chronic stress Archives - Amazing Health Advances

What Is ‘Cortisol Face’? What You Need to Know About This TikTok Trend

The AHA! Team — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 05:29:38 +0000

Joe Boland via Dr. Axe – “Cortisol face” is a term that’s gaining traction in the wellness world, particularly taking off on the social media platform TikTok, especially as more people recognize the visible impacts of stress on physical appearance. It describes facial puffiness or bloating potentially linked to elevated levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress can be nearly unavoidable, understanding cortisol face can help identify if lifestyle changes are needed to maintain both mental and physical well-being. This article dives in to what cortisol face is, its causes, how it differs from moon face and tips to manage it. What is cortisol face? Cortisol face refers to facial swelling or puffiness that can occur when cortisol levels are elevated for extended periods. It’s not an official diagnosis, and what many people may think is cortisol face may actually be a different medical issue, such as Cushing’s syndrome. However, stress and skin health are most definitely linked, as research has shown over and over again. Cortisol plays an essential role in managing stress Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, plays an essential role in managing stress, metabolism, inflammation and immune response. However, when stress becomes chronic, excess cortisol can cause a range of symptoms, including water retention and inflammation that can contribute to facial puffiness. People with cortisol face often notice swelling around the cheeks and jawline, and in severe cases, it can extend to the entire face. How common is it? Cortisol face isn’t necessarily common, but it may be more prevalent among individuals dealing with chronic stress, poor sleep or high workloads, all of which can elevate cortisol levels. High cortisol is also observed in individuals with specific medical conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome, where the body overproduces cortisol. While not everyone with high cortisol will experience facial puffiness, those who are more prone to fluid retention or inflammation might be more likely to develop this symptom. Puffy skin and stress When stress becomes chronic, it triggers prolonged cortisol production. Elevated cortisol levels can affect the body in various ways, including: Fluid retention: Cortisol causes the body to retain sodium and excrete potassium, leading to water retention. Inflammation: Chronic cortisol production can exacerbate inflammation, affecting skin and blood vessels. Reduced collagen production: Cortisol can inhibit collagen synthesis, which may lead to less elastic skin and more noticeable swelling. As a result, chronic stress doesn’t just impact internal health — it can lead to visible signs of fatigue and stress on the skin. This link between stress and skin issues has been extensively studied, and puffy skin is one of the many external indicators that stress levels might be affecting physical health. Cortisol face vs. moon face While cortisol face and moon face may sound similar — and do share similar symptoms — they differ in underlying causes and characteristics. Cortisol face refers specifically to puffiness in the face due to elevated cortisol, typically related to stress. It can also be influenced by poor diet, lack of sleep or lifestyle factors. Moon face is condition where the face appears round and swollen, typically due to prolonged use of corticosteroids or conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. Moon face is a hallmark symptom of Cushing’s syndrome, where excessive cortisol leads to more dramatic facial swelling and roundness. While cortisol face can often be managed with lifestyle changes, moon face may require medical intervention if linked to hormonal disorders or medication side effects. Other causes Apart from elevated cortisol, other factors can contribute to facial puffiness, including: High-sodium diet: Excess sodium leads to water retention, especially around the face. Alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates the body, causing it to retain water and resulting in facial puffiness. Allergies: Allergic reactions, especially those affecting the sinuses, can lead to temporary facial swelling. Sleep deprivation: Poor sleep can exacerbate inflammation and fluid retention, leading to puffy skin. Menstrual cycle: Hormonal fluctuations can sometimes lead to fluid retention and facial swelling. Understanding the cause of puffiness is essential to managing and preventing it, especially if cortisol face seems to be part of a broader set of symptoms. How to get rid of cortisol face Reducing cortisol levels and adopting lifestyle habits to manage stress can help alleviate cortisol face. Here are some effective strategies: 1. Reduce stress Engage in mindfulness, meditation or yoga to reduce daily stress. Even small, daily stress management practices can help lower cortisol levels. 2. Optimize sleep Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep is linked to higher cortisol levels, which can worsen facial puffiness. 3. Limit high-sodium foods Reducing salt in the diet can minimize water retention. 4. Stay hydrated Drinking water throughout the day can help the body release retained fluid, reducing puffiness. 5. Exercise regularly Physical activity can help lower cortisol levels, reduce inflammation and improve circulation. 6. Anti-inflammatory diet Foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins can help reduce inflammation and cortisol levels. Some people may also find relief through topical treatments, like cold compresses, facial rollers or certain anti-inflammatory skin care products, although these do not address the root cause of cortisol face. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also help. Conclusion Cortisol face serves as a visible reminder of the connection between stress and physical health. While it can be distressing, understanding the signs and causes empowers you to manage stress and improve your overall well-being. Reducing cortisol levels through lifestyle adjustments, proper hydration, a balanced diet and regular sleep can go a long way in reducing puffiness and promoting healthier skin. Addressing cortisol face may also help prevent more serious health issues linked to chronic stress, making it beneficial to focus on these changes for both appearance and health. To read the original article click here.

