( Natural News ) Researchers have found a novel benefit from the acai fruit ( Euterpe oleracea ), as its seeds have been found to prevent and treat renal hypertension and its symptoms . In their study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food , the team identified that this benefit may come from the fruit’s antihypertensive and antioxidant properties. For the study, researchers looked at the ability of acai seed extracts to protect the kidney from symptoms of high blood pressure using a hypertension mice model. They gave mice either 250 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of acai seed extract daily or a placebo for 40 days. Then, they measured serum and urinary parameters, renal structural changes, and oxidative status. The results demonstrated that acai seed extract prevented the increase of systolic blood pressure, glomerular volume, and collagen deposition. Moreover, it improved the levels of urea and creatinine and urinary protein excretion, which were increased due to renal hypertension. It also prevented increased oxidative damage and restored nitrite content and the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, the treatment significantly reduced renal injury and prevented renal dysfunction. These findings indicated that acai seed extract can be used to treat and prevent renal hypertension and its symptoms. Acai and its many benefits Acai, or acai berry, is one of the healthiest fruits in the world. It is a grape-like purple-colored fruit native to the rainforests of South America. Acai berry tastes like a blend of chocolate and berries, with a slight metallic aftertaste. This fruit has been considered as a superfood because of the many potential health benefits it can offer. (Related: Acai berry – Six ways this superfood can change your health .) Mother Nature’s micronutrient secret : Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, delivering 280mg of […]
( Natural News ) In a SHTF situation, it is important to avoid things that could cause injuries or diseases since these could significantly diminish your chances of survival. Although most health problems are not immediately fatal, they are often accompanied by pain, which adds to the pile of things that you should worry about. Without proper care and attention, pain can become unbearable and disabling faster than its underlying cause. Fortunately, there are many natural products that can be easily accessed and utilized as pain relievers even in the absence of professional medical attention. (h/t to BioPrepper.com ) Plants are widely utilized as natural remedies for different diseases. However, not all natural products are beneficial to you. There are some that are actually harmful, especially when ingested since they could attack your body from the inside. It is important that you know the plants that are safe for use to avoid harming the body with naturally occurring toxins, such as arsenic . Some of the most commonly utilized natural painkillers include: Clove oil — Based on studies, the ability of clove oil to alleviate pain is comparable to the conventional anesthetic benzocaine. People commonly used this product to treat toothaches, as well as skin itching and burning due to dryness or poisoning. Clove oil contains eugenol , a bioactive compound that can numb the pain and reduce inflammation on the affected area. Clove oil can be directly applied or it can also be made into a gel first. Cayenne pepper — Many people enjoy cayenne peppers because of their flavor, but there’s much more to them than that. They contain capsaicin, which stimulates the rapid release of Substance P . This compound is involved in transmitting pain signals to the brain, and since there is only a limited […]
( Natural News ) Chocolates are a guilty pleasure for many people around the world, but there’s nothing to feel bad about if you’re eating the right kind. Milk chocolate is the type that most people eat, but it is dark chocolate that is better for your health. The latter contains less sugar and is rich in beneficial nutrients, which is why many people now consider it to be a superfood. The darker the chocolate, the better it is for your health since this means that it has more cocoa and, therefore, more nutrients. One of the organs that greatly benefit from eating dark chocolate is the heart. Over the years, evidence has built up proving that dark chocolate is good for the heart. One of the most common observations that researchers have is that it is rich in antioxidants like flavonols, polyphenols, and catechins . A previous study revealed that dark chocolate contains more of these phytochemicals than renowned antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries and acai berries. These compounds effectively neutralize harmful free radicals that inflict damage on the heart and other organs. Moreover, antioxidants also reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Different compounds in dark chocolate, like epicatechin and cyclostatin, also work to improve blood flow by stimulating the arteries to relax and preventing plaques from forming in blood vessels. Because of this, the different parts of the body receive sufficient amounts of nutrients and oxygen for them to function properly. This also prevents blood pressure from building up by releasing small amounts of it at a time . Minerals found in dark chocolate, which include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and potassium, also regulate blood pressure. 100% organic essential oil sets now available for your home and personal care, including Rosemary, Oregano, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Clary […]
