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8 Ways to Help Your Teen Overcome Screen Obsession
Even though technology has improved our lives in profound ways, it has presented us with many unique challenges. While it’s true that technology has many upsides, it’s also frequently misused or overused. With its prevalence and predominance in our society, it’s surprising how little research has been conducted on the ways technology affects developing brains and its impact on the family. Technology has completely captivated the youth of our society and video game playing has reached near epidemic proportions. One survey has reported that 97% of Americans from the ages of 12 to 17 play video games. With no end in sight for adrenaline-pumping video games or the engrossing immediacy of social media, what will the impact of technology be on today’s youth? Will such rampant use of technology bring about unforeseen consequences in the future? Will technology eventually control our every thought and decision? Will it become our identity? If your teenager has become dependent on technology, these thoughts have probably entered your mind at some point. But how can you know if your child is just exhibiting normal teenage behavior or if they’re headed for trouble? The only way to know for sure is to be aware of the warning signs. Warning Signs Most people would agree that video game binges or all-night marathons aren’t beneficial to your health, either physically or mentally. But is there a time limit that should be observed by gamers? Is there a way to know for sure when video game playing becomes excessive…or even obsessive? There are many warning signs for people who have an overdependence on technology. Your child might be at risk if: He/she plays video games all night long, sleeps in during the day and generally lives a sedentary lifestyle. He/she has failed classes, quit going to school or lost a job over excessive gaming or internet use. He/she needs to play games for longer periods of time to get the same level of enjoyment. He/she withdraws socially or becomes irritable, anxious or aggressive when not playing games or engaging on social media. He/she has difficulty completing tasks that require concentration and attention, such as reading a book. If you have a “screenager” who can’t put down the controller, smartphone or tablet, here are 8 practical tips to help your child overcome their digital dependence: 8 Ways to Help Your Teen Overcome Screen Obsession Take a Tech Timeout More and more, parents are limiting their kids’ TV or tablet time. Establish a time when all devices will be turned off for the remainder of the evening. Not only will this provide a break from calling, texting, browsing the internet and posting content on social media, it will also afford your family the opportunity to spend more quality time together. Make Them Earn It In addition to establishing time limits for TV, video game or internet usage, make your teen earn their screen time. Examples of tasks that need to be completed before screen time is granted are: reading a book, spending time with family and friends and completing homework and chores. Support Their Pleasure Centers Deep inside the brain, your child’s pleasure centers respond to several neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. When dopamine is depleted, depression and low motivation are much more likely to occur – it can be increasingly difficult to lift them out of a funk. Monitor your child’s high-excitement activities, limit video games and regulate their screen time. Boost your child’s dopamine naturally by engaging in meaningful conversation and fun activities outdoors. Get Them Moving When your children are playing outside, riding their bikes or scooters, or are involved in an organized sport like Little League or gymnastics, they’re engaging their bodies and minds. When your children are sitting on the couch watching TV or YouTube for hours on end, their brains aren’t being challenged. Physical activity stimulates mental activity and improves blood flow to the brain, so get your kids up and moving. It’s recommended that children exercise at least 30 minutes every day. Create a Technology Free Bedroom One of the best ways to avoid the dangers of digital dependence is to remove TVs, computers and other electronic devices from your child’s bedroom. Creating a relaxing environment, free from the distractions of the outside world, may facilitate better sleep and reduce the amount of harmful electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) their body absorbs. Boost Their PFC The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is responsible for helping your child be goal-oriented, socially responsible, and productive in every area of their life. Decreased activity in the PFC has been associated with lack of forethought and poor judgment. Exercising self-control is one of the best ways to strengthen their PFC. Supplements, green tea, relaxation techniques and enjoyable activities can increase blood flow to the PFC, which can assist your child in making better decisions. One Screen at a Time It’s common for people to use more than one form of technology at the same time. For example, a person may browse the internet or make online purchases on a desktop computer, laptop or iPad while talking, texting or tweeting on a smartphone all while watching TV. To prevent your child’s attention from being divided by multiple devices, follow the “one screen at a time” rule. This should aid your child’s ability to focus while also giving their overstimulated brain some much-needed downtime. Internet Fasts A great way to curb the adverse effects of digital obsession is to reserve one day of the week for an internet fast. Rather than letting your child sit around staring at a screen all day, encourage them to work on a hobby, engage in physical activity or enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. You might be surprised at how many things your child can do, and how much fun they can have while taking a break from console games and the internet. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to give your child the focus and energy they need to succeed in school and in life. 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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5 Ways to Help Students Combat Negative Thoughts
“I’m so stupid.” “I’m always messing things up.” “No one wants to be with me.” Sadly, these types of negative beliefs are common for many kids. They become ingrained in their brain from the cruel things others say and from the bullying many of them are forced to endure. Getting picked on not only impacts emotional and social functioning, it also can have biological consequences that extend into adulthood. Kids and young adults are faced with a host of challenges at school. Besides the pressure to perform academically, they are inundated with unhealthy stereotypes and bombarded with negative messages on social media. Many give in to peer pressure and develop harmful habits and behaviors that can adversely impact their lives. Of course, not all negativity comes from external sources. Many kids are plagued with self-doubt, are insecure socially and have poor self-esteem and body image. Also, they may struggle with anxious or depressive thoughts. The Power of Thoughts What we think has a powerful effect on our lives. While it’s common to trust everything we think, the truth is our thoughts constantly lie to us. For instance, we may incorrectly assume things about other people or may inaccurately interpret how others view us. Our thoughts become our beliefs if we think them often enough. The unfortunate reality is that many kids beat themselves up with self-defeating thoughts. Whether it’s from mistakes or critical things others have said, negative thoughts can spontaneously pop into their head, sometimes days or even weeks after the hurtful event. When pessimistic thoughts occur at random times, your child might be experiencing automatic negative thoughts. What Are Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs)? When negative thoughts enter the mind without warning or invitation, they’re called Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs). Here are the 9 types of ANTs and a brief description of their harmful effects: “All or Nothing” Thinking- Thoughts that are all good or all bad. “Always” Thinking- Thinking in words like always, never, no one, everyone, every time, everything. Focusing on The Negative- Only seeing the bad in a situation. Fortune Telling- Predicting the worst possible outcome to a situation with little or no evidence for it. Mind Reading- Believing that you know what another person is thinking even though they haven’t told you. Thinking with Your Feelings- Believing negative feelings without ever questioning them. Guilt Beatings- Thinking in words like should, must, ought, or have to. Labeling- Attaching a negative label to yourself or someone else. Blame- Blaming someone else for your problems. Whenever a negative thought pops into your head, combat it with these 4 questions: Is it true? Can I absolutely know that it’s true? How do I react when I think that thought? Who would I be without that thought? Or, how would I feel if I didn’t have that thought? Killing Your ANTs: Whenever ANTs creep into the mind, they must be killed. You kill them by talking back to them; if you don’t, ANTs can feast on your emotions and create anxious or depressive thoughts. Whenever an automatic negative thought enters your mind, train yourself to recognize its type and write it down. Talk back to the ANT – this takes away its power so you can gain control over your moods and start feeling better. Killing ANTs can reduce stress and improve your child’s outlook on life. In addition to taking brain-directed supplements, eating healthy foods, getting plenty of rest, water, and exercise – correcting negative thinking to reduce internal stress is key! Here are 5 ways to decrease negativity and increase positivity in your child’s life: 1. Snap to It- To prevent recurring negative thoughts, have your child wear a rubber band on their wrist. Whenever a negative thought enters their mind, train them to snap the rubber band (not too hard to where it leaves a red mark). Over time, this action will help trigger a response in their brain to switch gears from the negative thought to a positive one. 2. Shift Their Focus- If you recognize that your child is in a rut of negative thinking, help them shift their attention to something else by: spending time with a friend, reading a book, solving a crossword puzzle, or listening to soothing tunes. One of the most effective ways to prevent your child from thinking about something negative is to shift their focus to something positive. 3. Get Them Moving- If your kids are stuck in a funk, get them outside. Take your kids to a park where you can toss around a frisbee or just let them run around and let off some steam. Physical activity stimulates mental activity and improves blood flow to the brain, so get your kids up and moving. 4. Open Lines of Communication- If you notice that your child is stressed out from excessive schoolwork or demanding extracurricular activities, make sure you’re keeping the lines of communication open by asking how their day went. It may be that there’s a deeper problem, i.e. bullying, that you need to address with the school’s staff. Failing to engage your child in conversation may make their problems worse. Always make sure good communication exists in your home. 5. Focus on Strengths- It’s natural for kids who deal with negative patterns of thought to only focus on the bad things in their life and to overlook the positive. Be intentional in encouraging your child to stay active in sports, clubs and hobbies that they do well. You will improve your child’s outlook when you focus on their strengths rather than dwelling on their weaknesses. You can help your child learn how to reduce stress by killing their ANTs and embracing more positive, accurate thoughts. Better choices can lead to a better 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.
