“To function at its best, your brain needs neuron- and synapse-supporting factors, including certain hormones, trophic factors, and nutrients.” Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role among these synapse-strengthening and neuron-boosting compounds says Dr. Dale Bredesen, well known for his role in Alzheimer’s research. Obviously BDNF plays an important
The brain is regarded as the most complex structure in our universe, and much is still unknown about this extraordinary organ. Conventional thinking amongst neuroscientists used to be that the brain cells you were born with were fixed and incapable of regeneration, being the sum of brain cells for the
The terms prebiotics, probiotics, and recently postbiotics, are being bandied about in relation to improving gut health. The distinction is not always clear and the term postbiotics is not widely known. The term “biotic” is derived from the Greek word “biōtikós”, which means pertaining to life and is generally used
Mention the word “menopause” and the first thing that comes to mind is the dreaded hot flushes that women experience during midlife, along with mood swings and various bodily changes. The word “hormones” is also bandied about at this stage in life. But what exactly is menopause and is it
“Walking is a man’s best medicine.” So said Hippocrates more than 2400 years ago and it is just as true today, as the health benefits of walking have been proven repeatedly by modern scientific studies. Any physical activity is a boon to overall heath and walking comes with a host
Serotonin is a small molecule that functions both as a neurotransmitter in the CNS (Central Nervous System) and as a hormone in the periphery. Serotonin is generally known as the “feel good” hormone, as low levels are associated with depression. Apart from the connection with mood, serotonin is an important
Severe cases of COVID-19 are generally associated with older people and people with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. However, it was unclear why so many young and seemingly healthy people were also hospitalized with severe COVID-19 symptoms. Innovative new ways of doing research have now shed some
Mushrooms are not a vegetable as they appear to be, but are a kind of fungus. Some wild mushrooms can be toxic, but the commercially grown edible ones are quite tasty and come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. Adding flavour and meaty texture to many different dishes, mushrooms also
It is not easy to admit that you are getting on in years and the dreaded three-letter word “old” is far worse to hear than some four-letter words! Rather use the fancy description that you have “senescence” and that your condition is caused by zombie cells in your body. What
Calcium is generally associated with bone health and healthy teeth. Contrary to their appearance, bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and build up again, depending on the calcium contents and needs of the body. The bone production of healthy individuals, who get enough dietary calcium and
