Tag Archives: mental health

Decrease Your Risk of Dementia by Avoiding These 7 Foods

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Dementia, one of the most devastating conditions to hit families, is on the rise in recent years. The number of people affected by the condition worldwide has spiked to 47.5 million people, according to the World Health Organization. What’s more, is that people are getting dementia earlier than ever before. Decades ago, ‘early onset dementia’ meant those in their 60’s were beginning to develop dementia. Now it could mean people as young as their 40’s are seeing signs of the disease. So, what can be done to help lower your risk? There are many factors such as genetic predisposition that you cannot control, but one that is in your power to change is your diet. Certain foods have been linked to increased dementia risk, while others have shown promise in helping to stave off the disease. In this post, we’ll be taking a look at 6 of the worst foods for your brain:

  1. Processed cheese – Highly processed foods are never fabulous for your body, but some are worse than others (especially when it comes to your brain). While real cheese may help raise helpful gluthathione levels which can be beneficial for the brain, processed cheese, on the other hand may have the opposite effect. Products such as cheese whiz appear to raise levels of certain proteins to the body that have been linked with Alzheimer’s.
  2. Processed meat – Similarly, processed meats have long been linked to many illnesses such as colorectal cancer, and dementia is no exception. Processed, smoked, and cured meats contain high levels of nitrosamines which can lead to a fatty liver and too many toxins in the brain. Try to consume your meat as close to organic as possible to steer clear of the risks associated with the processed variety. Beer also contains high levels of nitrates and should be consumed in moderation.
  3. Microwave popcorn and margarine both contain diacetyl, a toxic chemical compound used in simulated butter that can cause chronic lung problems and has been linked to other conditions such as cancer and dementia.
  4. White foods – White breads, sugar and pastas are responsible for spiking insulin levels in the body which in turn, sends toxins to the brain. Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s are highly linked, so it makes sense that the same foods negatively impact both conditions.
  5. Eating too much beef raises the iron levels in your brain, which can increase your risk of developing dementia disorders. Even though iron is essential, too little or too much can be bad news. Excess iron contributes to oxidative stress, which can be especially hard on the brain. Aside from that, red meat promotes inflammation within the body (and brain) which can also contribute to dementia.
  6. Fructose – For the same reason as white foods, fructose is also bad for the brain as it throws the body’s insulin levels out of whack.Stay tuned next, for 5 of the best foods for your brain! Thanks for visiting DocChat!

 

 

 

What is Pica?

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Pica is an eating disorder characterized by the tenacious need or desire to ingest non-food, non-nutritious items that lasts longer than a few weeks. Pica can be serious and even life threatening (depending on the substance that is ingested).

How Common is Pica?

It is difficult to tell how prevalent the disorder is among the general population, as it has been studied and researched mostly among institutionalized populations. Pica cravings are sometimes seen in pregnant women and appear to be fairly common among very young children, but they often grow out of pica tendencies. Pica has also been linked with other conditions such as epilepsy, autism as well as cognitive impairment.

What Types of Things Do People With Pica Crave?

Those with pica may crave and consume nearly anything, including:

  • Ice
  • Dirt
  • Clay
  • Chalk
  • Wax
  • Dish detergent or cleaning solution
  • Burnt matches
  • Cardboard
  • Paint chips or liquid paint
  • Hair
  • Excrement
  • Blood
  • Glass
  • Ashes
  • Wood

What Are The Potential Complications of Pica?

Ingesting certain toxic or harmful substances can have serious or even deadly consequences such as: tooth problems, constipation or diarrhea, bowel obstructions or perforations, intestinal hemorrhages, poisoning (most commonly lead poisoning), infections or parasite infestations.

Pregnancy Pica

We all know pregnancy can sometimes bring about some strange cravings such as pickles or mustard on everything, but sometimes pregnancy may cause pica tendencies, often for earthy-type substances like soil. It isn’t known exactly why pregnancy may bring about cravings for non-nutritional items, in some cases a deficiency may be to blame. Pregnant women often crave ice, which is called pagophagia which has been linked to underlying anemia in rare cases.

Pica in Children

It is common for babies to put objects in their mouth while they are trying to figure the world out, but when a child becomes old enough to know the difference but still eats dirt or non-food items, pica may be the cause. Pica in children appears to be most common among toddlers but can occur at any age. Children often outgrow the tendency, but it may resurface late in like.

