Nature Knows and Psionic Success

All of us have experienced anxiety over certain situations in life. It’s a perfectly normal and healthy reaction and a part of our mind’s coping mechanism to stressful or adverse situations. It’s the time when this emotion stops being useful, becomes limiting to your personal development and becomes debilitating that anxiety can be considered a disorder. Anxiety disorder has become a prevalent mental health or neurodevelopmental disorder around the world, that a 2017 statistics from the World Health Organization put the estimated number of anxiety disorder sufferers across the globe at a whopping 284 million people. Another cause of concern is that the United States has at least 40 million people suffering from this condition. That said, there is a pressing need for a long-term and effective solution in treating anxiety disorder. One of the most common traditional treatments for anxiety is use of anxiolytics or medications for anxiety. However, anxiolytics can have numerous unpleasant side effects just like any other psychiatric medications. On that note, health care professionals and anxiety sufferers alike were looking for a natural and effective alternative for treating anxiety, which led them to the compound called cannabidiol or CBD. Before deciding on switching to this option, there should be important information that you need to know about CBD as anxiety treatment. CBD Has a Calming Effect on The Central Nervous System CBD is known to positively react to the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex set of neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. It is also known that the ECS plays a role in managing anxiety and fear memory processing. CBD has a positive and calming reaction with ECS, which then regulates the receptor signaling […]

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Just after lemon water and leafy greens, chocolate protein powder may be the most valuable player in our daily routines. Lately, we’ve been trying one with a collagen peptide base and it’s made all the difference. If you’re still a bit mystified about the balance between clean eating and actually enjoying your life, a good chocolate collagen protein powder may be exactly the life hack you need. Over the years, we’ve noticed that – whether it’s our own readers or the wellness pros we feature – the list of pantry staples most women rely on to eat well, feel great, and avoid cravings is remarkably small. While what constitutes a “healthy diet” varies wildly from person to person, there are a few key products we find work well for most. One of them is this clean chocolate protein from Further Food’s with a collagen peptide-base. Further Food’s new Chocolate Collagen Peptides Protein Powder has been our top pick lately when it comes to smoothies, superfood lattes and all the other things we toss a good protein powder into. Since collagen has been getting so much buzz as a beauty ingredient, it may be easy to forget that collagen is actually an exceptional source of protein. Further Food’s new product contains some of best-source collagen we’ve found, made with grass-fed, pasture-raised collagen peptides and 100% real food ingredients: no gums, flavorings, processed sugar, stevia, or ingredients you can’t pronounce. We keep a good chocolate protein powder on hand at all times for sustainable health habits that aren’t easily thwarted by the slew of junk food options around us at all times. Simply add chocolate protein powder to almond milk, a smoothie, or a latte while on the go, and you’ve got instant nourishment that’ll keep blood sugar stable, satiate your […]

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Pet owners know how much that furry face, those precious eyes and heart-warming charms improve their health and overall well-being. In fact, it has been said a pet is one of the only gifts that can mend a crack in a heart. The field of human-animal bond research is dedicated to studying the health benefits of pets and human-animal interaction. I am a passionate advocate of the human-animal bond. Living with an animal, or even just visiting them, has great health benefits, including improvements in mental, social, emotional and physical health. That’s not based on anecdotes — mounds of studies have validated this truth. The invisible ties that bind you to your pets or time visiting with animals can have a dramatic impact on your life and your health. Animals have a proven track record as healing agents. In the last decade there has been an increase in the study of the human-animal bond demonstrating that time with your pets or visiting with animals has great health benefits — whether at home, work, or in service. • Pet Owners. Keeping a pet improves your overall health and well-being. People of all ages, both healthy and ill, benefit from living with an animal. Pets do more than being good company. They have been shown to decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills. One compelling study reported pet-owners make fewer visits to their doctors for ailments and are less likely to be on medication for heart problems and sleeping difficulties. • Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a growing field. AAT is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals, such as horses, dogs, cats, pigs and birds to enhance and complement the benefits of traditional therapy. Animal-assisted therapy can reduce pain, anxiety, fatigue and depression in […]

