water Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Less Stress & Better Health for Dads (Without Adding Work!)

The AHA! Team — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 08:23:43 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – For many people, supplements are a necessary addition to a healthy diet. This Father’s Day, you are likely thinking of your dad. Your love for him. Your hope that he is healthy and happy. You may even want to encourage less stress and better health for dads. Sure, you could encourage the dads in your life to “get healthy.” You could suggest adding a ton of new activities in order to improve their lives. They could add hours of exercise, new meals and recipes, and more (these are all great!). However, if they are like most men, they are likely already doing a lot. They are busy, often stressed, and tired. But, what if you encouraged simple ideas and products that add to his health without adding work? Here are easy additions that support the best health for dads from head to toe…no extra work necessary. Less Stress and the Best Health for Dads (without Adding Work) To start, there’s one nutrition compound that can encourage the best health for dads from head to toe, all by itself. Any idea which one it is? It’s krill oil! Krill is a superior source of omega-3 fats that fights inflammation throughout the body. Like other omega-3 sources, krill oil can raise blood levels of healthy fats like DHA and EPA (1). When these increase in your blood, inflammatory markers decrease. But, what makes krill oil different is its superior absorption and natural antioxidants. First, krill oil is optimally absorbed during digestion and quickly affects both blood and brain levels of omega-3 fats (2). Next, krill oil naturally contains a healthful antioxidant called astaxanthin. Astaxanthin serves to both protect the krill oil itself (improving digestion and absorption) and encourage reduced oxidative stress in the body (3). Once absorbed, krill oil supports better health for dad in the following areas. Better Health for Dad through Krill Oil Triglycerides and Heart Inflammation: If you want to support dad’s heart health and inflammatory factors, krill oil is a great place to start. One meta-analysis looked at the effects of krill oil on circulating fats in the blood. The researchers found that krill oil supplementation was associated with significantly lowered triglyceride levels. In addition, it encouraged healthy changes in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol (4). Digestive Inflammation & Health: In studies, it’s been found that krill oil supports reduced gut inflammation by regulating a broad spectrum of inflammatory signaling pathways. In addition, krill oil promotes a healthier gut environment by fighting microbes that damage mucosa, and reduces inflammation markers (5). Weight Related Inflammation: Elevated weight negatively affects tissues and organs in a dad’s body. Inflammation is often elevated. Long-term krill oil supplementation has been shown to increase anti-inflammatory markers in the liver, support metabolism and fat breakdown, and improve tissue health and inflammation (6). Bone and Joint Inflammation: Joint pain and stiffness is a problem for many adults. There is increasing evidence that it is affected by dietary fat intake. Studies have investigated the effects of dietary fats, including dietary omega-6 to omega-3 ratios, on joint health in humans and animals. Results reveal that a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio from krill oil can significantly improve the cartilage structure and reduce losses. Further, this diet change can reduce inflammatory markers. What’s more, krill oil has specifically been shown to be more effective than plant-derived omega-3s in these studies (7). Neuroinflammation: Most neurodegenerative conditions demonstrate on-going inflammatory processes. Krill oil and marine-derived omega-3s have been studied for anti-inflammatory effects both systemically and in the brain specifically. Krill oil has been reported to encourage spatial memory and learning, attenuate memory loss, protect the brain, reduce inflammation markers, and reduce depression symptoms. For more on krill oil and brain health, click here (8). The best krill oil on the market is available right here! Keto Zone Living Krill Oil supports health in all the above ways. Get some for dad today! 