The Body on Meditation Studies show that meditation can improve our psychological wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety, addiction, and depression and by improving memory and critical thinking. But did you know that meditating can also make structural changes to the brain? Meditation can change the way neurons talk to each other, creating new circuits. It…
Endorphins are chemicals linked to feeling pleasure and eliminating pain. They are the body’s own natural morphine or heroinlike substance. These substances are heavily involved in addiction and the loss of control. Natural ways to boost endorphins include the following: Exercise, which is why some people feel a runer’s high when they exercise intensely. Acupuncture,…
You may be living your life on less than 100% brain power! Most of us are operating below 100% and could benefit from a personal "trainer" for our brain. When you want to get in shape, you join a gym. If it’s hard to keep up with the workout regimen on your own, you hire…
We’re all dealing with stress, right? And when it surges through our body we often turn to our favorite comfort food. You know the pattern…and interrupting it is very hard to do. But hang on, there’s hope! Dr. Daniel Amen has a 3-Step method to break that habit. How does the addiction to comfort foods…
Meet Chris. Chris introduced herself to Dr. Amen at one of his lectures. Two years earlier, she had lost her 12-year-old daughter to bone cancer. She over-ate and drank as a way to cope with the loss and suffered from suicidal depression. However, when a friend told her about Dr. Amen’s program and she began…
It’s 10 p.m. and the cookies are calling—the voice may start as a whisper, but it grows stronger and stronger with every minute that passes. “Eat just a couple and start fresh tomorrow,” it says. Of course, the second you take the first bite, it’s too late. Cravings. Usually for high-fat, high-sugar, refined carbohydrates—we have…
Brain Fit Life Nutrition Coach, Tana Amen, BSN, RN, is absolutely passionate about brain and body health—and understandably so. After battling cancer several times in childhood, undergoing multiple surgeries and working as a trauma nurse, she realized that while certainly life-saving, "band aid" medicine has serious limitations. So, she began focusing her energies on prevention….
This post was written by Daniel G. Amen, MD Kids with ADD/ADHD at greater risk for disability from brain injury Research detailed in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics indicates that children with mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and ADD/ADHD are more likely to have a moderate disability than children without ADD/ADHD. Patient records of 48…
In large part, your behavior is driven by the actual, physical functioning of your brain. When your brain works right, you are more likely to act in thoughtful, conscientious ways that help you to live longer. When your brain is troubled,…
Are there people in your life who can’t take ‘no’ for an answer? Are you lured into making unhealthy choices all too often? Read this article to learn about the many types of food pushers and how to strengthen your defenses and be able to push back….