Posts in Lifestyle

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

Hyperbaric Oxygen: What it is & What it Can Do For You

Have you ever heard the term HBOT or hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

If you are a diver or pilot, you’re probably aware of this therapy and may have even experienced it yourself.

But did you know that introducing oxygen into your body can help reduce inflammation and stimulate your body’s natural healing processes?

This week I had the great pleasure to sit down with colleague and friend Ken Cassidy to discuss all things oxygen! Ken and I both work at Radiant Life Naturopathic Centre in Kamloops, British Columbia, where he recently brought in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber. It is the first of its kind in British Columbia’s interior region.

If you’re wondering what that is, what it can be used for, and how it may be able to help you, keep reading!

Brain Health, Conditions, LifestyleKelly AielloApril 15, 2021Parkinson's, TBI, Diabetes, Inflammation, HBOTComment

What Stops People Living Their Best Life?

Are you living your best life?

You only get one life in this world. While this is straightforward to understand in theory, it doesn’t necessarily make living life to the fullest any easier.

The truth is that there are any number of reasons why a person might not live their best life.

But the good news is that, in this day and age, there’s nearly always something that can be done to nudge a person in the right direction. In this blog, we’re going to look at some of the most common reasons that hold people back and offer some advice on what can be done to overcome them.

Brain Health, LifestyleKelly AielloApril 8, 2021Mental Health, Health, Mindset, self-esteemComment

Do Coffee Drinkers Live Longer?

Are you a coffee drinker?

Have you ever wondered if coffee is good for you - or have you been thinking about giving it up to benefit your health?

Well, before you throw in the towel as far as coffee is concerned, be sure you read this week’s guest post to discover the health benefits of coffee, if it’s good for you, and if it may just lengthen your life!

Yes - coffee is many people’s choice of morning beverage. However, did you know that it might just help prolong your lifespan? Find out more here!

Brain Health, Conditions, Lifestyle, NeuronutritionKelly AielloApril 1, 2021Neurofatigue, TBI, FatigueComment

Living With Neurofatigue: 6 Common Complaints and Solutions

Neurofatigue can be a direct result of a brain injury or neurological disease. Dealing with the consequences can be difficult, but there are solutions that help.

In our continued efforts to educate about brain injuries and the consequences that often come with it, this week, we’ll introduce you to neurofatigue, common complaints associated with it, and solutions that may help.

Brain Health, Conditions, Lifestyle, NeuronutritionKelly AielloMarch 18, 2021Neurofatigue, TBI, FatigueComment

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

Stress, Hormones, and Your Skin: The Surprising Connection

Are you an adult who still deals with the embarrassing effects of acne?

Have you ever wondered what was triggering your unsightly breakouts?

Have you ever noticed acne tends to appear when your stress levels run high?

If so, you may not be imagining things. In fact, you may not even be surprised to hear that our skin’s health is a reflection of what’s happening under the surface; in terms of gut health, stress levels, and hormones.

Eczema can be a manifestation of food intolerances.

Rashes can indicate an over-reactive immune system.

And acne can mean your hormones are out of whack.

What can cause our hormone levels to change? Many things - including stress. This week, we’ll dive into how stress and hormone levels can affect our skin, specifically in terms of acne.

Then we’ll give you some tips about what you can do about it.

Conditions, Lifestyle, Digestive HealthKelly AielloJanuary 21, 2021Inflammation, Food Sensitivities, Hacks, Stress, Students, AcneComment

An Ode to The Good Doctor

Sometimes being a HappiHuman means we must go through some grief - as I am going though right now.

So if you’ll oblige me, I’d like to share my candid thoughts from a journal entry I wrote about my beloved Berkeley boy - my first dog who was much, much more than that.

My intention in sharing these private moments is not to make you sad or cry or conjure up hurtful memories of your own. Rather, my intention is to open my heart in the hopes that others will open theirs.

We must remember that love is the foundation upon which all of humanity stands. And with all the craziness and challenges humanity has faced this past year, I think we could all use this reminder - especially around the holidays.

Lifestyle, OtherKelly AielloDecember 17, 2020Health, PetsComment

More Crucial Brain Foods your Child Needs

Your child’s brain requires certain nutrients at the right stages of life to help them develop properly.

