• Monday January 23rd
  • How to Find a Good Quality Fish Oil
  • Let me ask you a question, are you concerned with how to find good quality fish oil? Since this oil contains so many essential nutrients we need to stay healthy, it's a great source for combating inflammation and enhancing your memory.

    Yet, the fish can be full of toxins like mercury and even PCB's. When these fish are used for supplements, they become full of these toxins too. Supplements made with farm-raised salmon is one of the worst culprits. You'll see why in a minute.

    How to Get Purity in Your Fish Supplements

    When looking to purchase good quality fish oil it is important to keep in mind that it should be an Omega three oil that is totally free of impurities.

    This works two ways.

    1) The fish is best wild caught since farm-raised fish is fed less high quality food. Farms are usually highly polluted with chemicals and waste. Farm raised salmon are often sickly and injected with a dye to turn them "salmon" pink.

    2) It should be molecularly distilled for maximum purity.

    Find out where your supplements rank on the International Fish Oil Standards Chart. You may be surprised. A high quality supplier will be able to show you the Certificate of Analysis proving the purity of their oil.

    Location Matters

    Look for supplements with named fish from clean waters. For example, the waters of the Pacific and British Columbia are far cleaner than the highly trafficked Atlantic. The waters around New Zealand are also quite clean.
     
    Hoki is a type of fish found near New Zealand and it's found to be clean and healthy. Some good quality supplements are made with a blend of this and tuna.

    Price Matters?

    Price matters only to a degree. Since fish supplements range from approximately $8.00/ bottle to $50.00+ you'd think there would be a huge discrepancy. But the truth is, you can find good quality fish oil for around $16.00.

    Do check to see what type of fish is used and the purification process is.

    The manufacturer of the fish oil must have high standards where they implement a cold pressing process and molecular distillation process. The purer the oil, the more it can benefit your mind, heart and mood.

    Now that you know what to look for in how to find good quality fish oil, please visit my website where I share about the supplements I recommend and use.

  • Saturday January 21st
  • Got Foods for A Healthy Brain?
  • What if I told you about some foods for a healthy brain. Would you eat them? Would you be surprised to know you're probably not getting the foods you need now? Even if you think you eat pretty healthy now, nutrition experts say most Americans are deficient in these nutrients.

    A hundred years ago, our ancestors got enough foods for a healthy brain. They ate only whole foods. There was no such thing as packaged, processed foods then. But over the past century, there's been a dramatic shift in the way we eat and now, most Americans don't get the nutrients they need.

    Got Fats?

    Turns out you've got a "fat head"! We all do. Your brain is made of fats. But not just any fats. Most people are getting the wrong kind. Are you?

    Research shows your brain needs omega 3 fatty acids. One of these fatty acids is called DHA and it's a crucial part of your brain function. If you don't get enough, your body will try to compensate but the "replacement" fatty acids can be damaging. Tests show people with depression and ADD have high amounts of these replacement fats.

    Go Fishing

    The best foods for a healthy brain include fish. That's because fish is full of DHA. You might have heard fish called "brain food" and that's why. Your brain needs the DHA to stay sharp.

    The best fish to eat are the ones low on the food chain. Smaller fish like sardines or herring simply have fewer places for toxins like mercury to hang out. Wild caught salmon, tuna and hoki are also good. Experts recommend eating fish 2-3 times a week for the most benefit. But limit your eating of big fish like swordfish and king mackerel. They can have the highest levels of toxins because of their size.

    Other sources for foods for a healthy brain include avocadoes, olive oil and walnuts. These are good sources of omega 3's. But fish have the highest levels of DHA.
     
    Nutrients for A Healthy Brain

    Getting enough DHA can help children learn language and motor skills quickly. It can help them concentrate in school. A U.K. study gave children diagnosed with ADD and ADHD high doses of omega 3 fish oil pills over a period of six months. Every child improved his or her grades and levels of focus in school.

    When you're older, DHA will help your brain to  stay sharp. It helps messages get through and keeps your brain "wiring" operating efficiently.