( Natural News ) Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s take a devastating toll on all whom they touch. Watching a once vibrant and healthy person’s mental and other faculties wasting away is one of the hardest things for any family to deal with, and there is no doubt that neurological diseases exact a heavy emotional, spiritual and financial price. For many of these diseases, modern medicine simply cannot offer a cure or even slow down the symptoms. Nonetheless, there is a totally natural, side-effect free treatment for neurological illnesses that carries the weight of solid scientific evidence behind it: MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil. (Related: Alzheimer’s patient reverses symptoms with daily coconut oil .) “Rocket fuel for the brain” What are MCTs? Wellness Mama explains that all fats are composed of hydrogen and carbon, but that their length varies according to the number of carbons they contain. Short chain fatty acids are those which have five or less carbons, while medium chain fats (or triglycerides) have between six and 12 and long chain fatty acids have more than 12. MCTs are easily digested and processed in the liver, unlike other fats which are metabolized through the same digestive process as other foods. They are a quick source of lasting energy and are easily absorbed by the body. MCT oils are made up of one or more of the following medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs): caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid or lauric acid. MCFAs are usually extracted from either coconut or palm oil (though coconut is the better source), and also occur naturally in breastmilk, several types of dairy and in goats’ milk. Unlike other fats, MCTs do not require bile salts to be digested, and do not utilize extra energy during absorption, storage or use. The power of the […]
Nootropics — or as many people like to call them, “smart pills” — are “cognitive enhancers” that claim to improve learning capability, motivation, concentration and creativity. But do nootropics really work, and are they safe? In recent years there’s been a major surge in popularity in nootropics, especially among college students, recent grads and even hard-working corporate executives. Nootropics are considered non-addictive “smart drugs” or substances that help the brain work more efficiently. So what is the best nootropic on the market today? Many of the most popular nootropic vendors in the world have only emerged in the past several years, mostly selling their products online to those interested in “neurohacking,” or the ability to apply cutting-edge science and technology to positively influence how the brain and body work. The term “nootropics” covers a broad range of brain-boosting drugs, herbs and supplements that are all said to have cognitive-enhancing effects. When it comes to finding the best nootropic for you, it’s important to consider why you’re using nootropics in the first place, your goals, medical history and the potential risks involved. Some of the best brain supplements that seem to be both safe and effective, according to studies, include: adaptogen herbs, medicinal mushrooms, bacopa, ginseng, DHA/fish oil and gingko biloba. What Are Nootropics? How Do They Work? Nootropics is another name for “smart drugs,” “brain boosters” or “memory-enhancing drugs.” There’s now a wide variety of products available on the market that are classified as nootropics, considering the exact definition of a nootropic is still up for debate, as the term is not tightly regulated. What makes things even more complicated is that nootropics are often manufactured as “stacks,” or substances that include many different ingredients that interact in complex ways. ( 1) Some examples of nootropics include: ( 2 […]
After the painful realization that I might actually have to give up my morning coffee (too much anxiety, losing sleep, energy crashes in the afternoon), I started looking for something that I could replace it with — an all-natural alternative that would help me achieve the same mental clarity without the pesky side effects. Eventually, I stumbled upon lion’s mane mushroom, and am I glad that I did. Not only did I give up coffee (for the most part), but I’ve noticed a drastic improvement in concentration and focus, and my moods are more stable than ever. Now before I get ahead of myself, I know what you’re thinking: A mushroom is going to replace my morning joe? Well, maybe not — and sure, a lion’s mane mushroom head sort of looks like a shaggy old mop. But health experts are praising the fungus for its ability to improve brain function , enhance memory , and quell symptoms of common mood disorders , so if you’ve never tried it, you may want to add this superfood to your grocery list. What are lion’s mane mushrooms? Lion’s mane mushroom are so named because of their shaggy, mane-like appearance. They grow natively in Asia and North America, and have been used historically in gourmet Asian cooking as well as traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for many ailments. The medicinal mushroom is also an adaptogen , or a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress by balancing hormones and regulating the autonomic nervous system. But beyond its adaptogenic powers, this fungus is filled with bioactive compounds that improve your health in more ways than one. When cooked, lion’s mane mushrooms are described as having a chewy, seafood-like texture and taste similar to lobster. You can buy the whole […]