Potential Reasons Behind Pica

The exact causes of pica aren’t fully understood or identified but different cases may be influenced by different factors such as:

  • Underlying mental health disorders such as OCD, schizophrenia or generalized anxiety disorder
  • Underlying physical health conditions such as epilepsy, anemia or
  • Cultural, religious or learned behavior – In some cultures eating clay or earth-type substances (geophagia) is accepted and learned.
  • Some pica sufferers use it as a means to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Some people with pica insist they simply enjoy the taste of their chosen non-food item

Because pica can be life threatening in some cases, if you yourself have the disorder or you suspect your child may have pica, it is important to seek evaluation from a doctor who will start the diagnostic process and get you or your child the suitable help to overcome the disorder. Thanks for visiting DocChat!

 

12 Surprising Ways Anxiety Manifests Itself Physically (Part 2)

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Anxiety and anxiety disorders like panic, social or generalized anxiety affect millions of Americans. Aside from causing nervousness, distress, mood changes and worry, anxiety can also cause physical symptoms that may mimic many physical health conditions. Even those of us who don’t have underlying anxiety disorders may still be dealing with a little too much anxiety or have the occasional panic attack. In our last post, we looked at how anxiety can cause palpitations, excess sweating, urination problems, chest pains, tachycardia and stomach problems. Let’s take a look at the next few physical symptoms it can cause:

  1. Shortness of breath can be caused by many different health conditions such as congestive heart failure or asthma, but sometimes severe anxiety can cause shortness of breath. This usually occurs when the person is not aware they have been breathing irregularly for some time because they are in a state of stress or anxiety. Maybe they are taking shallow breaths or breathing from their chest instead of deeper from the abdomen. This would lead to a feeling of not taking in enough air, which in turn may cause even more anxiety, creating a loop. If you have evaluated and medical causes of breath shortness have been ruled out, talk to your doctor about better managing your anxiety today.
  2. Lethargy or fatigue – Many things can cause fatigue such as medications, health problems, lifestyle habits or stress and anxiety. If your system is in a perpetual state of anxiety or stress, your cortisol levels are all out of whack. The body’s natural response to this roller coaster is to feel exhausted and worn out. If you are struggling with fatigue, it is best to get it checked out so you can rule out any potentially serious causes, or get some help if your anxiety is causing you to be too tired.
  3. Trembling or twitching – Severe anxiety or panic can cause bodily trembling or shaking, due to soaring adrenaline levels. This can be very startling symptom to experience if the person is not used to it, and may trigger even more anxiety. Anxiety-associated trembling is often referred to as essential trembling. There are medical causes for trembling as well such as multiple sclerosis, so it is important to mention any trembling or shaking to a doctor.
  4. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) – We have all experienced excess sweating brought on by a stressful event such as public speaking at some point in time, so most people are aware stress and anxiety can make one sweat profusely. If you are noticing that you are often sweating more than normal, it may be time to check in with a doc.
  5. Tension-based headaches or muscle aches – If you’ve been stressed or overly worried for some time, it can start affecting the muscles in your upper body. You may feel an aching or strained neck, tense shoulders or jaw, or perhaps a persistent tension headache. That is often because when a person is stressed, they hold their body in a more uptight manner, often with the shoulders up farther toward the neck than a non-stressed person would. They may clench their jaw unknowingly, which can lead to jaw and head pain. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should check in the with a doc to see if they may be anxiety-rooted or due to another condition.
  6. Difficulty swallowing – While certain conditions such as a hiatal hernia can cause a lump in the throat, anxiety can also at least give the illusion of one. The term Globus sensation refers to the anxiety-driven sensation of having an obstruction in the throat when there is none. It can feel very physical, even causing some people to be stomach sick. One example could be if a person sees a stray hair near their food and starts worrying they’ve swallowed a hair, getting the feeling that there is one stuck in their throat. Even though they did not swallow the hair, it can feel very much like they did.

There you have our 12 physical signs of anxiety! Thanks for visiting DocChat, we hope you drop back again soon!

