mood Archives - Amazing Health Advances

How Purpose, Gratitude & Control Safeguard Your Memory, Mood & Modality

The AHA! Team — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:12:43 +0000

S.D. Wells via Natural News – What if the secret to protecting your memory wasn’t found in a pill or a brain game, but in something far simpler—happiness? Happiness as a Brain Protector: A 16-year study reveals that higher levels of well-being (happiness, purpose, autonomy) predict better memory retention and slower cognitive decline—not the other way around. Beyond Traditional Factors: Well-being’s benefits persisted even after accounting for exercise, social connections, and stress reduction, suggesting it independently supports brain health. Autonomy Matters: Participants who felt more in control of their lives showed stronger memory performance, highlighting empowerment as a key cognitive safeguard. Actionable Well-Being Strategies: Cultivating meaningful relationships, purposeful activities, gratitude, and lifelong learning may offer long-term protection against memory decline—starting at any age. Happiness Could Be the Key to Preserving Memory, Landmark 16-Year Study Finds” What if the secret to protecting your memory wasn’t found in a pill or a brain game, but in something far simpler—happiness? A groundbreaking 16-year study published in Aging & Mental Health reveals that individuals with higher levels of well-being experience slower memory decline as they age. Tracking over 10,000 adults aged 50 and older across England, researchers discovered that emotional health—encompassing happiness, purpose, and autonomy—may be a powerful predictor of long-term cognitive function. The findings challenge conventional approaches to brain health, suggesting that cultivating well-being could be as crucial as diet or exercise in safeguarding memory. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool and University College London, measured participants’ memory and well-being every two years from 2002 to 2018. Using a simple word-recall test—a reliable indicator of early dementia risk—they found that those with higher well-being scores consistently outperformed their peers, even after accounting for factors like depression, exercise, and social activity. Lead researcher Amber John emphasized the significance: “Our findings are important in proposing that good well-being predates better memory rather than vice versa. This suggests that improving well-being could protect against subsequent memory decline.” Unlike fleeting happiness, well-being in this study was defined as a deeper sense of fulfillment, confidence, and control over one’s life. Notably, participants who felt more autonomous showed the strongest memory retention, hinting that empowerment—not just positivity—plays a critical role. While the exact mechanisms remain under study, prior research suggests multiple pathways linking well-being to cognitive health. Positive emotions reduce chronic stress, which damages brain regions like the hippocampus—a hub for memory formation. Social engagement and purposeful activities, both linked to happiness, also stimulate neural connections. Yet this study went further: even after controlling for exercise, social ties, and mood disorders, well-being still predicted better memory. Joshua Stott, a senior researcher, called it “an important step toward understanding the interplay between well-being and memory over time.” Emma Taylor of Alzheimer’s Research UK, though not involved in the study, noted the implications: “People over 50 who reported they felt happier and more fulfilled in life had a better memory over time.” While causation isn’t proven, the correlation is strong enough to rethink prevention strategies. A New Prescription for Brain Health: Cultivate Joy Traditional approaches to memory preservation often focus on avoiding harm—quitting smoking, managing stress—but this study flips the script, urging proactive well-being. Researchers recommend evidence-backed practices: Meaningful relationships: Strong social ties boost both happiness and cognitive resilience. Purpose-driven activities: Volunteering, hobbies, or work aligned with personal values enhance mental acuity. Autonomy: Making daily choices, however small, reinforces a sense of control. Gratitude practices: Simple habits like journaling positives can shift long-term well-being. Taylor added, “It’s never too late to start taking steps to keep our brains healthy throughout our lives.” In a world where dementia looms as a growing public health crisis, this study offers a hopeful, accessible strategy: prioritize happiness. While more research is needed, the message is clear—well-being isn’t just a luxury; it’s a potential lifeline for the aging brain. As science continues to explore natural protections against cognitive decline, one truth emerges: a joyful life may be the best medicine of all. Tune your internet dial to NaturalMedicine.news for more tips on how to use natural remedies, including happiness, for preventative medicine and for healing, instead of succumbing to Big Pharma products that cause, spread, and exacerbate disease and disorder. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com NaturalMedicine.news To read the original article, click here

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Could Your Antidepressant be Cutting Your Life Short? Research Uncovers Surprising Risks

