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Homemade Hormone Balance Serum

The AHA! Team — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:43:49 +0000

Kyra Oliver via Dr. Axe – This homemade hormone balance serum can help keep your hormonal balance in check and ward off potential health issues imbalanced hormones cause. Hormonal balance is one of the most important aspects of a properly functioning body, which is why having a homemade hormone balance serum can come in handy. Hormones, such as estrogen and insulin, are chemical messengers that affect many aspects of your health as they travel in your bloodstream throughout your entire body. Some of the most common side effects of hormone imbalance include: Infertility Weight gain Depression Fatigue Insomnia Low libido Hair loss and hair thinning The best way to balance hormones naturally is through diet. That includes food sources. For instance, avocados benefit hormonal balance greatly. In addition, using essential oils to supplement your diet can help balance hormones and ward off health problems associated with hormonal imbalance, and they can be used to make a great homemade hormone balance serum. Key ingredients This homemade hormone balance serum includes two of the top essential oils for hormones. With equal parts clary sage oil and thyme oil (30 drops each) this recipe is chock-full of beneficial effects. Clary sage oil The biggest benefit of clary sage is that it helps balance out estrogen production in the body. A lot of health issues today, even things like infertility, PCOS and estrogen-based cancers, are caused from excess estrogen in the body, in part, because of our consumption of high-estrogen foods. Because clary sage helps balance out those estrogen levels, it’s an incredibly effective essential oil for a wide array of hormone imbalances. So, whether you’re looking for natural remedies for PMS cramps during the month or possibly already know you have excess estrogen in your body, clary sage is a great essential oil to consider adding to your essential oil regime. Thyme oil Thyme oil benefits the body by improving progesterone production. Many men and women are low in, and low progesterone levels have been linked with infertility, PCOS and depression, as well as other imbalanced hormones within the body. Improved progesterone makes thyme a great essential oil you can use to naturally balance out hormones in your body. Plus, it comes with fewer potential side effects compared to other treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy. Other essential oils In addition to thyme and clary sage oil, add 30 drops of ylang ylang oil and one ounce of evening primrose oil to the mix. Once combined, put the homemade hormone balance serum mixture in a glass vial with a dropper, and you’re ready to rock. Simply rub five drops on your neck twice daily to help keep your hormones in check. More DIY serums If you like this homemade hormone balance serum and are looking for other natural serums to make, here are a few to try: Homemade Anti-Aging Serum DIY Vitamin C Serum for the Face DIY Retinol Facial Serum Homemade Hormone Balance Serum Author: Kyra Oliver | Total Time: 2 min | Yield: 30 uses This homemade hormone balance serum can help keep your hormonal balance in check and ward off potential health issues imbalanced hormones cause. Ingredients 1 ounce evening primrose oil 30 drops clary sage oil 30 drops thyme oil 30 drops ylang ylang oil Instructions Mix all ingredients together in 2-ounce bottle. Put into glass vial with dropper. Rub 5 drops onto neck 2 times daily. To read the original article click here.

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Hand Sanitizer & Skincare Products May Increase BPA Absorption Through the Skin

The AHA! Team — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:12:49 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Your handy hand sanitizer could increase the amount of BPA absorbed through your skin. How many of you have ever taken advantage of the free hand sanitizer that cashiers leave at the checkout counter? How many of you keep a bottle in your car or purse for a quick squirt before sitting down to a meal? While your intent may be in the right place – to kill harmful bacteria and viruses that you may come in contact with in your day-to-day life – you could suffer an unintended consequence, according to a scientific paper. Specifically, your handy hand sanitizer could increase the amount of BPA absorbed through your skin. Recent research highlights even more concerns, particularly for children. Their study reveals that chemical-based hand sanitizers pose risks such as skin irritation, hypoglycemia, and acidosis and may also contain harmful contaminants such as methanol, benzene, and acetaldehyde. These contaminants can have toxic effects through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal absorption. Using hand sanitizer makes it easier for a harmful chemical to get into your bloodstream, research shows Conventional hand sanitizer usually contains about 65-90% alcohol along with other chemicals, many of which are potentially harmful in their own right. In a paper published in PLOS One, the researchers discovered that people who used hand sanitizer and then touched receipts had significantly higher blood serum and urine levels of another harmful chemical, BPA. Specifically, hand sanitizer use was associated with a 100-fold increase in BPA absorption. Why is this so? It turns out that skin care products like hand sanitizers are explicitly designed to make the skin more permeable. So every time you pump a bit of the product into your palm, you’re potentially opening the gates to toxic chemicals … even if most (though never all) of the germs on you will be killed. Sounds like a tough trade-off. The serious problem with BPA and a few tips for keeping your hands clean without the need for hand sanitizers In case you don’t remember, BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical found in plastics and can easily leech into the products they contain – water, food, infant formula, etc. Here’s why we don’t want BPA in our bodies: Endocrine disruptors The chemical is a known endocrine disruptor, which means it mimics and/or disrupts the function of key chemical messengers in the body, including estrogen. This can lead to everything from reproductive health issues to bone health issues. In fact, animal and human research has linked BPA exposure to issues like cognitive impairments, male and female infertility, and impotence. Of course, communicable bacteria and viruses can also harm your health, and it’s well-established that healthier hands mean healthier bodies. So, what’s a health-conscious consumer to do? First, wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible, especially if your hands are visibly dirty. This tried-and-true practice is still deemed the best way to reduce the spread of germs. If you can, opt for natural soaps and skin care products that are gentle on your skin, effective, and free of harmful additives like parabens and phthalates. These additives can also disrupt hormone function or even increase the risk of cancer. And if you’re out shopping, consider asking for an emailed-only receipt. Editor’s note: The best way to remove phthalates is to sweat. Discover a way to own your own at-home personal sauna to remove unwanted toxins safely and effectively. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Newsweek.com PLOS.org NIH.gov CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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Mercury-Leaching Fillings: The Dental Industry’s Toxic Secret

