Introverts make up about one quarter of the total population, yet they often find that they are misunderstood by their more extroverted neighbors and friends. This article gives both introverts and extroverts a better understanding of what it really means to be an introvert and how the brains of introverts and extroverts are actually different. Who knew?

From geniusawakening.com: "Introversion and extroversion have long been thought of as psychological conditions or personality traits, but research suggests that the brains of introverts and extroverts are quite different. Thus, not only is the brain physically different, but cognitive process and the resulting thoughts about situations, people, and really, the world can be quite different from one another."

Apparently, introverts have a lot more going on in their brains and therefore need more time to get away from the added stimulation of people and activity. What may appear as being withdrawn may simply be a natural defense mechanism to calm a busy brain.

Introverts are also much more sensitive to dopamine, while "extroverts can’t get enough of it, so they require a great deal of adrenaline to process it in their brains." So those wild and crazy extroverts may just be dopamine deprived, while introverts would be over stimulated by the same level of activity.

I think occasional blood testing is a good idea for everyone (except maybe a hemopheliac), especially if you are on any sort of experimental diet, including the average American diet. People who stick to age-old ethnic diets will probably be getting a pretty good balance of nutrients, because these diets have stood the test of time. However, few people in the modern world continue to eat that way. So, rather than take generations to discover whether your diet is giving you everything you need, why not take a convenient short cut by having a few blood tests run.

You can even order blood tests yourself at directlabs.com. They will email you the results and you can look up your numbers online to find out what they mean. It is really quite easy.

The following blood tests would be good for anyone, but vegans and vegetarians need to be especially careful about a few essential nutrients.

From renegadehealth.com: "...if you want to get your cholesterol and LDL (“bad” cholesterol) down to bare bones levels, go vegan. If you want to boost your folic acid and antioxidant levels to new heights, eat more plants. It is the same with reducing your risk for a heart attack to zero, and preventing many types of cancer. But, if you want to have strong vitamin B12 levels, and enough iron and albumin, vegetarians and vegans are vulnerable."

Video - Dr. Michael Greger has searched the world’s literature on clinical nutrition and now offers this excellent presentation on the latest in cutting-edge research. Find out how a healthy diet can relieve some of our most common health challenges and diseases.

This is one of the best talks on nutrition I've heard. Well worth the time it takes to watch it. I learned a few things (like how 6 minutes of exercise boosts kids' immune response, and how germs from raw chicken get all over the kitchen, even after thorough cleaning!) and found it very entertaining and watched it more than once. This guy is good!

According to bodyecology.com website: These "3 powerful foods can be used to calm inflammation and get your health back on track:

"Turmeric is a golden root that contains a powerful plant chemical called curcumin. Curcumin can naturally trigger an increase in anti-inflammatory compounds in the body. It can also provide benefits to protect the liver, improve circulation, and control tumor growth.

"Wasabi is chock full of isothiocyanates, plant chemicals known to control inflammation. Isothiocyanates have been proven to calm inflammation associated with cancer and obesity; wasabi also stimulates bile flow and promotes cellular detoxification. Body Ecology’s LivAmend is made with genuine Wasabi japonica.

"Spirulina is considered a superfood full of antioxidants and amino acids. It is also the richest source of vitamin B12 in the world. Spirulina impacts inflammatory pathways in the body and can even alleviate arthritis to improve joint health. Since Spirulina is difficult to digest, fermented Spirulina is the most efficient and potent form out there.

"To get the most out of these anti-inflammatory power foods, enjoy turmeric and wasabi at the same time! Research confirms that active anti-inflammatory chemicals in turmeric and wasabi work in synergy to improve overall health."

Sounds like a little bit goes a long way to helping you toward a healthier life.