Mood

The Best Time of Day to Take Nutrients for Cognitive Health

As people age, it’s normal to experience a natural decline in cognitive ability. This is why seniors can tend to be more forgetful, less patient and exhibit a decline in critical thinking abilities. However, some seniors experience more severe cognitive degeneration as a result of a condition known as dementia. Dementia involves a more rapid decline of mental functioning that can cause the individual to exhibit severe memory loss, an inability to perform complex tasks and changes in social behaviors. There are several factors that may increase the risk of more serious cognitive decline as you age. Consuming an unhealthy diet and lack of physical and mental activity are just a few. In addition to adhering to a healthy diet and getting enough physical activity, taking dietary supplements at the right time of day can make a big impact on your future cognitive health. Knowing the nutrients for cognitive health and taking the right supplement at the right time of day can help protect against mental decline.

Which Nutrients for Cognitive Health Should Be Taken During the Day?

Each person’s bodily functions are controlled by a biological clock called the circadian rhythm, which mandates how the brain regulates certain processes. In part, this means that certain nutrients are more important to the body at specific times of the day, and that taking these nutrients at those designated times will help the brain and body function more efficiently. Here is a short list of nutrients for cognitive health that should be taken in the morning or early afternoon hours.

Vinpocetin

Derived from myrtle seeds, this powerful nutrient acts as an antioxidant. As such, it supports healthy blood circulation, ensuring optimal levels of oxygen are delivered to the brain. It also helps improve the brain’s metabolic rate, so it can better communicate with the central nervous system to regulate various bodily functions more effectively.

Inositol

This is a carbohydrate used by the brain to deliver messages to the cells. Primarily, it helps regulate the level of neurotransmitters sent to a cell and manages the way the cells process insulin. As a result, increasing inositol levels in the brain can help soothe the symptoms of anxiety and may help support healthy blood glucose levels.

Choline

Research has found that choline is necessary to cardiovascular health in that it supports healthy blood pressure, affects lipid levels and lowers the risks of plasma homocysteine. In terms of cognitive health, higher levels of choline can help the brain produce phosphatidylcholine, a compound found to slow the rate at which dementia progresses.

DMAE

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is essential for the processing of choline in the brain. Without a sufficient supply of this compound, the brain cannot synthesize the neurotransmitters produced by choline, and that can lead to increased cognitive dysfunctions.

Huperzine A

Derived from Chinese club moss, Huperzine A helps boost the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. Researchers are hopeful that this substance may one day become the basis for an Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

NADH

Since NADH is a metabolite, it improves energy levels in the brain and can positively impact memory recall, alertness, mental clarity and concentration. This compound has been eyed as showing promise in relation to a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E

The mitochondria is the engine that powers each cell and these compounds are responsible for keeping the mitochondria functioning. Without coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E, the cells would stop producing the energy they need to thrive. Unfortunately, the body reduces the production of these vital nutrients as we age, so a supplement may be necessary.

What Nutrients for Cognitive Health Should You Take at Night?

Just as specific nutrients are best taken during the day, there are some nutrients for cognitive health that should be taken in the evening hours. By taking a supplement that contains these ingredients prior to going to bed, you’ll ensure your brain will make better use of them. This can help support healthy cognitive functioning as you sleep.

B Vitamins

Specifically, vitamins B1 and B2 are essential to the functioning of cells in the brain because they support oxygen-rich blood circulation to the brain. They also help improve overall cell functioning, which is important for protecting memory and concentration.

Folic Acid

This compound is essential in that it protects cellular health and reduces the risks of developing anemia. In the brain, it helps in the production of new cells and protects cells from damage, which makes it important for slowing the progression of cognitive decline.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

A common ingredient in many supplements, Acetyl-L-carnitine helps to balance mood, improves memory recall and makes learning easier. It has also been shown to help the body burn more fat and promotes lean muscle growth.

Phosphatidyl Serine

The neurotransmitters that allow our cells to communicate rely on Phosphatidyl serine. Research has found that, as Phosphatidyl serine production declines with age, it causes memory and critical thinking to become inhibited as we age.

Panax Ginseng

As an antioxidant, Panax ginseng protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals. It can also improve the functioning of brain receptors, strengthening concentration, memory and critical thinking. Studies have found that the effects of Panax ginseng are temporary, meaning you must keep taking a supplement to continue enjoying this compound’s benefits.