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If you thought that the primary effect of the pollution your children are exposed to only causes them to fall ill, with respiratory ailments, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Apart from respiratory ailments, autoimmune diseases, affecting moods, and more, perhaps the scariest manifestation is how extreme pollution can stunt growth and affect the brain development of children. An interesting study done by researchers at IIT Delhi found that the highest decline in height amongst children is of those born between November and January, the months when the pollution levels peak. The researchers surveyed over 200,000 children between February 2010 to December 2015 to arrive at this conclusion. The research published in the journal, Environmental Health, concluded that newborn babies as well as fetuses of women in their third trimester are more likely to be shorter for their age, or be stunted later in life if the mother had been exposed to high levels of air pollution during pregnancy. Says Dr. Megha Consul , Principal Consultant, Pediatrics, Max Gurgaon, “A child’s future is pinned on the first 1000 days of development when brain growth is most rapid. Any damage during this critical period can cause long-lasting effects on their health and well-being. Early childhood is also a critical period for the continued development and maturation of several biological systems such as the brain, lung, and immune system and air toxins can impair lung function and neurodevelopment, or exacerbate existing conditions, such as asthma. Infants who were born premature or growth-retarded may be particularly vulnerable to additional environmental insults, for example, due to the immaturity of the lungs at birth.” Air pollution in pregnant mothers can affect the growth of child in-utero and lead to intrauterine growth retardation and stunting. In countries like India where air pollution is higher, […]

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People with pets may be able to use their companion animals to practice techniques for managing chronic pain without medication, researchers say. In focus group interviews, pet owners over age 70 with chronic pain said their pets brought them joy and laughter, helped them relax, kept them active, and promoted other good habits that can also be marshaled to manage pain, the study team writes in the Journal of Applied Gerontology. “In part because of the opioid crisis, there is more interest than ever in how people can use cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage common chronic pain conditions with less reliance on medication,” said study leader Mary Janevic, an associate research scientist at the School of Public Health of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. This self-management “toolbox” includes relaxation techniques, physical activity, interaction with pets, and a problem-solving approach to minimize pain’s interference with life, she said. “This is especially important in older adults, who often experience more harmful side-effects from medication than younger people do,” Janevic told Reuters Health by email. The study team conducted focus groups with 25 dog and cat owners who had experienced persistent pain at least half of their days during the prior six months. The owners lived full-time with their pet and interacted four or more times per day through petting, talking to, playing with, walking with, sitting with, feeding or grooming their pet. The owners described how their pets affect their daily routines and health, including pain, fatigue and barriers to pet care. The research team analyzed the transcripts for themes and categories matching the types of techniques used in pain management: mood management, relaxation, distraction, physical activity, behavioral changes, social interaction and sleep. Overall, pet owners reported that their animals increased positive feelings, had a soothing presence, encouraged […]

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The July issue of Nashville Lifestyles featured our all-inclusive guide to relaxation and rejuvenation. Each day we’ll be sharing one of our favorite wellness practices and procedures with you. Supplied Relax, recharge, recalibrate. That’s the promise of Float Horizen , a float spa in East Nashville’s Five Points. Its private rooms contain individual tanks, each filled with 12 inches of Epsom salt-saturated water heated to skin temperature, thus effortlessly supporting the body. Moreover, in darkness, in silence. So much of my day is spent in the barrage of the physical world, connected to devices that stream a steady and often stressful diet of information. What would it feel like to unplug for an hour, immerse myself in a warm buoyant bath, and surrender to the stillness of the moment? Float Horizen founder and native Nashvillian Zane Ritter is ready to guide me. Ritter became entranced with the therapeutic benefits of floating while he was a student of biology and psychology at UT Chattanooga. “In my neuroscience classes, I came across research that showed a correlation between healing of traumatic brain injuries and floating,” he says. “It was called sensory deprivation. In that quiet environment, the brain can rest and heal.” Further exploration led Ritter to a float conference in Portland, Oregon. This exposed him to a diverse wellness community: athletes using floating to speed recovery from injuries, business people as a means of de-stressing, artists to increase receptivity to the creative flow. He also attended a comprehensive seminar on how to start your own float spa. In December 2017, with his family’s backing, Ritter opened Float Horizen. Supplied He gives me a tour of the facility. The Dream Room has a state-of-the-art pod with hydraulic door, modern yet womblike. The Wave Rooms are more expansive—you don’t have the sense […]

