Meet your new best friend – your vagus nerve.
Through simple biohacks, we can use our bodies to affect our mood, focus, and productivity.
In this video, naturopathic physician Dr. Erica Zelfand introduces the vagus nerve – a nerve that travels from the head to the throat, heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive tract, and even our sex organs. In each of these locations on its way through our body, it plays an important role in balancing the fight-or-flight and rest-and-digest branches of the autonomic nervous system. She then introduces the concepts of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and polyvagal theory in a fun and easy-to-follow way. Dr. Zelfand also offers guidelines on how to use body-based activities like diaphragmatic breathing, laughter, alcohol cessation, and forest bathing to cultivate a calmer, happier, more focused version of yourself.
Vitamin C for Mood and Addiction
How ascorbic acid soothes the brain Beyond immune support Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is best known for its immune-enhancing effects – from reducing the severity and duration of the common cold,[1] to supporting the health of individuals with HIV/AIDS,[2] to reducing the histamine response seen in allergies and asthma,[3],[4],[5] to even potentially reducing the…
From Childhood to the Elderly: Evidence for Melatonin
An array of clinical research shows the safety and efficacy of melatonin in healthy and compromised populations Many a time in life when the stress hormones are flying, we also have the unfortunate experience of struggling to sleep. The experience of insomnia is not uncommon, with about one-third to two-thirds of adults experiencing insomnia…
Ways to Ease Inflammation and Depression
Smart lifestyle choices for a happy brain and healthy mood In last week’s post we explored the ways in which inflammation can cause depression. The science shows that we cannot blame genetics alone for depression. That’s a good thing: it means there is a lot we can do to heal our brains. Here are…