While the brain does produce many of these nutrients naturally, there’s a decline in their production as people reach their senior years. As there are fewer of these compounds in the brain, the symptoms of cognitive decline become more evident. Taking a supplement that contains these nutrients consistently can help ensure you don’t experience a deficiency that could harm your cognitive health.

Work-Family Conflict is Detrimental to Women’s Health

Oct 25 by Ewcopywriting

One of the biggest problems most working adults face is finding enough time for both their careers and their families. Trying to maintain the right balance can be stressful in itself, particularly because American workers are spending more time on the job than those of past generations. Today’s workforce is spending 8 percent longer on the job than past generations and as much as 20 percent of the workforce puts in 49 or more hours per week on a regular basis. The stress that work-family conflict creates can have a negative impact on women’s health, but there are natural ways to combat this type of burnout.

What is Burnout Syndrome?

Spending so much time at work does have an effect on the psyche and it’s a condition that has been the subject of research for several generations. As far back as the 1970s, Herbert Freudenberger used the word “burnout” to describe adults who experienced the specific type of depression caused by overwork. While the condition is common, psychologists still haven’t found a concrete method for diagnosing it. Overall, burnout is defined by feelings of exhaustion, a loss of energy and motivation and an inability to effectively cope with workplace challenges.

Burnout is often difficult to diagnose, as in many cases it may be the culmination of other emotional or physical disorders. For example, since some of the symptoms are also symptoms of depression and anxiety, an individual with burnout may really be suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness. Alternatively, a physical illness may also create the stress and conditions associated with burnout.

How Does Work-Family Conflict Affect Women?

Looking at 27 studies, a 2015 research project found that work-related stress was closely related to cardiovascular disease. A newer study looked specifically at how work-family conflict affected cardiovascular health in women. The researchers used a standard scoring system for determining cardiovascular health to determine how their subjects’ concern for achieving a work/life balance affected their heart health. The scoring system looked at seven different factors, including diet, physical activity and blood pressure.

The study consisted of a sampling of 11,000 subjects between the ages of 35 and 74. It looked at subjects from Brazil’s six major states, who came from a broad range of career fields and educational backgrounds. While there were men included in the study, the number of female participants was a little higher. The participants in the study completed surveys with questions about how their work lives affected their personal lives and vice versa.

When the cardiovascular scoring and work/life questionnaires were reviewed, it was found that women experienced a greater level of work interference with their personal lives. Men reportedly had more time for recreation and family time than the women in the study. Men and women appeared equal in terms of how much their families and personal lives interfered with their work time.

Looking at the cardiovascular evaluations, the researchers found that women with more work interference in their personal lives also had lower scores relating to cardiovascular health. The researchers believe one explanation for the relationship between work and personal life conflict and poor heart health may have to do with a desire in women to fulfill traditional domestic gender roles in addition to pursuing careers outside the home.

Even with the increased participation of men in maintaining the household, some women may still be trying to shoulder this burden solely on their own shoulders. As a result, women are more stressed about their roles in and out of the home. The resulting spike in stress levels can cause the inflammation that contributes to cardiovascular health risks.

Natural Ways to Combat Stress and Burnout Syndrome

Take a Daily Supplement

Cutting edge high-quality supplements like Tryptochron, contain the amino acids 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and l-tryptophan. These compounds are essential in creating the hormone serotonin and, as such, can help to naturally boost mood without causing the adverse side effects caused by prescription antidepressants. Since burnout shares symptoms with depression and anxiety, this type of supplement can be useful in helping the body deal with stress and reduce symptoms of burnout.

Get Together With Friends

Burnout pushes people to seek solitude, which can only aggravate depressive and anxious feelings. While it may take some effort, seeking out your friends and spending more time with them can help reduce the stressful work/life feelings you’re experiencing. In addition to finding joy in your friends’ companionship, you’ll also be forcing yourself to create a better balance in your life.

Seek Out Help

While workplace burnout may cause you to want to spend as little time with your co-workers as possible, asking for their help may be just what you need. Sharing that you’re experiencing burnout and stress gives your co-workers or managers the opportunity to direct you to a support group, counseling service or some other type of professional help. Often, counseling is offered as a part of a benefits package, but employees may not be aware that it’s an option.