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A dietician has revealed how cutting out sugar, which can cause a drug-like addiction, could boost your health and performance in the gym and at work. Dr Samantha Coogan, president of the Nevada Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a researcher at the University of Nevada, explains the effects of quitting the sweet stuff. Withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, stomach aches or bowel changes, can last for days or even weeks. But once the body has adjusted, you can expect to see a boost in brain function at work and you’ll need fewer sick days at work, Dr Coogan said. The body will feel less lethargic, making exercise easier and muscles will be replenished quicker with adequate nutrition. Dr Coogan said the hair, skin, and nails improve, while sleep is more restful and weight loss is "inevitable" from cutting out the high-calorie snacks. Your body will also be better protected against disease – too much sugar is known to raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Dr Coogan, writing for the University of Nevada, said: ‘It may be a harsh comparison, but think about how drug addicts live on a day-to-day basis. ‘Work is either low quality or non-existent; workouts are either minimal intensity, or again non-existent; and their sleep patterns are constantly disturbed without ever feeling fully rested. "Sugar is an addictive substance for some people, so it really is necessary to approach it in a similar manner to drug or alcohol detoxification." The higher a person’s sugar tolerance is, the longer it may take for them to get used to a diet that doesn’t involve reaching for sugary snacks. But once the withdrawal phase is over, Dr Coogan said the benefits can be numerous. People may find their hair, skin and nails look healthier, […]

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To attract young technicians, the trucking industry has been turning increasingly toward technology and gamification in training. (Getty Images) [Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox .] Millennials and Generation Z have grown up surrounded by sophisticated technologies — such as video games and augmented reality — that now are making the transition from personal pastime to business tools. Trucking companies are exploring ways to harness these innovations to attract and retain the next generation of diesel truck technicians, an important task considering the industry’s significant labor shortage. “We are short 76 technicians companywide. That’s a problem,” said Greg Roberts, director of maintenance administration at Hogan Truck Leasing, based in St. Louis. Trucking, as well as other industries, has been tweaking its approach to working with younger generations, placing greater emphasis on gamification. This practice often involves technology, such as mobile devices, but it doesn’t need to. Gamification simply means applying game-design techniques in a nongame setting to encourage workers to achieve a desired outcome. It typically incorporates accumulating points or real-life or virtual rewards and competing with peers. “These young people have a tendency to be extremely competitive,” said Kenneth Calhoun, fleet optimization manager with Altec Service Group, and also general chairman and treasurer of the Technology & Maintenance Council, a council of American Trucking Associations. His priorities include addressing the technician shortage and boosting education and training for potential and new employees. A growing body of research indicates gamification keeps young employees interested in duties, especially those they may consider repetitive, mundane or boring. Gamifying creates an interactive and motivating environment said to reduce disengagement, boost productivity and provide greater long-term job satisfaction, serving as a retention tool. In short, gamification makes work fun and employees are driven by that. Fleets can introduce […]

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Deb Johnson, executive director for St. Clair County Community Mental Health. Those of us lucky enough to live in the Blue Water area sometime forget how privileged we are to bask in the sparkling backdrop of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River’s peace, calm, beauty, and harmony. With all the amenities of city life a short drive away, we are also free to enjoy the splendor and mystery of nature. This is never truer than during the summer, when the sights, sounds and landscapes of St. Clair County provide us the opportunity to improve our health by participating in countless outdoor activities, while simultaneously experiencing the joy and exhilaration that comes only from the feel of the sun and a gentle breeze off the lake against our cheeks. Whether we’re picnicking at one of our many public parks, cruising the St. Clair River, taking a swim at Lakeside Park, wandering along the Blue Water River Walk, or bicycling the Bridge to Bay Trail, there is never a shortage of exciting outdoor activities for us to enjoy. Unfortunately, many of us fail to take advantage of all the summer fun our area has to offer. Nationally, Americans who live until the average age of 78 will spend 68 of those years indoors, another 5 years in their car, and only 5 years outdoors! By spending so little time outdoors, we are robbing ourselves of the many physical and mental benefits of nature. Fresh air helps our lungs to dilate more fully and improves their ability to cleanse the body of indoor pollutants like mold, mildew, bacteria, dust mites, and animal dander. Spending time outdoors also lowers heart rates and blood pressure rates, while providing Vitamin D, which is critical for bone growth, cell growth and neuromuscular and immune function. […]