In our most recent post, we introduced you to six nutrients that are crucial to the growth and development of your child’s brain. Because the brain health of our kids is so crucial, this week, we’d like to continue exploring a few more.

As we did with the last blog, we will include some foods in which these nutrients can be found and what benefits they provide. Then we’ll offer up some power foods that contain several of the key nutrients your child’s brain needs.

I get that it can be hard to feed a child - especially if they happen to be picky or only want to eat certain foods or textures. Hopefully, this list of power foods is the exact tool you need!

Brain Health, Lifestyle, NeuronutritionKelly AielloNovember 26, 2020Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Whole Foods, Family, Hacks, Health, Kids, School, StudentsComment

6 Crucial Brain Foods your Child Needs

Did you know that your child’s brain grows and changes exceptionally rapidly?

If you are a parent, you can attest to the fact that time flies by when it comes to your child’s growth and development. But what you may not realize is that your child requires certain nutrients and crucial brain foods at the right stages of life to help them develop properly.

In this blog, let’s explore a few nutrients that are crucial to the growth and development of your child’s brain, including the foods in which they can be found. Then be sure to check back next week to discover even more crucial nutrients that your child needs as well as some key foods that contain several of them.

Brain Health, Lifestyle, NeuronutritionKelly AielloNovember 12, 2020EFA's, Omega-3, Protein, Vitamins, Family, Hacks, Health, Kids, School, StudentsComment

Support Your Child’s Brain Health with the Right Supplements

Is your child a finicky eater?

Have you ever wondered if there was something you could to do to help your child learn and function better?

If so, you’ve come to the right place! This week, I’d like to share an article with you that I wrote for Nature’s Fare Markets. It appeared in the September/October edition of their magazine - The Good Life. Packed with important information about child’s brain health and development, I also wanted to share the article with you.

So keep reading to discover how you can help support your child’s brain health with the right supplements.

Brain Health, Conditions, Neuronutrition, Lifestyle, Whole Foods, Digestive HealthKelly AielloSeptember 17, 2020Memory, Moody, Neuronutrition, ADHD, Probiotics, Omega-3, Vitamin C, Hacks, Health, Kids, School, Students, Eggs, Grass-Fed BeefComment

Summer Salad with Blueberries and Goat Cheese Recipe

Are you looking to make the most out of what summer we have left?

Are you always on the hunt for a healthy (yet delicious) salad recipe to feed your family that also supports proper brain health?

Well, look no further than this summer salad recipe!

In fact, the recipe I have for you today is super delicious and nutritious! It uses several ingredients that have multiple health benefits - and when you combine them all together… well, let’s just say it doesn’t get much better than this!

Brain Health, Neuronutrition, Lifestyle, Lunch, Whole FoodsKelly AielloSeptember 10, 2020Brain-Healthy Diet, Antioxidant, Recipe, Salad, Blueberries, Gluten-free, Keto, Lectin-free, Paleo, Pegan, Plant Based, Sugar-free, VegetarianComment

Panic Attacks: What they are and how breathing can help - Part 2

Last week we discussed panic attacks - what they are and how various breathing techniques can help.

If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you know how frightening they can be and how beneficial it can be to breathe through it.

But did you know that there are also other things you can do to help? In fact, with the right know-how, you may even be able to stop a panic attack in its tracks!

So be sure to read this week’s blog to discover some actionable strategies you can take if you ever find yourself in the throes of one.

Conditions, LifestyleKelly AielloAugust 27, 2020Panic Attack, Stress, Mindfulness, BreathingComment

Panic Attacks: What they are and how breathing can help - Part 1

Have you ever experienced a panic attack?

If so, you are not alone. One in three Canadians will experience a panic attack at some point in their lives.

If you’ve experienced one, you know just how frightening they can be.

But did you know that there are certain things you can do just before or during a panic attack that may help? In fact, with the right know-now, you may even be able to stop one in its tracks!

Why is this important for you to know?

Conditions, LifestyleKelly AielloAugust 20, 2020Panic Attack, Stress, Mindfulness, BreathingComment

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