The post What Is ‘Cortisol Face’? What You Need to Know About This TikTok Trend appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

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...

The post Seeking Stress Relief: 20 Natural Stress Relievers to Boost Your Health appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Work-Related Stress Linked to Increased Risk of Future Sick Leave in Middle-Aged Women

The AHA! Team — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:08:18 +0000

University of Gothenburg via News-Medical – Middle-aged women who experience work-related stress have a significantly increased risk of future sick leave, a University of Gothenburg study shows. Lack of influence and conflicts at work are clear stress factors. The aim of the current study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, was to investigate whether work-related mental stress can be linked to sick leave among middle-aged women in the labor market. The data used in the study consists of information about 573 women of two different ages, 38 and 50, taken from the comprehensive Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, PSWG, at the University of Gothenburg. This was combined with register data on the women’s sick leave from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. Job conflicts are a significant risk factor When the study began, the majority of the participants (504 women) were employed and in work. Three out of four experienced work-related or general mental stress, or both. During the following year, 16% had at least one instance of sick leave lasting for two weeks or more, and the sick leave patterns were clear. Of 21 specific work-related problems, job conflicts and a lack of influence over decisions at work were most clearly associated with sick leave. In terms of job conflicts, this applied whether or not the women themselves were involved. Women who had reported job conflicts were more than twice as likely (a factor of 2.31) to take sick leave during the follow-up year. After adjusting for general stress, previous sick leave, age, sleep quality, wellbeing, and physical activity, the risk remained twice as high (a factor of 1.98). A lack of empowerment was also accompanied by a significantly greater risk of sick leave (a factor of 1.71 after adjustments). The importance of a better work environment One of the main authors in the study is Kirsten Mehlig, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Senior Lecturer in Health Science Statistics at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg. “Little scope for decision-making and conflicts in the work environment can predict sick leave, independent of general mental stress and previous periods of sick leave,” she explains. “Improving the work environment is therefore important in order to reduce sick leave among women in the labor market.” The research team behind the study was led by Dominique Hange, Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in General Medicine, and general practitioner at Närhälsan’s Tidan primary care center in Skövde. “Regardless of women’s own involvement, the effects of conflicts at work may also suggest a specific vulnerability among women that may be interesting to address in the future.” – Kirsten Mehlig, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Senior Lecturer in Health Science Statistics at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg Source: University of Gothenburg Journal reference: Mehlig, K., et al. (2024). Exploring the impact of mental and work-related stress on sick leave among middle-aged women: observations from the population study of women in Gothenburg, Sweden. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care. doi.org/10.1080/02813432.2024.2380925. To read the original article click here.

The post Work-Related Stress Linked to Increased Risk of Future Sick Leave in Middle-Aged Women appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Natural Eczema Treatment: 13 Home Remedies (Plus Symptoms & Causes)

AHA Publisher — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 08:00:05 +0000

