Melatonin, Immune Function, and Inflammation
The many levels on which melatonin regulates inflammation and immune function Although we primarily think of melatonin as a regulator of the circadian rhythm and our most primitive protective antioxidant,[1],[2] the role it plays in the body is far more encompassing than this. In addition to regulating the sleep cycle, melatonin impacts reproductive function,[3]…
Stress and Psychological Resilience
How the ability to “bounce back” affects our overall well-being Whether you have consciously thought of it or not, in the last months you have inevitably demonstrated some aspects of emotional and psychological resilience out of sheer necessity. In February of 2020, nary a handful of us anticipated the blows which March of 2020…
Fitting Exercise into Your Day
How to Fit Excercise Into a Busy Schedule Many of us struggle to find time for exercise, yet exercise is crucial for cardiovascular health, weight management, detoxification, and even mental and emotional health. The work day is long, and just fitting in the basics of grocery shopping, laundry, and getting from point A to…
The Promise of NAC for Mental Health and Addiction
Numerous studies support the use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for mood disorders and substance use cessation N-acetylcysteine (NAC), well-known for its function as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory,[1],[2] is commonly used in the clinic as a mucolytic,[3],[4] the treatment of choice for acetaminophen overdose,[5] and to help prevent liver damage resulting from acetaminophen and other toxic…
Are You Surviving or Thriving?
Navigating the quarter-life crisis and beyond There is a fundamental difference between surviving and thriving. Surviving is defined as “to continue to live or exist” while thriving means “to grow or develop well, to prosper or to flourish”. Thriving implies being able to enjoy life despite the many challenges it presents. ” Life is…
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
The link between sleep deficiency, metabolism, and weight gain Good nutrition, adequate exercise, and sufficient sleep are all essential for health and happiness. And yet many of us find it difficult to get enough sleep. Experts recommend that adults obtain at least seven hours of nightly sleep on a regular basis.[1],[2] In a U.S….
Craving Sweets? You Might Be Stressed!
When stress talks louder than the stomach Most people crave sweet or salty foods like cookies, chocolates, or potato chips when under stress, and research offers us an understanding of why.[1] Scientists have discovered receptor sites on taste buds that respond to the hormones cortisol, cortisone and corticosterone, altering our taste perception when we’re…
B Vitamins for Brain Health
Simple-yet-powerful nutrients to fight depression, dementia, and more B vitamins are required for just about every major function in the body, from red blood cell production, to metabolism, to brain health. There are eight different B vitamins – B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate) and…
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
The role of vitamin D in autoimmunity and mood Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it is generated within the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the rays responsible for suntans.[1] Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, immunity, and many other bodily functions.[2],[3],[4] In the absence of sun…
Vitamin C for Mood and Addiction
How ascorbic acid soothes the brain Beyond immune support Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is best known for its immune-enhancing effects – from reducing the severity and duration of the common cold,[1] to supporting the health of individuals with HIV/AIDS,[2] to reducing the histamine response seen in allergies and asthma,[3],[4],[5] to even potentially reducing the…
Flipping the Script on Happiness
Success doesn’t make us happy, but it turns out happiness makes us successful. And the key to happiness? Is gratitude. “Why do you waste your time studying happiness at Harvard? What does a Harvard student possibly have to be unhappy about?” It’s a question that psychologist Shawn Achor hears a lot.[1] And it’s likely…
Glandulars: A Key Therapy in Resolving Fatigue?
Restorative therapies from the animal kingdom for advanced thyroid and adrenal support The many causes of fatigue There’s usually no one “magic bullet” cure for fatigue. This is likely because there is usually no one consistent cause. Fatigue can arise from disrupted sleep patterns, infections, blood sugar imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, or air pollution….
Subscribe for Updates
Get a FREE Downloadable Stress Support Guide
Categories
- Botanicals (56)
- GI Health (53)
- Healthy Aging (121)
- Immune Support (39)
- In The News (39)
- Kids Health (21)
- Stress and Relaxation (50)
- Uncategorized (1)
- Video (9)
- Vitamins & Minerals (51)
Recent Posts
Latest Issue of FOCUS Newsletter Available Now!
