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MENTAL HEALTH IS LINKED TO PHYSICAL HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH AND CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Personality disorders
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Decreased motivation
• Suicidal behavior

MENTAL HEALTH AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

• Mood disorders (45% increased risk)
• Schizophrenia (45% increased risk)
• Bipolar disorder
• ADD/ADHD
• Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease

MENTAL HEALTH AND INFECTIONS

Functional medicine specialists Dr. Kabran Chapek, Dr. Eboni Cornish, and Dr. Mark Filidei, from Amen Clinics joined forces in a recent webinar to answer your questions. They received so many queries during the event they didn’t have time to respond to all of them. Here are responses to some of the questions about COVID-19 and the immune system they weren’t able to get to during the webinar.

We hear a lot about how to prevent getting COVID-19, but what can you do to quickly rebuild your brain function and immune system after surviving a COVID-19 infection or even a moderate flu?

Dr. Cornish: The only time your immune system has a chance to rebuild is while you’re asleep. Your brain also undergoes several critical processes during sleep. For these reasons, it is important that you maintain a good sleep pattern after surviving an infection. Try to go to bed at the same time nightly and aim for at least 8 hours of restorative sleep. If you have sleep problems, such as snoring (or sleep apnea), restless legs, or insomnia, you may benefit from having them addressed by a medical professional. 

In addition, you should eat a diet rich in organic foods, fruits, and vegetables. Take immune-boosting supplements, such as vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and fish oil. Incorporate a regular exercise routine of at least 15 minutes of cardiovascular activity and continue to engage in good hygiene strategies at all times. Infusions (known as IV Nutrient Therapy) with vitamins like vitamin C, B vitamins, and the antioxidant glutathione may be beneficial for some people.

Do we have any knowledge of how one’s genes could prevent or make one more prone to contracting COVID-19?

Dr. Chapek: With COVID-19 in our minds these days we are all wondering what makes one person susceptible versus another. Genetics is a factor that may shed some light on susceptibility to COVID as well as other SARS infections. Research on the genetics of SARS and coronaviruses has been going on for many years and one gene associated is the TICAM2. This gene codes for the toll-like receptors of the innate immune system that help to recognize foreign microbes and begin dealing with them. However, it’s important to stress that the scientific community still doesn’t fully understand the impact of genetics in this area.

What we do know is that although genetics may have some impact on susceptibility, it doesn’t mean if you are exposed to something you are destined to get it. A better way to think about the role of genetics is that it is simply one part of the big picture when it comes to our individual susceptibilities. For example, eating a lot of sugar makes your more susceptible to infections. Not getting enough sleep or have low levels of vitamin D also make you more vulnerable. On the contrary, exercise, laughing, having balanced blood sugar, and good vitamin D levels make you less susceptible to infections. Rather than worrying about underlying genetic risk, it’s best to focus on the day-to-day habits that boost your immune system and reduce vulnerability to infections.

Is there an inflammatory response from the COVID-19 infection and what can be done to heal the response?

Dr. Cornish: Research shows that an excessive inflammatory response to COVID-19 is thought to be a major cause of disease severity and death in patients with this virus. This leads to a hyperactive immune reaction which falls under the umbrella “cytokine storm.”  A high level of inflammation is created and can lead to some of the systemic effects of this virus, including the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. There are several clinical trials of drugs that are used to block this reaction.

Some of the natural strategies for decreasing inflammation include vitamin D, vitamin A, zinc, selenium, probiotics, quercetin, and turmeric, among others. Infrared saunas and Epsom salt baths are great anti-inflammatory treatment strategies. Getting 30 minutes of exercise on a regular basis, having good sleep hygiene, and following anti-inflammatory dietary habits are extremely important. For example, incorporate a rainbow of fruits and vegetables with every meal.

Most importantly, remember that this has been a time of severe stress for our country, and stress is one of the top causes of inflammation. Make yourself a priority and implement good self-care strategies. Make sure you focus on your personal feelings and get the support you need. Optimizing your mood is imperative.

If you missed the webinar, click here for the video and the first round of questions answered.

Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting to get treatment until the pandemic is over is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.

At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples, as well as in-clinic brain scanning and functional medicine evaluations to help our patients. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

While most people are focusing on ways to fight the coronavirus pandemic, few are prepared for the other pandemic that is already spreading more rapidly around the nation and across the globe—a mental health pandemic.