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The One Thing You Should Never Forget to Pack
The weather is nice and you’re ready to get outside for some fun. Whether you’re hanging out at the beach, hitting the trail for a hiking or mountain biking adventure or just taking a road trip to get out of town, don’t forget to pack the one thing that will supercharge your trip from the start…your vitamins! Maybe it’s due to their tiny size, but many people forget to pack supplements or vitamins when leaving for a vacation or a weekend outing. Although getting off your vitamin regimen is never a good thing, it’s particularly harmful when you head off on a trip. Without the proper nutrients, you may find it difficult to engage in activities that require sustained physical exertion. Or, you may experience a reduction in mental sharpness, an increase in edginess and difficulties recalling key details of your itinerary or accommodations. To prevent periods of low energy, mood, and memory issues, always remember to take your supplements with you. There’s no need to pack bottles or a weekly vitamin organizer – BrainMD offers ultra-pure, brain-directed supplements in a convenient on-the-go packet. We’ve developed two different supplement packet options to fit your on-the-go lifestyle: Brain & Body Power Brain & Body Power is a superior supplement system that was designed for essential everyday performance. It’s a powerful daily regimen of 3 essential supplements for your brain, memory, and overall health. To make it even easier, we combined each recommended dose into a convenient packet that can be easily packed in your backpack or travel bag. Plus, you’ll save up to $50 compared to buying them all individually! Each packet contains: Brain & Memory Power Boost (2 capsules) Our bestselling, brain-boosting formula provides potent ingredients to support the brain’s energy, connectivity, and memory performance. NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin (2 capsules) This powerful combination of 50 vitamins, minerals and plant extracts (all in their most active forms for optimal bioavailability) is foundational to your supplement regimen. Omega-3 Power (1 capsule) Omega-3 Power provides a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids and is unique in that it is screened for over 250 potential contaminants to ensure maximum purity. Here’s what others are saying about Brain & Body Power: “I love this product. These little packets have everything I need to feel great and be sure that I am treating my brain and body well. I really appreciate the convenience of the packets; I don’t need to dispense my supplements from separate bottles and it is especially great for travel.” -Tricia Brain & Body Power MAX Brain & Body Power MAX contains the same supplements found in Brain & Body Power, but adds more capsules for larger doses of the nutrients you need to maintain an active lifestyle. This comprehensive supplement system makes it easy to stay healthy on-the-go with portable packets for your pocket, bag or backpack. Brain & Body Power MAX is recommended for those who are interested in a truly powerful dietary supplement for their brains with added memory support. It provides your brain and the rest of your body with amino acids, vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts and neuro-nutrients – all at advanced levels. Each packet contains: Brain & Memory Power Boost (3 capsules) This brain-boosting formula will provide you with an all-star lineup of potent ingredients that support the brain’s energy, connectivity, and overall performance. NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin (2 capsules) NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin is the only source of Dr. Daniel Amen’s proprietary Brain Boosting Blend of brain-supporting nutrients. Omega-3 Power (2 capsules) Healthy brains and hearts require plenty of omega-3’s to operate at peak performance, and Omega-3 Power is an excellent way to get them at a much higher potency than standard fish oil products. Here’s what others are saying about Brain & Body Power MAX: “Having all these vitamins in two daily packets allows me to travel with them so I never forget to take them.” -Terrie In addition to taking powerful, brain healthy supplements, here are some tips for maintaining optimal health on your next trip or outdoor excursion: 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Health While Traveling: 1. Pack a Snack- Emergency rations can be a lifesaver if your blood sugar drops and you get a snack attack. Examples of healthy snacks are sugar-free dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, and cherries), vegetables (baby carrots, celery, and snap peas), and nuts (almonds and walnuts). Protein-rich foods like seeds and nuts take longer to digest, which may help satiate your hunger between meals. Walnuts have almost twice as many antioxidants as other commonly consumed nuts such as almonds, peanuts, and pistachios. 2. Stay Hydrated- Your brain is 80% water, so anything that dehydrates it (such as too much caffeine or alcohol) should be avoided. How much water should you drink? Half your body weight in ounces is best. Example: if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water each day. Staying outside for extended periods of time, especially in arid regions, may require that you drink even more water to remain well hydrated. 3. Get Your Daily D3- Engaging in outdoor activities is important for everyone and has an overall positive effect on vitality. While enjoying the great outdoors, you’ll get the added benefit of natural sunlight. Daily exposure to appropriate levels (just 10 to 30 minutes a day) of direct sunlight can boost vitamin D3 levels which can help improve your mood. Be sure to monitor how much sun you’re getting – too much exposure can lead to severe sunburn and even skin cancer. 4. Plan Ahead- There’s nothing more stressful than realizing the day before you go on a trip that you still haven’t gotten an oil change, gone to the bank or purchased extra socks. Creating a checklist will help reduce the stress of preparing for your trip. Before you leave, search the internet for popular beaches, hikes or day trips in the area you’re visiting to avoid the last-minute craziness that comes from indecisiveness or poor planning. 5. Adventure Journal- Keeping an adventure journal is a fun way to preserve the memories of some of the most exciting times in your life. Writing down your experiences in a journal not only has the immediate benefit of providing a relaxing pastime but also provides a future record of experiences that you may otherwise forget. If you choose not to journal on your trip, be sure to do so soon after you return while the memories are still fresh. 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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Wellness Weekend Guide: 10 Ways to Reset & Recharge
Do you feel stressed out all the time? Do you have low energy or mood? From time to time, everyone encounters periods of exhaustion. There could be any number of reasons for your physical or emotional slump. Fortunately, there are also plenty of potential solutions to your burnout blues. The Busyness Trap In today’s fast-paced society, everyone is busy. In fact, we’re too busy. On average, Americans work harder and take fewer vacation days than people in many other countries around the world. Taking a vacation can increase your workload, making your return to work even more stressful. Due to this compounding of tasks, coupled with the added hassles and expenses of travel, many people never request time off from work. If taking a vacation isn’t feasible in the foreseeable future, it’s imperative that you get the R&R you need during the weekend. Whether you leave town or just chill out at home, taking the time to recharge your batteries is crucial to staying centered in our hectic world. So, when was the last time you made some time for yourself? If you’re past due for a mind/body reset, here are the top 10 things to consider when planning a Wellness Weekend… 10 Things to Do For A Wellness Weekend Maintain a Healthy Diet Since people tend to consume more calories during the weekend, resist the temptation to stray from your well-established diet. Pack healthy foods for a picnic or plan out healthy places to eat when heading out of town. Always make sure that you have emergency rations handy to fend off a snack attack. Eating the right foods can help you have more energy, a better mood, and more mental sharpness. Listen to Soothing Tunes It’s no surprise that listening to music can increase pleasurable feelings, improve mood, boost energy, raise dopamine levels and help with focus and concentration. Remaining in a relaxed state of mind is easier to accomplish when you have a happy tune running through your head. Listen to brain-enhancing music specifically composed to enhance mood, gratitude, motivation, and inspiration. Get Quality Sleep Good sleep is essential for optimal brain and body health. Sleep helps repair and renew all the cells in the body. It gives the brain a chance to wash away toxins that build up during the day. It’s recommended that you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. For consistent energy, be sure maintain your regular sleep schedule over the weekend. Keep Pleasure Centers Healthy Deep inside your brain, your pleasure centers respond to several neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. When dopamine is low, depression and low motivation are much more common – it can be harder to find your sense of joy and lift yourself out of a funk. Increase dopamine naturally by engaging in meaningful and beneficial