 

 

 

12 Surprising Ways Anxiety Manifests Itself Physically (Part 1)

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Anxiety can be tricky, perhaps even the chameleon of mental health issues. It can manifest itself mentally, emotionally and physically, often mimicking symptoms of physical health conditions and confusing everyone in its wake. Most everyone will have little surges of anxiety from time to time, but some people battle excess anxiety daily, which can be tiring and perplexing. Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million American adults, and this is a modest estimate. Even those who don’t have underlying anxiety disorders may still have a little too much anxiety or have the occasional panic attack. Let’s take a look at the first 6 of our 12 physical signs that you could be dealing with too much anxiety:

  1. Heart palpitations – Many people don’t realize that anxiety can actually affect how the heart beats. If you feel flutters, the sensation of ‘skipped beats’ or a sensation of thumping, anxiety could be the culprit. More often than not, palpitations are nothing to worry about. However, in some cases, these feelings can be symptoms of arrhythmias (disorders that cause potentially dangerous irregular heartbeats), so it is important to talk to a doctor if you are getting palpitations.
  2. Chest pain – Up to 40% of those suffering a panic attack will experience some kind of chest pain. It can take the form of quick shooting or darting pains, slow burning aches or a crushing feeling. It is important that anyone experiencing chest pain is medically evaluated to rule out any underlying or emergency heart problems. More often than not, people who wind up in the ER for chest pains are not having a heart attack. There are many non-cardiac conditions can cause chest pain, but it is important to check it out nonetheless.
  3. Raised heart rate (tachycardia) – When you are afraid, anxious, or stressed out, the brain sends out the ‘fight or flight’ signal to the heart to speed up in anticipation of potential danger. If you notice your heart racing routinely, you should check in with the doc to make sure you don’t have any other health issues, or to discuss potential treatments for anxiety.
  4. Dry mouth – Anxiety can reduce the amount of saliva produced by your salivary glands, which leads to the feeling of a dry or parched mouth. Dry mouth can also be caused by antidepressants or other medications, as well as certain conditions (such as Sjogren’s syndrome).
  5. Polyuria (frequent urination) – If you are chronically or overly stressed, you may find an increased urge to urinate. Like many of the symptoms on this list, polyuria can also be a sign of more serious health conditions such as diabetes, but a surplus of anxiety can certainly cause you to keep running to the washroom.
  6. Gastrointestinal problems – sometimes people who have extra anxiety struggle with diarrhea, constipation, or a touchy stomach. Their symptoms can be similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome, or a person may have both anxiety and IBS, as the stomach and brain are closely linked.

That concludes Part 1 of our look at how anxiety can cause physical symptoms, but stay tuned next for a look at the next few! Thanks for visiting DocChat, remember, our excellent board-certified doctors are standing by 24/7/365 for any health-related questions you may have.

New Developments in SAD Treatment

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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of seasonal depression, often syncing up with fall and winter and easing off again in the spring. Winter brings days that get shorter and darker, weather that often leaves us stuck inside more, and trees that are barren and colorless. The sun can be a scarce commodity during gray winter days as well, so it makes sense that many people struggle with the season.

How Common is SAD?

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, SAD is quite a prevalent mood disorder. While 4-6% of the population experiences severe SAD, up to 20% of Americans may have a mild form of the condition. It is more common women and most often affects adults aged 20 years and older.

How Was It Traditionally Treated?

SAD has been approached similarly to depression in the past, with a combination of talk therapy and antidepressants. The benefits of light therapy have also been used for years in combination with other treatment. In many cases, light therapy can even work as the sole treatment for SAD.

New Developments in Light Therapy

Trial and error experimentation with light therapy over the years has led us to the modern treatment dosage of half an hour of 10,000-lux diffused fluorescent light each morning as well as natural light whenever possible. According to Columbia University Psychologist, Michael Terman, a patient’s remission rate sky rockets to 80% if the light therapy is personalized to the person’s sleep-wake cycle.

New Ideas on Therapy

There has actually been some interested in the idea of negative ions in the supplemental treatment for SAD in recent years. It appears to have a positive impact on some SAD and depression sufferers, though its effect on depression has not yet been empirically proven. You can buy light boxes with built in negative ionizers.

Vitamin Deficiencies and Depression  

When you’re deficient or a little low on certain essential vitamins such as vitamin D or some of the B varieties, it can drastically alter your mood. Many people who live in northern environments lack vitamin D because of shorter daylight hours and less sunlight exposure. A vitamin D deficiency can cause depression-like symptoms such as fatigue or moodiness. It also plays a research-established role in depressive disorders.