Above: Humm’s headband stimulates your brain. Humm has a headset that can make you smarter, at least temporarily, by stimulating the part of your brain that is responsible for learning and memory. This “ biohacking ” can help you play games or esports better, or otherwise simply improve your cognitive performance. Berkeley, California-based Humm has created a headband that uses electrical stimulation to deliver electrical signals to your frontal cortex. No, it’s not a frontal lobotomy. The team at Humm thinks of it more as biohacking, or helping you get a cognitive edge through technology. This is just the sort of thing that I could use to become an esports athlete. You can wear the Humm Edge headset and press a button, which activates the electrical brain stimulation. Humm CEO Iain McIntyre said in an interview with GamesBeat that you can directly improve cognitive performance simply by wearing the device while you work, with no additional meditation or special diets. “We target the part of the brain with electricity to help concentration and learn new skills,” McIntyre said. “We use a targeted current to make a small boost to certain brainwaves.” The technology is based on a new form of non-invasive brain stimulation, a field with more than 20 years of clinical research and a strong track record for safety. Previously it has been used to treat such conditions as depression and insomnia, but recently it has been found to provide cognitive benefits too. Humm’s device creates small electrical signals that amplify brainwave patterns, and it is similar to technology used by the U.S. military, Olympic athletes and leading labs such as the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and Harvard. Users wear the headband-like headset for 15 minutes prior to a learning or work session and immediately get […]
First Device to Help Improve Cognitive Performance with a Touch of a Button so Users Safely Attain Highest Levels of Ability BERKELEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2018 / Silicon Valley executives and students at the most elite universities are starting to use of electrical brain stimulation to get ahead of the competition. By using specially designed headsets to deliver electrical signals to the brain, this community of high achievers, known as ‘biohackers,’ are looking to attain a cognitive edge with enhanced memory and learning ability coming with the flick of a switch and without the typical side effects of medication. The new Edge headset, launching today from HUMM, is the first brain-stimulating headband to activate the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, directly improving cognitive performance simply by wearing the device while you work, with no additional meditation or special diets. "For the past two years, we’ve been developing a way for people to stay at the top of their game whenever they need it most; at school, the office, or even in their favorite hobby," said Iain McIntyre, co-founder and CEO, HUMM. "Until recently this electrical brain stimulation technology has been confined to neuroscience labs, where the devices were very clinical and expensive, or hacked together with wires and batteries n the homes of hardcore biohackers. The Edge headset solves all of those issues so that now anyone can focus more, learn more and kick their learning speed into overdrive." The HUMM Edge Headset The technology is based on a new form of non-invasive brain stimulation, a field with more than twenty years of clinical research and a strong track record for safety. Previously it has been used to treat such conditions as depression and insomnia, but recently it has been found to […]
Credit: CC0 Public Domain Can we train our brains to remember the things we want? We can’t remember everything. Instead, our brains pick out things that are important to burn into our long-term memory . But is there a way to take back control over our memories? Whether you’re studying for an exam or want to create the best holiday memories, here’s how to trick your brain into remembering the things you want. Give Yourself A Reward UWA experimental psychologist Dr. Alice Mason is researching how rewards can influence what we remember. "Rewards are anything that makes us feel good," she says. "Typically, we talk about primary rewards—so these are food, drugs and sex—and they activate the reward system in the brain and release a natural chemical called dopamine." In the lab, Alice uses money—a secondary reward—to look at how it can help people remember things. For instance, she