activities on a regular basis. Do work that you enjoy and take time to have fun with your loved ones. It’s equally important to avoid wearing out your pleasure centers with substance abuse, gambling, video games, and compulsive eating or shopping. Burn Some Calories Physical exercise is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to keep your brain healthy. Exercise can boost blood flow and other positive nutrients to the brain, increase your levels of dopamine and generate new brain cells that can help the brain self-regulate and calm down. Walking can help you clear your mind, decrease anxiety, improve your mood and burn some calories all at the same time. Take a Tech Break Taking a break from emailing, texting, browsing the internet and posting content on social media will help your brain unwind. Rather than sitting around staring at a screen all day, spend some time working on a hobby, participating in a quality conversation with friends and family or enjoying the beauty of nature. Or, find a comfortable chair and pick up that book you’ve been meaning to finish. You might be surprised at how many things you can do, and how much fun you can have while taking a break from your devices. Pamper Yourself Getting a massage can do more than just improve your physical function. Clinical studies indicate that a massage is beneficial for improving mood and coping with stress. Massages can help to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Enjoy the Great Outdoors Engaging in outdoor activities is important for everyone, especially for those who work a desk job. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding or just taking a walk with a friend, being outdoors has an overall positive effect on vitality. While enjoying the great outdoors, you’ll get the added benefit of natural sunlight. Daily exposure to appropriate levels (just 10 to 30 minutes a day) of direct sunlight can boost vitamin D3 levels which can help improve your mood. Preserve Cherished Memories If it’s been a while since you worked on a scrapbook or photo album, the weekend is a perfect time to preserve your memories (especially if the weather isn’t so nice). Also, editing, archiving and watching old family videos can serve the double purpose of providing hours of enjoyment working on a hobby while also reminding you of some of the happier moments in your life. Get Some Nutritional Support Whether you find yourself having negative or anxious thoughts, or if you feel that your stress levels have nearly reached the breaking point, BrainMD offers a range of powerful supplements for mood and stress that can help turn your day around. These brain-directed supplements have been formulated with the highest quality nutrients and ingredients that can help you feel calm, content, and able to manage stress or mental strain. GABA Calming Support In some regions of the brain, lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA have been linked to mood challenges, difficulties with self-control, and excessive worry. When you’re calm and collected, you’re less inclined to overreact to the inevitable setbacks of life, and far more likely to think clearly and respond appropriately to those challenges. If your chaotic schedule is causing you too much aggravation, frustration, and irritability, take a deep breath and try GABA Calming Support. GABA Calming Support can help stimulate the production of calming brain waves, correct stress-causing nutritional deficiencies, and promote relaxation.* This formula provides a generous allowance of authentic GABA, the brain’s main calming transmitter. This comprehensive relaxation formula includes vitamin B6 and magnesium, as well as lemon balm, an herb traditionally known for its calming effects.* GABA Calming Support also has mild relaxation properties that can support a balanced mood and restful sleep.* Serotonin Mood Support Our brain produces the naturally soothing neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin plays many important roles in the brain’s biochemistry and is involved in maintaining healthy mood and promoting feelings of calmness.* Serotonin also can help control late-night appetite.* Serotonin Mood Support was developed to promote serotonin activity in the brain.* This formula includes: 5-HTP, a nutrient that the brain can readily convert into serotonin.* Saffron, the world’s most expensive herb, has a long history of traditional use for “inducing happiness.”* Saffron has consistently improved mood in many clinical trials.* Vitamin B6 is an essential cofactor for enzymes that make serotonin and other key transmitters.* Methylfolate, the pre-activated and most readily utilized form of the folate vitamin.* Methylfolate is paired with methyl-vitamin B12 to help ensure the brain makes sufficient melatonin (our sleep hormone) and has the biochemical tools for renewing and maintaining its nearly 200 billion cells.* Lifestyle habits such as consuming “smart” carbohydrates in moderation and taking a dietary supplement like Serotonin Mood Support can work together to elevate mood and promote calm.* Following these stress-reducing techniques can help to improve your overall well-being so that you can live life to the fullest. Enjoy your Wellness Weekend! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about GABA Calming Support, Serotonin Mood Support 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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Is Your Gut Messing with Your Brain?
It is estimated that the gastrointestinal tract is loaded with about 100 trillion microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, and others), about ten times the total number of cells in the human body. To be healthy, the relationship of good bugs to bad bugs needs to be positively skewed – around 85 percent good to 15 percent troublemakers. When the balance is tipped the other way, all sorts of physical and mental problems can arise. Dysbiosis (also called dysbacteriosis) occurs when there is an imbalance of good bacteria (probiotics) and bad bacteria in the gut and has been linked to a wide range of health issues. Keeping your gut health in proper balance is essential to your overall health. Avoiding sugars and starches, eating the right balance of omega fatty acids, staying well-hydrated, and increasing the number of fermented foods you eat are all ways to support a healthy balance of gut flora. 4 Signs You Need Probiotics Digestive Issues Experiencing digestive issues is a sure-fire way to know you have an unbalanced gut. Many people end up treating their symptoms with antacids, gas medicines, or anti-diarrheal medications, but these don’t get to the root cause of the problem, which is unhealthy gut flora. If you are struggling with any of the following, you are likely suffering from dysbiosis: Gas Constipation Bloating Diarrhea Heartburn/acid reflex Irritable bowel Taking Antibiotics Antibiotics are designed to kill the bad, harmful bacteria in our bodies. When we are sick, this a VERY good thing! Unfortunately, though, antibiotics cannot discriminate between the good bacteria and bad bacteria in our bodies, so it kills it all! In fact, antibiotic means anti-life, which is the exact opposite of probiotic, which means pro-life. And research shows that taking even ONE dose of antibiotics may permanently reduce the diversity of your gut bacteria. However, the greatest danger from antibiotics does not come from those prescribed by your doctor, but rather from the foods you eat. It is estimated that 70 percent of the total antibiotic use in the United States is for livestock, which is why it is critical to eat antibiotic- and hormone-free meats whenever possible. Other medications that also rob your gut of good bacteria include birth control pills, pain medication, and anti-inflammatories. Chronic Stress Studies show that stress, all by itself, decreases healthy gut flora! Stress is inevitable, no matter how hard we try to avoid it. The problem arises when you let it go on for too long without managing it. Chronic, unmanaged stress raises cortisol (the stress hormone) levels which damages your gut flora and can stop the gut from working properly. Research has established that taking a probiotic supplement helps to reduce the stress response. Weak Immunity Immunity starts in the gut – in fact, by some estimates as much as 80% of your immune system resides in your gut. Something called intestinal permeability, also known as leaky gut syndrome, is a major source of impaired immunity. Increasing the level of good bacteria in your gut helps to tighten the intestinal “junctions” through which leaking occurs, thus healing the permeability and improving immune function. By promoting a healthy gut flora with a regular probiotic supplement, studies show you can boost your immune system, strengthen your body’s defenses against illness, and potentially decrease the frequency and length of sicknesses. If you have used all of your sick days at work, seem to catch everything that goes around, or get sick from the flu every year, then try probiotics. Because of the importance of probiotics to overall health, BrainMD created ProBrainBiotics, a specially formulated probiotic to support the health of your gut and your brain. Make ProBrainBiotics a part of your daily life! At BrainMD, we’re committed to promoting, optimizing, and supporting brain health naturally. Using the most rigorous criteria for selecting the highest quality nutrients, we offer a line of ultra-pure, brain-directed, and clinical strength supplements that can help to boost your mood, memory and overall brain health. For more information about ProBrainBiotics and our full list of supplements, visit us at BrainMD.
