Dr. Ann

Exercise is a godsend for those with anxiety disorders. That was the upshot of a pivotal new study evaluating how a prescribed regimen of regular physical activity impacted anxiety scores.  For this study 286 adults suffering from clinical anxiety syndromes, some for over a decade, were placed in one of three study groups. Group 1 […]

A diet high in processed foods quickly leads to brain inflammation and memory decline. That was the alarming conclusion from a study in lab rats by scientists known for their expertise in evaluating how everyday life events impact brain inflammation.  For this study scientists put both young rats and older rats on one of three […]

This is really big! In an elegantly conducted clinical trial by one of the world’s most esteemed microbiome scientists we find that stepping up the intake of fermented foods is a quick and effective way to boost gut microbial diversity AND decrease damaging inflammation—even more so than stepping up your intake of fiber-rich plant foods! […]

Rejoice! Thanks to a powerful report, we now have convincing evidence that healthy eating can ease the symptoms of depression. For this first-of-its-kind analysis, scientists pooled the data from 16 clinical trials encompassing over 45,000 study subjects. All of the trials were conducted to test the effects of dietary changes on the symptoms of depression […]

Here are 10 simple, yet powerful things you can do that are guaranteed to place you on the path to optimal wellness. Give yourself an “oil change.”  Make extra virgin olive oil your oil of choice for room temperature, low heat and cold food preparations.  This “make-me-healthier” fat is filled with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory […]

  Is regular exercise the real fountain of youth? According to an exciting report, the answer appears to be an energizing YES. For this evaluation, scientists recruited 125 highly fit, regular cyclists aged 55 to 79, including 84 males and 41 females. For comparison, the scientists also recruited 75 healthy older adults and 55 healthy […]

In a study that should absolutely grab everyone’s attention, scientists concluded that as body weight climbs, blood flow to the brain, as well as brain function progressively declines. For this eye-opening report, which marks the largest to date looking at brain activity and blood flow relative to body weight, scientists performed functional MRI scans of […]

A compelling body of published studies have repeatedly linked belly fat (visceral fat), particularly in middle age, to a greater risk of dementia. Thanks to a series of carefully conducted lab studies in mice, for the first time scientists have identified at least one specific way belly fat damages brain cells. Here is what they […]

I consider extra virgin olive oil to be the healthiest of all oils. Here’s why: 1) Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) protects the heart and arteries through many ways including lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol and raising good (HDL) cholesterol. 2) As oils go, EVOO is uniquely high in potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols. Polyphenols […]

There is now overwhelming evidence that the bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract, the gut microbiome, plays a major role in our mood and behavior. Knowing that what we eat is the primary determinate of the state of our gut microbes, European scientists performed an in-depth review of past studies looking at diet, mood, and gut […]

The majority of the solid structure of our brains is made up of fat – yes we are all true fat heads! And the special type of fat that makes up most of our brain architecture is none other than the superstar omega 3 fat.  Omega 3 fat, specifically DHA, is the brain’s most prized and […]

Amazing news here! The benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI’S) like meditation, yoga, and Tai Chi extend far beyond relaxation and stress relief. Thanks to a sweeping new review study, we now have hard evidence that these readily available practices directly impact our DNA in a profoundly positive way! For this evaluation, experts from several universities combined […]