might tell people to remember ‘cat’, ‘dog’ and ‘fish’, and if they remember ‘cat’, they’ll receive 20c. The technique works. And the best thing is you don’t even have to use real money. Being awarded points alone is enough to boost memory. "Just that feeling of doing well is enough to activate your reward system," Alice says. The downside? Awarding money or points can’t make you remember more items, they can only boost your memory for some items over others. Make It A Game Want to level up from the points technique? Create a game-like environment. Alice says we remember things best when there’s uncertainty about the reward. For instance, people are even more likely to remember the word ‘cat’ from a list when told that, if they remember it, they’ll get to roll a dice, and if they roll a 6, they’ll win a prize. In the classroom, this […]
( Natural News ) Cocoa can protect against an influenza infection by activating the body’s natural immunity and enhancing immune response, according to a study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture . The study, conducted by researchers in Japan, looked the protective effect of cocoa on the influenza virus using both laboratory testing and clinical trials. Cocoa has been previously reported to contain biologically active ingredients that have antimicrobial activity. (Related: Hot chocolate enhances memory, modulates immune cells .) The researchers prepared a cocoa extract using defatted cocoa powder with boiling water. They used the extract to treat Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells infected with human influenza virus A (H1N1, H3N2), human influenza virus B, and avian influenza viruses (H5N1, H5N9). They also used the extract in mice administered with a lethal dose of influenza virus. In human intervention trials, one group of participants consumed cocoa for three weeks, while the other did not. The results revealed that cocoa extract inhibited viral adsorption in the MDCK cells. In the animal experiments, the cocoa extract significantly improved survival in mice. In human intervention trials, the consumption of cocoa increased neutralizing antibodies against the influenza virus, as well as natural killer cell activity. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that consumption of cocoa activates the body’s natural immunity and enhances immune response, providing stronger protection against influenza virus infection and diseases. Mother Nature’s micronutrient secret : Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, delivering 280mg of high-density nutrition, including the extraordinary "sulforaphane" and "glucosinolate" nutrients found only in cruciferous healing foods. Every lot laboratory tested. See availability here. Cocoa and its other benefits Cocoa powder is made from crushed and defatted cocoa beans . In the 16 th century, the Spaniards introduced cocoa to […]
( Natural News ) Odor and wetness shouldn’t come with a price greater than the cost of a deodorant stick, but unfortunately there is mounting evidence that when you buy conventional deodorant, you not only pay now, but you also pay later in medical expenses. Do you really want to be that guy or girl that cheaps out on deodorant, then has a serious health scare later on in life, by saving a few measly dollars? If you’re still not sure if conventional deodorant is a real threat to your health then take a few minutes to read these eye opening facts about conventional deodorant, and then determine if you want to risk disease, especially when there are perfectly legitimate solutions. Conventional deodorant contains disease promoting ingredients The problem with most deodorants are the toxic ingredients that they are filled with , and incorrectly assuming that unless we eat or inhale something, it has no effect on your health. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it’s much worse. Deodorants contain chemicals that can pass through the skin barrier, just like transdermal patches that deliver medications or nutrients through the skin. With deodorant it may be an unintended consequence, but it’s real and potentially a very dangerous one for you and your health. So when these chemicals penetrate your skin, your body will naturally detoxify them out of your body with no real harm, right? Not so much. In fact, putting these chemicals on your skin may be more dangerous than actually swallowing them. According to Associate professor of biology at North Carolina State University, Heather Patisaul, Ph.D.: The power of the elements : Discover Colloidal Silver Mouthwash with quality, natural ingredients like Sangre de Drago sap, black walnut hulls, menthol crystals and more. Zero artificial sweeteners, […]
