brain chemicals Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Summer Brain Fog? It Could Be Your Gut — Here’s What Scripture & Science Say About It

The AHA! Team — Wed, 28 May 2025 05:14:57 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – If you find yourself feeling mentally sluggish during the summer months—struggling with memory, focus, or motivation—you’re not alone. Many of my patients describe what they call “summer brain fog.” And while you might blame it on the heat or disrupted routines, there’s often a deeper root: your gut. In this article, I want to unpack the fascinating link between gut health and brain function, and why healing your gut might be the most effective way to sharpen your mind—especially this time of year. We’ll also look at what science has to say, and how Scripture reinforces the importance of caring for our bodies with wisdom and intentionality. The Gut-Brain Connection: More Than a Feeling The gut and brain are connected by a complex network of nerves, biochemicals, and messenger systems known as the gut-brain axis. This communicationToxic Summer: Hidden Chemicals in Sunscreen, Swimsuits, and Bug Spray — And What God Says About Stewarding Your Body highway allows your digestive system to send and receive signals to and from your brain—often influencing mood, focus, memory, and even sleep. Here’s what we know from science: The gut produces over 90% of the body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood regulation. An imbalance in the gut microbiome—such as an overgrowth of bad bacteria or yeast—can trigger inflammation, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to brain fog, anxiety, and fatigue. Studies show that gut dysbiosis (imbalanced bacteria) is associated with cognitive decline and poor memory. When the gut is struggling, the brain often suffers quietly until symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration, or forgetfulness emerge. Why Summer Makes It Worse There are several seasonal habits that may quietly sabotage gut health during the summer: 1. Processed Summer Treats Ice cream, BBQ sauces loaded with sugar, soda, and artificial dyes—these common indulgences can feed harmful gut bacteria and promote systemic inflammation. 2. Travel & Disruption of Routine Whether it’s international travel or a simple road trip, your digestion can be thrown off by irregular meals, different water sources, or unfamiliar foods. 3. Alcohol & Dehydration Increased alcohol intake and reduced hydration in the heat can irritate the gut lining and impair healthy digestion. 4. Sleep Disturbance Longer days and more activity can interfere with restful sleep, which your gut (and brain) need for repair and detox. What You Can Do to Restore Clarity If you want to reclaim your mental edge this summer, healing your gut is an excellent place to start. Here are a few simple yet powerful steps: 1. Cut the Sugar and Processed Foods Sugar feeds the wrong bacteria. Swap sugary snacks for high-fiber fruits like berries, which also support digestion and reduce inflammation. 2. Rebuild with Probiotics and Fiber Adding a quality probiotic and a soluble fiber supplement helps repopulate good bacteria and keep your gut regular. I often recommend Zone Biotics Probiotic and Fiber Zone from Divine Health. 3. Consider Advanced Gut Support For those needing more comprehensive care, Biotic Zone Probiotic is an advanced formula that combines powerful probiotics and prebiotics to promote digestive balance, reduce bloating, and support brain-gut communication. 4. Support the Gut Lining L-glutamine, aloe vera, and collagen can help repair a leaky gut. You can find these in many gut repair powders or take them separately. Explore our detox and cleanse supplements for comprehensive support. 5. Hydrate Intentionally Drink filtered water consistently throughout the day. Add sea salt or electrolytes to help absorption, especially if you’re sweating more than usual. 6. Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods Include foods like leafy greens, turmeric, wild salmon, and extra virgin olive oil. These nourish the brain and gut while reducing inflammation. Gut-Healing Foods That Also Fuel Mental Clarity Your food choices play a pivotal role in gut health—and by extension, brain function. Here are some of the best whole foods to incorporate into your daily routine: 1. Fermented Foods Kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and unsweetened yogurt are rich in probiotics that help replenish good bacteria in your gut. 2. Prebiotic-Rich Foods Foods like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and green bananas feed the good bacteria and support a thriving microbiome. 3. Omega-3 Rich Foods Wild-caught salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, and chia seeds help reduce inflammation and support the brain-gut connection. 4. Polyphenol-Packed Plants Blueberries, pomegranate, spinach, and dark chocolate (70%+ cacao) provide antioxidants that protect both the brain and gut lining. 5. Bone Broth Loaded with collagen and amino acids like glutamine, bone broth helps seal and heal the gut lining. 