Healthy Brain, Healthy Life - 7 Ways to Boost Brain Function

The human brain has amazed and baffled people for hundreds of years. It's the most complicated and miraculous organ in the universe. It controls everything you see, say, feel, and do. With such a powerful tool at your disposal, doesn't it make sense for you to understand how it works and how to make it work optimally?

Making sense of the brain's mind-boggling complexity isn't easy. What we do know is that it's the organ that makes us human, giving us the capacity for art, language, moral judgments, and rational thought. It's also responsible for each individual's personality, memories, movements, and how we sense and see the world.

All this comes from a jellylike mass of fat and protein weighing about 3 pounds. It is, nevertheless, one of the body's biggest organs, consisting of some 100 billion nerve cells that not only put together thoughts and highly coordinated physical actions but regulate our unconscious body processes, such circulation and breathing.

Unfortunately, most of us are never taught just how important the brain is, so we go through life thinking about everything else and give little to no attention to this critically important mass we carry around in our head. We care more about faces, boobs, butts and bellies than we do about our brain.

So why should you care about your brain? Well, your ability to control your life is directly tied to the health of your brain. Optimize the brain and you dramatically increase your abilities.

For you to realize your dreams in any area of your life, your brain must work right. When your brain works right, you work right. When your brain is troubled, you have trouble in your life.

Here are 7 things you can begin today to take better care of your brain and improve your life.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet. You literally are what you eat. Eating a healthy, balanced diet provides the nutrients and fuel to drive optimal brain function. Include lots of pure water; lean meats; complex, low glycemic carbohydrates; healthy fats such olive oil and coconut oil; and lots of dietary antioxidants, such as blueberries.

2. Exercise. Your brain needs physical exercise. Without it, the brain struggles. Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, which helps supply oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients and helps eliminate toxic substances. The best exercises combine aerobic elements with some form of coordination movement.

3. Get a Grip on Stress. Any form of stress, whether it comes from family conflict, financial hardships, health problems, or environmental challenges, can lead to severe health issues. When stress becomes unremitting, it hurts the brain. Having techniques to counteract stress, such daily relaxation, meditation, prayer, or exercise, can have a very positive effect on how your mind works. Staying focused on positive, happy, hopeful thoughts release chemicals that make you feel good. Laughter has been shown to counteract stress and builds resilience.

4. Get More Sleep. Sleep is essential to healthy brain function. It is involved in rejuvenating your brain. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep at night, less than 6 hours can result in decreased blood flow to the brain.

5. Don't Smoke. Nicotine prematurely ages the brain. It causes blood vessels to constrict, lessening blood flow to vital organs. Decreased blood flow deprives the brain of the nutrients it needs, and eventually leads to overall lowered activity.

6. Avoid Negative Thinking, Chronic Worry or Anger. Our brain and body respond to every thought we have. These thoughts are either helping us or they are hurting us. Negative, worried or angry thoughts release their own set of chemicals that make us feel bad and erode the functioning of your brain.

7. Engage in New Learning. Learning does change the structure of your brain quite significantly. Right now, as you read this page, your brain cells are making an average of one million new connections per second. This is called brain plasticity. Any time you read, think, listen or experience something, you are enhancing the neuro-connections in your brain. As you grow older, it's important to increase your neuroactivity, because doing so increases your intelligence and your brain's ability to find new answers.

How to Heal Burns Properly at Home

Burns can happen when people get too careless or when they are involved in accidents. Everyone can suffer from it and this is why everyone should learn how to heal burns. Burns are serious injuries that can lead to permanent scars and even death. The pain that comes with them is also no laughing matter since they are one of the most painful injuries one can have. They are also quite sensitive and are very annoying to deal with. A slight pressure on the affected skin can already cause it to give out pain. Fortunately, burns can be easily remedied at home for as long as they are handled with care.

The first thing to do with fresh burns is to cool it with running water. Let the affected area cool down for at least 15 minutes and then wipe the area with a clean cloth. Never apply ice directly to the burn since frostbites may occur. After wiping it dry, apply burn creams such as Burn-B Gone on the damaged skin. These creams are specially formulated with different ingredients that can heal burns quickly. They will also give relief to the burn pain once the cream has already penetrated the skin. The moment the cream is applied, cover the area with a bandage or with a gauze pad to protect it from infections. When blisters occur, do not try to pop them. Instead, let them be since they will heal over time.

Drinking lots of water can also keep the burn moisturized and it is also one of the best burn relief treatments. Vitamin supplements are also helpful during the recuperating period. If the pain still continues to throb, take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain. Remember to clean the area once in a while. Also change the bandage or gauze pad regularly since they can get dirty and can cause infections.

