Brain and Behaviour
If we were to want to work out if a drug (or another treatment) is any good, we’d do well to conduct some ‘randomised controlled trials’. Basically, this means randomly assigned individuals to the drug being tested or placebo (or another drug). Neither the researchers nor the study participants know what’s being taken. Symptoms or […]
Brain and Behaviour
Here in the UK many of us will be acutely aware that the days are already noticeably shorter. One of the risks associated with shorter days is lowered mood or full-blown ‘seasonal affective disorder’ (SAD – also known as the ‘winter blues’. For sure, some people are more susceptible to this than others. For those […]
Brain and Behaviour
Earlier this week one of my blogs looked at some recent research which links walking with improved ‘connectivity’ in the brain. This finding, appears to have particular significance for the ‘ageing brain’, as walking appeared to mitigate changes in brain activity that can come with ageing and may impair experience of life. One simple reason […]
Brain and Behaviour
Many individuals look forward to living to a ripe old age, with the caveat being that they remain in a decent state of health. Ideally, our later years should be vibrant, and not too tinged with signs of physical or mental decay. There are several lifestyle factors that can help ensure healthy ageing, including diet, […]
Brain and Behaviour
I eat a reasonably varied diet, I think, but there are a few ‘stock items’ that recur in my overall food intake. One example of this is a commonly-eaten breakfast of Greek (10 per cent fat) yoghurt, berries and nuts. The last couple of mornings I’ve had the pleasure of some freshly shelled walnuts. And […]
Brain and Behaviour
There is little doubt that food can affect brain function. For example, caffeine can enhance mental energy and alertness, while a lull in blood sugar levels can have the reverse effect. Another important nutritional factor in mental functioning are the so-called omega-3 fats that are found most plentifully in “oily” varieties of fish such as […]
Brain and Behaviour
I know that some doctors and scientists would have us believe that, where cholesterol is concerned, “lower is better”, but I have real difficulty mustering any enthusiasm for this stance. And one major reason for this is the fact that low levels of cholesterol are associated with enhanced risk of death, perhaps most notably from […]
Brain and Behaviour
Post natal depression or PND – sometimes referred to as post-partum depression – affects about 10 per cent of women after having a baby. You can read more about the condition here. From a nutritional perspective, one of the things that has been shown to help protect against PND are the so-called omega-3 fats found […]
Brain and Behaviour
My girlfriend and I have had a guest staying this week. He is Swiss and is in London for an exam which has something to do with international tax law (it’s all a bit above my head, I’m afraid). Last night the three of us were eating together – our last supper before our guest […]
Brain and Behaviour
While I am fan of certain aspects of orthodox medicine, I think overall it’s less effective and more hazardous than we generally imagine. As I wrote recently here, there is some thought that less medicine can result in improved outcomes. There is certainly some evidence that less can be more, where conventional medical care is […]