Intermittent Fasting and the Memory Gene
A fascinating new study suggests that intermittent fasting may do more than support weight balance — it could actually help protect your memory and keep your brain sharp.
Researchers found that mice following an every-other-day fasting schedule showed stronger long-term memory than those on regular or calorie-restricted diets. The difference? Their brains produced more new neurons in the hippocampus — the region responsible for memory and learning.
The key seems to be the activation of the Klotho gene, sometimes called the “longevity gene.” This gene was switched on by intermittent fasting and in turn helped boost the birth of new brain cells. When scientists silenced Klotho, the memory and neurogenesis benefits faded — suggesting it plays a central role in fasting’s brain-boosting power.
While these results are based on animal studies, they add to growing evidence that intermittent fasting may be a simple lifestyle choice with big implications for cognitive resilience and healthy aging (Madeo et al., 2021; Johnson et al., 2021). More research in humans will be needed, but the science points to a powerful connection between how we eat and how our brains age.
1. Have you ever tried intermittent fasting — and if so, how did it affect your focus, energy, or mood?
2. Do you believe lifestyle choices like fasting can really influence long-term brain health?
3. If science showed a clear way to protect memory and prevent cognitive decline, would you change your eating habits?
4. What’s one habit you practice now that helps you feel mentally sharp and resilient?
Free Video – Fasting for brainhealth
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The Hidden Story of Our Modern Diet
A new wave of research is shining a light on how our modern diet has drifted far from its roots.
Scientists point out that in the pursuit of crops that are more durable, high-yield, and shelf-stable, many of our staple foods have become nutritionally distorted versions of what they once were. Wheat, for example, has been bred and processed in ways that change its structure, making it very different from the humble grain it began as.
The concern isn’t only what we eat, but also how we eat. Fast-paced lifestyles, processed foods, and hidden additives have reshaped our relationship with meals, often leaving us with less nourishment and more health risks.
While the story of food is complex, studies suggest that a return to whole, less-processed ingredients may support better digestion, stronger immunity, and even long-term wellness (Smith et al., 2022; Brown & Lee, 2023). More research is still unfolding, but the message is clear: the choices we make at the table ripple into every part of our health.
1. Do you think our food today is healthier, or has it lost too much of its original nourishment through processing and modification?
2. How often do you pay attention to where your food comes from and how it has been grown or produced?
3. What small changes could you make in your daily meals to bring yourself closer to whole, natural foods?
4. Do you believe the way we eat is just as important as what we eat when it comes to long-term health and balance?
Free Video – What’s In Our Food?
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Taking Control of Your Health with Dr. Andrew Saul
A powerful conversation is reshaping how we think about health, medicine, and the role of nutrition in healing.
Dr. Andrew Saul highlights how little nutrition is taught in traditional medical schools, despite its profound influence on mental and physical well-being. He points to the overlooked power of vitamins, such as niacin (B3), which has shown promise in supporting people struggling with depression and alcoholism.
One striking story he shares is of a woman whose son was living in an institution. By introducing vitamins and essential nutrients into his care, she saw life-changing improvements that traditional treatment had not achieved.
The message is clear: while medicine has its place, there is an urgent need for individuals to reclaim responsibility for their own health. By learning, questioning, and making informed choices, we can open the door to deeper healing and resilience (Saul, 2021; Hoffer & Foster, 2019).
1. Do you think nutrition should be a core subject in medical school, or is it something people must take responsibility to learn on their own?
2. Have you ever experienced the benefits of vitamins or nutrients in improving your mood, energy, or overall health?
3. If nutrients like niacin (B3) can support conditions such as depression and alcoholism, why do you think this isn’t more widely known or practiced in mainstream healthcare?
4. What daily steps do you take to make sure your body and mind get the nourishment they need to thrive?
Free Video – Taking Control of Your Health
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Forest Bathing and the Stress Reset
Spending time in the forest doesn’t just feel good — science shows it can have powerful effects on your nervous system and long-term health.
Researchers studying the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) found that participants who spent time walking or resting in forest environments had significantly lower cortisol levels, reduced heart rates, and improved mood compared to those in urban settings. Even short visits showed measurable benefits for stress recovery.
The mechanism seems to involve both the senses and the immune system. Natural sights, sounds, and scents activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” mode — while exposure to phytoncides (plant-derived compounds) has been linked to improved immune function and increased natural killer (NK) cell activity. Together, these changes help regulate stress and support overall resilience.
Although more research is needed, early findings suggest that making time for forest environments may help protect mental well-being, strengthen immunity, and balance the body in ways that modern medicine is only beginning to understand (Li, 2019; Hansen et al., 2017).
1. Have you ever noticed how your body feels different after a walk in the woods compared to city streets?
2. Do you believe nature exposure should be prescribed as part of healthcare?
3. If spending just 20 minutes outdoors could reset your stress levels, would you make it a daily habit?
4. What’s your favorite way to reconnect with nature when you feel overwhelmed?
Free Video – Running Back to Mother Earth
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The Second Brain: Natural Paths to Gut Healing
Your gut is more than a digestive organ — it’s a powerful command center often called the second brain. With trillions of microbes influencing immunity, energy, and even mood, gut health has become one of the most important foundations of overall well-being.
Research shows that when the gut is in balance, the body thrives. A diet rich in plant fibers from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains feeds beneficial bacteria, increasing microbial diversity and protecting against chronic disease. Adding probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut introduces helpful microbes that restore balance. At the same time, reducing processed foods, excess sugar, and inflammatory triggers protects the gut lining and reduces discomfort.
Lifestyle habits matter too. Stress, lack of sleep, and dehydration all disturb the gut-brain connection, leading to issues like bloating, fatigue, and low mood. Simple practices — mindful breathing, meditation, time in nature, or a regular sleep routine — can calm the nervous system and bring digestion back into harmony. By combining nourishing foods with daily rituals that ease stress, you create a natural path to healing the gut and strengthening both body and mind (Cryan et al., 2019; Valdes et al., 2018).
1. What’s one daily habit that helps you feel more balanced in your digestion?
2. Have you tried probiotic or fermented foods, and how did they affect your well-being?
3. Do you notice your digestion changes when you’re stressed? How do you handle it?
4. Which plant-based foods feel best for your body and energy levels?
Free Video – 7 Ways To Healing The Gut Naturally
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