There are many herbs, flowers, essential oils, and foods to deal with depression. Over the past few years, I’ve written several articles on these different alternative therapies. So here’s a quick recap of some of these natural remedies. Arctic root boosts your overall physical activity and mental vitality. Arctic root increases the feel good hormones in your brain. This makes you resilient to physical and emotional stress. Some claim arctic root works faster and better than antidepressants. Gingko bilboa improves memory, but is even better at treating depression. Ginkgo increases the flow of dopamine and serotonin to the brain. It also increases blood flow to the brain. This helps a depressed person be able to concentrate on things a bit better. Whole grains reduce mood swings, depression, and anxiety. They contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid necessary in the making of serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin lifts mood. Melatonin helps with the sleep cycle. Getting a good night sleep is one of the things lacking in depression and anxiety. Pumpkin seeds also contain tryptophan. So pumpkin seeds help mood and sleep cycles. Pumpkin seeds are a high source of magnesium. Magnesium lowers anxiety by relaxing nerves and muscles. Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc to boost your immune system and help you get a good night sleep. Quinoa is a super charged package of good things for depression and anxiety. Quinoa is loaded with protein, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, iron, phosphorus. It boosts serotonin and fights depression, fatigue and anemia. Quinoa is gluten-free, making it a food anyone could eat. Mustard is good for severe depression, and melancholy. You can eat mustard in any form – seed or spread – and the benefits are the same. Botanically speaking, lavender is a flowering shrub and a herb. Lavender is used […]
Article Contents 1 – What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids? 1.1 – Types of Omega-3 Fatty Acids a. Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) b. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 2 – 16 Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements 2.1 – Helps Support Weight Loss 2.2 – Reduces Cholesterol Levels 2.3 – Crucial Supplement During Pregnancy 2.4 – Improves Skin Health & Acne 2.5 – Lowers Anxiety & Depression 2.6 – Can Help with Dry Eyes 2.7 – Reduces ADHD Symptoms in Children 2.8 – May Promote Hair Growth 2.9 – Helps Reduce Joint Pain & Arthritis 2.10 – Lowers Bodily Inflammation 2.11 – Enhances Brain Function 2.12 – Stabilizes Blood Pressure 2.13 – Supports Heart Health 2.14 – Reduces Risk of Diabetes 2.15 – Helps Asthma & Allergies 2.16 – Promotes Healthy Bone Formation 3 – Omega-3 Fish Oil Side Effects 4 – Omega-3 Fish Oil Dosage 5 – Final Thoughts on the Health Benefits of Fish Oil 6 – References No matter your age or profession, everyone is trying to boost their brain health. It’s no secret that sharpening mental acuity can improve all aspects of your life. New research reveals that traits like intelligence and memory retention are malleable. Using natural brain boosters and challenging your mind are great ways to acquire new skills and enhance cognition. The benefits of fish oil can help slow the cognitive aging process. People already know that you need to eat a healthy diet to improve your brain health. Eating fish supports cognitive growth, which is why you’ll often hear it referred to as “brain food.” Some people don’t like fish, but they love the multiple health benefits that come with it. These benefits include helping with weight loss, skin health, cholesterol levels, depression, inflammation, joint pain, ADHD, and much more. That’s why over 18.8 […]
( Natural News ) Having a clean bill of health doesn’t just mean that a person is physically fit. It also includes whether his mental health is in check, which is something that a lot of people don’t regularly think about, and an issue that affects over three in four employees in the U.S. , according to a recent survey by the American Health Association . It’s not limited to workplaces: On average, nearly 44 million American adults experience mental illness each year, which makes it a growing cause of concern for everyone. It also makes the need for natural options to treat the condition that much important, given the adverse effects that certain medications have , which range from worsening of symptoms to even thoughts of suicide. Scientists have looked at one particular supplement, inositol, given its efficacy in treating these conditions, and in some cases, even better than prescription drugs. Inositol is a natural supplement known for its ability to relieve anxiety, binge-eating, and premenstural syndrome (PMS) in women. The substance, which was once known as vitamin B8, is found in high concentrations in the brain , where it helps regulate important chemicals associated with mood , including serotonin and dopamine. In a recent study, researchers have found that people with conditions such as anxiety, compulsive disorders, and depression have lower levels of inositol in their brains. In fact, other major neurotransmitters depend on inositol to relay messages, making it a key component in a lot of chemical systems in a person’s brain, including the ability to handle stress, learning and cognition, mood, productivity, sleep, and addiction. The power of the elements : Discover Colloidal Silver Mouthwash with quality, natural ingredients like Sangre de Drago sap, black walnut hulls, menthol crystals and more. Zero artificial sweeteners, colors […]