  • Monday January 02nd
  • How to Increase Brain Power With Powerful Nutrition
  • What if I told you how to increase brain power through nutrition? Would that make sense? Of course you want to be smarter, have a better memory. Maybe remember people's names easier. That makes sense and if you get the right nutrition, you have a good shot of improving your brain.

    If you've ever seen a picture of a brain, you know it looks like a mass of cords piled together. Scientists say it's mostly fat too. But it's healthy fat that works hard to keep your body moving.
     
    That means you need to get more of the fats it requires if you want to increase your brain power.

    How to Increase Brain Power

    These fats are the "good fats". They're also called omega 3 fatty acids. They're in walnuts, olive oil, flaxseeds, winter squash and fish. Fish is especially rich in them. DHA is the main omega 3 you need for your brain health. DHA literally powers your brain.

    But, most people don't get enough DHA and your body compensates by making replacement fatty acids. Unfortunately, your body semi rejects these replacements. And that can cause problems.

    You might know, one of the things DHA helps with is improving your concentration. That's because this fatty acid keeps your nervous system flowing and pings messages around your brain and body at a fast clip.
    These replacement fatty acids don't do those things as well. Studies show people with depression and ADD have high levels of these replacements in their blood.

    A Celebration of Fatty Acids

    Scientists gathered in London for a "A Celebration of DHA" in 2010. They shared papers and thoughts on the power of the DHA in the human brain. Scientists agree DHA is the major communicator in your brain. It improves message flow -essential for fast thinking. They also think it may be behind the evolution of brain development.

    Pretty heady stuff for a little 'ol fatty acid nutritionists say most of us aren't eating enough of.

    If DHA is so important in your brain's communication system, that means it can protect you from memory loss as you age. Studies show cultures that eat a lot of fish, like Japan, has little record of Alzheimer's or dementia. Could it be because they're getting enough of the right nutrients?

    The answer to how to increase brain power may be swimming in the sea. Don't want to eat fish 2-3 times a week to get your nutrients? Visit my website to see how omega 3 fish oil supplements can help protect your brain.

  • Saturday December 31st
  • Healthy Brain Aging - What You Need to Know
  • If you're like most people, you're concerned about your health as you get older. And that includes healthy brain aging.

    You may have noticed your brain seems to be failing you at times. You have those "senior moments" people joke about. You know, the ones where you walk into a room and can't remember why you're there or you spend 15 minutes looking for your glasses when they're on top of your head.

    Yeah, those. And do you know what? They're only going to become more frequent unless you do something about it.

    The Reality of Your Aging Brain

    See, it's not your imagination your brain isn't as sharp as it used to be. There are actually physical changes taking place in there that cause it to fail. Researchers at UCLA, Harvard and other top schools have discovered these 2 reasons.

    1-You have a protective coating on your nerves. It's called myelin. It coats your nerves and protects them. When you feel like your nerves are "frayed", well they can actually be so.

    See, this myelin wears away as you age. That leaves your nerves exposed and they get damaged easier. What does this have to do with a healthy aging brain? Well, as your nerves get damaged, they're not as equipped to send messages through your brain. The myelin is like a new highway with no traffic on a summer day. It's smooth sailing down the road. But as the myelin wears away, you're looking at potholes and bumps in heavy traffic.

    2-Your neurotransmitters are failing too. These give your brain fuel so it runs smoothly. They help you concentrate and improve your memory. But you produce fewer of them as you get older.

    What You Can Do For Healthy Brain Aging

    You're in luck. You can help reverse these changes if you improve your nutrition. Think you already eat right? Doubtful. Unless you eat 2-3 servings of fish a week, you aren't getting enough omega 3 fatty acids. In fact, nutritionists say most Americans are seriously deficient in these fats.

    The reason is fish is full of these healthy omega 3 fatty acids. And they're hard to get in the modern diet.
    Omega 3 nutrients feed your brain and can slow down your shedding myelin and keep your neurotransmitters firing away.