The AHA! Team — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:42:52 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – WARNING: Out of 375,000 study participants on antidepressants, one-third died prematurely Antidepressants are supposed to help regulate mood and improve quality of life. However, a study led by scientists from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, has found that for some people, antidepressants raise the risk of premature death. Additionally, a new study published in BMJ Mental Health found that using antidepressants on their own can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. This suggests that antidepressants might play a role in linking mental health problems, like depression, to a higher risk of heart-related conditions. The most common antidepressant drug class is serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which function by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, one of the major feel-good chemicals in the brain. Serotonin has been called the “happiness” neurotransmitter, and people who aren’t producing enough of it are more prone to depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. WARNING: Out of 375,000 study participants on antidepressants, one-third died prematurely In theory, antidepressants such as SSRIs keep serotonin in the brain longer for those suffering from depression. However, Canadian researchers found that these antidepressants disrupt the regulation of multiple processes in the brain, including the ideal functioning of serotonin. The team conducted a meta-analysis of existing research from 16 medical studies and databases. They wanted to see if they could discern a link between antidepressant use and mortality. In all, 375,000 participants were studied. The researchers looked at the risk of several conditions in relation to antidepressants, including cardiovascular disease. They used a mixed-effects model to control for preexisting conditions and severity of depression for more accurate results. Different antidepressant types were studied, including SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. Bottom line: the analysis found that taking antidepressants raised the risk of dying prematurely by 33 percent over those not taking antidepressants. Antidepressant users were also 14 percent more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other adverse cardiovascular event. Serotonin assists in numerous bodily processes – not just mood Both tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs resulted in the same increased risk of early death. These types are considered the first generation of antidepressants. Serotonin isn’t just a brain chemical; this neurotransmitter is actually present throughout the body. It helps to regulate cell growth, digestion, reproduction, the immune system, and many other processes. To be perfectly clear, this valuable substance is present in just about every organ of the body. While keeping more serotonin in the brains of depressed people seems like a good idea, these drugs are clearly affecting brain and body chemistry in unanticipated ways. Even those who prescribe the drugs are not sure what their long-term effects might be. Manipulating serotonin functioning can lead to a range of different unforeseen effects – which in turn seem to be leading to early death for one-third of all antidepressant users. Natural antidepressants can boost serotonin without harmful side effects No doubt, synthetic antidepressant usage has soared in recent years. In the U.S., around one in 10 people are on SSRIs or other antidepressants. Even more shocking, an estimated one in 4 women between the ages of 40 and 60 take antidepressants. While severe clinical depression requires medical intervention, Americans need to stop relying on the ‘pill for every ill’ treatment approach and tap into the many natural solutions available. Americans need to stop relying on the ‘pill for every ill’ A healthy diet rich in organic (antioxidant-rich) vegetables and fruit and regular physical exercise can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Of course, many other things would also prove helpful, such as improving personal relationships, consuming a healthy amount of non-toxic fats like organic avocados and coconut oil, and taking adequate B vitamins. Simply put, there is so much that can be done to improve your emotional well-being – without the need for toxic medications. Do your research, work with a qualified holistic healthcare provider, and discover what works best for you. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Karger.com Medicalnewstoday.com Dailymail.com To read the original article click here.

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Combat Fatigue, Reduce Stress & Improve Mood with THIS Arctic Herb