4 More Steps for Less Stress & Best Health for Dad (without Adding Work) 1. Dads Need to De-Stress It can take years to learn stress management. Or, dads can begin to fight stress today using an all-natural plant based product designed by Dr. Colbert. Hemp oil, specifically nano-particle oils like those in Dr. Colbert’s Nano-Science Hemp Oil, promotes health throughout the body’s systems. It is a broad-spectrum hemp oil that is organically grown, vegan, and GMO-free. In terms of health, it have been shown to: Support healthy, stable moods (9) Promote stress relief and normalized cortisol levels Support comfortable, healthy joints (10) Encourage healthy sleep habits (11) Promote healthy skin with fewer irregularities and blemishes (12) Support healthy brain and nervous system functions (13) Encourage healthy cardiovascular functions and normalized inflammatory actions (14) No extra work for dad. Just better health and less stress in one simple step. 2. Dads Need More Sleep We know, dads are busy. But, they can combat daily stress and improve mental health with one habit: more, or adequate, sleep. Dads should aim for at least 7-9 hours of good-quality sleep each night. While adequate sleep is not always easy to get, it’s a critical health habit. The alternative, lack of sleep, can impair melatonin levels and cortisol, increase the risk of metabolic issues and weight gain, and generally deteriorate well-being. What’s more, high cortisol levels and stress can be caused by poor sleep or inadequate sleep (15). Dads don’t need more work, they need more sleep! 3. Dads Could Use a Big Drink of Water Another cause of unhealth, overwhelm and stress? Believe it or not, dehydration is linked to increased saliva and blood cortisol. Amazingly, multiple studies have found that dehydrated athletes have more circulating cortisol than hydrated ones (16). Of course, water is a great choice for hydration. Dads can take it a step further and drink cortisol-reducing black and/or green tea. Tea is a health-promoting drink that you can use as a tool to combat stress daily. In studies, tea consumers reported a higher “sense of relaxation,” lower blood platelet activation, better heart health indicators, brain health, oral health, and a fiery metabolism (17). Want even more nutrition and more flavor? Add lemons, cucumbers, or Organic Fermented Green Supremefood®. Hydration is a great healthy habit for dads! 4. Prayer for and by Dads Want full-body health: mind, soul, and body? Look no further than prayer. No matter what dads are facing, the practice of daily gratitude and prayer can change everything. In fact, practicing gratitude has been proven to support decreased cortisol and stress levels. Moreover, prayer is a wonderful gift for spiritual health. Prayer is thought to increase the secretion of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. These compounds decrease cortisol while promoting relaxation, focus, and motivation. What’s more, you can pray for Dads! Pray for their spiritual, mental, emotional physical strength as they face each day. Prayer is powerful for the one praying, and the one prayed for. Bottom Line It’s time for better health for dads! We’ve provided easy, no-work habits that can significantly improve health from head to toe. They target stress levels, heart health, bone health, brain health, and more. Encourage the dads in your life to take care of themselves with less, not more, work! To read the original article click here.

