An estimated 6.4 million American children ages 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The first line treatment for ADHD is often medication, which comes with a whole host of serious side effects, including sleep problems, decreased appetite, weight loss, irritability and even psychosis. Fortunately, there are a variety of other non-medication [...]
There's fresh evidence that eating a healthy diet, one that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and limits highly processed foods, can help reduce symptoms of depression. A randomized controlled trial published in the journal PLOS ONE finds that symptoms of depression dropped significantly among a group of young adults after they followed a Mediterranean-style [...]
From EducateInspireChange.org: Clinical psychologist, Julia Rucklidge, delivers an enlightening TED talk on the importance of nutrition and its role in mental health. Julia reminds us of a time when Dr. Semmelweis was ridiculed and dismissed for suggesting that doctors wash their hands before touching pregnant women. She compares the radical reaction that doctors had then, [...]
Major depressive disorder is estimated by the WHO to affect more than 300 million people globally, making depression the leading cause of disability worldwide. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression. However, the list of possible short-term and long-term side effects of antidepressant medication is long. Patients who try to stop taking antidepressant medications frequently encounter [...]
As a huge believer and personal witness to the power of psychedelics and the role they can play in healing mental health issues, I am thrilled that Johns Hopkins will be opening a new center for psychedelic research. It's about time! From the NY Times: Since childhood, Rachael Petersen had lived with an unexplainable sense [...]
Most people know that soda is not a nutritious beverage and can cause weight gain and other health problems. However, a recent study published in JAMA has now linked all types of soda (regular and diet) to early death. Researchers found that participants who drank two or more glasses of soft drinks per day had [...]
Meditation and yoga have been practiced by humans for thousands of years. The physical and mental benefits of both are well documented and include the reduction of anxiety, depression and stress. A study published in the journal Brain Imaging and Behavior used MRIs to measure brain structures in participants who practiced meditation and yoga. They [...]
Matcha is a finely ground green powder that comes from green tea leaves. It has been used for more than 800 years in Japanese tea ceremonies and is also used to flavor many different foods including mochi and lattes. Matcha is packed with antioxidants and has been found to have many health benefits, including: Boosting [...]
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis. It has gained a lot of popularity recently as it's been reported to be a safe, non-addictive substance that could potentially treat a wide range of illnesses, including pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, cancer, glaucoma, acne, epilepsy, MS, ALS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, blood pressure, [...]
According to the CDC, 11% of all children in the U.S. aged 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD. In addition, 4.4% of U.S. adults are reported to have ADHD. One of the primary treatments for ADHD and ADD has been Ritalin (methylphenidate), which is a powerful stimulant that can cause many side effects, [...]
