Posts in Brain Health

Meditation: The Surprising Health Benefits and a How-To

This is a post I’ve been meaning to write for a while now, and I believe there’s no better time than now for it. Why? Meditation can be a game-changer - especially when stress levels are high (and who’s stress levels aren’t through the roof right now?). So this week, I joined forces with two meditation experts to compile the information presented here.

Now I’d like to share this valuable information with you, including some of the many health benefits of meditation and a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started today.

Brain Health, LifestyleKelly AielloApril 23, 2020Memory, Mental Health, Meditation, Mindfulness, LifestyleComment

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!

Brain Injury Awareness: The Consequences of TBI - Part 2

Many of you know that I am the wife of a brain injury survivor and live to educate others about brain health and the importance of healthy eating.

So in this second part of my 2-part series about brain Injuries, I’d like to open the door for a conversation about the hidden costs of a brain injury - both at the family and societal level.

Please keep reading, as the hidden costs and statistics may just surprise you.

Brain Health, LifestyleKelly AielloMarch 20, 2020Concussion, Mental Health, Neuronutrition, TBI, Alzheimer's, Athletes, Brain-Healthy Diet, LifestyleComment

Brain Injury Awareness: The Consequences of TBI - Part 1

Many of you know that I live with a brain injury survivor.

This is why the month of March - Brain Injury Awareness Month - hits very close to home. In fact, any time I get the chance to talk about brain injuries or brain health in general, I seize the opportunity.

This week is no different. I’d like to uncover the consequences of TBI and look at those who are affected by it. Even if you don’t think this topic affects you or a loved one right now, I urge you to read on - you may just be surprised.

Brain Health, LifestyleKelly AielloMarch 12, 2020Concussion, Mental Health, Neuronutrition, TBI, AthletesComment

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

10 Foods That Cause Brain Fog

Fuzzy brain? Feeling distracted or exhausted?

Unable to perform at school or work? It's common to feel this way from time to time, but if you're experiencing brain fog on a regular basis, it could be related to what you're eating or drinking.

In order to beat brain fog, there are some foods that you need to avoid. Find out what foods cause brain fog that may be preventing you from staying clear and gaining a competitive edge in life.

Boost your Mental Wellness: 12 Tips to Improve Your Mental Health

The start of every new year is a great time to set positive intentions focused on our overall wellness. Part of that includes something we often disregard or forget about; our mental wellness. And what better time to do this than during mental wellness month? Yes, January is mental wellness month and we’d all do well to focus a little (or a lot!) more on our own personal mental wellness. Many of us focus on the wellness of others and too often neglect the person that matters most - us! After all, we’re no good to anyone else if our own health, either physical or mental, suffers. If this resonates with you, I urge you to read on to discover some practical tips to help you improve your mental health and wellness.

Brain Health, Lifestyle, OtherKelly AielloJanuary 30, 2020Depression, Mental Health, Moody, Neuronutrition, Hacks, Health, Meditation, Lifestyle, NutritionistComment

Improving Brain Health Through the Gut

How does an unhappy gut equate to an unhappy brain? I’m sure you’ve heard of the gut-brain axis by now.

But just how closely linked is the health of our gut to the health of our brain? How can one affect the other? And, most importantly, how can we use the health of our gut to improve that of our brain?

Keep reading to find out!

How to Increase Blood Flow to the Brain: 10 Essential Tips

Having low blood flow to your brain can also hinder your ability to think and make good decisions. Read this week’s blog post to discover 10 essential tips on increasing blood flow to your brain and helping your mind stay sharp. Do you want to get your memory back or just improve your thinking? Boosting blood flow to your brain may help. Adequate blood flow can help you think more clearly and remember more, while low blood flow to the brain is actually the number one indicator a person will develop Alzheimer's disease.