6. Clean Proteins Organic pasture-raised poultry, wild-caught fish, and grass-fed beef provide essential nutrients for cellular repair and neurotransmitter production. These foods are a foundational part of the preventative and holistic approach I recommend—and they nourish more than just your body. They create the internal environment needed for peace, energy, and mental clarity. What Scripture Reminds Us About the Body Scripture reminds us that our bodies are a gift from God, and we are called to steward them well: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19 Caring for your body—including your gut—isn’t just about physical health. It’s about clarity, energy, and the ability to serve others and fulfill your purpose with excellence. Sometimes the greatest clarity doesn’t come from another coffee or pushing through fatigue. It comes from healing the internal systems God designed to work together in harmony. 🛒 Ready to Support Your Gut? Explore Dr. Colbert’s Top Gut Health Supplements: 👉 Zone Biotics Probiotic 👉 Fiber Zone 👉 Biotic Zone Probiotic 👉 Detox & Cleanse Collection Final Thoughts Summer brain fog isn’t something you have to live with or push through. By supporting your gut, you support your brain—and ultimately your quality of life. From a scientific perspective, gut health is one of the most powerful levers for cognitive and emotional wellness. And from a spiritual perspective, it’s a meaningful way to honor the temple God entrusted to us. Until next time, stay sharp, stay healthy, and stay grounded in grace. To your health, Dr. Don Colbert, MD To read the original article click here.

The post Summer Brain Fog? It Could Be Your Gut — Here’s What Scripture & Science Say About It appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Are Gender and Sexual Identity Linked to Brain Health?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:51:50 +0000

American Academy of Neurology (AAN) via Newswise – LGBTQ+ people may be more likely to have negative brain health outcomes, including a higher risk of dementia and late-life depression, than people who are straight, according to a recent study published in the online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. LGBTQ+ people may be more likely to have negative brain health outcomes, including a higher risk of dementia and late-life depression MINNEAPOLIS – LGBTQ+ people may be more likely to have negative brain health outcomes, including a higher risk of dementia and late-life depression, than people who are cisgender and straight, according to a study published in the September 25, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. These results do not prove that sexual or gender diversity causes neurological diseases, they only show an association. LGBTQ+ refers to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and nonbinary, plus other people who are sexually or gender diverse. Sexual diversity refers to individuals whose sexual orientation is different from straight, including lesbian, gay or bisexual people. Gender diversity refers to individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary people. Cisgender refers to individuals whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. “In a world that increasingly recognizes the crucial role of equitable health care, it remains concerning how little is known about the health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ people,” said study author Shufan Huo, MD, PhD at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. “Our study looked at this group, which has been historically underrepresented in neurological research, and found that they had an increased risk of adverse brain health outcomes.” For the study, researchers evaluated data from 393,041 people with an average age of 51. Of the total group, 353,409 were cisgender and straight people, and 39,632 were LGBTQ+ people. Researchers evaluated electronic health records and self-reported data to identify a composite score of the following neurological conditions: dementia, late-life depression and stroke. They then evaluated each disease separately and looked at all subgroups of the LGBTQ+ participants. A total of 21,091 people had a neurological disease. Of those, 11,553 people had late-life depression, 6,605 people had strokes and 2,933 people had dementia. After adjusting for factors that could affect the risk of these three neurological conditions, such as age, smoking or high blood pressure, researchers found that LGBTQ+ people were 15% more likely to develop negative brain health outcomes in these conditions when compared to people who identified as cisgender and straight. Researchers also found that LGBTQ+ people had a higher risk of dementia and late-life depression, 14% and 27% respectively, than people who were cisgender and straight. “Our findings underscore the need for further research focusing on the health care disparities affecting the LGBTQ+ community,” Huo said. “Possible reasons for these disparities could include discrimination, stress, access to health care and policy and legal factors.” When looking at stroke, researchers found a higher risk only for transgender women, who were 68% more likely to have a stroke than cisgender people. A limitation of the study was that it did not look at the causes and mechanisms behind the inequities faced by LGBTQ+ people. For example, the study did not look at gender-affirming hormone therapy in transgender people, which could play a role in increased stroke risks in transgender women. The study was supported by the German Research Foundation. To read the original article click here.