The AHA! Team — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:12:59 +0000

Lance D Johnson via Natural News – Despite knowing mercury’s toxicity, dentists continue to use silver amalgam fillings, which are approximately 50% mercury. The American Dental Association (ADA) insists on their safety, citing study after study. However, a closer look reveals these studies aren’t always referenced, and the ones that are, often exclude crucial details. Moreover, mercury’s volatility contradicts the ADA’s claim that it remains safely encapsulated within the filling. Silver amalgam fillings are the most common type of dental fillings, containing approximately 50% mercury by weight. Other components include silver, tin and copper. Mercury is classified as a neurotoxin, meaning it affects the nervous system. It’s also strongly connected to various health issues, including autoimmune disorders, respiratory problems, and neurological symptoms. The ADA maintains that amalgam fillings are safe, based on numerous studies. However, many studies cited by the ADA lack robust design or consider only short-term effects, while longer-term and high-quality studies often show negative impacts. Mercury in amalgam fillings does not stay encapsulated; it continually releases mercury vapor, especially under stress (chewing, brushing, drinking hot beverages) or when exposed to heat. Over time, these fillings lose a significant amount of their mercury content. As you sit in the dental chair, expecting a routine check-up, did you know that an everyday procedure could be silently poisoning you? For decades, the dental industry has been using fillings containing mercury, a potent neurotoxin, and downplaying its harmful effects. A growing body of evidence, however, paints a different picture. This investigation aims to unearth the truth about mercury in dental fillings and why it matters today. Why are dentists still using mercury? Despite knowing mercury’s toxicity, dentists continue to use silver amalgam fillings, which are approximately 50% mercury. The American Dental Association (ADA) insists on their safety, citing study after study. However, a closer look reveals these studies aren’t always referenced, and the ones that are, often exclude crucial details. Moreover, mercury’s volatility contradicts the ADA’s claim that it remains safely encapsulated within the filling. Key points: Mercury amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury, a known neurotoxin. The ADA supports their safety, citing inconclusive or incomplete studies. Mercury from fillings can leak, exposing patients, dentists, and techs to vapor. Everyday activities like chewing, brushing, or sipping hot drinks can release more mercury. The toxic truth of mercury fillings Mercury’s harm in dental fillings isn’t in question. The World Health Organization categorizes mercury’s adverse effects on health, including anxiety, depression, and neuro-inflammation. Yet, it’s still used in dentistry, exposing patients and dental professionals to toxic vapor. Disturbingly, the EPA’s mercury exposure limits for pregnant women are exceeded in nearly a third of those with amalgam fillings, as shown in a study by the IAOMT. Many patients develop mysterious symptoms attributed to mercury toxicity, such as fatigue, brain fog, and autoimmune disorders. Even oxidative stress and DNA damage are linked to mercury exposure. The FDA’s 2020 warning to avoid mercury fillings in certain groups is a step in the right direction. Still, critics argue it came decades too late and doesn’t go far enough. Mercury’s link to chronic health issues Patients and dental professionals may experience diverse symptoms related to mercury exposure, including: Neurological: Cognition issues, headaches, depression, anxiety. Respiratory: Wheezing, difficulty breathing. Autoimmune: Multiple sclerosis, alopecia, thyroid disorders. Cardiovascular: Heart issues, chest pains. Reproductive: Impotence, reduced fertility. DNA damage: Mercury can induce oxidative stress and DNA damage, contributing to various diseases, including cancer. FDA Warning: In 2020, the FDA issued a warning discouraging the use of amalgam fillings in certain at-risk groups, such as pregnant women and children. Mercury amalgam removal: Safe practices Standard procedures and risks: Conventional amalgam removal can result in significantly elevated mercury vapor levels, endangering patients and dental staff (Eley et al., 2014). Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART): This protocol aims to minimize mercury exposure during filling removal. It involves using specialized equipment, such as high-volume suction devices, isolation, and proper waste disposal. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) promotes the use of the SMART technique and advocates for safer dentistry. The dental industry’s continued use of mercury in fillings is alarming. Mercury’s toxicity is undeniable, and the ADA’s defense of its safety is unfounded. As patients, we deserve better. We must demand safer alternatives and hold the dental industry accountable for its use of known toxins. After all, our health, and potentially our lives, depend on it. Sources include: NaturalHealth365.com PRNewswire.com IAOMPT.org Pubmed.gov ScienceDirect.com To read the original article, click here

