Archive for the ‘brain health’ Category

When it comes to either chronic health conditions or a troubling diagnosis, many of us feel powerless in the face of what is happening to us or to a loved one.

But the fact is the body is an amazing, resilient piece of equipment, and given the proper fuel, rest, and care, it can help us fight disease and perhaps overcome insurmountable odds.

We, however, need to help our bodies.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep.  The body regenerates as we rest, and if we can’t squeeze in more than a few hours, we may lose some of this benefit.  Lack of sleep can also affect how (and what) we eat, stress level, and our motivation to exercise, which in turn can make us even more lethargic.

Don’t underestimate a daily walk or a trip to the gym a few times a week.  Exercise helps to keep our blood pressure and stress level down, it can contribute to a stronger immune system, and can make us produce more endorphins, the “feel-good” hormone.  Not to mention, exercise tends to keep our weight in check, making us look and feel great!

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and cutting back on sugar and fats can help give your body the proper nutrition and fuel it craves.  Taking nutritional supplements can also contribute to better health.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a health condition or disease, eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising as much as possible all help to empower our bodies to be as strong and resilient as they can be, even when facing adversity.  Be strong and be well.

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To help enhance brain function and strengthen your immune system, try our omega-3 fatty acid supplement Omega-Gel®.  And for superior and powerful antioxidant protection, take our Rubi QNol® CoQ10 with Ubiquinol.

It turns out that the powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E, has something else up its sleeve.Vitamin E is thought to be very good for the immune system, and can enhance both skin and eye health, it is also one of the best anti-oxidants.

The effect of vitamin E supplementation on the immune response of healthy older adults was studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects (n = 32) resided in a metabolic research unit and received placebo or vitamin E (800 mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) for 30 d. Alpha-tocopherol content of plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), delayed-type hypersensitivity skin test (DTH), mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, as well as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, prostaglandin (PG) E2, and serum lipid peroxides were evaluated before and after treatment. In the vitamin E-supplemented group 1) alpha-tocopherol content was significantly higher (p less than 0.0001) in plasma and PBMCs, 2) cumulative diameter and number of positive antigen responses in DTH response were elevated (p less than 0.05), 3) IL-2 production and mitogenic response to optimal doses of concanavalin A were increased (p less than 0.05), and 4) PGE2 synthesis by PBMCs (p less than 0.005) and plasma lipid peroxides (p less than 0.001) were reduced. Short-term vitamin E supplementation improves immune responsiveness in healthy elderly individuals; this effect appears to be mediated by a decrease in PGE2 and/or other lipid-peroxidation products.

It seems that now is the time to start (or continue) a healthy, easy-to-take vitamin regimen that includes a high quality, super absorbable, full spectrum vitamin E supplement to help ensure continued good health.  In this case, “e” stands for excellent immune system protection!

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Experience free radical protection while promoting heart health with our full spectrum Tocospan Vitamin E.

Reference: Vitamin E supplementation enhances cell-mediated immunity in healthy elderly subjects. Meydani SN, Barklund MP, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990 Sep;52(3):557-63.

Have you ever gone on a hike, a walk, or a run and felt tired but also very relaxed and at peace afterwards? We thought so. That is the magic of exercise and of focusing on something other than every day minutiae. Yoga classes, meditation and even simple relaxation techniques can also quiet the noise within and calm the mind. And it turns out that these practices are exceptionally good for your health. A recent study was conducted on cancer patients who were asked to try an 8-week stress reduction program and the results were staggering:

In a study involving 49 patients with breast cancer and 10 patients with prostate cancer, participation in an 8-week “mindfulness-based stress reduction” (MBSR) program was found to enhance quality of life, reduce stress symptoms, reduce cortisol levels, improve immune patterns, reduce systolic blood pressure and improve mood. The 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program consisted of relaxation, meditation, gentle yoga, and a daily home practice. Various measurements were taken pre- and post-intervention, and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Results of linear mixed modeling showed significant improvements in overall symptoms of stress after the intervention, which remained over the follow-up period. Reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, cortisol levels, systolic blood pressure, and mood disturbances were found. Furthermore, heart rate was positively associated with symptoms of stress. The results of this study suggest that participation in activities such as those included in this mindfulness-based stress reduction program may be of great benefit to cancer patients, with beneficial effects lasting well beyond the intervention. The authors conclude, “These pilot data represent a preliminary investigation of the longer-term relationships between MBSR program participation and a range of potentially important biomarkers.”