The post Less Stress & Better Health for Dads (Without Adding Work!) appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

The 6 Systems that Detox the Body and What You Can Do to Aid the Body’s Natural Detox

AHA Publisher — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 07:00:39 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – What does it mean to detox the body? It means helping the body’s systems that identify, filter and eliminate harmful substances and invaders. These toxins have made their way into the body through digestion, breathing, and cellular functions. And, it’s never been more needed. No other generations have been exposed to as many man-made chemicals, toxins, and compounds as the current ones. We breathe toxic air, we drink water with toxic substances and heavy metals, we eat highly processed foods with harmful additives and chemicals, we use medications and antibiotics to fight many conditions and microbes, and many of us have unhealthy bodies from sedentary lifestyles. It can seem a bit dismal. However, you can help detox the body. Your body has incredible, high-functions systems made to detoxify itself. And, you can do your part by giving these systems nutrients that fortify them while avoiding ones. Do you know which systems could use your help? The 6 systems that detox the body? Here’s which ones they are, and what you can do to help them. The 6 Systems That Detox and Cleanse the Body 1. THE LIVER The liver is an extremely important organ and is involved in digestion, hormonal balance, and overall functioning of the body. What’s more, it’s at the center of the main detox system for the body (1). You can think of the liver as the “mailroom” of the body. It takes in packages from digestion, sorts them, delivers usable compounds to the blood, and works to eliminate harmful ones. The liver helps detox the body by: Removing and/or inactivated toxin substances that make their way into the body via digestion. These include toxic components of foods, medications, etc. Extracting toxic byproducts found in the blood. These are often the result of cellular breakdown. The liver transforms that for excretion by the kidneys and/or intestines. Providing Kupffer’s cells to filter and destroy harmful foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more. Eliminating toxic metabolites that result from intestinal fermentation and putrefaction. Producing bile that aids detox in the intestines And, you can help your liver! Work to reduce the toxic load on this organ by being mindful of what you consume. 2. THE KIDNEYS Next, the kidneys are a vital part of detoxifying the body. They purify the blood from harmful substances. These substances include toxic compounds from medications and chemicals. The kidneys filter these substances and deliver them to the urine for excretion. To do this important work, the kidneys must be in good working order. They should not be damaged or dehydrated. They work best when not bogged down with too high a concentration of toxins, especially synthetic ones. What’s more, high (or low) blood pressure can stand in the way of healthy kidney function. A healthy weight, hydration, and a good diet all support kidney health to detox the body. 3. THE INTESTINES The intestines are a cornerstone of human body function. They deliver nutrients to the entire body. In addition, they have the important task of eliminating toxins. How? Digestion starts at the mouth. From there, substances we ingest go to the stomach and intestines. Incredibly, entire foods are broken down and transformed into simple molecules that our cells can absorb. Once digested, nutrient molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the liver. Remember, it’s the body’s mailroom, and it sorts the nutrients it receives. The liver sends out the goods to the rest of the body and dumps the toxins into the bile. The bile transports the toxins back to the small intestine to continue through the colon and out in the stool. The colon works with bile to further detox the body (2). It utilizes digested and fermented fiber to promote health, uses mucous membranes as finer filters, and forms stools to get rid of the rest. Yes, the intestines are extremely important to human health and cleansing the body. You can support digestive health by consuming prebiotics, probiotics, soluble and insoluble fibers, fluids, and more. You must also avoid foods that can destroy intestinal health, including some ultra-processed foods, inappropriate antibiotics, and more. 4. THE RESPIRATORY TRACT Believe it or not, your lungs also detox the body. In fact, they rid the body of carbon dioxide, toxins in the airways and blood, and phlegm. Healthy alveoli (tissues involved in oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange at the ends of bronchi in the lungs) do not let filter solids wastes from gaseous ones, and work as an emergency exit for toxins when forced out by the body. These toxic substances, such as microbes and their byproducts, can be found in the phlegm pushed out by the alveoli. 5. THE SKIN Amazingly, the human body has a fifth way of getting rid of toxins. The skin. The body’s largest organ is a powerhouse for protection and defense. How? It evacuates toxic waste products through sweat. The toxins are soluble in water and form crystals in the body. They can be pushed out through sweat or uric acid. In fact, many skin problems may be the result of waste products and toxins being cleansed through the skin or an allergic reaction to the toxins (3). If you suffer from skin irritations, rashes, or more, you may find relief when you detox the body. While the skin may suffer through the process, it may become much healthier thereafter. 6. THE LYMPH SYSTEM Don’t forget the lymph system. It plays a huge part in detoxifying and cleansing. In fact, approximately two liters of lymph fluid circulate the lymphatic vessels throughout the body. This fluid is constantly created from the interstitial fluid found between the body’s cells. It penetrates the capillaries and carries away waste products from the cells to the bloodstream for evacuation by other systems. In fact, the lymph system is responsible for the removal of waste products in the brain during sleep to further detox the body. The lymph system filters the toxic substances and produces white blood cells to fight invaders. When the lymph system is unhealthy, and the production of lymphocytes is insufficient, it becomes very difficult for the body to fight invaders and toxins. What Can You Do to Detox the Body? You can help your body detox and cleanse itself. It was created with these amazing systems, but our current foods, environment, and lifestyles make it difficult. To help detox the body, eat a healthy diet high in antioxidants, fluids, healthy fats, and greens. You can help your body defend itself! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

The post The 6 Systems that Detox the Body and What You Can Do to Aid the Body’s Natural Detox appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Preventative Health Must Be a Priority — Keep COVID-19 Risk as Low as Possible