Kathleen McCoy, BS via Dr. Axe – Is your skin red, dry, scaly and extremely itchy? These are common eczema symptoms, a skin condition believed to affect more than 31 million Americans, leaving many to search for the best eczema treatment options. What is eczema? It actually isn’t a single condition — it’s a group of skin conditions that includes: atopic dermatitis contact dermatitis dyshidrotic eczema hand eczema neurodermatitis nummular eczema stasis dermatitis Finding a soothing, natural eczema treatment can be life-changing for those suffering from this frustrating condition. Read on to learn about the symptoms, causes and natural eczema treatment options. Causes and Symptoms Eczema typically first appears in very young children. Of further concern is that eczema in children is becoming more and more common. Diseases it can resemble include psoriasis, rosacea and dermatitis, but it’s a different condition. A study conducted by the Department of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that 39 percent of Caucasian children develop eczema by 3 years old. Interestingly, this same study found children who have dogs in the home are significantly less likely to develop it at any age. Although initial outbreaks most often occur in infants and young children, onset can occur at any time. While the majority of the skin conditions that fall under the eczema heading are chronic, it is important to note that contact dermatitis and hand eczema may be acute in nature, occurring due to an exposure to allergens or chemicals. For many people, the severity of flare-ups lessens with maturity, and some may even outgrow it altogether. However, it can come and go throughout life. Learning how to treat eczema and identifying triggers that cause flares are the best courses of action. While there is no definitive answer as to the cause of eczema — and there is no identified cure — there are effective natural treatments, home remedies and essential oils for eczema that may help prevent future flares and ease discomfort during an outbreak. There is a wide range of causes and risk factors associated with this condition, and eczema symptoms can manifest in widely different ways between those affected. While a singular cause of eczema has not been established, there are certain common causes leading to the onset and flares. In addition, a wide range of risk factors has been identified. Risk Factors A genetic predisposition or family history of eczema, hay fever or asthma Young age Being a health care worker Children who attend daycare ADHD Living in a dry climate Nutritional deficiency Adolescent obesity, for later onset of eczema cases Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy, which may increase the risk of developing eczema in the first year of life Causes So far, the medical community has yet to determine a definitive cause of eczema. For some, it may occur due to a nutritional deficiency, while for others it may first arise due to an allergen or other irritant. Here are the widely accepted causes of eczema: Dry skin and sensitive skin that cracks Immune system dysfunction Environmental conditions Gene variation that affects skin Allergies to foods, beauty products, laundry detergents or other chemical allergy Chronic stress Temperature changes Symptoms of Eczema While many experience a lessening of symptoms and fewer flare-ups as they age, some continue to experience eczema symptoms throughout adulthood, such as atopic eczema rashes. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and change from one outbreak to another. Common symptoms include: The appearance of small, raised bumps that may ooze liquid and develop a crust Thick, dry, scaly skin that cracks Red, brown or grayish patches of skin on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, in skin folds, and on the face and scalp of infants Sensitive skin that is swollen and raw from scratching A recurring rash that causes intense itching, often disrupting sleep patterns Rashes due to atopic eczema Eczema Treatment While there is no cure for eczema, there are a variety of non-invasive eczema treatment options that can provide relief during a flare-up and some that may prevent its onset. These can include corticosteroids, but the following home eczema treatment options may be best. 1. Light Therapy/Phototherapy According to the National Eczema Association, phototherapy helps calm inflammation, reduces itching, increases vitamin D production and helps fight bacteria on the skin. Adding 10–15 minutes a day of sun exposure, particularly during an eczema flare, can provide relief and potentially speed healing. 2. Vitamin D In addition to increasing sun exposure, supplementing with vitamin D foods like cod liver oil, sardines, salmon, eggs and raw milk may help prevent eczema in children and adolescents. If your sun exposure is low, consider boosting your intake with a high-quality supplement. Preliminary research shows that low vitamin D levels during pregnancy and childhood may increase the risk for developing eczema. 3. Moisturize Because dry skin is both a cause and symptom, it is imperative to moisturize affected areas at least twice a day. Coconut oil is the perfect moisturizer for eczema sufferers. This eczema treatment is antibacterial and antifungal, with antimicrobial properties that provide soothing relief, and it may speed healing. 4. Treat the Mind and Body According to Harvard Medical School, some skin conditions, including eczema, have a psychological component. This is a dynamic referred to as psychodermatology. Researchers have found that hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, focused breathing, cognitive behavior therapy and talk therapy may provide not only relief during a flare-up, but expedite healing and prevent future flares. 5. Dead Sea Salt Baths The Dead Sea is known for its healing powers, and researchers have found that taking a bath with salt from Dead Sea water improves skin hydration and skin barrier function, reduces inflammation, and relieves redness and roughness. As eczema flares can worsen when exposed to high and low temperatures, bath water should be just warm enough to prevent a chill. Do not rub the skin dry. Pat gently with a soft towel. 