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In a new study, researchers found that one important way of staving off cognitive decline in older people is learning new skills as a child would. They found that older people who learn three to five new skills at the same time could increase their cognitive abilities to levels similar to those 30 years younger. The research was conducted by a team from the University of California, Riverside. Previous research has shown cognitive gains of older people learning new skills, such as photography or acting. But these skills were learned one at a time, or sequentially. In the new study, the team found learning multiple new skills at the same time in older adulthood leads to cognitive growth. This can help people maintain independence in old age. They tested adults 58 to 86 years old to simultaneously take three to five classes for three months. That was about 15 hours per week, similar to an undergraduate course load. The classes included Spanish, learning to use an iPad, photography, drawing/painting, and music composition. The participants completed cognitive tests before, during, and after the studies to test working memory (such as remembering a phone number for a few minutes); cognitive control (which is switching between tasks) and episodic memory (such as remembering where you’ve parked). The team found that after just 1 ½ month, participants increased their cognitive abilities to levels similar to those of middle-aged adults, 30 years younger. Control group members, who did not take classes, showed no change in their performance. The team says that the natural learning experience from infancy to emerging adulthood mandates learning many real-world skills simultaneously. The study shows older adults can learn multiple new skills at the same time, and doing so may improve their cognitive functioning. Intense learning experiences are possible in […]

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I know, I know — some of these are summer «classics». I’m not saying you need totally abstain, but being aware of some of their nasty ingredients might help you curb your consumption and protect your health. Your summer (and your family’s) will be healthier if you do! Processed meat (hotdogs, bacon, ham, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any type of lunchmeat) These foods contain nitrites and nitrates — two closely related chemicals used for centuries to preserve meat. Less serious symptoms include hives and itching, but once they enter your digestive system they mix with chemicals in your stomach to form nitrosamines, a carcinogenic substance linked to cancers of the pancreas, bladder and brain. Diet drinks They contain aspartame — a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to erode intelligence and affect short term memory, this toxic sweetener is linked to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumors and diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches , mental confusion and seizures. They are also addictive and interfere with our body’s satiety mechanisms — increasing cravings. Never let children have them. Crisps and commercial snacks They often contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), a flavor-enhancer that can affect the nervous system and make you feel hungrier than you are. MSG is also an excito-toxin and regular consumption can result in depression, disorientation and obesity. It may also trigger migraines. To avoid it read food labels carefully. MSG is listed as: Yeast extract (yes, marmite!), gelatin, textured and hydrolyzed proteins, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate. Even packages that say «No MSG» or «No MSG Added» can sneak the substance in disguised as any of the ingredients above. Avoid fast food too. Commercial ice cream The artificial colourings they contain to make food look more […]

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A dietitian has revealed how cutting out sugar, which can cause a drug-like addiction, could boost your health and performance in the gym and at work. Dr Samantha Coogan, president of the Nevada Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a researcher at the University of Nevada, explains the effects of quitting the sweet stuff. Withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, stomach aches or bowel changes, can last for days or even weeks. But once the body has adjusted, you can expect to see a boost in brain function at work and you’ll need fewer sick days at work, Dr Coogan said. The body will feel less lethargic, making exercise easier and muscles will be replenished quicker with adequate nutrition. Dr Coogan said the hair, skin, and nails improve, while sleep is more restful and weight loss is ‘inevitable’ from cutting out the high-calorie snacks. Your body will also be better protected against disease – too much sugar is known to raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. A dietitian has revealed how cutting sugar, which causes a drug-like addiction, can boost performance in the gym and at work (stock image) A dietitian has revealed how cutting sugar, which causes a drug-like addiction, can boost performance in the gym and at work (stock image) Dr Coogan, writing for the University of Nevada , said: ‘It may be a harsh comparison, but think about how drug addicts live on a day-to-day basis. ‘Work is either low quality or non-existent; workouts are either minimal intensity, or again non-existent; and their sleep patterns are constantly disturbed without ever feeling fully rested. ‘Sugar is an addictive substance for some people, so it really is necessary to approach it in a similar manner to drug or alcohol detoxification.’ The higher a person’s sugar […]

