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5 Ways Wild Swimming Could Boost Your Mental Health
Getty Images It’s long been hailed by evangelists as a serious life tonic, but now a study by the British Medical Journal has proven the positive impact that wild swimming can have on our mental health. This mood lift is something writer Lou Stoppard discovered when she spoke to women who swim in London’s iconic Hampstead Heath Ladies’ Pond for The New Yorker : “For many of the women who come here day after day, year after year, it has become a special kind of oasis.” As one of its regulars, 62-year-old Julia Dick, tells Stoppard, “It’s a welcoming space… The pond can support you through crises. It helped me with the death of my parents. And with menopause, all the mood changes.” So if you’ve been contemplating a wild swim, now’s the perfect time to brave your local beach, cove, lake or river and discover just how beneficial it can be. What is wild swimming? Wild swimming, or open water swimming, is the practise of swimming in a natural body of water. “In our grandparents’ day, swimming holes were where people learnt to swim and congregated on a summer day – to paddle, picnic and play. Today there is a resurgence of interest in this traditional pleasure and people are learning to explore their rivers and lakes for swimming again,” says Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming . “There is something slightly naughty, a little bit scary and wonderfully invigorating about leaving your wetsuit at home, and entering open water with just your skin (and perhaps a swimming costume) between you and the elements,” Start says. Getty Images Five ways wild swimming can benefit mental health: “The meditative effect that swimming can have is not to be undervalued,” says avid wild swimmer Matt Cunningham, performance specialist at Workshop […]
Turmeric – An Eminent Element of Natural Cures
“Leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal the patient with your food” – Hippocrates The practice of Ayurveda has been considered as an ancient one, which is extremely well documented in various historical scriptures. The best part about it is how relevant it is even in the modern world. This form of healthcare finds its origination over 5000 years ago. Essentially, it is not just about consuming an herbal concoction and awaiting results. Rather, it pushes people towards valuing their own body and working towards healing it naturally. There are innumerable remedies mentioned in the Ayurveda which use products that are commonly found in every household. One among them is Turmeric, a root plant and a commonly used spice. Its stark yellow color and the distinct fragrance is how one can identify it. It holds multiple benefits which make it an important substance required to maintain good health. Unearthing the Unprocessed Goodness of Turmeric The rhizome’s primarily comprises of curcumin which provides the unlimited benefits present in it. This yellow root also contains over essential oils such as germacrone and zingiberene. It is interesting to note that one ounce of turmeric provides over 26 % of the daily pre- requisite of manganese and 16 % of iron. There are plenty more reasons to implement turmeric into the daily diet . Here’s a glimpse into how important turmeric can be for the overall health of humans. Natural Painkiller- Turmeric’s primary component curcumin, has anti – inflammatory properties. It assists in the reduction of pain which may be caused due to surgery or even burn injuries. It also provides relief from neuropathic pain and these painkiller properties are said to be similar to an analgesic. This is also why turmeric is advised for those individuals suffering from […]
Trying to boost your brain health with sudoku, sugar or even sex? Let’s take a look at the evidence
There are plenty of things people claim are good for your brain. But what does the evidence say? Do you do cryptic crosswords in an attempt to boost your brain health? Or have you heard that omega-3, a sugar boost, or even getting busy in the bedroom is good for your grey matter? Let’s take a look at some of the things we often hear are good for our brain, review the evidence, and bust a few myths along the way. Sudoku and crosswords Doing puzzles helps your brain … be better at puzzles. But that’s about it. It’s hard not to feel a little smug when we do a sudoku or a crossword puzzle. After all, we’ve heard how good it is for our brains — just like exercise builds muscle, brain games make our brains stronger, right? Wrong . Neuroplasticity is the term that describes how the pathways and connections in the brain change through experience. When we practice something, the brain adapts, and we tend to become better at that skill. When you do a sudoku puzzle every day and find you get faster … unfortunately this doesn’t mean you are getting any smarter. Your brain is simply getting more efficient at doing sudoku — it doesn’t mean you’ll get better at finding your keys or writing essays . If there’s a particular skill you want to improve, you’re probably better off practicing that skill. Verdict: Not really (the high quality evidence suggests it isn’t) Stress The effects of stress on the brain can come down to how you perceive the stress. (Pixabay: rawpixel) Stress is bad for you right? Well, not necessarily. The devil is in the dose, and how you perceive the stress. A small burst of stress, such as the rush you get […]
Benefits Of Ashwagandha