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AI Breakthrough Slashes Celiac Diagnosis Time from Months to Minutes

The AHA! Team — Fri, 09 May 2025 05:01:21 +0000

Cassie B. via Natural News – Cambridge researchers created an AI tool diagnosing celiac disease as accurately as human pathologists but in under a minute. The AI achieved 97% accuracy in tests using 4,000+ biopsy images, reducing wait times from months to seconds. Experts highlight AI’s potential to ease NHS backlogs but note infrastructure gaps hinder adoption. Untreated celiac disease can cause severe complications, affecting 1 in 100 people globally. British researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an artificial intelligence tool that diagnoses celiac disease with the same accuracy as human pathologists but at a fraction of the time, potentially reducing diagnosis wait times from months to less than a minute. The breakthrough, published March 27 in the New England Journal of Medicine AI, demonstrates how market-driven technological solutions could alleviate inefficiencies plaguing government-run healthcare systems like Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), where patients routinely face lengthy wait times for diagnosis and treatment. AI matches pathologist accuracy while drastically reducing wait times The machine learning algorithm was trained on more than 4,000 biopsy images from five different hospitals and tested on an independent set of 650 previously unseen images. The results showed remarkable accuracy – correctly identifying celiac disease in more than 97% of cases, with sensitivity exceeding 95% and specificity of almost 98%. “It can take many years to receive an accurate diagnosis, and at a time of intense pressures on healthcare systems, these delays are likely to continue,” said Elizabeth Soilleux, consultant hematopathologist and professor of pathology at Cambridge University, who led the research. “AI has the potential to speed up this process, allowing patients to receive a diagnosis faster, while at the same time taking pressure off NHS waiting lists.” AI model delivers results Dr. Florian Jaeckle, co-author of the research, highlighted the dramatic time savings: while human pathologists require 5-10 minutes to analyze each biopsy, the AI model delivers results “in less than a minute and as soon as a biopsy is scanned.” “Duodenal biopsies are often put at the back of the pathologist’s lists as they are not as serious as for example a possible cancer case, meaning that patients often have to wait weeks or even months to find out if they have celiac disease,” Jaeckle explained. “With AI they could get a result almost instantly… Therefore, there would never be a waiting list with AI.” Government healthcare infrastructure lags behind innovation Despite the promising technology, the president of the Royal College of Pathologists acknowledged significant barriers to implementation within Britain’s government-run healthcare system. Dr. Bernie Croal said that while the AI tool “has the potential to radically transform how we diagnose celiac disease,” the NHS lacks the necessary digital infrastructure to fully utilize such innovations. “More work will be needed to get to the point where AI is fully developed and used safely in the NHS,” Croal admitted. “Investment in digital pathology, joined up functional IT systems… as well as training for pathologists to understand and use AI, will all need to be put in place.” These infrastructure shortcomings highlight a persistent pattern in government-managed healthcare: while private sector innovation rapidly advances diagnostic and treatment capabilities, bureaucratic systems struggle to keep pace with technological progress. Celiac disease affects approximately one in 100 people, causing symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhea, skin rashes, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia when patients consume gluten. When left untreated, it can lead to serious complications including malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and increased risk of certain cancers. The Cambridge researchers have established a spinout company, Lyzeum Ltd, to commercialize the algorithm, creating a market-based pathway for this life-improving technology to reach patients while government systems catch up. The research received funding from Coeliac UK, Innovate UK, and the Cambridge Centre for Data-Driven Discovery, demonstrating how private sector partnerships can accelerate medical breakthroughs without total reliance on government resources. Sources for this article include: TheGuardian.com Cam.ac.uk MedicalXpress.com To read the original article, click here

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Obesity’s Impacts on Our Brain, Dementia, and Fertility

