The brain is an extremely fatty organ, but the lipids in the brain are critical to its structure and function. Lipids are important components of cellular membranes, and if their composition changes, the membrane composition will also change which alters downstream pathways including cellular signaling and neurotransmitter action.1 Membrane properties can also affect the immune system through changing protein function, membrane-mediated signaling, generation of bioactive lipids, and cytokine secretion.2

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Polyunsaturated fatty acids contain more than one double bond, compared to monounsaturated fatty acids with one double bond, and saturated fats which have no double bonds. While this all seems highly technical, the presence, or absence, of double bonds confer important properties to fatty acids. Two of the most commonly studied PUFAs are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in high amounts in the Standard American Diet, from foods including animal meat, soybeans, and corn oil. Conversely, omega-3 fatty acids are enriched in diets similar to the Mediterranean Diet, which emphasizes fish and nutrient-rich foods such as flaxseed. Lipids are critical to brain function through their role as components of the brain. The lipid composition of the brain is unique and when composition, metabolism, or signaling are altered, many neurological issues can arise.1

In this episode, naturopath and medical herbalist Amanda Williams joins our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about kava (Piper methysticum), known to many as “life essential,” “peace elixir,” and “root of happiness.”

In this episode, naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood joins our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is commonly used in ayurvedic medicine as a general tonic for natural healing, and it is associated with a variety of clinical health benefits like blood sugar reduction, reduced cortisol levels, and stress relief to name a few.

Herbs for stress may address the effects of stress as an undeniable factor in many illnesses, and growing evidence now suggests that stress can negatively impact memory and other neurocognitive functions while having lasting consequences on the brain, behavior, and physical fitness levels.

Today we’re talking with naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood, who guides us through a selection of medicinal herbs that play important roles as tonics and adaptogens for nervous and adrenal health. These herbs have long traditions of optimizing sleep and stress management habits, which in turn play an important role in overall, wholistic health.

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, King of Ayurveda, and winter cherry, is an adaptogen and has been used to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.