AHA Publisher — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 07:00:14 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – As our country continues to re-open, it’s never been more important to keep yourself healthy. It’s important for the coming weeks. And, it’s important for the coming months and years. Why? You are in control. You can keep your COVID-19 infection risk as low as possible. We’re finding that almost all the COVID-19 severe cases and deaths involving those younger than 80 were in patients who had pre-existing high-risk conditions. And while this can be scary, the good news is that lifestyle changes for preventative health can significantly reduce pre-existing conditions, and therefore your risk of severe infection and death to viruses like COVID-19. Here are the ways you can keep your body healthy to keep your COVID-19 infection risk low and thrive in the years to come. Preventative Health to Keep Your COVID-19 Infection Risk as Low as Possible 1.Quit Smoking There’s little doubt: Being a smoker significantly increased the risk of severe COVID-19 infection and death in this year’s pandemic. Not only does smoking make the lungs weaker, but it also increases the risk of hypertension, another pre-existing condition correlated with severe infection and death from COVID-19. 2. Lose Weight If Obese As the pandemic progressed, researchers found that most of those who were young and had severe symptoms had something in common: they were obese. In fact, obesity among those under 40 years old vastly increased the incidence of serious infections and disease (1). And of course, obesity increases the risk of hypertension, and hypertension played a huge role as a pre-existing condition. 3. Maintain Healthy Blood Sugars COVID-19 has placed a spotlight on diabetes and unhealthy blood sugars as a significant risk factor for infection and severe symptoms of a virus. Diabetes was one of the greatest risk factors, and studies have shown that the vast majority of deaths for those under 80 years old were in people with diabetes or high blood sugars in the hospital. 4. Get Outside as Much as Possible Especially as the days get warmer and we can enjoy more direct sunlight, get outside. This virus, like most viruses, spreads easiest in colder weather, out of sunlight, and when we are confined with others. What’s more, vitamin D may play a protective role against COVID-19, and the virus cannot survive as long when in UV rays. Need another reason? Getting outside into sunlight early in the day improves melatonin levels and sleep, which can boost your immune system and reduce the risk of severe symptoms. Social distance, and get outside every day. 5. Prioritize Your Immune System There are many ways to prioritize and support your immune system each day. These include: Losing weight Maintaining healthy blood sugars Lowering blood pressure Getting outside Exercising Practicing gratitude Reducing Stress Staying hydrated (2) Taking supplements if needed to maintain healthy vitamin D levels Getting at least 8 hours of sleep per night Eating foods high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that boost immune function Eating healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil and omega-3 fats Taking anti-inflammatory supplements if needed such as fish oil, turmeric, ginger, etc. Avoiding high sugar foods that reduce immune system responses You can do so many things to prioritize your immune system for year-round health and in case of a pandemic. Don’t miss your opportunity now. Use these habits to boost your immune system each day. How Keto Zone Can Help We’ve got great news. Keto Zone can help you accomplish the tips above. The Keto Zone diet is an efficient and effective way to start losing weight. As you lose weight and enter ketosis, you will maintain healthy blood sugars, lose weight and abdominal fat for an automatic improvement in health, and reduce high blood pressure while increasing immune-boosting foods! How to Start the Keto Zone for Free If you are interested in learning how to keep your risk as low as possible with this lifestyle change and weight loss, you can start by joining our FREE Keto Zone 21-Day-Challenge. If you want even more, check out the Keto Zone Starter Kit including Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone Diet Book. Bottom Line Your preventative health must be a priority to keep COVID-19 infection risk as low as possible moving forward. We are here to help with Keto Zone. You can start for free today! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

The post Preventative Health Must Be a Priority — Keep COVID-19 Risk as Low as Possible appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Removing the Novel Coronavirus From the Water Cycle

AHA Publisher — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 07:00:53 +0000

