Bloggin Noggin

Whilst the Sunday Scaries used to be limited to the end of the weekend feeling, we are now in a whole new world when it comes to the prospect of returning to work and what that means in terms of our mental and physical health. Self care and awareness of our own worries has never been more important. 

How to sleep in a heatwave: the science says to drink this hot drink before bed in hot weather There’s nothing worse than not getting a good night’s sleep and at the moment with the UK temperatures hitting the high notes, it can be tricky to get a proper night’s rest.

Evidence backed ways to help improve memory and brain function   Latest research published this month has reviewed non medication options to help prevent memory loss and cognitive decline in the 50+ age group. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, creative art, story telling and dancing all shown to have help brain health in a review of the evidence for those over 50.  What the researchers found was this:

5 ways to reduce your risk of Alzheimers disease Can a combination of every day lifestyle changes reduce your risk for Alzheimers dementia even when you are in an age group that is at most risk? From all we’ve read and researched we at Noggin know that lifestyle matters for supporting your brain and mental health - that is why we are so passionate about brain health.

As we slowly start to emerge from lockdown, how can we rebuild confidence, positivity and support our mental wellbeing ? As a GP and a Mum and wife, I know only too well the anxiety we can face when we are about to take on the 'new normal’.

What we eat makes a difference to both how we feel and the health of our brain. This is something that I hadn’t realised was as important as it is until I started researching brain health a few years ago. Why does what we eat matter so much for our brain?

Brain function and the Mediterranean Diet: tackling depression, dementia and weight loss We’ve talked before about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet ( https://www.nogginbrain.co.uk/add-a-taste-of-the-mediterranean-to-your-plate/ ) and it’s worth noting the science behind the recommendations on what to eat as part of a diet designed for health and wellbeing.

Can we teach ourselves to have a more positive outlook?   Headlines last week gave us another possible clue into a risk factor for developing dementia.

"The more I practise, the luckier I get" Gary Player With summer here and lockdown restrictions being lifted in outdoor sports, now might be a good time to head to your local golf course and play a round. Golf is good not only for your physical health but your mental and brain health too. 

5 Ways To Eat Your Way To A More Positive State Of MindMore than 4 million people in England are on antidepressants  and a recent article in The Telegraph states there has been a 10-15% rise in antidepressant prescriptions.

Cucumbers - not just for salads or to put over puffy eyes Now we’re experiencing summer weather and salads it’s worth pointing out that cucumber should be high up on your list of fruit to consume in the coming weeks.

The 13 essential vitamins are A, C, D, E K and the B vitamins: thiamine (B1 ), riboflavin (B2 ), niacin ( B3 ), pantothenic acid ( B5 ), pyridoxine ( B6 ), biotin ( B7 ), folate ( B9 ) and cobalin ( B12 ). You can obtain these through the food you choose to eat but you may benefit from supplementing some of them with vitamin and mineral products depending on your diet and health status.  Here’s a simple good to what you need and why.