More Theanine, Please
The calming properties of a tea derivative Each year the American Psychological Association conducts a survey of stress among Americans. According to their March 2022 report, “The number of people who say they’re significantly stressed… is stunning relative to what we’ve seen since we began the survey in 2007.”[1] Stress and anxiety are inter-related,…
Herbs for Times of Stress
Herbs from around the world to help with stress, fatigue, and the chaos of life “What doesn’t bend breaks,” as the saying goes, and the degree to which we are expected to “bend” is ever increasing. Our ability to stay focused, adaptable, and calm is of the essence in our fast-paced, outcome-oriented culture. Although…
Reflux Remedies
Soothing heartburn naturally In last week’s post we described the real cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and explored why conventional strategies for managing the condition can come with negative health risks over time. Today we’ll take a look at some simple, natural, remedies for alleviating reflux at its root cause, primarily by (1)…
Fighting Depression and Anxiety Through the Gut
Vagus nerve stimulation for mood support (Part 2 of 2) Last week’s post examined the vagus nerve (the tenth cranial nerve) and the important role it plays in connecting the body to the brain. We explored how breath, laughter, and exercise all “tickle” the nerve to send soothing, calming signals to the brain and…
Fighting Depression and Anxiety Through the Body
Vagus nerve stimulation for mood support (Part 1 of 2) There are many ways in which the physical body can influence the mind and mood. One very important link in the mind-body connection is the vagus nerve. Also known as the tenth cranial nerve X (abbreviated CN X), the vagus nerve “wanders” from the…
How to Reduce Stress and How it Affects Our Health
What Causes Stress Whether physical, mental, or emotional, stress stimulates a biological response that creates a chemical and hormonal surge throughout the body.[1] This response, known as the activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), allows us to deal with the stressor by generating more strength to fight it or better cardiovascular output to…
Alcohol and Tylenol Can Be a Deadly Combination
Why taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) for a hangover is a dangerous idea. The over-the-counter pain medication acetaminophen is a surprisingly controversial drug. Sold under the brand name Tylenol in North America and known as paracetamol in other countries, acetaminophen can be taxing to the liver. Acetaminophen is the number one cause of acute liver failure…
Change Your Habits, Change Your Life
The key to success is in the cues As the year comes to a close, people often think about their goals for the year ahead. Eating more healthfully, getting more exercise, and losing weight are at the top of many New Year’s resolutions.[1] A resolution is an intention, which is an important first step…
Calming Cortisol with Botanicals
Cortisol is our body’s predominant stress hormone.[1] Think of it as our built-in alarm system that lets our body know when potential dangers arise and then equips us to deal with them. Under stress, cortisol puts us on high alert in case of impending danger. It increases our blood pressure, elevates our blood sugar,…
Ways to Ease Inflammation and Depression
Smart lifestyle choices for a happy brain and healthy mood In last week’s post we explored the ways in which inflammation can cause depression. The science shows that we cannot blame genetics alone for depression. That’s a good thing: it means there is a lot we can do to heal our brains. Here are…
Inflammation Drives Depression
Move over serotonin, inflammation is the new target of depression treatment Is inflammation a bad thing? Not necessarily: Inflammation helps the cells of the immune system fight infections and repair injuries. Like many things, however, the key to inflammation is balance – not too much, and not too little. Too little inflammation allows infections…
Niacin for Alcoholism
What vitamin B3 has to do with addiction Taking a vitamin B3 (niacin) supplement may help treat alcohol use disorder and ease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol use disorder (AUD, or alcoholism) is a medical condition in which it is very difficult to control one’s alcohol use – even in the face of…
Subscribe for Updates
Get a FREE Downloadable Stress Support Guide
Categories
- Botanicals (56)
- GI Health (52)
- Healthy Aging (122)
- Immune Support (39)
- In The News (39)
- Kids Health (21)
- Stress and Relaxation (50)
- Video (9)
- Vitamins & Minerals (51)
Recent Posts
Latest Issue of FOCUS Newsletter Available Now!