University of California – Riverside via EurekAlert – Scientists call for more research to understand whether water treatment methods kill the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists know that coronaviruses, including the SARS-CoV-19 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, can remain infectious for days — or even longer — in sewage and drinking water. Two researchers, Haizhou Liu, an associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering at the University of California, Riverside; and Professor Vincenzo Naddeo, director of the Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division at the University of Salerno, have called for more testing to determine whether water treatment methods are effective in killing SARS-CoV-19 and coronaviruses in general. The virus can be transported in microscopic water droplets, or aerosols, which enter the air through evaporation or spray, the researchers wrote in an editorial for Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, a leading environmental journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for a careful evaluation of the fate and control of this contagious virus in the environment,” Liu said. “Environmental engineers like us are well positioned to apply our expertise to address these needs with international collaborations to protect public health.” During a 2003 SARS outbreak in Hong Kong, a sewage leak caused a cluster of cases through aerosolization. Though no known cases of COVID-19 have been caused by sewage leaks, the novel coronavirus is closely related to the one that causes SARS, and infection via this route could be possible. The novel coronavirus could also colonize biofilms that line drinking water systems, making showerheads a possible source of aerosolized transmission. This transmission pathway is thought to be a major source of exposure to the bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease, for example. Fortunately, most water treatment routines are thought to kill or remove coronaviruses effectively in both drinking and wastewater. Oxidation with hypochlorous acid or peracetic acid, and inactivation by ultraviolet irradiation, as well as chlorine, are thought to kill coronaviruses. In wastewater treatment plants that use membrane bioreactors, the synergistic effects of beneficial microorganisms and the physical separation of suspended solids filter out viruses concentrated in the sewage sludge. Liu and Naddeo caution, however, that most of these methods have not been studied for effectiveness specifically on SARS-CoV-19 and other coronaviruses, and they have called for additional research. They also suggest upgrading existing water and wastewater treatment infrastructure in outbreak hot spots, which possibly receive coronavirus from places such as hospitals, community clinics, and nursing homes. For example, energy-efficient, light-emitting, diode-based, ultraviolet point-of-use systems could disinfect water before it enters the public treatment system. Potable water-reuse systems, which purify wastewater back into tap water, also need thorough investigation for coronavirus removal, and possibly new regulatory standards for disinfection, the researchers wrote. The extent to which viruses can colonize biofilms is also not yet known. Biofilms are thin, slimy bacterial growths that line the pipes of many aging drinking water systems. Better monitoring of coronaviruses in biofilms might be necessary to prevent outbreaks. The surge in household use of bactericides, virucides and disinfectants will probably cause an increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. Treated wastewater discharged into natural waterways demands careful monitoring through the entire water cycle. Liu and Naddeo call on chemists, environmental engineers, microbiologists, and public health specialists to develop multidisciplinary and practical solutions for safe drinking water and healthy aquatic environments. Lastly, developing countries and some regions within highly developed nations, such as rural and impoverished communities, which lack the basic infrastructure to remove other common contaminants might not be able to remove SARS-CoV-19 either. These places might experience frequent COVID-19 outbreaks that spread easily through globalized trade and travel. Liu and Naddeo suggest governments of developed countries must support and finance water and sanitation systems wherever they are needed. “It is now clear to all that globalization also introduces new health risks. Where water and sanitation systems are not adequate, the risk of finding novel viruses is very high,” Naddeo said. “In a responsible and ideal scenario, the governments of developed countries must support and finance water and sanitation systems in developing countries, in order to also protect the citizens of their own countries.” To read the original article click here.

The post Removing the Novel Coronavirus From the Water Cycle appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

