Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pt.1: Exploring the connection between IBS and the brain
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions of people across the world. Traditional treatments for the uncomfortable symptoms it presents have often focused on a diet-based approach. However, increasing amounts of research reveal that the gut-brain axis plays an important part in the disorder. In the next few posts, we’ll be looking into the brain-IBS link, talking about the microbiome, and delving deep into how stress and emotions play their part.
How Rock and Pop Music Help Us Discover Ourselves
In this series on the incredible impact of music on the brain, we’ve learned that it has a myriad of benefits for improved cognitive function as a whole. In today’s post, we zone in on some of the specifically exciting features of rock and pop music that help us to form our own identity, connect with others, process our feelings, and boost our brains to full capacity.
Get Jazzy: The Surprising Cognitive Effects of Jazz Music
So far in this series, we’ve found out that mixing up your playlist can be of great benefit to your brain. In today’s post, we’ll be shining a light on the impressive benefits that jazz music can have on our brain health, our imagination, our mental state, and even within a therapeutic setting.
The Importance of Empathy for Mental Health
Did you know that promoting empathy within both individuals and communities can result in better mental health outcomes? Last time, we dived into the intricate workings of the neural circuits and brain regions that make up our capacity for compassion. Today, we’re touching on just how fundamental empathy is when it comes to good mental health and a happier society.
Understanding Where Empathy Comes from in the Brain
When we see others suffering, whether it be on a small or large scale, it can sometimes feel like it’s happening to us. Some of us might even define colloquially ourselves as “empaths”. But what does it mean? And where does it come from?
Well, empathy is a complex aspect of human psychology that is underpinned by intricate brain mechanisms. In the next couple of posts, we’ll be breaking down the neurological basis of empathy into bitesize chunks.
Add This One Thing to Your Morning Coffee for a Powerful Brain Boost
Looking for one simple thing you can add to your daily routine today to improve your brain health? Then this blog post is for you. Today, we’re revealing a simple supplement that has become increasingly popular due to its ability to reduce anxiety and stress, protect the brain from inflammation, and improve cognitive function.
And there’s a bonus: paired with your precious cup of coffee, it has an even more powerful effect.
The Science of Scent Part 2: Aromatherapy and Cognitive Function
Last time, we discussed how the healing power of aromatherapy can benefit our psychological health, helping us to feel better, sleep better, and stress less. But there’s more! Various therapeutic plant-derived essential oils can also positively impact our memory function and our overall cognitive health. So, let’s find out more.
Harnessing Plant Power for Mental Well-being
Today’s blog post is a scientific exploration into the wonderful world of aromatherapy. We’ll be looking into how one of your key five senses, scent, can be used to enhance your moods, reduce your anxiety levels, and provide a welcome relief from the day-to-day stressors of modern life.
VR Therapy: A New Frontier in Mental Health Treatment
Last week we spoke about the exciting potential virtual reality technology has to transform our cognitive abilities and help the brain rebuild from a range of neurological injuries and disorders. Today, we’re taking it a step further and revealing just how broad the application of VR can go in treating an array of mental health conditions.
Uncovering the Complex Connection Between Allergies and Brain Health
If you’ve ever experienced an allergic reaction, you’ll know it’s not a pleasant experience. They occur due to an immune system response to a whole range of substances in our environment. This blog post explores the surprising link between allergies and cognitive function and discusses the implications of that connection on our brain health.
The Hidden Healing Power of Journaling
Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the modern era, we embark upon a wealth of experiences and face numerous challenges that lead to a wide range of emotional states. Processing these thoughts and encounters in a healthy way is key to maintaining optimal brain health and mental wellness. One way we can do this is by recording our thoughts textually. And that’s why today, we’re looking into the therapeutic powers of journaling.
The Power of Art: How Art Therapy Promotes Better Brain Health
Last time we spoke about how the brain responds to creating and viewing art. We learned about the complex cognitive processes involved in engaging with the creative process, and touched on how it can promote better emotional well-being. Today, we’re going to dive deeper into how art as therapy can have a profound impact on the brain and on individuals facing a range of mental and emotional challenges.
The Brain’s Response to Art: The Basics
Art is all around us, serving as a fundamental form of expression, helping humans to reflect, explore, and communicate. Not only does art in all its many forms serve as an excellent and aesthetically pleasing element of our lives, but it also has a profound impact on the human brain. Today, we’re going to look into how art shapes our cognition and how engaging with art and the artistic process can affect our brain function, emotions, and overall cognitive health.
Red Dye 40: How do Artificial Food Dyes Impact the Brain?
Today, we’re focusing on the use of artificial dyes in our food and drink and exploring the impact that they have on our brain health. Specifically, we’ll be paying attention to Red Dye 40, a widely used additive that has been cited as a potential risk factor for allergies, migraines, and the worsening of conditions such as ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Cultivating a Healthy Brain: The Psychological Benefits of Gardening
Gardening. It helps produce flourishing flowers and can even keep us fed with home-grown produce. But did you know that it can also do brilliant things for your brain? In this post, we’re going to delve in to the incredible psychological influence that gardening has, exploring how this simple activity can profoundly impact both our mental well-being and our cognitive health.
The Science of Willpower Part 2: Strengthening the Mind’s Resolve
In our last post, we made sense of the complex science of willpower, and today we’re going to expand on that understanding with some real-life tips. We’ll be providing you with a whole host of evidence-based ways to harness and strengthen your willpower, so keep reading!
The Science of Willpower Part 1: The Self-Regulating Brain
Willpower is a fundamental aspect of human behavior, yet one which we seldom investigate. That’s why today, we’re delving into where self-control comes from in the brain, and how exactly it works on a physiological level.
How Your Brain Changes with the Seasons
Whether we like it or not, the weather has a profound impact on many aspects of our everyday lives. Alterations in conditions can evoke a variety of psychological and physiological responses because, as humans, we are inherently connected to our environment.
How Alcohol Shrinks Your Brain
Alcohol consumption has been ingrained in society for millennia, present within many cultural traditions and acting as a common social lubricant. However, the negative health consequences of both regular and excessive intake are undeniable. In this post, we’re detailing the effect that alcohol has on the brain in the immediate, and across a prolonged period.
The Brain of a Smoker
We’re all well aware by now of the dangers of smoking when it comes to respiratory and cardiovascular health. However, it also has a profoundly negative impact on the body as a whole, including the health and proper functioning of the brain. Today, we’re going to shed light on what occurs within the brain of a smoker and provide yet more reasons to never take it up, or to kick that habit for good.