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What Can I Do to Get Better Grades?
Do you feel like you should be getting better grades? Does schoolwork stress you out? Are you spending more time studying than the A students in your class, but aren’t getting the same results? If you answered yes to any of those questions, Dr. Daniel G. Amen’s new book, Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades, was written with you in mind. Packed with simple, practical tips, the book will help make studying easier so that you’ll actually start to enjoy the learning process. With schools becoming more competitive and technology becoming increasingly distracting, today’s students face a minefield of obstacles to academic progress. Doing well in school isn’t just a matter of smarts or more studying: it takes good habits, practical tools, and a healthy brain. Brain Basics The human brain is the most complex and wondrous organ in the universe. Your ability to succeed in school comes from many different areas of your brain. If you want to perform better in the classroom, you must first learn about your brain. Did you know: The brain has about 100 billion neurons (brain cells) Each neuron is connected to other neurons by up to 10,000 connections The brain has more connections than there are stars in the universe A piece of brain tissue the size of a grain of sand contains 100,000 neurons and over a billion connections talking to one another The brain weighs about 3 pounds, yet it uses 20 to 30 percent of the calories you consume, 20 percent of the oxygen you breathe, and 20 percent of the blood flow in your body Optimize Your Brain Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades takes you on a brief tour of your brain, to familiarize you with each brain region and its specific functions and potential problems. Even subtle brain issues can get in the way of achieving your academic goals. The great news is that you aren’t stuck with the brain you have. Learning how to optimize your brain is the first step to becoming a better student. Know Your Brain Type The preparation for learning begins before you ever crack open a book or set foot inside a classroom. It starts with your brain. If your brain is healthy, it will be much easier for you to learn. If your brain is unhealthy, it will be harder for you to advance in your studies. Understanding your brain type is critical to getting the help you need. In Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades, Dr. Amen outlines 16 different brain types and details the “dos and don’ts” of the 5 primary brain types. To discover your brain type, take the free Brain Health Assessment and share it with your family and friends at school. It only takes 5 to 7 minutes. Get Organized Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades guides you in how to create an organizational structure that will increase your effectiveness and reduce your study time. Included are 3 effective organization principles designed to help you maximize your study sessions. Comprehensive Guide The book covers a wide range of topics including helpful note-taking methods and proven test-taking tips. Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades also dedicates an entire chapter to how memory works and provides 6 tools for building a better memory. Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades offers science-based strategies that can help you study more effectively, learn faster, and stay focused so you can achieve your academic goals. This practical guide will help you: Discover your unique brain type and learning style Kick bad habits and adopt smarter study practices Get more out of your classes with less overall study time Memorize faster and remember things longer Increase your confidence and beat stress Not Just for School Whether you want to learn a foreign language before going on vacation, take a finance course so you can increase your investing know-how, or simply ace your tests with less effort, you can benefit from the insights in this book. The principles in Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades are practical and can be applied to almost any learning situation. Since technology has completely changed the way students learn, Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades offers many tech tips to help unleash your learning potential. 3 Tech Tips to Help You Become a Successful Student 1. Daily Encouragement Program Siri, Alexa, or another digital assistant to give you encouragement at regular intervals throughout the day or right before a big test. A simple “You’re doing great!” can give you a much-needed confidence boost. 2. Maximize Your Productivity Download a productivity app and use it to analyze how much time you spend on your homework versus on social media. To maximize your productivity, use a Fitbit or other tool to track how much of your day you dedicate to sleeping, eating, studying, working, or participating in sports or leisure activities. 3. Don’t Miss a Word If a teacher speaks too rapidly for accurate note-taking, record lectures on your smartphone and use voice transcription to create a first draft of your notes. Be sure to go through the transcription to correct any mistakes. For underachievers, stressed-out studiers, and students from middle school to college and beyond, Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades gives you the knowledge and tools you need to get the best out of yourself. For more about Dr. Amen’s other books, or our full catalog of brain health supplements that can boost focus, energy, and memory, please visit us at BrainMD.
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Benefits of Turmeric for Your Brain & Must-Try Recipes!
In today’s stressful world, we can get remarkable help from the food we eat that can make a positive impact on our body's health. At BrainMD, we offer supplements with breakthrough ingredients for improving brain health while also promoting a sharper memory. In this blog series, we’re taking a closer look at our ingredients’ origins, uses, and recipes, so you can incorporate them into your diet. What is Turmeric? Turmeric is a popular ingredient that’s been used for thousands of years as a spice, medicinal herb, and even for spiritual support. Traditional Asian societies used it for practically all their medicinal needs. Hundreds of millions of people in other countries include turmeric in their daily diet, and it’s recommended that we do the same. Turmeric is a tropical plant and a member of the ginger family. The turmeric root sold at food markets is an underground stem or rhizome. From the outside, turmeric looks a lot like ginger, but when you break them in half, turmeric’s interior is gold, while ginger’s is green. Turmeric originates from India and has been used as a spice in dishes for thousands of years. The turmeric root is dried, ground into powder, and added as a major constituent of yellow curry sauces. Due to its long and cosmopolitan history as a spice, turmeric is found in many different foods. But turmeric powder can only deliver limited amounts of curcumin in a meal. After the three active curcumin substances were discovered a few decades ago, scientists focused on exploring how they worked in the body and used modern techniques to confirm their surprisingly broad range of health applications, including turmeric for your brain and memory. What is Curcumin? Curcumin is an abbreviated name for a combination of the three main ingredients of turmeric known to improve health: polyphenol curcuminoids called curcumin, demethoxy-curcumin and bis-demethoxycurcumin. Polyphenols occur in many plants and are adequate antioxidants, but these curcuminoids are exceptionally powerful and have a diverse range of cell-level molecular actions. Curcuminoids have sparked intensive clinical investigation for applications to practically all aspects of human health. In addition to supporting the brain, curcumin has benefited the eyes, heart and circulation, joints, intestinal tract, skin, prostate, muscles, nerves, and numerous other human tissues. The key to getting the maximum benefit from curcumin is to ensure that it is adequately absorbed once you take the supplement. Benefits of Longvida Curcumin for Your Brain & Memory The only factor that limits curcumin’s health-giving potential is that all three of the active substances are poorly absorbed in the body. That’s why BrainMD uses Longvida® Optimized Curcumin Extract in our Brain Curcumins supplement to ensure your body will make the most of this powerful ingredient. Longvida curcumin is a sophisticated curcumin concentrate formulated for ultrahigh absorption and is known to improve human brain function. Since many curcumin supplements are not supported by adequate human research, we chose the Longvida curcumin ingredient for our Brain Curcumins because it is backed by competent clinical trial investigation. BrainMD’s scientific-medical team developed Brain Curcumins using a specially concentrated extract of all three curcumin substances from turmeric as the main ingredient. This Longvida curcumin ingredient was developed at UCLA to add incredible antioxidant power to your cells. It also regulates the inflammatory response and generally helps counter everyday stressful, emotional, chemical, and physical challenges. A double-blind clinical trial found that it helps maintain a healthy mood and cognitive functioning in people under mental strain. The clinical trial also established that this specific curcumin ingredient can help us keep a positive mood when under stress, stay alert and calm while under mental strain, and reduce the fatigue we can develop after a mentally challenging task. Some of the subjects who received Longvida curcumin in this trial showed better working memory (such as multitasking) just 1 hour after taking it. In this trial, cholesterol measures also improved. In another trial, this ingredient was found to have powerful circulation benefits. Since the chemical composition of every curcumin ingredient is so specific, it isn’t appropriate to transfer results from clinical trials with one ingredient to make conclusions about another ingredient. That’s why the BrainMD team waited until the necessary brain-focused clinical trial was completed and published, before developing our Brain Curcumins supplement. The Curcumin and Cumin Confusion While these two ingredients may sound similar and are even included together in many recipes, they are completely different. Curcumin is derived from turmeric in the ginger family while cumin is related to the parsley family. 2 Simple Turmeric Recipes to Try Turmeric is easy to incorporate into a healthy diet. Add a pinch of turmeric powder to your favorite dishes, from scrambled eggs to roasted vegetables, and try our recipes for Smooth Sweet Potato Soup and Cauliflower Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Smooth Sweet Potato Soup 1/2 cup Onion, Diced 1/3 cup Celery, Diced 3 Tbsp Leeks, Diced 2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced 6-7 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Stock 1 1/2 lbs. Sweet Potatoes, Peeled and Diced 1 stick Cinnamon 1/4 tsp Nutmeg 1 tsp Real Salt (Optional) 1 tsp White Pepper 1/2 cup Almond Milk or Coconut Milk 2 Tbsp Fresh Sage, Finely Chopped 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds (Optional) 1/8 cup Cranberries, for Garnish (Optional) 1 Pinch of Cinnamon, for Garnish 1/2 Teaspoon of Turmeric Powder Cauliflower Garlic Mashed Potatoes 1 head Cauliflower 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Water 1/4 cup Soy Milk or Unsweetened Almond Milk 1 Tbsp Earth Balance Spread 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning 2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary, Finely Chopped 2 tsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoon water) Real Salt and Pepper, to Taste 2 Tbsp Finely Chopped Chives (Optional) 2 cups Spinach 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds, Raw 1/2 Teaspoon of Turmeric Powder Remember, you can take an effective daily dose of curcumin in the supplement Brain Curcumins. You might also want to try Serotonin Mood Support to give you an added boost in mood throughout the day. As the leader in brain-directed supplements, BrainMD offers the highest purity ingredients in our memory products. For more information about Brain Curcumins or our full catalog of brain healthy supplements, visit the online store at BrainMD.
