Posts tagged Depression

How Coffee Can Improve Your Mental Health

Are you a coffee drinker?

Do you need coffee’s caffeine boost to help you get through the day? Or do you drink coffee because you enjoy the taste? Did you know that not all coffee is created equal?

Though it’s true there are many health benefits to coffee, it’s also important to know that coffee isn’t for everyone. So let’s start at the beginning.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It has also been shown to have numerous health benefits. While many people drink coffee to get a caffeine jolt, in today’s blog, we’re going to explore how coffee can improve your mental health. That’s right, there are also many potential mental health benefits associated with coffee consumption.

There are two main things that make coffee great for your health: the caffeine and the antioxidants. Antioxidants are important because they help to protect your cells from damage (oxidative stress), while the caffeine in coffee can help improve mood, cognitive function and physical performance.

So be sure to read this week’s blog to learn more about how each of these affects you and your mental health.

Brain Health, Lifestyle, Neuronutrition, OtherKelly AielloJuly 21, 2022Mental Health, Health, Mindset, Alzheimer's, Depression, Memory, Improve Cognitive Function, NeuronutritionComment

Tired of the Winter Blues? How To Elevate Your Mood With Serotonin

As winter approaches, have you started thinking about how to maintain your mental health and keep your mood up?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the “winter blues,” its milder cousin, are growing concerns for about 15% of Canadians. Plus, many more people deal with various mood disorders regularly. Read on to discover how serotonin affects us, what may happen if we don’t have enough, and what natural things we can try to keep our levels up.

Brain Health, Conditions, NeuronutritionKelly AielloNovember 18, 2021Mental Health, Moody, Depression, Inflammation, Vitamin D, Coffee, SerotoninComment

An Interview With Mark Tullius: Former MMA Fighter Turned TBI and CTE Activist

This week, the HappiHuman community is in for a treat!

I sat down to interview a former ivy league football player and MMA fighter who is now an activist for TBI and CTE to hear about his experiences with multiple concussions, what prompted him to stop fighting, and how he turned things around for himself.

So stay tuned to read a summary of the conversation we had.

If you have kids in contact sports or have sustained a concussion yourself, you don’t want to miss this!

Brain Health, LifestyleKelly AielloSeptember 16, 2021Concussion, Depression, Dementia, Mental Health, TBI, CTE, Meditation, School, FootballComment

Supporting Your Mental Health with Neurotransmitter

Do you know that we have natural brain chemicals that affect our mood?

In our last blog, we discussed three common neurotransmitters involved in mental health: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine as well as how they work.

This week, let’s take a closer look at natural foods and supplements that can support each of these key neurotransmitters.

Brain Health, Neuronutrition, Other, LifestyleKelly AielloJune 10, 2021Depression, Mental Health, Moody, TBI, Anxiety, Coffee, Mental Illness, Health, Mindset, Dopamine, Neurotransmitter, TryptophanComment

Which Neurotransmitters are Related to Mental Health

Do you know that we have natural brain chemicals that affect our mood?

They are called neurotransmitters. Two common ones you’ve most likely heard of are serotonin and dopamine. But do you know what these neurotransmitters are and how they work?

In honour of mental health awareness month and our continual quest to shed additional light on the topic of mental health, this week we’d like to take a closer look at a few key neurotransmitters and their effects on mood.

Keep reading to discover which neurotransmitters are related to mental health.

Brain Health, Neuronutrition, Other, LifestyleKelly AielloMay 28, 2021Depression, Mental Health, Moody, TBI, Anxiety, Coffee, Mental Illness, Health, Mindset, Dopamine, Neurotransmitter, TryptophanComment

Mental Health vs. Mental Illness: What’s the Difference

What is the state of your mental health?

Do you have a mental illness? Does someone you love?

We throw the words mental illness and mental health around a lot. The terms are often used interchangeably. But what do they really mean? And what’s the difference?

Read this week’s post to discover what constitutes a mental illness, the prevalence of mental illness today, and actionable steps you can take to improve your mental health.

Brain Health, Neuronutrition, Other, LifestyleKelly AielloMay 20, 2021Depression, Mental Health, Moody, TBI, Anxiety, Coffee, Mental Illness, Health, MindsetComment

9 Tips for Managing Depression and Anxiety Naturally

Do you suffer from anxiety or depression?

If so, you’re not alone. Current rates are at an all-time high - in part due to the very stressful last year we have all been faced with.

Much like any other health issue, research into anxiety and depression all too often focuses on treatments and managing symptoms while ignoring the underlying problem.

In many cases, as with my husband following his TBI, this leads to people suffering unduly while they search fruitlessly for solutions - often feeling alone and let down by the allopathic medical system.

If you can relate, especially in terms of your mental health and wellbeing, then please read this week’s blog. You’ll discover 9 tips on how managing your depression and anxiety naturally are possible.

Brain Health, Neuronutrition, OtherKelly AielloApril 29, 2021Depression, Mental Health, Moody, TBI, Anxiety, Omega-3, CoffeeComment

How Simple Daily Habits Can Optimize Your Mental Wellness This Winter

Have you ever wondered why donuts or cookies miraculously make us feel better? Why the words “winter” and “blues” go hand in hand? Or why we feel so much better after a good work-out?