This herb is also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, and it contains a high level of withanolides which can help to prevent inflammation and tumor growth and is believed to be responsible for many of the herb’s benefits. Supplements are thought to help increase sperm count and increase testosterone and antioxidant levels. A study published in the journal Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found the herb to help increase antioxidant levels in male participants and to improve sperm quality; 3 months after treatment 14% of the participant’s partners were pregnant. Test tube and animal studies show that ashwagandha helps to induce apoptosis and prevent the growth of new cancer cells by making the cancer cells less resistant to apoptosis, and generating reactive oxygen species that are only toxic to cancer cells; studies suggest it may be useful for treating several types of cancer. Some studies suggest that it can also help to reduce blood sugar levels, and in test tube studies it helped to boost insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity in muscle cells. Other studies report it helped to lower blood sugar levels in healthy participants and those with diabetes. Taking ashwagandha is suggested to help reduce cortisol levels, especially among those who are chronically stressed. In animal studies it was found to help block stress pathways in the brains of rats by regulation chemical signaling in the nervous system. Ashwagandha was found to address the symptoms of stress and anxiety disorders in controlled studies. Ashwagandha helps to boost cardiovascular health by lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels; a 60 day study involving chronically stressed participants showed that those taking the highest dose of standardized ashwagandha extract had 17% decreases in LDL cholesterol and 11% decrease in triglycerides. Ashwagandha can help to alleviate depression according to several […]
Combining pycnogenol and L-arginine could help address erectile dysfunction naturally, suggests researchers
( Natural News ) Taking L-arginine by itself may not be enough to improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. But researchers suggest that L-arginine could be taken alongside pycnogenol , thereby increasing the beneficial effects of the two natural compounds on men who have impotence. The body turns L-arginine into nitric oxide. The latter substance serves as a neurotransmitter in the brain, spurs the cardiac muscle tissue of the heart to work better, and works as a vasodilator. The vasodilating properties of nitric oxide are of particular importance to patients with erectile dysfunction . The chemical makes blood vessels open wider, thereby increasing the blood flow and allowing blood to reach the tissues that need them. As such, a higher level of nitric oxide means that penile tissue involved in erection receives more significant amounts of blood. The improved supply of blood helps maintain an erection. The foods found in a Western diet provide around five grams of L-arginine per day. People can consume up to eight grams of the substance every day without experiencing any adverse side effects. Legumes contain the highest concentrations of L-arginine found in food. Almonds, Brazilian nuts, and peanuts stand out as the plant-based foods that contain the highest amount of the beneficial compound. These nuts can be considered “heart-friendly” thanks to L-arginine. (Related: Zinc supplementation can benefit individuals with erectile dysfunction, reveals study .) L-arginine exerts minor beneficial effects on erectile dysfunction In 2000, researchers from the University of Cologne evaluated the efficacy of L-arginine as a natural means of treating impotence . They administered three 500 mg tablets of L-arginine to patients with erectile dysfunction that stemmed from different causes. They also gave a placebo to other participants. Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with […]
Can’t sleep? You probably need to make these changes
Brain research has shown how relevant sleep is to health, so it’s more important than ever to get a good night’s sleep. In the bedroom, that means not just decorating in calming colors but also minimizing stressors and optimizing conditions for a restful night. We asked some experts for advice and products to achieve that. • Minimize noise. A key obstacle to uninterrupted sleep is noise. To reduce it, Brooklyn-based architect and designer Adam Meshberg, founder of Meshberg Group, recommends soundproofing the walls — building an additional thin wall in front of the original, adding a layer of QuietRock sheetrock, or sealing any cracks or gaps within the walls. To a lesser extent, wallcoverings can also absorb sound, he says, though a padded wallcovering will do more than a simple wallpaper. Cracks and gaps are also a problem when it comes to windows. Restoring or replacing drafty windows won’t just improve your heating and cooling bills; doing so can make a huge difference in the amount of noise seeping in. If renovation isn’t an option, some companies will install a thin window behind your existing window for extra soundproofing. CitiQuiet in New York says it can eliminate 95 percent of street noise. For a simpler fix, getting an upholstered headboard helps with acoustics, says Florida-based designer Adriana Hoyos. Go for fabrics at least one millimeter thick; suede, velvet, leather and leatherette are stylish options for absorbing excess noise. Andrew Bowen, director of staging at ASH NYC, suggests a combination of loose items — a large area rug (he likes the Rug Company’s Deep Pile Merino Natural Rug, $137 per square foot), floor-to-ceiling window drapery and a fully upholstered bed (he recommends Cisco Brothers’ April Modern Classic White Linen Slipcovered Bed, $2,375-$3,000 at Kathy Kuo Home) — for a quiet, […]
