 by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN
Recent research from three well-known cohorts, The Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), NHS2 and Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Study (HPFS), reveals that higher magnesium intake is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly in diets with poor carbohydrate quality.1 Green leafy vegetables, unrefined whole grains, and nuts are richest in magnesium, while meats and milk contain a moderate amount.2 Refined foods, like carbohydrates (carb), are poor sources of magnesium. Diets with poor carb quality are characterized by higher glycemic index (GI), higher glycemic load (GL), and lower fiber intake. These poor carbs require a higher insulin demand. The typical American diet is low in vegetables and whole grains, resulting in reduced magnesium intake. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is 310-320 mg/day for adult women and 400-420 mg/day for adult men.3 Half of the US population fails to meet their daily magnesium needs, and hypomagnesemia exists in 1/3 of adults.4-5 Magnesium is needed for normal insulin signaling; current research has linked insufficient magnesium intake to prediabetes, insulin resistance and T2D.4 Increased magnesium intake has been inversely associated with T2D risk in observational studies.6 Collaborators from Tufts University, Harvard University, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, sought to investigate the impact of magnesium intake, from both dietary and supplemental sources, on the risk of developing T2D in subjects who had diets with poor carb quality and raised GI, GL, or low fiber intake.1 They followed three large prospective cohorts, NHS, NHS2 and HPFS (totaling over 202,700 participants). Dietary intake was quantified by validated food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) every 4 years, and T2D cases were captured via questionnaires. Over 28 years of follow-up, there were 17,130 cases of T2D. Major study findings included:1
Similar to the US population estimates, 40-50% of study participants had inadequate magnesium intake. A healthful, varied diet and supplemental magnesium (especially in diets that restrict or exclude carbohydrates, dairy or meat) are essential to ensure sufficient daily magnesium intake. Why is this Clinically Relevant?
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 You try to eat well to feel good and stay healthy. While it’s optimal to get your daily nutritional needs from the foods you eat, it’s just plain difficult. There is conflicting information out there on the benefits of supplements, but the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 say that supplements may be useful for providing the nutrients you may be lacking from diet alone.
Still on the fence? Consider these top five reasons to add a multivitamin to your daily regimen. 1. Healthy aging. As we get older, our bodies have a harder time absorbing nutrients from food. The National Institute on Aging notes that starting around age 50, people begin to require increased amounts of certain vitamins and minerals.1,2 In fact, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that taking a daily multivitamin & mineral supplement may help improve micro nutrient deficiencies associated with aging.3 2. Making up for eliminated food groups. While some people have to cut certain foods like nuts or gluten out of their diets due to allergies, many eliminate particular foods or food groups from their diet voluntarily. This can cause vitamin insufficiency and deficiencies that would be helped with a multivitamin. Trying a paleo diet? You might risk a shortage of calcium or vitamin D by eliminating dairy or grains. Cutting back on red meat? A multivitamin will replace the iron and B12 you would normally get from diet. 3. Getting the RDAs you’re not getting from food. You’ve probably heard that the typical Western diet doesn’t include nearly enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, or lean protein. Because of that, you don’t always reap the vitamin and mineral benefits that those foods naturally supply. Consequently, nationally US adults are routinely failing to meet their daily requirements for vitamin A, C, D, E, and K, as well as for calcium, magnesium and potassium from diet alone, and this is including fortified sources!4 Supplementing with a multivitamin is therefore a prudent way to strategically fill those gaps on a daily basis. After all, the goal should not simply be to avoid blatant vitamin deficiencies, like scurvy with vitamin C deficiency. Borderline vitamin and mineral insufficiency are just as important to avoid and address. Even the most health-conscious eater will benefit from multivitamin support to achieve micro-nutrient sufficiency across the board. 