learn how to kill your ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) so you can gain more control over your feelings and behavior. Don’t get too Lonely. Social skills and a positive social network are critical to maintaining freedom from cravings. Enlist a team of supporters and healthy role models. Don’t get too Tired. Make sleep a priority to boost brain function and improve judgment and self-control. 2. EXERCISE Physical exercise is a fantastic strategy to help you reduce cravings and increase self-control. Exercise helps in a number of ways, including: Boosting serotonin in your brain to help you get unstuck when you can’t stop thinking about pepperoni pizza, potato chips, beer, or checking your phone Increasing blood flow and dopamine in your brain which improves impulse control Reducing stress, improving your mood, and lowering your blood sugar levels 3. DISTRACT YOURSELF Multiple research studies have demonstrated that cravings typically last for only 10 minutes. Recognize that and divert your mind: Call a friend, read a book, solve a crossword puzzle, work in your garden, take a bath, do chores around the house, listen to music, run an errand, meditate or exercise (see strategy #2). Conquering your cravings will improve every aspect of your life, including your family life, your relationships, your career, and your school life.
Learn more