The post Are Gender and Sexual Identity Linked to Brain Health? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Scientists Find INTRICATE Connection Between Breast Cancer and Depression

AHA Publisher — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – It is estimated that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. That’s about 13% of the population. A cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling scared, overwhelmed, and stressed but researchers are now drawing a link between breast cancer and depression while making an unsettling discovery. A review and analysis of several studies, published in August 2020 in Molecular Psychiatry found depression affects breast cancer in several ways: Recurrence of cancer – 24% increase All-cause mortality – 30% increase Breast cancer-specific mortality – 2% increase Pay Attention: These Symptoms Could Indicate a More Serious Problem Than Sadness Sadness is a normal emotion in its appropriate context. Everyone gets sad now and then and that sadness may last a few minutes, a few hours, or a few days. We, humans, are emotional creatures and sadness is just a part of our emotional palette. But when those feelings drag on for a week or more and interfere with your daily life, it is becoming a problem. Depression is very common and just about everyone experiences symptoms of depression from time to time. The symptoms can be subtle, but when you can tick just four or five boxes on this list, you are likely dealing with depression. Sadness that drags on Difficulty finding the good in things Difficulty finding anything good in your life Change in appetite – increase or decrease Change in weight – increase or decrease Loss of pleasure or interest in activities you once enjoyed Fatigue “Heavy” feeling like it’s too much effort to get up, move, etc. Hopelessness Sleep difficulties Lack of motivation Feelings of worthlessness Thoughts of suicide or death Thoughts that the world would be better without you in it Unable to get up to go to work, take care of kids, etc. Feelings of helplessness Brain fog or difficulty sorting your thoughts Breathing, blinking your eyes, everything feels like work Lack of concentration Irritability or lack of patience Feelings of being dull or that the world is dull, colorless Ruminating on your situation, events, the past, etc. Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea Feelings of emptiness If these feelings and symptoms persist, especially past about ten days or two weeks, or if your feelings continue to intensify, you are likely experiencing serious depression. What Is at the Root of Your Depression? Many people cite an imbalance in certain chemicals in the brain as the cause of depression. However, while brain chemicals do play a part, there are other factors that impact your mood and mental health as well: Medications you take (including opiates for pain, and certain hormonal therapy medications) Poor dietary and /or an inability to sleep well Cancer treatments like chemotherapy Your brain’s mood regulation is faulty Stressful life events You have a genetic vulnerability Medical conditions or issues A diagnosis of breast cancer is an extremely stressful life event. The condition itself can cause or exacerbate depression, as can cancer medications. When you put that all together, it’s no surprise that a person with breast cancer may experience depression. But knowing the impact that depression has on your prognosis, it is important to take steps to manage your depression, so you have the strength to fight. Here Are 5 Ways to Manage Depression While Managing Breast Cancer If you feel that you are depressed, talk to an integrative physician. Together you can discuss your symptoms and feelings, then sort it out to determine if you are indeed depressed or if you are experiencing severe fatigue from the chemo and medications. It is important to keep digging until you find out what is causing your depression. It could be a hormonal issue, your meds, the entire situation, fear, grief, or any combination. Finding the source though will allow you to treat the root of the problem instead of just putting a band-aid on it. You may need to change medications and your doctor may prescribe you antidepressant medication or suggest working with a health coach. No doubt, managing cancer is tough enough. But, managing cancer and depression is too much. Try these tips to manage depression while you manage cancer. Keep healthy habits. Eat a healthy diet, get some exercise, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, all these things help keep you balanced and healthy, inside and out. Get social. While your first impulse may be to isolate yourself, resist that urge! Spend time with family and friends and surround yourself with the people who love you. Set realistic goals. Break large chores into several smaller ones. Don’t try to do it all in a day. You don’t have to do it all, and you shouldn’t, so don’t try. Keep a gratitude journal. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a small notebook that you use to write down the things you are thankful for. You can write about people or things you are thankful for, paste pictures in there, or add mementos, jokes, comics, anything that makes you smile. Talk to someone. Talk to a health coach, therapist, pastor, friend, someone who will let you vent and help you work through all the feelings that you are dealing with. Depression doesn’t have to be part of your cancer journey. If you are experiencing feelings of depression or sadness that won’t go away, don’t wait to see what happens. Talk to your doctor and begin taking steps to manage it. Remember, you don’t have to accept depression as just a part of cancer, fight back. You can find your joy again. Sources for this article include: BreastCancer.org Nature.com NIH.gov BMJ.com Health.Harvard.edu BreastCancer.org FredHutch.org To read the original articles click here.

