Photo by rioncm.

Next time someone tells you to watch your cholesterol, consider this: low-cholesterol diets have actually been shown to cause hormone-imbalances, obesity and diabetes. The emphasis on a low-fat diet reduces the intake of fat and causes an increased consumption of carbohydrates and trans fats. For women, lack of adequate levels of cholesterol in the body can be a real issue of hormone imbalances.

Why cholesterol is the most important molecule in the body:

• It is the main component of cell membranes and plays a major role in the endocrine system.
• It serves as precursor (a chemical compound that makes another compound) in the synthesis of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids.
• It is vital for hormone-making (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, aldosterone, cortisol, and DHEA)
• It is necessary for rescue-work (cholesterol plaques are formed when there is injury to the blood vessel wall)

Is there such a notion as low-cholesterol? Absolutely. But if you do not have enough cholesterol, you will not be able to make the hormones you need! In these cases, it is critical to explore the hormone imbalances all of which play an important role in the body’s hormonic orchestra.

If you have low cholesterol:

• Increase your consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids, primarily omega-3‘s (fish oil, salmon, sardines, coconut oil, avocados
• Avoid low-fat, low-cholesterol diets and foods
• Consider having your other hormones checked

Dr. Igor Schwartzman practices naturopathic medicine with a strong emphasis in women's health, hormone imbalances, and thyroid disorders at Whole Family Wellness Center in Portland, Oregon. He is a co-founder of WellWire.com.

Photo by Dierk Schafer.

The mind-body connection comes up more often as science explores the dynamics of neuro-synthesis and I’ve noticed a shift–it seems like it’s not just about valuing longevity anymore but valuing quality of everyday life. Even among my own patients, it seems like they’re asking me how to preserve and improve their health rather than how they can live to a hundred years old. Both those things tend to go hand in hand, of course, and protecting the physiology of the brain is one of the best things you can do for your body.

Hey Fat Head

Comprising about 60 percent of the brain, the myelin sheath that protects neuronal axons acts as a tunnel for neurological messages to travel safely to their destinations. Just as a tunnel might be subject to erosion or leaks, myelin is fragile. Pollution, environmental toxins, heavy metal exposure and drug use are a few of the big stunners that wreak havoc on the lipid components of the brain.

Once eroded or permeated, neurological messages are left incomplete resulting in unfulfilled physiological activity. This is seen in multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease, when the myelin scars and can make something as simple as brushing one’s hair a difficult task.

Neuro-protection is important for everyday experiences you might simply take for granted. Keeping your brain intact ensures your memories remain vivid longer, your sleep soothes you, you keep smiling, your heart beats stronger, you remain physically agile, and you maintain your ability to continue learning and integrating new information into your everyday life.

Move it

Lack of exercise combined with environmental stress sends mixed messages to the brain. Without exposing the body to differing types of exercise or movement over time, the brain shifts neuro-chemically favoring particular ranges of motion less than it once did. There are plenty of fun and rejuvenating activities to help prevent this shift.

Marked by their slow, subtly powerful movements, tai chi, yoga, and qi gong practice offer agility of mind and body. Perfect for those that prefer to participate in movement-based forms of meditation. As our limbs fluidly move through space, the brain is engaged with each transforming pose and posture. These movements elicit physiological responses.

With each movement the brain builds new neurological connections, enlivening stamina as energy and blood circulate.

This is your brain on fish

Fatty fish provides the essential lipids your brain can use to build and protect the myelin sheath. Unlike fatty acids derived from vegetable sources, DHA and EPA from fish directly cross the blood brain barrier, skipping conversion processes and acting immediately.

The environmental defense fund has developed an eco-friendly system to help you determine which fish are best to consume. Check out their comprehensive list to see the eco-best.

If you opt to supplement your diet with fish oil, go for cold-pressed sources that are contaminant free. Look to the labeling to contain the following:

• Omega 3 and EPA/DHA are listed
• The source is from salmon, sardines, or anchovies
• Should NOT be molecularly distilled

More Fun Tips to Boost your Brain

• Acupuncture
• My favorite games for the brain
• Brain teasers for tots

Christine M. Dionese L.Ac. specializes in integrative medicine, medical journalism and was the VP of marketing at WellWire LLC. Visit her wellness and lifestyle blog, Reaching Beyond Now.

Photo by asimulator.

Everything you need to know about fish oil.  Dr. Natasha goes through step by step the many benefits, research and quality issues with fish oil.  Learn how it will decrease inflammation, increase cardiovascular health and optimize the function of many systems in the body.

Dr. Natasha Kassam is dedicated to facilitating the healing and wellbeing of her patients. Her passion is cardiovasular and pulmonary medicine. She practices at Bloom Natural Healthcare in NE Portland Oregon and is the host of askdrkassam.com.

Photo by adjustafresh.

Here are some useful websites to find out the pollen and mold count for the United States and Europe (if anyone has maps for other regions, please send them to me).  Let’s do a quick round up of the top 10 easy to obtain over the counter natural products which are  effective against the fire and brimstone symptoms of nature’s freshest season.

I used to suffer from debilitating seasonal allergies which were 100% resolved with acupuncture (heres the wonderful lady who helped me) and homeopathy.  The following over the counter products will help tame the reactive immune system and will often be needed on a continual basis during allergy season.

1. Quercetin – Antioxidant with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties found primarily in apples & onions.  Difficult to absorb, so usually combined with bromelain.
2. Bromelain – Proteolytic enzyme found in pineapples, useful for reducing the sinus inflammation accompanying allergies (take on an empty stomach).
3. Vitamin C - Everyone’s favorite everyday natural anti-histamine.
4. Stinging Nettles – Plant with anti-histamine properties.
5. Food sensitivities - Eliminate common food allergens during allergy season to reduce your total inflammation;  wheat, dairy, corn, soy, citrus, peanuts, tomatoes and potatoes.
6. Netti pot - Cleanse out pollen allergens from your sinus cavity with saline. (how to video posted under my videos – bottom right column of the blog)
7. Fish oil – Powerful anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.
8. Air purifier – You spend SO much time indoors, and a lot of that sleeping.  At the least get one for the bedroom.  Make sure it has a HEPA filter, a little more expensive but worth it to reduce the amount of allergenic pollen floating around
9. Probiotics - Almost 70% of your immune system resides in your gut.  The correct bacterial balance will help to normalize your immune system and the subsequent immune reaction.
10. Homeopathy – safe, fast relief. Here are the most commonly used remedies and when to use them.  Look for a 6C or 30C dose.

• Allium Cepa – lots of watery discharge from the eyes with burning discharge from the nose.
• Arsenicum album – obstructed nose with burning watery discharge.  Tendency to effect the right side.  
• Euphrasia – extremely irritated eyes, with burning discharge from the eyes.
• Natrum muriaticum – whitish ‘egg white’ discharge, worse in the open air.
• Nux vomica- lots of sneezing and discharge, especially in the morning.
• Pulsatilla – terrible itching and tearing of the eyes, watery discharge which does not burn.

Simple tips you can use every day:

• Change into fresh cloths when you come inside.  Pollen tends to stick to your clothing.
• Eat whole fruits high in Vitamin C:  Guava, currant, orange, lemon, grapefruit, peach, kiwi, papaya, strawberry.
• Vacuum everyday. Eliminate floor rugs and throws during this time.
• Keep windows closed.
• Change sheets frequently.
• Drink plenty of water.

For a long term holistic solution:

• Find a Naturopathic Doctor
• Find an Acupuncturist

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.