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4 Strategies to Help You Overcome Insomnia & Other Sleep Monsters
Monsters are real. They’re invasive, relentless, and can make bedtime a scary time. These monsters aren’t grotesque figures hiding under the bed like the ones frequently portrayed in horror/thriller movies. They’re the real contributing factors to sleep disorders like insomnia, an epidemic that affects over 17 million Americans daily. Here are 4 types of Sleep Monsters you should seek to avoid: 4 Sleep Monsters that Are Stealing Your Sleep 1. Bad Habits Habits can be a major contributor to the quality of your life. What you do habitually is what makes you who you are as an individual. There are many common bad habits that may seriously hinder your ability to achieve quality sleep. Some of these bad habits include staying up late watching TV, playing video games or browsing the Internet and drinking caffeine or alcohol before going to bed. These habits will often lead to a visit from a second sleep monster… 2. Worry In order to sleep, your mind and body need to be able to enter a state of rest. Worrying keeps your mind active and thoughts racing, which can exhaust you and keep you awake. This can cause excessive stress and difficulties with mood regulation. Many people describe the feeling of being trapped inside their own heads while lying in bed and periodically checking the clock. Before they know it, the sun is coming up and they haven’t slept a wink. 3. Light/Seasonal The sun, and light, in general, are big factors that could be stealing your sleep. Sometimes the factors that keep you awake aren’t internal and are out of your control. For instance, environmental factors like location and time of year can cause an imbalance of how much sun you get, which may affect the quality of your sleep. Getting less sunlight during the day can reduce melatonin, the main sleep hormone. 4. Muscle Movements The last sleep monster is a physical one. The same way worrying can prevent your mind from attaining a state of calm, physical movement can also keep your mind from being able to turn off at night. Restless leg syndrome is one example of how muscle movements can lead to insomnia. The scary truth is that insomnia can lead to other serious problems. Sleep is critical to the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of our lives. Without an adequate amount of sleep (it’s recommended you get 7 to 9 hours each night), you’re setting yourself up for a host of physical and mental issues. So how can you avoid these sleep monsters and overcome insomnia for good? BrainMD offers a comprehensive sleep course to help guide you through your sleep challenges. Learn More About How to Overcome Insomnia Many people treat insomnia or other sleep issues by taking prescription medications. In some cases, these medications are helpful and necessary. In other instances, they can be toxic, addictive, and create new problems. At BrainMD, we believe in finding the best solutions while taking the least toxic route possible. The Overcoming Insomnia course through Amen University can provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to manage your unique sleep challenges. In the 21 lessons included in this program, our sleep experts share their knowledge and provide guidance through the use of evidence-based cognitive and behavioral strategies to help facilitate the quality of sleep you need and deserve. These treatment options typically start with a foundation of knowledge. The information contained in the Overcoming Insomnia course will provide you with the knowledge you need to optimize your treatment. If you currently take prescription medications, our experts can help to ensure you’re not using any substances that can disrupt your sleep. If you already use calming strategies and natural supplements, this course will help guide you toward a natural treatment that will help you get a restful night’s sleep. What You Will Learn in the Course: Understand the essentials of proper sleep stages for our brain Identify possible contributing factors to insomnia and sleep issues How to practice evidence-based sleep strategies Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia How to maintain better sleep hygiene for the rest of your life Take action and start today with a free lesson from the Overcoming Insomnia course where Dr. Creado discusses what good sleep actually means and how it affects your health and well-being. Enroll in the Amen University: Overcoming Insomnia course today! Want a sneak peak of the course? Enjoy the first lesson for FREE when you sign up here.
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How to Cope with Stress: 6 Things You Can Do to Reduce Stress
Are you so overwhelmed with daily responsibilities that you feel you just can't keep up? While many in our society wear the "I'm More Stressed Than You" badge of honor, being overly stressed really isn't something to brag about. In fact, too much stress can be detrimental to your brain and overall health. So, in order to live a more stress-free life each day, you must learn how to cope with stress the right way. 6 Things You Can Do to Reduce Stress Use the following S-T-R-E-S-S acrostic to help reduce the stress in your life. Try these 6 strategies today to help you manage and cope with stress in a more positive way. Each of these strategies has been proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation in stressful situations. S – Social Connections By building and maintaining good, healthy, helpful relationships, you can feel understood and cared for. When you care for and attend to others, it allows you to get outside of yourself and you often find your perceptions are transformed. This leads to discovering new ideas about how to solve your own problems. Furthermore, when you care for others and feel cared for, your brain releases oxytocin, the “bonding” hormone, which can counteract many of the negative effects of stress. Also, never underestimate the power of being around the right people! The health habits of the people you spend time with have a dramatic impact on your own health and habits. So surround yourself with people who are happy, upbeat, and kind. T – Therapy/Meditation At the heart of many types of therapy is learning about ANTs – which stands for Automatic Negative Thoughts—the cynical, gloomy and complaining thoughts that come into your mind automatically. Think of these negative thoughts like ANTs at a picnic that infest your mind and spirit and ruin your day. Learning how to kill the ANTs and develop an internal ANTeater is incredibly effective at reducing the stress and anxiety in your life. Therapy can also help you clear up past traumas that might trigger you and cause more stress in your life. Meditation is a wonderful way to soothe your mind and help you create a state of deep relaxation. Interestingly enough, meditating actually stimulates the brain; increasing blood flow to the areas responsible for attention and forethought, while calming down the areas that perceive pain. And you can receive the positive benefits of meditating in just minutes per day. R – Relaxation Techniques By using relaxation techniques, you will gain better control over the stress and anxiety that is ruining your health and happiness. Deep breathing is one such relaxation technique and a very effective method for overcoming stress; one that can be done anywhere, anytime! When you take shallow breaths, it reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain cells, reducing overall brain function. As you inhale, let your belly expand. When you exhale, pull your belly in to push the air out of your lungs. This allows you to expel more air, which in turn, encourages you to inhale more deeply. So we challenge you to try taking deep breaths and let your mind and body start to relax. E – Exercise Exercise will help you manage stress by immediately lowering stress hormones and helping you become more resistant to stress over time. Raising your heart rate through exercise also makes you better handle stress because it raises beta-endorphins, the brain’s own natural morphine! Consistent exercise will prepare you for the obstacles you may face like being in stressful situations. Exercise also helps you maintain a strong mind and body can help equip you to handle possible crises in your future. S – Sleep Sleep deprivation is hazardous to your health! Skimping on sleep can affect your health in more ways than you might imagine and definitely makes you more susceptible to stress. If you aren’t getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, you’re setting yourself up for a host of physical and mental issues. When you fall behind on sleep, blood flow to your brain decreases and you are much more likely to make poor decisions. Be sure that your sleep hygiene is sound by turning off electronics at least one hour before bedtime, avoid caffeine, sugar, and alcohol later in the day, avoid naps, keep your bedroom dark and cool, and avoid exercising vigorously late in the evening. S – Supplement Natural relaxation substances can be incredibly effective in reducing stress. Drink some spearmint or chamomile teas. Put dried lavender in a vase near your bed. Use calming essential oil aromas such as clary sage, bergamot, or ylang-ylang. Or try BrainMD's Everyday Stress Relief, which helps replenish your brain and body’s nutrients that can be depleted during times of increased stress. It includes herbal extracts clinically proven to have calming and anti-stress effects, helping to ease anxiousness without causing sleepiness. This formula helps you cope with apprehension, tension, worry, and fatigue. This safe, non-sedating, and non-habit-forming formula combines the multiple beneficial actions of these well-studied herbs and nutrients to help your brain and body cope with stress on multiple levels. “This is what I take when I’m stressed,” says Dr. Daniel Amen. “And it works.” You have a choice about how you respond to the stress in your life!
