Newer light sources including LED's and screens of digital devices give out light that does not contain the entire spectrum of colour. The infra red component is missing from the spectrum. This may potentially cause a couple of problems in the long term. Infrared appears to prime the retina for healing and regeneration. Light void of this infrared may therefore put you at increased risk of early degeneration of the retina and macula. Your mitochondria require this near infrared component of light to produce energy. Mitochondria are really important in energy production as well as healthy ageing. The blue light that remains is known to hamper the production of melatonin much more than any other frequency of light. Melatonin controls your circadian rhythms (your sleep / wake cycles) and is also the precursor to serotonin (the happy hormone). If you can not produce optimal amounts of melatonin, your body clock is likely to suffer and you put yourself at increased risk of depression. Also worth noting is that many studies have linked exposure to light at night with increased risk of prostate and breast cancer, diabetes, obesity and heart disease. This article by Dr Mercola provides a much more in depth look into the LED issue and provides some ideas for alternatives. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/10/23/near-infrared-led-lighting.aspx Personally I'm all for energy efficiency but it is definitely worth considering the effects some of this new technology may have on our health over the longer term. ~ Bel
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Science now tells us that the brain can produce new brain cells in a process known as neurogenesis. Did you know that you have quite the opportunity to influence this process of growing new neural cells? What can you do to enhance neurogenesis? Sleep A good 6-8 hours every night. During sleep is when your brain removes waste products which is imperative for the formation of new brain cells. Exercise Running or high intensity interval training (HIIT) in particular increases the blood supply to your brain, increases the amount of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line - derived trophic factor (GDNF) and helps the body produce more testosterone. BDNF and GDNF are essential for growing new brain cells and testosterone is also very beneficial for new neural cells. Diet High quality fats particularly DHA from fatty fish, nuts and seeds are necessary to build and protect new brain cells. Calorie restriction has been linked to an increase in BDNF and an improvement in memory function and intermittent fasting has also been linked to increased neurogenesis. Foods containing flavonoid compounds like chocolate, red wine, blueberries and green tea are also good for neurogenesis. Sunlight Even 10 minutes of direct sunlight each day increases serotonin and GDNF levels in the brain both of which are important in brain cell production. Sex It increases our feel good neurotransmitters which increase neurogenesis. So there are some nice easy tips and tricks to help you grow fresh new brain cells - more reason to do the things we already know to be good for us.
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BelindaGiving you my honest opinion on all things health related. Keeping it real and from the heart. Archives
November 2019
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