Nature Knows and Psionic Success

( Natural News ) Acupuncture has seen some use as a means of alleviating the effects of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on the brain. However, recent systematic reviews have expressed some doubt on the effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicinal treatment. Therefore, a new study sought to confirm the findings of earlier researchers regarding acupuncture’s effect on AD. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia . It takes time to progress, but it affects the memory, disables effective thinking, and even changes the personality of the patient. It becomes more likely to develop as one grows older. Currently, no means of stopping or reversing the effects of AD are available, and medicines like cholinesterase-inhibitors and memantine can only relieve the symptoms of the disease. However, these drugs are expensive and can cause adverse events that force an end to the treatment. There is, therefore, a need to find a cure that is safe, effective, and affordable for patients in developing countries. Traditional Chinese medicine has been used to improve the cognitive function of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Acupuncture, in particular, has often been used to amend the symptoms of the illness. However, an earlier systematic review of data believed there was insufficient convincing evidence that acupuncture did anything for the patient’s cognitive function. Another review suggested that the existing body of evidence failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the traditional Chinese medicine treatment. In response to these reviews, researchers from Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TUTCM) launched a new trial to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture on people who have Alzheimer’s disease. 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 or alcohol. Learn more […]

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School is back, and with it come parents’ concerns for their child’s academic performance. Parents want what is best for their kids and, in order to ensure a successful future, they are constantly on the lookout for tools that can help them reach their full potential. However, parents often overlook the benefits that outdoor activities can have on a child’s mental and physical health. In fact, there are many ways in which the outdoors can be utilized as an easy and affordable tool to boost your child’s academic potential. BRAIN FUNCTIONING Today the majority of Americans, including children, spend most of their time indoors. Today’s children devote an average of seven minutes a day to unstructured outdoor play time. This means that they are not getting the health benefits of outdoor time in nature. In this new age of technology many parents struggle to convince kids to trade screen time for green time. Nonetheless, neglecting to spend enough time outside can affect your child’s Vitamin D levels and brain health. Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin , helps the body to absorb calcium, which is vital in the bone-building process. An individual with Vitamin D deficiency will struggle building and maintaining strong bones, fighting infections, and preventing the development of autoimmune diseases. Even though outdoor time alone might not be enough to reach the Vitamin D blood levels recommended for your kids, it will help, while also ensuring that they have more efficient brain and physiological functioning. SLEEP PATTERNS Lack of exposure to natural light during the day could also be contributing to your child’s inconsistent sleep patterns and therefore negatively affecting their academic performance. According to a Boston College study of 50 nations, American students were found to be the most sleep-deprived. This lack of sleep […]

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Dopamine is a crucial chemical transmitter in the brain that performs a lot of operations. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter—a chemical that helps brain cells communicate with one another. It plays a crucial role in motivation, reward, memory, attention and even in the control of the movement of the body. High levels and low levels of dopamine On the one hand, when our body releases dopamine in large amounts, it makes us feel happy and acknowledged, which motivates us to repeat a particular model of behavior. On the other hand, low levels of dopamine are the reason for the lack of motivation and enthusiasm for different things. Usually, dopamine levels are appropriately regulated in the nervous system, but there are some tricks to increase them naturally. Here are 5 natural proven ways to boost dopamine levels: Big goals are important. They give us a purpose to work towards. But small goals are significant, as well because. They are inherently short-term, which is very useful when trying to do bigger tasks. Breaking them up into smaller pieces helps you stay motivated and confident throughout the process. And motivation is the first and foremost element of success. If don’t have a motivation, we could fail. Haven’t we all been through this at least? It is when we achieve even small success when our brains release dopamine. As mentioned above dopamine is related to the feelings of pleasure, learning, and motivation. And when we feel its effects, we’re eager to repeat (as previously explained) the actions that lead to success. Neuroscientists named this process “self-directed learning.” This is why achieving small goals is a very effective method to stay motivated in the long term. For example, checking items off of a checklist can help us stay motivated. This action releases small quantities of […]