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The Ultimate Self-Care Guide: How to Take Better Care of Yourself
If you’ve ever flown on a jet, you’ve heard the safety instructions that are announced over the speakers before the flight. You might remember the part of the script that says: “In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will automatically descend from the ceiling. Grab the mask and pull it over your face. If you have children traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs.” Those directions always sounded strange to me until I stopped to consider the logic behind them. Since many children don’t have the ability or mental awareness to place an oxygen mask over their face, it’s up to an adult to aid their children in that process. But if an adult doesn’t affix their mask first, they may pass out from lightheadedness and fail to assist their kids. The principle behind those preflight instructions also applies to your mental and physical health. Perhaps you have people—children, siblings, a spouse or even parents—who depend on you for daily assistance. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, how can you hope to take care of them? Here Are 10 Practical, Simple Self-Care Tips 1. Take Care of Number One You’ve probably heard the expression “always take care of number one.” Although that saying might not be the best advice in business, team sports, relationships or many other areas of life, it holds a great deal of significance to your personal health. In fact, how you treat your body, and brain may well determine your ability to function in an increasingly busy world. Like it or not, stress is a normal and unavoidable part of living. From work or school to shopping and paying bills, the list of demands on our time can seem insurmountable. If it feels like your stress levels are being pushed to the limit, you may be experiencing the kind of exhaustion that can lead to serious mood and sleep issues. Taking care of yourself may require that you seek out additional help. The good news is that there are many practical steps you can take to get the support you need. 2. Get Some Nutritional Support Whether you find yourself having negative or anxious thoughts, or if you feel that your stress levels have nearly reached the breaking point, BrainMD offers a range of powerful supplements for stress and mood that can help turn your day around.* These brain-directed supplements have been formulated with the highest quality nutrients and ingredients that can 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 replenishes your body’s levels of nutrients that can be depleted during times of excessive stress and has herbal extracts clinically proven to have calming and anti-stress effects.* This formula includes: Magnesium, a mineral important for calm, balanced and mentally focused demeanor.* The vitamin-like nutrient taurine, that has versatile benefits for electrical transmission in the brain and supports the adrenal glands which are crucial for coping with stress.* Holy Basil, revered in the East for improving adaptation to occasional anxiety, feelings of exhaustion, forgetfulness and other problems related to stress.* L-theanine from green tea reduces tension and promotes rest without diminishing alertness.* Relora® is a unique mix of two herbs that can enhance healthy management of the stress hormone cortisol while easing anger, negative mood, and confusion.* These well-studied nutrients and herbals support your body’s coping with stress on multiple levels.* Everyday Stress Relief can help you stay calm so that you can enjoy the good things in your life.* Serotonin Mood Support Our brain produces the naturally soothing neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin plays many important roles in the brain’s biochemistry and is involved in maintaining healthy mood and promoting feelings of calmness.* Serotonin also can help control late-night appetite.* Serotonin Mood Support is highly geared to promote serotonin activity in the brain.* This formula includes: 5-HTP, a nutrient that the brain can readily convert into serotonin on demand.* Saffron, the world’s most expensive herb, has a long history of traditional use for “inducing happiness.”* Saffron has consistently improved mood in a number of clinical trials.* Vitamin B6 is an essential cofactor for enzymes that make serotonin and other key transmitters.* Methylfolate, the pre-activated and most readily utilized form of the folate vitamin.* Methylfolate is paired with methyl-vitamin B12 to help ensure the brain makes sufficient melatonin (our sleep hormone) and has the biochemical tools for renewing and maintaining its nearly 200 billion cells.* Lifestyle habits such as consuming “smart” carbohydrates in moderation and taking a dietary supplement like Serotonin Mood Support can work together to elevate mood and promote calm.* In addition to supplements, there are many other effective ways to improve your emotional well-being to manage mood and reduce stress.* Learn how to be kinder to yourself by implementing the tips in this Self-care Strategy Guide.* 3. Give Yourself a Time Out You may feel pressure to be everything to everyone, but there’s only so much one person can accomplish. Increase your energy and stamina by giving yourself a timeout. All of us need time to recharge our batteries and self-care is often the best thing you can do. Plus, others will benefit when your stress is reduced and your mood is improved. 4. Listen to Soothing Tunes It’s no surprise that listening to music can increase pleasurable feelings, improve mood, boost energy, raise dopamine levels and help with focus and concentration.¹ Remaining in a relaxed state of mind is easier to accomplish when you have a happy tune running through your head. Listen to brain enhancing music specifically composed to enhance mood, gratitude, motivation, and inspiration. 5. Get Quality Sleep Good sleep is essential for optimal brain and body health. Insufficient and inconsistent sleep can increase irritability, moodiness and poor judgment.² To remain at the top of your game, it’s recommended that you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Whether you’re too wired or too stressed to sleep, natural sleep aids can help improve your quality of sleep. 6. Write It Down The process of journaling gives stressful thoughts a home, another place they can live besides your brain. Once those thoughts have been expressed, they often lose their intensity and urgency which will allow you to mentally relax. Writing in your journal 10 minutes before you go to bed can help release the stresses of the day and put you in a restful state of mind. 7. Get Regular Exercise Physical exercise is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to keep your brain healthy. Exercise can boost blood flow and other positive nutrients to the brain, increase your levels of dopamine and generate new brain cells that can help the brain self-regulate and calm down. Walking can help you clear your mind, decrease anxiety, improve your mood and burn some calories all at the same time. 8. Meditate Daily Make time for yourself every day. Taking breaks for meditation and relaxation provide benefits for both your physical and mental health. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh your mind. Clearing your mind and slowing your breathing can help restore inner calm. Repeating simple words like “May I be safe and secure” can increase positive emotions and decrease negative ones. Loving Kindness Meditations (LKM) can reduce pain and improve other mental health challenges. 9. Get a Massage One way to counter the effects of stress is to get a massage. Massage therapy has been known to increase dopamine levels by nearly 30% while decreasing cortisol (a stress hormone) levels.³ 10. Just Say No Take control of your schedule rather than letting it control you. Say no to cravings, events and activities that aren’t essential to your life. Be mindful of what you do, how you spend your time and energy. Don’t do things the same way just because that’s how you’ve always done them. If what you’re doing isn’t making you happy or is causing you stress, it’s time to do something different. By following these mood-boosting and stress-reducing techniques they can help to improve your overall well-being so that you can take care of yourself and the other important people in your 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. Zaatar, M. T., Alhakim, K., Enayeh, M., & Tamer, R. (2023). The transformative power of music: Insights into neuroplasticity, health, and disease. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health, 35, 100716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100716 2. Salfi, F., Lauriola, M., Tempesta, D., Calanna, P., Socci, V., De Gennaro, L., & Ferrara, M. (2020). Effects of total and partial sleep deprivation on reflection impulsivity and risk-taking in deliberative decision-making. Nature and Science of Sleep, 12, 309–324. https://doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S250586 3. Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 115(10), 1397–1413. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450590956459
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Get To Know Our Free Trial Program
At BrainMD we know that we have a lot to offer when it comes to quality and ultra-pure supplements. We also know that it can be tricky to decide which one is right for you without trying it beforehand. That’s why we offer Free Trials for 3 of our most-loved, top-selling supplement formulations. We’re so confident that you’ll love them, we’re giving you an entire sample box packed with brain healthy nutrients to try for free! In total, you’ll receive 14 convenient packets, which is a 7-day supply for you to try for yourself and start feeling the benefits. The best part is that they come in convenient on-the-go packets so you don’t have to worry about missing a day! But don’t just take our word for it… Over the years, we’ve had countless success stories. Here are just a few examples of real customer stories and their experience with our free trial supplements. BrainMD's Free Trial Program 1. Brain & Body Power Brain & Body Power is an advanced 3-in-1 supplement system that combines our daily multivitamin - NeuroVite Plus, with our cognitive enhancer - Brain and Memory Power Boost, and our ultra-pure fish oil supplement, Omega-3 Power to provide whole body wellness. To make it even more convenient, we included each recommended dose into on-the-go packets that can be stored in your desk, purse, or travel bag. “Not only are these supplements high quality, they work and are packaged so that you get everything you need in one daily pouch. I love this product. I had been taking most of these supplements for a long time but had to order several different products and had to deal with many bottles and dosing. This keeps everything simple!” – Will “I noticed a difference by day 3 of my 1-week trial. Ordered and have continued to experience so much more energy. In addition, my memory has improved noticeably. I am very happy that I switched supplements!” – Barb Here’s a closer look at what's inside Brain & Body Power: NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin This robust combination of 50 vitamins, minerals and plant extracts (all in their most active forms for optimal bioavailability) is foundational to a supplement regimen. NeuroVite Plus is also the only source of Dr. Daniel Amen’s proprietary Brain Boosting Blend of brain-supporting nutrients. Brain & Memory Power Boost Brain & Memory Power Boost is our bestselling, brain-boosting formula that provides potent ingredients to support the brain’s energy, connectivity, and overall performance. This product is specialized, brain-directed nutrition; grounded in science, to support healthy brain and memory performance. Omega-3 Power Omega-3 Power provides a high-dose of omega-3 fatty acids and is unique in that it’s screened for over 250 potential contaminants to ensure maximum purity. Rich in EPA and DHA, Omega-3 Power is a highly concentrated fish oil with 5 times more omega-3s than conventional brands. 2. Serotonin Mood Support Our brain produces the naturally soothing neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin plays many important roles in the brain’s biochemistry and is involved in maintaining healthy mood and self-confidence. Serotonin Mood Support contains ingredients shown to support healthy serotonin balance in the brain. Lifestyle habits such as daily exercise, consuming “smart” carbohydrates in moderation, and taking a dietary supplement like Serotonin Mood Support can work together to elevate mood, promote calm and facilitate sustained and deep sleep. Serotonin Mood Support can also help you control your appetite. “I noticed an immediate difference within 3 days. My affect has been much more even and calm and no episodes of ‘stress eating.’” – Missy “I can’t tell you how much better I feel on this supplement. I have energy and I feel like I have my real self back. I was going through the motions to get through my day but not anymore.” – Bonny 3. Focus & Energy Every now and again, everyone feels tired or unfocused. Focus & Energy was designed to prevent fatigue, promote mental sharpness, and preserve productivity. This supplement features a high potency green tea extract that intensifies oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain. Focus and Energy consists of energizing herbs and three powerful plant adaptogens (Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and ginseng) that reinforce the brain and body’s ability to fight fatigue and adapt to stress. It also contains choline, a vitamin-like nutrient that supports endurance and overall vigor. If you’re looking for a natural energizer, without the caffeine crash, Focus and Energy helps fortify your body with specially selected nutrients that provide enhanced mental focus and sustained energy. And unlike the energy rush you can get from your stimulant of choice (coffee, diet soda, caffeine pills), there’s no dramatic drop in mood and energy with this nutritional supplement. Focus and Energy is safe, natural and non-habit forming. “Within a week I realized I was able to read and comprehend more, able to have a whole day with energy, and am happier due to feeling more focused, organized and capable.” – Connie “The difference is incredible. My focus and recall have greatly improved. Others are no longer complaining that I don’t listen. One of the best results is that I’m seeing consistency.” – Jason How it Works: Step 1 - Get a 7-day free trial of one of these 3 brain-healthy supplements – just cover $1.95 shipping and handling. Step 2 - Follow the suggested use on the packaging and begin enjoying the product. Step 3 - If you love it, no action necessary, we’ll ship you a month’s supply after 14 days at a discounted rate. You can cancel at any time, so why not give it a try? For more details regarding the supplement offer or to begin your Free Trial today, click here. For our full catalog of brain healthy supplements, visit the online store at BrainMD.