Brain Anatomy of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Part 2 of 3)
The Cortical Area of the Brain in Individuals with ASD People with ASD tend to have thinner cortices and reduced surface area of the brain during adolescences and adulthood while they often have increased cortical development (greater expansion of the cortical surface area) in early childhood (Ha, et. al., 2015). Individuals with ASD tend to have differences in cortical folding which is how the cerebral cortex is able to grow in size and increase in complexity. This process is essential to the evolution of the mammalian brain especially in humans (Llinares-Benadero & Borrell, 2019). This process just seems to happen differently in individuals with ASD. Cortical gyrification is related to expansion of the outer cortical layers. It has to do with how the folds of the cerebral cortex that develop assist with the functioning of the individual (Ronan & Fletcher, 2014). Youth with ASD tend to have enlarged gyrification of the frontal lobe compared to typically developing peers. Specific forms of gyrification, or cortical folding, may actually be associated with intelligence and cognitive abilities (Gregory, Kippenhan, Dickinson, Carrasco, Mattay, Weinberger, & Berman, 2016). Cortical gyrification changes across the lifespan of the individual with ASD. Both genetic and environmental influences can impact the structure of cortical regions of the brain. Brain Functioning by Age and Characteristic of ASD Diagnostic Criteria INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND CHILDREN SOCIAL COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL INTERACTION SKILLS ASD is characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction. Social and communication skills are experienced in particular parts of the brain. In youth with ASD, the right inferior frontal gyrus (RIFG) which has to do with the executive functioning skill of response inhibition (Hampshire, et. al., 2010), functions differently than typically developing peers. Additionally, the bilateral temporal regions are more highly activated as compared to typically developing peers. […]
How ‘smart’ email could change the way we talk
Keyboard (Credit: Alamy) Start typing a reply in Google’s Gmail and it might feel like it is reading your mind. Tap out the letters “tha” and up pops the rest of a sentence in greyed out letters. Press tab and your sentence completes itself. In simpler times, you would need to go to the hassle of using valuable seconds to type out “thank you very much” or “that sounds great” all by yourself. But now, email systems like Gmail can finish sentences for you . This feature is powered by a form of artificial intelligence known as natural language processing, which aims to understand and use language in ways that are more human-like than computers have managed before. You might also like: • Is autocorrect making you boring • The signs of disease no one can see • The words that make you human But while it can help to reduce the amount of time spent composing an email, many people have mixed feelings about the autocomplete feature, known as Smart Compose , with some describing its ability to scan our messages and come up with a suitable response as downright “creepy” . With machines starting to take over some of the art of composing messages to our colleagues, friends and loved ones, does this also risk robbing us of something more important? Are they sucking away our individuality and the joy of human interaction? And could these autocomplete technologies even be changing the way our brains work? Google’s Gmail is one of the first major email providers to use AI to predict what users might want to say in a response to a message (Credit: Getty Images) “Prediction is fundamental to our perception and our relation with the world,” says Maria Geffen, who studies neuronal circuits for auditory […]
How to Keep Your Mind Fresh as You Age
Photo Credit: luizclas, www.pexels.com The New World of Nootropics When the film Limitless was released in 2011, a small band of neuro-enthusiasts was seething. That’s not what nootropics are! This is going to set unbelievably high expectations on what they can achieve. That’s because the Limitless pill, which turned an average writer into a Wall Street genius, was based on a concept that was exciting thousands of people. Modern science has granted humans with the knowledge we need to isolate and identify drugs and supplements that can improve cognitive function. These are called nootropics, and they specifically excited age-researchers, as some of them improve memory, motivation and other cognitive deficits associated with ageing. They do this mainly by reducing the brain plasticity losses and the accumulated brain-cell-damaging molecules (called free radicals) that are associated with older brains. Though there are many ways to use exercises (physical or mental) to slow the cognitive effects of ageing, some people are not content with losing the mental freshness of their youth. For these people, nootropics can be taken as dietary supplementation. Here are a few to start you off if you want to know a bit more about how different nootropics can improve ageing brain function. There is a whole world of information out there, so be aware that this is far from a comprehensive list. Artichoke Extract Artichokes contain phosphates that have been linked to cognitive deficit treatments and may help stimulate proteins that facilitate new neuron and synapse growth. Artichokes have the advantage of being safely consumed for thousands of years. Vitamin B8 Vitamin B8 is rarely talked about but is used for a variety of disorders (from anxiety to insomnia to autism) for its role in promoting brain health and regulating nerve signalling . N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) This powerful […]