The post Scientists Find INTRICATE Connection Between Breast Cancer and Depression appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How to Hack Brain Chemicals to Boost Happiness

AHA Publisher — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 08:00:45 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Most people understand that the brain regulates mood, but how exactly does that happen? While scientists continue to explore and learn about how brain function is linked to emotional health, they do know that brain chemicals play a critical role. Our brain chemicals serve as messengers, sending signals to nerves throughout the brain that impact the way we feel. Did you know that there are simple ways to boost the release and action of our happy hormones? It’s true — small actions can positively impact mood, energy and state-of-mind all because of feel-good brain chemicals. What Are Brain Chemicals? There are millions, or even billions, of chemical reactions occurring in the brain at any given moment. These reactions make up the dynamic system that controls mood, perception and more. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that send messages from neuron to neuron. Neurons (or nerves) are present throughout the brain and work to send and receive messages. Researchers have found that electrical and chemical signals allow for communication within and between neurons. This is how the brain communicates with itself. Neurotransmitters can be classified into two categories: excitatory and inhibitory. Excitatory messengers work to stimulate brain activity, while inhibitory messengers slow down the chemical reactions. Types/Varieties When it comes to understanding the chemical network within the brain, you need to know about the key players: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. These brain chemicals, or “feel good hormones,” have a major impact on your mood, and they play a role in your mental, emotional and physical health. When we feel happy, safe, proud or connected, our bodies release these brain chemicals. 1. Dopamine Dopamine is known as the “feel good hormone” because it supports reward regulations in the brain. It plays a critical role in everyday behaviors, like how we feel, move and eat. In moments of pleasure or reward, we get a rush of this brain chemical. On the flip side, when dopamine levels are too low, we can feel helpless and less motivated. Dopamine is strongly linked to the brain’s reward system. It promotes feelings of reinforcement and motivation and modulates learning. Research also links dopamine to behavioral effects on movement, cognition and timing. After finishing a task, being complimented or celebrating a small victory, you get a rush of dopamine. 2. Oxytocin Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone” because it plays a role in many aspects of social bonding and sexual pleasure. The effects of oxytocinproduction are the opposite of what occurs after a cortisol release. We feel calmer, with a sense of joy and security. Research indicates that oxytocin enforces pro-social behaviors and bonding. When we are excited about a social engagement, we actually get a burst of oxytocin, which makes us want to socialize even more. Oxytocin also boosts our ability to react to stress in a healthy way. 3. Serotonin Serotonin plays a role in a range of neuropsychological processes. As a brain chemical, it works to regulate mood, energy balance, motor function, pain perception, appetite and cardiovascular function. Research on serotonin shows that the neurotransmitter is involved in the regulation of many key activities, including behaviors, mood and memory. This is why serotonin is used as a primary treatment for a number of disorders, including major depressive disorder, PTSD, anxiety, aggressive behavior, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. 4. Endorphins Endorphins are a group of chemical substances that are known as “opiate peptides.” Endorphins like enkephalins and dynorphins are associated with feelings of euphoria, pleasure, sexuality and pain relief. Endorphins promote a sense of well-being and even feelings of bliss. On the other hand, low levels of endorphins are linked to emotional and physical pain, risk-taking behaviors, and an increased risk of addiction. Endorphins serve as natural opiate peptide chemicals that have a lot in common with prescription anti-anxiety drugs and opiates. Studies show that when these brain chemicals are released, they help manage pain, provide a sense of euphoria and promote feelings of pleasure. How to Hack Happiness Hormones 1. Eat Healthy Foods Did you know that simply eating nourishing foods can promote the production of your happy hormones, like