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6 Common Attention Issues & Solutions for Staying Focused
Do you have trouble concentrating in class or during meetings? Do you get antsy when listening to a speaker for an extended period? Does your mind drift from one random thought to another, never really focusing on the topic at hand? Did you stop to check your cell phone at any point while reading this paragraph? In today’s busy world, giving our complete focus to one thing or person is becoming increasingly difficult…and is somewhat of a lost art. Attention issues not only impact performance in school, work, relationships and daily tasks, they also affect the way we function as human beings and how we perceive the world. And lest we think that the rapid rise of attention problems only afflicts the young, a growing number of adults are finding it harder and harder to remain organized, stay on task, and complete projects. Short attention spans are a national health crisis that continues to grow – yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and incorrectly treated maladies today. Here are some common complications for those who struggle with their attention and focus... Do You Have Any of These 6 Common Attention Issues? Impulsivity Impulsivity can cause serious predicaments at school and work. Blurting out answers, speaking tactlessly or disrespectfully, and saying things without thinking are typical for impulsive people. For those who struggle with impulsivity, the mouth is often engaged before the brain, which can cause a whole host of problems. Distractibility Inability to focus while reading, participate in small groups, follow what teachers or other public speakers are saying, or perform well at tasks can all have negative effects on school, work and relationships. Having a short attention span and being easily distracted can affect nearly every aspect of your life. Restlessness Overactivity in kids can cause many complications in the classroom: children can be restless, disruptive, and annoying to other kids (not to mention the teacher). Restlessness in little kids, teens and adults can be a distraction to others in the class or at work who notice their constant movement (i.e., legs shaking, shifting weight in a chair, etc.). Forgetfulness This prevalent struggle can cause hardships in the classroom, office or at home. Forgetting to bring books home, leaving your laptop at work, and forgetting where you placed your keys are common complaints of absentmindedness. Shifting Attention Some people have trouble shifting their attention from one thing to another. They tend to get stuck or over focus, which can interfere with their ability to effectively take notes, track what’s being discussed in a lecture, or keep up with the normal flow of conversation among a group of friends. Procrastination Many people with attention issues wait until the last minute to complete their tasks for school or work. If it isn’t the night before, they can’t get their brain engaged enough to get the work done. Procrastination can cause work to be done poorly, partially or not at all. Poor attention isn’t just a single and simple issue. Coping is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s a look at the worst and best ways to improve your attention: Worst Ways to Cope with Attention Issues Tough It Out Unaddressed attention challenges can have alarming consequences and are associated with higher incidences of academic problems, low self-esteem, job failure, incarceration, obesity, and divorce. Medication Fix Attention concerns can be aggravated by a variety of factors, including diet, environmental toxins, and limited physical activity. People who solely rely on medications to treat their attention problems might only find temporary relief of their symptoms or might even encounter side effects. Overcommit Yourself Filling your schedule with too many activities or distractions can make the condition worse. Simplify your schedule and develop an effective treatment plan that will work best for your lifestyle. Best Ways to Cope with Attention Issues Educate Yourself Learn more about attention issues and determine which ones you’re dealing with. Get professional help if necessary. This will assist you to accurately identify the areas that you’re struggling with so that you can take the appropriate steps to solve the problem. Find Quality Care What works for one person with attention concerns might not work for another – or could even make symptoms worse! Make sure you’re working with a qualified practitioner that truly cares about your individual health and well-being. Comprehensive Strategy to Optimize Attention and Focus Address your complaint comprehensively, including proper testing, diet, supplementation, and therapy. Find professionals open to the most comprehensive options for providing you with the support you need using the least toxic, most effective means possible. There are many things you can do today to have better focus and energy. One of the best ways to support your attention is with high-quality, brain-healthy supplements… Focus & Energy Every now and again, everyone feels tired or unfocused. BrainMD’s Focus & Energy was designed to gently prevent fatigue without making you feel drained later, to promote mental sharpness, and to improve your mental (and physical) productivity and endurance. This supplement features a high potency green tea extract that intensifies oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain, as well as an array of highly energizing traditionally proven herbs. This breakthrough supplement features standardized concentrates on an incredible array of "adaptogens," traditional plants proven to improve mental performance when under stress. Sensoril® ashwagandha has multiple impressive clinical trials. Rhodiola grows in the most extreme climates, and this concentrate is the most clinically validated. Asian (Panax) ginseng often is felt almost immediately, and this concentrate is loaded with brain-active ginsenosides. Focus & Energy is formulated by BrainMD's MD-PhD team specifically to reinforce the brain and body’s ability to fight fatigue and adapt to stress. It also contains choline, a vitamin-like nutrient that helps the brain make the key transmitter acetylcholine and has other metabolic pathways that promote endurance and vigor. If you’re looking for a natural energizer, Focus & Energy helps fortify your body with specially selected nutrients that provide enhanced mental focus and sustained energy. And unlike the energy rush, you can get from your stimulant of choice (coffee, diet soda, caffeine pills), there’s no later dramatic drop in mood and energy with this dietary supplement. Focus & Energy is safe, natural and non-habit-forming. To be successful in today’s world, you need a clear mind and sharp focus. We’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to give you the attention, total focus, and energy you need to do the things you love. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Focus & Energy 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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Healthy Strategies for Fighting Fatigue and Exhaustion
Stress is a normal and unavoidable part of living. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or station in life, no one is immune from the busyness of modern living. From work or school to shopping and paying bills, or just doing the many things that are required of us just to make it through the day, the list of demands on our time and attention can feel insurmountable. But what happens if you start falling behind in your chores or daily tasks? Is there a way to catch up if you find yourself struggling to complete yesterday’s (or last week’s) to-do list? And if so, how much energy will it take just to get back to a state of status quo? If it feels like your stress levels are being pushed to the limit, you may be developing a real fatigue problem. Everyday fatigue differs from everyday stress in both intensity and duration. If you have a major project at work or paper for school that’s due tomorrow, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, if that level of stress affects your daily life over a sustained period, you may have a fatigue problem. Everyday fatigue can contribute to serious mood, or sleep difficulties. Long-term fatigue can also contribute to other health challenges around blood sugar or blood pressure, and even affect your mental focus and recall. Many of the things people do to support their focus and energy end up backfiring. Nicotine, caffeine, and sugar-laden, fat-filled treats provide a quick high probably by increasing dopamine levels, soon followed by a low as dopamine production plummets, which might have negative long-term effects. As an alternative to the many harmful coping strategies that exist in today’s fast-paced society, here are some of the top tips for reducing stress and fatigue: 10 of the Best Ways to Reduce Stress & Fatigue 1. Admit It The first step in getting help for everyday fatigue is admitting that it’s affecting your life. Once you’ve recognized the problem, you can start working on effective strategies that can help reduce your stress and fatigue so that you can focus on what matters most in life. 2. Get Regular Exercise Physical exercise is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to keep your brain healthy. Exercise can boost blood flow and other positive nutrients to the brain, helping the brain generate pleasurable and calming that can effectively lower your stress. Walking can help you clear your mind, lower your anxious thoughts, improve your mood and burn some calories all at the same time. 3. Reach Out Though isolating yourself during tough times may feel like the safest option, closing yourself off from the world can aggravate your feelings of negativity. Resist the urge to shut out the individuals who can offer you encouragement and support. Let friends and family know when you’re emotionally overwhelmed. Seek professional help if necessary, but don’t fight your battles alone. 4. Meditate Daily Make time for yourself every day. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh your mind. Clearing your mind and slowing your breathing can help restore inner calm. Repeating simple words like “May I be safe and secure” can increase positive emotions and decrease negative ones. Loving Kindness Meditations (LKM) can reduce pain and improve other mental health challenges. 5. Just Smile Did you know that it takes less effort to smile than to frown? Not only can smiling make you feel better about yourself and your situation, but it can also spread positivity to others who also might be going through hardships. 