Recent reports show:

• 45% of Americans say the coronavirus pandemic is impacting their mental health
• 34% jump in prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications during the pandemic
• 19% increase in prescriptions for antidepressants during the pandemic
• A sharp rise in calls to suicide hotlines
• Healthcare workers are being traumatized (sadly, one ER doctor in New York who was treating patients with COVID-19 recently died by suicide, and experts anticipate she won’t be the only one)

And that’s just the beginning.

An article in the April issue of JAMA Internal Medicine warns of an impending mental health epidemic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors write, “These consequences are of sufficient importance that immediate efforts focused on prevention and direct intervention are needed to address the impact of the outbreak on individual and population-level mental health.”

The outlook for our mental wellbeing is grim with spikes expected in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, and other issues.

What can you do now to avoid falling victim to this impending crisis? Start taking care of your brain and body by addressing your BRIGHT MINDS risk factors.

Change Your Brain, Heal Your Mind with BRIGHT MINDS

In Daniel G. Amen’s book The End of Mental Illness, he reveals that it’s time to discard the term “mental illness” and recognize that these conditions are actually brain health issues that steal your mind. When you understand that your brain is the organ that creates your mind, you can take the necessary steps to change your brain and heal your mind.

B is for blood flow.

Low blood flow is the #1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also associated with depression, schizophrenia, and ADD/ADHD. Did you know that as blood pressure goes up, blood flow to the brain goes down?

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: To boost blood flow, exercise, eat foods that enhance blood flow to the brain (such as beets, cayenne pepper, oregano, and rosemary), and take supplements like ginkgo biloba.

R is for Retirement/Aging.

When you stop learning your brain starts dying. The older you get the more likely you are to struggle with your memory, and as the brain deteriorates with age it leads to a greater risk of mood problems, anxiety, irritability, temper flare-ups, and irrational behavior.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: The older you are the more serious you need to be about your physical, cognitive, and emotional health.

I is for Inflammation.

The word inflammation comes from the Latin “Inflammare” which means “to set on fire.” When you have inflammation in your body, it’s like a low-level fire that’s destroying your organs, including your brain. Inflammation has been linked to depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, personality disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids (take a high-quality supplement like Omega-3 Power), try probiotics to promote better gut health (ProBrainBiotics), and floss your teeth to avoid gum disease.

G is for Genetics.

If you have a family history of mental health problems, understand that your genes are not your destiny. Think of it as a wakeup call.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Don’t use genetic vulnerabilities as an excuse to give in to bad habits, such as overeating or excessive drinking.

H is for Head Trauma.

Mild traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of mental illness, but nobody knows it because traditional psychiatrists never look at the brain. Head injuries are associated with depression, anxiety and panic disorders, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug and alcohol abuse, ADD/ADHD, memory problems, and more.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: If traditional treatment for a psychiatric condition isn’t working, consider brain SPECT imaging to see if you have underlying brain trauma that is contributing to your mental health symptoms.

T is for Toxins.

Drugs, alcohol, mold, chemicals in household cleaners, and other toxins are major causes of brain health/mental health issues that traditional psychiatrists almost completely ignore. Exposure to toxins increases the risk of depression, ADD/ADHD, memory problems, autism, temper outbursts, psychotic behavior, dementia, and more.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Detoxify your home as much as possible. Read the labels of the disinfectants you’re using during the pandemic and choose products that aren’t toxic.

M is for Mind Storms.

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain has been associated with temper outbursts, depression, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, distractibility, and confusion.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Avoid things that increase mind storms, such as high stress, lack of sleep, drug and alcohol abuse, and skipping meals.

I is for Immunity and Infections.

Things like Lyme disease and autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis) cause multiple brain health/mental health issues.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Strengthen your immune system and seek treatment for chronic infections like Lyme disease.

N is for Neurohormones.

Hormonal imbalances of key neurohormones, such as thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can cause symptoms—such as depression, anxiety, attention problems, and psychosis—that mimic mental health conditions.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Know and optimize your hormone levels.

D is for Diabesity.

Being obese and/or having diabetes is detrimental to brain health and leads to a greater risk of depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, addictions, agoraphobia, and more.  

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Many obese people with type 2 diabetes are able to overcome the condition with a brain healthy diet, increased physical exercise, and supplements like berberine that help support healthy blood sugar levels.

S is for Sleep.

Over time, sleep problems lead to an increased risk of depression, ADD/ADHD, panic attacks, memory problems, and dementia.

BRIGHT MINDS Strategy: Make sleep a priority and aim for 7-8 hours a night.

