Blog
How to Beat Holiday Stress That Harms Your Brain
Multitasking might seem like an asset, especially during the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations. However, research shows it’s far from beneficial. Contrary to popular belief, multitasking reduces efficiency and performance.
How to Keep Your Brain’s Detox System Working at Its Best
Your brain has its own cleaning crew—specialized brain cells known as glial cells, which work within what’s called the glymphatic system. This system works like a highly efficient garbage truck, collecting waste and toxins from your brain and delivering them to…
The Controversy with Scented Candles and Brain-friendly Alternatives
While candles can create a cozy atmosphere, many release toxins that may harm your brain over time. Choosing non-toxic, brain-friendly alternatives can reduce the buildup of harmful chemicals in your body. Let’s explore safer options that help you enjoy beautiful scents without the risks.
Egg Carton Labels: The Meaningless, The Deceptive, and The One You Should Look For
Eggs are no longer the misunderstood villains of yesteryear. They’re a convenient, affordable, and nutrient-packed addition to your diet. When shopping, remember that the egg carton label to look for is
Why Omega-3s Are Essential for Your Brain (and Where to Find Them!)
Surprisingly, our brains are made up of a lot of fat, specifically in the membrane and insulation around nerve cells, known as neurons. A big portion of this fat is called DHA, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid.
The Gift That Could Keep Harming: How to Choose Safer Toys for Kids This Season
Toys are meant to bring joy, yet they can sometimes bring children to the emergency room instead. On average, one child in the U.S. is treated every three minutes for a toy-related injury, many of which could have been prevented.
The Mouth-Brain Connection and Best Practices for Taking Better Care of Our Mouth
When harmful bacteria in our mouth aren’t kept in check, the damage goes beyond just our teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene can lead to inflammatory responses and various diseases.
Exercise: Natural Medicine for Your Brain and the Best Places to Work Out!
We all want the best for ourselves: the best jobs, the best deals, and when it comes to your brain, you should want the best too. And that’s where exercise comes in. It’s not just for your body, but your brain, too.
Gut Microbiome Care Tips: What It Is, What It Needs, & How to Care For It
We have microbiomes all over, including on our skin, in our eyes, mouth, and even our lungs. But the gut microbiome, which lives in our digestive system, is the most important one when it comes to our health, especially the connection between our gut and our brain.
Is Your Brain Aging or Deteriorating? Abnormal Signs of Aging to Watch For
It’s a given—our brain, like the rest of our body, will age. This is a natural part of life. But the question is: Will your brain change normally, or will it deteriorate?
Strategic Eating: Dietary Tips to Fight Chronic Inflammation
Did you know that many of us are walking around with some level of chronic inflammation without even realizing it? The signs are often there, but we don’t always associate them with inflammation. Here are a few common ones:
Should You Be Consuming Caffeine? Exploring the Benefits and Cautions
Before you grab that next cup of coffee or energy drink, it’s important to ask yourself: how does caffeine affect my body and brain, and should I be drinking it regularly? This isn’t just about coffee – caffeine is hiding in a lot more than you might think!
Get An Energy Boost
The best energizing snack combines a carbohydrate with either a protein or an unsaturated fat. Other things to try at various times of the day include: Cold-water immersion…
Gimme Some Energy: Diet and Lifestyle Hacks for an Energy Boost
Ever worked on a challenging project all day without much physical movement but still felt utterly exhausted by the end? That’s the impact of low mental energy—brain fog, reduced cognitive function, and poor concentration all make it tough to perform at our best. But here’s the good news: you can
Standing Up to Covid-19: Lifestyle Changes to Combat Long COVID
We’ve been inundated with advice on how to protect ourselves from COVID-19: washing hands frequently, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated. But there’s more you can do. Lifestyle changes can
Where Do You Get Your Omegas? The Essential Difference Between DHA, EPA, and ALA
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that our bodies cannot produce independently. This means they must be obtained through our diet or supplements.
Know Your Fish: Best Choices, Farm-Raised Challenges, and What to Avoid
Have you ever wondered about the journey your fish took before it landed on your plate? It’s not just about what tastes good but also about where that fish comes from, how it was raised, and what it’s been exposed to before reaching your kitchen.
Give Your Brain A Workout
While kids naturally get plenty of mental exercise in school, adults often need to be more intentional about keeping their brains active. Studies have shown that certain activities can improve memory, slow cognitive decline, help grow
Chewing Helps Your Brain: Chewing Your Way to a Healthier Brain
My husband Oliver shared his experience with me, recounting how he used to chew sunflower seeds during long, congested drives home to stay awake. It turns out, it wasn’t the sunflower…
The Goodness of Water: Why Staying Hydrated is Essential for Our Brain
Did you know that even a small percentage of dehydration can significantly impact your cognitive abilities? Research shows that being just 1% dehydrated can lead to a 5% decrease in…
The Poop-Brain Connection | How Constipation Affects Your Brain
Contrary to what many believe, you don’t have to go every day. Research shows that what’s normal varies from three times a day to three times a week. Your own normal range is what…
Poop and the Brain | How Constipation Might Affect Your Brain
About a year ago, researchers at an Alzheimer’s conference reported a 73% higher risk of cognitive decline among people with chronic constipation. They also noted that their brains appear…
The Worst Drink for Your Brain | The Truth About Alcohol and Brain Health as You Age
Aging brings about changes in our bodies, including how we metabolize alcohol. What you could handle in your younger years may no longer be the case as you age. This reduced tolerance means…
Alcohol: Slow Your Roll | Understanding How Alcohol Affects Us as We Get Older
As we grow older, alcohol stays in our system longer than it did when we were younger. This can be risky, especially if we’re taking medications because alcohol might interfere with them.
Foggy Brain? This Can Help! | Essential Sunlight Tips for Maximum Vitamin D Production!
Getting sunlight safely involves more than just sun exposure—it’s about strategic timing, skin exposure, and understanding UVB rays. Here’s what you need to know…
Brain Issues? Here Comes the Sun!
Sunlight isn’t just about brightening our day; it plays a crucial role in our health, particularly through the production of vitamin D. This essential vitamin acts like an instructor in our…
Is Your Brain Under Attack? | The Hidden Dangers of Visceral Fat
Why should we be concerned about visceral fat? Beyond affecting our appearance, excess visceral fat increases our risk of developing a range of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and even…
Lose Weight, Help Your Brain
It’s no secret that being overweight or obese can take a toll on our physical health, but the effects on our brain may come as a surprise. Recent studies have uncovered three key ways that excess weight can compromise our cognitive abilities…
How To Freeze and Dry Cherries | DIY Cherry Preservation
The first step is to thoroughly wash and inspect the cherries. I like to soak them in cool water, then carefully sort through them, removing any that are damaged, overripe, or starting to…
100 Days of Extra Brain Support
I’ve seen the power of cherries firsthand. My own mother was a huge fan, and she would buy them by the crate during the peak season. Even as she got older, the doctors always…
Berniece Hunt
Brain Health Specialist
Berniece Hunt is the founder of Keep Your Brain Sharp and committed to supporting others in their quest for a healthier brain.
As a Wellness Coach for over 10 years, and a Certified Brain Health Professional, she specializes in lifestyle strategies, coaching health seekers on how to maintain, recover and even increase brain function, so they can enjoy life as they age, without missing a beat!
Her husband’s brief bout with brain trauma was the catalyst for her journey into brain health. It led her to the importance of lifestyle changes, which she now teaches to those wanting to fight what many assume is an inevitable part of aging.
A former mentor and Teacher of the Year nominee, Berniece used skills learned from 30 years of educating regular and special needs students to create a brain sharp curriculum.