Relieve anxiety and depression naturally with this mindfulness exercise
( Natural News ) Anxiety and depression can significantly affect your daily life. If you suffer from either one or both, you may have trouble concentrating at school or at work. Some people take drugs to keep their condition in check, but if you want to relieve anxiety and depression naturally, you may want to try meditation or mindfulness exercises . The negative effects of antidepressants Depression medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) block the reabsorption of serotonin. Blocking serotonin reabsorption can help neurotransmitters send and receive chemical messages more effectively. It is believed that SSRIs help increase the mood-boosting effects of serotonin and address depression symptoms. However, SSRIs are also linked to common side effects like: Agitation (jitteriness) Decreased sexual desire and difficulty reaching orgasm Digestive problems (e.g., diarrhea) Drowsiness or insomnia Erectile dysfunction Headaches Nausea Restlessness Using mindfulness exercise to “teach” your brain to relax Individuals with depression or anxiety may prefer natural techniques like meditation or self-hypnosis because these methods aren’t associated with negative side effects. Certain mindfulness techniques, like the one detailed below, focus on harnessing the natural power an individual has inside and training their mind and body to function in a way that can help improve their mental health . These techniques are based on strategies taught in self-hypnosis. Hypnosis is nothing like its portrayal in media, and it is more of a natural approach that teaches a person how to use his or her mind in new ways. Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free ebook : Written by popular Natural News writer Vicki Batt, this book includes everything you need to know about preventing heart disease, reversing hypertension, and nurturing your cardiac health without medication. Learn More. A person with anxiety […]
How ‘smart’ email could change the way we talk
Keyboard (Credit: Alamy) Start typing a reply in Google’s Gmail and it might feel like it is reading your mind. Tap out the letters “tha” and up pops the rest of a sentence in greyed out letters. Press tab and your sentence completes itself. In simpler times, you would need to go to the hassle of using valuable seconds to type out “thank you very much” or “that sounds great” all by yourself. But now, email systems like Gmail can finish sentences for you . This feature is powered by a form of artificial intelligence known as natural language processing, which aims to understand and use language in ways that are more human-like than computers have managed before. You might also like: • Is autocorrect making you boring • The signs of disease no one can see • The words that make you human But while it can help to reduce the amount of time spent composing an email, many people have mixed feelings about the autocomplete feature, known as Smart Compose , with some describing its ability to scan our messages and come up with a suitable response as downright “creepy” . With machines starting to take over some of the art of composing messages to our colleagues, friends and loved ones, does this also risk robbing us of something more important? Are they sucking away our individuality and the joy of human interaction? And could these autocomplete technologies even be changing the way our brains work? Google’s Gmail is one of the first major email providers to use AI to predict what users might want to say in a response to a message (Credit: Getty Images) “Prediction is fundamental to our perception and our relation with the world,” says Maria Geffen, who studies neuronal circuits for auditory […]
The Best Multivitamins For Men
Cover All Your Nutritional Needs With These Awesome Multivitamins The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. As a child, you were probably resistant to your parents’ advice that you should eat your vegetables "for the vitamins," but now that you’re an adult, you’ve had time to rediscover the simple wisdom of your progenitors. You probably strive to eat a balanced diet, but the truth is that you’re a busy person, and there are a whole lot of essential vitamins and minerals out there. So, for simplicity’s sake, you turn to the supplement industry. You’re not alone. In fact, 75 percent of people take dietary supplements, according to one 2018 survey . RELATED: Best Beard Vitamins Multivitamins provide an easy, cheap and rapid solution to the problem of supplying your body with all the nutrients it needs to function properly. Let it be said, however: they are not a replacement for a well-balanced diet. Rather, you should think of your multivitamin as an insurance policy, a way of covering all your nutritional bases. Our 5 Favorite General-Purpose Multivitamins for Men “General multivitamins can be helpful for some individuals, but not necessarily for all,” says Albert Ahn, M.D., clinical instructor of internal medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. The vitamin and mineral requirements of men differ by activity levels, age and diet. Read on to discover what you need to look out for when purchasing a multivitamin: Men’s Multivitamin Basics Without a doubt, you’re going to want to get your daily allowance of essential vitamins and minerals from whole-food sources. That means a balanced diet that packs protein, fats, fruits, […]