6. Keep a Journal The process of journaling gives stressful thoughts another place to live beside your brain. Once those concerns have been expressed, they often lose their intensity and urgency which will allow you to relax mentally. Writing in your journal 10 minutes before you go to bed can help release the stresses of the day and put you in a restful state of mind. 7. Prioritize Your Goals If working on all your goals at once becomes overwhelming, set up a hierarchy. Select a few things you absolutely must accomplish, several things you want to complete and many things that would be nice to finish in the future. Not only will this pyramid structure allow you to focus on the essentials, but it will also help to reduce the debilitating pressure of trying to juggle so many objectives at one time. 8. The Attitude of Gratitude Did you know that practicing gratitude actually makes your mind work better? People who express gratitude on a regular basis are healthier, more optimistic, make more progress toward their goals, have a greater sense of well-being, and are more helpful to others. Write down three things that you’re grateful for every day. Then experience the joy that gratitude can bring. 9. Listen to Relaxing Music It’s no surprise that listening to music can increase pleasurable feelings, improve mood, boost energy, probably raise dopamine levels and help with focus and concentration. Remaining in a blissful state of mind is easier to accomplish when you have a happy tune running through your head. Listen to brain-enhancing music specifically composed to increase gratitude, motivation, and inspiration. 10. Try Deep Breathing Typically when people experience anxious feelings, their breathing becomes shallow, rapid and erratic. Since the brain is the most metabolically active organ in your body, any state that lowers oxygen can trigger more fear and panic. By taking slow, deep breaths, you’ll boost oxygen to your brain and start to regain control over how you feel. One way to practice deep breathing is by learning how to breathe from your diaphragm – the area of the body that tends to get “clenched” when we’re anxious. In addition to these practical tips, here are 3 powerful supplements that can help reduce the effects of stress and exhaustion: Focus & Energy It’s not uncommon for people to have periods where they feel tired or unfocused. BrainMD’s Focus & Energy was designed to gently prevent fatigue without lowering blood sugar, to promote mental sharpness, and to improve your mental productivity by performing at a higher level particularly under stress. This supplement features an incredible array of “adaptogens,” traditional plant concentrates proven to improve mental performance when under stress. It also contains choline, a vitamin-like nutrient that helps the brain make the key transmitter acetylcholine and works through additional metabolic pathways to promote endurance and overall vigor. If you’re looking for a natural energizer and mental sharpening supplement, one that likely will also improve your physical endurance, Focus & Energy is your best option. And unlike the energy rush, you can get from your stimulant of choice (coffee, diet soda, caffeine pills), there’s no dramatic drop in mood and energy with this nutritional supplement. Focus & Energy is safe, natural and non-habit forming. Restful Sleep If you aren’t getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, you’re setting yourself up for a host of issues. When you’re sleep-deprived the many things that the brain needs to do to renew itself can become compromised. Habitual lack of sleep is associated with: Lowered overall blood flow to the brain Negative effects on your cognition, mood, and memory Greater appetite due to increases of the hormone ghrelin, known to affect obesity Loss of focus and willpower Low mood and occasional anxiety A marked decline in capacity to make good decisions. Quality sleep actually helps all the cells in the body repair and renew. It gives the brain a chance to wash away toxins that build up during the day, and helps keep the nerve cell connections and pathways active and constantly self-renewing. Restful Sleep from BrainMD contains melatonin to keep you sleep throughout the night. It also includes the calming neurotransmitter GABA, as well as magnesium, vitamin B6 and valerian. BrainMD uses authentic GABA (Gamma-AminoButyric Acid), chemically identical to the body’s GABA. Together, these nutrients produce a soothing, sedative effect that helps you ease into peaceful sleep and get a long uninterrupted period of rest. Brain & Memory Power Boost Did you know that your brain requires at least 20 percent of your body’s total oxygen and blood sugar resources – and even more when it’s in “overdrive?” Brain & Memory Power Boost is exclusively formulated to promote the brain’s versatile, intense energy generation and utilization, and to support the optimal functioning of its almost 200 billion cells. This supplement includes seven brain boosters clinically proven to promote brain energy levels, support brain connectivity by sharpening synaptic functioning, guard against excessive free radical production, and all together work in synergy to improve mental performance. Together these brain boosters help power up mental sharpness and cognition so you can think fast on your feet again, and retain information so that you can be as productive as can be. 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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Top 10 Healthy Snacks for Studying
So, you’re trying to hit the books…but does it feel like they’re hitting back? Maybe you’re studying for a major exam but just can’t seem to retain any information. Or perhaps you have a ten-page paper due tomorrow and just can’t get motivated to sit down at the keyboard. If you’re experiencing a mental block, caused by a lack of focus or low energy, don’t be discouraged. Hitting a wall happens to everyone. Here Are the Dos and Don'ts of Snacking Don’t Do This: Many of the things people do to support their focus and energy end up backfiring. Nicotine, caffeine, and sugar-laden, fat-filled treats provide a quick high probably by increasing dopamine levels, soon followed by a low as dopamine production plummets, which might have negative long-term effects. Avoid the quick fix of consuming junk food and energy drinks, which only provide a temporary boost in energy. Do This Instead: If you struggle with attention and concentration, eating a proper diet built on high-quality protein, omega-3 and other healthy fats, and high fiber) can help your focus, energy and other higher brain functions. It’s especially important to eat protein with each meal and snack, which helps to stabilize your brain energy levels and maintain focus. Eating the right foods can help you have more energy, a better mood, and more mental sharpness, which is a recipe for success in every area of your life. The next time you feel yourself dragging during a study session, dump your coffee or energy drink, toss your sugary snacks, and pick up one of these foods to get the natural lift in energy you need: Top 10 Healthy Snacks for Studying 1. Well-balanced Snack For an energy enhancing snack, eat two slices of lean deli turkey and a dozen grapes. This well-balanced snack is high in protein and antioxidants and should tide you over until your next meal. 2. Eat More Edamame Replace finger foods like Skittles or M&Ms with shelled edamame (which is roughly the same size as those candies). Edamame is high in protein and fiber and is the perfect low-calorie snack for when you get the munchies. 3. Dip Your Apples As a healthy alternative to eating chips and dip, slice up an apple and dip the wedges into almond butter for an appetizing anytime snack. For variety, use any organic, sugar-free nut butter as a great-tasting, protein-packed dip. 4. The Smooth Way to Study Instead of sipping on coffee or a sugary soda, make a brain-healthy smoothie that can provide essential nutrients while curbing your hunger. With a variety of fruits and vegetables to choose from, there are countless possibilities for customizing a healthy smoothie. Add a scoop of protein powder to turn your smoothie into a meal. Here are recipes for two delicious smoothies: Cherry Mint Blast Smoothie and Vanilla Tahini Protein Shake. 5. Pack a Snack If you’re heading off to the library to do research for a paper or to join a study group, bring along some healthy snacks so that you won’t be tempted to seek out a vending machine. Emergency rations can be a lifesaver if your blood sugar drops and you get a snack attack. Examples of healthy snacks are low-sugar dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, and cherries), vegetables (baby carrots, celery, and snap peas), and nuts (almonds and walnuts). 6. Disguise Healthy Snacks If you have kids who naturally gravitate toward chips, cookies and candy bars for their after-school snack, it’s time to reclaim their taste buds. Even the pickiest eaters are more willing to try new foods when they’re disguised as something fun. Here’s how you can create a tasty penguin snack. 7. Go Nuts Over This Snack Almonds and cashews are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber that can help balance blood sugar levels. They’re also packed with magnesium, a mineral that plays a key role in converting food into energy. Walnuts have more plant omega-3 fats than other commonly consumed nuts such as almonds, peanuts, and pistachios. 8. An Egg-cellent Source of Protein One of the few foods considered to be a complete protein, eggs contain all nine essential amino acids that the body can’t create on its own, and a really impressive total amino acid profile. Additionally, eggs are full of vitamins needed for the body to produce energy, such as thiamin, riboflavin, folate, and B12. That gold yolk color also provides carotenoids that help the eyes keep working and very likely also help with mental processing. 9. Eat Like a Bird Protein-rich foods like seeds and nuts take longer to digest, which may help satiate your hunger until your next meal. A handful of tasty pumpkin seeds contains more protein per ounce than almonds. 10. Healthy Chocolate Bars For some people, eating a chocolate bar is a near-euphoric experience. Chocolate has no end of blissful, health-promoting properties that support a positive mood and the ability to think clearly and focus. Unfortunately, most chocolate bars are burdened with harmful ingredients like sugar (lots!), dairy and synthetic flavors that virtually cancel out chocolate’s powerful health benefits. Instead of chewing on a sugary candy bar, reach for a nutritious chocolate bar instead—one that will sustain your energy rather than making it crash after a brief spike. BrainMD offers two delicious chocolate bars that are sugar, dairy and gluten free: Brain In Love and Brain In Focus (which has plant-source omega-3 DHA in it and tastes great). Stock up so that you’ll never be tempted to eat an unhealthy chocolate bar.* In addition to healthy snacks, supplements can also help support attention and mental stamina. Focus & Energy It’s not uncommon for people to have periods where they feel tired or unfocused. BrainMD's Focus & Energy was designed to gently prevent fatigue without lowering blood sugar, to promote mental sharpness, and to improve your mental productivity by performing at a higher level particularly under stress.