4. Getting that extra energy to get through the day. In today’s “go-go-go” society, one of the top complaints is a general lack of energy. Instead of reaching for that third cup of coffee, remember that your cells require certain vitamins and minerals to power your busy life; especially if you’re not getting a full eight hours of sleep or eating a balanced diet, a multivitamin can help provide the nutrients you need to feel energetic throughout the day.5 5. Managing stress. Daily life stressing you out? You’re not alone. But vitamins and minerals play significant biochemical roles in supporting and preserving your brain’s cognitive processes, and studies have shown that a daily multivitamin—particularly one with high doses of B vitamins—can help to reduce stress and support a healthy mood.6 Ready to add a daily multivitamin to your diet? Be sure to check with your healthcare practitioner to see if he or she has personalized recommendations for you and to ensure that any medications you’re currently on won’t interfere with their effectiveness or the effectiveness of the multivitamin ingredients. Citations
 by Noelle Patno, PhD Colonoscopy is one of the most common medical procedures, used for screening various bowel diseases, including colon cancer, to examine for any pathological findings (e.g. polyps, ulcers, or inflamed tissue). Barriers to colonoscopy include patients’ fears related to invasiveness, pain, or complications.1 Complications may be as minor as bloating or as severe as bowel perforation (rare); factors that may predict increased risk for complication include insufficient bowel preparation (not completely cleaned out and therefore more difficult to visualize the tissue) or incomplete colonoscopy (for example, not completely scoped due to not fully cleaned intestine or tumor obstruction).2 In reality, the incidence of minor adverse events is quite low, typically occurring within the first two days after the colonoscopy and uncommon after two weeks.3 Most people go to work the day after the colonoscopy, but in some cases, feeling sleepy, weak, or significantly bloated and in abdominal pain may cause people to miss work.4 While the majority of studies related to colonoscopy evaluate new technologies to improve bowel preparation5-7 and pain during the procedure,8,9 less research focuses on the majority of minor symptoms occurring post-procedure. One of these pain-reducing techniques is carbon dioxide insufflation, (not available at all sites for colonoscopy procedures) which can reduce pain during and after colonoscopy.8-9 Experiences after colonoscopy render it less likely for patients to return for future endoscopies if they are needed,10 so more techniques to improve the post-colonoscopy experience are warranted. Since the gut microbiota is severely disrupted if not obliterated during bowel cleansing (and this dysbiosis contributes to symptoms of bloating and pain), probiotics may be a potential option to improve gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms post-colonoscopy. Recently, a combination of probiotic strains consumed post-colonoscopy was evaluated for the endpoints of bloating, abdominal pain, and altered bowel function.11 Study characteristics include:11
Major findings include:11 1) Pain reduction by ~19 hours for those consuming the NCFM + Bi-07 probiotic. Specifically, the number of pain days post-colonoscopy decreased from 2.78 to 1.99 (p=0.032). 2) Subgroup analyses demonstrated that patients with pre-existing abdominal pain receiving the probiotic intervention experienced fewer pain days (2.16 vs. 4.08, p=0.0498) 3) There were non-significant decreases in bloating (2.52 vs. 2 days, p=0.111) and time to return to normal bowel habits (3.42 to 3.05, p=0.280). The authors propose that the dual-strain probiotic supplement may have facilitated improvements via several possible mechanisms: inhibiting pathogens from binding, modulating the immune system, and improving colonic motility and transit, as well as affect the sensitivity of the intestines.11 Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM12 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 have been isolated from human sources and have been extensively studied in preclinical and clinical studies and widely used, particularly together in RCTs demonstrating immune benefits in children13 and adults.14 NCFM and Bi-07 have been shown to aid in pain relief from bloating in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with functional bowel disorder15 as well as in case reports of irritable bowel syndrome.16 The D’Souza et al. publication described above demonstrates another application for the NCFM and Bi-07 probiotic strain combination, beyond its immune and GI benefits, for the specific attenuation of pain post-colonoscopy.11 Citations