Common drugs for improving cognition only boost short-term focus – at high cost
In a new study, researchers found that common drugs used for a brain boost could only provide a short-term benefit with a high price. The drugs might slightly improve a person’s short-term focus but disrupt sleep and mental functions that rely on it, such as working memory. The research was led by the University of California, Irvine. The use of prescription stimulants by those without medically diagnosed conditions has become more popular, particularly in college students seeking a brain boost. In the new study, the team examined 3 people between 18 and 35 years old. The people completed baseline working memory and attention tasks. The team found these healthy people who use psychostimulants for cognitive enhancement may incur unintended costs to cognitive processes that depend on good sleep. The research shows that while psychostimulants may mildly curb natural attentional deterioration across the day, their use also disturbs sleep and post-sleep executive function. The team suggests that the enhancement to executive function from psychostimulants in healthy people may be somewhat exaggerated. There may be the only minor daytime improvement in attention and no benefit to working memory In addition, there can be a large impairment to nighttime sleep, even though the medication is taken in the morning. Psychostimulants also led to detrimental consequences to cognitive functions that rely on good sleep. Thus, people who are taking these drugs to perform better in school or at work may feel as though they are doing better, but scientific evidence doesn’t support this feeling. The lead author of the study is Lauren Whitehurst, a former graduate student in UCI’s Sleep and Cognition Lab. The study is published in Behavioural Brain Research and Cognition . Copyright © 2019 Knowridge Science Report . All rights reserved.
How Did Kate Hudson Shed Her Baby Weight? We Went Straight to Her Personal Trainer to Find out—and TBH, Her Tips Are Totally Do-Able
(Daniele Venturelli/ Getty Images for Bvlgari) Unlike Kate Hudson , most new moms don’t set a weight loss goal to coincide with filming a movie (25 pounds and Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon , if you’re wondering). However, like Hudson, who gave birth to her third child in October 2018, many do set goals to move their post-baby bodies and help them take on whatever new form they may be. It’s easy for exercise to feel like a chore—especially when lumped in with the demands of motherhood —but it’s that emphasis on just moving the body that can make it a daily escape of sorts. Take it from Nicole Winhoffer , a featured trainer on the current season of E!’s Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian, who doubles as Hudson’s personal trainer . Creator of the NW Method, Winhoffer designs workouts that help you express yourself through movement, something that can especially help new moms who spend most of their day going through the motions of diaper changes and feedings (and maybe even the occasional board meeting after a pumping session ). Hudson , who just turned 40 in April, worked with Winhoffer four to five days per week and mixed in the occasional Pilates session . While most moms—or people, really—don’t have personal access to a celebrity trainer, the internet has made it possible to work with one. (Winfhoffer offers NW Method classes and the Transformation Nation workouts her clients on Revenge Body used online.) But even more than their work together, Winhoffer credits Hudson’s “free spirit” and “willingness to move, be free and express herself” with her progress and dedication to her health. Fitness is of course an integral part of Hudson’s job—she launched fitness retailer Fabletics in 2013—but even as she shared her post-baby routine online, […]
If you make this berry chia pudding, your brain will thank you
( Natural News ) Chia seeds ( Salvia hispanica ) are full of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, making them the perfect ingredients for this nutritious breakfast. Berry chia pudding also contains blackberries that boost your brain health . The recipe was developed by Ella Mills Woodward, founder of Deliciously Ella and author of the cookbook “Deliciously Ella: The Plant-Based Cookbook.” Berry chia pudding contains the following nutrient-rich ingredients: Blackberries Like other blue and purple fruits and vegetables, blackberries contain anthocyanins and resveratrol . These pigments that give blackberries their beautiful color are also behind their many health benefits. Eating blackberries can promote longevity, support healthy brain functioning, and lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The berries boost memory and prevent cell damage. Additionally, consuming blackberries prevents inflammation and slows the progression of cancer. Chia seeds Chia seeds are available in two varieties: white or black. Brown varieties, which aren’t as common, are chia seeds that haven’t fully matured. Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain : 140 calories 11 grams (g) of fiber 7 g of unsaturated fat 4 g of protein Chia seeds also contain antioxidants and minerals such as copper and zinc. Two tablespoons provide 18 percent of the recommended daily amount of calcium. The fiber in chia seeds is good for digestive health. Chia seeds are complete proteins, which means they contain all nine of the essential amino acids that can only be obtained from food. (Related: Reasons to eat chia seeds, the fiber-rich superfood .) Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free ebook : Written by popular Natural News writer Vicki Batt, this book includes everything you need to know about preventing heart disease, reversing hypertension, and nurturing your cardiac health without medication. Learn More. […]