Take Time Off

One of the best ways you can overcome burnout and work-family conflict while also reconnecting with your family is to take a few days off. You might even benefit from taking a Friday off to create a long weekend without missing too much work. You can spend the time relaxing at home, or you can take your family on a small road trip. By the time you return to work, you’ll be feeling refreshed and better able to tackle any challenges that come your way.

The Best Time to Take Omega-3 for Optimum Effectiveness

Sep 19 by Ewcopywriting

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids is one of the most salient health trends of the past decade. Physicians are increasingly recommending these oily supplements for a variety of purposes, from helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges to combating the physical effects of aging. But when is the best time to take omega-3 supplements?

Most people who take these supplements believe that they can be taken at any time of day without a dramatic difference in effect. A new study suggests that this may not be the case. Could the time of day that you take your omega-3 supplement make a dramatic difference in its effects?

Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

It is almost impossible to read the latest health news without learning about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. These oils, which are found naturally in fish, flaxseed and a variety of other sources, have been found in studies to have a variety of health benefits. These include:

• reducing the chances of having a heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac event
• protecting cellular health, particularly in the breasts, lungs, colon and prostate
• helping to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids that increase cardiac risk
• treating metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes
• protecting against insulin resistance and helping to maintain healthy blood glucose levels
• preserving healthy vision while reducing the risk of blindness and other vision loss
• encouraging brain growth and development both in pregnancy and in the first several years of life
• protecting against inflammation, especially long-term inflammation that can lead to tissue damage
• promoting optimal mental health and mood and soothing anxiety
• reducing the effects of ADHD in children and adults with this disorder
• offering benefits in cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia

It is clear that taking an omega-3 supplement can have many physical and mental benefits. However, we are still learning how to maximize these effects.

When is the Best Time to Take Omega-3 Supplements?

According to new research, taking omega-3 fatty acids at certain times of day may increase their proven health benefits. For most health concerns, the best time to take omega-3 is at night. Taking these supplements at night will maximize their effects on inflammation, pain and cardiovascular health because night is when these pathways are most active. If you are taking a supplement for arthritic pain or to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges, night time is the period when your omega-3 supplement will produce optimal effects.

In addition, taking these supplements at night may minimize their side effects. “Fishy burps” and a fishy taste in the mouth are the two most complained-about side effects of these supplements. Many find that they do not notice these symptoms when they take the supplements just before retiring to bed in the evening.

For most people, taking omega-3 fatty acids at night will have the most beneficial effects on health with the fewest side effects. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Omega-3 fatty acids are absorbed best when eaten with other high-fat foods. If your fattiest meal is not in the evening, you may want to take your supplements at another time to increase the proportion that is absorbed.

The Circadian Rhythm and Medications

Omega-3 fatty acids are not the only supplements or medications for which timing can make a difference. Research has found that taking other medications and supplements at certain times of the day can increase their health benefits while reducing side effects and other unwanted factors.

For example, blood pressure medications usually work best when they are taken at night, just before bedtime. Studies have found that people who take this type of medication in the evening have a one-third lower risk of having heart attacks and strokes compared to patients who take their medications in the morning. Medications for heartburn similarly appear to work much more effectively when taken in the evening.

Part of this phenomenon is due to the circadian rhythm of disease. Every disease, and even every organ in the body, has a time of day when there is more risk. Heart attacks and strokes, for example, are more likely to occur in the early morning hours when cortisol is high. Taking medications several hours before this time ensures that there will be plenty of active ingredient in your bloodstream at the time when your body is most vulnerable.

Is an Omega-3 Supplement Right for You?

An omega-3 fatty acid supplement is not right for everyone; there are certain people who should talk to their doctor about whether this oily pill should have a permanent place in their medicine cabinet. If you do not regularly eat fatty fish or high omega-3 plant oils, you may want to consider taking a supplement. This essential fatty acid is simply too essential to completely do without.

In addition, you should consider taking an omega-3 supplement if you are concerned about any of the health concerns omega-3 can benefit. People who suffer from osteoarthritis or heart disease, for example, should talk to their doctors about whether this supplement is right for them.

The Western diet is low in fish oils and other healthy fats. However, the science is clear: People need omega-3 oils to thrive. Because they are extremely safe and have few possible side effects, adding one of these supplements to your regimen (and taking it at night!) will likely be a net positive for your well-being.