6. Cool, Wet Compresses Applying a cool, wet compress lessens the itching for some individuals with eczema. For young children, dampening snug night clothes may provide overnight relief from itching — however, if the condition has evolved to oozing blisters, a wet compress may increase the risk of infection and shouldn’t be used. 7. Apply Itch Cream The intense itching is often the most miserable part of an eczema flare. Try using a natural homemade eczema cream that incorporates shea butter, coconut oil, raw honey and essential oils to provide much-needed relief. 8. Licorice Extract Used topically, licorice root extract shows promise for reducing itching in limited eczema trials. Add a few drops to coconut oil or homemade itch creams for best results. 9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that when fish is introduced into the diet of young children by the age of 9 months and is eaten weekly, the risk for developing eczema reduces dramatically. (9) Including foods rich in omega-3s to prevent eczema should be considered. During a flare, these foods are a great eczema treatment that boost immune system function and speed healing. 10. Probiotics Probiotics may help prevent eczema in infants and decrease the severity of flares, research shows. In fact, mothers who take probiotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding may prevent eczema from developing in their children. During an outbreak and to prevent future flares, taking a high-quality probiotic supplement of 24–100 billion organisms daily should be considered. 11. Lavender Essential Oil In addition to the intense itching, eczema commonly causes anxiety, depression, frustration and poor sleep. Lavender essential oil is an eczema treatment proven to help reduce these common symptoms, and it can help treat dry skin. Add 10 drops to one tablespoon of coconut oil or almond oil, and gently rub into the skin. The aroma can help facilitate sleep, when itching is often at its worst. 12. Vitamin E Taking 400 IU of vitamin E daily can help speed healing by reducing inflammation. In addition, topical application of vitamin E may help relieve the itch and prevent scarring. 13. Witch Hazel If during a flare the rash starts to ooze, applying witch hazel can help promote healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research has found that a cream containing witch hazel and phosphatidylcholine can be as effective as hydrocortisone in a double-blind trial. During an outbreak, gently dab this eczema treatment directly onto the rash with a cotton pad. Be sure to use an alcohol-free witch hazel, as you don’t want to cause more dryness. Related: A Serious Case of ‘Maskne’: How to Prevent & Treat Face Acne Due to Wearing a Mask Eczema and Food Diet can play a role in skin conditions. The following foods to eat can play a role in eczema prevention, relief and treatment, while there are foods to avoid that can make symptoms worse. Foods to Eat: Essential fatty acids — Wild-caught fish and flaxseed oil can help reduce eczema symptoms. Pumpkin or chia seeds — These seeds provide zinc, which is essential for wound healing and metabolizing fatty acids. Probiotic-rich foods — Consume goat’s milk kefir and amasai. These are the highest probiotic foods and can support gut and immune health. High-fiber foods — Constipation can lead your body to look for other ways to expel toxins, and the skin can become one of the avenues in which toxins are expelled. Aim for at least 30 grams of fiber per day from vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, coconut and sprouted grains/legumes. Vitamin A-rich foods — Increase your intake of orange and yellow vegetables, which are high in vitamin A, necessary for skin health. Foods to Avoid: Additives — Eliminate additives and processed foods, which can make eczema worse. Foods allergens — Avoid any potential allergens. Some common allergen foods include gluten, dairy, shellfish or peanuts. Margarine and other non-essential fats — These fats can interfere with the absorption of essential fats critical for healing. Sugar — Increases inflammation and reduces immune function. Fried foods — Can increase inflammation. Precautions Eczema is a skin condition that can result is severe discomfort, disruption of sleep, anxiety and depression, and skin infections. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, the majority of people who have eczema also have Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. When the rash seeps, or excessive itching breaks the skin, severe infections from bacteria and viruses can occur. If an infection does occur, following natural impetigo treatments can help to prevent spreading the infection to others and speed healing. Eczema may make people more prone to heart disease and stroke, research highlighted by Harvard Medical School found. The study found that people with eczema smoke and drink more and are less likely to exercise than those without eczema. All three of these are considered risk factors for heart disease and other chronic conditions. Anxiety, depression and poor sleep quality are real concerns for children and adults alike during a flare. Using essential oils for eczema by diffusing or adding to lotions or creams may help relieve the emotional toll this condition has on those it affects. Children are particularly prone to ridicule at school during an outbreak, especially with eczema on the face. It is not uncommon for children with eczema to withdraw from their social circles and become isolated. Be sure to provide plenty of understanding and support. If you’re struggling with eczema or another skin condition, you can visit a dermatologist for further help. Conclusion There are seven skin conditions that fall under the eczema heading, including contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, eczema stasis dermatitis and the most common offender, atopic dermatitis. Eczema can appear anywhere, but in children it typically develops first on the cheeks, chin and scalp. In adolescents and adults, eczema patches appear in areas that bend, like elbows, knees, ankles, wrists and the neck. Understanding what triggers it and how to get rid of eczema flares requires careful tracking of allergens and all flares as they occur. To prevent future flares, avoid common triggers...

