Did you know that cardiovascular disease appears to be associated with a higher risk of certain eye diseases? Changes in the eyes can often predict the risk of cardiovascular disease, hardening of the arteries, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and more. The eyes have a network of tiny blood vessels. Listen to this podcast episode to find out the connection between the eyes' blood vessels and heart disease. Also, hear about recent research into whey protein, B vitamins, and natural ways to keep the heart and eyes healthy.

Sunlight has a direct effect on brain chemistry. Sunlight increases serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood, anxiety, happiness and mental focus. There is a strong association between decreased exposure to sunlight and increased probability of cognitive impairment. Did you know that sunlight and light therapy can have positive effects on mood and cognition? Listen to this episode to find out why, and what you can do to help keep your brain in balance naturally.

Michael Edson, MA, LAc. is the author of Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Other Related Diseases Naturally, available on NaturalEyeCare.com

A tick-borne disease, Lyme Disease can severely damage both vision and the brain's functioning. When a tick is infected with this spirochete, and it bites a person, it can transmit the bacterium into the bloodstream. Since the spirochete bacterium is spiral-shaped, it can burrow into various tissues. This makes Lyme Disease both difficult to diagnose and dangerous.

In this episode, Michael Edson discusses research into Lyme Disease's effects on the body. Listen to find out about how Lyme Disease may be able to both mimic and trigger various forms of dementia. Also, Mr. Edson discusses the myriad of symptoms of Lyme Disease at different stages. 

Have you ever thought about the "batteries" in your cells? They are called the "mitochondria." Why are they important as you age? The mitochondria provide energy and respiration to cells in the body. Mitochondria appear to be a critical factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and possibly other dementia-related diseases. As you age, your metabolism slows down. Lower metabolism alters parts of the brain and is associated with certain eye diseases. Listen to episode to learn more about mitochondria and how you can protect them.

Subscribe to the Natural Brain Support podcast for important information about keeping your brain healthy, naturally. Hosted by Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac., author of the book, "Natural Brain Support," available on NaturalEyeCare.com

The Glycemic Index represents how much blood glucose levels rise, relatively, 2 hours after consuming that a particular food. The ranking is from 1 to 100. For example, plain yogurt has a Glycemic Index ranking of 14 (low), while a doughnut has a score of 76 (high). The higher the number, the more that food will make your blood sugar levels fluctuate. This can significantly harm your health.

Michael Edson discusses the negative effects of high-glycemic foods on various health conditions and diseases. He explains how a poor diet can lead to disease and shortened lifespan. Additionally, he gives examples of foods on the full spectrum of the Glycemic Index. He explains the cross-over of the Low Glycemic Index Diet and the Alkaline Diet.

Listen to this episode and subscribe to the Natural Brain Support podcast to hear important information about keeping your brain healthy, naturally. This episode is narrated by Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac., author of the book, "Natural Brain Support," available on NaturalEyeCare.com

You may have heard of alkalizing and acidic foods. In this podcast episode, Michael Edson discusses how to balance these types of foods in a healthy diet. Eat about 80% alkalizing foods, such as most vegetables and fruits. Eat only 20% acidifying foods, like bread and dairy products, as they increase inflammation.

In this podcast, acupuncturist Michael Edson discusses how Traditional Chinese Medicine can boost brain health. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been in practice for over 3000 years. Each patient is given recommendations according to their individual needs to maximize the body's natural health process.  TCM addresses imbalances in the body. This approach to health includes acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle. The meridians are energy lines in the body. Out-of-balance meridians are seen as the basis of illnesses.

For at least 2,000 years, TCM has addressed memory loss and dementia.

Listen to the episode to discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine can support the aging brain. 

Do consult with an acupuncturist and/or expert in Traditional Chinese Medicine before trying any protocols. Also, discuss your medications and supplements with your physician before making any changes.

Brain plasticity is the brain's ability to adapt as a result of experience. Contrary to past belief, science has found that the neural networks in the brain can both grow and reorganize.

In this podcast, Michael Edson discusses how brain plasticity works, and how it can be hampered. For example, poor lifestyle choices like junk food and smoking impair brain plasticity. On the other hand, certain nutrients have been found to improve brain plasticity and neurogenesis.

Foods mentioned in this podcast include: blueberries (polyphenols), curcumin,  goji berries (flavonoids), green tea (catechins), walnuts (may reduce amyloid beta fibrillization and amyloid beta-caused oxidative stress and cell death).

Nutrients in this episode include: acetyl-l-carnitine, ashwagandha, astaxanthin, baicalein, curcumin,DHA, gingko biloba, ginseng, grapeseed extract, magnesium, melatonin,  n-acetyl-cysteine, omega-3 fatty acids, phosphatidylserine, sage (aka danshen and salvia), resveratrol, taurine, vinpocetine, vitamin E.

These products and Michael Edson's book Natural Brain Support are available on the Natural Eyecare Online Store.

It was once believed that your genes are unable to change or evolve overtime and are predetermined when the fetus is first forming, but this is not the case. Our DNA and genes affect our growth, development, and even factors like personality types. Hence, when epigenetics began to be widely studied, it showed that gene expression can change throughout someone's lifetime depending on many different factors.

Listen to this podcast for more in-depth information about Epigenetics and its relationship with Leaky Gut Syndrome, written and narrated by Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac., author of the book, "Natural Brain Support. " 

Leaky Gut Syndrome is a digestive condition that affects the lining of the stomach and intestines. In Leaky Gut Syndrome, there are gaps in the intestinal walls that allow bacteria and other toxins to pass through into the bloodstream. This may lead to illnesses and conditions such food allergies, infections, and even diabetes.

Listen to this podcast for details about Leaky Gut Syndrome, written and narrated by Michael Edson, , MS, L.Ac., author of the book, "Natural Brain Support. "  

Special terms in this podcast: cultured products including kefir, yogurt, and traditional buttermilk. Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, fermented soy, miso and kombucha. Targeted supplements to help repair the gut including: l-glutamine, glycine, colostrum, marshmallow root, licorice, slippery elm, quercetin, vitamin a, zinc, olive leaf extract,  and Chinese herbs (based on the recommendation of the Chinese medical practitioner).