Naperville Brain-Based Therapy

You must watch this.  Everyone should be using high quality pure coconut oil for cooking. It contains many important components including MCT (medium chain triglycerides) which are a great source of energy, especially for the brain.

Even though coconut oil is a fat it acts more like a carbohydrate in that the body can easily convert the MCT’s into energy all without raising blood sugar. It’s really the best of both worlds from an energy perspective.

Click here to read the article and get more information.

An article in the J. Gen Intern Med Jan 27, 2012, stated that those who drank diet soft drink daily (vs. none) was associated with multiple vascular risk factors and increased risk for “vascular events.”  What’s a vascular event?  How about hardening of arteries, heart disease, high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels!

Funny thing is the study also stated that drinking regular soft drinks didn’t cause the same vascular and heart problems.  Of course there is the diabetis and many other issues associated with “regular” soft drink consumption.

You may ask yourself, “So what am I supposed to drink?”  How about good old fashion WATER!  You can even mildly flavor your water to keep your taste buds from rebelling.  Many of us our functionally dehydrated.

You may experience fatigue, body aches, and difficulty concentrating all because you need water.   Drink a big glass of water to get your day started and keep sipping all day long.  You’ll probably notice more energy and better mood.

Stay away from soft drinks (diet or regular) accept an occasional treat if you need.  Your mind and body will repay you with vibrant energy and health.
1. J Gen Intern Med. 2012 Jan 27.  Diet Soft Drink Consumption is Associated with an Increased Risk of Vascular.  Events in the Northern Manhattan Study.

Gardener H, Rundek T, Markert M, Wright CB, Elkind MS, Sacco RL.

 The Dana Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that supports brain research through grants and educates the public about the successes and potential of brain research.  Dana produces free publications; coordinates the International Brain Awareness Week campaign; supports the Dana Alliances, a network of neuroscientists; and maintains a Web site, www.dana.org.

I’m hoping to extend public understanding of how the brain works and how to preserve brain function as we age.

After studying the latest information and passing a test on gluten sensitivity and Celiac’s Disease; Dr. Serpe was confirmed as a Certified Gluten Practitioner.  As part of a national membership of physicians, Dr. Serpe is now equipped with a deep understanding of the latest research, testing methods and treatments for those with gluten sensitivity.

Your fish oil (omega-3 supplement) may not be everything it needs to be to help keep depression in check.  A new study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry confirms that EPA, not DHA is the effective component in omega-3 fatty acids in treating primary depression.

Not only is EPA the important component but the amounts matter, which is one of the reasons previous studies had conflicting outcomes.

So grab your omega-3 now and look at the label.  Here is what you’re looking for — 200 – 2,000 mg/d of EPA in excess of DHA.  To put that another way you want > 60% EPA to DHA in the product you’re taking.

The study also notes that the exact mechanism for lowering depression is not known yet and recommends additional study to determine the underlying process.

Bottom line:  Take a high quality fish oil that contains the ratios mentioned above.

Resource:  J Clin Psychiatry. 2011 Dec;72(12):1577-84.

I came across neat little gadget (yes, as a guy I love my tech toys) and thought I’d share my find with everyone.

This personal electronic blood pressure cuff pairs with your iPod, iPhone or iPad.  Personally, I love my iPhone and can really appreciate a useful medical device as a peripheral.  At least that’s the excuse I used with my wife when I purchased mine.

iHealth is the company that produces this very accurate BP cuff.  It quickly measures your BP/pulse and records the results on your device.  I’ve included the pros/cons, how to interpret blood pressure and risk factors for hypertension below.

In case you were wondering how to interpret your blood pressure numbers:

• Systolic is the upper (higher) number.  This is the pressure in the blood vessels when your heart contracts
• Diastolic is the bottom (lower) number (ie: 120/80).  This is the in the blood vessel when your heart is at rest.
  

  Category	systolic, mmHg	diastolic, mmHg
  Hypotension	< 100	< 60
  Desirable	100–119	60–79
  Prehypertension	120–139	or 80–89
  Stage 1 Hypertension	140–159	or 90–99
  Stage 2 Hypertension	160–179	or 100–119
  Hypertensive Crisis	? 180	or ? 120

Pros of the iHealth BP cuff:

1. Works right out of the box
2. Pairs easily with your device
3. Capable of setting up multiple users
4. Tracks your BP over time
5. Email the info to your physician
6. Great way to monitor your BP while on medications
7. May help those with “White Coat Syndrome” (a fear of having the doctor check your blood pressure, which creates anxiety and can elevated your BP).  Routinely monitoring BP in the comfort of your home can allow you to become comfortable with having your blood pressure measured.

Cons of the iHealth BP cuff:

1. It’s a bit pricey $99.96 at Walmart compared to other personal blood pressure cuffs that can range from ~$25 – $80.  I think the ability to track and email the data outweigh the additional cost.
2. You need to own one of the aforementioned Apple products to interface with the BP cuff.

Who should be checking their blood pressure and how often?  Blood pressure is routinely checked when visiting a doctor as part of gathering your vitals (pulse, breathing rate, temperature, height, weight).  It’s a good idea to have your blood pressure monitored on a yearly basis throughout the course of life but more frequently if you have risks factors for or confirmed hypertension.

Risk factors can be obesity, family history, personal past medical history, high salt diet, age, race, being physically inactive, tobacco use, drinking too much alcohol, low potassium and vitamin D levels, stress and certain medical conditions.

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because very few, if any, symptoms occur as blood pressure increases.  Flushed (red face), headaches and fatigue might be the only signs of elevated blood pressure.

Be mindful that low blood pressure can be an issue as well.  Too much of a good thing includes blood pressure that is below 100/60.  You may feel faint upon standing if your BP is too low.  You also run the risk of a condition known as “hypoperfusion.”  Not getting enough oxygen to peripheral tissues and the brain can be an issue.

Remember, nerves (neurons) need activation (use), good levels of blood sugar and OXYGEN in order to survive.  Having low blood pressure can be a factor that makes it difficult for nerves to function and stay healthy.

February is heart health month.  This might be just what your heart needs to stay happy and healthy.

In case you were wondering…Yes, it’s that important.

Check out this link to find out.   http://www.glutenfreedrugs.com/

Wish they would have called the site glutenfreemeds.com but ignore the name and use the good information.