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What Supplements Can Help Me Get Better Sleep?
How much sleep did you get last night? Though not the best conversation starter, that question is extremely important. And the ramifications of the answer can have far-reaching consequences for your overall health. According to the Institute of Medicine, (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, as many as 70 million Americans have serious sleep problems, which can interfere with daily functioning. Unfortunately, sleep issues are progressively getting worse with the proliferation of gadgets and bad habits. Getting inadequate sleep has been associated with lowered brain efficiency, which can negatively affect your: Mental focus Mood Energy Weight Decision-making Anything that disrupts your natural sleep pattern, like excessive caffeine, alcohol or video game playing, can have adverse effects on your ability to effectively perform tasks at work, school or home. Insufficient and inconsistent sleep can increase irritability, moodiness and poor judgment. To remain at the top of your game, it’s recommended that you get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Get the Rest You Need Since sleep is one of the most important factors of brain health, BrainMD developed a selection of calming, relaxing, and sleep-inducing supplements that contain the best-utilized, ultra-pure nutrients and herbal ingredients to help you wind down at the end of a busy day. Whether you’re looking for a supplement to help you sleep through the night or just to help you fall asleep, our supplements are non-habit forming and will help you get better sleep. GABA Calming Support GABA Calming Support is a unique combination of clinically proven ingredients that can help you cope with restlessness, irritability and other challenges associated with occasional anxiety.* It contains ingredients that help your nerve cells respond better to GABA.* This formula can help calm your racing thoughts to help prepare you for sleep; it doesn’t cause drowsiness, so it’s safe to take during the day.* It includes: GABA – gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the body’s main calming neurotransmitter. It supports the body’s natural mechanisms for quieting the mind and gradually falling asleep. L-Theanine – working mainly by way of GABA receptors on nerve cells, this unique amino acid can have calming and relaxing effects while preserving mental focus. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – a member of the mint family that has been used as a medicinal herb for over 2000 years, lemon balm increases GABA activity in the brain as well as the activity of acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter that promotes mental focus. Magnesium – magnesium plays important roles in mind and body relaxation, the calming of racing thoughts, and in promoting overall sleep quality. Research suggests that magnesium’s calming effects are enhanced by vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 – also known as pyridoxine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, vitamin B6 helps the brain produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps promote relaxation and enhance your mood. GABA Calming Support can help facilitate the production of calming brain waves, correct stress-causing nutritional deficiencies, and promote relaxation.* Magnesium Chewables Magnesium is a mineral nutrient essential for over 300 enzymes and is fundamental to your health. Sadly, due to the Standard American Diet (SAD), magnesium is one of the minerals most people typically don’t get enough of in the foods they eat. BrainMD’s Magnesium Chewables are sugar-free and have a delicious citrus flavor. Each tablet provides 150 milligrams of magnesium, more than one-third of your daily requirement. These chewable vitamins include: Magnesium – the three magnesium compounds (magnesium citrate, magnesium malate, and magnesium glycinate) are pre-activated and ready for use by the brain and other organs. These magnesium compounds are well tolerated, safe to take long-term, and can be used by people of all ages. Magnesium Chewables tablets help your muscles and your mind relax, promote positive mood and calm, and help you get quality sleep.* Restful Sleep Restful Sleep contains the body’s own sleep hormone melatonin to get you to sleep and keep you asleep through the night.* It also includes the calming neurotransmitter GABA, as well as magnesium, vitamin B6 and valerian. Together, these nutrients produce a soothing effect that can help ease you into a peaceful sleep.* These capsules include: Vitamin B6 – vitamin B6 helps with the production of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, GABA), which need to be balanced for healthy sleep. Magnesium – sometimes called “the relaxation mineral,” magnesium plays an important role in energy production that helps with muscle relaxation, in lowering stress hormone production via the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary axis), and in enhancing GABA action to allow for sleep. Magnesium helps calm the mind and enhance overall sleep quality. GABA – GABA is the major neurotransmitter for inducing calm by inhibiting excessive firing of neurons. Valerian – an herb used traditionally for centuries for its calming and sleep-inducing effects, valerian contains GABA and may also work closely with brain GABA receptors to help calm brain activity. It supports deep, restful, quality sleep. Melatonin – melatonin is the hormone naturally produced by the brain to initiate sleep and carry you through your daily sleep/wake cycle. It promotes restful sleep and healthy sleep patterns. Restful Sleep eases you to sleep and helps you stay asleep all night so you can wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.* Serotonin Mood Support Taking BrainMD’s Serotonin Mood Support can help correct stress-related nutritional deficiencies, promote positive mood, and help curb emotional eating.* It can help you handle the ups and downs of life with more composure.* This formula supports important brain neurotransmitter systems that positively influence mood.* Its ingredients include: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) – this nutrient is readily converted to serotonin, the neurotransmitter that is a major mood regulator. Serotonin circuits may also increase the activity of dopamine, also associated with positive mood. Vitamin B6 – vitamin B6 is needed by the enzyme that converts 5-HTP to serotonin, as well as for making dopamine. It is also essential for the body to utilize proteins, fats and carbs. Methylfolate – methylfolate is the most active form of the folate vitamin, which is crucial for maintaining positive mood. Methylfolate is pre-activated folate and is better utilized than folic acid, which is a manufactured substance not found in nature. Methylfolate bypasses the common mutation called C677T, which folic acid cannot do. Vitamin B12 as Methyl-cobalamin – the body’s most readily-utilized vitamin B12, not cyano-cobalamin which contains toxic cyanide. This formula has sufficient methyl-B12, which backs up methylfolate in the brain and other organs, to ensure neurotransmitter balance favorable to healthy mood. Saffron – the world’s most expensive spice, saffron has a long history of being used to induce happiness and has consistently improved mood, stress, and other mental functions in many clinical trials. Lifestyle habits such as mind-body relaxation techniques, healthy dietary routines and daily use of Serotonin Mood Support, can work together to elevate mood and promote restful sleep.* 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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4 of the Best Ways to Improve Stress and Mood
We all experience stress. (True) All stress is bad. (False) Contrary to popular belief, not all stress is bad. A little bit of stress is actually good because it can motivate you to meet your goals. Low level stress can also help you with resilience, problem solving and adapting to everyday challenges. Stress becomes a problem when it’s intense, recurring, or remains unresolved over a sustained period. At that point, stress takes a toll and can become harmful to your health. Too much stress can: Produce fear, anxiousness, worry, irrational excitement, and avoidance Decrease your overall brain function Create hormone imbalances Cause inappropriate eating, which can result in weight gain Make you more vulnerable to physical illness Unfortunately, when people have too much stress in their life, they often turn to unhealthy ways of dealing with it; such as using alcohol, illicit drugs, or food to feel better. However, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long-term. Stress and Mood Often, there’s a correlation between being stressed out and experiencing anxious thoughts or bouts of low mood. Many times stress doesn’t just negatively affect your mood, though that can become the most visible side effect. Stress also can adversely impact the way your brain and body work, so it’s important to try to manage your stress. If you find yourself having negative or anxious thoughts or notice that your stress levels have gotten out of hand, we offer a range of powerful supplements to improve stress and mood. These stress-fighting supplements have been formulated with the highest-quality nutrients and ingredients to help you feel calm, content, and able to manage stress or mental strain. Everyday Stress Relief To stay healthy in today’s fast-paced world, you need to be resilient to stress. Everyday Stress Relief helps replenish your brain and body’s nutrients that can be depleted during times of increased stress.* It includes herbal extracts clinically proven to have calming and anti-stress effects, helping to ease anxiousness without causing sleepiness.