( Natural News ) Many of the health problems facing us today can be traced to nutrient deficiencies. You might have heard about the importance of getting enough Vitamin D or omega 3s, for example, but other nutrients don’t seem to get as much attention. When it comes to brain health and cognition, however, there is one nutrient that deserves top billing, and that is magnesium. Scientists have been looking into the connection between the widespread magnesium deficiency seen in the U.S. and the rise in problems like Alzheimer’s. Most Alzheimer’s patients exhibit lower levels of serum and brain magnesium. With around 50 million Americans believed to be magnesium deficient and more than 16 million older Americans suffering from cognitive impairment, there is the potential to help a lot of people by exploring this connection. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease showed that magnesium can enhance cognitive function in humans while reducing impairment. In the study, a group of adults between the ages of 50 and 70 who were experiencing memory loss were divided into groups, with some taking magnesium supplements and others taking a placebo. The group who took magnesium noted significant improvements in their cognitive function. Study lead author Dr. Guosong Liu said this is because magnesium raises the density of brain synapses while also enhancing and restoring cognitive abilities. Studies in animals have yielded similar results. In one study, magnesium sulfate injections led to significant improvements in synaptic efficacy and prevented learning and memory impairments in rats who had Alzheimer’s disease. This led the researchers of one such study, which was published in PLoS One , to suggest that magnesium treatment during the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s could protect from cognitive impairment. Mother Nature’s micronutrient secret : Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, […]
www.medicalnewstoday.com Your brain – what’s it up to…at night? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. It’s not just cooking up bizarre dreams! Sleep is also thought to affect memory formation.. Our natural electrical brain activity helps seal in those memories, converting them from short-term to long-term. But could we boost our memory even further? Praveen Pilly and researchers at the University of New Mexico wondered – what would happen if we amped these natural electric pulses up a bit? Sixteen volunteers were first asked to find hidden bombs and enemy snipers in realistic images. Then, while participants slept, the researchers operated devices to stimulate the natural electrical impulses in their brain. The following day, volunteers tried the same exercise, only with images from a different viewpoint. Results? The volunteers who received the stimulation during their sleep performed better than those without! Looks like memory enhancement has an electric future! Now if only there was something to forget my unfortunate nineteen-eighties prom dress…
It was found they achieved improvements with their early neurodegenerative disease symptoms after 12 weeks of supplementation. ( Newswire.net — November 6, 2018) Orlando, FL — Researchers have been conducting studies to learn about brain health and how it can be protected. According to Rick Huganir, Ph.D., the best thing for memory is exercise. Dr. is the director of the Johns Hopkins Department of Neuroscience. It has been speculated that exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, which then strengthens connections between memory-forming cells. “Memory is just a tiny part of brain functioning, and there’s a lot you can do to protect your brain health,” says John Hopkins, neurologist. It has been recommended to incorporate heart-pumping exercise in one’s daily routine. This is not only beneficial for brain health, but also reduces the risk of diabetes and hypertension. It actually has other health benefits like weight control and mood and sleep improvements. It has also been recommended to get adequate sleep on a daily basis, and to stay socially engaged. These are found to be helpful for the brain and improve mental functions. Some natural remedies have been found beneficial for brain health, and one is L-Carnitine. According to scientists, this natural ingredient has a remarkable ability to cross the blood brain barrier with ease. This is believed to be how it produces neuroprotective benefits. What makes it even more beneficial is it could directly stimulate the production of acetylcholine, which is a powerful neurotransmitter. In many studies, L-Carnitine was able to delay age-related changes in memory or mood. It may even be helpful in fighting Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association reveal that there is an estimated 5.3 million people in the United States with Alzheimer’s. By 2025, this prevalence is estimated to skyrocket to 7.1 million, which is a […]
