Tag: mental health

Early Alzheimer’s Test

On By austinacupuncturejasonIn Conditions We TreatLeave a comment

Although not a definitive test, researchers have noticed a strong correlation between the loss of smell for peanut butter and Alzheimer’s disease. The link between the two is so strong that many researchers suggest that it is a relatively reliable test for detecting early stage Alzheimer’s… perhaps even in ones 40’s and 50’s.

How you do it is hold one nostril closed and then bring the jar of peanut butter closer and closer to the nose. Then repeat for the other side. Is there a difference between the sides?

b0d743fd305016522f0cc6366280d348Researchers warn that people doing this test wouldn’t get all worked up if they find a difference in ability to smell because there can be “false positives” due to various things such as olfactory nerve damage, etc (have you ever gotten punched in the nose?). See your doctor instead. And then do the 100 things shown to support brain health.

One of the things to remember is that Alzheimer’s is a gradual disease which takes years (or even decades) to manifest. It doesn’t just show up over the course of a month or year. Early detection and proper diagnosis can offer patients many options to prevent and ameliorate the effects of this deteriorating brain disease.

Just remember… there is plenty of things you can do to slow its progression… especially if you detect it early and begin addressing it early.

In another post, I’ll list out the many things you can do to support brain health.

In good health… Jason

Exercise Shown to Reduce Stress Significantly

On By austinacupuncturejasonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

A recent study published in the journal Sports Medicine shows that doing  weight bearing exercises (weights, bands, body weight squats or planks, for example) twice a week or more can cut anxiety symptoms by a whopping 50% within just two weeks. 

This is of great significance since pharmaceuticals have a mixed track record of effectiveness with these conditions.

This study supports numerous previous studies showing the positive mental health effects of exercise. So if you struggle with anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to start an exercise program and then start.

If nothing else, just start with a few push ups or hold yourself in the “plank position” for a length of time. It looks easy, but you’ll quickly see just how difficult holding a plank is.

By beginning to lift weights off of the floor, they, in turn, will likely lift a good deal of the emotional weight off of your shoulders.

And by the way…  even if you don’t struggle from these issues, you might as well take advantage of this bump in mood by lifting weight… so go get your sweat on…