* This formula helps you cope with apprehension, tension, worry, and fatigue.* It includes: Magnesium – magnesium is a mineral important for calm, balanced and mentally focused demeanor.* It also counters irritability and anxiousness.* Taurine – a nutrient classified as conditionally-essential because some people need it from their diet, taurine has versatile benefits for electrical transmission in the brain.* It also supports the adrenal glands, which are crucial for coping with stress.* Holy Basil – holy basil (Ocimum sanctum, also called Tulsi), is revered both in Europe and the East for improving adaptation to occasional anxiousness, feelings of exhaustion, forgetfulness and other problems related to stress.* L-theanine – derived from green tea, l-theanine reduces tension and promotes rest without diminishing alertness.* Relora® – a unique mix of two herbs (Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense) that can enhance healthy management of the stress hormone cortisol while easing tension, anger, negative mood, and confusion.* This safe, non-sedating, and non-habit-forming formula combines the multiple beneficial actions of these well-studied herbs and nutrients to help your brain and body cope with stress on multiple levels.* GABA Calming Support GABA Calming Support is a unique combination of clinically proven ingredients that can help you cope with restlessness, irritability and other challenges associated with occasional anxiousness.* It contains ingredients that help your nerve cells respond better to GABA.* This formula can help calm your racing thoughts to help prepare you for sleep; it doesn’t cause drowsiness, so it’s safe to take during the day.* It includes: GABA – gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the body’s main calming neurotransmitter. By slowing the excessive firing of neurons, it supports the body’s natural mechanisms for quieting the mind and gradually falling asleep.* L-Theanine – working mainly by way of GABA receptors on nerve cells, this unique amino acid can have calming and relaxing effects while preserving mental focus.* Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – a member of the mint family that has been used as a medicinal herb for over 2000 years, lemon balm increases GABA activity in the brain as well as the activity of acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter that promotes mental focus.* Magnesium – sometimes called the relaxation mineral, magnesium plays important roles in mind and body relaxation, the calming of racing thoughts, and in promoting overall sleep quality.* Research suggests that magnesium’s calming effects are enhanced by vitamin B6.* Vitamin B6 – also known as pyridoxine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, vitamin B6 helps the brain produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps promote relaxation and enhance your mood.* GABA Calming Support can help facilitate the production of calming brain waves, correct stress-causing nutritional deficiencies, and promote relaxation.* NeuroLink Proper neurotransmitter balance is essential for healthy brain function. BrainMD’s NeuroLink supports a diverse array of such key transmitters as adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate.* This formula provides an exclusive blend of nutrients that can help you maintain a positive mood, keep your focus, and deal with stressful challenges by helping your transmitters stay in balance.* It includes: L-Tyrosine – an amino acid required to produce the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Your brain and adrenal glands need tyrosine to promote mental clarity during times of stress.* GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) – an amino acid transmitter that regulates the excitability of nerve circuits across the brain, GABA is the brain’s main calming neurotransmitter.* L-Glutamine – an amino acid important for nerve cells to make glutamate, a transmitter present in 80 percent of the brain’s nerve cells, as well as the calming transmitter GABA.* L-Taurine – this amino acid helps stabilize nerve cell energy generation and electrical activity while also protecting against calcium overload.* Taurine promotes healthy blood flow to the brain, is a powerful antioxidant, and is essential for the health of every cell in the body.* 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) – a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan, 5-HTP is readily converted to serotonin in the brain. It helps maintain mental and emotional balance, can reduce occasional feelings of anxiousness, supports behavioral self-control, promotes calm and relaxation, and facilitates better quality sleep.* NeuroLink can help balance your brain transmitters so you can think more clearly, feel happier, and experience greater well-being.* Serotonin Mood Support Taking BrainMD’s Serotonin Mood Support can help correct stress-related nutritional deficiencies, promote positive mood, and help curb emotional eating.* It can help you handle the ups and downs of life with more composure.* This formula regulates important brain neurotransmitter systems to positively influence mood.* It includes: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) – besides being readily converted to serotonin, 5-HTP may also increase brain activity of dopamine, which is regulated by serotonin and also associated with positive mood.* Vitamin B6 – vitamin B6 is needed by the enzyme that converts 5-HTP to serotonin. It is essential for the body to utilize proteins, fats and carbs. Methylfolate – methylfolate is the most active form of the folate vitamin, which is crucial for maintaining positive mood.* Methylfolate is pre-activated folate and is better utilized than folic acid, which is a manufactured substance not found in nature. Vitamin B12 as Methyl-cobalamin – the body’s most readily-utilized vitamin B12, not cyano-cobalamin which contains toxic cyanide.* This formula has sufficient methyl-B12, which backs up methylfolate in the brain and other organs, to ensure neurotransmitter balance favorable to healthy mood.* Saffron – the world’s most expensive spice, saffron has a long history of being used to induce happiness and has consistently improved mood, stress, and other mental functions in many clinical trials.* Lifestyle habits such as mind-body relaxation techniques, healthy dietary routines and daily use of Serotonin Mood Support, can help you maintain mental sharpness and an even mood throughout the day.* 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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BrainMD: 10 Years as the Leader in Brain-healthy Supplements
As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we want to take this opportunity to thank YOU for supporting our company over the years. Without you, there would be no BrainMD. Now that we’ve reached the decade mark, we want to pause and reflect on our history, our unique positioning in the supplement industry and why we do what we do. Our Why At BrainMD, we realize the last thing the world needs is another line of high-priced, cheaply-made supplements. From the start, we’ve committed ourselves to providing ultra-pure, clinical-grade, ethically sourced dietary supplements that can supply you with the nutrients you need to lead a brain-healthy life. We believe in a whole person approach to physical and mental wellness. We’ve dedicated ourselves to helping people feel better by creating the highest quality, brain-healthy supplements and nutritional products on the market. The integrity of our work, and our belief in the importance of helping people, inspires our commitment to excellence. Solid Foundation One of the things that makes BrainMD unique is that we’re backed by the combined knowledge, clinical experience and guidance of a MD and a PhD. Our Founder: Daniel G. Amen, MD Dr. Amen is a double board-certified psychiatrist, clinical neuroscientist, brain-imaging specialist, and multiple New York Times bestselling author. He is the visionary behind Amen Clinics, Amen University, and the numerous products and services offered by BrainMD. Our Chief Science Officer: Parris M. Kidd, PhD Dr. Kidd earned his PhD at the University of California at Berkeley and has been active in integrative medicine for over 35 years. He has focused on the brain for over 25 years and has pioneered awareness of phosphatidylserine (PS), omega-3s and numerous other ingredients. Backed by Science Would it surprise you to know that many of the supplements in the marketplace today have little or no backing from human clinical studies? Our clinical research team incorporates the latest scientific findings into creating a wide array of specialized formulas that promote optimal brain function and brain-body integration. We want you to be as fully informed as possible. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with educational resources on the clinical research behind our products and the science that supports our choice of ingredients that comprise our superior grade nutritional formulas. Our supplements are formulated with exacting standards and are developed from numerous clinical trials and other studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Brain Directed We recognize that the health of your brain¹ is central to your overall success. Feeding your brain properly is essential for optimal fitness and can be the first line of defense in preserving your mental and physical well-being.