The AHA! Team — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:24:53 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Weight loss can decrease dementia risk and improve mental performance and fertility. As I’ve discussed previously, in the ABCs of the health consequences of obesity, A is for Arthritis, B is for Back Pain and Blood Pressure, C is for Cancer, and D is for Diabetes. That brings us to E, which is for Encephalopathy. Encephalopathy means brain disease. There are consistent data linking obesity in middle age to a higher risk of dementia later in life. Researchers found that individuals who are overweight have about a one-third higher risk of dementia and those who are obese in mid-life have about 90 percent greater risk. The risk isn’t limited only to future dysfunction, though. People with excess body weight don’t appear to think as clearly at any age. “It was found that obese participants showed broad impairments on executive functions” of the brain, including working memory, decision-making, planning, cognitive flexibility, and verbal fluency. “From resisting temptation to keeping long-term goals in mind, executive functions play a critical role in everyday life,” noted a meta-analysis and review of 72 studies on the issue. People may think about their obesity…as much as five times an hour According to researchers, people may think about their obesity and the resulting stigma they experience as much as five times an hour, but the cognitive deficits do not appear to arise just from distraction; there are structural brain differences between individuals who are at an ideal weight versus overweight. A review entitled “Does the Brain Shrink as the Waist Expands?” noted gray matter atrophy across all ages among those carrying excess body fat. It’s this reduced brain volume that has been correlated with lower executive function. As you can see below and at 1:42 in my video The Effects of Obesity on Dementia, Brain Function, and Fertility, compromised integrity of the rest of the brain—the white matter—suggests accelerated brain aging, even in young adults and children with obesity. Cognitive deficits in younger populations suggest there’s something about obesity itself that is affecting brain function, rather than a later clinical consequence, such as high blood pressure. Purported mechanisms for this executive dysfunction include obesity-related inflammation and oxidative stress. So, does weight loss improve cognitive function? Based on a meta-analysis of 20 studies, researchers found that mental performance across a variety of domains can be significantly improved with even modest weight loss. However, no studies have yet to be done to determine if this then translates into a normalization of Alzheimer’s disease risk. Back to the ABCs of obesity’s health consequences, F is for Fertility—or rather failed fertility. “Overweight and obese persons seeking fertility should be educated on the detrimental effects of fatness and the benefits of weight reduction, including improvement in pregnancy rates,” one meta-analysis concluded. Men also may suffer impaired fertility. The heavier a man is, the greater his risk of having a low sperm count or being completely sterile, as you can see below and at 3:01 in my video. This may be due in part to the effects of excess body fat on testosterone levels. Fat isn’t the primary site of estrogen production in only postmenopausal women, but in men, too. An enzyme in body fat converts testosterone into estrogen. Men losing weight and going from obese to overweight could potentially raise the testosterone levels in their blood by 13 percent. A more dramatic cause of infertility in obese men… is called a “hidden penis.” The condition, which is also described in the medical literature as a “hidden, buried, concealed, trapped, and inconspicuous” penis, occurs when excess fat in the pubic area subsumes the penis (since its base is attached internally to the pubic bone). The moist enfolding skin surfaces can result in chronic inflammatory dermatitis leading to scarring and requiring a surgical intervention. If you missed the previous blog posts, I covered The Best Knee Replacement Alternative for Osteoarthritis Treatment and The Effects of Obesity on Back Pain, Blood Pressure, Cancer, and Diabetes. I continue the topic of obesity and weight with videos in the related posts below. I cover all of this and more at length in my book How Not to Diet, and its culinary companion, The How Not to Diet Cookbook, has more than 100 delicious, weight-conscious recipes. Request them from your local library. For more on the health conditions discussed in this video, see the Alzheimer’s disease, cognition, and fertility topic pages. Key Takeaways Middle-aged individuals who are overweight have a one-third higher risk of dementia, while those who are obese face a 90 percent greater risk later in life. Obesity is linked to impaired executive brain functions, such as memory, decision-making, and planning, even in younger individuals, due to structural changes like reduced gray matter. Obesity can cause premature brain aging, with reduced gray and white matter integrity, leading to cognitive deficits that suggest brain function is affected by obesity itself, not just related conditions. Modest weight loss can significantly improve cognitive function, though it’s unclear if this reduces Alzheimer’s disease risk. Obesity can negatively affect fertility in both men and women, with excess fat lowering testosterone levels in men and contributing to conditions like “hidden penis” that may require surgical intervention. To read the original article click here.

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IVF Pregnancies at Greater Risk of Exposure to Medicines That Can Harm the Baby

The AHA! Team — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 06:09:30 +0000