You don’t have to be a marathon runner or a renown Yogi to enjoy the benefits of exercise and relaxation. If you are short on time, buy a yoga or Pilates DVD, or simply find a nice place to sit, breathe, and quiet your mind for a few minutes. All together now: “Om”

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To learn more about managing stress levels for better health, see our health archives. Stress can compromise the immune system, cause irregular unhealthy sleep, and can even contribute to unwanted weight gain. Our effective, high quality supplements Relora® and Dual-Release Melatonin can really make a difference in your stress levels and can promote healthy sleep patterns.

Reference: http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/36457, “One year pre-post intervention follow-up of psychological, immune, endocrine and blood pressure outcomes of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in breast and prostate cancer outpatients,” Carlson LE, Speca M, et al, Brain Behav Immun, 2007 May 21; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Linda E. Carlson, Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre Holy Cross Site, Alberta Cancer Board, 2202 Second St. S.W., Calgary, Alta., Canada T3B 0W7; Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada).

Have you been feeling down lately? Moody?  Depressed?  Well don’t blame the cold weather or the flailing economy for your poor outlook on life.  In fact, the catalyst  might be closer than you think.  Try your pantry, your fridge or the nearest fast food establishment.

In a study involving data collected from 3,486 middle-aged subjects (26% women, mean age: 55.6 years), higher odds of depression (assessed via results of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression scale) was found to be associated with consumption of a “processed foods” diet (heavily loaded by sweetened desserts, fried food, processed meat, refined grains, high-fat dairy products) (OR=1.58), while consumption of a “whole foods” diet (heavily loaded by vegetables, fruit, and fish) was associated with a decreased odds of CES-Depression (OR=0.74). These results highlight the importance of diet and its impact on mood disorders, such as depression.

So trade in that doughnut for an apple or a lean turkey sandwich.  Eating a proper and balanced diet, getting regular exercise and committing to a healthy lifestyle can not only affect your waistline, but also your overall mental health.

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Read more about healthy choices in our Health Concerns section of Solanova.com.  And stay tuned for more health information and special offers from us!

Reference: http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/38623, “Dietary pattern and depressive symptoms in middle age,” Akbaraly TN, Brunner EJ, et al, Br J Psychiatry, 2009; 195(5): 408-13. (Address: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK. E-mail: tasnime.akbaraly@inserm.fr ).

What’s the matter? Can’t think of the exact word you need to convey your mood or tone?  Forgot the name of the neighbor down the block?  It’s right on the tip of your…your…you know!  All of a sudden you’re noticing that the synapses aren’t firing quite as quickly as they used to.  But don’t worry. Just like the body, it’s a wonderful idea to exercise the brain, or as Hercule Poirot might quip, it’s important to work out the little gray cells.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that many of us tend to forget things as we age.  But we aren’t powerless.  One easy way to combat brain “freeze” is to eat head-healthy foods.  Fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids is an indispensable part of a healthy diet.  Fish has been linked to improved memory capacity and also lowered risk of dementia and stroke.  Don’t like our scaly friends?  Try a high quality omega-3 supplement instead.  Other brain strengtheners include blueberries, whole grains, avocado, nuts and even (a little) dark chocolate.

Aside from normal exercise that can enhance overall health of the body and mind, try some brainteasers to increase your memory and alertness.  Learning a foreign language, doing the crossword in your paper every day, working through the latest Sudoku book or playing chess can all raise your mental acuity.

And who wouldn’t want that, smarty pants?

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Some other ideas on how to tease, work, and take care of your brain can be read about here.  Also try investing in our high quality Omega-Gel ® omega 3 supplement.  Our Omega-Gel® can enhance brain, eye and immune system function as well as help to raise HDL “good” cholesterol levels.