² With the use of brain SPECT imaging, Dr. Amen discovered that some prescription medications can damage the brain. He sought out non-toxic solutions for his patients and developed dietary supplement formulas targeted to memory, mood, focus, and other specific brain functions. Those early formulas were so effective, they eventually led to the creation of the first supplement company solely dedicated to brain health, BrainMD. Rigorously Tested Our products are developed to promote brain-healthy living, and their ingredients, combinations, and dosages are always grounded in science. During the formulation process, our product development team may be required to review hundreds of clinical trials and other scientific studies to make sure we’re aware of all the research relevant to the product. We work tirelessly to ensure that the ingredients (and the levels of each ingredient) in our products are shown to be both effective and safe. When it comes to ingredients, we know which ones to include in our products and which ones to leave out. We have stringent standards for selecting the raw materials for our products and work hard to verify that our ingredients are free of heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, bacteria, mold, glutens, sugar, egg, dairy, and any other unnecessary additives. Our ingredients undergo extensive testing to establish their identity, purity, and potency. We partner with the highest-quality manufacturers, which conform to the current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We use independent labs to further verify the manufacturer’s quality test results. You can be confident that with each serving you take of any of our products, you’re getting the nutrients promised on the label. Array of Products Over the last 10 years, we’ve developed products essential for everyone’s nutritional needs: our premium multivitamin, NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin, ultra-concentrated EPA and DHA fish oil, Omega-3 Power, and high-purity Vitamin D3 5000. Our line of 30 supplement products was developed to support a wide range of individual needs, including: [wc_box color="inverse" text_align="left" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" class=""] Brain support (supplement systems Brain & Body Power, Brain & Body Power MAX) Memory (Bright Minds Memory Multivitamin, Brain & Memory Power Boost, NeuroPS) Mood (Serotonin Mood Support, SAMe) Focus (Focus & Energy, Attention Support) Relaxation and stress (GABA Calming Support, Everyday Stress Relief) Sleep (Restful Sleep, Magnesium Chewables) Brain neurotransmitter balancing (NeuroLink, Tyrosine) Gut-brain health (ProBrainBiotics) Prenatal (Smart Prenatal) Children (Kids’ NeuroVite, Coromega Omega-3 Squeeze) Drink mix (Brain Boost On-the-Go) Plant-based protein powder (OMNI Protein – Vanilla and Chocolate) [/wc_box] BrainMD = Brain-healthy Supplements This extraordinary group of products is the only line of dietary supplements available today that is specifically developed to address the full spectrum of brain health concerns. As BrainMD moves into its second decade, we look forward to continuing to serve you while developing new products to help you enjoy all the benefits of a brain-healthy life. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen. References: 1. Gorelick, P. B., & Sorond, F. A. (2023). What is brain health? Cerebral Circulation - Cognition and Behavior, 6, 100190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cccb.2023.100190 2. Firth, J., Teasdale, S. B., Allott, K., Siskind, D., Marx, W., Cotter, J., Veronese, N., Schuch, F., Smith, L., Solmi, M., Carvalho, A. F., Vancampfort, D., Berk, M., Stubbs, B., & Sarris, J. (2019). The efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in the treatment of mental disorders: A meta‐review of meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials. World Psychiatry, 18(3), 308–324. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20672
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This is How Probiotics Can Help Support a Healthy Mood
Perhaps you’ve heard of probiotics and have wondered about their health benefits. If you aren’t taking probiotics, here are some essential facts you need to know about these powerful microorganisms. What Are Probiotics? The word probiotic comes from Latin: pro means “support” and biotic means “life.” The World Health Organization defines a probiotic as any living microorganism that has a health benefit when ingested. Likewise, the USDA (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture) defines a probiotic as any “live, nonpathogenic, nontoxic microbial organism which, when administered in adequate amounts, confers a health benefit on the host.” Scientists have discovered that the bacteria living in the human gut, collectively called the “microbiome,” offer a broad spectrum of previously unknown wellness benefits including improved mood and healthy immunity. Good Bugs/Bad Bugs Your body is a highly sophisticated ecosystem that can include well over 1,000 different species of bacteria in your intestinal system. Some are beneficial, and some aren’t. The beneficial gut bacteria help regulate practically everything in your ecosystem – from supporting your digestion to favorably influencing the nervous and immune systems. When you don’t have enough of these friendly bacteria, you can have digestive problems, difficulty managing stress, and irritability or other negative behaviors. To remain in top form, the relationship of good bugs to bad bugs in your microbiome needs to be positively skewed. You are more likely to be healthy and happy when the beneficial microorganisms in your gut outnumber the harmful ones. Growing research suggests that when the balance is tipped the other way, all sorts of physical and mental problems may arise. Beware of Microbiome Imbalance Imbalance of the gut microbiome – too many bad bacteria in the gut – has been linked to a wide range of mental and physical challenges. Keeping your gut in proper balance is essential to your overall health. Experiencing digestive issues is a sure-fire way to know if you have an imbalanced gut. If you’re struggling with any of the following on a consistent basis, you may benefit from a well-formulated probiotic supplement: Gas Irregular bowel movements Bloating Excessively soft stools Unusual burping or excessive fullness after eating Cramping anywhere along your intestinal tract Support Your Gut-Brain Connection Optimizing gut health is a key nutritional component in supporting brain function. Your gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria that outnumber the total number of cells in your body. There’s increasing evidence in the literature that alterations in the composition of the gut can induce neurochemical changes in the brain that can significantly impact your mood and ability to regulate stress. One of the best ways to support the gut-brain connection is to take a probiotic supplement. ProBrainBiotics ProBrainBiotics has the identical probiotic strains, at the same daily intake levels, that were put through two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials and found to benefit intestinal function, mood, and coping with stressful experiences. These strains are Lactobacillus helveticus Strain R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum Strain R0175. Lactobacillus helveticus Strain R0052 This strain helps maintain the healthy intestinal structure, intestinal immune function, and makeup of the gut microbiome. It efficiently takes up residence in the intestine after oral intake, supports the tight seal of the gut lining that prevents leakage of intestinal contents into the surrounding tissues, and supports healthy immunity. It also helps keep down bacteria that are less beneficial for gut health. Bifidobacterium longum Strain R0175 Bifidobacteria are mainstays of a well-balanced gut microbiome. They are important contributors to intestinal health by helping to digest complex carbohydrates, and by producing substantial amounts of short-chain fatty acids that have a strong positive influence on the cells that line the intestine. This particular strain of bifidobacterium is very hardy and works particularly well with Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 to promote gut health. Better Together In the first double-blind clinical trial with this special strain combination, healthy adults complaining of occasional stress took either a placebo or the combination of Lactobacillus helveticus Strain R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum Strain R0175 for three weeks. The combination improved gut discomforts related to stress. In the second double-blind trial, the same combination taken at the same daily dose for 30 days improved mood and lowered anxiousness, compared to the placebo. BrainMD’s ProBrainBiotics is the first probiotic supplement proven to benefit both intestinal and brain function. ProBrainBiotics can help with: Mood – promotes healthy mood and coping with anxiousness Gut Health – promotes overall intestinal function Stress – helps cope with stress related abdominal discomfort Immunity – supports healthy immune balance What Others Are Saying About ProBrainBiotics “The ProBrainBiotics have been beneficial to my health, especially seen in how my body responds to stress. My gut would go crazy when I was under lots of stress, but now it responds much better than it did before I began taking ProBrainBiotics.” -Debbie “Been using Dr. Amen’s ProBrainBiotics for several months now and have noticed significant positive results. Knowing that my gut is my ‘second brain’ makes me realize the importance of a probiotic and this one is the best!” -Scott If you take good care of your bacterial guests, they will take care of you. Use ProBrainBiotics along with probiotic rich foods to enrich your daily life! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about gut health supplements and our full list of brain 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 Can Ginkgo Biloba Promote a Better Memory?