University of South Australia via Newswise – Pregnancies achieved through IVF and ICSI have the highest exposure to medicines that can harm the fetus, raising the chances of birth defects. A new Australian study has revealed a potential reason why some pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technology (ART) may result in birth defects in comparison to naturally conceived pregnancies. Researchers found that in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) pregnancies had the highest exposure to teratogenic medicines that potentially can harm the fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy. These are listed as Category D and X medicines by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The risk associated with the use of Category D medicines in pregnancy may be outweighed by the clinical benefit in individual cases such as management of mental health disorders or epilepsy. Category X medicines on the other hand are strongly discouraged during pregnancy due to the high risk of fetal harm. Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA), The University of Western Australia (UWA) and The Kids Research Institute Australia analysed more than 57,000 pregnancies in four conception groups over a two-year period. The groups comprised women using ART (2041); those taking medication to induce ovulation (590); untreated sub-fertile women (2063); and naturally fertile pregnancies (52,987). ART pregnancies had the highest exposure to Category D medications taken in the first trimester. The study found that 4.9% of the ART pregnancies were exposed, compared to only 0.6% of naturally conceived pregnancies. In later trimesters, the trend persisted, with 3.4% of ART pregnancies exposed to Category D medications versus 0.6% of naturally conceived pregnancies. Exposure to Category X medications (causing the most harm during pregnancy) was low across all groups and trimesters, at less than 0.5% of pregnancies. “These differences in exposure are primarily linked to medications used as additional treatment following ART to prevent repeat miscarriages or failed implantation, rather than medications to treat underlying chronic conditions,” says UniSA researcher Dr Anna Kemp-Casey, who led the study. “For example, ART pregnancies, during the study period were more often exposed to progestogens like medroxyprogesterone acetate, which may have been used to treat threatened or recurrent miscarriages,” Dr Kemp says. The five most frequently used Category D/X medications across all pregnancies regardless of conception status were paroxetine, lamotrigine, valproic acid, carbamazepine, and nicotine dependence treatments. UWA co-researcher Professor Roger Hart, also a practising IVF clinician and the national medical director of City Fertility, says the higher exposure to Category D and X medicines in ART pregnancies during the first trimester may contribute to the higher rate of birth defects observed in ART babies. “Although ART pregnancies are carefully planned, medications taken during fertility treatments may inadvertently increase exposure to birth defect risks, particularly during critical periods of fetal development,” Prof Hart says. Researchers say the findings demonstrate that the vast majority of IVF babies are healthy, and do not suggest that ART pregnancies are unsafe, but they underscore the importance of personalised medical care for women undergoing ART treatment and close monitoring for women in early pregnancy. Prof Hart says more research is needed to examine Category D and X medicines exposure in pregnancy as well as underlying maternal medical conditions and their contribution to birth defect risk in ART babies. The study has been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Notes for editors “Are assisted reproductive technology pregnancies more likely to be exposed to teratogenic medication? A whole-population study” is authored by researchers from the University of South Australia, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia and Curtin University. DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13911 According to the latest ANZARD report, in 2022 more than 20,000 children in Australia (17,963) and New Zealand (2095) were born using ART. Since IVF was introduced in 1978, 10 million children have been born using ART. A 2021 study by US researchers analyzing 1.2 million births found an 18% higher risk of birth defects among IVF babies and a 36% overall greater risk for ICSI births (42% increased risk where ICSI was used to treat male factor subfertility and 30% increased risk with ICSI use for non-male factor subfertility). In IVF pregnancies, sperm is added to a dish containing eggs, and fertilisation occurs naturally, compared to ICSI where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. The latter procedure is normally used to treat male subfertility but is also an option for unexplained infertility. To read the original article click here.

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Seeking Stress Relief: 20 Natural Stress Relievers to Boost Your Health