The AHA! Team — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 05:21:24 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – It’s official: “Burnout” – the feeling of being exhausted, frustrated, and overwhelmed in your life – is a real health problem that should not be ignored. So, today, we’ll show you how rhodiola can help – fast! For the first time, the World Health Organization has added “burnout syndrome” to its International Classification of Diseases – and some experts estimate that the condition may affect up to 70 percent of all working people. World Health Organization has added “burnout syndrome” to its International Classification of Diseases But when addressing burnout, Western medicine falls short (to say the least) – offering only limited treatment options and no acknowledged cure. Fortunately, recent studies showcase the potential of the ancient Arctic herb rhodiola to act against stress and burnout. Reduced professional function, feelings of exhaustion, and a negative or cynical attitude toward the job are all indicators of burnout. Chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been properly managed is at the root of burnout – making stress reduction the first order of business in treating the condition. Research has shown that Rhodiola rosea preparations can effectively alleviate various aspects of stress-induced symptoms, offering promising clinical evidence for its benefits in managing burnout and related conditions. Rhodiola rapidly improves symptoms of burnout – including depression and anxiety, study says Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root, has long been valued in traditional Asian and Ayurvedic healing systems for its effects against fatigue, lethargy, anxiety, and depression. But can rhodiola’s therapeutic effects be confirmed by scientific research? It turns out the answer is yes. In an exploratory clinical trial published in Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Treatment, 68 participants were given 400 mg of rhodiola daily in divided amounts for three months. At the beginning of the study, the researchers evaluated the subjects using language and sleep quality tests and the Burnout Screening Scale, which measures levels of sadness, tension, loss of interest, and guilt. The effects of rhodiola were swift and profound. Simply put, people felt better. The team noted that rhodiola boosted psychological well-being, promoted more restful sleep, and caused rapid, significant improvement in all measures of fatigue and burnout – including overall stress levels, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Rhodiola also brought about a distinct improvement in high-level cognition and decision-making, promoting a calm, alert state of mind. The researchers reported that improvements occurred during the first week and continued to increase throughout the study. Calling the results “encouraging,” the team urged further clinical trials of rhodiola. Additional studies confirm that you can naturally reduce your stress symptoms with the help of herbal medicine Human and animal studies alike have shown that rhodiola can improve symptoms of fatigue, enhance physical performance, reduce anxiety, sharpen cognition, and boost mood. In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, 100 participants were given 200 mg of rhodiola extract twice daily for four weeks. The scientists noted that all tests showed “clinically relevant improvements” regarding stress symptoms, disability, functional impairment, and overall therapeutic effect. The participants all reported some measure of relief from their symptoms of burnout and fatigue, and an astonishing 83 percent reported they were either “much improved” or “very much improved.” Fatigue is generally defined as a feeling of tiredness Note: Fatigue is generally defined as a feeling of tiredness – accompanied by lowered energy and motivation – that is not caused by lack of sleep and is not relieved by rest. Remarkably, rhodiola acted quickly – with notable improvement of burnout symptoms occurring within three days. No adverse effects were reported, leading the team to conclude that rhodiola was both safe and effective in improving life-stress symptoms. Herbal medicine proves to have a positive effect on free radicals and inflammation Natural healers have long recognized rhodiola as an adaptogen that helps the body cope with and adapt to physical, psychological, and oxidative stress. Of course, ashwaganda and Siberian ginseng are two other examples of adaptogens. Rhodiola helps to regulate and balance amounts of cortisol (the “stress” hormone) while increasing levels of a stress-resisting protein called Hsp70. In addition, rhodiola extracts contain rosavin and rosarin – a pair of polyphenols unique to rhodiola with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Finally, rhodiola increases the synthesis of ATP – vital to cellular energy – while promoting the activity of mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. How and why should I take Rhodiola? Forward-thinking holistic doctors are increasingly advising rhodiola for adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, ADD, ADHD, and depression. Rhodiola, which has fat-burning effects, is also sometimes advised to support weight loss and reduce unhealthy abdominal fat. As a supplement, it’s available in tablets and capsule form. Holistic healthcare providers may advise taking 400 mg daily in divided amounts, with 200 mg 15 minutes before breakfast and another 200 mg 15 minutes before lunch. Look for a formulation standardized to at least 3 percent rosavin. For maximum benefit, rhodiola should be taken with black pepper to promote absorption. All of this is generally recognized as safe, but you should first discuss any change to your supplement routine with your doctor to ensure you’re heading in the right direction. Simply put, rhodiola is a remarkable herb that can not only help banish symptoms of burnout but do so without the dangerous side effects and addiction risks that can accompany pharmaceutical anti-anxiety drugs. If you suffer from burnout syndrome, consider enlisting Rhodiola for some much-needed help. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov LifeExtension.com WHO.int NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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How Trauma Impacts Hormones + How to Use Mind-Management to Treat Hormonal Imbalances

AHA Publisher — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 08:00:32 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – In this podcast (episode #329) and blog, I talk to leading hormone expert and N.Y. Times best-selling author Dr. Sara Gottfried about hormone balancing and education, how our hormones can impact our mental and physical health, and more! For a long time, Sara battled with her own health, and found that her hormonal balance was off. Through changing her lifestyle and other interventions, Sara was able to heal herself, but her story is not unique. As she notes, we are failing so many people when it comes to hormonal issues! Yet there is hope. When it comes to our hormonal balance, there is so much we can do. We can change the way we eat, how we think, our lifestyles, and so on. Hormones drive what we are interested in; they drive our mood, our metabolism (the biochemical pathways in the body) and so much more. Hormones play a key role in both our mental and physical health. When it comes to hormonal imbalances and how they can affect our wellbeing, we need to get the root causes, not just treat the symptoms. A holistic approach, like what Sara uses in her own practice, is vital. Indeed, as Sara points out, it takes time to balance hormones and improve health. There is no “quick fix”. Our hormones are part of a complex feedback system, which means we need to take a step back and see how they all work together as a symphony. Our hormones do not work in isolation! There are also more gender specific hormonal periods that need to be examined separately. Changes in female hormones like estrogen and progesterone during puberty can increase a young person’s anxiety levels, for example. On the other hand, postpartum can be a preview of perimenopause, which can lead to more mood disturbances and other health issues. It is important to understand that estrogen is the primary regulator of the female body, including the brain. This is why perimenopause often has an effect on female cognition. After the age of 40, many women experience forgetfulness and other issues as their hormonal levels change. And, if we wait too long to intervene, it may be too late to manage these changes, especially when it comes to our brain and heart health. Trauma is also a major disruptor of the hormone system, yet there is not enough awareness about this. As Sara notes, we need more information on how trauma impacts the control system of our hormones. We need to broaden our definition of trauma, which can be any overwhelming experience that can impact our development and health. Trauma is an ongoing experience in the body, which we can see in our ability to self-regulate, our inflammation markers, our hormonal pathways, and more. Yes, it can take time and hard work to deal with the root causes of a hormonal imbalance, but it is worth it! As Sara notes, living with your hormones out of balance is so much harder than the work it takes to get your hormones back into balance. To read the original article click here.