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Some of us like to work in a dimly lit room so we can concentrate. We might even close our eyes to focus ourselves mentally. A darkened environment just seems to lend itself to blocking out distractions. But surprising new research finds that doing this is not only unhelpful, it actually damages your ability to absorb and remember new information.1 Bright Light, Bright Mind In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, neuroscientists at Michigan State University trained Nile grass rats to perform a simple task. Then they divided the animals into two groups. One was exposed to bright light. The other was kept in dimly lit conditions. Unlike most other types of rats, Nile grass rats are diurnal. They sleep at night and are active during daytime…like humans.2 After four weeks, the researchers tested the rodents in the task they previously had been taught. The rats kept in dim light had lost 30% capacity in the hippocampus. This is a region of the brain that is important for memory and learning. On the other hand, rats exposed to bright light did significantly better performing the task than they had originally. After a four-week break, researchers switched the groups. They exposed the dim-light group to bright light for four weeks. The rats’ brains recovered fully. And they did better performing the task. This study is the first to show that changes in lighting can cause structural changes in the brain. Don’t Keep Yourself in the Dark Professor Antonio Nunez was the study’s co-investigator. “When we exposed the rats to dim light, mimicking the cloudy days of Midwestern winters…the animals showed impairments in spatial learning,” he said. Joel Soler is a doctoral graduate student in psychology at Michigan State. He was lead author of the study. Soler explained […]

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( Natural News ) Could one of the most prevalent molecules on our planet prove to be one of the most powerful healers of our time? While researchers investigate rare botanicals tucked away in remote corners of the planet and scientists try to engineer increasingly sophisticated treatments, the answer to many health problems might have been right under our noses all along. Hydrogen is everywhere, whether you realize it or not, and its abundance is good news for all of us if it turns out to be as beneficial as initial studies indicate. As the original element, hydrogen is very reactive. One atom bonds easily with another to create molecular hydrogen, or H2 gas. Research has shown that this odorless, tasteless gas can reduce oxidative stress , which is believed to be the root of nine out of ten modern diseases. Molecular hydrogen therapy was first introduced more than two centuries ago. Since a 2007 study published in Nature Medicine demonstrated its excellent antioxidant qualities, hundreds more studies have confirmed and expanded on that finding. Free radicals don’t just come from environmental toxins; they’re also created by your body’s own natural functions, like exercising and even inhaling. When free radicals interact with molecules in the body, they cause oxidative damage to the membranes of cells, facilitating aging and leading to problems like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Hydrogen’s small size enables it to get inside of cell mitochondria easily, which could explain why it can be so beneficial. It diffuses quickly into your body’s cells and tissues, where it fights these dangerous free radicals and oxidative stress. Best of all, it does this safely ; the only byproduct left behind is water. The power of the elements : Discover Colloidal Silver Mouthwash with quality, natural ingredients like Sangre de […]

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I am in love with lifelong learning . It was not always that way, however. To be perfectly honest, I used to think that the only way to learn was in school. And I was not always a big fan of “conventional learning”, unless it was a course that really interested me. It was not until I expanded my own definition of learning that the love affair began. The retreats, the books, the conferences, and even my own missteps. All a means for learning. Now I cannot learn enough or get my hands on enough information. Lifelong learning is like a potato chip to me; I want more. As a matter of fact, as of the writing of this article, I have about 12 different books going at the same time. Why? Simple. It sparks my curiosity and the curiosity sparks my quest to be a lifelong learner. “Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.” ― Samuel Johnson The more I engage and employ lifelong learning, the more I experience some really cool things. Not only lifelong learning improved my brain functions (like my memory), but it has supported my success and growth as a business owner and made me a more effective coach. Not to mention, as an introvert, it gives me a lot of material to work with in social settings, which is a great side benefit. The bottom line: lifelong learning has been truly instrumental in adding new tools and knowledge to my metaphorical toolbox. Major benefits of lifelong learning If you think about it, the brain, while mostly grey matter has muscle. Like any muscle or skill, the less you use it the more chance for it to atrophy. But keeping your brain strong is not the only benefit. […]

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Healthy Eating Celery It’s time to stop skipping celery because it tastes like, well, nothing. Because what celery lacks in taste it more than makes up for in brain power! It’s a rich source of luteolin, a plant compound believed to reduce inflammation in the brain, thereby protecting it from the aging process. A 2010 study found that luteolin slowed cognitive decline in older mice. You don’t have to chomp down a huge stick of celery to reap it’s benefits: Try chopping some up and adding it to your tuna salad, or tossing a bunch into the next soup you make. Try these mouthwatering recipes for an extra boost in brain power . These are the best brain foods that will make you smarter . Dark chocolate Great news for dark chocolate lovers! Several studies demonstrate its brain-boosting powers, including enhanced cognitive function, a reduced risk of dementia, and improved performance on challenging brain teasers—along with a slew of other health benefits of dark chocolate. For example, researchers in 2013 found that the flavanols that get absorbed when you consume chocolate penetrate and accumulate in the brain regions involved in learning and memory, especially the hippocampus. Another test, carried out in 2011 , found that even single doses of high-flavanol dark chocolate can improve performance on cognitive tests, including memory test, in healthy adults. Chocolate has even been found to improve depression and anxiety symptoms and help enhance feelings of calmness and contentedness, thanks to its mood-enhancing flavanols and methylxanthines. Walnuts All nuts are good for brain health, but walnuts are at the top of the list. Thanks to their high concentration of DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid (one quarter cup of walnuts provides almost 100 percent of the recommended daily intake of DHA ), the nuts […]