The AHA! Team — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:49:02 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Stress: We all deal with it, yet we know how much better off we’d be — both physically and mentally — if we could only get it under control and find stress relievers that really work. While stress can be a positive, motivating factor at times (such as when you’re under pressure to perform well at work or to ace an important exam), more and more research shows that chronic stress impacts the body in ways similar to a poor diet, lack of sleep or sedentary lifestyle. Would you believe that 75 percent to 90 percent of all doctors office visits are related to conditions caused by stress? It’s true. How exactly does stress negatively affect our health in so many ways? It mostly boils down to changes in our hormones, which then cascade to an increase in inflammation and various other problems. Uncontrolled stress experienced over a long period of time is considered “chronic stress,” dangerous and capable of increasing someone’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, weight gain or obesity, mental disorders, autoimmune diseases, digestive disorders, and even cancer. Let’s face it, the stress we face today isn’t going anywhere, which is exactly why it’s more important than ever to find natural ways to relieve stress that work well for us. Thankfully there are natural stress relievers that can help. If you adhere to the following stress relief practices, you’re likely to better manage your stress on a daily basis. Best of all, there are stress relievers out there for just about everyone. Higher stress levels today In many parts of the world, more people today report experiencing negative experiences — which includes physical pain, worry, sadness, stress and anger — on a daily basis than at any recent point in history. What is causing everyone to feel so stressed and burnt out? Some of the top reasons people feel stressed and mentally unwell include: Worries over finances and the economy Health and healthcare-related concerns Disapproval of government performance and worries over politics Anxiety over current events, including natural and societal events such as mass shootings, climate crisis, racial tensions and terrorism Stress due to social media and technology use Feelings of loneliness and depression We know that stress can negatively affect nearly all parts of the body, including the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, nervous system, and both female and male reproductive systems. Here are some of the ways ongoing stress can lead to discomfort and disease: Causes tension headaches and migraines Makes it harder to sleep and causes fatigue (even adrenal fatigue) Triggers digestive issues, such as stomach pain or IBS Can lead to overeating and weight gain or sporadic eating patterns and skipping meals Makes it more likely that people favor sedentary activities and don’t exercise Can lead to social isolation, loneliness and poor relationships Can increase obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and asthma What is chronic stress? Chronic stress is considered the type of stress that interferes with your ability to function normally over an extended period, such as more than six months. Obviously people of all ages can experience chronic stress, but it’s thought that younger and middle-aged adults between the ages of 15 and 49 are most likely to deal with debilitating chronic stress. “Generation Z” is considered to be the most stressed-out age group in many industrialized nations, due to factors like violence, political turmoil, poor finances and poor health, while “millennials” report the highest rates of anxiety, loneliness and depression. Do people always know that they are dealing with chronic stress? Not necessarily. It’s not always easy for people to make a connection between stress in their lives and symptoms such as pain and brain fog. People also tend to struggle with identifying exactly what’s causing them to worry or feel angry, overwhelmed or depressed. When chronically stressed, you release more “stress hormones” such as adrenaline and cortisol, a steroid hormone in the broader class of steroids called glucocorticoids that is secreted by the adrenal glands. When levels of stress hormones remain elevated over time, they impact many bodily functions. That’s why finding natural stress relievers is so important both mentally and physically. Natural stress relievers 1. Exercise and yoga One of the best stress relievers available to us is exercise, a natural remedy for anxiety because it releases powerful endorphin chemicals in the brain, which act like the body’s built-in painkillers and mood-lifters. Research has suggested the negative effects of stress on the body seem to be exaggerated in people who are inactive, a phenomenon called “stress-induced/exercise deficient” phenotype. Because we react to stress by experiencing changes in our neuro-endocrine systems, regular exercise is protective because it regulates various metabolic and psychological processes in the body, including reinforcing our natural circadian rhythms, sleep/wake cycles, moods and blood sugar levels. Exercise has been shown to help improve insulin sensitivity, can help someone become more aware of her hunger levels, may improve confidence/self-esteem, and can lead to better mental processing and a lower risk for depression. Can’t sleep? Well, exercise can help with that too, which is very important considering quality sleep is needed to regulate hormones and help the body recover. Yoga has been shown to have similar benefits, reinforcing the “mind-body connection,” improving how people (especially women) feel about their bodies, helping with sleep and controlling anxiety. A review of more than 35 clinical trials that tested the effects of regular yoga on stress levels and health found that, overall, yoga offered significant improvements in various physical and psychological health markers for the majority of people. Looking for an even more impactful way to feel the benefits of exercise? Do so while listening to uplifting music. Research findings have indicated that music listening positively impacts the psycho-biological stress system, helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, improves recovery time, and has benefits for hormonal balance and brain functioning overall. Another terrific way to relieve stress is through forest bathing. To forest bathe, you immerse yourself in naturally beautiful and health-boosting forest surroundings by using your various senses of sight, hearing, smell, etc. It’s meant to be a very peaceful and positive experience that has been shown by science to provide various health benefits. A study found that the tree’s compounds can decrease stress hormone levels in both men and women. 2. Meditation/devotional prayer Meditation and healing prayer are both proven stress relievers that help people deal with worry, anxiety and finding peace of mind. Best of all, they can both be practiced conveniently anytime of day, in your own home and with no therapist, practitioner or program needed, making them no-brainers. Meditation and prayer have been used for literally thousands of years to improve well-being and connection to others, and today they’re actually backed up by science as well. Natural stress relief meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction are types of simple mental techniques that are practiced for as little as 10–15 minutes once or twice a day in order to bring about more “mindfulness” and reduce stress or anxiety. Various other forms of meditation have been shown to lower physiological responses to stress, improve mental alertness, and help people overcome various emotional and physical problems, such as: anxiety depression poor mental health that affects quality of life attention problems substance use eating habits sleep pain weight gain 3. Acupuncture Acupuncture has increasingly been used to treat many stress-related conditions, including psychiatric disorders, autoimmune or immunological-related diseases, infertility, anxiety, and depression. In fact, researchers have found that acupuncture treatments result in changes in the cardiovascular and immune systems, increasing protective T-cell proliferation and helping with cellular immuno-responses. Studies have shown that acupuncture is one of the best stress relievers for patients recovering from heart disease because it helps regulate the nervous system, therefore having positive effects on blood pressure levels, circulation, hormones and other factors. 4. Nutrient-dense diet A steady supply of nutrients like essential vitamins, trace minerals, healthy fats, electrolytes, amino acids and antioxidants all help your brain handle stress better, therefore benefiting your entire body. It’s also a great weight loss tip for women and men. Some of the most nutrient-dense foods for natural stress relief include: Foods high in B vitamins (which the body uses to convert nutrients to energy) — raw or cultured dairy products, cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, poultry, brewer’s yeast, and green leafy vegetables. Foods high in calcium and magnesium — as relaxing minerals and electrolytes, calcium and magnesium are important for relaxing muscles, relieving headaches and helping you sleep. Try unsweetened organic yogurt, wild-caught salmon, beans/legumes, leafy green veggies, cruciferous veggies like broccoli, avocados and nuts. High-protein foods — foods with protein provide amino acids that are needed for proper neurotransmitter functions. Healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids — cold-water, wild-caught fish like salmon or sardines can reduce inflammation and help stabilize moods, plus omega-3s are great for the brain, development and heart health. Other healthy fats that support brain health include nuts/seeds, avocado, olive oil and coconut oil. These brain foods and mood-boosting foods work as natural stress relievers. On the other hand, foods to avoid in order to keep stress levels down (aka bad mood foods) include: Packaged or sugary foods — processed, refined foods or those with added sugar can give you blood sugar highs and lows throughout the day, increasing anxiety and causing cravings and fatigue. Too much alcohol or caffeine — both alcohol and caffeine can cause or worsen anxiety, make you dehydrated, interfere with sleep to leave you tired, and make you unable to cope with stress well. Refined vegetable oils — imbalances in polyunsaturated fatty acids, meaning getting much more omega-6s than omega-3s from your diet, are tied to metabolic damage, inflammation and even poor gut health, which can affect mental processes. 5. Challenging thoughts with cognitive behavioral therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapeutic practice that has been proven to lower anxiety, stress and multiple disorders — including addiction, eating disorders, insomnia and depression. Knowing that at least 50 percent of the time experiencing a mental disorder is due mostly to chronic, untreated stress reactions, therapists use CBT to train all types of people to better react to situations that are stressful. CBT focuses on challenging and changing your thoughts first and foremost, since the way you perceive an event (not the actual event itself) means everything in terms of how your body reacts. Once you can identify the root thought pattern that is causing harmful behaviors, you can work on changing how you think about events and therefore react to them. The idea behind CBT is this: If you can reframe the way you think about events in your life — for example, instead of panicking over a job change you choose to embrace it, prepare as best you can and seize the opportunity to start fresh — you can literally reduce the stress you wind up feeling from the event. CBT is useful for training us to avoid internal causes of stress, such as “all-or-nothing” thinking, jumping to conclusions, pessimism, having unrealistic expectations for ourselves, always expecting the worst-case scenario, and feeling guilt or shame over events that are out of our control. 6. Spending more time in nature and being social Making time for connecting with the people around you (like practicing fika), spending time outside, and doing things you love with family, friends and your spouse are all stress relievers that are good for your health in many ways. Social connection is tied to longevity, since it helps people feel like they’re a part of something larger than themselves and helps give them perspective. Being outdoors has some similar effects, reminding people that they’re one piece of a much larger universe, lifting their moods and making it easier to get good sleep. For many American workers, their work stress accelerates because they don’t take their full vacations or are always on call. Instead, take your deserved...