Remember that these things would only work for mild burns such as first-degree burns. Some second-degree burns can also be treated at home for as long as the burn has only affected a small area. When the pain becomes unbearable, the person affected should contact the doctor immediately. The same is true when too much flesh is already exposed or when a large portion of the skin got burned. Doctors can give better burn relief treatments for these kinds of severe burns. Treating them at home will do no good and the burn may just get worse.

The Best Treatment for Sunburns for You

Sunburn happens, and when it does, you need to know the best treatment for sunburns that will relieve your pain. Sometimes, sunscreen is not enough to protect your skin from the harmful sun rays. Because of this, knowing the various treatments for sunburn that you can choose from is very important. Here are some examples of the best treatments for your sunburn that would make you feel better about your damaged skin.

For those who have sunburns in large areas of their bodies, then taking a lukewarm bath or shower is the way to go. Directly applying skin ointments to large areas of your skin may help, but cooling down with a bath or shower is the best course of action first. Adding extra ingredients like lemon juice or baking soda to your bath would help you soothe your sunburns too.

If you have sunburns with a handful of blisters, then the best treatment for sunburns for you is topical creams or gels. Burn-B Gone, a skin gel recommended by many skin experts, is one of the best products that you can apply to your skin. It would increase your healing rate and the pain and swelling would dissipate quickly, too. Do not ever pop those blisters because it would do more harm than necessary to your skin condition.

If you are a person who thinks that natural is the best treatment for sunburns, then you should try using Aloe Vera for your burned skin. The thick and juicy leaves of this plant would not only relieve the pain from your sunburns, but it would also keep your skin moisturized. Plant Aloe Vera into your own garden, so that you can have an immediate pain reliever at your hands.

However, if your sunburn took a turn for the worse, then you should definitely get the help of medical experts. If the affected skin starts to break and bleed, then it is important to get your sunburns checked out immediately. Infections and scarring may result if such sunburns remain unattended.

Finally, you should keep in mind that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, you should never forget to put on some protection for your skin before heading out into the sun. If you continue to fail to protect your skin properly, then there is a big chance that more serious skin conditions would develop in the long run. Lastly, the best treatment for sunburns may vary according to the degree of the damage, so you should be more observant of your condition all the time.

Variety: Your Key To A Great Nutrition

It has been said that variety is the spice of life, and that is undoubtedly true when trying to have a good nutrition. Nobody enjoys having to eat the same thing daily. Besides, boredom is the enemy of a healthy diet.

Luckily, there are many varieties of healthy foods. Aside from the many kinds of fruits and veggies available at the grocery, there is also a wide variety of beans, lentils, nuts, meat, dairy products, fish and poultry. There is no need for boredom to set in when following a healthier way of life.

The solution to enjoying a range of foods while eating healthy is to plan meals meticulously and be sure to consume the many varieties of foods that are available. Using a combination of fresh fruit, veggies, meats and whole grains, it is likely to create a fresh, thrilling and healthful meal each day.

Nutritionists repeatedly emphasize the significance of assorted sources of nutrition, both for nutritional and psychological reasons. A varied diet is necessary for good health, because different types of foods contain different types of nutrients. Also, following a varied diet is essential to your psychological health too, since feeling deprived of your favorite foods can make you give up your healthy way of life.

It is much better to keep on eating the foods you desire, of course in moderation. Rather than giving up that juicy bacon, for example, have it as a rare indulgence, possibly pairing it with an egg white omelet as an alternative to a plateful of scrambled eggs. Like everything else in life, it is best to have a balanced nutrition, Dunwoody people know this best.

It is vital for all to consume foods from the 5 major groups of food each day. According to USDA, these groups are grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy, meat and beans. Each group has specific nutrients. Therefore, it is important to eat a combination of these foods to guarantee proper levels of nutrition.

Merely picking foods from the five food groups is not enough. After a meal from the 5 food groups could include cake, candied yams, avocados, ice cream and bacon. Even though all 5 food groups are represented, no one would try to question that this is a healthy day's menu. Selecting the best foods from within each group, and eating less healthy foods in balance, is the best way to ensure a healthy and varied diet.

Opting for lean meat is a great way to get the protein you need without consuming unnecessary fat and calories. Furthermore, avoiding fat and skin from chicken is a great way to eliminate extra fat and calories.

It is best to choose those that carry the whole grain designation when looking for breads and cereals. Whole grains, those that have not been overly refined, contain more nutritional qualities and less sugar.

Also, many grains and cereals are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. Fortification of vitamins is important. However, it should only be seen as a bonus and not as a substitute for a proper diet. Several foods are supplemented with necessary nutrients like calcium and folic acid.