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Like a lot of people these days, a large part of my day is spent at a computer. I research new scientific studies, I write these articles, I handle email and bills and the hundreds of other little things that make up my work and my life. And then at night, I head home ready to relax with my family – which more often than not means vegging on the couch watching our favorite shows. Then it’s off to bed to do it all over again. This might sound familiar to you too since it’s estimated that most people spend an average of 12 hours sitting down each and every day… And, if you think about it, you spend about eight hours sleeping, leaving only four hours a day that you’re actually up and about. While most of us realize that all of this sitting can be a problem when it comes to losing weight or even keeping our hearts healthy, there’s one area of your health that sitting may have an even bigger impact… Your brain health. Oxygen and nutrients to feed a starving brain You see, when you’re sitting, your muscles don’t contract as much, your heart doesn’t beat as fast and your blood doesn’t pump as quickly. All of this adds up to less oxygen and nutrients flowing to your brain – things your brain needs in order to stay sharp, help you focus and preserve your memory and cognitive function as you age. In fact, scientists say that the type of reduced blood flow to your brain that you get from sitting too much can dramatically raise your risk of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s. But, there is something you can do about it… A simple solution that boosts the blood flow, oxygen levels and nutrients […]

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( Natural News ) As it controls virtually all aspects of your life, the brain is one of the most vital organs of your body. It is also one of the most nutritionally demanding. Keeping the brain healthy requires a wide variety of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins, one of the most notable of which is vitamin B12 . Cobalamin, known more popularly as vitamin B12, is one of the eight B-vitamins. These nutrients are known as a collective whole for helping the body to absorb energy, but individually, they perform distinct functions and benefit specific parts of the body. Cobalamin, for instance, helps keep your bones strong and your eyes healthy. But where vitamin B12 truly shines is in maintaining proper brain function. It is linked to processes related to memory and concentration. It is also an important requirement in the formation of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters vital to the regulation of moods. In fact, low levels of cobalamin have been associated with depression. Furthermore, reduced levels of vitamin B12 are linked to symptoms of schizophrenia. These include social withdrawal, the inability to express emotions, and apathy. Some experts believe patients suffering from these symptoms need to monitor their vitamin B12 levels for the rest of their life. Another proof of cobalamin’s important role in brain function is how a lack of it can lead to symptoms akin to those suffered by people with Alzheimer’s disease. Once the deficiency is addressed and the patient is administered sufficient vitamin B12, the symptoms dissipate. Interestingly, there is evidence that supplementing with cobalamin and other B-vitamins can reduce the impact and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in general. One study from Oxford University found that the combination of cobalamin, pyridoxine (B6), and folic acid (B9) can improve brain function. This cocktail […]

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Keep your brain sharp with these brain-boosting supplements. Source: Getty Choosing the right supplements for brain health can help improve your mood, concentration, memory and even prevent some diseases. Now, speaking to Starts at 60 , American dietician Lulu Cook has explained that research proves some supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals can actually provide energy and help prevent brain diseases. Omega-3 Health experts have lauded the health benefits of omega-3 fats for years, and fish oil is one of the most widely used supplements in the world. Omega-3 fatty acids help promote memory and cognition, Lulu said, adding: “No surprise, given that omega-3 fats are the building blocks of our brain cells, and also play key roles in reducing inflammation.” Alternatively, omega-3 oils in fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardine, trout and snapper are ideal. “[But] choosing a high-quality nutritional supplement can help ensure you’re getting enough of these beneficial fats,” she added. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12, crucial for cognition and cellular metabolism, is reduced in older adults, Lulu explained, adding: “In fact, studies that [sic] that elders who do not get enough are at increased risk of dementia.” It acts as a powerful antioxidant, reducing both cellular and DNA damage, as well as inflammation. The mineral is also found in red meats, poultry, beans and nuts. “It’s possible to consume too much zinc, though, so be sure to check with a qualified dietitian or knowledgeable GP about whether supplementing may be right for you,” Lulu advised. Probiotics “The research linking gut health and cognitive health continues to make headlines around the world,” Lulu said. She explained there’s a two-way communication channel between the brain and gut called the ‘vagus nerve’, adding: “If we want the messages going both ways to support brain health, […]

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