Being debt-free is good for your brain
( Natural News ) Constantly worrying about your finances can cause stress. To improve your mental health, the results of a study suggests working hard to settle your debts and reduce your anxiety. The study appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, and it involved researchers from the Social Service Research Centre at the National University of Singapore (NUS). For the study, scientists surveyed 200 low-income participants. The questions involved the volunteers’ decision-making skills and anxiety before and after they managed to settle their debts partially. The results suggest that debt relief helped reduce the “mental burdens of the poor” that used to prevent them from making better decisions. Debt and mental health The volunteers were given debt relief worth at least 5,000 Singapore dollars, an amount equal to about three month’s income per household. The charity payments were used to settle a fraction of their utility bills, municipal debts, and mortgages. The researchers gave all of the volunteers the same dollar amount of debt relief, but not all of them had the same debt levels — some of the participants more debt leftover after the charity donation. The volunteers were then instructed to take a survey that measured their anxiety, cognitive functioning, and financial decision-making. They took the survey before they received debt relief and three months after they partially settled their debts. The scientists discovered that the volunteers’ average error rates in cognitive function tests decreased from 17 percent to only four percent after they partially settled their debts. (Related: Preppers save for a rainy day: Why financial planning is crucial for surviving an economic downturn .) Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free ebook : Written by popular […]
Five ways that music really can transform your life: As research takes the soothing power of melody to new heights, take our tips for a new playlist
Anyone who’s ever been dumped by a boyfriend then sat in their teenage bedroom playing I Will Survive at full blast can attest to the healing power of music. But research is taking music’s curative properties to whole new levels — you can now buy tracks specifically designed to help you concentrate, sleep, even soothe a headache or control chronic pain. ‘We are only just beginning to tap into the vast therapeutic power of music, which research shows causes more areas of the brain to light up [when scanned] than any other activity,’ says Lyz Cooper, founder of The British Academy of Sound Therapy. Research is taking music’s curative properties to whole new levels — you can now buy tracks specifically designed to help you concentrate, sleep, even soothe a headache or control chronic pain (file image) Research is taking music’s curative properties to whole new levels — you can now buy tracks specifically designed to help you concentrate, sleep, even soothe a headache or control chronic pain (file image) Research is ongoing, but we know that different frequencies of music tell the brain to do certain things. For example, a high-frequency sound, such as an alarm or scream, will trigger the release of adrenaline, the hormone that prepares you for action. ‘A low-pitched sound, like a deep voice or bass drum, relaxes you,’ adds Cooper. ‘That’s because our brain detects a lower frequency as a slower sound wave, which can actually slow down the brain itself.’ ‘There’s a phenomenal surge of research into this at the moment, although we don’t yet know exactly which frequency has what effect, so it pays to be wary of some of the wilder claims,’ says Cooper, who is also a therapeutic music researcher and author of What Is Sound Healing? (Watkins, £7.99). […]
Designing for dementia: Long-term memory care, from the ground up
The Village Langley is a community for people living with various forms of dementia. The Main Boulevard at the Village, a new development in Langley, B.C., wends through an idyllic scene. Car-free and edged by flower gardens, it starts at something called the Community Building – an airy, skylight space with a spa, salon and fireside café – before passing by clusters of quaint cottages, each painted a unique, rich colour such as terra cotta or teal. The path ends at the Farm – a large vegetable patch with a bright-red barn overlooking a babbling creek surrounded by tall poplar, spruce and birch trees. Ostensibly, the Village is a suburban fantasy land – the kind of community where many parents would want to raise their kids. It even has a pond, a gazebo and an embarrassment of white picket fences. But the details of the neighbourhood reveal a different, deeper purpose. The cottages are single-storey for wheelchair accessibility, and in fact aren’t cottages at all. Each only looks like a separate home from the outside to create a cozier scale. Within, they are conjoined by communal kitchens, lounges and dining rooms – social spaces for the 72 residents, all of whom have dementia, the most common form of which is Alzheimer’s. The first of its kind in Canada, following a successful model pioneered in the Netherlands, the Village aims to set a new gold standard in long-term care for people with declining memories. Rather than clinical, hospital-like spaces, it is meant to be reminiscent of the neighbourhoods the residents have left behind, making the transition to a nursing facility less disorienting, alienating or anxiety inducing, common issues for those with dementia. Langley is a suburban locale, but “if we had built this in a more urban setting,” Village architect […]