* This supplement features an incredible array of "adaptogens," traditional plant concentrates proven to improve mental performance when under stress.* Unlike many other dietary supplements claiming to provide adaptogens, Focus & Energy provides concentrates that are clinically proven from clinical trials.* Its high potency green tea extract is very high in EGCG and other polyphenol antioxidants and was chosen specifically to intensify oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain.* Then there are three other highly concentrated adaptogens, and choline to make the attention neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic medicinal revered over thousands of years for its mental sharpening benefits.* BrainMD chose the Sensoril® standardized concentrate because of the multiple clinical trials that establish its use.* Rhodiola thrives in the most extreme Siberian climates and is a favorite in the East. This concentrate is doubly standardized and clinically validated.* Asian (Panax) ginseng leads all other ginsengs for its almost immediate mental focus benefits, and this concentrate is loaded with 15% brain-active ginsenosides.* If you’re looking for a natural energizer and mental sharpening supplement, one that likely will also improve your physical endurance, Focus & Energy is your best option.* And unlike the energy rush you can get from your stimulant of choice (coffee, diet soda, caffeine pills), there’s no dramatic drop in mood and energy with this nutritional supplement.* This formula, like all of BrainMD's other supplement products, is safe, natural and non-habit-forming.* Try it today! 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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Folic Acid vs. Folate: Everything You Need to Know
Did you know that there are 13 vitamins that are vital — essential — to your survival? Among them is the lineup of B vitamins with names like thiamin (for vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin (vitamin B3). Then there's folate, incredibly important for our health no matter our stage of life. The folate vitamin group is most active when converted into methylfolate (MF). What is Folate? Folate is a group of chemically complicated substances that supply the body with chemically simple methyl groups. The body needs folates but can’t make them from scratch and therefore must get from foods or dietary supplements. Folate is vital at every life stage, from early development in the womb through birth and all the way through adulthood. But for many people lifestyle factors, popularly used medications or common gene mutations deplete their folate stores. For these individuals AND for the rest of us, methylfolate is the best dietary form of folate. Methylfolate (technically methyltetrahydrofolate) is the body's most active form of folate. ALL our cells need MF to drive specialized enzymes that make the DNA, genes, and chromosomes. All our cells also need MF to repair damage to their DNA (which is occurring all the time, even in healthy cells). Methyl coming mainly from folate is also very important for epigenetics — turning genes on and off using methyl — as well as to enable cells to grow, maintain their structure and make new cells. Our 200 billion brain cells need MF for all these reasons. But also, they need MF to enable them to make nerve cells' electrical insulation, important neurotransmitters, even a major hormone. Yet MF is not commonly found in foods and very rarely provided by dietary supplements. BrainMD has made methylfolate a priority ingredient in our brain-directed dietary supplements. Lifestyle, Medications Deplete the Body's Folate Supply The body's stores of MF and other methyl resources are in danger of depletion by alcohol abuse, smoking, and by high usage of drugs such as antacids, antibiotics, painkillers, certain diuretics, estrogen replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants, and SSRI psychotherapeutics. Poor diet, poor digestive and absorptive function, and suboptimal kidney function all can deplete the body's folate stores. During pregnancy, the demand for folate becomes greatly increased due to the needs of the developing baby. Supplementing with Methylfolate from BrainMD Health helps provide your brain and body with optimized folate, to improve your chances of maintaining health and well-being. What’s the Difference Between Folate, Folic Acid, and Methylfolate? Many foods are being "fortified" with folic acid (FA) to help consumers maintain good nutritional folate status. Also, dietary supplements that include folate typically provide it as FA. Yet this substance is a manufactured folate that is known to be poorly utilized by the body's folate enzyme system. The body has to use an enzyme to make FA usable, and this enzyme's conversion capacity is limited. Consequently, many people have unconverted FA in their bloodstream, which studies have linked to negative health effects. Methylfolate is the folate form most naturally preferred by the body, so much so that the intestinal lining has "transport proteins" that bind to it and selectively absorb it into the blood. Similar proteins also move MF from the circulation into the brain tissue. But MF utilization can be blocked by the FA coming from fortified foods or poorly formulated dietary supplements. Folic acid is not just poorly effective — it actually interferes with the enzymes that are tasked with using MF and the other folates coming from our foods. Folic acid consumption is a serious health issue. Bottom line: always choose supplements with methylfolate instead of folic acid. Methylfolate Bypasses Common Folate Mutations Unlike folic acid (FA), methylfolate, when consumed, does not have to be converted into active folate—being already the body's most active folate form, it can be immediately used by our folate enzyme systems. One of the most common human gene mutations is the C677T mutation in the enzyme MTHFR (Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase), whose function is to produce MF. More than 40 percent of individuals in some ethnic groups have this mutation, which is associated with impaired folate utilization. Taking MF by mouth bypasses this mutation: as premade authentic MF it doesn't need to be produced by MTHFR. For people with C677T or various other, less common MTHFR mutations MF is a health breakthrough! What Are the Benefits of Methylfolate Here are a few of the numerous health benefits of MF: Fundamental to the growth, renewal, and total functioning of our cells, tissues and organs. Clinically proven for healthy mood, memory and other cognitive functions, and behavior. Enhances the clinically proven mood benefits of SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). Essential for the brain to make the key neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Promotes the brain's healthy production of melatonin, our major sleep hormone. Enhances the body's regulation of homocysteine, a potentially toxic human metabolic product. Promotes healthy pregnancy and birth outcomes. Best Prenatal Vitamin With Methylfolate Whether you’re pregnant or planning to have a baby, it’s vital that you get proper nutrition, and you especially have to ensure you're getting sufficient usable folate. Getting MF from a state-of-the-art prenatal supplement like Smart Prenatal helps ensure you can meet your growing baby's nutritional needs — and yours, as well.* The baby's heart and brain are already forming just 6 weeks after conception, a woman who is low on folate and becomes pregnant may be at a health disadvantage for her pregnancy before she even knows she's pregnant. Since MF is essential for fetal development, it’s recommended for all women of reproductive age to take Smart Prenatal before, during and after pregnancy.* This supplement and others from BrainMD also provide methyl-vitamin B12, a necessary complement to MF: these two vitamins work as a team. Crucial from the Beginning Folate is the most researched nutrient for pregnancy, yet most prenatal vitamins and other multivitamins continue to provide synthetic folic acid. The methyl groups coming from the MF in Smart Prenatal is absolutely critical for the proper development of the baby’s heart AND nervous system AND all the other organs.* Methyl from MF is needed from the moment of fertilization of the human egg, through the development of the brain, heart and other organs, to birth, and throughout a person’s lifetime. Methylfolate Crucial After Pregnancy After birth, MF continues to be extremely crucial for an infant’s development. As the mother’s body works at its utmost to maintain sufficient levels of breast milk, her methyl and folate reserves are in danger of becoming depleted, which makes both infant and mother vulnerable to all the problems that come with folate deficiency. By continuing to supplement with MF, which happens to be the predominant folate in breast milk, a mother can be confident she's supporting her infant’s ongoing growth while protecting her own mood and well-being. Smart Prenatal with MF avoids the uncertainties and limitations associated with the use of folic acid in prenatal supplements.* Better nourished mothers have healthier babies with well-developed brains.* Children of mothers who are well-nourished and breastfeed have substantially better chances for optimal health as they mature into adults.* FAQs About Methylfolate 1. Do I really need Methylfolate? Yes, you need it, and way more than you need folic acid! And your brain really needs it! Clinical research has confirmed that taking MF as a supplement can effectively improve the brain and total body's folate status, and especially promotes positive mood. MF also promotes healthy memory, behavior, the entire range of healthy brain functions, and a huge array of functions in the bone marrow, liver, and other organs. MF is the best commercially available dietary supplement for correcting confirmed folate deficiency and for any other situation where folate supplementation is recommended. 2. How safe is Methylfolate? What is the recommended dosage range? MF’s safety is well documented, and it has been used safely as a dietary supplement for many years, with remarkable success. In multiples such as BrainMD's NeuroVite Plus Multivitamin, an effective dose of MF is 400 micrograms (mcg) and up. Higher doses are needed during pregnancy, so our Smart Prenatal supplies 1000 mcg per day.* People with mood challenges or with any of the known folate gene mutations can benefit from even higher amounts, and Methylfolate is very safe to take.* BrainMD's high-potency Methylfolate supplies 5000 mcg (5 milligrams) of MF. This level of daily dosing and higher has been proven safe from clinical research at Harvard and other research institutions.* When under a physician’s supervision, up to 3 caps of Methylfolate (15 mg) can be taken daily without concern. 3. Will Methylfolate cause problems for those taking methotrexate? We advise anyone taking methotrexate to consult a nutritionally-informed physician before taking Methylfolate. 4. Can vegans and vegetarians take Methylfolate? Yes, it’s fully suitable for anyone not wanting exposure to animal-based foods or supplements. 5. Is Methylfolate compatible with other dietary supplements? Yes, MF is very safe, very well tolerated and fully compatible with multiple vitamin/mineral supplements, fish oils, herbals, and other responsibly-formulated dietary supplements.* Further, MF’s multiple methyl actions tend to reinforce the benefits of other dietary supplements.* For example, taking MF along with BrainMD's SAMe Mood & Movement 400 and Betaine TMG can make a big difference for maintaining a healthy mood.* Taking folate as Methyfolate is well-proven nutritional health insurance for mood, memory, the other cognitive functions, behavior, and overall brain and body health.* For more information about Methylfolate, and our full line of brain-healthy supplements, visit us at BrainMD. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Smart Prenatal 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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Learn How Natural Sleep Aids Can Improve Your Health