Noelle Patno, PhD Dr. Noelle Patno is the Nutrition Scientist for Digestive Health at Metagenics. Dr. Patno received her PhD in Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition and Masters in Translational Science from the University of Chicago, studying the role of microbial components in intestinal epithelial cell survival related to inflammatory bowel disease. Prior to her graduate studies, Dr. Patno received a chemical engineering degree from Stanford University and worked as an engineer. She has personal experience and interest in preventive nutrition and nutritional therapies for chronic disease, and her current role involves researching and developing probiotics, prebiotics, and other nutritional programs for the promotion of digestive and overall health. Multi-Strain Probiotic Improves Insulin Resistance in Patients with Diabetes | Blog | Metagenics11/5/2019  Targeted probiotic in personalized therapeutic plan for patients with diabetes shows promise by Bianca Garilli, ND and Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is no longer a Western world phenomena, but rather a global epidemic, with research revealing an association between higher T2D rates and a country’s wealth or economic growth.1 As a clear example, in a publication titled “Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the Arab world: impact of GDP and energy consumption”, it was observed that the higher a country’s gross domestic product (GDP), the higher the T2D prevalence.1 T2D rates in these regions include Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- 31.6%, Oman- 29%, Kuwait- 25.4%, Bahrain- 25%, and United Arab Emirates- 25%.1 Recognizing the worldwide impact of T2D, it is critical to identify underlying causes and practical, implementable tools for prevention and treatment. It is well documented that T2D is a chronic, inflammatory condition. Higher levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) have been observed in diabetic vs. non-diabetic individuals.2 LPS are Gram-negative bacterial fragments that are considered endotoxins, and can, if left untreated, overgrow in the gastrointestinal tract leading to increased gut permeability.3 A “leaky gut” environment increases the opportunity for these endotoxins to migrate out of the gut and into the circulation, ultimately contributing to systemic inflammation.3 Probiotics have been studied in various models to determine their effects on LPS growth and proliferation and whether targeted probiotic administration aimed at mitigating LPS effects can reduce systemic inflammation, in particular in the T2D population.4-5 The limitations of previous research included short-term duration (≤3 months) and the utilization of mono-strain supplementation.3 To augment the current literature on this topic, a longer study (6 months) was conducted in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion to examine the impact of probiotics on endotoxemia, inflammation, and cardiometabolic disease risk in Arab patients with T2D.3 In this study, 61 Saudi adults (35 females) aged 30-60 years completed the 6-month trial: 30 in the placebo group and 31 in the probiotic group.3 The placebo and probiotic groups were randomly allocated to powder sachets, to be dissolved in a glass of water twice daily, before breakfast and bedtime. The probiotic intervention provided 2.5 billion CFU/g BID and included the following strains: Bifidobacterium bifidum W23, Bifidobacterium lactis W52, Lactobacillus acidophilus W37, Lactobacillus brevis W63, Lactobacillus casei W56, Lactobacillus salivarius W24, Lactococcus lactis W19, and L. lactis W58.3 No additional therapeutics such as exercise or dietary recommendations were included during the course of the study in either group.3 In the probiotic group, significant changes in glycemic indices, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, endotoxin levels, and adipocytokine profile were observed at 6 months vs. baseline:3
The improvements in endotoxin load, inflammation, and cardiometabolic profile over time in the probiotics group are noteworthy, but they were not clinically significant when compared to the placebo group.3 Comparing the probiotic intervention to the placebo group: There was a significant and clinically relevant decrease in HOMA-IR (↓64.2%) in the probiotic group.3 HOMA-IR is correlated with most other cardiometabolic indices measured, so one could posit a potentially broader cardiometabolic benefit from the probiotic intervention, but this and other hypotheses should be explored in a future study with an adequately powered sample size. Why is this Clinically Relevant?
