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…
Magnolia Bark for Nervous System and Stress Support
Honokiol and magnolol to soothe stress, mood, and neuroinflammation The bark of the magnolia tree (Magnolia officinalis) is native to China, where it is known as Hou Pu and has been used as a health supplement for thousands of years. Traditionally, magnolia bark has been shown to help with conditions of “nervous tension.”[1] This…
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]…
How to Hack Your Habits – Get Moving!
Regular physical activity makes us healthier and happier We all know we need to move more to maintain physical fitness, but did you know that regular physical activity is the single most important thing you can do for your health?[1] Of course, exercise is an important contributor to weight loss.[2],[3] But it turns out…
Melatonin: Is It Really the Sedative We Think It Is?
Numerous clinical studies suggest otherwise, a look at their findings not related to sleep Since its discovery in 1958,[1] we have learned much about the diverse functions of melatonin in animals, where it serves not only as a circadian rhythm regulator, but also as an antioxidant, immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory molecule, hormone, metal chelator, and…
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….
Understanding Inflammation
When too much of a good thing becomes harmful If you’ve ever scraped your knee, you’ve seen the healing power of inflammation at work. The body reacts to injury and invasion by sending a flood of white blood cells to the area to repair the damage, stop the spread of infection, and battle any…
Stimulants and Sedatives: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Use now, pay later? Problems associated with common stimulants and sedatives In our go-go-go world, it’s easy to feel drawn to stimulant substances to keep us going and sedatives to help us relax. Whether it’s coffee to get through the day and a glass of wine after work, or medications such as methylphenidates or…
Adaptogens for Stress Support
The stress-balancing action of adaptogens We’ve all been there at least once. Whether it be a list of deadlines, a high-stakes presentation the next day, early morning travel, or a crying infant keeping you awake all night, we’ve all had to pour that morning coffee, push through those frazzled nerves, and hope for the…
Sleep and Relaxation Support – Stat!
Supplements for Better Sleep When it comes to natural sleep aids and relaxation support, we tend to think of melatonin. As helpful as this supplement can be, it can cause morning grogginess in some people. Thankfully, there are many other nutraceuticals well shown to support relaxation and healthy sleep. Beyond melatonin, natural amino acids…
From Childhood to the Elderly: Evidence for Melatonin
An array of clinical research shows the safety and efficacy of melatonin in healthy and compromised populations Many a time in life when the stress hormones are flying, we also have the unfortunate experience of struggling to sleep. The experience of insomnia is not uncommon, with about one-third to two-thirds of adults experiencing insomnia…
Sleep, Cytokines, and Inflammation
The pro-inflammatory consequences of the lack of sleep So many of us struggle with sleep, and have difficulties getting enough rest in terms of both time and quality. Whether it be due to nighttime awakenings to care for children or loved ones, a demanding job, or a health condition, sleep problems can cause trouble…
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