7 Tips for Navigating Burnout Syndrome and Chronic Workplace Stress

Sep 04 by Ewcopywriting

Burnout is a growing health issue of our time, occurring when people encounter chronic workplace stress that they cannot handle in healthy ways. In an age when there is more pressure to succeed than ever before, burnout is becoming increasingly common in all fields. Although a growing amount of attention is being paid to this occupational hazard, many people are still suffering from the exhaustion, loss of meaning and physical symptoms that can result from burnout. Although the burnout phenomenon is growing, there are ways to prevent it. The following tips on navigating burnout syndrome can help you to cope with chronic stress in your profession before you develop burnout syndrome.

1. Know the signs of burnout syndrome.

The World Health Organization defines burnout as “feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy.” People who are beginning to develop this issue may notice some of the following symptoms:

physical and mental fatigue
feeling cynical or negative about your job on a regular basis
consistently lower workplace performance
feeling that your role does not make a difference
having trouble sleeping at night
increased anxiety both at work and at home
problems with concentration and memory
feeling angry or irritable with coworkers, supervisors, and clients

Identifying the first symptoms of burnout is key to navigating burnout syndrome effectively.

2. Get more sleep.

Although it is tempting to take time away from sleep to accomplish more, this can backfire when it becomes a regular habit. People who do not get enough sleep tend to have memory issues, increased negative emotions and other signs of burnout. Getting sleep allows your brain to rest and reset. You will feel better about your career and your existence in general when you have gotten enough sleep.

3. Make time for exercise.

In addition to its health benefits, exercise is important for mental health. It relieves stress and allows a healthy outlet for emotions. At the same time, it causes your body to release increased amounts of hormones associated with happiness and feelings of well-being.

Although it can be difficult for a person dealing with workplace stress to make time for exercise, getting more joyful movement is essential in preventing burnout. Studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise can reduce burnout in as little as four weeks.

4. Boost serotonin levels.

Serotonin is one of the most important hormones in human mental health. This biochemical prevents depression and anxiety while increasing our happiness. Chronic stress quickly depletes serotonin, which may be why it is associated with increased unhappiness.

Taking serotonin is ineffective because this hormone does not pass the blood-brain barrier so does not help increase serotonin in the brain itself. However, you can instead take its precursors 5-HTP and L-tryptophan, which allows your body to produce more of its own serotonin. Experts recommend using a combination of fast-release 5-HTP and timed-release L-tryptophan to raise your levels in a safe and natural way.

5. Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness, or the practice of being more in touch with yourself in each moment, has been found to increase our feelings of well-being and help us to deal with stress more effectively. There are several ways to be more mindful in your daily life. Mindfulness meditation is growing in popularity, but you can also be more mindful using yoga and breathing exercises.

6. Increase self-care.

Although you may not be able to put an end to the stressors of your job, taking better care of yourself can help you to deal with stress more effectively. Taking care of yourself reduces levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can have serious mental and physical effects when released in large amounts over an extended period of time.

Your own self-care plan will depend on what unique activities make you happiest. For some people, a morning with friends is a great way of caring for themselves. For others, a quiet bath or a walk in a natural area is more appropriate. All workers should be on the lookout for ways to increase your inner bliss and decrease the effects of a stressful workplace.

7. Talk about your feelings.

Many people who are experiencing feelings of burnout blame themselves. They assume that they are to blame, that they simply have a bad attitude or are too weak for their jobs. However, this is not the truth. Burnout is not a personal failing but rather an occupational hazard affecting millions of people at any given time.

Talking to others in your field can have several effects in regard to navigating burnout syndrome. First, it will allow you to feel less alone with your struggles. Second, you may be able to brainstorm ways to change your position or your workplace to be less stressful. Whether you choose a friend, a sympathetic supervisor, or a mental health professional as your sounding board, reach out for the help you need.

Can Serotonin Deficiency Cause Unexplained Pain?

Aug 02 by Ewcopywriting

Chronic pain is one of the greatest medical challenges of our times. Pain disorders are becoming increasingly common, yet we have few remedies — particularly in cases where we cannot identify the cause of the pain. Although pain killers can help for a short time, these medications are addictive and can have negative or even deadly side effects. According to the latest research, a serotonin deficiency may play a role in some types of unexplained pain. Could a boost in this hormone help to treat common pain conditions?

Serotonin: The Hormone for Happiness, Energy and More

Serotonin is a well-known hormone that has become famous for its role in happiness and feelings of well-being. Scientifically known as 5-HT, this biochemical also has a variety of lesser-known jobs in the human body. Serotonin contributes to our circadian rhythms, helping to sustain our sleep-wake cycles. It also helps to regulate our appetite and digestion, with a the majority of our serotonin receptors present in the gut.