Are you getting enough sleep? Do you have difficulties turning your brain off at night? Do you have irregular sleeping patterns that leave you tired all the time? Do you have harmful habits that prevent you from getting to bed at a decent hour (like eating unhealthy snacks while binge-watching your favorite TV show)? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you’re not alone. According to research, as many as 70 million Americans have ongoing sleep problems which interfere with their daily functioning. And it’s progressively getting worse with the proliferation of gadgets and bad habits. Risks of Sleep Deprivation Skimping on sleep can affect your health in more ways than you might imagine. Sleeping less than six hours a night is associated with: Lower overall blood flow to the brain Negative effects on your cognition, mood, and memory Greater appetite due to increases of the hormone ghrelin, known to affect obesity Loss of focus and willpower Low mood and occasional anxiety Sleep issues also may contribute to mental unbalances. People with lack of sleep are four times more likely to develop feelings of melancholy compared to those with healthy sleeping patterns. Benefits of Quality Sleep Sleep helps all the cells in the body repair and renew. It gives the brain a chance to wash away toxins that build up during the day and helps keep the nerve cell connections and pathways active and constantly self-renewing. Having high-quality sleep is essential to wellness. If you have healthy habits, such as avoiding caffeine later in the day and getting regular exercise, but still have problems falling asleep, a scientifically formulated and safe dietary supplement that promotes healthy sleep may give you the relief you need. The 4 Most Common Sleep Issues & Solutions 1. Too Wired to Sleep Perhaps you’re the life of the party who always seems to have an endless supply of energy. Or maybe you’re the kind of person who enjoys movie marathons or all-night video game binges. With so many exciting things to see and do, it can be a challenge to dial back the adrenaline and calm down long enough to fall asleep. Suggested Supplement: Restful Sleep If you aren’t getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, you’re setting yourself up for a host of issues. When you fall behind on your sleep blood flow to your brain decreases, and you are much more likely to make bad decisions. Scientists have discovered that the brain has a special “waste management system” that works to get rid of toxins while you sleep. This includes deposits thought to contribute to age-related memory issues. Without healthy sleep, the cleaning crew doesn’t have enough time to do their job and trash builds up, causing brain fog and memory problems. Restful Sleep contains melatonin to keep you asleep throughout the night. It also includes the calming neurotransmitter GABA, as well as magnesium, vitamin B6 and valerian. Together, these nutrients produce a soothing, sedative effect that helps ease you into a peaceful sleep and get a long uninterrupted period of rest. 2. Too Stressed to Sleep Maybe you have a looming deadline for a project at work or just remembered that you have a twelve-page paper due tomorrow for one of your classes. Or maybe you’re intently focused on a job promotion or simply enjoy working hard. Among workaholic Americans, there’s a prevailing mindset that it’s socially acceptable — and even a badge of honor — to get less rest. They may participate in work binges and settle for 4 to 5 hours of sleep per night, which simply isn’t an adequate amount of brain rest. Suggested Supplement: Everyday Stress Relief To stay healthy in today’s fast-paced world, you need to be more resilient to stress. Everyday Stress Relief replenishes your body’s levels of nutrients that can be depleted during times of excessive stress AND has herbal extracts clinically proven to have calming and antistress effects. This formula includes: Magnesium, a mineral important for calm, balanced and mentally focused demeanor. The vitamin-like nutrient taurine that has versatile benefits for electrical transmission in the brain and supports the adrenal glands which are crucial for coping with stress. Holy Basil, revered in the East for improving adaptation to occasional anxiety, feelings of exhaustion, forgetfulness and other problems related to stress. L-theanine from green tea reduces tension and promotes rest without diminishing alertness. Relora® is a unique mix of two herbs that can enhance healthy management of the stress hormone cortisol while easing anger, negative mood, and confusion. These well-studied nutrients and herbals support your body’s coping with stress on multiple levels. At the end of a stressful day, Everyday Stress Relief can help you stay calm so that you can drift off to a peaceful sleep. 3. Too Distressed to Sleep Perhaps you’re dealing with significant emotional issues like losing a job or a loved one. Or perhaps your life just hasn’t turned out quite as you’d planned. Repetitive or automatic negative thoughts (ANTs), can take their toll on you mentally and prevent you from getting consistent and quality sleep. Suggested Supplement: Serotonin Mood Support Our brain produces the naturally soothing neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin plays many important roles in the brain’s biochemistry and is involved in maintaining healthy mood and promoting feelings of calmness. Serotonin also can help control late-night appetite. This supplement is highly geared to promote serotonin activity in the brain. It contains 5-HTP, a nutrient that the brain can readily convert into serotonin on demand. It also contains saffron, the world's most expensive herbal with a long history of traditional use for "inducing happiness". Saffron has consistently improved mood in a number of clinical trials. Vitamin B6 is an essential cofactor for enzymes that make serotonin and other key transmitters. This formula also includes methylfolate, the pre-activated and most readily utilized form of the folate vitamin. Methylfolate is paired with methyl-vitamin B12 to help ensure the brain makes sufficient melatonin (our sleep hormone) AND has the biochemical tools for renewing and maintaining its almost-200 billion cells. Lifestyle habits such as daily exercise, consuming “smart” carbohydrates in moderation, and taking a dietary supplement like Serotonin Mood Support can work together to elevate mood, promote calm and facilitate sustained and deep sleep. 4. Too Worried to Sleep Do you get overwhelmed easily or have difficulty coping with new or challenging situations? Do you anticipate the worst and worry about every detail of your life… and the lives of your family and friends? If so, you might have a case of “monkey mind.” Monkey mind is a term used to refer to the chatter of worry, fear, and doubt that can be heard inside your head. Whether directed at yourself or others, monkey mind can rob you of joy, peace of mind, and a good night’s sleep. Suggested Supplement: GABA Calming Support Taming your anxious thoughts is integral to your happiness. When you’re calm and collected, you’re much less likely to overreact to the inevitable frustrations of life—and far more likely to think clearly and respond appropriately. If your hectic schedule is causing you too much aggravation, frustration, and irritability, take a deep breath and try GABA Calming Support. GABA Calming Support helps stimulate the production of calming brain waves which promote relaxation. This formula provides a generous allowance of authentic GABA, identical to the transmitter the brain makes. GABA is the brain's main calming transmitter. Vitamin B6 and magnesium facilitate GABA's transmitter actions while having calming effects of their own. Lemon balm is a European herb that likely helps the brain conserve GABA. Clinical studies indicate it improves mood, and feelings of calmness. Tips to Help You Establish a Healthier Sleep Routine In addition to nutritional support, here are 5 additional tips that can help you establish a healthy sleep routine: Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule Regardless of how much sleep you got the night before, go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, even on weekends. Create a Restful Environment Make sure your bedroom is comfortable, not too hot or cold. Also, keep your room as dark as possible while sleeping. Use soothing nature sounds, soft music or even a fan to induce a relaxing mood that can lull you to sleep. Don’t Take Naps This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make if you experience extreme wakefulness. Daytime naps will disrupt your nighttime sleep cycle. Get Regular Exercise Physical exercise is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to keep your brain healthy. Exercise not only boosts blood flow to transport nutrients to the brain, but it also stimulates the brain to make new cells and tune up existing cell networks that help the brain self-regulate and calm down. However, be careful about exercising within four hours of the time you go to bed; for some people, vigorous exercise late in the evening generates so much energy it can keep them awake. Write It Down Keeping a journal gives stressful thoughts a home, another place they can live instead of in your brain. Once those thoughts have been written down, they often lose their intensity and urgency, which will allow you to relax mentally. Writing in your journal 10 minutes before you go to bed can help release the stresses of the day and put you in a restful state of mind. Lack of sleep is hazardous to your health. Protect your sleep as if it were one of the most important things you ever do—because it is! These 4 supplements provide safe and clinically proven ingredients that help you cope with stress, relax, fend off negative thoughts and anxieties, and get that great night's sleep that your brain - and body - need. 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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