Other Tips That Can Help SAD Sufferers

  • Try to exercise outdoors
  • Try massage
  • Eat healthy, mood-boosting foods (such as those that contain omega-3 fatty acids)
  • Make sure you manage your stress
  • Make plenty of time for leisure

That concludes our look at new developments in SAD treatment. Thanks for visiting DocChat!

 

 

 

Make 2017 Your Happiest, Healthiest Year Yet (Part 1)

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At the end of every year we all get hyped up to make positive changes but unfortunately, these changes don’t always happen as we’d hoped. Sometimes it could be because we make one change and are dumbfounded that it didn’t drastically improve quality of life. However, in order to live an overall happy and healthy life, many things need to be optimally balanced such as sleep, diet, fitness, stress level and mental health. It is so important to make sure each of these areas are in check. How? Let’s take a look at some helpful hints to help you better manage these important zones of well-being:

Mind Your Mind

A healthy mind is essential to your well-being. Whether you have a mental health condition like depressive disorder that may require therapy, or you have a surplus of anxiety or stress and can learn to wind down yourself, do what you need to do this year to get your mind in check. If you have jitters you can’t overcome, the blues or a confidence problem, there’s no shame in seeking some counseling just to get a few tips on how to curb those issues. A therapy session or two could benefit (almost) anyone, so if you feel you need a little boost when it comes to your mental well-being, book an appointment today.

Do Your Diet Right

If you’re fueling your body with sub-par substances like chips, alcohol, take-out and other empty calories, you’re likely to be sluggish, out-of-shape, and not to mention, chronically under performing on daily duties and tasks. You’ll see a difference in your quality of life if you give your body what it wants and needs: insoluble fiber, plenty of water, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, complex carbohydrates and fresh fruits and veggies. You’ll have more energy than you know what to do with. You’ll be your optimal self, ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Not only will you feel more energized, but you’ll be more inclined to routinely exercise as well. Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand; if one suffers, the other often will as well. If you eat poorly, you have no energy to exercise, becoming a vicious circle only you can break.

Watch Your Weight

Just as it is essential to stock up on healthy fuel for the body, it is equally important to keep your body fit. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-strenuous exercise every week to maintain good health. Are you getting at least half an hour 5 days a week of heart-pumping exercise? If not, its time to renegotiate your fitness goals. Extra weight can directly contribute to many life-threatening and life-impeding illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory illness, organ failure and even cancer. If you are keen on a sickness-free future, it is time to shed as many excess pounds as you can through healthy nutrition and regular exercise. Not sure what kind to try? Ease in to something simple like short daily walks or swimming every second day.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more great life-balancing tips! Thanks for visiting DocChat. Remember, our board-certified physicians re standing by 24/7/365 to assist you with any health inquiries.

8 Tips to Minimize Holiday-Related Stress

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The holidays can be the best time of year, but they can also be the most stressful at times as well. Let’s take a look at a few holiday stress-reducing tips for a happier, healthier time:

  1. Don’t overreach when it comes to presents – the holidays are about so much more than just material things. Many people stress themselves out by going way over their holiday gift budget. We’re all guilty of it sometimes, but a little less can still show someone how much you care.
  2. Keep a handle on the partying – the holidays are a time for celebration, but too many hard party nights can take away from relaxing and being present in the moment with your loved ones. If you’re hung over, you won’t enjoy the holidays as much as if you were feeling better.
  3. Try to avoid company clashes – when the family is over or you’re visiting your extended family, veer away from controversial subjects that may provoke a family brawl. Having company can sometimes be frustrating but don’t let the stress get the best of you. It may help to excuse yourself from your guests and take a couple deep breaths as needed.
  4. Think ahead – Last minute shopping can be very stressful because the stores are crazy and the shelves are nearly bear. Try to get your shopping and wrapping done well ahead of schedule so you’re not cursing yourself trying to get everything done last minute!
  5. Knock off some of your cooking and baking well ahead of time. Cookies keep really well in the freezer, so why not get your baking and some cooking ready a couple weeks before everyone starts showing up?
  6. Be kid-ready – Have some kids Christmas activities ready so when they get off school, there will still be some structure to give you time to do what you have to around the house.
  7. Don’t sweat the little hiccups – they are bound to happen! Some of us are holiday perfectionists. If more people show up to your event than anticipated, or the Christmas lights blow or a flight gets delayed, try to stay calm and make the most of what you have for the holidays.
  8. Still take “you time” between all the company – It can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind busy of the holidays, but you will enjoy them much more if you take time out to do things that keep you calm and happy such as a nice long bath, painting or walks.

