While the importance of play for children is well understood, many don’t realize it’s a necessary form of stress relief for adults. One also could argue it’s the most enjoyable part of a wellness plan—say compared to giving up donuts or eating more broccoli—but can take just as much thought and practice to implement. Scientists [...]
Archive for Brain Health
When a gluten-free diet is not enough
For many people, a gluten-free diet erases all their chronic health problems like a magic wand. For others, it doesn’t make a dent, despite a proven gluten intolerance. What gives? A diet that also eliminates dairy, grains, and other foods may be necessary, along with nutritional compounds to restore gut health. Gluten damages the small [...]
Trans fats shrink the brain, increase dementia risk
A recent study found a diet high in trans fats shrinks the brain and increases the risk of dementia. Trans fats are found in fast foods, processed foods, margarine, shortening, chips, flaky pastries, many fried foods, and many popular convenience foods. They can be identified in a list of ingredients as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated [...]
Do you have a chemical sensitivity?
You’ve probably heard of food intolerances to gluten, dairy, eggs, or other foods. But chemical intolerances, or sensitivities, have become increasingly common, as well. A person with a chemical sensitivity has an immune reaction to chemicals and heavy metals in air pollution, pesticides, plastics, adhesives, household cleaners, cosmetics, perfumes, and more. When exposed to these [...]
Poor sleep habits raise the risk of dementia
An imbalanced sleep/wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, increases your risk of dementia later in life.
Your brain is what you eat: Hydrogenated fats
Question What is all the fuss about hydrogenated oils, or trans fats? Aren’t they OK to eat in moderation? Answer The hydrogenated fat you eat becomes part of your brain and nervous tissue. Because of its unnatural structure, cells and neurons composed partly of hydrogenated fat do not function properly. The brain is made up [...]
