Monthly Archives: April 2022

Ever wished for a drug that could make you smarter? A pill that makes your brain feel less sluggish? Or a magical concoction that sharpens your memory? Then you might want to learn more about nootropics. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, nootropics refers to substances that boost the performance of the brain. Often referred to as “smart drugs”, they are becoming more and more popular among those who are seeking a mental boost, whether it be students in school or adults in the workplace.

For certain neurological disorders, doctors may sometimes prescribe nootropics. The most prominent example would be modafinil, which is prescribed to narcolepsy patients to overcome their excessive daytime sleepiness. Some nootropics can even be found in our everyday foods, with the example we are most familiar with being caffeine. Many people frequently consume caffeine through drinking coffee or tea, which helps to make them more alert.

However, the rising demand for nootropics mainly stems from the use of dietary supplements that are targeted towards healthy individuals looking for a brain boost. These supplements contain different ingredients, both natural and synthetic, that claim to improve cognitive functions such as memory, creativity, attention and so on. The most effective nootropics according to WholisticResearch include powerful combinations of different substances that boost the brain, while having little to no side effects.

The consumer base for nootropic supplements is surprisingly wide— and continuously growing. The highest demand for nootropics comes from students and working adults. For those studying and doing “brain intensive” jobs, the reason for this demand is more straightforward as these tasks require strong cognitive skills like memory and problem solving. However, more and more supplements are also being designed specifically for professionals in less “brain intensive” careers like athletes and artists. And of course, brain boosters are also gaining attention among the ageing population who wish to maintain their brain health.

For each demographic, different ingredients are used together in varying amounts to achieve results catering to their specific needs. Hence, there is no one BEST nootropic, only the most suitable nootropic for your current situation depending on your body and needs. Below are some of the general functions that nootropic products claim to provide, according to the different groups of consumers they are targeted toward.

Students and Professionals

This group makes up the largest proportion of consumers, thus most producers of nootropic supplements choose to target this demographic. Students and professionals spend a lot of their time doing tasks that require their brain functions to be in tip-top condition. Many seek an extra boost to give themselves a push through tiring periods, especially nearing deadlines or examinations.

These nootropics tend to increase concentration, reduce sleepiness, and improve memory. This in turn can make users work more efficiently under stress, keep a clear mind, and maintain the motivation needed to complete tasks.

Athletes and Sports Enthusiasts

Supplements are nothing new for those who do sports both professionally or as a hobby. While most workout supplements are often taken to encourage muscle recovery and growth, supplements that boost the brain can help gymgoers by increasing motivation and energy so that they can achieve more in one workout session.

For those involved in competitive sports, enhancing the brain power can also give rise to quicker decision-making, better hand-eye coordination, or even greater willpower and stamina. These mental effects go hand-in-hand with physical training and can improve performance on the field. 

Creators and Artists

Another group that one might not expect to benefit from nootropics are those whose livelihoods depend on producing creative works. This is a very broad category that covers plenty of professions: painters, writers, dancers, crafters— the list goes on. Even though the end-products are not the same, they all require a level of creativity that can sometimes be difficult to achieve when the mind is not in a good condition.

While most creators aren’t looking for a razor-sharp mind or lighting reflexes, the focus and motivation that nootropics provide are still valuable for anyone with an incoming deadline to meet. Removing distractions can also mean that more energy can be used towards creating new ideas, helping to overcome any artist’s blocks.

Elderly and Seniors

Last but not least, cognitive decline is one of the major concerns of ageing. Nootropics are sometimes prescribed for some patients suffering from diseases where the brain function has severely deteriorated due to age. But the elderly who are still considered healthy can also maintain their mental capabilities by taking nootropic supplements to nourish their brains.

Nootropic supplements that cater to this demographic focus more on improving memory and reducing brain fog, which are the main problems faced by an ageing brain. At the same time, they can help to boost energy levels so that seniors can continue carrying out their daily routines with ease.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffers from headaches, you know just how debilitating they can be. Whether it’s a tension headache or a migraine, these painful episodes can keep you from going about your day-to-day activities. Here’s what the different types of headaches are, what causes them, and how you can treat them.

Having a headache is one of the most common health complaints in the world, with half of people across the globe having had at least one in the last year. The reasons for having headaches can be complex, ranging from stress to side effects from other physical conditions. 

Here are some of the main things you need to know about headaches, including how to treat them, and how to avoid having them in the first place.

Types of Headaches

There are four main types of headaches: tension, cluster, sinus, and migraine.

Tension headaches are the most common type, affecting about 90% of people who experience occasional headaches. These types of headaches are usually caused by stress or muscle tension in the neck and head. 

Cluster headaches are much less common, but they’re more severe than tension headaches. These types of headaches usually affect men and tend to come in cycles or clusters. 

Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation in the sinuses and often occur along with a cold or allergies.

Migraines are the most severe type of headache, affecting about 12% of Americans, and three times as many women as men. Migraines can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, hormones, certain foods, and weather changes.

Another type of headache relates to the overuse of medication. This is called medication overuse headache (MOH) and can occur when painkillers are taken too often. This type of headache usually affects people who have migraines or tension headaches. When people continually take medications to treat their headaches, it can go on to become the new cause of the headaches.