The post Natural Eczema Treatment: 13 Home Remedies (Plus Symptoms & Causes) appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Discover 10 Ways to Deal With Doom Fatigue

AHA Publisher — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 08:00:48 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – It’s everywhere you look these days, doom and gloom, and the world is falling apart. It’s on the television, social media, newspapers, magazines, and on the lips of just about everyone you meet, from your best friend to the gentlemen in the checkout line at the grocery store. They’re all talking about how the economy is tanking, out-of-control immigration, scary pandemics, rising homelessness, increasing government overreach, and people hating each other for the political party they support, the religion they choose, and the car they drive. Sometimes it seems like all this drama sucks the air right out of the room, and if you’re like many people, you probably wish you could just turn it off and breathe for a while. But you can’t. It is relentless and pervasive, and you feel so overwhelmed and anxious. You need a break. What you need a break from is “doom fatigue.” “Doom Fatigue” Leads to Sleep Issues, Anxiety, and More A person with doom fatigue feels overwhelmed because they are bombarded with one negative or stressful event after another within a short window. Because it is constantly put before them in one form or another, they may perceive that the issue is bigger or worse than it really is. The main reason is that they are constantly receiving input about it, hearing reports and discussions about it from a number of sources. This can result in obsessive thoughts that can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and increased stress that can affect blood pressure, heart conditions, and other stress-related health issues. The human body was not meant to be in a permanent fight, flight, or freeze status; that is too taxing on the organs. To escape or avoid all of that, some people will shut it all down completely, refusing to look at any news outlets or listen to any reports. Unfortunately, this complete avoidance can also be detrimental because they could miss vital information that they need to know. It is a delicate balance, but there are ways to manage it all without suffering from information overload and succumbing to doom fatigue. Discover 10 Simple Strategies for Managing Doom Fatigue There are ways you can manage doom fatigue and stop feeling like you have a little black cloud hovering over you. Some of these tips may be hard at first, but it’s important to stick to them. You will be healthier and happier as a result. Narrow your pool of sources. Bombardment starts because the information is coming from everywhere. Control the bombardment and choose only a few sources that you trust and only get your information from there. Find other ways to occupy your mind. Read a book, do crafts, play a video game, paint, work in the yard – do something that will occupy your mind so you aren’t contemplating the issues that overwhelm you. Get your head out of the game. Shut it down and walk away for a while. Stop engaging with the topic, watching every YouTube video, and reading every social media post about it. Give your mind and your body a break. Walk away from it for a while. Schedule your news check-ins. Resolve to only reading the news or viewing news videos at certain times of the day. Avoid when you first wake up and right before you go to bed. Instead, opt for mid-morning and early evening or some schedule like that. Get social in person. Get off social media. Get off your devices. Go out and talk to real live human beings. Hang out with friends, join a club, or take a class. Just do something to get you in the presence of other human beings in real time. Stay away from the comments! When you are reading articles or watching videos online, do yourself a huge favor and stay away from the comments. That is where facts really get tangled, and emotions run high. It isn’t worth it, and most of the time, there is no profit in it at all. Assess your assumptions. Take some time to reflect on your assumptions and beliefs. Challenge them and examine them to see if they hold water or if they have just become a habit. Then, it may be time to let them go. Put down the device. Do yourself and your family a favor and put down your device. Don’t use it while eating, right before bed, or as soon as you wake up. Give your brain a break. There are more than enough hours in a day to be able to spend time on your device, but it should not be all day. Put it down and engage with the real people in your life. Focus on the things you can control. If you can’t control it, then worrying is wasted energy. Instead of looking at where you are powerless, look at the areas that you can control and focus on them. Take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and practice stress management strategies. Taking care of yourself will make it easier for you to manage your doom fatigue until it isn’t even an issue any longer. Sources for this article include: ActivistPost.com HBR.org To read the original article click here.

The post Discover 10 Ways to Deal With Doom Fatigue appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Study Shows High Stress Increases the Risk of Cancer

AHA Publisher — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 07:00:28 +0000

News Staff via NaturalHealth365 – It’s no secret that stress has many detrimental effects on the body. High stress levels can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, inflammation, gastric upset, and more. But what about stress and cancer? Can chronic stress actually cause cancer? One study published in Scientific Reports suggests that stress increases cancer risk. Can Stress Actually Cause Cancer? The study, performed in Japan, evaluated the association between perceived stress and the risk of developing cancer. Alarmingly, researchers found that those with a constant high perceived stress level had an 11% greater cancer risk. This correlation was found in men who had no family history of cancer. However, the risk was more substantial among men with other health risk factors, like smoking and obesity. Other studies have also suggested an association between chronic stress levels and cancer risks. Some reveal a connection between work stress and lung, esophageal, and colorectal cancer. Another recent study saw a link between PTSD or social isolation and ovarian cancer. So can you get cancer from stress, or do other factors come into play? Although there seem to be strong links between stress and cancer, the answer is debatable. Some studies have found no increase in cancer risk related to work stress. On top of that, it’s hard to study the direct relationship between stress and cancer because the experience of stress is so subjective. Many researchers believe it’s not stress that causes cancer – it’s what it does to your body. How Does Stress Affect Your Body? Your body’s response to acute stress is a natural evolutionary survival mechanism. When you’re under stress or your mind perceives danger, two things happen: your fight-or-flight response turns on, and the stress hormone cortisol is released. When your body dwells in a high-stress state, continuous stress hormones can cause harmful changes in your body. Consequently, chronic stress can alter your metabolism, weaken your immune system, and even damage your DNA. Furthermore, chronic stress often leads to unhealthy behaviors like smoking, overconsuming alcohol, and eating unhealthy foods. So while it’s difficult to prove that stress can cause cancer, the harmful effects of chronic stress are undeniable. And because of how it affects your body, high stress can result in higher cancer risk. How to Minimize Your Cancer Risk You can’t know whether you will ever get cancer or any other disease. Additionally, many toxins and chemicals in the environment can increase cancer risk. However, you can take steps to keep your body healthy and minimize your risk factors. Avoiding tobacco can reduce cancer risk since tobacco smoking is strongly linked to many types of cancer. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is essential, as well as avoiding toxic processed meats and other unhealthy foods. To help bring yourself into a more parasympathetic (relaxed) state, chew your food, really well. The habit of chewing your food well will calm down your nervous system, improve digestion and immune function. Getting enough exercise and maintaining a healthy weight will help to reduce your overall cancer risk. Spend a healthy amount of time in the sun and “get grounded” by putting your feet onto the ground outside. Spend more time in naturefor all its obvious health benefits. Don’t let high stress levels destroy your life: Taking care of your body, mind and soul will help you to minimize the risk of dangerous long-term health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Sources for this article include: Nature.com LiveScience.com MayoClinic.org To read the original article click here.