    If you'd like to learn more about how omega 3 fatty acids can help healthy brain aging, please visit my website where I share this important research.

  • Friday December 30th
  • Food for a Healthy Brain-Are You Getting What You Need?
  • Let me ask you a quick question, if you knew there was food for a healthy brain, would you eat it? If you were interested in maintaining a sharp mind and a healthy body I bet you would, right?

    But you may be shocked to learn that there are foods you can eat for your brain but you probably aren't doing it. In fact, nutritionists say the majority of Americans are deficient in these nutrients because they're not in the foods we normally eat.

    If you eat a lot of processed foods you're not giving your brain the nutrients it requires. And not getting the right nutrition means your brain can't work effectively. You can become forgetful, develop chronic diseases and have trouble concentrating.

    What Food Should You Eat For a Healthy Brain?

    Fish is often called a "brain food", and with good reason. Turns out, fish is high in omega 3 fatty acids. Specifically, it's high in DHA. This DHA is a cornerstone of your brain. Without it, your brain doesn't work as well.
     
    If you have children, DHA helps them learn language and develop motor skills. If they're already in school, studies show DHA can help them focus and concentrate so they perform well. If your child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, added omega 3's might solve these issues.

    DHA also balances your mood and keeps it positive. Getting enough of these nutrients can prevent depression.

    And, for seniors, getting enough DHA is crucial for keeping a sharp mind. Plus, research shows it can reduce inflammation and possibly prevent heart attacks.

    In other words, these nutrients are critical food for a healthy brain and body.

    Other Foods

    You can get some omega 3's in walnuts, flaxseeds and winter squash. But they don't provide the DHA you need for your brain.

    If you eat fish 2-3 times a week, experts say that's enough for most people. But if you need more or what to make sure you're getting your omega 3's, you might want to try fish oil pills.

    As far as food for healthy brain goes, fish is your best resource. And fish oil supplements are an easy way of getting the nutrients you need. They are purified so you don't have to worry about mercury poisoning. Of course, you do want to know that they're high quality and have the levels of DHA you and your family need.

    Now that you know more about food a for healthy brain, please visit my website where I share about omega 3 nutrition and how you can benefit.

  • Wednesday December 28th
  • The Aging Brain And How To Keep It Healthy: Are You Doing All You Can?
  • Let me ask you a quick question, are you getting older? IOf course you are, and with age comes more health concerns.

    As baby boomers move into their fifties, sixties and seventies the aging brain becomes a big concern.  According to a study by the American Association of Retired People, the number one fear of those just entering their senior years is getting Alzheimer's or other types of memory impairments.

    The Power of Omega 3

    Omega 3 fish oils have been known to have health benefits since the 1930s.

    The two active ingredients in omega 3 are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).   Your brain is already made up of roughly half of these fatty acids. They help to generate new neurons and improve communication in your brain. 

    Without them, messages can get lost.  When was the last time you walked into a room and couldn't remember why you were there? 

    Like anything, you use up the DHA and EPA in your brain and you need constantly be putting more into your body. 

    Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests fish oil capsules containing these omega-3 fatty acids may act to genetically slow the aging process--your brain included.  

    In countries where people eat a lot of omega 3's, there is a low rate of Alzheimer's and dementia.    In America, where our diets contain little of these essential fats there is a high ratio of these brain altering diseases. 

    According to an article in Psychology Today, your "brain runs on fish oil".   If you aren't eating fish several times a week, you may want to supplement with a high quality supplements.  The research is there that it supports your aging brain. 

     

  • Wednesday April 06th
  • The Aging Brain and How to Keep It Healthy Depends on These Factors
  •  

    If you’re getting older you may have noticed your memory failing.  If those “where did I leave my glasses” moments are becoming more frequent you may be worried about your aging brain.