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Targeted probiotic - a cornerstone of root-cause approach to disease management and wellness  by Melissa Blake, BSc, ND The use of probiotics has grown substantially over the last several years. Propelled by development in sequencing methods and analytical techniques, there has been a significant increase in knowledge and understanding about the importance of a healthy microbiome.1 The currently accepted definition of a probiotic states they are “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”.2 Is this relatively broad definition sufficient for clinicians to guide treatment? Can we assume that any live organism in relevant doses will achieve positive clinical outcomes? We’ve been talking about the use of probiotics for over a hundred years,6 but when it comes to probiotic therapy, what do we really know? A brief history lesson As early as the 1680's, long before the term probiotic was coined, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was studying his oral and fecal microbiota. He noted striking differences in these microbes, as well as in samples collected from healthy vs. unhealthy people at both of these anatomical sites.3 The notion of natural, innate immunity furthered our understanding of gut bacteria. The concept, first discussed by scientist Élie Metchnikoff and for which he was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1908, encountered much resistance from the medical community.4 Metchnikoff insisted disease was more than the germ theory and highlighted the importance of a healthy host. The health of the host, he believed, was largely dependent upon having diverse intestinal flora.5 Metchnikoff’s research suggested that a diet rich in fermented dairy products, due to high content of Lactobacilli, had a positive influence on health and longevity.6 The concept of “probios” (pro-bios, conducive to life of the host) was born. Research in gut microbiology has become a significant area of interest, including the establishment of the Human Microbiome Project (HMP) in 2008. The HMP has characterized the microbial communities found at several different sites on the human body: nasal passages, oral cavity, skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and urogenital tract and has examined the role of these microbes in human health and disease.7 In 2012, the potential for a mammary microbiome was suggested and later confirmed in a study published in 2014, which identified widespread bacteria within the mammary glands, irrespective of lactation.8 The evidence continues to establish the diversity of the human microbiome, not only from one person to another, but also across specific body sites.9 The human microbiome A balanced and diverse microbiota plays a role in human health during the lifecycle. Growing evidence supports a connection between maternal microbiome and pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and gestational weight gain, as well as having an impact on infant health.10 Infancy is a critical time in the development of commensal gut bacteria and is influenced by pre- and postnatal exposures, including the maternal microbiome, delivery method (C-section vs. vaginal birth), diet, and medical interventions.11 Such factors can negatively or positively influence the balance of an individual’s microbiome and may impact short- and long-term health outcomes.12 Modifications to the infant gut microbiota may impact childhood obesity risk,13 atopic disease,14 as well as various GI conditions.15 After initial colonization, factors such as age, gender, diet, environment, stress, and the use of antibiotics continue to influence the microbiome. Changes in the GI and respiratory microbiome of adults have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic pulmonary diseases, including asthma and allergies.16 Dysbiosis has also been associated with psoriasis,17-18 psoriatic arthritis,18 and inflammatory bowel disease,19 suggesting a direct link between a balanced microbiome and the health of the GI and immune systems. Studies have also connected highly abundant levels of specific genera of bacteria with leanness and have shown they play a role in regulating blood sugar and insulin levels.20 Recent reports suggest that neuroinflammation is an important causal mechanism in cognitive decline. This inflammatory status could be triggered by changes in the gut microbiota composition.21 Evidence is connecting the dots between gut bacteria, altered intestinal permeability, and blood brain barrier integrity.22 A disruption in gut flora may, through several mechanisms, contribute to a “leaky brain”, making the brain more susceptible to circulating substances and contributing to cognitive dysfunction. Further research is warranted in this exciting area of scientific study. As clinicians, we cannot erase the past or possibly impact all the factors that influence the microbiome of our patients. However, we can partner with our patients to help them make positive lifestyle changes. Diet and targeted probiotic therapy are powerful tools. Consumption of excess saturated fats and added sugar influences the microbiota composition, which may lead to an imbalanced microbial population in the gut.22 By modifying risk factors and targeting the microbiome, Functional Medicine practitioners have an opportunity to both prevent and manage disease with individualized nutrition and probiotic therapy at any age. Evidence for an individualized approach Convincing evidence of the human health implications of probiotics exists. Hundreds of well-controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses have helped define the appropriate use of probiotics and their valuable benefits. The evidence suggests, however, that probiotic therapy is far from a one-size-fits-all approach. In fact, studies show clearly defined benefits are associated with specific strains of bacteria. Here we discuss several that have substantial evidence to support their targeted clinical uses in specific populations: Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM
Summary Although we have much more to learn, advancements in our understanding of the human microbiome continue to provide exciting approaches to Functional and personalized medicine. Probiotic therapy is a cornerstone of a root-cause approach to wellness and disease management. Citations
Dr. Melissa Blake is a clinical specialist on the Medical Information team at Metagenics. She completed her pre-medical studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and obtained her naturopathic medical training from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Blake has over 10 years of clinical experience, specializing in the integrative and functional management of chronic diseases.  Whether its an experiment or doctor’s orders, going gluten-free is an adjustment. Removing gluten may mean eliminating not only some of your favorite foods, but possibly a good portion of your current diet. What foods will you eat in their place? How will you fill the gluten void?
