Library

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, 3)...

DHA and why it’s critical By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.     DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid. It is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in the omega-3 fatty acid family. Omega-3 fatty acids include EPA and DHA, but when it comes to brain health, DHA “rules.” The human brain is made up of nearly 60% fat, and DHA is the predominant fatty acid found in the brain (1,2). DHA and EPA are both “essential” fatty acids, which means that the body cannot make them on its own, and they must be consumed through dietary sources.DHA is a primary structural component...

Probiotics: the gut brain connection By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   Your intestinal microbiome is a collection of bacteria, yeasts, and viruses that live in your gut and do an enormous amount of work to keep you healthy. Among the many things your microbiome does are manufacturing vitamins (Vitamin D and Vitamin K), detoxifying environmental toxins, and helping our digestion and immune systems. This vast gut ecosystem includes over 100 trillion bacteria! That’s about 10 times the number of cells in your body. That makes you about 90% bacteria and 10% human. The gut microbiome has a profound effect on your immune system. It’s estimated that...

Brain Neuroanatomy By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   Sometimes it helps to have a few definitions under your belt, especially if the subject may be new. If you know these brain neuroanatomy terms already, feel free to skip these pages. But, if brain science terms are new to you, or you need a refresher, I've laid out some explanations that may be helpful.  Neuron - (also called a nerve cell) is a type of brain cell that receives, processes, and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. These signals between neurons occur via specialized connections called synapses.  Cortex - (meaning "bark" in Latin) is...

Multitasking and the brain By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   Multitasking is problematic and brain-damaging. As parents and members of our modern society, it is sometimes necessary. But for your brain’s sake, it should be used only when absolutely needed. Let’s explore what you can do to heal the damage multitasking does to your brain. Having our brain constantly shift gears, pumps up stress and tires us out, leaving us feeling mentally exhausted. Working on a single task means both sides of your prefrontal cortex are working together in harmony. Adding another task forces the left and right sides of the brain to work independently. Scientists at...

What is Methylation and Why is it Important? By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D.   “Without methylation there would be no life as we know it.” - C. Cooney  What is methylation? Methylation is the production of methyl groups which your body needs for a vibrantly healthy life. It is the “central control dial of life.” Methyl groups turn your body systems on and off and help it function properly. Why methylation matters and how methylated vitamins support it Your body takes the food you eat and converts it into methyl groups. This takes time and energy and, sometimes, your body can’t do this...

When we feel stressed, it is so important for us to remember our immune system. But! Here’s one less thing to stress about. Neuro-nutritional vitamins can help with immunity.

Whole-Foods AND Synthesized Nutrients By Dr. Madhavi Gupta, M.D. Food first. That’s a no-brainer, right? Getting nutrients from food should be the priority. But it’s not as easy as it seems. Between busy lives and earthly challenges, like depleted soils, getting nutrition from food alone can be a big challenge. Bridge the gaps. Supplements with synthesized nutrition help fill in the gaps left from diet. Essential nutrients are the basis for better health. Proper nutrition affects every system in the human body, including neurological, cardiovascular, reproductive, and detoxification systems. But, I can get what’s needed from whole foods, right? Many people...