Ginkgo biloba is the most ancient living tree. It has been around for at least 200 million years and is often referred to as a living fossil. This tree is extremely hardy, resistant to pests, can reach 100 feet in height and can live for over a century. Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Standardized extracts prepared from the leaf have existed for over 50 years and are used worldwide for a diverse range of health benefits. The ginkgo biloba extract is prepared from the leaves and standardized to two sets of beneficial substances: powerfully antioxidant flavone glycosides (22-27%, including quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, isoquercetin and rutin); and terpene trilactones (5-7%, including several ginkgolides along with bilobalide). A competently prepared ginkgo biloba extract also is free of ginkgolic acid, a known toxin. The exceptional health benefits of ginkgo biloba extract are linked to synergy: the individual constituents multiplying each others' benefits. The flavone glycosides improve the body's antioxidant defenses while lowering free radical and other potentially toxic activity. The terpene trilactones promote healthy inflammation control and enhance cell replacement in the brain and other organs. Both sets of constituents have numerous other beneficial actions. Standardized ginkgo biloba supplements have been successfully used for decades. The sections that follow review their best-documented benefits for brain and body. One recurring theme is improvement of blood flow. Top Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba for Brain & Body Ginkgo Biloba for Memory and Other Brain Functions In clinical trials, ginkgo biloba supplements have improved working and long-term memory in both young and old, healthy adults. In some trials it also improved speed of information processing and word and face recognition. These benefits are consistent with its improvement of brain blood flow, to deliver oxygen and all the other nutrients the brain needs for generating a minimum 20% of the body's total energy. SPECT scanning (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) is a powerful and precise tool for imaging blood flow in the brain. In a 2003 double-blind trial, healthy volunteers aged 60-70 years received either ginkgo biloba extract (80 mg) or a placebo daily for 8 months. SPECT documented improved blood flow in both brain hemispheres for the ginkgo group, statistically better than the placebo group. This trial included a number of cognition tests, most of which documented superior results from the ginkgo biloba extract over the placebo. The ginkgo group improved more than the placebo group in information processing speed, attention, "visuospatial" tests (tracking and manually arranging blocks into patterns), and "general intelligence" (including vocabulary and comprehension). Ginkgo biloba supplements also can reduce anxiousness better than placebo, even in subjects of advanced age with cognitive challenges. Unlike some other options for anxiousness, ginkgo biloba extract is very well tolerated, doesn't cause dependence or impair mental sharpness, and so can be used by the young or elderly while driving, going about their other daily activities or even while at work. Ginkgo Biloba Benefits for The Heart and Circulation Besides increasing the brain's blood flow, ginkgo biloba supplements can increase blood flow elsewhere in the body. Their awesome antioxidant array protects blood vessel walls and positively influences their capacity to dilate or contract as needed. The multiple active substances in the extract operate via support for healthy inflammation control, regulation of tissue messenger substances, and numerous other possible actions. Ginkgo biloba supplements are known to improve blood flow to the heart. Heart surgery typically causes "free radical" damage to the heart muscle. In a French trial, men and women received either a ginkgo supplement (360 mg) or a placebo daily for 5 days leading up to their aortic valve replacement surgery. The ginkgo group released less free radical and other damage products from their hearts than did the placebo group. Ginkgo Biloba Benefits for the Eye and Vision Healthy volunteers of average age 34 years who took a ginkgo biloba supplement taken at 120 mg daily showed improved blood flow to their eyes after just 2 days, compared to a placebo. Ginkgo also can protect and enhance functioning of the retina, the eye's sensing tissue that is constantly vulnerable to damage from intense light exposure. Ginkgo Biloba Benefits for the Ear and Hearing We need our ears to hear, of course. But literally overnight, a person can suddenly lose their hearing in one ear. Often hearing returns on its own, but sometimes it doesn't. European physicians found that giving ginkgo biloba extract (240 mg daily) increased the chances for complete hearing recovery after one week. There were cases in which hearing returned at a better level in the affected ear and even also in the other ear. The middle ear is very important for managing balance, and difficulties with this tissue can cause dizziness and vertigo. Double-blind trials found ginkgo effective for these problems, compared to placebo. It may also help relieve ringing or buzzing of the ears (tinnitus) in some individuals. Ginkgo Biloba Benefits for Women A large percentage of women of reproductive age experience a range of discomforts for days leading up to and following their menstrual period. Taking ginkgo biloba supplements has produced substantial relief of breast tenderness and other of these discomforts, when started during the 16th day of the menstrual cycle and continued until the 5th day of the following cycle, for at least one or two cycles. Ginkgo Biloba for Kids Ginkgo biloba supplements have shown some promise for children with attention and behavior challenges, in two double-blind trials. In the first trial, children received either ginkgo biloba extract at 80 to 120 mg daily, or methylphenidate (MPH) at 20 to 30 mg daily, for 6 weeks. Ginkgo worked less well than MPH but had fewer adverse effects. In the second double-blind trial, children and adolescents received either MPH (20 to 30 mg daily) + ginkgo (80 to 120 mg daily) or MPH + a placebo, for 6 weeks. The MPH + ginkgo group came out better on both the parent and teacher attention ratings, and those receiving ginkgo had a far higher positive response rate. A subsequent "open" trial (conducted without a placebo) tried ginkgo at a higher dose (up to 240 mg daily). Twenty children aged 6-13 years safely tolerated the ginkgo biloba extract for 5 weeks. The parents rated attention and "prosocial behavior" as improved, and the researchers rated hyperactivity and impulsivity as improved. The children's self-reported quality of life did not change. Ginkgo also showed promise for children with dyslexia-type problems in another open trial. Ginkgo biloba supplements certainly deserve further exploration via larger, well-controlled clinical trials for children with attention, learning, or behavior problems. The Safety of Ginkgo Biloba Extract When competently prepared and standardized, ginkgo biloba supplements are very well tolerated, with less than 2 of every 100 consumers reporting gastrointestinal discomfort. It is safe to take long-term: clinical trials have lasted for as long as 6 years. Non-standardized ginkgo leaf or seeds are likely unsafe due to high content of the toxin ginkgolic acid. Ginkgo supplements are not recommended for women who are pregnant or lactating, due to lack of sufficient data. Ginkgo Biloba Interactions The main concern here is possible negative interactions between ginkgo and anticoagulant drugs. There is evidence for and against such harmful interactions: though several large-scale clinical trials found no bleeding risk, there is other evidence to the contrary. From an abundance of caution, BrainMD recommends against combining Ginkgo use with warfarin or other anticoagulant drugs. Closing Remarks Ginkgo biloba has been a medicinal treasure for thousands of years, and a dietary supplement herbal ingredient for over half a century. BrainMD employs it mainly to enhance blood flow, and it does this so well it very likely improves the delivery – and therefore the benefits – of the nutrients that we mix with it. For its incredibly diverse benefits, its safety, and its added value for delivering other dietary supplement ingredients, ginkgo biloba extract is in a class of its own. Key Scientific References Napolitano JG, others. Complete 1H NMR spectral analysis of ten chemical markers of Ginkgo biloba. Magnetic Resonance Chemistry 50 (8):569-575 (2012). Pietri S, others. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) pretreatment limits free radical-induced oxidative stress in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy 11:121-131 (1997). Silberstein RB, others. Examining brain-cognition effects of Ginkgo biloba extract: brain activation in the left temporal and left prefrontal cortex in an object working memory task. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011:Article ID 164139, 10 pages (2011). Stough C, others. Neuropsychological changes after 30-day Ginkgo biloba administration in healthy participants. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 4:131-134 (2001). Wu Y, others. Ginkgo biloba extract improves coronary blood flow in healthy elderly adults: role of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Phytomedicine 15 (3):164-169 (2008). Santos RF, others. Cognitive performance, SPECT, and blood viscosity in elderly non-demented people using Ginkgo biloba. Pharmacopsychiatry 36:127-133 (2003). Singh SK, others. Ginkgo biloba as an alternative medicine in the treatment of anxiety in dementia and other psychiatric disorders. Current Drug Metabolism 18 (2):112-119 (2017) Gavrilova SI, others. Efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in mild cognitive impairment with neuropsychiatric symptoms: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-center trial. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 29:1087-1095 (2014). Spiegel R, others. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® alleviates neurosensory symptoms in patients with dementia: a meta-analysis of treatment effects on tinnitus and dizziness in randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Clinical Interventions in Aging 13:1121-1127 (2018). Donfrancesco R, Ferrante L. Ginkg biloba in dyslexia: a pilot study. Phytomedicine 14:367-370 (2007). Chung HS, others. Ginkgo biloba extract increases ocular blood flow velocity. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics 15 (3):233-240 (1999). Burschka MA, others. Effect of treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 (oral) on unilateral idiopathic sudden hearing loss in a prospective randomized double-blind study of 106 outpatients. European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology 258 (5):213-219 (2001). Sokolova L, others. Treatment of vertigo: a randomized, double-blind trial comparing efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba EGb 761 and betahistine. International Journal of Otolaryngology 2014: Article ID 682439, 6 pages, https://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/682439 (2014). Hudson T. Ginkgo is effective for relief of PMS symptoms. Natural Medicine Journal (online) 2(3), naturalmedicinejournal.com (accessed 25 June 2019). Salehi B, others. Ginkgo biloba for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a double blind, randomized controlled trial. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 34:76–80 (2010). Uebel-von Sandersleben H, others. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in children with ADHD. Zeitschrift fur Kinder - und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie 42:337–347 (2014). Shakibaei F, others. Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 21 (2):61-67 (2015).