Anxiety can’t wait. Depression can’t wait. Addiction can’t wait. Your mental health can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever, and waiting to get treatment until the pandemic is over is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.

At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples, as well as in-clinic brain scanning to help our patients. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

Advanced age, obesity, smoking—these are some of the biggest risk factors that make you more likely to develop a severe illness or to die from COVID-19, according to emerging research. They are also many of the same risk factors that attack brain health and contribute to mental illness and memory problems. BRIGHT MINDS is a mnemonic for the 11 major risk factors that steal your mind, and as researchers are discovering, they may also raise the risk for more severe illness or death from the coronavirus.

Know how many of these risk factors you have and follow the tips to minimize your risk.

B is for Blood flow.

The World Health Organization reports that people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease are among those at highest risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19. Statistics compiled by the state of New York show that hypertension, coronary artery disease, and high cholesterol are among the top 10 co-morbidities among patients who died from COVID-19.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Even though you may be sheltering at home, it’s still critical to exercise to get your blood pumping.

R is for Retirement/Aging.

Research in Clinical Infectious Diseases shows that people of old age are at the greatest risk for poor outcomes from COVID-19. Having dementia, which is typically seen in older people, was listed as one of the top 10 co-existing conditions in people who died from COVID-19, according to statistics from the state of New York.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: New learning keeps your brain young. When quarantined or self-isolating, keep your mind active.

I is for Inflammation.

A study in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that people with high levels of C-reactive protein—a marker for inflammation—are more likely to have severe coronavirus illness.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Avoid pro-inflammatory foods, such as sugar and refined carbohydrates, that drive inflammation.

G is for Genetics.

Researchers suggest the reason why some younger people with no underlying health conditions become seriously ill from COVID-19 may have to do with their genes.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Know your genetic risks and be proactive about minimizing them.

H is for Head Trauma.

Although research has yet to show a direct connection between head trauma and coronavirus outcomes, having a head injury increases the likelihood of mental health issues, such as depression, which has been linked to inflammation and immune system dysfunction. In addition, people who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are also more likely to suffer from addictions to toxic substances that may impact pulmonary health. (See T is for Toxins below.)

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Protect your brain—wear a helmet while biking, avoid climbing ladders, hold the handrail when you walk down stairs.

T is for Toxins.

Smoking anything—cigarettes, marijuana, or methamphetamine—poses a greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness. According to a release from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Because it attacks the lungs, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape.” NIDA also suggests that people with addictions who abuse opioids or methamphetamine may also be at increased risk because these substances negatively affect respiratory and pulmonary health. In addition, kidney disease ranked among the top 10 co-occurring conditions in people who died from COVID-19 in New York state. The kidneys are one of the body’s 4 organs of detoxification—the other 3 are the skin, gut, and liver. Environmental toxins can harm these organs. This damage reduces your detoxification system’s ability to do its job, creating an even greater buildup of toxins.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: During highly stressful times like during a pandemic, eliminate alcohol and drugs and support your 4 organs of detoxification—liver, kidneys, gut, and skin—by minimizing your exposure to environmental toxins.

M is for Mental Health.

Having depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions can interfere with immune system function and make you more susceptible to viral infections.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Seek treatment for mental health issues but be sure to see a healthcare provider who looks at the brain and treats the root causes of mental illness, rather than just treating symptoms.

I is for Immunity and Infections.

Having a chronic infection, such as Lyme disease, may increase vulnerability to COVID-19 and may worsen outcomes, according to Mark Filidei, D.O., the director of integrative and functional medicine at Amen Clinics in Costa Mesa, California.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Shore up immunity with vitamin D, zinc, therapeutic mushrooms, and garlic.

N is for Neurohormones.

A recent report in The New York Times shows that men are dying from COVID-19 at nearly twice the rate as women. Science suggests it may be due, in part, to hormones. Research shows the female sex hormone estrogen stimulates the immune system, giving women more robust immunity, while the male sex hormone testosterone inhibits the immune system.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: As a general rule, it’s a good idea to check your hormone levels regularly and optimize them if necessary.

D is for Diabesity.

The word “diabesity” combine diabetes and obesity, both of which are associated with poorer outcomes from COVID-19. Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for hospitalization and critical illness, according to a pre-print study (which means it is not yet peer-reviewed) of over 4,000 people in New York who had tested positive for COVID-19. Having diabetes doesn’t increase the risk of becoming ill from COVID-19, but an analysis in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation reports that people with diabetes could be up to twice as likely to die from coronavirus.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Eat healthy foods—lean protein, colorful vegetables and fruits, and smart carbs (ones that don’t spike your blood sugar)—not just what’s left on the store shelves during the pandemic.

