Library — Tips

Lifestage: Postnatal By Shannan Garrison   Prenatals? You were on top of those. But, postnatals? Many women don’t think to change to them or discontinue use of natal vitamins at this oh-so important time. Now that your baby is born, your body is in need of some different nutrients. These provide benefits like post-pregnancy support, immune support, and lactation support for you and your baby. When starting your postnatal journey, look for supplements that include these ingredients:  FolateSince mothers are no longer supporting the baby in the womb, their bodies no longer need the higher amounts of methylfolate needed for...

Sleep impacts your immunity By Shannan Garrison   Your sleeping habits directly affect your wellness.  When it comes to your immune system, sleep is one of the drivers of your immune cells (1, 2). With sleep, your body’s melatonin levels rise. With your melatonin, your growth peptides are released. And these put your immune cells to work.   Good sleep leads to empowered immune cells.  So, how do you get good sleep? Add Catching Zzz’s Sleep Formula to your routine. Our sleep formula calms you before bed and gives you deep, restful sleep. Made with safe, non-habit forming herbal ingredients, it’s...

Water and Brain Function By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   The Importance of Water Start With Hydration Brain cells need two times more energy than other cells in the body. Water provides this energy more effectively than any other substance. Water is also needed for the brain's production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Nerve transmission requires one-half of all the brain’s energy (1). Studies have shown that if you are only 1% dehydrated, you will likely have a 5% decrease in cognitive function. If your brain drops 2% in body water, you may suffer from fuzzy short-term memory, experience problems with focusing, and...

How Food Affects Your Brain By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   When it comes to your brain health, eating the right foods, and avoiding the wrong ones should be a top priority. The right foods provide energy, optimize your physical health, and improve your body’s metabolism. Eating a diet rich in healthy fats, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other key nutrients is crucial for optimizing your brain health. These foods can positively affect your brain health and mood. There’s also a powerful connection between the gut and the brain. The network of neurons lining our guts is so extensive, some scientists call it the “second...

Advantages of Iron By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   Iron attaches to red blood cells and brings oxygen to the body and the brain. Without it, the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen to make energy.  Proper iron levels play an important role in  red blood cell production, boosting energy, and supporting attention span.  Iron deficiency rates are highest for young women, infants, and children under the age of two years old.   Common Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Fast or irregular heartbeat Brittle nails Headaches Poor concentration Weakened immune system Leaky gut or IBS   Advantages of Iron Red blood cell production...

Advantages of Sleep on the Brain By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   Getting good sleep is important for your mood and health. Supporting a healthy sleep pattern should be a priority. Promotes new brain cell production Repairs neurons Forms brain cell connections Replenishes the supply of mood-boosting chemicals It is important to develop Good Sleep Hygiene. These 10 steps are advocated by sleep neurologists and are essential for good sleep. 10 Steps of Good Sleep Hygiene Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and other chemicals that interfere with sleep. Caffeinated products decrease the quality of sleep. Avoid caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola,...

Advantages of Oxygen By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   Oxygenating the brain well promotes brain healing and optimal brain function. This requires a critical balance of:  Correct breathing for oxygenation Correct carbon dioxide and nitric oxide levels for circulation A program of brain activities or exercises for growth stimulation  The brain uses about three times as much oxygen as muscles in the body do. Brain cells are very sensitive to decreases in oxygen levels and don’t survive or function well very long without it. Breathing through our noses, with our mouth closed, and using belly breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing allows us to...

Vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin” By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   Vitamin D is synthesized in our skin when we are exposed to direct sunlight. Although vitamin D is well known for promoting bone health, it does more than that. Scientists have now linked vitamin D and its hormone-like activity to the workings of the brain. Vitamin D is needed throughout the central nervous system and in the hippocampus. It activates and deactivates enzymes in the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid that are involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve growth. Advantages of Vitamin D3 Boosts mood (1) Supports immunity (2,...