Category Archives: Brain Function

New research is helping to outline the importance of physical activity for mental health in women experiencing menopause. Women in all stages of menopause show a higher risk of depressive symptoms, and this new study helps to understand new treatment options struggling with mental health issues. Those with late menopausal status were found to show ...click here to read more

Has there ever been an easier time to stress eat? All of this time at home has made it pretty easy to sneak off to the fridge or pantry throughout the day for a little treat. Although it certainly is tempting to get a little bit of stress relief with a few cookies, chocolate almonds, ...click here to read more

Due to the pandemic, people are stressed, which is leading to sleep problems. For many people, getting a good night’s sleep is difficult at the best of times, but during these tumultuous times, it can be even more difficult. Sleep is essential for good health including boosting immune functions and helping the body deal with ...click here to read more

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we feel, act, and think, and can also determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Therefore, supporting mental health is so important. The number of people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders in North America has remained stable over the past few ...click here to read more

A poor night’s sleep can manifest itself in several ways. Brain fog, physical and mental fatigue, and slower memory recall are all nearly instantaneous following some missed shuteye. But if you’re regularly experiencing poor sleep caused by sleep apnea, you could be at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s or dementia. That’s according to a new ...click here to read more

If you have to venture to the grocery store or are scrolling online to fill a cart, you may find a lack of pantry staples like pasta, kidney beans, and oats. But there is one product that might be in heavy supply: chickpeas. Chickpeas are certainly not featured in the North American diet. But these ...click here to read more

Of course, you need better sleep. But can you get too much of a good thing? As is the answer with almost everything (outside of steps per day), yes you can. In fact, getting outside of sleep’s “sweet spot” could put your veins, and heart health, at risk. A recent study looked at the effects ...click here to read more

So, you’re staying inside and isolated to protect yourself from COVID-19. And while you’re reducing your risk for contracting the virus, you could be boosting the risk for other illnesses. Self-isolation is a trade-off. Staying in and limiting contact with others for the foreseeable future can offer self-protection, protection for loved ones, and for society ...click here to read more

Scientists have always stressed the importance of sleep habits, but a new study shows the link between bedtime and cardiovascular health. Researchers from the University of Notre Dame studied the correlation between changing bedtime and resting heart rate (RHR) and found a significant difference. Even with all the information about the importance of healthy sleep ...click here to read more

Ketogenic and low-carbohydrate diets have been the rage for quite some time. But they might help you do more than just lose weight. According to some new research, cutting carbs might slow, or prevent, brain aging. Your brain requires about 20% of your body’s total energy stores to function properly. The energy comes from two ...click here to read more

For those who have survived a heart attack, new research shows mental stress could be a trigger for another heart attack. Research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session Together with World Congress of Cardiology found that mental stress, in addition to physical stress, is what physicians should be addressing in heart ...click here to read more

Coronavirus, am I right? It’s everywhere these days. And if you’re scared, confused, and stressed about it, you’re definitely not alone. All-day long, you’re getting messages from various media sources—television, online, social media—and it can beat you up. The numbers being reported are scary, often outlining worst-case scenarios. That can all take a toll on ...click here to read more

Although it’s one of the top pieces of advice from sleep specialists, sticking to a sleep schedule is a lot easier said than done. For example, we’re one week into daylight savings time and I, for one, am simply not ready for sleep at my “bedtime.” And honestly, the last thing I want to do ...click here to read more

Inflammation in the brain may put patients at risk for dementia, according to new research from the University of Cambridge. Previous research has indicated a link between inflammation in the brain and many disorders including depression, psychosis, and multiple sclerosis, but until this new study, dementia had not been connected. Inflammation is the body’s response ...click here to read more