What Causes Headaches?

There are a number of different things that can cause headaches. In particular, stress and muscle tension are common causes of tension headaches. Other causes include dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, hunger, eye strain, and postural problems.

Cluster headaches are often caused by smoking or drinking alcohol. Sinus headaches are usually the result of an infection or allergies. And migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors including hormonal changes (particularly in women), certain foods or drinks (aged cheeses, processed meats, wine, chocolate), weather changes, bright lights or loud noises. 

Some people are also interested in the spiritual meaning of headaches, with some sufferers finding relief when they explore this as a cause.

What Impact Can Headaches Have?

Headaches can have a significant impact on your quality of life. They can interfere with your ability to work, enjoy leisure activities, and even get a good night’s sleep. In some cases, headaches can be so severe that you need to go to the hospital.

Some people who deal with headaches frequently can become more prone to depression and anxiety too. This is because of the chronic pain and the impact that headaches can have on a person’s life. Anxiety may occur when you worry about having headaches. Suffering from anxiety can also create tension that causes more headaches.

Depression is usually diagnosed when you start to lose interest in the activities you used to enjoy. Again, chronic headaches can be a cause of depression as well as a symptom. Anyone suffering with their mental health in this way should seek help from a medical professional, as more support may be required than simply treating the headaches themselves. 

How to Treat Headaches

The good news is that there are a number of different ways to treat headaches. For tension headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective. You can also try applying heat or ice to the affected area, massaging your neck and shoulders, or practicing relaxation techniques. 

One good relaxation technique for preventing headaches is progressive muscle relaxation. This involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body, starting with your feet and working up to your head. Some people also gain some relief with stretching and practices such as yoga. Exercises such as yoga can help you to relax both physically and mentally, which many people find helpful.

For cluster headaches, oxygen therapy is often recommended. This involves inhaling pure oxygen through a mask for about 15 minutes. Sinus headaches can be treated with decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers. And migraines may be treated with medication, such as triptans or ergotamines. Some people find relief by avoiding triggers like certain foods or drinks, while others find that acupuncture or chiropractic care can help.

Some people also find relief with homeopathic cures for headaches. These are natural remedies, and common homeopathic cures for headaches include belladonna, Bryonia, and ignatia. 

If you’re suffering from headaches, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once you know what is causing your headaches, you can work on finding a treatment that is right for you. With the correct care, you can lessen the frequency and severity of your headaches and get back to living your life pain-free. It is often a case of finding just the thing that works for you, so a little patience is sometimes required.

It is an established scientific fact that medical cannabis has multiple benefits on the human body. Cannabidiol or CBD oil is rising in popularity as a treatment for anxiety, chronic pain, seizures, and sleep disorders. It is being used in hospitals and homes across the globe. However, there have been anecdotes of users getting headaches when using CBD oil. Is there a scientific basis for this claim?

Can CBD Oil Cause Headaches?

Any substance that you consume has its pros and cons. Although CBD oil can help address a range of ailments and illnesses, it can trigger unwanted side effects as well. The common side effects of CBD oil discovered through scientific studies are dry mouth, changes in appetite, hypotension (low blood pressure), lightheadedness, drowsiness, and diarrhea. Thankfully, most of the recorded side effects are mild in nature.

Despite extensive research, scientists have found no evidence to support the idea that CBD oil causes headaches or related conditions like migraines. Some users may consider lightheadedness or dizziness a headache, but it is unlikely. Therefore, it is more probable that the real cause of headaches may not be CBD oil itself but factors pertaining to its production and use.

It may be helpful to remember that headaches can be caused by a myriad of factors including stress, caffeine, dehydration, and lack of sleep. Outside of the research environment, it is difficult to control the lifestyle factors of CBD oil users. Certain side effects can also be triggered due to drug interactions. For instance, antipsychotic drugs like pimozide are known to negatively interact with CBD.

Given that evidence from clinical trials show that CBD oil does not cause headaches, let us examine other possible causes.

Incorrect Dosage

When taking any medication or supplement, the correct dosage is important. A dosage that is too low may lead to inadequate outcomes while a dosage that is too high may cause undesirable side effects. Because CBD oil is so easy to administer, users can be prone to overdosing. Although CBD is non-toxic, excessively high doses may be responsible for causing headaches.

For first-time CBD oil users, it is recommended to start with a small dose and gradually adjust the dosage as your body gets accustomed to it. Consider consulting a medical professional with experience in CBD to figure out the optimal dose for your body weight and health condition. Your doctor can also help to monitor your body’s response over the course of treatment and modify the dosage as needed.

Poor CBD Oil Quality

Unfortunately, cannabis products can vary drastically in quality. As the CBD market is still emerging, it is not yet fully regulated. Hence, some less-reputable brands may sell CBD oil produced from inferior hemp strains or synthetic ingredients. While such products may cost less, they can lead to severe side effects including respiratory issues and allergies.

Cannabis is grown in many regions of the world. The quality of the cannabis plant relies heavily on the purity of the soil in which it was grown as well as whether the plant was treated or processed with volatile chemicals. If the cannabis plant absorbed mercury, lead, or other harmful substances, the resulting CBD oil may be contaminated with toxins.