Mushrooms Boost Brain Health: Eat Them Twice A Week To Prevent Dementia
Health NATURALNEWS With ever-increasing numbers of people dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia, people are looking for ways to prevent themselves and their loved ones from having to face these horrific diseases. While traditional, medical treatments have little to offer, there are some natural treatments that have the potential to help protect against cognitive impairment. For instance, consuming more than 300 grams (g) of cooked mushrooms a week can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to a study by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS). The researchers defined 300 g as two portions, about three-quarters of a cup each. This serving size is only a guideline, however, as the researchers pointed out that eating smaller portions may still offer benefits in terms of fighting MCI. According to Assistant Professor Lei Feng, the lead author of the study: “This correlation is surprising and encouraging. It seems that a commonly available single ingredient could have a dramatic effect on cognitive decline.” Identifying the effects of MCI on older adults Mild cognitive impairment is defined as the stage between normal age-related cognitive decline and dementia. MCI involves memory loss or forgetfulness and a deficit in attention, language, and spatial awareness. However, because MCI’s effects are subtle, older adults often attribute them to aging. “People with MCI are still able to carry out their normal daily activities. So, what we had to determine in this study is whether these seniors had poorer performances on standard neuropsychologist tests than other people of the same age and education background,” explained Feng. To get an accurate diagnosis, the team adopted a version of an IQ test called the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. They then interviewed and tested the participants extensively. “The interview takes into account demographic information, medical history, psychological factors, and […]
Food processor lists benefits of daily cocoa consumption
Mr. Duro Kuteyi, Managing Director, Spectra Industries Limited The Chief Executive Officer of Spectra Industries Limited, Lagos, makers of Cocoa Powder, Mr. Duro Kuteyi has called on Nigerians to embrace daily consumption of Cocoa products, to enjoy its incredible medical benefits, which are entrenched with amazing healing power. Cocoa is a main manufacturing ingredient of chocolate and a low-fat constituent of cocoa bean, which is finely ground. Naturally, it is a rich substance with high minerals and nutrients providing innumerable health benefits. Kuteyi, who disclosed this in Lagos, said scientists consider cocoa powder as an active agent that helps prevent the growth of infectious bacteria in the body, adding that daily intake of the product helps in boosting cognitive function, allow blood flow and maintain healthy growth. The food processor said regular intake of cocoa could regulate lipid metabolism apart from boosting the cognitive function in older adults and reverse early memory decline.He said: “Research had proven that cocoa power is beneficial for quick relief from high blood pressure and constipation. In a bid to improve cocoa value addition, Spectra Industry produced cocoa powder, which is good for the brain and stability of blood pressure. “The cocoa powder can treat diabetes, bronchial asthma, strengthen cardiovascular health and prevents cancer. “It also maintains cholesterol level because it increases the level of healthy cholesterol in the blood, which leads to diminishing risk of heart diseases. The powder exerts therapeutic effects helps to treat constipation complication and bowel function diseases.” Kuteyi added that its product its product has prominent effects on the mood, which helps reduce stress level. “It prevents fatal blood clots from blocking blood vessels, which may lead to severe cardiac failure. “The regular intake of cocoa modulates lipid metabolism to reduce the synthesis of fatty acids besides aiding in […]
The Power Within by Corey Daniels book available for only $2.99
Mind has both conscious and subconscious halves. These are likened to a driver and the truck he drives. The driver plans the destination and observes road conditions, while the truck provides motive power. Your subconscious mind is like the truck and it only goes in the direction in which is a steered. This can be the road or off a cliff. Likewise, the consciousness paints a picture of what the world is and what your goals are and the subconscious acts on them through emotion, physical response and energy, whether these are correct, rational images or false negative ones. The subconscious is also like an emotional reservoir which your body and mind draw responses from to external stimuli.
The Power Within lays out a method of programming your subconscious and tapping into the Holy Spirit, God voice or what the Greeks called the daimon (godman).