The most important thing is not to get distracted from what the holidays are truly about. Be sure to make time for those special quiet moments for your family to celebrate the things that really matter, all the rest is just tinsel! Thanks for visiting DocChat!

QUIZ – Would You Be Able to Identify Depression?

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Depression is a prevalent mental and physical health condition sweeping the nation (and the globe), affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Many people who are depressed do not seek the diagnosis or treatment they may need to help them recover. It is important to be able to recognize the different forms of depression in yourself or a loved one so you can help combat it. Let’s take a look at how well you know depression:

MATCHING

Try to match the appropriate age/gender group with the commonly associated symptoms of depression:

1) May stop taking care of physical appearance, experiences more physical symptoms and stop taking critical medications.

2) May seem irritable and exhibit violent or reckless behavior. May also lose interest in favorite hobbies or job.

3) May develop regular headaches or stomach aches, may seem distant and irritable. May turn to a crutch like the internet.

4) Usually have overwhelming feelings of guilt, hopelessness and low self worth. More likely to overeat and sleep more.

A)Men                          B) Women                          C) Older citizens                                D) Teenagers


TRUE OR FALSE

5) Depression is a classified as an anxiety disorder.

6) Depression can also manifest itself with physical symptoms and health complaints such as aches and pains, headaches, a bad back and fatigue.

7) There are different types of depression.

8) Almost 7% of the American population struggles with some form of depression.

9) Both someone who is grieving and shortly feels better and someone who intermittently feels “blue” would fall under the category of medically depressed.

 

 

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Answers

1) C – older citizens often give up essential medications, feel strong physical symptoms and stop taking care of their appearances when depressed.

2) A – men manifest depression differently than women. Often they show more aggression, frustration and anger.

3) D – teenagers who are depressed are more likely to seem distant and irritable, and complain of headaches or routine stomach aches.

4) B – Women tend toward strong feelings of worthlessness, guilt and hopelessness. They are also more likely to overeat and oversleep, as well as experience fatigue.

5) FALSE. While depression does share many traits with anxiety disorders such as GAD, it is classified under the DSM as a mood disorder. However, recent studies have proven that major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder have strong neurological roots as well, which suggests it is either a psychiatric disorder with neurological traits, or vice versa.

6) TRUE. Most people who are depressed will exhibit at least some physical symptoms, as well as diet or weight changes, insomnia and concentration problems.

7) TRUE. There are different types of depressive disorders such as bipolar disorder (depression mixed with bouts of hyperactivity or mania), dysthymia (mild depression that recurs), atypical depression and major depressive disorder.

8) TRUE. According to the ADAA, depression affects over 15 million Americans, or 6.7%.

8) FALSE. Everyone gets “blue” or sad sometimes or grieves over a tragic life event such as a friend dying, however being clinically depressed is more  pervasive than one bout of reactive sadness (unless that sadness fails to pass for months) or simply feeling down every once in a while. Depression is an all-encompassing disorder that affects neurotransmitters in the brain, physical parts of the body and often involves negative feelings that are so intense they feel nearly impossible to battle without help. It is important to know the difference.

Feel free to check out our quizzes on alcohol abuse next. Thanks for visiting DocChat!

 

Virtual Addiction – Teens and Smartphones

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Have you ever seen a group of young people walking down the road but instead of interacting with each other, they are all texting in unison? Too many young people are dangerously tied to their phones nowadays, and there’s a name for it. Smartphone addiction, or more specifically, the fear of being without one’s phone has been recently coined nomophobia. Phone and internet addictions aren’t exclusive to teens of course, but we will focus on youth in this post.

