|
|
|
Acupuncture & Natural Health Solutions Newsletter
Providing Natural Health Care for the Entire Family
|
Issue #2016-6b
|
|
|
Ways to a Healthy Brain
This is a perfect time to explore ways to keep your noggin working and healthy. Below are easy, simple ways to keep your brain in good shape.
A healthy diet is a healthy mind
There are many reasons to keep a healthy lifestyle and feed your body with foods that make you feel and perform your best. Diets that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol and higher in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to promote brain health and protect brain cells. Taking a fish oil supplement with DHA or eating fish such as salmon can help improve brain development at any age. DHA, a type of omega-3, may also help prevent certain neurological disorders. Vitamin E and lutein can also help brain health. Incorporate leafy greens such as spinach and kale into your lunch or dinners.
Keep your brain stimulated
At any age, brain exercises are a great thing to get into the habit of. Keeping your brain stimulated can help retain your memory as you get older as well as your capability to learn new skills. The brain is never done learning. Exercises like reading, crosswords, number problems and games like sudoku can help keep your brain stay active and working. If you find yourself experiencing chronic stress, practice daily meditation for as little as five minutes a day to help reduce inflammation and support immune health, which are both controlled by the same area of the brain.
Socialize
Keeping in touch with friends and family and continuously working on building relationships helps your emotional state as well as your physical health. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, understand you and keep a positive tone. Join organizations or clubs you are interested in and make new connections. Feeling connected to others is always important for your mental wellbeing.
Quit the bad habits
If you smoke, now is never a better time to quit. Consuming an excess in substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs can lower cognitive processes and decrease overall functioning and health.
Acupuncture
In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed that the spleen, kidney and heart organs all impact mental capacity and brain activity. These organs influence memory, concentration and recall. When one of these organs is experiencing deficiency or an imbalance, our brain can not function to its fullest. Acupuncture addresses the organs with specific points on the body to return the body back to balance and health.
|
|
|
Ways to Keep Your Memory Sharp
Don't forget about physical exercise
Believe it or not, when you're exercising your body, you're exercising your mind as well. Aerobic exercise gets your blood pumping, which increases the oxygen going to your brain and lowers your risk of disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that can lead to memory loss. If you can, start with some exercise in the morning. This can clear your head right off the bat to stay focused and alert during the day. Exercises that require coordination are especially helpful for keeping the mind active such as simply throwing a ball back and forth.
Make sure you're sleeping
Sleep is one of the best ways to make sure your brain and memory are in tip-top shape on a daily basis. To get the most out of your sleep, aim for 7.5-9 hours every night. Make sure to shut off the electronics at least an hour before bed to help the mind shut off as well. Try to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake earlier in the day. Both can result in a shallow sleep.
Be aware of your stress
Chronic stress can not only make someone miserable, but also cause serious long term effects. Stress over time has been shown to destroy brain cells and damage the area of the brain that creates new memories and recalls past ones. To avoid memory loss, minimize your stress. Don't take on too many tasks if they overwhelm you, sometimes it is ok to say no. Make sure you have outlets to relieve stress whether it is physical exercise or talking with someone about your frustrations.
Don't forget about your superfoods
Certain superfoods have shown to be significant in preventing memory loss. Make sure to get your fruit and vegetable servings in, many are filled with antioxidants that help protect your brain cells. Eat more foods with omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna and foods cooked with olive oil. Green tea is another option that has powerful antioxidants to protect from brain damage.
Your memory is important at any age. Start incorporating these healthy habits to keep a strong memory for years to come.
Source Links:
|
Recipe Corner
JADE GREEN SOUP
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 / 2 cup tofu, diced
- 2 cups leafy greens, chopped
- 1 / 4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 / 2 teaspoon oil (optional)
- 3 cups broth
- 1 / 1 tablespoon kuzu dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
** Kuzu is unsurpassed as a thickening agent. It produces sparkling, translucent sauces; adds a shiny gloss to soups; and provides a smooth texture for sauces and gravies with no starchy or interfering taste.
** You can find "Kuzu Root Starch" from amazon, or any health food stores. Amazon carries the following brand: Eden Kuzu Root Starch, Organic, 3.5 Ounce Package.
** kuzu is superior in jelling strength, taste, texture, and healing qualities.
COOKING:
- Sauté or steam tofu for 5 minutes. Add salt.
- Add greens. Sauté 2 minutes.
- Add broth and simmer until greens are bright-colored
- Add kuze mixture and simmer until thickened
- Serves 3 - 4.
|
|
Qigong for Wellbeing in Dementia and Aging
by
Stephen Rath, illustrated by LauRha Frankfort
Qigong is the centuries-old practice of moving vital energy (Qi) through the channels of the body, known as meridians, to promote vitality and health.
Stephen Rath details current research and Traditional Chinese Medicine theory to show how Qigong practice can support cognitive functioning, as well as emotional and physical wellbeing, in people with dementia.
Qigong for Wellbeing in Dementia and Aging presents a set of accessible Qigong exercises and breathing techniques adapted specifically for older people who may be frail or have limited mobility, which address specific symptoms associated with dementia. These include exercises for the hands and feet, exercises for releasing emotions through the Five Animal Sounds, seated exercises, and facial exercises. The exercises, contributed by the Natural Healing Research Foundation from their Senior Exercise Class in Hawaii, are presented with clear explanatory illustrations. The final part of the book describes the Chinese understanding of nutrition as an essential underpinning of good health into old age, and provides health-giving food and drink recipes for people with dementia based on these principles. There is also a helpful chapter on practicing Qigong to protect against caregiver burnout.
This will be an invaluable book for care professionals, nurses, activity coordinators, and physical therapists, as well as people with dementia and their families.
|
|
The information contained within the
newsletter is only used to educate and inform. This newsletter is
not a substitute for the advice of a licensed and registered health
care provider. Seek prompt attention for emergencies. Consult
a health care provider for specific health concerns, and before
starting a diet, cleanse or exercise routine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