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A stroke is a scary thing… The blood is cut off to an area of your brain and the cells in that area die. And, because of the unique nature of a stroke and the physical and chemical changes it causes, the damage can continue — killing more brain cells even days after. The larger the area of damage, the worst issues you’ll experience. Large strokes can cause speech problems, paralysis, or even death while small strokes may just result in weakness in an arm or a leg. The only sure way to avoid all of these things is to never have a stroke. A few important stroke prevention tips recommended by Harvard Medical School include: Maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood sugar Losing any extra weight Exercising more Limiting alcohol Quitting smoking Treating any problems with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats) But unfortunately, estimates are that approximately 6000,000 Americans will experience their first stroke this year. That means someone you know, maybe even some of us reading this right now, could be in that number. But, there’s still something you can do that could both increase your odds for less brain damage and help your recovery if it happens… The brain-protecting triple power of antioxidants Ground-breaking research was carried out by a team of scientists from the University of South Florida College of Medicine, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, that looked into the effects of antioxidants on stroke. Previous research had already proven that diets enriched with blueberries, spinach or spirulina reversed normal age-related declines in memory and learning in old rats. So, they decided to test the antioxidant powerhouses against the damage caused by a stroke. The researchers studied four groups of rats which were fed either one of the three […]

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Research confirms that children who grow up near green spaces have reduced risks of developing psychiatric disorders later on in life, so get outside and get into the green. A study out of Denmark found that the best outcomes for the reduction of psychiatric disorders were seen for children with access to nature closest to their home—a factor that remained true even after adjusting for socioeconomic status. The researchers attribute their findings to the fact that children living in urban environments may experience more stressors (such as noisy traffic) and are not receiving the benefits of nature to help offset this exposure. Some also believe that children may experience structural changes in the brain when enjoying play in nature. The benefits of connecting to the natural world are numerous, immediate, and significant. Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), improve social interactions with peers, enhance memory, and reduce stress levels. It is associated with improved nutrition and provides opportunity for health-boosting physical activity. All of these factors certainly play a role in one’s mental health status, and are quite paramount to consider as approximately 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness (in the United States) each year. This news is certainly not surprising to me, as I am sure it is not for many of you. After all, vitamin N (coined by Richard Louv) is essential. This research strengthens my motivation to get my little ones outside on a daily basis and I decided to compile a list of fresh, fun activities for increasing our green space exposure this summer. I hope they resonate with and inspire some of you too. Get Planting : Luckily we have a vividly green yard bursting with a large variety of plants. Even so, we […]

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SEATTLE – Bulletproof 360, Inc., the lifestyle company widely known for the popular Bulletproof Coffee, as well as their leading science-based content, and food and beverage product lines, has announced a partnership with Super Bowl LII Champion and MVP Quarterback, Nick Foles. As a longtime enthusiast of the brand, the current Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback and former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback first became a fan of Bulletproof in 2015 when a friend introduced him to a few of the products.In an effort to continue to organically scale Bulletproof’s mission to help people elevate their performance, think faster and live better, Foles will work with the brand to educate new audiences on the connection between health and mental clarity, energy and happiness.This partnership comes on the heels of Bulletproof’s recent expansion into a variety of retail stores including Walmart, Target, Publix, Sam’s Club, CostCo, CVS, and VitaminShoppe widening Bulletproof’s reach beyond the existing success at Whole Foods Markets, and Sprouts. “Everything I do off-the-field helps with my preparation on-the-field. I notice a tangible and positive difference in how I perform when I use Bulletproof products,” said Nick Foles. “I’ve been making hundreds of cups of Bulletproof Coffee for teammates and coaches for years now, and have turned them into loyal fans of the brand, because they too felt a difference in their physical and mental wellbeing. I am also excited to get the opportunity to work Dave Asprey, who is a visionary, to help further the brand’s mission of making the state of high performance a daily reality for everyone.” Foles’ favorite Bulletproof products include the original Bulletproof Coffee recipe, a mix of Brain Octane Oil and Grass-Fed Ghee; Bulletproof’s Smart Mode, a cognitive supplement that supports memory, focus and processing power; and Bulletproof’s Unfair Advantage, an energy supplement that gives a […]

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