Lack of Laboratory Testing

Given that the CBD industry is largely unregulated, consumers must look for proof of third-party testing. Independent laboratory testing results will tell you more about the quality and potency of a CBD oil product. It will also list the ingredients, including warning you of any residual solvents or contaminants that should not be present in the product.

Third-party testing results or certificates of analysis should be readily available on CBD brand websites. Never purchase CBD oil from a company that undertakes its own laboratory tests or does not disclose laboratory findings. The absence of proper labeling is a major red flag and a sign that the associated product could do more damage than good.

Aside from third-party tests, look for CBD oil that is made from natural ingredients. There should be no unnecessary solvents, oils, or fillers added to bulk up the product. Ideally, the hemp from which the CBD oil is extracted should be sustainably grown on an organic farm. Farm-to-oil products where brands oversee their own farms and processing tend to be the best.

According to scientist and cannabinologist, Dr. Greg Gerdeman, “the scientific discovery of the endocannabinoid system has, in some important ways, liberated cannabis from the drug abuse paradigm.” As researchers continue their vital foray into the medical applications of cannabis extracts, it is our duty as consumers to treat it with the respect accorded to any other drug.

High-quality CBD oil should not cause headaches. Inferior CBD oil and inappropriate dosing are likely reasons why certain CBD users experience headaches. By taking CBD oil at the correct doses and choosing only certified first-class products, we can ensure the purest and most effective relief from the conditions and illnesses that ail us.

Some of our most important lessons were learned in the classroom. Almost everyone remembers a particular teacher that was an indelible influence on their character. It may have been the teacher’s passion for the subject, their kind encouragement, or their morsels of daily wisdom that sculpted us into the people that we are today. By becoming a teacher, you could be that life-changing force for somebody else.

Make a Difference

A great teacher can have a huge impact on the lives of their students. Becoming an educator gives you the power and privilege to shape the next generation and contribute to society. The majority of children spend more of their waking hours with their teachers than their parents. Apart from teaching the essential curriculum, teachers can impart life lessons and model constructive behavior to inspire and guide their students.

Teachers are in the unique position to manage the emotional development of future generations. Every child is unique. As a teacher, you can help those who are less fortunate find equity and develop their self-worth. This can lead to a significant and lasting change in the direction of a child’s life. Intangible rewards such as the expression of triumph on the face of a struggling student can be the most rewarding part of the teaching vocation. 

Ample Holidays

While many private-sector jobs are a strict nine to five and often involve overtime, teaching schedules are more flexible. During the school semester, teachers may need to do longer days to plan lessons or mark assignments after class. However, most of this work can be done at home. You will have the choice to end your day earlier and take time for other activities before completing your work commitments. 

Long holidays are one of the best perks of a teaching career. Teachers enjoy a large amount of paid holidays, including two months over summer break and several weeks over Thanksgiving and Christmas. For individuals with families, having a schedule that syncs with your children’s will allow you to spend a lot of quality time with your loved ones. For others, this is a perfect opportunity to rest and recharge or pick up a summer sideline. 

Job Security

Unlike most of the jobs in the private sector, teachers will never become redundant. While no industry can be entirely insulated from an economic downturn, teaching is generally considered a recession-proof job. Regardless of the economic situation in any country, people will always need education and schools will always need teachers, especially where basic education is mandated by the law. 

In fact, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the teaching industry is expected to see steady growth, with 1.9 million new job opportunities for preschool to post-secondary school teachers between 2014 and 2024. This great job security means that you can focus on developing your career and being the best teacher possible instead of worrying about the longevity of your employment contract.

Career Mobility

When you have a degree in education, your credentials will never lose their value. While specific needs can vary by student level or school, qualified and experienced teachers are always in demand. If you are willing to move to areas where there is a need for educators, you could receive outstanding offers that rival private sector salaries and benefits.

For those who wish to climb the occupational ladder, there is a high level of upward mobility and clear career pathways in education. You can pursue a Masters of Education online while teaching, allowing you to apply for more senior positions including head of department, principal, or professor. You could also choose to specialize in subjects that you are passionate about such as foreign languages, literature, science, or music. 

Should you desire a career change later, your teaching qualifications and experience can help you to get a job as a school administrator, guidance counselor, librarian, or social worker. You can even travel overseas and teach in other countries from South America to Southeast Asia. How many careers will pay you to explore the world? While you are there, you can have a positive impact on students in these countries as well.

Teach to Learn

Nothing motivates you to find out more about a subject than a classroom full of enthusiastic listeners. As a teacher, you will have ample opportunities to constantly improve your knowledge and learn about new and interesting topics. Children can sometimes ask questions that adults would never consider, allowing you to access a different perspective and stay curious about our world at large.

From educating preschoolers to tutoring undergraduates, a teacher always learns along with their students. Not only do you gain academic knowledge throughout your career, but you also become adept at public speaking, conflict resolution, management, and leadership. Teaching is an attractive career for a variety of reasons. Whether you love it for its tangible or intangible rewards, a teaching career is an excellent choice.