Low levels of serotonin can have devastating effects. People with low serotonin can notice a change in mood, often slipping into a depression. They may struggle to sleep even while feeling tired much of the time. Serotonin also appears to play a less-understood role in nausea, migraines and obesity. According to a new study, low serotonin may also be a major factor in chronic pain.

Could Serotonin Deficiency Cause Pain?

A growing number of people suffer from chronic pain that has no perceivable cause. Researchers and doctors use the terms “heightened somatic awareness,” “functional pain disorder,” “fibromyalgia,” and even give psychiatric labels to diagnose this unexplained pain. People who suffer from these disorders are often told that the problem is all in their heads. This can add immense insult to injury when a patient is living with debilitating headaches, muscle pain, joint pain and digestive issues.

A team of researchers at McGill University may have found the cause of these unpleasant symptoms. They looked at 3,200 people with chronic pain of the temporomandibular joint, or jaw, over seven years. In addition to tracking symptoms and doing extensive medical tests, the research participants underwent detailed genetic testing.

Researchers found that a particular gene mutation was linked to chronic pain of the jaw. The gene involved controls the production of serotonin, so that people with the mutation have lower levels of this hormone and neurotransmitter. People who did not have the gene mutation, on the other hand, did not experience the same level of unexplained chronic pain.

Serotonin is known to play a role, albeit a little-understood one, in the management of pain in the human body. Although more research will be needed to determine whether this particular gene mutation correlates with other pain disorders, this study offers one possible reason for unexplained pain syndromes.

Challenges in Supplementing Serotonin

If a deficiency of serotonin is the cause of certain types of pain, then supplementing this hormone appears to be an easy answer. However, serotonin has special qualities that make effective supplementation a challenge. Serotonin is a large molecule that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, which means that it can be difficult to increase levels of this hormone in the area where it matters most. Several studies suggest that a common antidepressant medication class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, may help with pain by reducing the breakdown of this hormone. However, these drugs can have side effects and interactions that are a significant drawback.

Several studies suggest that taking supplements containing fast-release 5-HTP and slow-release tryptophan can increase brain levels of serotonin. These two compounds are the building blocks of serotonin, so taking increased amounts can increase levels of the hormone. Because they are converted to serotonin at different rates, this unique formulation of fast- and slow-release precursors has been shown to have special benefits for people with mild and moderate depression.

Taking this unique formulation has also been helpful in an increasingly common syndrome known as “burnout syndrome.” In this syndrome, people who are under stress for a long period of time run out of precursors for serotonin and suffer the effects of a resulting deficiency of serotonin. Taking the formulation described above can reduce the symptoms of this disorder and help people to reclaim their happiness.

More research will be needed to determine how these precursors can help chronic pain syndromes. However, there is good evidence that they raise serotonin levels in the brain and offer a potential treatment for other disorders associated with a deficiency of serotonin.

Natural Ways to Increase Serotonin Levels

Treating chronic pain naturally can be an immense challenge when the exact cause of the pain is not known. However, we now have a potential cause: lack of serotonin. Lifestyle measures are incredibly important in managing pain. Be sure to eat healthy food, drink plenty of water and keep a stable sleep cycle. Supplements such as the ones described here also may have an effect. Although chronic pain can be frustrating and debilitating, there are natural ways to reclaim your life and your happiness.

Common Prescription Drugs Increase Dementia Risk

Jul 05 by Ewcopywriting

Dementia is a condition that involves memory loss, but also impacts one’s overall thinking and ability to function in social situations. According to a new study, certain prescription drugs increase dementia risk. This alarming discovery suggests that senior health may be adversely affected by the frequent use of these common medications.

What are the Symptoms of Dementia?

When people hear the word “dementia,” most automatically think of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is indeed one form of dementia, however there are actually many different types. Certain symptoms are common to most types of dementia. While memory loss is a typical symptom, experiencing memory problems can be the result of any number of medical conditions. Only when memory loss is one of many cognitive impairment symptoms does it indicate the possibility of dementia.