Most likely, there’s no lack of “gluten-free” versions of your favorite foods on your grocer’s shelves. In fact, the number of gluten-free packaged foods is exploding to keep up with consumer demand. Going gluten-free may be as easy as buying and opening a different box—or bag or carton. But are gluten-free packaged foods the answer? Possibly not. In fact, they may be the surprising reason behind many go-gluten-free resolutions. Here’s why.
There’s a better way. Don’t just swap out one package for another. Relying on gluten-free packaged foods can be taxing on your budget, blood pressure, waistline, and digestion. Rather, consider this an ideal time to shift your diet away from processed foods and toward more whole foods. Instead, give your diet a bona fide upgrade. Reference: Financial Times, Going gluten free: one of 3 trends shaking up commodities https://www.ft.com/content/5348432e-1a13-11e7-bcac-6d03d067f81f, Accessed December 9, 2017.  By Noelle Patno, PhD
When you get “the runs,” you need to know what is actually causing the excess stool and how to control it. Diarrhea (“flow through” from the Greek), by definition, is frequent loose stools of small to moderate volume typically during waking hours, in the morning or after meals.1 Often there is a feeling of extreme urgency along with the sense of incomplete evacuation. If diarrhea is accompanied by blood or grease or is of large volume, this is cause for extra concern, and you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Diarrhea may be due to multiple causes such as dysbiosis or alteration of the intestinal microbiota which lead to changes in the usual bacterial composition. The ABCs and more of diarrhea causes
Chronic diarrhea is a decrease in fecal consistency lasting for four or more weeks, which requires further investigation by medical personnel. If you have any concerns related to diarrhea, you should discuss them with your healthcare practitioner. References:
 Urological health is vital to every man’s well being. Learn what urologists do and when to see one.When was the last time you scheduled an appointment with a urologist?
Urology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health of the urinary-tract system, in addition to male reproductive health. While consulting a doctor who specializes in these areas may make you uneasy or uncomfortable, it shouldn’t. You see, urological health is vital to your well being. And your urologist is meant to be a healthcare partner who looks out for your best interests in those areas of your body. What do urologists examine? Urologists are trained to examine, manage, and treat the urinary tract and male reproductive system. As the name indicates, the urinary system, (also known as the renal system or urinary tract) eliminates urine, controls electrolytes, and regulates blood pressure and blood pH. It consists of the following organs:1
Urologists treat symptoms involving these organs as well as those involving the male reproductive system: the penis, prostate, and testicles. The areas they often focus on include:2
These are just a few of the more common reasons patients may be seen by urologists. Why see a urologist? Urologists may be able to recommend preventative measures to encourage good urological health, uncover (or resolve) male reproductive issues, and treat urinary infections or illnesses.4 Whether you’re facing a minor issue or a chronic health problem, you’ll want to know exactly what’s going on in that area of your body—and a urologist can help keep you healthy. While some people might associate urology with pain, this is more of a stereotype than a reality. During most invasive procedures, men can expect an anesthetic to numb the affected area. Admittedly, patients might feel pressure or movement from time to time, but they shouldn’t experience pain or significant discomfort. Early detection for any illness is crucial, so don’t let your worries take over common sense. Men in their 40s and 50s—if they aren’t already doing so—should start seeing their urologist regularly to stay on top of their urological health. This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should always consult with their healthcare professional for advice on medical issues. References:
Submitted by the Metagenics Marketing Team  A crucial goal of meditation is to quiet the mind.