If the winter months get you down or leave you feeling fatigued and lacking motivation, you’re not alone! As a nutritionist, I hear the following comments all the time: “I feel so down all winter,” “No matter what I do, I can’t get out of this funk,” or “I just can’t handle going to work and coming home in the dark every day.”

If these sound like words you are known to utter, I’ve got great news for you - you can do something about it!

Start taking action with the simple daily habits discussed in this week’s blog to wash away the winter blues and optimize your mental wellness this winter.

Brain Health, Neuronutrition, Lifestyle, OtherKelly AielloFebruary 4, 2021Depression, Mental Health, Memory, Optimization, Carbohydrates, Omega-3, Vitamin D, Meditation, Neurotoxins, Serotonin, Addiction, Cravings, SugarComment

Brain Inflammation: What it is and what you can do about it

Is your brain inflamed? How can you tell? And if it is, is there anything you can do about it?

One of the most common complaints I hear in my practice is related to brain inflammation. To discover what common complaint this is, to learn what you can do about it, and to download my free resource to help you get started today, be sure to read this week’s blog.

If you care about the health of your brain, you won’t want to miss this!

Brain Health, Conditions, Desserts, Neuronutrition, Whole FoodsKelly AielloOctober 29, 2020Alzheimer's, Dementia, Depression, Neurofatigue, TBI, Fatigue, Inflammation, Cacao, Antioxidant, EFA's, Omega-3, Vitamins, Coffee, Serotonin, Avocados, BlueberriesComment

Foods that Affect Mood: Mood-Boosters vs. Mood-Busters

Did you know those bad moods can lead to bad eating habits, and that bad eating habits can also lead to bad moods? Are you in need of a mood boost? Many of us are! Read this week’s blog to discover how food impacts our mood and what you can do about it.

Brain Health, Neuronutrition, Whole Foods, LifestyleKelly AielloJuly 2, 2020Depression, Mental Health, Moody, Neuroinflammation, Antioxidant, Carbohydrates, Omega-3, Protein, Serotonin, EggsComment

Life After TBI: Maggie’s Story

I am super excited to announce a special new series that I’m launching about life after a traumatic brain injury.

This week, I’d like to introduce you to Maggie Doucette.In celebration of June being Brain Injury Awareness month in Canada, Maggie of M.A.D. Digital Marketing sat down with me to share her personal story. We discussed what living with a brain injury is like and how her life has changed. She also offered her advice to others struggling with a TBI and had a special message for their friends and family members.

So be sure to read this week’s post to discover what Maggie had to say!

Brain Health, Conditions, Neuronutrition, Lifestyle, Whole FoodsKelly AielloJune 18, 2020Concussion, Depression, Mental Health, Neurofatigue, Fatigue, Omega-3, Dairy, Gluten, Sugar-freeComment

Probiotics vs. Prebiotics 101

Probiotics are getting more and more well-known for their health-promoting benefits. And the research showing the importance of our gut microbes is growing every day.

Did you know that what you eat feeds not only you, but your probiotics, too?

It’s true!

Those little “gut bugs” need to eat a healthful diet, just like you do. The good news is that the foods that are healthy for you are also healthy for them. And, because they’re microbes, they can digest foods that we can’t, like dietary fibre.

The foods that feed probiotics are called “prebiotics.” And this post is the 101 on what you need to know about both probiotics and prebiotics.

Other, Neuronutrition, Digestive HealthKelly AielloJune 11, 2020Depression, Moody, Microbiome, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Serotonin, Brain-Healthy DietComment

Caring for your Mental Health During a Pandemic

With everything surrounding us including health concerns, financial woes, and news updates around the clock about COVID-19, it’s no wonder that many people are currently swimming in a sea of stress.

Though it is important to stay updated on the latest news and be aware of advisories and cautions as they are placed in effect, it’s just as important that we don’t make ourselves ill with a constant intake of media coverage - especially from the wrong source.

Instead, it’s wise to find a balance between staying informed and becoming all-consumed with the latest news. Try to fill your mind with positive thoughts, navigate each day one step at a time, and do whatever you can to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Most of all, it’s important to be kind to yourself, take care of your mental health, and improve your mental hygiene.

Brain Health, Neuronutrition, Lifestyle, OtherKelly AielloApril 16, 2020Depression, Mental Health, Optimization, Minerals, Vitamins, Whole Foods, Meditation, Serotonin, Nutritionist, SugarComment

How Stress Eating Impacts Your Health and Causes Sugar Craving

Stress? Did someone say stress?

Are you a stress eater?

When you’re surrounded by insurmountable stress and worry, do you find yourself reaching for sugar? (Insert hand raise here!) Have you ever wondered why that may be?

Read this week’s post to discover why your sugar cravings may be out of control right now and, more importantly, what you can do about it!

Why You Should Care About Blood Flow To The Brain

Blood is very important to the brain.

Even though the brain makes up only about 2% of your body’s weight, it uses a staggering 20% of the body’s blood flow and oxygen supply.

This may not mean much to you, but let’s take a look at why you should pay attention to the flow of blood to your brain and who’s most at risk.

Brain Health, Conditions, Neuronutrition, OtherKelly AielloFebruary 27, 2020Alzheimer's, Brain-Healthy Diet, Depression, Memory, TBI, Heart Health, Omega-3, Lifestyle, AntioxidantComment

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