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What You Need to Know About Pituitary Tumors

The AHA! Team — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:33:20 +0000

Morgan deBlecourt via Duke Health – Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths in the pituitary gland, a pea-sized organ at the base of the brain that regulates hormones. Fortunately, these tumors are usually treatable and non-cancerous. Duke Health neurosurgeon Jordan Komisarow, MD, is part of a team of doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating pituitary tumors. Here he answers frequently asked questions to help you decide where you should seek care. How serious is a pituitary tumor? Pituitary tumors are slow-growing and rarely life-threatening. According to Dr. Komisarow, many people find out they have a pituitary tumor accidentally, after undergoing an imaging scan for an unrelated problem. They often have no symptoms. On the other hand, pituitary tumors that are large can affect your vision. A subset of tumors produce harmful hormones and can significantly impact your quality of life. Regardless, all pituitary tumors should be managed by an experienced team of specialists to avoid serious complications. How can a pituitary tumor affect the rest of my body? Since the pituitary gland produces hormones, a pituitary tumor can affect any body system that involves hormones, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Symptoms can vary widely from fatigue to weight gain, infertility, sexual dysfunction, breast discharge, uncontrolled diabetes and blood pressure, and more. Large pituitary tumors can crowd nearby brain structures like the optic nerves, which can cause symptoms such as vision loss. What are the most common treatments for a pituitary tumor? If your pituitary tumor is low-risk and causing few or no symptoms, your best option may be to monitor the tumor with regular imaging and hormone testing, said Dr. Komisarow. Medications can help treat hormone imbalances. Surgery to remove the tumor is usually reserved for people experiencing significant symptoms or complications related to the tumor. What doctors treat pituitary tumors? Many types of doctors treat pituitary tumors since they can affect so many body functions. Even if you’re not a candidate for surgery, a neurosurgeon often serves as the point person for pituitary tumor care. Endocrinologists manage hormones and treat any resulting pituitary disorders. Neuro-ophthalmologists, eye doctors who specialize in treating vision problems caused by neurological conditions, treat vision loss. Other specialists who may be involved in your care include ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors, radiation oncologists, and plastic surgeons. Where should I go for pituitary tumor treatment? Dr. Komisarow recommends seeking treatment at a center like Duke, which offers an all-in-one pituitary clinic. This means you’ll see a neurosurgeon, endocrinologist, and neuro-ophthalmologist, all in one day and in one location. They offer comprehensive testing, review your test results, and discuss next steps. “You want to find doctors who specialize in treating pituitary tumors, meaning it’s not just a component of their practice, but it’s the center of their practice,” Dr. Komosarow said. “Especially if you need surgery, our team at Duke has the experience and technology to safely care for people that other institutions turn away due to risk of anesthesia or nerve damage. We want to help every patient we can.” To read the original article click here.