S is for Sleep.

Even though sleep has not been directly associated with worse outcomes from coronavirus, it is tightly linked to immunity. Research on identical twins in the journal Sleep shows that chronic sleep deprivation lowers immune system function.

BRIGHT MINDS Tip: Sleep is often the most affected during a crisis, but you need to make sleep a priority. Aim for 7 hours a night.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, or other mental health issues, you aren’t alone—45% of Americans say the coronavirus pandemic has impacted their mental health. Just because you’re sheltering at home doesn’t mean you have to wait for the pandemic to be over before seeking help. In fact, during these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever, and waiting to get treatment is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.

At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples, as well as in-clinic brain scanning to help our patients. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

NBA star Rudy Gobert, the first professional basketball player to test positive for the coronavirus, announced on Twitter that he’s experiencing some unusual side effects. On March 22, 2020, Gobert tweeted:

“Just to give you guys an update, loss of smell and taste is definitely one of the symptoms, haven’t been able to smell anything for the last 4 days. Anyone experiencing the same thing?”

In a New York Times report, physicians around the world are confirming that loss of smell (anosmia) and a diminished sense of taste (ageusia) are telltale symptoms of COVID-19.

What this means is that coronavirus attacks the brain.

Recent brain imaging scans reveal acute coronavirus encephalitis, which indicates an infection in the brain. According to the scientist who posted these images on Instagram, the concern that prompted this patient to seek an evaluation? Loss of smell.

The scientist wrote on Instagram:

“COVID-19 is generally associated with mild upper respiratory tract infections, although it has been shown to have neuroinvasive properties. In vivo studies have shown that it may infect neurons and cause encephalitis.”

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, which is most commonly caused by a viral infection. In the images in this post, the white parts show the brain’s reaction to an infection.

Sense of Smell and the Brain

The area of the brain involved with smell is called the olfactory cortex. It is situated near the brain’s memory centers. This is part of the reason why the sense of smell is intricately linked to memory. Your senses—smell, taste, sight, touch, and hearing—linked with emotion are the raw ingredients for making memories.  

Outside of COVID-19, loss of smell has been widely recognized as an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that having trouble smelling peanut butter, lemon, strawberries or natural gas is associated with a higher incidence of significant memory problems. Scoring poorly on the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test strongly predicts those who would be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

To date, it remains unclear if the loss of smell some people are experiencing from coronavirus is temporary or if it will be long-lasting. And we don’t yet understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain function. However, the infection’s impact on the brain and the potential for encephalitis are more reasons why we all need to take it very seriously.

If You Experience Loss of Smell or Taste

Physicians are reporting that in some cases, loss of smell or taste is the only symptom of COVID-19 in otherwise seemingly healthy individuals. What’s troublesome is that these people may be spreading the disease to others because they don’t realize they are infected with the virus.

Doctors are advising that if you are experiencing loss of smell—for example, the inability to detect your baby’s dirty diaper or to tell the scent of curry from cinnamon—it is best to self-isolate for 7 days to slow the spread of the virus.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, or other mental health issues, you aren’t alone—45% of Americans say the coronavirus pandemic has impacted their mental health. Just because you’re sheltering at home doesn’t mean you have to wait for the pandemic to be over before seeking help. In fact, during these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting to get treatment is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. 

At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples, as well as in-clinic brain scanning to help our patients. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk. 

By Shane Creado, MD

Everybody knows that a night of tossing and turning can leave you feeling groggy, crabby, and listless. But did you know that chronic sleep deprivation, or even a single restless night, can also negatively impact systemic inflammation and the immune system? Here’s what we know about the link between sleep and these key areas of health and wellness.

How Sleep Affects Inflammation

A wealth of research has shown that sleep loss activates mediators and markers of inflammation and cell damage. Poor sleep has been strongly linked to inflammation throughout the body—including the digestive tract—in inflammatory bowel disease. One study found that sleep-deprived patients with Crohn’s disease were twice as likely to relapse compared with patients who slept well.

Based on the growing scientific evidence, researchers have begun recommending sleep evaluations to help predict outcomes in sufferers of long-term inflammatory issues.