dopamine? In fact, some foods are called “brain foods” because they help release neurotransmitters. Some of the best foods for your happy hormones include: good-quality protein beans nuts seeds healthy fats antioxidant fruits and veggies 2. Play With Your Pet Playing with a pet can certainly boost your brain chemicals, especially oxytocin, which is your “love hormone.” If you have a pet, petting him or her or playing around is actually great for your own mood and well-being. No pet? That’s what friends and neighbors are for! 3. Hug Someone Want to boost your oxytocin naturally? Bring it in for the real thing. Hugs bring on feelings of comfort, togetherness and joy. Humans benefit from several hugs a day — and make sure they last about 20 seconds or longer. The “extended hug” is really what gets your love hormone going. 4. Take a Walk Outdoors I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’re reading that walks outside are good for your health. It’s grounding and brings on feelings of peace and relaxation. It does this by promoting the production of serotonin, which regulates your mood, energy levels and pain perception. 5. Exercise Exercise or any form of physical activity is a great way to boost serotonin levels. This can be running, swimming, cycling, weight lifting, yoga and more. Moving your body and getting your blood pumping leave you feeling energized and in a better mood. 6. Give Someone a Compliment Did you know that giving someone a compliment can improve your mood too? Little gestures like this increase the release of oxytocin, making you feel loved, forgiving, protected and secure. 7. Joke Around With Friends Laughing increases endorphins, the brain chemicals that are associated with pleasure, motivation and social connection. Simply joking around with friends can impact your mood and even help relieve pain. 8. Watch Comedy If you aren’t in a social setting, you can still boost those endorphins by watching a comedy and LOLing. Any form of laughter is going to boost those brain chemicals and help improve feelings of sadness or isolation. 9. Hold Hands What better way to increase oxytocin levels than to do a little hand-holding? Holding hands promotes the release of your love hormone and causes feelings of togetherness. Oxytocin also makes you feel safe and happy, and it helps your body deal with stress properly. 10. Show Kindness Small acts of kindness can lead to happiness and a sense of peace. That’s because it helps increase the work of brain chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine. Do something simple, like holding the door for a stranger, getting involved in a fundraiser or even simply smiling at a co-worker. 11. Spend Time in the Sun Ever wonder why you feel so relaxed after spending time in the sun? It helps increase serotonin, for starters. Serotonin improves your mood, memory, digestion and wound healing, so don’t miss your daily dose of sunshine if you can help it. 12. Get a Massage The sense of touch promotes the production of oxytocin and leaves you feeling less stressed, more connected and at peace. Getting a professional massage is a great way to boost your overall wellness, or asking a loved one for a short massage works too! Massage therapy boosts happy hormones and even raises your immunity. 13. Complete a Task You know that feeling you get when you complete a task? It’s a feeling of accomplishment, some excitement, a little warmth within. That’s a boost of dopamine, your reward center saying you’ve done a great job. Whenever you complete a mask, celebrate for a few seconds, and feel your neurotransmitters do their work. Risks and Side Effects These are easy and natural ways to boost your happy hormones, or brain chemicals. There are no risks or side effects to taking these small steps to promote a better mood and greater happiness. If you try these actions but feel like you can’t get out of a slump, seek advice from your health care professional. Conclusion Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that send messages from one neuron (or nerve) to another. Millions, if not billions, of messages are sent throughout your brain at any given moment. The release of brain chemicals, or happy hormones, has a significant impact on your mood, perception, energy, digestion and more. The happy hormones that you can boost naturally are serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. Simple acts like laughing with friends, holding hands, eating a healthy meal and walking outdoors can help increase the levels of these feel-good hormones. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

The post How to Hack Brain Chemicals to Boost Happiness appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.