Signs Your Teen May Have a Problem 

While these aren’t all hard and fast rules, a few of these symptoms together may paint a picture of dependence:

  • One of the biggest signs is a panic – some teens and preteens are so attached that they may be combative, begin to panic or be unable to function if you take the phone away
  • Insomnia – they will take their phone to bed and often lose sleep from texting and browsing social media all night
  • They may be isolated, preferring their phone to real interactions
  • Paying more attention to phone than surroundings, may bang into objects frequently
  • High harm-avoidance – they may be more fearful, cynical, socially inept or worrisome

Physical Manifestations of Phone Addiction

Phone addiction extends beyond the psychological symptoms; some physical complications that can result from phone addiction include:

  • Carpel tunnel or tendonitis
  • Early deterioration of ligaments and tissues in the hand from repetitive actions
  • Callous on the thumb from constant use may be another sure-fire sign your teen is spending too much time on the phone.

Another physical complication from phone overuse is a hump in the neck from constantly bowing to look at phone for long periods of time. Young people are especially vulnerable to this issue because their necks may not be fully developed and may be easier to remold. If you see any of these signs in your child or teen, it may be time to take away the phone or replace it with a no-frills flip-phone that they can only use for emergencies.


When Phone Addiction Becomes Fatal

There have been several cases of motor vehicle fatalities because a person was texting and failed to follow the proper signals or see oncoming traffic. In one devastating case, an 18-year-old student was killed when she collided with a transport truck. When police surveyed the scene, there weren’t even any skid marks, indicating she didn’t look up from the phone in time to put on the breaks before it was too late. Unfortunately, this is far from an isolated event. According to the National Safety Council, texting while driving causes nearly 1 600 000 accidents, and 2 330 000 subsequent injuries annually. People of all ages are responsible for making the dangerous decision to text and drive, but teenagers who are addicted to phones are especially likely to be involved in such high-risk activities as they may not piece together the heavy potential ramifications to the same degree an adult would.

Tips for Helping Curb the Addiction

There are things that you can do to help your teen if think they may be addicted to their smartphone such as:

  • Allowing phones in certain common areas, but not in private where use can’t be monitored
  • Implementing a strict “no phones at dinner” policy
  • Allow your teen have their phone for only 1-2 hours a day for leisure purposes
  • Ban phones while driving or walking outdoors for safety reasons
  • Seek therapy for your son or daughter if the limits you set do not help break the addiction

Thanks for visiting DocChat! We hope you’ll return again soon.

8 Ways Exercise Boosts Your Brain

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We all know exercise is essential for a healthy body, but did you know how good exercise is for the brain specifically? Turns out, pretty awesome! Here are 9 research-backed benefits of exercise for the brain:

  1. Improves Brain Plasticity

Research suggests that even as brief as a 30-minute burst of exercise can improve brain plasticity, which helps with many things such as coordination of motor skills.

  1. Reduces Risk of Stroke

Cardio helps reduce your risk of having a stroke (also known as ‘brain attack’) by lowering blood pressure, helping you lose weight, reducing your stress and strengthening blood vessels.

  1. May Help Combat Alzheimer’s Disease

Exercise appears to have a hand in preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by improving memory and overall cognitive function, as well as helping combat or slow brain connection impairments associated with aging.

  1. Reduces Stress, Anxiety and Pain

During exercise, the brain releases natural analgesics like oxytocin and ‘feel good’ chemicals called endorphins. Neurotransmitter serotonin also has a large part to play in how exercise reduces stress, as its mood-boosting quality counters the effects of stress hormones like cortisol. Since pain signals are sent from the brain, natural pain-killing chemicals help redirect or block unpleasant pain sensations (sometimes only during exercise and for a short time after).

  1. Helps With Brain Cell Protection and Growth

According to Harvard Medical School, exercise stimulates the production of growth factors, which help new blood vessels grow in the brain as well as protecting new brain cells so they thrive and survive.

  1. Improves mood

Exercise improves mood the same way it helps control stress and anxiety, by producing mood-boosting endorphins, neurotransmitters and hormones like serotonin and dopamine which do exactly that – they boost your mood! Both routine exercise and diet play a key role in helping ease symptoms of mild depression.

  1. Clears The Mind

Exercise melts away the worries and events of the day by keeping you focused on the task at hand. This can serve as almost a type of meditation by emptying your head of clattering daily thoughts, giving your brain a rest as your body works up a lather.

  1. Improves Day-to-Day Brain Functioning

Routine exercise can help lift brain fog and help improve focus and motivation, which in turn can help sharpen interpersonal skills, job performance and increased creativity.

So, it turns out your brain needs routine exercise just as much as the rest of you does! Thanks for visiting DocChat, we hope you’ll return again soon!