A Surprising Experiment

I recently met with a cricket player named Ashwin, who suffered from “golfer’s elbow” and wrist tendinitis flare-ups every year. This frustrated him because he was diligent about physical therapy, had been screened for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and was an otherwise healthy guy.

In blood tests, his levels of the inflammatory markers erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were consistently elevated. In general, this can be related to a number of reasons, such as a poor diet, a chronic skin condition, hard training, or competitive sport.

I heard about this frustrating pattern of injury from his teammate and, as a sleep specialist, I was naturally curious about Ashwin’s sleep patterns. We decided to undertake a little experiment.

• First, we tracked his sleep over a 2-week period then checked his ESR and CRP levels. During this period, I also discovered he had restless leg syndrome, which can disrupt sleep.

• Next, I asked him to extend his sleep for a month, and he averaged about 1.5 hours of additional sleep each night.

• Finally, we re-checked his ESR and CRP levels and found that they were lower than they had ever been.

This was great news for Ashwin. It did not mean that his golfer’s elbow and wrist tendinitis would never recur, but perhaps they would recur less frequently and with less severity.

Ashwin is a good example of how improving sleep may help calm chronic inflammation. Research shows that getting good sleep turns off the pro-inflammatory processes that occur in people with poor sleep and insomnia. Because of this, I would recommend that every person with a long-term inflammatory condition needs to be educated about sleep optimization. And clinicians should make sleep education part of the treatment toolbox they use with patients or clients who suffer from inflammatory issues.

How Poor Sleep Can Sabotage the Immune System

Skimping on sleep or suffering from insomnia can weaken the immune system. A study showed conclusively that in healthy adults who were limited to 6 hours of sleep a night for one week, there was a change in their gene activity profile relative to when those same individuals were getting a full 8 hours of sleep a night. A total of 711 genes were distorted in their activity, caused by a lack of sleep. About half of those genes were actually increased in their activity, while the other half were decreased.

The genes that were switched off by a lack of sleep were genes associated with the immune system (which indicated an increased risk of infection). In contrast, those genes whose activity levels were increased by way of a lack of sleep were genes associated with the promotion of tumors, long-term inflammation, stress, and—as a result—cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, dementia, and other conditions directly associated with inflammation.

Even a small loss of sleep has been shown to impair immune function. One large 2-week study monitored the development of the common cold after giving people nasal drops with the virus that causes colds. (I think that was rather sadistic!) They found that those who slept less than 7 hours were almost 3 times more likely to develop a cold than those who slept 8 hours or more.

In a study where participants were restricted to four hours of sleep for a single night, there was a 70% drop in natural killer cell activity. These cells play a critical role in immunity, especially in fighting tumor cells and virally infected cells.

For all of these reasons and especially with the current coronavirus outbreak, it’s more important than ever to encourage patients and clients to make sleep a priority.

About the Author: Shane Creado, MD, Amen Clinics Chicago 

Dr. Shane Creado is a board-certified sleep specialist, who works not only on the treatment of sleep disorders but also on perfecting and optimizing sleep. He is the host of the Overcoming Insomnia course, which teaches the best evidence-based strategies to improve sleep. Dr. Creado is also the author of Peak Sleep Performance: The Cutting-Edge Sleep Science That Will Guarantee A Competitive Advantage, available on Amazon.

This book is primarily geared toward coaches, trainers, and elite athletes, but this step-by-step guide to sleep optimization can also be beneficial for anybody who wants to boost their brain health and productivity. For updates about the book, free sleep tips, as well as special offers, follow @peaksleepperformance on Instagram.

Intermittent fasting has become one of the most popular strategies for losing weight, and it’s touted as having many physical health benefits. But what does it do to your brain? Let’s take a deep dive into the research to find out what “time-restricted eating” really does to your brain.

7 Incredible Things Intermittent Fasting Does for Your Brain

1. Triggers autophagy

Intermittent fasting turns on an important process called autophagy, in which your brain “takes out the trash” that builds up during the day. This self-cleaning process helps detoxify the brain, clear out old and damaged cells, and sweep away debris. This nightly housekeeping promotes the regeneration of newer, healthier cells. A wealth of research has shown that problems with autophagy have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

2. Improves memory

Restricting the hours when you eat has been shown to significantly improve memory, according to a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In this study, after 4 weeks of intermittent fasting, performance on a spatial planning and working memory task and on a working memory capacity test increased significantly. Additional research on animals has found that intermittent fasting improves learning and memory.

