The brain is a complex and intricate organ that functions as the control center for our bodies and regulates our thoughts, emotions, and actions.  Considering the power of the mind, the psychology of the mind has a direct influence on our physiological health, amongst other things.  Studies have shown that your mindset can affect your health. What is meant by mindset? One’s mindset is a set of beliefs and self-perceptions that influence how you make sense of the world and yourself.   It influences the way you think, feel, and behave in any given situation.  Mindset also refers to a characteristic mental attitude that determines how you interpret and respond to situations and is highly relevant to the way you respond

From the humble beginnings as very basic aquatic algae, which serve as the main dietary source of certain marine species such as salmon, lobster, shrimps, and crab, an orange-red colored substance called astaxanthin in the algae accumulates in these species and gets carried up the food chain and onto your plate of food.    Which is fortunate for lovers of sea food, as promising research results indicate that astaxanthin could be a valuable nutrient and bioactive compound in the prevention of several diseases and in maintaining good health.    What is astaxanthin? Astaxanthin is a natural orange-red pigment that is known for its unique chemical structure, which gives it its powerful antioxidant capabilities.  Certain species of microalgae make high amounts

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases of our time and the second leading cause of death worldwide behind cardiovascular diseases.  Cancer refers to any malignant growth or tumor in the body, caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth in that specific spot.  Cells are constantly renewing themselves, but when they get damaged in some way, the normal regular division of cells – with new cells forming and old ones dying off – goes haywire and cells in the affected area continue to divide and grow uncontrollably. Cancer cells are living, reproducing cells that are capable of movement when not bound or restricted by other cells or structures.  The capability to move is put to use when these cells

Blood pressure is a vital sign, as too high or too low blood pressure is an indication that something is wrong with your health, which could lead to serious conditions such as stroke and heart disease.  Accurate and regular blood pressure readings are a quick and easy way to catch any heart issues early.  How and when to take blood pressure readings are important, as the way you prepare for the test and even the position of your arm can change the reading by 10% or more.  Of concern is the phenomenon that some people’s blood pressure rises dangerously high at night, but reflect normally during the day when readings are usually taken, which may lead to unexpected cardiovascular events

(This is one of three Health Insight blogs based on the three parts of Dr Benjamin Bikman’s book: Why we get sick.  The three blogs are: INSULIN RESISTANCE AT THE ROOT OF MOST CHRONIC DISEASES, INSULIN RESISTANCE CAUSES, and INSULIN RESISTANCE CURES.) Insulin resistance is an epidemic most people have never heard of and the overwhelming majority of people with insulin resistance are unaware that they have this condition.  It is estimated that more than half of the populations in America, China, and India are known to be insulin resistant, and that 80% of individuals with insulin resistance live in developing countries.  The role of insulin in the body: Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas and is well

(This is one of three Health Insight blogs based on the three parts of Dr Benjamin Bikman’s book: Why we get sick.  The three blogs are: INSULIN RESISTANCE AT THE ROOT OF MOST CHRONIC DISEASES, INSULIN RESISTANCE CAUSES, and INSULIN RESISTANCE CURES.) Insulin plays a vital role in the harmony in which some of the biochemical processes in the body work.  For example, when you eat carbohydrates, it gets converted into dietary sugars (called glucose) which end up in the bloodstream to act as fuel for the cells in the body.  Easier said than done, as blood glucose needs to be partnered by insulin to be able to enter the cells in the body.  Insulin is a hormone released by

(This is one of three Health Insight blogs based on the three parts of Dr Benjamin Bikman’s book: Why we get sick.  The three blogs are: INSULIN RESISTANCE AT THE ROOT OF MOST CHRONIC DISEASES, INSULIN RESISTANCE CAUSES, and INSULIN RESISTANCE CURES.) What is insulin resistance?  When glucose from sugar and other carbohydrates in the diet enters the bloodstream, it signals the pancreas to release the hormone insulin, which acts as the key to open the “doors” to cells and to escort glucose into cells, where the mitochondria process glucose to produce energy.  In this way insulin helps to restore blood glucose levels to its normal range.   Insulin resistance refers to the inability of cells (resistance) to respond properly to