By: @KaylaBarnesยSince the beginning of time, we have tried to find ways that alcohol could be a part of a healthy diet. As a certified brain health coach, I hate to be the one to say this, but alcohol is not health-promoting. Although alcohol contains a beneficial compound, called resveratrol, you would have to consume a very unhealthy amount of red wine to receive an adequate amount of it. Where instead, you canย just take a supplement of resveratrol.ย Now, let's talk about what alcohol actually does to the brain. For starters, alcohol can significantly reduce blood flow to the brain. When we have proper blood flow, we optimize our oxygen and nutrient delivery. We also optimize our brain's glymphatic system (ie. cellular waste removal system) that is most active at night. How do we confirm that alcohol reduces blood flow to the brain? As a certified brain health coach, I review and analyze SPECT scans (ie. brain scans) that show blood flow, and two of the biggest culprits in reducing blood flow to the brain are alcohol and THC. Alcohol also reduces the quality of our sleep. Sleep is essential to brain health. During sleep, we store memories, and our brain's cellular clean-up occurs, which is crucial for clearing out โplaquesโ that can lead to neurodegenerative disorders later on. If we decrease the quality of our sleep with alcohol consumption, our brains will suffer. Many think that alcohol helps them sleep. Alcohol can help you initially fall asleep, but it will disrupt your deep stages of sleep (ie. deep and REM) and keep your brain from achieving the restoration it needs.ย Research also suggests that long-term alcohol consumption of more than one drink per day can lead to neurodegeneration, ranging from poor message signaling to full-on cell death. Alcohol can also cause damage to the blood-brain barrier, making it more permeable.ย So, do we have to cut out alcohol completely? Well, that depends. If you want to go by the book for health optimization, I recommend cutting it out entirely or significantly reducing your consumption. The good news is that if we primarily practice brain-healthy habits, we can enjoy a glass of wine or two now and then with significantly less impact than if we are not leading a brain-healthy lifestyle. In the case that you do choose to partake in alcohol consumption from time to time, I recommend organic and biodynamic red wine, which will ensure that your libation is free from toxic coloring and additives that are often used in conventional wines. I recommend skipping hard liquor and beer altogether. |
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The Wellness Club
Reducing Inflammation Through Exercise
By @coreflexpilates founder @chrisbardawil Joint pain after exercise, headaches or brain fog after a bad night's sleep, and digestive distress after eating are all symptoms of systemic inflammation. While there are many articles and discussions about various foods and diets to reduce inflammation, little attention is paid to reducing inflammation through exercise. Inflammation in itself isn't a bad thing....
Stomach Acid: the Key to Digestion and Glowing Skin
By: @drmelissa.co The purpose of the human digestive system is to break down foods, absorb nutrients, and excrete waste; without this, humans would not be able to function. Stomach acid plays a key role in this process, allowing the body not only to survive but to thrive. After chewing, the food we eat travels to the stomach. The stomach churns and combines broken...
A Naturopathic Approach to Skin Health
Q&A with Dr. Laura Belus 1) Tell us a bit about yourselfย ย I am a practising naturopathic doctor in Mississauga Canada. My focus is on hormonal health, specifically when it comes to acne, PMS and fertility. My own journey...
Creating a Self-Care Routine for Busy Professionals
By: @ericabassotherapy If youโre a high-achieving woman, you likely relate to juggling multiple responsibilities, from demanding careers to personal commitments. When we are overwhelmed, itโs easy to believe the limiting stories we tell ourselves about not having enough time. We must willingly embrace a different narrative: that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Incorporating self-care into your daily routine is...
Restrictive Diets: The Hidden Costs on your Gut, Mind, and Immune System
By: @drmelissa.co โRestrictive dietโ is an umbrella term that encompasses changes to how, when and what one eats. To some, avoiding junk food is considered restrictive; to others, a restrictive diet may be as extreme as consuming food from only one food group or strictly avoiding others. Regardless, the ultimate question is, when do restrictive diets help and when do they harm?
Vitamin Sea: 5 Mind, Body, and Beauty Benefits of Ocean Water
By: @emma.walsh Author Isak Dinesen famously said, "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." We all know that staying activeย and releasing emotionsย isย vital for our healthโand as someone who grew up on the coast going to the beach year round, I also believe...
Intermittent Fasting: Is It Right for You?
By @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil Over the past few years intermittent fasting has become the golden child of the wellness community all due to the miraculous effects it can have on your health.ย ย Intermittent fasting is avoiding eating or drinking...
Skinimalism: A New Trend in Dermatology?
A Note from a Dermatologist: @dermahealthnutrition The world of aesthetic dermatology is experiencing a refreshing shift towards a trend known as "skinimalism" (Skin + Minimalism). This movement is a response to the overwhelming abundance of skincare products and complex routines that have dominated the beauty industry in recent years. At its core, skinimalism advocates a minimalist approach...
Burnt out? Here Are the Signs and Road to Recovery
By: @ericabassotherapyย Many of us are busier than ever before. We juggle demanding careers, personal responsibilities, and social obligations to name a few, and if youโre a high-achiever this list may never seem to end. Burnout is a growing concern today due...
How Alcohol Effects Your Gut
By: Megan Tomlin @gooodmoodfoood By now, almost everyone knows that alcohol is not the healthiest thing for our minds and bodies. But what do we know about the effect that alcohol has on our gut microbiome health? Before I answer this, there are a few terms I want to define for...
The Unseen Mental Health Challenges High Achievers Face
ย By: @ericabassotherapy It's hopeful to see how much society has progressed in embracing mental health discussions. But as a mental health provider, I still notice gaps in our understanding of accurate mental health information. We can all get better at recognizing signs of mental health struggles and feeling empowered to seek support when needed. As a licensed...
The Importance of Skin pH for a Clear, Healthy Complexion
By: @drmelissa.co The concept of the skin barrier has become a part of many skincare aficionadoโs vocabulary, but what does it really mean?ย It is important to remember...