3. Brightens mood

Research in the Journal of Nutrition Health & Aging found that after 3 months of intermittent fasting, study participants reported improved moods and decreased tension, anger, and confusion. Another study from 2018 that was investigating weight-loss strategies found that intermittent fasting was associated with significant improvements in emotional well-being and depression.

4. Reduces inflammation

Chronic inflammation has been linked to many brain disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. According to a study in Nutrition Research, intermittent fasting decreases inflammation, which can have potent benefits for your brain health and mental well-being.

5. Fights high blood sugar

Research in the British Journal of Nutrition shows that intermittent fasting produces greater improvements in insulin sensitivity, which helps you prevent high blood-sugar levels and type 2 diabetes. The journal Neurology has published findings showing that high blood sugar is associated with a smaller hippocampus, the seahorse-shaped structure in your temporal lobes associated with mood, learning, and memory. Other studies show that anxiety and depression are 2-3 times higher in patients with type 2 diabetes than the general population.

6. Lowers blood pressure at night

Intermittent fasting helps reduce blood pressure while you snooze, which is beneficial for heart health, and anything that’s good for your heart is also good for your brain. Having hypertension or pre-hypertension lowers blood flow to the brain. Low blood flow on brain SPECT imaging scans has been seen with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADD/ADHD, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and more. In addition, low blood flow is the #1 brain imaging predictor that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease.

7. Burns excess fat

Intermittent fasting helps to burn more fat, which is good for brain health. Excess fat on your body is not your friend. A growing body of research, including studies in Archives of General Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, has found that obesity is detrimental to brain health and is associated with a greater risk of depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia (fear of going out), and addictions.

With so much research pointing to important brain health benefits, you may want to incorporate intermittent fasting into your lifestyle. What’s the best way to do it? One of the most common methods is to do a nightly fast for 12-16 hours. The easiest way to do it is to begin fasting several hours before bedtime. For example, if you eat dinner at 6 p.m., don’t eat again until 6–10 a.m. the next day.

At Amen Clinics, we take a whole-body approach to helping people overcome debilitating symptoms and achieve peak performance. We perform comprehensive evaluations that include brain SPECT imaging, as well as looking at the many lifestyle factors, such as diet, that can contribute to mental health symptoms or hold you back from reaching your potential. Our wrap-around services focus on the least toxic, most effective solutions, including brain health nutrition coaching.

If you want to join the tens of thousands of people who have already enhanced their brain health, overcome their symptoms, and optimized their performance at Amen Clinics, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

Every year on Super Bowl Sunday, people gather around the TV to root for their home team and to place all sorts of bets—who will win, if they’ll beat the point spread, the total number of passing yards, and so on—all based on the predictions of sports bookies. But there’s one prediction that our brain imaging work says is a sure thing—you can bet that nearly every player on the field will have experienced some form of damage to the brain from playing football.

All those crushing helmet-to-helmet hits over a player’s career can cause mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that often go undetected. As the number of hits to the head add up, it is associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, anger, attention problems, weight gain, brain fog, substance abuse, memory loss, and suicide. Football players literally have their brains, their mental health, and their lives on the line every time they take the field.

Football and the Brain

At Amen Clinics, we’ve been studying the brains of football players for decades. Our brain imaging work reveals that Pop Warner and high school players, aged 8 to 18, already show clear evidence of TBIs. The brain scans of college players show even greater damage. And the scans of NFL players are even worse. In the past few decades, Amen Clinics has performed several studies on active and retired professional football players, and the results are startling.

For a 2011 study on 100 active and former NFL players from 27 different teams, we took detailed histories, had the players perform cognitive tests and did both brain SPECT scans and QEEG studies on each of them. The results were very clear—playing football damaged multiple areas of the brain in greater than 90% of the players. There was persistent damage to the following areas of the brain:

• Prefrontal cortex (judgment, planning, forethought, and impulse control)

• Temporal lobes (learning, memory, and mood stability)

• Cerebellum (mental agility and processing speed)

To date, we have conducted 4 studies on gridiron greats. Our 2012 study in Translational Psychiatry found that as retired NFL players’ weight goes up—which it often does after they stop playing—the size and function of their brain goes down. Even a study sponsored by the National Football League itself found that retired players ages 30-49 were given a dementia-related diagnosis at 20 times the rate of age-matched populations, while players over the age of 50 received a dementia-related diagnosis 5 times the national average.

At this point, there is little doubt that playing football at any level can cause long-term cognitive and emotional trouble.

