health front

yoga for the brain

Yoga “actually makes your brain work better,” according to the Harvard Medical School newsletter HealthBeat. That’s because the practice spurs new connections among brain cells, leading to improvements in brain structure and function—and improved cognition.

“Yoga strengthens parts of the brain that play a key role in memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language,” HealthBeat reported. “Think of it as weightlifting for the brain.” The authors noted that yoga has been shown to improve reasoning, decision making, memory, learning, and other executive functions.

SOURCE “Yoga for better mental health,” Harvard Medical School HealthBeat, 7/23/22

vitamin D shows promise for depression

A new meta-analysis found that vitamin D may have potential for helping to treat depression. Researchers analyzed results from 41 studies from around the world and concluded that supplemental vitamin D had a positive effect on symptoms of depression. “Future research should investigate possible benefits of augmenting standard treatments with vitamin D in clinical depression,” they wrote.

Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines; egg yolks; mushrooms; and D-fortified milks, orange juice, and cereals.

SOURCES “The effect of vitamin D

supplementation on depressive symptoms in adults: A systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials”

by T. Mikola et al., Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 7/11/22 • “Vitamin

D supplementation seems to alleviate

depressive symptoms in adults,” University of Eastern Finland, 8/12/22

protect your hearing

Hearing loss affects some 13 percent of adults over the age of 18, according to the National Interview Health Survey, and that figure doubles for people aged 65 and older.

Sometimes mistaken for dementia (and in the very young, for autism), hearing loss in adults has many causes, including the effects of aging on the ear; hypertension (high blood pressure); ear damage from loud noise, illness, or infection; some prescription medications; and inherited disorders.

It may be from years on the job in a loud environment or a one-evening blast of noise at a rock concert. Either way, once the tiny fibers in your ear become damaged, hearing loss results—and it’s permanent.

Whatever your age, there are actions you can take to protect your hearing. The audiology team at Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends these tips: n Have your hearing tested, so you have a baseline to work with later in life. n Wear protective gear (earplugs, noise-abating headphones) when you’re in a noisy environment. n Monitor the volume levels of your devices (TV, radio, smart phone, etc.). Turn the volume of your TV, for example, to the point where you don’t have to strain to hear a program—but not so high that you can hear it from another room.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a new rule designed to “improve access to safe, effective, and affordable hearing aids for millions of Americans,” according to an agency news release. It noted that consumers 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing impairment will be able to buy hearing aids “from stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription or a fitting adjustment by an audiologist.”

The rule for over-the-counter hearing aids went into effect in mid-October 2022, and consumers should begin to see them more often in retail and online outlets.

—Nan Fornal

SELECTED SOURCES “4 ways to protect your hearing”; “Types of hearing loss,” Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.HopkinsMedicine.com • “Autism, auditory processing disorder and your child’s hearing health” by D. Clason, www.HealthyHearing.com, 7/24/19 • “FDA finalizes historic

rule enabling access to over-the-counter hearing aids for millions of

Americans,” US Food and Drug Administration, www.FDA.gov, 8/16/22 • “Hearing difficulties among adults: United States, 2019” by J.H. Madans et al.; “Listen up! Protect your hearing,” US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.CDC.gov • “Hearing loss and dementia: How are they related?” by T. Ehrenfeld, www.HealthyHearing.com, 8/3/21

Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Body Lotion

Enjoy ultra-rich, deep nourishment for skin that craves intensive moisture. This creamy formula with essential fatty acids and pure plant extracts immediately comforts dry skin, absorbing to a non-greasy finish. Made with viola tricolor, chamomile, and calendula extracts. It immediately leaves skin feeling nourished and comforted with a silky feel.

Smuthe MyEnergy Drink Boost

Take advantage of a better source of caffeine with this boost. Hand-picked and sourced from farms certified by the Rainforest Alliance, this premium source of energy contains the entire coffee berry giving you the antioxidant power other caffeine sources skip! This boost can help support cognitive and exercise performance, increase antioxidant activity, and increase functional energy.*

UpCircle Face Serum with Coffee Oil

This effective organic face serum is formulated with caffeine and vitamin C to nourish, hydrate, and protect. Rich in vitamin C, antioxidant-rich coffee, and rosehip oils it helps fade dark spots and scars while brightening the complexion. This serum is 100% oil based and works by locking in hydration and forming a protective seal over skin.

Remedy Kombucha

Remedy offers the original no sugar and no alcohol kombucha. Each brew contains a gut loving blend of live, active cultures with organic acids and antioxidants. These small batch, long-age brewed kombuchas can live in or out of the refrigerator. Only 5 calories per can. Available in fresh, fruity flavors.

Natural Vitality Calm Mind Honey Vanilla

Relax and recharge with this honey vanilla flavored powder drink mix.* Supplies 200 mg each of magnesium and L-theanine for stress relief.* Just stir with water, let fizz, and drink to support a sense of calm.*

Enzymedica Made with Organic D3 + Vitamin K2

This organic vitamin D3 is derived from 100% plant-based sustainable algae.* Vitamin D supports immune and bone health.* D3 is combined with K2 to promote bone strength, helping with proper calcium absorption.* Supplies 5000 IU D3 and 90 mcg K2 MK-7, plus shiitake mushroom and prebiotic fiber.

Nordic Naturals Hair & Skin Gummy Chews

These delicious, zero-sugar gummy chews are made with research-backed borage oil and biotin for healthy hair and skin.* GLA from borage oil promotes a healthy balance of fats in the skin, and biotin helps support healthy skin and hair growth.* These chews have a refreshing strawberry lemonade flavor with no added sugar.

Peppermint Spirits Hot Chocolate

Recipe courtesy Herb Pharm Mint and chocolate are a classic winter combination, the perfect sip after playing in the snow. This lightly sweetened hot chocolate is pungent and highly aromatic, thanks to Peppermint Spirits, a proprietary blend of Peppermint leaf extract and essential oil. Each serving yields about 6 ounces.

INGREDIENTS:

¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) 1 Tbsp unsweetened cacao or dark cocoa powder 2 tsp pure maple syrup Dash salt 0.7 ml Herb Pharm Peppermint Spirits†

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 In a small pan over low heat, whisk together the milk, cacao or cocoa powder, maple syrup, and salt. Bring it just to a simmer, then immediately remove from heat. Do not let it boil. 2 Pour into a mug. Add 1 full squeeze of the dropper bulb of Peppermint Spirits and stir well to combine. 3 Serve immediately.

TIPS: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to taste. If your milk is sweetened, reduce the amount of maple syrup. Serve with a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top, if desired.

†One full squeeze of the dropper equals 0.7 ml; it provides approximately 1 serving of Peppermint Spirits.

Brain & Body Golden Milk Latte

Recipe & photo courtesy Host Defense Mushrooms MycoBotanicals® Brain & Body Powder has Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushroom mycelium, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper. Combine it with your favorite milk to make a warm and fragrant latte. Add extra spices, sweeteners, and coconut oil for an evening treat!

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups Almond Milk 2 tsp Host Defense® Brain & Body Powder ¼ tsp ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp coconut oil 2 tsp pure maple syrup 8 whole peppercorns 2 star anise

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 Pour all ingredients into a medium-sized saucepan, set aside one star anise. 2 Heat mixture over medium/high heat, whisking briskly. Do not boil. 3 Strain liquid to remove peppercorns and star anise, and pour into two mugs. Add star anise and cinnamon for garnish if desired. Enjoy!