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Berries for Brain Health
Research has suggested for years that strawberries, blueberries and blackberries may help restore cognitive functioning and prevent age-related memory loss, which has been accelerating in recent years due to factors such as poor diet, pollution, and lifestyle habits.
New research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry supports this theory, as lead researcher Dr. Barbara Shukitt-Hale of the USDA Agricultural Research Service at Tufts University said that berries have “neuro-available, neuro-active phytochemicals that offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and direct effects on the brain.”
This boost to brain health comes from the berries’ support of multiple metabolic systems in the body, including maintaining cellular function, as the high levels of antioxidants help protect the brain from harmful oxidative effects of free radicals.
In addition, the researchers found that consumption of certain berries may actually modify neuron communication and brain signals. This in turn negates some of the inflammation that can contribute to neuron damage, thus improving cognitive processes.
While eating berries might not cause an overwhelming improvement in memory and brain functioning nor completely ward off conditions such as dementia, but they are nevertheless a healthy snack and welcome addition to any balanced diet.
For year-round enjoyment and typically lower prices, check your grocer’s frozen food section for berries, which can be added to smoothies or added to oatmeal and cereals.
MemoRise
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The Facts on Hypertension
Blood pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by blood circulating on the walls of the blood vessels, and it is one of the common vital signs. Our hearts pump blood through our arteries and throughout our body. It is when people develop high blood pressure (hypertension) that problems can arise.
A normal blood pressure range is considered less than 120/80. People at risk for hypertension are considered to have pre-hypertension, which is blood pressure ranging 120-139/80-89. Anything higher is considered hypertension. Stage 1 high blood pressure ranges from 140-159/90-99 and Stage 2 high blood pressure is anything 160 and above/100 and above.
It’s estimated that 1 in 3 U.S. adults have hypertension. Unfortunately, the condition usually shows no symptoms at first; people can live with hypertension for years without ever knowing.
Some common causes and risk factors of high blood pressure include:
ObesitySmokingExcessive salt intakeAlcoholLack of physical activityStressOld ageGenetics
These are only some of the known triggers; in the U.S., the causes of hypertensions cannot be determined in as many as 95% cases. This is why it’s very important to know your blood pressure, even if you are feeling fine. Be sure to visit your doctor and get your blood pressure checked periodically.
If left untreated, hypertension can lead to life-threatening problems, including:
Heart attackStrokeAneurysmsKidney failureArterial diseaseHeart failure
High-Rite
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Can Computer Technology Reduce ADHD Symptoms?
Biofeedback, a mind-body technique, is now being used to help children suffering from ADHD.
German scientists recently published a study showing that a variation of biofeedback may help alleviate ADHD symptoms.1 The published results show that a significant portion of the participating children benefited from this specialized training technique.
The study is entitled, Neurofeedback Training in Children with ADHD: 6-month Follow-Up of a Randomised Controlled Trial. It was published in the journal, European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, in 2010.
Neurofeedback, a variation of biofeedback, is used to train people how to control their brain waves and related mental functions, according to ISNR (International Society for Neurofeedback & Research), an organization that researches this technique.
Currently, three devices are used together for neurofeedback sessions: a compact electroencephalograph (EEG) machine, electronic sensors for the human scalp, and software.
The EEG machine amplifies and records brain waves that are detected through head-mounted sensors and sends the wave signals to a computer. Special software on the computer translates the brain waves into a visual display. Patients can then learn how to manipulate their own brain waves, seeing the results in real time.
The benefits of neurofeedback can include better mentions functions. That’s what scientists found in the 2010 study on the use of this technique for ADHD.
In the study, ninety-four children suffering from ADHD were assigned to either a control group or a neurofeedback group and participated in thirty-six computer-driven training sessions.
The neurofeedback group was given theta/beta training and SCP (slow cortical potentials) training.
This group was shown how to reduce theta brain waves and increase beta brain waves by controlling two digital bars displayed on a computer screen, say Holger Gevensleben and several colleagues who co-wrote the study.
The publishing findings also show that the children were taught how to decrease or increase cerebral cortex brain activity as part of SCP training.
The scientists assessed the results from five questionnaires given to parents of the children who had ADHD. The conclusion was that neurofeedback was effective in reducing levels of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and homework problems in a significant portion of these children.
Parents who would like to find a neurofeedback provider for their children can do so at EEGInfo.com, a site that provides information about various aspects of this technique.
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BrightSpark
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“Green Time” May Help Reduce ADHD Symptoms
. The report recently appeared in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being.
According to the study children who spent time outdoors in green environment experienced milder ADHD symptoms, the setting must be green not just outdoors. The more green and natural, the better the results. For example, a child playing on a suburban basketball court would experience fewer benefits than a child playing in the woods. The study consisted of 322 ADHD boys and 84 ADHD girls. Their parents kept daily journals of the activity, most reported improved concentration and easier completion of tasks, some even reported their children getting a better night’s sleep.
When someone works on physical muscle they get tired and need a break, the same applies for mental workouts. We need mental breaks every so often; there is only so much the human mind can take before it needs to recharge. An outdoor environment has been shown to be most effective in recharging the brain. Even if your child is already medicated, the benefits of outdoor time would be helpful. So, get your child out of the house more often, even if they don’t have ADHD everyone can benefit from a little time spent outdoors.
Focus Formula
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Beyond Bread – Top 3 Foods to Avoid if You’re Gluten Intolerant
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