Brain Health, Neuronutrition, Lifestyle, Other, Whole FoodsKelly AielloDecember 19, 2019Alzheimer's, Concussion, Dementia, Depression, Memory, Parkinson's, TBI, Antioxidant, EFA's, Omega-3, Whole Foods, Business, Students, Cravings, Performance, Sugar, Plant BasedComment

How to Get Better Sleep

Could our modern lifestyle be preventing us from getting the quality sleep we need?

We all know that getting quality sleep is important - I’m sure you’ve felt the ramifications of a poor night’s sleep the following day (or two).

Last week I shared why sleep is so important to our health and what happens when we sleep. If you missed it, check it out here.

This week, read on to discover the health benefits of quality sleep and what you can do to get a better night’s rest.

Brain Health, Conditions, Neuronutrition, Lifestyle, OtherKelly AielloDecember 5, 2019Memory, Fatigue, Heart Health, Inflammation, Antioxidant, Carbohydrates, EFA's, Minerals, Omega-3, Protein, Spices, Vitamins, Vitamin C, Whole Foods, Zinc, Family, Hacks, Health, Sleep, Students, LifestyleComment

The Science of Sleep: What Happens When We Sleep?

The Science of Sleep: What Happens when we Sleep?

How many hours of sleep do you typically get each night? Do you wake feeling rested?

Sleep accounts for up to 33% of our lives. We know it’s important and feel the ramifications when we don’t get enough. But what exactly happens when we sleep? And how does our sleep affect both our physical and mental health?

Read this week’s post to find out!

Brain Health, Conditions, Neuronutrition, Lifestyle, OtherKelly AielloNovember 28, 2019Memory, Fatigue, Heart Health, Inflammation, Antioxidant, Carbohydrates, EFA's, Minerals, Omega-3, Protein, Spices, Vitamins, Vitamin C, Whole Foods, Zinc, Family, Hacks, Health, Sleep, Students, LifestyleComment

Antioxidants: Foods vs. Supplements

Regular readers of mine may have seen me use the term “antioxidants” from time to time but do you know what they are and why they are important?

I figured it was time to address the buzzword of antioxidants. It's been quite popular in the media and online lately, and I want to make sure that you get the right information where antioxidants are concerned.

Yes, antioxidants are super-healthy. And yes, we should be eating foods full of them. But, when it comes to supplements, the evidence is not so great.

Read this week’s post to discover the science and health benefits of antioxidant foods and supplements, as well as which delicious foods contain them.

Brain Health, Conditions, Neuronutrition, Other, Whole FoodsKelly AielloNovember 21, 2019Brain-Healthy Diet, Cancer, Heart Health, Inflammation, Antioxidant, Vitamins, Vitamin C, Whole Foods, Coffee, Avocados, BlueberriesComment

The Psychology Behind a Sweet Tooth

Do you crave sugary treats or have a sweet tooth?

Did you know that behind every ravenous sweet tooth is a scientific and psychological reason as to why your body may be craving sugar?

Moreover, the reasons behind your cravings help determine how you can combat it.

If you find yourself craving sugar throughout the day, you're not alone. There are biological reasons why we, as humans, want sugar. Yes, it tastes good, but there's more to this story.

Read this week’s blog post to explore more of the 'why' you have a sweet tooth and how to remedy it.

Brain Health, Conditions, Neuronutrition, Lifestyle, Other, Whole FoodsKelly AielloNovember 14, 2019Brain-Healthy Diet, Depression, Mental Health, Moody, Blood Sugar, Carbohydrates, Protein, Zinc, Meal Plans, Serotonin, Addiction, Cravings, Detox, Sugar, Sugar-free, VeganComment

Feeding the Autistic Brain

Welcome to my new series highlighting nutritional guidelines for specific conditions.

We all know that certain foods are better for us than others, but when dealing with a learning disability, neurological disorder, mental health issue, or other condition, consuming the right foods while avoiding certain others can have a huge impact on outcome.

This week, we start with autism and what to feed the autistic brain. Read on to discover some do’s and don’ts when feeding autism and why certain foods can have a huge impact on daily life.

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The Science of Sleep: What Happens when we Sleep?