Replacing healthier foods for less healthy ones is the basis of a healthy diet. For instance, choosing lean cuts of meat over fattier ones and choosing skinless chicken or turkey breast over less healthy drumsticks, are great ways to make the most of nutrition without sacrificing good taste.

Whatever your reason for following a healthy diet, or what your ultimate fitness goals may be, you will find that a better understanding of nutrition will form the foundation of your healthy diet. Knowing how the various food groups work together to form a healthy diet will go a long way toward helping you achieve your ultimate fitness goals. Whether your goal is to run a marathon, lose ten pounds or just feel better, knowledge is power. Nutritional knowledge will power your diet for the rest of your life.

Organ Transplants

An organ transplant can replace an organ that is failing. Transplants can be done on livers, kidneys, hearts, lungs, and the small intestine. There are times when a double organ transplant will be required, such as heart/lung.

A liver transplant will be needed when the liver goes into failure. This can be caused by illness such as hepatitis. It can also be caused by cirrohsis of the liver. Certain medications can also cause liver failure.

A kidney transplant will be needed when the kidneys are affected by diseases such as diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, or lupus. If one kidney is transplanted, it can be done by what is called live organ donation. In this case, a living person gives one kidney to another person with bad ones. We can live with one kidney so this will work. A living donor may include a family member, friend or coworker or anyone willing to give a kidney. A kidney from someone who has died can also be used. In either case, the kidney will have to be the perfect match to work. This is why family members are usually the best candidates as donors in live donations.

A lung transplant is a treatment for diseases that have destroyed most of the function of the lungs. For people with severe lung disease, a transplant can help them have easier breathing and provide better years of life. This surgery has some major risks and complications can be common. A person with end-stage lung disease can be considered for a lung transplant. The procedure should be considered when no other option is available. It can also be considered when lung disease is so severe they can no longer have a good life.

A transplant of any kind involves testing and blood work to find out if the patient is healthy enough otherwise for it. If there are underlying health issues, a transplant will not be considered.

Age of the patient will not be a factor in an organ transplant. People of all ages receive organ transplants every year due to the conditions mentioned above. Sometimes children are born with conditions that make it necessary to give them a new organ early in life. Most will go on to live a healthy life.

After transplant care is very important. It will involve blood work done on a regular schedule as well as an antirejection drug to be taken for the rest of your life. A liver coordinator will be assigned and will be the go-between for the patient and the dr. The coordinator will monitor lab results and contact the patient if medication or other changes are needed.

Get Rid of Your Burns and Scars With Burn-B Gone

Burn-B Gone is a specially formulated skin gel that was developed to help you get rid of those unsightly scars and burn marks on your skin. This skin product is made by experts and very much recommended by many dermatologists and other skin experts. Here are some of the many ways that Burn-B Gone can help you.

First of all, scars and burn marks appear after the healing of the trauma and injury experienced by your skin. Most of these scars and burn marks would not trouble you unless they are placed in the visible area of your body. However, sunburns and razor burns can give you so much discomfort that it would be best if you can get rid of them fast. Burn-B Gone can actually help you because after some applications of this skin gel to the affected areas, you would experience a great feeling of relief. Continual application of this product would lessen the visibility of those marks so you can enjoy having a great-looking skin once again.

Another way this product can help you is that it works great with other similar skin procedures that are aimed for the beautification of your skin. For example, many microdermabrasion sessions or skin laser treatments can leave your skin looking reddish and even swelling. To fight off these side effects, you can apply this skin gel around the affected area. There would be no additional itching or other irritation after you have used this product with your other procedures.

Finally, this product can help you alleviate the pain and irritation from insect and other animal bites. For example, if you have happened to encounter a jellyfish while swimming at the beach, then chances are you might get stung by them. Such encounter would leave you angry whip-like stung marks that would hurt you badly for many days. Burn-B Gone can be used in such cases because it would not only get rid of those angry red marks, but this product would also speed up the healing process. The faster your bite marks and stung marks heal, then the less pain you have to suffer.

Burn-B Gone is one of the best skin care products that you can get for yourself. Packing one into your bags before a trip to the beach or camping could help you feel more secure when accidents or mishaps happen. Burn-B Gone is an advanced skin gel developed to help you maintain your lovely skin at its best.

Forgiveness: A Healthy Alternative

Traditional western medicine focuses on treating symptoms rather than the root causes of illness. If we are depressed, we get a pill for depression. If we are having panic attacks, we get a pill for anxiety. If we have aches and pains, we get muscle relaxants and pain killers.

How many times has your physician asked you about your marriage? How about your stress level at work? Have you ever been asked if you are in an abusive relationship? How about whether you are harboring any resentment towards your parents, an accident you might have had years ago, or towards an ex partner?