( Natural News ) There are a lot of things that a person can do to improve sleep during menopause. Some examples include dietary changes, exercise, stress management, and mind-body therapies. However, natural supplements are also effective in treating these unpleasant symptoms. (h/t PsychologyToday.com ) Melatonin: Melatonin isn’t just for making a person sleep better. It can also improve menopause symptoms such as cognitive decline and aging bones. It helps the person fall asleep faster by regulating the body’s biological clock and sleep-wake cycles. It also increases total sleep amounts. Moreover, it improves sleep quality and REM sleep and reduces daytime sleepiness and fatigue. The antioxidant properties of melatonin protect brain cells. It does it by delaying — or even preventing — cognitive decline and memory loss. It can also strengthen aging bones. Magnolia bark: Traditional Asian medicine has long used the magnolia plant for its many benefits. These range from improved sleep and relaxation to decreased anxiety. It’s even used to treat allergies and asthma. Science has also shown that cut the time it takes for a person to fall asleep. Additionally, it also can increase the time a person spends in REM and NREM sleep. The bark can also relieve stress and soothe anxiety, something most menopausal women experience. It improves mood, treats depression, and enhances memory and learning. A lot of women in menopause experience weight gain. Taking magnolia bark extract can prevent it and reduce body fat. It can also improve insulin resistance and reduce triglycerides and cholesterol. The bark helps relieve joint and muscle pain, headache, and menstrual cramps. L-Theanine: The amino acid, found in tea leaves, can improve sleep and relaxation — without causing daytime sleepiness. It also increases GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels. These, in particular, may help women who are experiencing […]
Nootropics are nothing really new. They are taken in either naturally, or by way of man-made foods, drugs, or in the form of a supplement, and aid with the cognitive enhancement of the brain’s functioning, including areas of: memory, motivation, focus, and intelligence. With a history of more than 50 years, nootropics have been around since 1963. First developed by Dr. Corneliu Giurgea in the 1960’s, nootropics have only recently hit the mainstream as the latest and greatest in brain supplements , even holding the moniker of being “the best thing since sliced bread!” During the development of what today’s medical society are calling “smart drugs”, Dr. Corneliu Giurgea laid out 5 crucial criteria which he believed to be critical to the development of these nootropics, before they could be labelled as such. These 5 criteria are set out as follows: They should enhance one’s memory, as well as improve a person’s ability to learn They should help increase resistance to old, learned behaviors as well as memories of things that interrupt disrupt this newly increased resistance A nootropic should protect the brain from any physical assault, or from any foreign brain chemical It should increase the efficiency of the controlling mechanism for the neural firing of both the cerebral cortex and the sub-cerebral cortex areas of the brain They should also be non-toxic, with very few to no side effects In realistic terms, and today’s marketplace, there are an unfortunate few nootropics that meet these criteria end-to-end. They do however, all come with the innate ability to benefit a person’s thinking, and increase their mental energy. Without following the criteria for nootropics as laid out by Dr. Giurgea, the definition for nootropics is left to be a rather vague one. It’s due to this lack of clarity that […]
( Natural News ) Your mood can either make or break your day, which is why it’s important that your body produces sufficient amounts of the “happy molecule” serotonin. Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough serotonin, causing them to develop mental health conditions like depression. According to the World Health Organization , more than 300 million people suffer from depression . This extremely high number is alarming and presents the need for natural methods that can be utilized to improve serotonin production. Foods are commonly used as natural remedies for many health conditions, including depression. By following a strategic eating method, people can effectively increase their serotonin levels . Raising serotonin levels through food can get a bit complicated, but once an effective strategy has been determined, it becomes so much easier. Unlike other nutrients that can be found in a wide variety of foods, serotonin has few natural sources. These include walnuts , hickory nuts, pineapple, bananas, kiwis, plums, and tomatoes. However, increasing the intake of these foods doesn’t guarantee mood improvement since serotonin doesn’t always reach the brain. This is because of the presence of a blood-brain barrier that acts as a gatekeeper against foreign substances. To counter this, there are serotonin-rich foods you can eat that can effectively raise serotonin levels even with the blood-brain barrier: Cold-water fatty fish — Low serotonin levels have been associated with insufficient docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations. This omega-3 fatty acid is important for maintaining brain structure. By eating cold-water fatty fish that are rich in DHA, serotonin levels will also increase. Dark chocolate — Majority of serotonin is actually found in the gut and not the brain, but eating dark chocolate can increase serotonin in both organs. Cacao nibs are a healthier alternative to candy bars since they are less […]