    The Aging Brain and How to Keep It Healthy

    One of the biggest ways to keep your brain healthy is to use it.  Scientists say learning new things creates new pathways in your brain which stimulates your neurotransmitters and keeps them sharp.  In fact, did you know can constantly create new neurotransmitters?  The exciting thing is your brain is capable of making these new “thought centers” on and on throughout your life.  There’s no limit.  But, you have to challenge yourself to do this. 

    Learning a new skill like a foreign language or taking up dancing will create these new pathways in your brain. 

    Get Your Exercise

    Getting exercise pushes oxygen through your brain which “feeds” your brain so it can think better.  More oxygen=better thinking. 

    Experts say many of us are oxygen deprived much of the time.  Think about a time when you’ve been sitting at your desk for too many hours and you felt drained.  Yet, a quick walk around the block or even the office could revive you.  Getting up and walking around gave your brain a boost of oxygen. 

    Eat Your Broccoli

    The right nutrients play a major role too.    Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will play a big role in your health, including your brain.   You need your antioxidants to neutralize free radicals floating around your body seeking to destroy your healthy cells.  Broccoli, spinach and tomatoes will help meet these needs. 

    But you also need omega 3 fatty acids.  You’ve probably heard of them referred to as “good fats” and nutrition experts say Americans are sadly deficient in these.  It turns out, there’s a real danger to lacking in these fats, not the least is they promote brain health. 

    Fish for Your Brain

    Fish is the best resource for the aging brain because it’s filled with DHA.  This is an essential fatty acid that makes up omega 3’s.  It’s also the largest component of your brain matter. 

    If you’ve ever heard of fish as “brain food”, this is the reason why.  Cultures where people eat a lot of fish like Iceland and Alaska have little instance of Alzheimer’s and dementia.  Scientists believe part of the reason is because of they eat a lot of fish.  Fish is rich in DHA.   Nutritionists say eat fish 2-3 times a week. 

    If that seems difficult, you might consider fish oil pills.  They can help you get the nutrients you need and they can be purified so you don’t get the mercury and other toxins present in some fish. 

    There you are, the aging brain and how to keep it healthy is a mix of using your brain, getting regular exercise and eating right, including getting your fish oil!

  • Sunday March 27th
  • With Omega 3, Concentration Can Improve—So, What Do You Need to Boost Your Focus?
  • You’ve probably heard a lot about omega 3 fatty acids and how they can improve your mind.  In fact studies show with omega 3, concentration  may improve dramatically.

    Take this English study focusing on children with ADD and other learning troubles.   The Oxford-Durham Trial in England, took 117 primary school children with dyslexia, ADHD, and dyspraxia who were given a pre-trial assessment.  Then they were given fish oil supplements for six months.

     Dramatic Results

    Within 6 weeks, these children were calmer and better able to concentrate.  Within 3 months, one boy increased his reading level by an entire grade level!   By studies’ end, all of the children showed improved grades and ability to focus. 

    Other studies show similar results.  In fact, omega 3’s are essential to learning and development.  With younger children, research shows those who get enough omega 3’s in the womb can develop language and motor skills up to two months earlier than their counterparts. 

    The results aren’t just for kids either!  Adults can improve their short term memory—like remembering where you left your keys----and protect themselves from Alzheimer’s and dementia too. 

     

    Why do these fatty acids affect the brain so much?

    Scientists agree that your brain is comprised of 60% fatty acids.  Much of them are omega 3’s.  Since you’re constantly using these nutrients you need to keep replenishing them.  Unfortunately, the modern diet does not include many of these.

    That means you have to work harder to get them.  The good news is, if you start eating fish 2-3 times a week you’ll probably get enough to improve your concentration.   

    Doctors and nutrition experts recommend that if you’re not going to eat this much fish regularly, then you may want to take fish oil supplements.  If you do choose supplements to boost your omega 3 levels, make sure they’re purified and you’re not getting mercury poisoning! 

    So, there you are, with omega 3, concentration, memory and focus may improve from children to senior citizen status.  With so many benefits why wouldn’t you want to explore omega 3 fish oil?