Most forms of dementia will produce one or more of the following symptoms:

memory loss
speech difficulties
visual and spatial impairments, which can result in getting lost
impaired problem solving abilities, which may affect reasoning
inability to perform complex tasks
impaired motor function and coordination difficulties
confusion and/or disorientation

With dementia, there are usually behavioral or emotional changes as well. For instance, a change in personality is common, as is increased irritability. The individual may also begin to suffer from depression, anxiety and similar disorders. Combined with the cognitive decline, these additional conditions may cause the individual to become frequently agitated and paranoid. Visual and auditory hallucinations are not uncommon with the onset of dementia.

Currently, there is no way to cure dementia. The best that can be hoped for is to stave off cognitive and emotional deterioration for as long as possible. While some medications may help, making lifestyle changes are important in controlling the symptoms of dementia. Keeping the mind active is especially important, so the individual should be encouraged to participate in social activities, playing games and pursuing other hobbies.

New Study Finds Prescription Drugs Increase Dementia Risk

It has long been suspected that anticholinergic drugs contribute to the development of dementia. Now, a new study may have confirmed that link. Anticholinergic drugs are prescribed to treat a number of medical conditions that are caused by the overproduction of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. As such, anticholinergic drugs are prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of a number of different conditions, including depression, gastrointestinal problems and epileptic seizures.

In a recent observational study, researchers examined patient records over a decade-long period, which amounted to 1,095 daily administrations of anticholinergic drugs. Their research found that adults taking the equivalent of three doses per day of anticholinergic drugs across a three-year period experienced up to a 50-percent increase in risk of developing dementia. This was in comparison to adults who did not take any anticholinergic medications.

Carol Coupland, one of the authors of the study, confirmed that prescription drugs increase dementia risk. She noted that the affects seemed to be cumulative, meaning that an individual would have to take the medications for a long period of time before the risk of developing dementia was increased. She added that while there seemed to be an association between anticholinergic medication and dementia, there was no evidence that the drugs actually cause dementia. As an observational study, the research was not able to make that distinction.

Furthermore, the research only found a correlation between certain types of anticholinergic drugs. Studying patient records and comparing them to dementia diagnoses showed that there was no correlation between the following drugs and a higher risk of dementia:

antihistamines
muscle relaxants
gastrointestinal antispasmodics
antiarrhythmics
antimuscarinic bronchodilators

There are other anticholinergic drugs that do show a correlation with increased dementia risk. The study provides enough evidence to prompt further investigation into the link between these types of medications and the risks of developing dementia. Professor Coupland says that if a causal connection can be made, this may indicate that up to 10 percent of dementia cases may be the result of anticholinergic drugs. The research may also indicate that 20,000 of every 200,000 dementia diagnoses are preventable.

Even if a causal connection can be made, the need for anticholinergic drugs will still remain. Research may have to focus on the effects of reducing dosage size and frequency to determine an optimum level of treatment. The goal will be to treat the medical condition without raising the risks of dementia.

Boosting Your Mood Naturally May Be the Answer

Because depression and anxiety are commonly treated with anticholinergic drugs, doctors may soon begin looking for natural ways to treat those suffering from these common conditions. Finding alternative ways to boost serotonin levels in the brain may be key.

Serotonin is the “feel good” neurotransmitter produced by the brain as a reward for doing pleasurable activities. One promising study found that by increasing the levels of 5-HTP and tryptophan, which are compounds associated with serotonin production, serotonin levels may be similarly increased. This may be the best way to improve mood naturally, because, unlike serotonin, 5-HTP can cross the blood-brain barrier. In addition to this novel therapy, there are a few other methods for boosting mood naturally.

St. John’s Wort

Although not officially approved by the FDA as a depression treatment, St. John’s Wort can help boost mood. However, if you’re taking any other types of medication, such as chemotherapy, birth control or AIDS/HIV medication, check with your doctor first. St. John’s Wort has been known to interact with other substances.

SAMe

Like St. John’s Wort, S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, hasn’t been approved to treat depression. Although more clinical research is needed, some people do find that it helps elevate the mood. People with bipolar disorder should use the supplement with caution because it can trigger manic episodes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in flaxseed, some fish and walnuts, Omega-3’s may be helpful in treating depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders. There’s still research ongoing to confirm the effectiveness of this supplement in treating mood disorders, but it is clear that it can provide a variety of health benefits, such as boosting heart health.

There may be other natural treatments that will help in the management of mood disorders without raising the risks of developing dementia. Before beginning any new treatment, discuss it with your doctor. Even natural supplements may interact with medications you may already be taking.