But what if you spend hours each day sitting at your desk, and you can’t imagine taking even more time just to sit still? What if, after a long commute, seated meditation simply doesn’t appeal to you? Fortunately, you aren’t limited to seated meditation. Walking meditation is an increasingly popular alternative. How does walking meditation work? Also known as mindful walking, walking meditation involves moving slowly and steadily in your environment. It’s a simple form of meditation that incorporates physical activity and entails directing and responding to the movements of your body. In this way of meditating, the very act of moving is essential. Rather than walking to a specific destination or to achieve a particular goal, practitioners strive to focus on the present. Most choose a specific lane composed of 10 to 20 paces in one direction, and then 10 to 20 paces back—over and over until the session is complete.1 By adding just 10 minutes of walking meditation to your daily routine, you can enjoy a greater sense of calm, improved psychological balance, and better overall health.2 Paired with the benefits of walking—which include a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes, as well as enhanced cardiovascular health—this form of meditation is a multifaceted approach to strengthen your well being 3 How can I get started with walking meditation? Allowing the mind time to rest will help it function more smoothly. To get started with walking meditation, wear comfortable clothes and shoes and begin your practice with an open mind. In addition, consider the five following tips:
Walking meditation is designed to restore a sense of calm. When it’s time to end your session, pause and stand still before calling it a day. Take a few deep breaths, and then dive back into your routine. Submitted by the Metagenics Marketing Team References:
 Today the average person consumes five times the visual content of people living 50 years ago.1
Scientists say we are deep into the Information Age.2 And while researchers have only just begun to explore the effects of screens on the brain and body, current findings are shocking. A Nielsen report, for instance, claims that adults in the United States log 11 hours of daily digital media consumption.3 This includes time spent scrolling through smartphones, tablets, computers, and other devices. The same Nielsen report states that young adults aged 18-34 spend 43% of their time on digital platforms. Data shows that even children as young as 8, or less, spend an average of two hours a day in front of screens—an amount that has tripled in four years.4 Regardless of the specifics, we need to be mindful of all the hours we spend staring at screens, particularly in younger users. As reports indicate, tech leaders such as Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, and Steve Jobs limited their own kids’ screen time,5 we, too, must examine the implications of digital overstimulation in children and youth. This begs an integral question: As society becomes increasingly dependent on electronic devices, will this affect or change our brains? If so, how? The effects of screens on younger brains Babies, children, adolescents, and even young adults are especially susceptible to the neurological implications of their electronic devices.6 Take the interim findings from a $300 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) study that is still ongoing.6 These findings were featured in a recent 60 Minutes report, which detailed researchers following 11,000 children across the country to determine how screens and screen time impacts brain development and influences the mental health of young people.7 During the study, 4,500 participants were instructed to lie down in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine while a screen displayed images from their Instagram accounts. The machine would scan their brains for certain responses, including a spike in dopamine—the chemical linked to motivation, pleasure, and reward.6 Here are some of the study’s neurological findings: 6
Dr. Dimitri Christakis—lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines for screen time—explains that infants are even more susceptible to the implications of screen addiction than adolescents.7Very young children experience the same dopamine rush as their older counterparts, but they aren’t yet equipped to transfer what they learn virtually, to the real world.7 He explains that 18- to 24-month-olds are at a critical period in their brain development, and they struggle applying two-dimensional tasks (i.e., building digital blocks on a tablet) to three-dimensional situations (i.e., building with actual wooden blocks).7 This means they face all the risks of screen addiction without the benefits. Accordingly, Dr. Christakis recommends that with the exception of video chatting, parents avoid exposing infants under 2 years old to any form of digital media.7 But regardless of age, one thing is certain: Too much screen time can impair young people’s brain development.8 The frontal lobe in particular undergoes extensive changes from puberty through our mid-20s, and it plays a significant role in the following:8
The effects of screens on adult brainsWhile adults in their mid-20s and older enjoy the benefit of fully developed brains, spending hours scrolling through one’s smartphone can still cause damage. Logging hours upon hours of screen time each day may result in:8
Looking to prevent the drawbacks of screen addiction? Instead of reaching for your device, make a point of exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and unplugging on a regular basis. What are the neurological changes linked to too much screen time? Our dependence on electronic devices shapes numerous parts of our lives, including our physical well being, social health, and capacity for learning.9 Specifically, too much screen time can cause changes to the landscape of the brain. These changes include:8
To lower your risk of facing these neurological changes, there’s a simple solution: Limit your screen time each day. There’s no need to get rid of your devices entirely—they can be beneficial, and researchers are still exploring the specific effects they have on our brain health—but that makes it all the more important to take charge of the way you spend your time. Simply be aware of how many hours you and your loved ones spend on your devices each day. References:
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