Things Worth Noting
The gut-brain axis shows that gut bacteria produce most of the body’s serotonin and other neurotransmitters that shape mood, emotions, and even our sense of self and comfort. This means digestion and the gut microbiome play a major role in mental health—poor gut health is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other disorders. […]
Junk food and ultra-processed foods wreak havoc on brain health by triggering neuroinflammation, dulling dopamine receptors, and weakening the hippocampus. High in sugars, fats, and salts, these foods spark brain inflammation through overactive immune cells, disrupt the gut-brain axis, and raise risks of brain fog, anxiety, and cognitive decline. They hijack the reward system, causing […]
High-conflict homes with chronic yelling, family violence, emotional or physical abuse create ongoing stress for children, reshaping their developing brains. This early adversity heightens activity in the amygdala and anterior insula—key areas for threat detection—producing patterns similar to those seen in combat veterans. Children become hypervigilant, staying in a constant state of hyperarousal that raises […]
In Chicago, on November 17, 2025, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, a man with 72 prior arrests and a history of schizophrenia, allegedly doused 26-year-old Bethany MaGee with gasoline and set her on fire aboard a CTA Blue Line train at Clark and Lake station, shouting “burn alive.” The unprovoked attack caused severe burns to over 60% […]
Poor posture from slouching, forward head posture, and rounded shoulders is common in our screen-heavy world, but it seriously impacts brain health and mental well-being. It restricts breathing and oxygen flow to the brain, triggers stress hormones, and shifts the nervous system into fight-or-flight mode, leading to increased gamma brain waves linked to stress. This […]
Worry is a mental habit driven by fear, stress, and autopilot thinking, but it can be changed. The key is learning to separate productive worry (problem-solving) from unproductive worry (rumination). Clinically proven approaches show that the brain can be rewired through awareness, repetition, and intentional action. A simple four-step Worry Protocol helps break the cycle: […]
Optimizing brain performance supports memory, focus, productivity, and long-term mental health. Key strategies work by boosting neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve. Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic and strength training, increases blood flow and BDNF to strengthen memory and learning. A healthy diet like the MIND or DASH diet—rich in leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and omega-3 […]
Australia has become the first country to ban under-16s from accessing social media, effective December 10, 2025, aiming to protect youth from risks like cyberbullying and mental health issues linked to online platforms. The law requires social media companies to verify users’ ages, using methods like facial estimation or ID checks, and mandates deactivating accounts […]
Frequent workout posts on social media can serve as both motivation and a cry for validation, often masking deeper psychological issues like insecurity, low self-esteem, and body image concerns. While fitness content can inspire positive changes, it can also fuel unhealthy comparisons, leading to anxiety, compulsive behaviors, and even exercise addiction. Many individuals post to […]
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s, affects millions worldwide, but lifestyle habits can play a major role in preventing or delaying its onset. Key risk factors like physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol, and poor diet contribute to cognitive decline. Prolonged sitting, even if broken up, has been linked to higher dementia risk by impairing brain […]