The truth is that stress and the factors leading to stress cause many health conditions. Translation: Unforgiveness can negatively affect your health.

There are many studies over the past 10 years that concur with this bold statement. What happens when we are stressed out is that the brain tells the adrenals to release the hormone cortisol. This is the fight/flight hormone. When your body releases cortisol, you are in a state of heightened alert, which is great when you are in trouble. NOT great when it is released over a prolonged period. When your body is in that mode, your immune system literally shuts down! In other words, the natural daily defenses we have against disease just do not work well and we get sick, hurt, develop illness.

Dr. Joe Dispenza talks about this concept at his workshops and in his book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One (2012). He says that animals about to be eaten go into fight/flight mode and 15 minutes after the life-threatening event is over, they are stable and stress-free! On the other hand, humans are so intelligent that we can obsess and just think about a past event that freaked us out and our body instantly goes into fight/flight mode just from the thoughts! Animals live in the now. Humans struggle to stay in the now. It's like we are addicted to the pain, tormenting ourselves over and over again. Think about this, the release of cortisol creates something similar to an adrenaline rush when we go into this mode. Maybe we re-create these "trauma-drama" situations in our thought patters because we are addicted to the particular rush of energy that comes with the cortisol release?

Dr. Joe says that our bodies are literally addicted to those thoughts, and at times, the body starts responding even before the thoughts become entrenched! He claims that meditation is a very useful tool because it moves us from our analytical mind into the subconscious mind, where change can take place. There is less resistance to change at that "alpha-theta" level and that is where the miracles can happen. This is where the stuck patterns of thought-emotion-body response can start to release. These entrenched thought patterns have turned into a belief system. Unfortunately, we are very attached to our beliefs, even the unhealthy ones.

The good news is that we know that there are ways to deal with stress. Research supports life-style changes, such as meditation, yoga, aerobic exercise, being out in nature, counseling, coaching and forgiveness work, all resulting in reducing stress as well as changing belief systems. Unfortunately, many wait until one of the three D's happen to make the changes - Death of a loved one, Disease or Divorce. Then we recognize the WAKE-UP call.

The Forgiveness Project, in cooperation with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, has stated that Cancer, and other life-altering diseases, can benefit from forgiveness. For many patients, they live in a state of chronic unforgiveness - a holding onto anger, hate and resentment. When that is released, they found that immune systems are enhanced tremendously.

Stanford University Center for Research in Disease Prevention found, "[w]hen you hold onto the bitterness for years, it stops you from living your life fully. As it turns out, it wears out your immune system and hurts your heart." Fred Luskin, PhD, Director of the Forgiveness Project at Stanford University said, "[s]tress exacerbates pain, tightens muscles and interferes with the smooth running of the immune system - all things that have an effect on arthritis." He said "[p]eople think they have this unlimited storage of anger, judgment and hostility that will never come home to roost, but it comes home immediately."

If we know that forgiveness actually increases health, why are people reticent to forgive?

Ask yourself, what resentment are you holding onto? Ask why you are holding onto that anger, hurt or bitterness. See if your reason falls into one of these common myths or misperceptions about forgiveness:

1. You will let the offender off the hook if you forgive. 

2. It would mean you somehow agree with or condone their bad behavior. 

3. It would mean you have to naively trust that person again. 

4. It means you have to have a relationship with that person. 

5. It means that you are weak.

An interesting study described in the Psychological Science journal from March 2001 shows that those who hold grudges are more at risk of heart problems and high blood pressure than those who are naturally forgiving, and it confirms what Dr. Joe Dispenza says, that just THINKING about the situation causes higher heart rates and blood pressure! And, even after you are done 'thinking' about it, the research shows those risks are still higher!

In 2004, a study of Veterans found that the difficulty forgiving oneself is related to anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder symptom (PTSD) severity. Further, difficulty forgiving others is related to depression and PTSD symptom severity, but not to anxiety.

No forgiveness discussion can be complete without talking about self-forgiveness. There are times in everyone's life where we are embarrassed or ashamed by our own behavior. Some of us can forgive, and let ourselves off the hook. Others will punish ourselves forever. We wallow in shame and guilt and never let ourselves off the hook. People involved in 12 step programs know this scenario well. They must take an inventory of their wrongs and try to apologize or repair the harm they caused. This is a beautiful, yet painful process.

Shame and guilt are ugly mates. If you are holding onto these unattractive partners, I encourage you to release them immediately. They do not make wrongs right. They do not serve anyone and they destroy your own health. If you wish to make amends, be healthy and make a positive contribution to the world.

Forgiveness often starts with taking personal responsibility and ends with gratitude for the lesson.