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Is Endometriosis Causing Your Painful Periods?

The AHA! Team — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 05:11:17 +0000

Esther L Ellis via Duke Health – If you experience extremely painful periods, don’t ignore it. It’s important to seek care from an obstetrician-gynecologist as these symptoms may signal endometriosis. The painful condition affects an estimated 6.5 million women in the U.S., but is often undiagnosed. That is a concern because endometriosis can cause scarring and inflammation, which can lead to infertility if left untreated. Here, Duke Health minimally invasive gynecology surgeon Amy Broach, MD, answers frequently asked questions about endometriosis including its symptoms, testing, and treatment options. What is endometriosis and why is it painful? During endometriosis, the tissue lining the inside of the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus where it doesn’t belong. Menstruation occurs when the endometrium responds to hormonal signals, grows and sheds each month. The endometrium outside of the uterus also grows, which can cause painful irritation, inflammation, and scarring. What are the symptoms of endometriosis? The most common symptom is painful periods. “We’re referring to pain where a woman is unable to go to school or work effectively, or they’re taking more pain medications than is appropriate,” said Dr. Broach. Symptoms of endometriosis also include pain during sex, bloating, painful bowel movements, and pain during urination or with a full bladder. It is possible to have endometriosis without symptoms. Does endometriosis cause weight gain? Endometriosis does not directly cause weight gain. However, Dr. Broach said the symptoms of endometriosis can impact a person’s ability to maintain a healthy weight. “Sometimes people in pain seek emotional comfort in food, and do not feel up to physical activity so it’s a complex situation.” How is endometriosis diagnosed? Endometriosis can be investigated with a physical exam or an ultrasound, which may show scarring or an ovarian cyst due to endometriosis. However, mild and even severe endometriosis can have normal ultrasounds depending on where it’s located, which is why the condition is often misdiagnosed. “By the time I see someone, they’ve often seen multiple providers and have been told, ‘Oh, you just have painful periods,’” Dr. Broach said. “If you feel like something is not being addressed, advocate for yourself. Seek an expert in the field. “ If your imaging comes back normal and your doctor still suspects endometriosis, laparoscopy is the next step. What is laparoscopy for endometriosis? Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to diagnose and treat endometriosis. It allows your doctor to get a complete view of your pelvic area. During the procedure, your surgeon makes a small incision in the belly button, inflates your abdomen with gas, and inserts a lighted camera through the incision to inspect the pelvic area and appendix. Your surgeon will have a clear view to identify, remove, or destroy endometriosis lesions, cysts, and scar tissue without harming the healthy tissue around it. What are the stages of endometriosis? There are four stages of endometriosis based on how deep the tissue has penetrated, how widespread it is, and where it is located. During stage one, spots of endometriosis are smaller and shallower. Stage four means spots are deeply rooted into the tissue and are usually on important organs like the ovaries, colon, or bladder. Pain is not a consideration when staging endometriosis and a higher stage doesn’t mean your symptoms are more severe. How is endometriosis treated? Birth control pills and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are usually tried first. If that doesn’t work, Dr. Broach said progesterone-only hormonal therapy given via pills, injections, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) is typically the next step. “A lot of people respond well to the intrauterine device,” she said. According to Dr. Broach, stronger medications are available for people with more severe endometriosis, which creates a “menopause-like scenario.” “The brain and the ovaries are still talking to each other but at a much lower volume,” she said. These medications are taken by mouth and lower hormone levels to reduce menstrual bleeding and pain. They are tried before the strongest medication used to treat endometriosis, leuprolide. Leuprolide is an injection that completely blocks the communication between the brain and the ovaries, temporarily stopping your periods. Your period will return once you stop taking the medication. Laparoscopic endometriosis surgery is usually preferred for women trying to get pregnant. “Doing surgery and resecting or treating some of the disease increases a woman’s ability to become pregnant for about six months after surgery,” said Dr. Broach. To read the original article click here.

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