The post Study Shows High Stress Increases the Risk of Cancer appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Is Allergy Season Getting Worse?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 07:00:38 +0000

Naama Barak via Israel21c – While this winter’s been a harsh one here in Israel, many people aren’t enjoying spring. And for good reason, too, since it involves weeks of blowing their nose, being red-eyed and feeling all scratchy. In other words: allergy season is upon us. And unfortunately, the climate change we’re experiencing isn’t making things a whole lot better. “We have the greenhouse effect which in countries like ours prolongs the warm season, creates more air pollution, more flowering time and apparently also very high flowering intensity, which all bring down the lives of people with allergies,” explains Dr. Yuval Tal, director of the clinical immunology and allergy unit at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. “Another thing that’s related to the greenhouse effect is the rise of carbon dioxide,” he adds. “The more you increase the temporality of the CO2, the longer you let the flowers blossom and create more pollen.” And pollen is the enemy of people suffering from respiratory allergies. “Usually, when we think about pollen, we think of the pretty flowers that bees are drawn to and pollinate,” says Gabriela Adler, chief scientist at air quality monitoring and forecasting company BreezoMeter. “That’s not the pollen we’re talking about when it comes to allergies. This is pollen that is pollinated by a different, wind-based method,” explains Adler, who has a PhD in atmospheric science. “And because the pollination isn’t targeted like it is with bees, it has to do more with quantities. The flowers of these trees aren’t very pretty because they don’t need to attract insects, and they just dump huge quantities of pollen into the air to make something catch. That’s why there are such large quantities of pollen in the air,” she tells ISRAEL21c. “Pollen is seasonal and it varies from species to species. Trees are usually around spring, then there’s grass and then weeds toward the fall. They each have a season, and so do the different types of trees – birch trees, olive trees and oaks all have their own season – and they’re all also affected by the microclimate. One tree located in Seattle will have different seasonality than a similar tree located 20 kilometers away.” What Trees Know Adler explains that trees have an emission mechanism and a scattering mechanism. “The emission mechanism emits pollen when the conditions are optimal and it feels that the pollen won’t go to waste,” Adler says. “Good conditions are a high temperature and relatively low humidity. For trees, that usually happens around spring.” But the effects of climate change, fluctuating temperatures and longer and shorter seasons play around with that. “Coniferous trees, for example, have mechanisms that ‘count’ the number of cold days in winter and then when the temperatures rise, they ‘count’ the number of warm days in order to pollinate. Each [temperature-related] disruption disrupts the whole pollen season,” Adler adds. Specific climatic events such as thunderstorms also wreak havoc with regular pollination patterns, Tal notes. “There’s the whole issue of extreme weather. If for example you have a lightning storm, then the lightning makes the pollen hover off the ground, and the electricity in the air opens the proteins,” he explains. Stress and Allergies And yet, climate change isn’t the only thing making our allergies worse in recent years. “Other things worsening the situation are our growing awareness, the fact we have more money and, perhaps most importantly, the increasing stress of Western life,” Tal notes. “Chronic stress makes allergic diseases more difficult to balance because of a protein in the blood that’s the main protein in the allergic process. It makes the state of allergies worse and more stubborn in the face of treatment. I think that’s no less substantial than other things.” As for awareness and money, Tal notes that since most people are no longer battling to survive like they did in the past, they can give more time and thought to smaller things that bother them, such as runny noses and scratchy eyes – conditions that are not life-threatening but still impact well-being. Prevention and Treatment The two experts recommend preventative measures and treatment. Adler, whose company BreezoMeter lets users know about real-time allergens in their immediate surroundings, notes that simple actions like deciding whether or not to hang the laundry outside or to take the dog for a walk due to pollen levels can minimize exposure and suffering. “You can try and avoid it, and to manage this whole allergy business,” she notes. “It’s mostly about being aware that things can change from day to day and that it’s dynamic, even when it’s allergy season.” Tal, meanwhile, recommends forgoing over-the-counter antihistamines in favor of a visit to a specialist. “Professionals have the tools to help people. We can help around 90 percent of patients,” he tells ISRAEL21c. “An anti-allergy pill isn’t always the solution. People take an antihistamine for everything. It usually doesn’t do damage, but it also doesn’t do a lot of good, and it anyhow probably isn’t the same sort of antihistamine that we could give out as professionals,” he says. “Going to an expert at a good center is the most effective solution that I can offer.” To read the original article click here.

