August 15, 2017

5 Ways To Keep Your Brain Healthy

Too often, we neglect our brains when we think about our overall physical health. You may be trying to eat healthily or exercise more – but when was the last time you thought about the health of your brain? That’s what we thought! But the health of your brain is absolutely critical to your overall well-being. So read on, and see 5 of the simplest ways you can ensure that your brain is happy and healthy. These tips may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life, and aid you in maintaining a healthier mind and […]
March 21, 2017

‘Late-Life’ Genes Activated by Biological Clock

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that a subset of genes involved in daily circadian rhythms, or the “biological clock,” only become active late in life or during periods of intense stress when they are most needed to help protect critical life functions. The findings, made in research done with fruit flies and published today in Nature Communications, are part of a unique stress response mechanism that was previously unknown. These genes may help to combat serious stresses associated with age, disease or environmental challenges, and help explain why aging is often accelerated when the biological clock is disrupted. […]
October 3, 2016

Reduce Heart Attacks By Eating Dinner Earlier

Q: Our family tends to eat dinner later in the evening, but a friend who knows our habits told me she heard this increases the chances for a heart attack. Is she right or did she misunderstand something? Theresa Schulte, of O’Fallon A: Eating a major meal within two hours of bedtime could indeed have far worse consequences than a midnight run for the Rolaids, according to a new study recently released at the world’s largest heart conference. Blood pressure usually drops by at least 10 percent when a person goes to sleep, allowing the body to rest. But this […]
March 28, 2016

Fatigue? Might Need More Than A Nap

Falling asleep during conference calls or snatching siestas several times a day may be a sign of nutrient deficiency, and could lead to more serious consequences than being caught snoozing on the conference line, notes a recent U.S. News & World Report article. “Fatigue can be like an early warning sign of potentially more severe problems down the road if you don’t recognize and treat the problem causing the fatigue,” Dr. Anthony Komaroff, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a senior physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said in the story. The top deficiencies that […]
December 14, 2015

9 Not-So-Harmless Habits That Might Be Disrupting Your Sleep

Few appreciate a true, good night’s rest. A rare but mighty thing, sleep is pretty much always a main goal-second only, perhaps, to vacation. Which may very well mean the same thing. That said, we are all guilty of a handful of habits, that can sabotage sleep. Struggling to catch those Z’s even when the opportunity presents itself every once in a blue moon? (Definitely not a full moon, because we all know what that means….) Here are some of the daily DON’Ts you may want to ditch. 1. You aren’t practicing methodical munching. It’s hard to develop a consistent meal routine when […]
July 30, 2014

Why Aging Makes You Depressed, Fatigued, and Overweight

Serotonin is a compound in the brain that promotes feelings of personal security, relaxation, and confidence. A serotonin deficiency can result in sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, and a propensity to overeat, particularly carbohydrates like simple sugars. Startling research reveals that serotonin levels decline as we age! These findings provide a biochemical rationale to explain common age-related disorders such as depressed mood and sleep difficulties. Based on these discoveries, aging people may appreciably improve their health by restoring serotonin to youthful levels. The amino acid tryptophan is needed to produce serotonin in the brain. While the amount of tryptophan in a […]
June 26, 2012

How to Eat for Better Sleep

        A good night’s sleep is one of the foundations of well-being. If you are battling an illness, sleep is your body’s time to repair and strengthen its defenses. If you are healthy, getting enough quality sleep helps to keep you feeling good and gives you the energy you need to tackle all the responsibilities of your busy life. One of the simplest tricks for improving sleep is modifying your diet. It couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is learn what foods help you sleep and what foods keep you from getting the rest you need. Foods […]