Functional Medicine Blog - Carolina Brain Center

Dyslexia and the Brain Dyslexia is the most common learning disability in the US, affecting somewhere between 5 and 17 percent of the population.     That means millions of school children around the country struggle with it. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are required to provide special services to help these students. These services can be expensive and many schools simply do not have the resources to provide these accommodations for struggling students. Dyslexia used to be referred to as ... Read more

Which Type of Exercise is Best for the Brain?     A new study indicates that some forms of exercise may be much more effective than others at bulking up the brain. Scientists compared head-to-head the neurological impacts of different types of exercise: running, weight training, and high-intensity interval training. The surprising results suggest that going hard may not be the best option for long-term brain health. Researchers know that exercise changes the structure and function of the brain. Studies have shown that physical activity generally ... Read more

These mobile apps help even the busiest people boost productivity and stay organized.   SavingStar E-coupon app SavingStar gives you coupons for the things you need and want (diapers, soap, snacks) at your favorite grocery and drugstores. You pay the normal price in the store and the savings from the coupons you choose add up inside the app. Once you reach $5, you can choose to put the savings in your bank account, redeem them for an Amazon gift card, or even donate ... Read more

Mango & Cilantro Guacamole The mango brightens up the guacamole and adds a hint of sweetness. This easy guacamole is perfect for a Cinco de Mayo celebration! 3 Hass avocados 1 ripe mango 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/3 cup chopped red onion 1 serrano chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Tortilla chips, for serving Directions: Cut each avocado in half lengthwise. Remove the pit from the avocado and discard. Remove the avocado from the skin, and place ... Read more

Gluten-Free Recipe of the Month The Masters Pimento Cheese Of all the many things golf fans rave about after attending the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, one of the most popular is the famous pimento cheese sandwiches that sell for just a $1.50.  The Masters Pimento Cheese recipe is a classic southern tradition, full of creamy cheddar and parmesan cheese mixed in with just the right amount of pimentos. If you are eliminating gluten from your diet, serve on gluten free bread for ... Read more

Healthy Eats: April 2017 How to crack your sugar addiction: The average American consumes an average of 128 pounds of added sugars each year and it affects our bodies on every level. Research has found that people who got between 10 and 25 percent of their calories from added sugar were almost three times more likely to die of heart problems than those who consumed less than 10 percent of their calories from sugar. Previous studies have found links between sugar intake and ... Read more

9 Garden Plants That Repel Mosquitoes     As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, the return of pesky bugs can be a huge nuisance. Instead of spending money on chemical treatments, try planting some of these naturally mosquito repelling plants in your garden. Marigolds – this flower’s strong aroma not only repels mosquitoes, but also squash bugs and tomato worms. Lavender – as a bonus this plant is also drought resistant so it can grow in areas with little ... Read more

Smell and the Brain Why do certain smells evoke specific memories or feelings? One theory involves the way your brain processes odors and memories. Our sense of smell involves the detection and perception of chemicals floating in the air. Chemical molecules enter the nose and dissolve in mucous within a membrane called the olfactory epithelium. In humans, this is located about 7 cm up into the nose from the nostrils. Hair cells are the receptors in the olfactory epithelium that respond to certain ... Read more

March Healthy Eats:  Sneaky Sources of Gluten to Avoid When Eating Out: In our March addition of Healthy Eats, learn about some of the sneaky sources of gluten when eating out. And, of course, enjoy our March GF recipe of the month, which is perfect for St. Patrick's Day. Sushi Most soy sauces can contain wheat, and other common Asian sauces such as teriyaki, hoisin and even miso can also contain gluten. Another culprit to watch out for is imitation crab meat, which is often ... Read more

Spring Break Travel Planning Give your brain a stress-free holiday this spring break! Whether you are dreaming of a spring break getaway to warmer weather, or thinking ahead to summer vacation plans, technology can be a huge help. From finding and booking the perfect vacation spot, staying up to date with road and traffic conditions, or mastering the airport wait, there really is an app for that. Vacation should be stress-free, so let technology help with the planning! TripIt: This single app, my personal ... Read more