The post Is Allergy Season Getting Worse? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Feeling Frazzled? Learn How Ashwagandha Supports Calm Mood and Clear Thinking

AHA Publisher — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 08:00:58 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – For many, the past few years – marked by lockdowns, isolation, financial insecurity, and personal loss – have been challenging. So it’s not surprising that rates of anxiety and depression are ticking up nationwide. According to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of adults with anxiety or depressive disorder symptoms jumped from 36.4 percent to 41.5 percent in the period between August 2020 and February of 2021 alone. (In other words – if you’ve been feeling anxious, “down in the dumps,” or generally stressed out, you have plenty of company). Fortunately, a South Asian herb known as ashwagandha may offer natural relief. Ashwagandha, botanically known as Withania somnifera, is treasured in the Ayurvedic healing system as a “rasayana” – a substance believed to stimulate body functions, slow aging, promote health, and support longevity. Ashwagandha’s benefits also include calming and mood-lifting effects, making it a useful ally in these troubled times. Ashwagandha Benefits Include Improving the Body’s Ability to Cope With Prolonged Stress Chronic stress causes a litany of unhealthy consequences, including cognitive deficiencies, impaired regulation of blood sugar and blood fats, suppression of the immune system, and disturbed levels of DHEA (needed for healthy production of sex hormones). Stress also causes elevated cortisol levels (which is known as the “stress hormone”). Chronically elevated levels of cortisol can lead to unhealthy conditions such as high blood sugar and increased levels of abdominal fat. Ashwagandha is currently used in Ayurveda to reduce chronic stress, support the immune system, arrest premature aging and boost resistance to adverse environmental factors. Modern research has supported this ancient wisdom, and many scientists categorize ashwagandha as an adaptogen or a substance that helps the body deal with physical and emotional stress. (While “adaptogen” may lack the beauty of the word “rasayana,” the meaning is quite similar. By the way, other herbal adaptogens include Rhodiola Rosea, Panax ginseng, cordyceps, and astragalus). Let’s look at some of the ways in which ashwagandha earns its classification as a rasayana/adaptogen. Ashwagandha Is Investigated for Its Potential to Lower Cortisol and Promote Calm and Well-Being Studies show that ashwagandha may have the ability to lower cortisol levels. In one controlled, double-blind study of adults with chronic stress, participants were given either 125 mg or 250 mg of ashwagandha extract a day for 60 days. (A control group received a non-active placebo). The scientists found that the ashwagandha groups had greater reductions in cortisol levels when compared with the control group. In fact, some participants in the higher-dose group displayed decreases of up to 30 percent! Significantly, the ashwagandha groups also experienced improved well-being and substantial reductions in anxiety symptoms – along with physical benefits such as lower levels of inflammatory C-reactive protein, decreased pulse rate, and lower blood pressure. The scientists reported that the participants also experienced fewer manifestations of anxiety – such as fatigue, sleeplessness, sweating, headache, muscle pain, dry mouth, palpitations, and feelings of impending doom. And, in a separate study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, researchers noted that participants who took 300 mg of ashwagandha extract a day reported a stunning 69 percent decrease in insomnia and anxiety. Incidentally, ashwagandha is a source of tryptophan, an amino acid that supports a stable mood and refreshing sleep. Ashwagandha Benefits May Include Improved Brain Function and Sharper Memory Ashwagandha contains a group of naturally-occurring steroids called withanolides. These antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds have been shown to protect against brain cell degeneration by reducing the production of harmful reactive oxygen species (free radicals). In animal studies, withanolides helped to reverse behavioral deficits, promote brain cell growth, and reduce amyloid plaque deposits in the brain. Human studies are limited, but several have supported ashwagandha’s ability to improve cognition and memory. For example, one controlled study showed that 500 mg of ashwagandha extract a day improved reaction time and task performance in healthy men – while another demonstrated that 600 mg a day significantly improved participants’ memory, task performance, and attention. Ashwagandha Helps with Blood Sugar Control In addition to contributing to deposits of unhealthy abdominal fat, elevated cortisol levels can cause high blood sugar. Ashwagandha, which is rich in blood sugar-lowering phenolic compounds and flavonoids, may help to address this problem. Maintaining stable blood sugar helps to discourage binge eating and food cravings, thereby helping to ward off overeating. Good blood sugar control may also help reduce disturbing mood swings. Preliminary test-tube and animal studies support ashwagandha’s blood sugar-lowering effects. Some clinical trials suggest that ashwagandha can reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in levels in humans. If you would like to try supplementing with ashwagandha, experts recommend choosing a high-quality formulation standardized to contain 1 to 10 percent withanolides. Natural healers typically advise servings of 300 mg to 1,500 mg a day – but consult your qualified integrative physician before trying ashwagandha. (Of course, if your worry and distress are difficult to control, or if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, discuss the situation with your trusted health professional). Ashwagandha seems to have both calming and energizing effects, with aficionados reporting that it can improve sleep quality, promote feelings of contentment, and help mental focus. So maybe it’s time to give this soothing herb a try! Sources for this article include: Healthline.com NIH.gov CDC.gov AdventHealth.com AdventHealth.com To read the original article click here.