It’s Never Too Early to Start a Brain “Pre-hab” Program

That’s why every single person who plays tackle football—and anyone who is at risk from brain trauma, including firefighters, police officers, and military personnel—needs to be involved in a brain “pre-hab” program on a daily basis. You can’t wait to have a concussion or major head injury to start thinking about the health of your brain. You need to be pro-active about it.

What’s exciting is that our brain imaging work with football players shows that damaged brains can be healed. In a 2011 study we put 30 retired NFL players with damaged brains and cognitive impairment on a brain healthy program for an average of 6 months. At the end of the trial 80% showed significant improvement in blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, as well as the parietal lobes, occipital lobes, anterior cingulate gyrus, and cerebellum. And cognitive testing showed statistically significant increases in scores of attention, memory, reasoning, information processing speed, and accuracy.

10 Brain Pre-Hab Strategies You Can Bet On

On Super Bowl Sunday, think about your own brain health too. By putting your brain in a healing environment, you can boost your brain reserve, which is the extra cushion of brain function you have to help you deal with whatever stresses or injuries come your way.

Here are 10 simple pre-hab strategies you can bet on to protect your brain from injury.

1. Always wear your seatbelt when you drive or ride in a vehicle.
2. To prevent falls or other injuries, do not carry too many packages or boxes at one time.
3. Wear a helmet when skiing, biking, etc.
4. Avoid going up on the roof or climbing ladders.
5. Slow down.
6. Do not text and walk or drive.
7. Be careful when going up and down stairs; hold the handrail.
8. If you have had a head trauma, have your hormone levels checked and optimize any that are low.
9. Take the herb peppermint to help with healing.
10. Eat eggs to boost acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps with learning and memory

At Amen Clinics, we have helped thousands of children and adults with concussions or TBIs to heal their brain and minimize their symptoms. We use a combination of the least toxic, most effective therapies, which may include neurofeedback, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), nutraceuticals, and medications, as well as simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference.

If you are in a profession that’s at high risk for trauma—such as football players, firefighters, police officers, and others—speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

Did you know that the foods you eat can either fire up overactivity in your brain’s limbic system (emotional center), which brain scans show is linked to depression, or it can calm activity to promote more positive moods? Increasingly, researchers are concluding that people with mental health disorders, such as depression, are consuming diets that are lacking in key nutrients for brain health. A growing body of evidence suggests that nutritional treatment—aka, eating targeted foods—may help prevent, treat, or improve depression, as well as other conditions, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or ADD/ADHD.

The scientific community is finally beginning to see how food is so strongly linked to mood and mental health. In 2015, a group of 18 scientists concluded that “the emerging and compelling evidence for nutrition as a crucial factor in the high prevalence and incidence of mental disorders suggests that diet is as important to psychiatry as it is to cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology.”

Here are 8 foods you should include in your diet if you want to boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

1. Berries: The Antioxidant Answer

Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries are “smart” carbohydrates that are packed with nutrients that balance your blood sugar and reduce cravings. Colorful berries are also full of mood benefits, providing nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. A 2009 study on the impact of antioxidant therapy on depression found that people who had been treated with antioxidants for two years significantly lowered their depression score.

2. Water: The Secret Mood Booster

Your brain is comprised of 80% water and research shows that being even mildly dehydrated can negatively impact moods. In both women and men, it can make you feel more anxious, tense, depressed, or angry, in addition to sapping your energy levels and lowering your ability to concentrate. Staying adequately hydrated can help optimize moods, motivation, and energy levels. And according to a 2018 study in the World Journal of Psychiatry, drinking plain old H20 is associated with a decrease in depression and anxiety,

3. Lean Protein: Building Blocks for Neurotransmitters

Lean protein—such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and lamb—provides essential amino acids, which are precursors for neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which play an important role in mental health. A 2019 study on nutrition and depression in adolescents shows that low intake of amino acids has been linked to reduced synthesis of these neurotransmitters and consequently, low moods and aggression. For optimal brain health, choose hormone-free, antibiotic-free, free-range, and grass-fed animal proteins.

4. Salmon: A Healthy Dose of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Did you know that 60% of the solid weight of your brain is fat? Low-fat diets are not good for your brain or your mood. Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, and a wealth of research has shown that these fats can reduce symptoms of depression. A 2009 review of three studies on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in major depression in adults, depression in children, and depression in bipolar disorder found that EPA (a form of omega-3s) reduced symptoms in all three types of depression with no side effects. When shopping, opt for wild salmon, not the farm-raised variety.

