Stress

By: Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND The verdict is in, your genes are not your destiny. Advances in genetics and epigenetics have evolved through observations that environmental factors influence genetic expression to directly impact an individual’s health. Epigenetic changes are reversible while effects of genetic variations are modifiable. 1,2 Today, in the midst of personalized medicine, understanding an individual’s genetic blueprint provides simple yet powerful strategies to significantly make a difference in one’s health. While science reveals how general lifestyle strategies in diet, exercise and stress reduction significantly impacts epigenetic modifications and thus gene expression and risk for disease; it is

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in a very special amino acid called L-Theanine. L-Theanine works wonders in the brain to relieve anxiety and offers other amazing benefits. In the past few years, some exciting properties of L-Theanine have been discovered by researchers. What Should You Know About L-Theanine? One of the most extraordinary benefits of L-Theanine is its ability to help your body manage stress. Did you know that stress is a leading cause of an assortment of health problems? Stress can greatly diminish your quality of life, both emotionally and physically. It can lead to high blood pressure,

Are you looking for some good tips to stay fit? These 10 tips to stay healthy are easy to follow no matter how busy you are. Whether you’re a parent with children, a working single person or an older person just trying to stay as healthy as possible, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and practical nature of these 10 things you can do to stay fit. 1. Break Bad Habits The first thing you need to do is break bad habits and replace them with good habits. James Clear, a well-known self-improvement guru states that bad habits often form out of boredom

Digestive health is the core of your overall well-being. When your digestive health is not operating at peak efficiency, all the other systems in your body can suffer, too. That’s why your diet is so important to your health. Your digestive health is directly impacted by the foods you eat and the beverages you drink. If you want to improve your digestive health, it’s imperative to consider the following 10 tips. 1. Eat Plenty of Fiber Good sources of fiber in your diet include fresh greens, unpeeled apples and beans. If you can manage to eat one apple a day

Women in their 30s often don’t hit the minimums for essential vitamins and nutrients. This may be due to unhealthy eating habits left over from their 20s or it may be because women in their 30s are often completely focused on their careers. This inattention to dietary needs often leads to vitamin deficiencies that can reduce overall health or even lead to more serious health consequences later in life. If you find yourself in this stage of life, here are some supplements to consider taking. Antioxidants Antioxidants combat the circulation of free radicals in the body. These free radicals lead to

Once you get into your 40s, your body undergoes some changes that you need to keep up with. These wellness challenges include additional stress, reduced energy levels, sex drive changes, heart health changes, urinary tract challenges, prostate health risks, aging skin and fatigue. Remember that these things can come on gradually, but they can be stopped or hindered with the correct supplementation. Here are some recommended supplements for each condition. Stress Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Adaptogenic herbs are ones that specifically help to fight the effects of stress. Ashwagandha has

The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG axis) plays an important role in  the  development  and  regulation of a number of the body’s systems, such as the immune and reproductive systems. Fluctuating hormone levels cause changes in the hormones that are produced by each gland and as a result have a variety of widespread and local effects in the body. The HPG axis can be influenced by lifestyle and dietary factors such as stress, inadequate  sleep, illness, the use of certain medications including hormones, as well as poor dietary habits. This axis can also be subject to disorders such  as hypothalamic–pituitary failure or

Several studies have examined the influence of emotions on cognition, but common everyday situations also testify to the prevalence of this phenomenon. Indeed, who has never forgotten something important under the effect of acute stress, or hasn’t witnessed a menopausal relative complaining about becoming forgetful? The mechanisms and neural circuits involved in emotions and cognition are inextricably linked, and the maintenance of this delicate neurochemical balance is easily disrupted from exposure to stress. Stress triggers a cascade of hormone and neurotransmitter release throughout the brain, affecting our thoughts, decision-making process and behavior. Understanding the Impact of Stress Hans Selye (1907-1982),