11 Top Tips to Keep Your Brain Sharp and Young

The AHA! Team — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Adding omega-3 fats is a crucial step in reducing inflammation and the risk of degenerative brain disease. To truly make a difference, it takes two steps: reducing inflammatory foods while increasing anti-inflammatory ones. Is your brain as sharp as it was 5 years ago? 10 years? Every year we age, we must be proactive to protect, maintain, and even improve the health of our bodies and our brains. Naturally, all our systems begin to degrade after mid-age. This is true of our arteries, our muscles, and joints, and our brains. But, you can do something about it. You can proactively continue to build them up instead. If you are looking for ways to continue building up your brain, to keep it sharp and young, here are our 11 top tips. 11 Top Tips to Keep Your Brain Sharp and Young 1. Reduce Your Intake of Inflammatory Foods Chronic inflammation is one of our body’s biggest enemies. And, the fuel for that enemy? Modern, processed foods. Most of the packaged foods in our supermarkets are full of ingredients that promote inflammation in our bodies. These ingredients are cheap fats like soybean oil that compete with anti-inflammatory fats and hormones in the body. Some of the worst offenders include: • Commercial Dressings and Condiments with Soybean Oil • Margarine • TV Dinners with unhealthy fats • Sugary Energy Drinks • Fast-Food Deep-Fried Options Many experts who have studied our current intake of inflammatory fats vs. anti-inflammatory ones are convinced that this dietary promotion of inflammation is a central cause to most of our chronic diseases. These diseases include degenerative brain disease. During the last decade, a new cause of Alzheimer’s has been identified: sustained immune reactions in the brain caused by chronic inflammation (1). To reduce the risk of this disease and the deterioration of our brains, we must reduce inflammation. 2. Add Omega-3 Fats Daily Adding omega-3 fats is a crucial step in reducing inflammation and the risk of degenerative brain disease. To truly make a difference, it takes two steps: reducing inflammatory foods while increasing anti-inflammatory ones. One of the most potent anti-inflammatory foods is omega-3 fats from seafood, and to a lesser extent, plant foods. Studies show that inflammation biomarkers improve as the relationship of omega-3s to omega-6s improving (2). 3. Include Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Spices and Vegetables at Every Meal Brains age and become impaired with increased oxidative stress. And, while this has been long-accepted with the development of degenerative diseases, now researchers believe oxidative stress may play a role with anxiety, depression, and more (3). Oxidative stress is the accumulation and damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are created by many biochemical reactions in our bodies. They occur from daily living, processed foods, alcohol, nicotine, and more. They are “quenched,” or neutralized by antioxidants made by our cells (such as glutathione) and from foods. Foods and drinks that are high in antioxidant include bright and deeply colored vegetables, spices, raw cacao, green tea, nuts, seeds, and more. These anti-agers work at the cellular level. Their antioxidants are so potent at the cellular level they go beyond the normal reduction in oxidative stress to promote longevity and health in the body. What’s more, ginger and turmeric are also strong anti-inflammatory foods that reduce joint and muscle pain (4). 4. Hydrate Well Your brain is affected by your long-term and short-term hydration status. In fact, mood, fatigue, and alertness are all impaired with dehydration (5). Hydration also affects your digestive tract, skin, kidney function, and more (all tissues depend on it). What should you drink? • Water: Purified water is your best choice for hydration. It offers all the benefits without any extra ingredients to bog the body down. • Green and Black Tea: Green and black tea are youthful drinks! They can reduce age-expediting stress and cortisol, have antibacterial properties for oral health, support eye health contain brain-boosting compounds, and can even promote weight loss (6). • What about coffee? Coffee is a healthful drink, and a great way to start the day. But its high caffeine level can act as a gentle diuretic, so don’t count it towards your hydration totals. • How Much? I recommend a minimum of 48-64 oz. fluid per day for most women, and 64-80 oz. per day for most men. But, many people feel great on more. Also, add more hydration if you exercise. Try to get in all fluids before 7 pm or so, so that it doesn’t disrupt your sleep. Lastly, make sure to brush your teeth after drinking coffee and tea to avoid staining. 