5. Kimchi: Probiotic Power

Kimchi supports healthy gut bacteria, which is tightly linked to mood. The gut—your gastrointestinal tract (GI)—is often called the second brain because it is lined with about 100 million neurons. And 75% of the body’s neurotransmitters—including feel-good ones like serotonin— are produced in the gut. A 2017 review of the existing research suggests that treatment with probiotics can alleviate depressive symptoms.

6. Saffron: Nature’s Antidepressant

Herbs and spices are as powerful as medicines. In multiple studies, a saffron extract was found to be as effective as antidepressant medication in treating people with major depression.

7. Avocados: Oleic Acid Attacks Bad Moods

This popular green fruit contains healthy fats that fuel brainpower and is high in oleic acid. A 2009 study that followed 4,856 adults for a decade found that women who consumed the most oleic acid were less than half as likely to suffer from severe depression.

8. Dark Leafy Greens: Anti-Inflammatory Action

Whether you prefer kale, spinach, or broccoli, be sure to fuel up on these nutrient-dense vegetables. In addition to being chock-full of vitamins and minerals, they fight inflammation, which has been linked to depression, according to research in JAMA Psychiatry.

At Amen Clinics, our brain imaging work has helped us see the powerful impact food has on brain function and on conditions, such as depression. We take an integrative approach to diagnosis and treatment that includes looking at the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of your life to identify areas that can be optimized. This includes nutritional coaching, natural supplements, and many other of the least toxic, most effective solutions.

If you’re suffering from symptoms of depression and want a whole-person approach rather than just pills, call 888-288-9834 to talk to a specialist today or schedule a visit.

Erin was just 9 years old, but she had already been plagued by depression and other issues for years. She had taken antidepressants and other medications, but they hadn’t helped her. In fact, they made her worse. When Erin started talking about suicide, her parents knew they had to do more for their daughter. They took her for a brain imaging test called SPECT that looks at activity and blood flow in the brain.

Erin’s brain scan did not look healthy. It showed notable overactivity, which can be an indicator of inflammation. Blood tests and lab work revealed that the young girl had Lyme disease as well as other issues. Antidepressants would never heal the underlying infection.

Lyme Disease in the Brain

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected deer tick. Untreated, Lyme disease and other infections can interfere with the immune system and lead to inflammation. They can also cause changes in the brain that impact moods, learning, and more.

On SPECT brain scans, infectious diseases like Lyme disease can make the brain look like it has been exposed to toxins. A toxic appearance is a sign of a troubled brain.

The Lyme-Mental Health Link

Many people are surprised to learn that infectious diseases, including Lyme disease, are a major contributor to mental illnesses and cognitive issues. Research shows that children who have had an infectious disease are significantly more likely to have mental health problems as they grow up. In a study that followed over 3.5 million people, scientists found a 62% increase in the risk for mood disorders if a person had been hospitalized for any type of infection.

Why Don’t Most Doctors Test for Lyme?

Unfortunately, few healthcare professionals are aware of the connection between infections like Lyme disease and psychiatric problems like depression. If you go to your doctor and tell them you have symptoms of depression, you’re likely to walk out of the appointment with a prescription for antidepressants. But it is unlikely that they will do testing for infectious diseases or brain imaging. Because of this, Lyme disease often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, allowing the immune system disruption, systemic inflammation, and brain changes to worsen.

This needs to change.

Getting a comprehensive evaluation that includes brain imaging and lab screening tests helps provide a more accurate diagnosis, which is key for zeroing in on the proper treatment. As more people in the medical community become aware of the problem, infectious disease psychiatry is likely to emerge within the next 30 years as a major discipline of psychiatry.

Targeting the Infection to Help Treat the Depression

When it is caught early, Lyme disease can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics. When it has been present in your system for months or years and is accompanied by depression or other psychiatric or cognitive problems, additional treatments may be necessary. A comprehensive treatment program worked for 9-year-old Erin, who went from having depression and suicidal thoughts to experiencing a remarkable turnaround.

At Amen Clinics we have treated hundreds of patients with treatment-resistant psychiatric symptoms like depression who tested positive for Lyme disease. When their treatment plan included targeted solutions for the infection, they finally got the help they needed. If you or a loved one has symptoms of depression that aren’t responding to treatment, speak to a specialist about getting a full brain-body evaluation to discover if infection like Lyme disease might be the root cause. For more information, call 888-288-9834 or schedule a visit online.