The post Feeling Frazzled? Learn How Ashwagandha Supports Calm Mood and Clear Thinking appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Roswell Park Researchers Identify Key Link Between Stress and Cancer

AHA Publisher — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 08:00:50 +0000

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center via Newswise – BUFFALO, N.Y. — Stress can have a significant negative effect on health, but our understanding of how stress impacts the development and progression of cancer is just beginning. A team from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has identified an important mechanism by which chronic stress weakens immunity and promotes tumor growth. Their findings, just published in Cell Reports, point to the beta-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) as a driver of immune suppression and cancer growth in response to stress, opening the possibility of targeting this receptor in cancer therapy and prevention. Using a preclinical model of triple-negative breast cancer, a research team led by Hemn Mohammadpour, PhD, DVM, a postdoctoral research affiliate in the lab of Elizabeth Repasky, PhD, and Dr. Repasky, who is Co-Leader of the Cell Stress and Biophysical Therapies Program and the Dr. William Huebsch Professor in Immunology at Roswell Park, found that as tumors grow, they become more sensitive to stress signals coming from the nervous system. Specifically, the researchers discovered that a population of immune cells known as myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) show an increase in the expression of β-AR, a molecule that controls the function of key immune cells. The findings will help researchers better understand why prolonged exposure to stress often makes our immune system less effective, and build on Roswell Park’s pioneering research into the relationship between stress and cancer. “This increase in β-AR expression on myeloid-derived suppressor cells allows these cells to be stimulated by the stress hormone norepinephrine, which fosters an immunosuppressed environment that promotes tumor growth by increasing MDSCs’ ability to generate and process energy and suppress anti-tumor immune response,” says Dr. Mohammadpour, the paper’s first author. “This study provides some very important clues that help explain the specific mechanisms by which prolonged stress stimulates tumor growth and decreases lifespan.” While there has been a longstanding recognition that long periods of stress, or chronic activation of nerves, are harmful to overall health, details about how this occurs are unclear, especially in the setting of cancer. A better understanding of the specific ways in which stress influences cancer, particularly in terms of lowering immunity against tumor cells, could be used to design new drugs or therapies that can help to minimize negative effects of chronic stress and boost cancer immunotherapy. Based on these findings, Dr. Repasky’s team is planning new clinical and laboratory studies to identify therapies — including existing therapies already approved for other applications — that can block these harmful stress signals and stop the negative cycle of cancer growth and metastasis. “This is especially important for cancer patients, who frequently endure greatly increased levels of stress after their diagnosis, including anxiety, depression and worry about factors like finances and family interactions,” adds Dr. Mohammadpour. Several clinical trials are planned or underway to investigate which interventions are most effective at mitigating the effects of stress in patients with cancer. Roswell Park is currently studying the effects of combining the β-AR blocker propranolol, which is traditionally used to treat migraine headache and various heart problems, with immunotherapy. The study, “β2-adrenergic receptor signaling regulates metabolic pathways critical to myeloid-derived suppressor cell function within the TME,” was supported by the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute (grants R01CA205246, R01CA099326, R01CA172105, F32CA239356, K99 HL155792, T32CA085183 and F30CA265127 and P30CA016056, Roswell Park’s core grant from the NCI) and by the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. Co-authors include Philip McCarthy, MD, Professor of Oncology and Internal Medicine and Director of Roswell Park’s Transplant & Cellular Therapy Center; Scott Abrams, PhD, Co-Leader of Roswell Park’s Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Program; and Cameron MacDonald, a predoctoral trainee in immunology. To read the original article click here.

The post Roswell Park Researchers Identify Key Link Between Stress and Cancer appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.