5. Get Into the Keto Zone When you take the sugars and most carbs out of your diet, your brain will begin to burn ketones instead of carbs as fuel. Astonishingly, this change in brain fuel has been used successfully for decades to help children with epilepsy vastly reduce seizures (without medications) (7). Now, there is promising research on ketosis and brain improvements for degenerative brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (8). What’s more, many people in ketosis report greater brain clarity, focus, and function than before. 6. Add Fasting to Your Routine Many people fast for spiritual reasons, and this is great. But fasting also has benefits that manifest physicallyÂ and mentally. In fact, there are numerous scientific studies that show its anti-aging benefits. Fasting can increase insulin sensitivity, promote weight loss, decrease inflammation, increase mental clarity, normalize levels of the “hunger hormone” ghrelin, and even regenerate the immune system. All of this is good for the body and brain. To add an easy intermittent fasting schedule, either choose to fast one 24-hour period per week, or try fasting 15-16 hours per day, from 7 pm to 10 am. You can drink water, tea, and coffee during the fast. 7. Get Outside, Work on Flexibility, and Stay Active You don’t have to run a marathon. But, there are many benefits to staying active, flexible and being outside! Here’s how each helps: 1. Get Outside for Activity: Cortisol levels naturally decrease when we spend time outdoors. What’s more, getting natural sunlight in the morning helps our bodies stay on track with wake/sleep hormones, promoting better sleep. All of this is good for the brain. 2. Stay Active: A brisk walk, hike, or other activity that increase your heart rate is brain-healthy! The more you do to increase blood flow to the brain, the better for brain health. 3. Work on Flexibility: Every year we age, our bodies become less flexible at the spine and trunk…unless you do something about it. Use stretching, yoga, or other flexibility exercises each day. Believe it or not, your trunk flexibility is directly correlated with blood pressure, and healthy blood pressure levels are good for the brain! 8. Trade in Stress for Laughter There’s little doubt that chronic, mental stress is a brain ager. In fact, according to a 2018 study, researchers found that increased blood cortisol levels are correlated with impaired memory and lower brain volume in mid-life (1). What’s more, after studying 2231 human participants, they found the effects were more pronounced in women participants than men. To reduce cortisol: • Eat foods and drinks that may reduce cortisol naturally. Try fatty fish like salmon, dark chocolate (70% or higher cocoa), fruits and vegetables, or superfood fruit and vegetable powders. You can also drink cortisol-busting green tea and black tea to lower cortisol levels. Great for hot summer days! • Make time for laughter every day. First, identify your most stressful time. Is it the morning? The commute? The first hour back home? If you’re able, work in laughter during these times. Listen to comedy on the commute. Make time for a friend. Enjoy a funny book. Laughter has the opposite hormonal effect of stress. For more ways to cut cortisol naturally, read our full list here. 9. Keep Challenging Your Brain Your brain was made to do challenging work. From the time we are born, our brain reacts and grows due to new challenges. Don’t stop now. You can use mental challenges or new activities to keep your brain sharp and young. Try puzzles, photography, dance lessons, yoga, memorization, reading and more. Never stop learning! 10. Pray and Practice Gratitude Pray and practice gratitude. At the end of each day, take time to practice gratitude and pray. Put down the screens and write three to five specific things for which you are grateful. Believe it or not, studies show lower cortisol circulation immediately when subjects focus on things for which they are grateful. Immediately. This is your secret weapon against daily stress and brain degeneration. And, it’s completely free. So it is with prayer. When you pray, you improve mental health and build your relationship with God. Pray with thanksgiving, releasing things you cannot control and the stressors you face. 11. Get Consistent, Good-Quality Sleep For a sharp, young brain, aim to consistently get at least 7-8 hours of good sleep per night. It’s truly one of the most potent brain healers and anti-agers. In fact, lack of sleep is associated with increased anxiety, slow brain performance, increased blood sugars, hormone disturbances, and more. These all lead to expedited and unhealthy aging. To age well, you don’t need just any sleep – you need “good” sleep. So, if you suffer from snoring, sleep apnea, or anything else that disturbs sleep, it’s worthwhile to speak with your doctor and explore treatments. Bottom Line We all age. Every year, our bodies and brains can degrade – but they don’t have to. You can proactively build them, protect them, and keep them sharp and young. Follow our tips each day. Most are free and simple. Develop these habits now for years of brain health. To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Colbert click here.

The post 11 Top Tips to Keep Your Brain Sharp and Young appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.