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The Multivitamin Quality Check: Are You Missing Vital Nutrients? Part 2
In Part 1, we looked at the high-quality vitamins contained in BrainMD's premier multiple vitamin-mineral supplement, NeuroVite Plus. In addition to NeuroVite Plus' potent vitamins, this robust multiple also offers many essential minerals needed for optimal brain and body health. The Essential Minerals of NeuroVite Plus Certain minerals are built into the structures of enzymes and are essential for their activity. These are the essential minerals, of which NV supplies all but two. Iron can be dangerous when combined with other nutrients so must be taken separately. Copper also has this capability and is rarely deficient since it is relatively abundant in the diet. NV's mineral ingredients are carefully selected for both safety and optimal health benefit. Magnesium and Calcium are both essential for health, and they have a yin-yang relationship by which each helps balance the actions of the other. This formula supplies calcium and magnesium in forms that are most readily absorbed and best tolerated. Unlike other multiples, NV avoids using oxide forms since these are very poorly absorbed. Calcium is needed only in small amounts in the brain, heart and other "soft" organs, is relatively abundant in the diet, and high intakes can pose a safety risk. Magnesium helps counterbalance any negative effects from calcium, and is needed wherever calcium is needed (including in the formation of bone), so that calcium supplements should always include magnesium. Magnesium is required by practically all the body's 300 energy-related enzymes so is needed for our cells to make energy. Yet the surveys consistently find at least 1 in 2 Americans may be deficient in this mineral. Magnesium is fundamental to the brain's electrical activity via the nerve cell synapse connections. It is also crucial for many other functions including healthy heart rhythm and other muscle functions. Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland to make hormones that control our metabolic thermostats for energy generation and overall activity levels, all through life. Thyroid hormones are crucial for the brain and body to develop, and iodine deficiency is the greatest cause of mental retardation worldwide. In the U.S. and other countries, declines in consumption of dairy, eggs and iodized salt and exposures to environmental pollutants are linked to widespread iodine deficiency in women of reproductive age with potential catastrophic consequences once they become pregnant. Zinc is essential for at least 100 enzymes, and for healthy development of the brain and other organs. All our cells need zinc to maintain the structure of their DNA and the actions of their genes. Zinc is structurally built into the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is our first line of defense against free radical toxins. This mineral is also urgently needed during pregnancy and for childhood development, sexual maturation, and male fertility. Selenium is required by at least 25 enzymes and other selenium proteins, which are foundational to life and are important for brain development. Selenium enzymes also provide antioxidant defense against toxins. Selenium enzymes help keep our genes working optimally, regulate production of the thyroid hormones that help control our energy levels, and also regulate muscle development, heart muscle function, and immunity. Manganese is needed for the major antioxidant enzyme SOD2 (superoxide dismutase 2), localized within the mitochondria to help control potentially harmful oxygen free radicals. This mineral works along with selenium in enzymes that are our cells' primary defense against toxins. All our organs need manganese in order to process cholesterol, carbohydrates, and amino acids, and to produce tissue matrix components called proteoglycans. Chromium is essential for healthy blood sugar metabolism. This formula provides it as chromium picolinate, which is very well absorbed, helps in coping with carbohydrate cravings, and supports healthy mood management. In a clinical trial by Krikorian and colleagues, this chromium ingredient even improved brain activity in older adults. Molybdenum is required by at least five detoxifying enzymes that work closely with the antioxidant enzymes. Among their other functions, molybdenum enzymes help neutralize sulfites and bisulfites, potentially toxic substances generated by the body’s normal sulfur metabolism. Molybdenum enzymes also help detoxify the sulfites and bisulfites that are often sprayed onto foods as preservatives, and added into wines, vinegars, even medical products. The Proprietary Brain Boosting Blend This blend's hefty 575 milligram daily allowance provides: PhosphatidylSerine (PS), the only nutrient granted two Qualified Health Claims by the U.S. FDA, related to its brain benefits. PS has over 35 double-blind clinical trials and is proven useful for attention in children as well as for memory in adults. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC, aka acetyl l carnitine), fuels energy generation by the mitochondria, and supplies acetyl groups for the brain to make the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine. ALC's acetyl groups to help regulate their gene activity. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), a conditionally-essential nutrient vital for energy. ALA is a structural component of three of our most major energy enzymes. ALA is also a powerful antioxidant. Clinical trials indicate it enhances nerve cell energy, maintenance and repair. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), another conditionally essential nutrient vital for energy, and also a powerful antioxidant. CoQ is an essential cofactor and protectant for the mitochondria of our cells, which generate over 90 percent of all our energy. Additional Important Nutrients Choline is an essential nutrient and source of vital methyl groups. Choline's methyl groups back up the methyls from dietary methylfolate and methyl B12. Choline readily enters the brain to promote the production of acetylcholine, our most abundant nerve transmitter. As a methyl backup, choline helps ensure healthy gene functions and is crucial for liver functions. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoid nutrients essential for vision and eye health, and recent research indicates they also can enhance brain function. Very few multiples provide them. They are mostly present in leafy-green and yellow-red vegetables, and surveys indicate many people aren't getting enough from their foods. These nutrients are practically vitamins, since the body can't make them and we have to get them from our diet. NeuroVite Plus also is designed to promote healthy blood flow to the brain. The brain needs very substantial blood flow to provide it with sufficient oxygen and the other nutrients it needs. Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol clinically found to promote blood flow. Pterostilbene is chemically related to resveratrol and complements its actions. Hesperidin Flavonoid Complex provides antioxidants that protect the delicate blood vessel walls. Boron is likely an essential mineral and is known to support healthy brain function. It also supports the body's utilization of vitamin D and magnesium, both very important for maintenance of brain health. Silicon supports renewal of the connective tissues that build the tissue matrix glue in the brain and other organs. The Organic Fruit and Vegetable Blend Individuals who don't manage to consume the optimal amounts of fruits and veggies every day - that's practically all of us - get help from this formulation. It provides the antioxidant and numerous other health benefits of wild blueberries, broccoli sprouts, tomatoes, spinach, acai, carrots, strawberries, and alfalfa sprouts. The Digestive Enzyme Blend This plant-derived enzyme blend includes lipase, amylase, lactase, cellulase and protease, which are all able to tolerate chemical stresses while helping us digest our foods. NeuroVite Plus provides vitamins for memory - and a whole lot more, including mood, attention, learning, behavior, and the functioning of all our organs. BrainMD monitors ongoing research to ensure NV's ingredients are optimal for individuals of all ages. NV is essential to overall health and well-being. Key Scientific References U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 8th Edition. 2015: https://health.gov (accessed 20 May 2019). Blumberg JB, others. Contribution of dietary supplements to nutritional adequacy by socioeconomic subgroups in adults of the United States. Nutrients 10, 4; doi:10.3390/ nu10010004 (2018). Ames BN. Low micronutrient intake may accelerate the degenerative diseases of aging through allocation of scarce micronutrients by triage. PNAS (Proceedings National Academy of Sciences US) 103 (47):17589-17594 (2006). Harrison FE, May JM. Vitamin C function in the brain. Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine 46 (6): 719-730 (2009). Pilz S, others. Vitamin D and mortality. Anticancer Research 26:1379-1388 (2016). Douaud G, others. Preventing Alzheimer's disease-related gray matter atrophy by B-vitamin treatment. PNAS (Proceedings National Academy of Sciences US) 110 (23):9523-9528 (2013). Reynolds EH. Methylfolate as adjunctive treatment in major depression. American Journal of Psychiatry 170(5), 560 (2013). Botto LD, Yang Q. 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variants and congenital anomalies: a HuGE review. American Journal of Epidemiology 151:862-877 (2000). Wallace TC, others. Choline: The underconsumed and underappreciated essential nutrient. Nutrition Today 53(6):240-253 (2018). Kidd P. Magnesium: cornerstone of nutritional health insurance. Natural Products Insider 2019 Mar 20:7 pages. https://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/vitamins-minerals/magnesium-cornerstone-nutritionalhealth-insurance. Gower-Winter SD, Levenson CW. Zinc in the central nervous system: From molecules to behavior. Biofactors 38(3):186-193 (2012). Krikorian R, others. Improved cognitive-cerebral function in older adults with chromium supplementation. Nutritional Neuroscience 13(3):116-122 (2010). Panth P, others. A review of iodine status of women of reproductive age in the USA. Biological Trace Element Research 188:208-220 (2019). Renzi-Hammond LM, others. Effects of a lutein and zeaxanthin intervention on cognitive function: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of younger healthy adults. Nutrients 9, 1246: doi:10.3390/nu9111246 (2017). Kidd P. The most proven nutrient for memory and brain health: phosphatidylserine (PS). https://www.brainmd.com > HOME > BRAIN HEALTH blog, Nov 21, 2018. Di Stefano G, others. Acetyl-l-carnitine in painful peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review. Journal of Pain Research 12:1341-1351 (2019). Tibullo D, others. Biochemical and clinical relevance of alpha lipoic acid: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, molecular pathways and therapeutic potential. Inflammation Research DOI 10.1007/s00011-017-1079-6 (2017). Qu H, others. Effects of coenzyme Q10 on statin-induced myopathy; an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of the American Heart Association 2018: e009835 (2018).
