Library — Tips

Tips for Storing & Taking Vitamins, How do you store long term? What is the best time of day to take multivitamins? What happens on an empty stomach?

By Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   In this article: The Science Behind the Gut-Brain ConnectionThe Benefits of Probiotics Probiotics for Brain HealthProbiotics for Better MoodProbiotics and Pregnancy   Do you trust your gut? Have you been told you have good gut instincts? How about a gut feeling? As common as these expressions are, the time has come to think about these phrases more literally.  A growing body of research continues to show the importance of a healthy gut, even calling your gut a “second brain.” The power of the gut-brain connection is so strong that the two “brains” essentially talk to each other....

Iron is essential for our bodies, yet low iron is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. Low iron levels can leave you feeling physically tired and weak, impair mental function, and weaken your immune system.  

By Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   In this article: What trimester are prenatal vitamins most important? Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy Key prenatal vitamin ingredients How long to take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy? Prenatal Vitamins Vs. Fertility Supplements Children change the way we look at things in so many ways. The very idea of getting pregnant begins to adjust your focus. Suddenly your nutritional needs matter more than ever as you consider how to best support your fertility goals. You know that every lifestage requires specific nutrition, but when do you make that transition to taking prenatal vitamins? The short answer is as...

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 get...

By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   Prenatal vitamins? You were on top of those. But, postnatal vitamins? 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...

By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   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.    4 ways to improve your snooze  Same time, every dayDon’t give in to the temptation to stay up or sleep in super late. The more consistent you are, the better. Reduce blue lightSet a screen time cut-off. Research...

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 have trouble with math. When...