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Tana's Healthy Protein Pumpkin Bars Recipe
A classic fall favorite dessert with a much healthier twist and no-guilt! We are excited to show you just how delicious Chocolate Omni Protein is when you bake with it! Try this exclusive recipe for healthy protein pumpkin bars from The Brain Warrior’s Way Cookbook, co-authored by our founder and world-renowned psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen, MD. and NY Times bestselling author and widely respected health and fitness expert Tana Amen, BSN, RN. Visit Tana’s site for more great recipes, content, and information on their upcoming book launch. OMNI Protein Pumpkin Bars Recipe https://youtu.be/HAQfQqCj9Sk Ingredients: 1 cup organic pumpkin puree ½ cup almond butter ½ cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder (plant-based, sugar-free) ½ cup erythritol 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 3 eggs- cage-free, all-natural 1 cup coconut or almond flour 1 cup rolled oats or grainless granola Optional: 2 tablespoons raw honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ounce sugar-free, dairy-free chocolate, melted or chopped (can be used as a drizzle or as chunks) Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-11-inch pan with cooking spray, or line with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine pumpkin puree, almond butter, protein powder, erythritol, baking soda, spices, honey and vanilla, if desired. Add flour, oats and egg. Mix well, until thoroughly blended. Dough will be very thick. Press dough into pan, spreading until it covers the entire pan evenly. Make sure the center isn’t thicker than the corners. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chunks if desired, or wait to drizzle chocolate sauce. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While bars are baking, place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl if you wish to make a drizzle. Microwave for 15-20 seconds at a time, stopping to stir before microwaving for another 15-20 seconds. Chocolate should be thoroughly melted after about 45-50 seconds. If a thinner sauce is desired add a teaspoon of coconut oil while microwaving. After pumpkin bars have cooled completely, drizzle melted chocolate in zig zag lines across the pan using a small spoon. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow chocolate to set. Nutritional information per serving: 187 calories, 15.2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, 2.6g fiber, 1.3g sugar, 10.8g fat, 0.9g saturated fat, 34.9mg cholesterol, 45.5mg sodium
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Some of the Best Nutrients for a High-quality Life
In our fast-paced world, there’s an overabundance of foods that are harmful to our health. While most people realize that eating a steady diet of hamburgers, French fries and soft drinks isn’t beneficial for our health, the convenience of junk or fast food is a dangerous trap that many in our society fall into on a consistent basis. The Diet Downfall The standard American diet (SAD), or Western pattern diet (WPD), is largely composed of unhealthy foods that are: Highly processed- essential nutrients lost Pro-inflammatory- injurious to muscles, joints, and organs Artificially colored and sweetened- toxic to the liver and other organs High glycemic index- overworks the body’s sugar processing system Low in fiber- robs probiotics of the food they need Laden with hormones- can adversely affect the body’s delicate hormone balance Pesticide sprayed- toxic to humans Tainted with antibiotics- harmful to probiotics This diet typically is high in sodium, refined sugars, omega-6 fatty acids, trans fats, and excess calories. People who maintain a diet loaded with simple carbohydrates (such as bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, fruit juices and sugar) have an increased risk for problems with their digestive system, liver, pancreas, heart, circulation, and overall brain health. On the flipside, a healthy diet should include plenty of fresh vegetables, seeds, nuts, berries, beans, free-range poultry, grass-fed meats, and wild caught, cold-water fish. This diet tends to be higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But even those who try to eat a healthy diet may find it challenging to get all the nutrients they need daily. The Nutrition Gap Numerous large population surveys have documented that the foods currently available aren’t providing enough of the nutrients the brain and body need. Despite your best efforts to follow a healthy diet, many foods are so low in nutrients that you’ll always have a gap in nutrition. That’s where dietary supplements come in – they help fill the gaps in your diet with the nutrients you’re missing by only eating foods. Get Nutritional Support One of the best ways to optimize your health is with high-quality supplements. The foundation of everyone’s supplement plan should be an ultra-pure, clinically proven multiple vitamin-mineral supplement with the best nutrients to help improve energy, focus and memory. BrainMD is proud to recommend… NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin The first and only daily multivitamin created through the clinical experience of brain health expert Dr. Daniel G. Amen, NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin combines more than 50 of the best nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts, in their most active forms, to give you whole mind-body nutrition.* NeuroVite Plus also contains 3 of Dr. Amen’s hand-selected, high-nutrient blends: 3 Proprietary Nutrient Blends The Brain Boosting Blend This blend is without precedent among multiples. Dr. Amen developed this potent blend to promote optimal brain function and support the aging brain.* These clinically researched, brain directed nutrients help increase energy production by boosting mitochondrial function, protecting against toxins by raising antioxidant levels, promoting healthy blood sugar levels, and supporting the brain’s nerve cell communications via their trillions of connections (synapses).* This blend’s hefty 575 milligram daily allowance provides: PhosphatidylSerine (PS), the brain nutrient best documented for improving memory, is most abundant in the trillions of synapses where the brain’s nerve cells interconnect.* PS is the only nutrient granted 2 Qualified Health Claims by the U.S. FDA, related to its brain benefits.* PS has over 35 double-blind clinical trials and is proven useful for attention in children as well as for memory in adults.* Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) fuels energy generation by the mitochondria, and supplies acetyl groups that help the brain make the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine.* ALC is also used by brain cells to help regulate their gene activity.* In clinical trials, ALC consistently improved the health of nerve cells.* Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a major energy cofactor, naturally built into the structure of three key energy enzymes that are active in the brain cells but also active in every other cell of the body.* Clinical trials indicate ALA enhances nerve cell energy, maintenance and repair.* Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential cofactor for energy generation in the body, via the mitochondria’s electron transfer enzymes.* These are constantly at work in our cells and supply over 90 percent of all the energy needed by the brain and other organs.* CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant that simultaneously protects our cells and tissues against toxins.* These costly ingredients were included to make NeuroVite Plus a more robust, fully brain-directed multiple.* The Fruit and Vegetable Blend Individuals who struggle to consume the optimal amounts of fruits and vegetables every day can benefit from this formulation.* This proprietary blend offers antioxidant and numerous other health benefits from its array of plant nutrients (phytonutrients).* This unique blend was added to NeuroVite Plus to provide the richness of plant substances that support brain and whole-body vitality.* Alfalfa sprouts contribute vitamin K and contain superoxide dismutase, an important antioxidant enzyme.* Broccoli sprouts provide sulforaphane, a brain protectant.* Carrots, tomatoes, spinach, wild blueberries, strawberries and acai contain a variety of carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, and many other phytonutrients that offer numerous health benefits to all our tissues.* The Digestive Enzyme Blend The Digestive Enzyme Blend was developed to assist with digestion of the NeuroVite Plus ingredients and generally support digestive health – critical for a healthy gut and brain.* This full spectrum, plant-derived enzyme blend includes lipase, amylase, lactase, cellulase and protease.* The current nutritional research makes clear that everyone can benefit from taking a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement that’s concentrated, naturally derived, and made with integrity.* For all the above, take NeuroVite Plus daily.* At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin 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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