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Tools to Exercise Your Brain and Improve Cognitive Function

AHA Publisher — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 08:00:03 +0000

Will Cole via Dr. Caroline Leaf – Your brain is one of the most complex organs in your body and is responsible for your movements, mood, and thoughts. Without your brain you wouldn’t be able to function on any level and when it isn’t working optimally, it shows. We often like to separate mental health from physical health but in reality, mental health is physical health. Our brain is part of our body, and there are measurable physiological implications that can drive brain health problems. And with brain problems on the rise, I see more and more people seeking out my expertise in my telehealth functional medicine clinic than ever before. And while every person’s health case is different, there are a few tools that I regularly implement and recommend to my patients for their proven benefits when it comes to brain health. Keep reading for my top 5 brain-boosting tools. 1. Intermittent Fasting A study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences theorize that the continuous consumption of food causes changes in epigenetic molecular DNA and protein that negatively impact cognition that can even be passed down to future generations. And while there are multiple benefits to fasting, improved brain health is at the top of the list. In my newest book Intuitive Fasting, I dive into all the ways fasting can enhance cognitive function coupled with a 4-Week plan designed to guide you through varying intermittent fasting windows. Each week of the plan is tailored to focus on a different aspect of your health so that by the end of the four weeks, you will have all the tools necessary to achieve metabolic flexibility and thriving brain function. 2. Clean Keto Diet A clean, plant-centric ketogenic diet (which I call Ketotarian) is a great way to support optimal brain health. Both the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting can help you reach nutritional ketosis quicker and amplify the many other benefits of fasting including improved cognitive function. That’s what I call a win-win. Ketone bodies like beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) act as a signaling molecule in brain cells and can induce the expressions of proteins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein is known for promoting cellular resilience and synaptic plasticity. This means that BDNF works to support the survival of existing brain cells and encourages the growth of new ones. Lowered synaptic plasticity has been shown to contribute to a range of brain health, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, autism, schizophrenia, and addition. 4. Time outdoors In addition to providing you with the most bioavailable source of vitamin D (which is linked to decreased memory and brain fog), the sun also provides healing infrared light, which is essential to calming inflammation levels that can further perpetuate poor memory and cognitive function. 5. Meditation Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to regenerate itself by making new neural connections. This slowly decreases over time but meditation can increase the thickness of the brain’s prefrontal cortex. This helps to slow down cognitive decline and preserve neuroplasticity. Regular meditation is alsoassociated with more activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the angular cingulate cortex, the areas of the brain responsible for memory and focus. And if you are looking to find your zen, meditation can increase brain gray matter volume in the right angular and posterior parahippocampal gyri areas of the brain that is responsible for mood stabilization. Just 10-20 minutes of meditation a day is enough to reap these powerful benefits! 6. Learn something Learning something new has been shown to strengthen the connections in your brain and improve overall memory function. And the benefits don’t stop there. The feel-good endorphin dopamine is associated with being rewarded, and when we learn something new, dopamine is released in your brain. While I suggest working with a functional medicine practitioner directly who can uncover the root cause of your symptoms and develop a customized plan for optimizing your brain health, these tools can be a great starting point for finally achieving the mental clarity you’ve been searching for. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Leaf click here.

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Feeling Burnt Out? These 7 Mental-Health Techs Can Help

AHA Publisher — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 08:00:51 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Anxiety, depression, burnout, loneliness –2020 was the most stressful year in many people’s lives, according to an international study from Oracle and Workplace Intelligence. The study revealed that 78 percent of the global workforce aged 22 to 74 feels higher levels of daily stress and anxiety than ever before. Eighty-five percent reported their mental state is harming their sleep, physical health, happiness at home, and relationships with family and friends. So far, not surprising. But the study also found that 82% of 12,347 employees, managers, HR leaders, and C-level executives from across 11 countries would prefer to try an artificially intelligent technological solution for their mental-health issues before turning to a human for help. It’s fair to say that their answers reflect a growing trend in the broader population as everyone has gotten comfortable with video conferencing and other tech tools. And that means these Israeli technologies and apps to improve mental health are coming to market at exactly the right time. Some can be effective on their own or as a first line of defense, while others aid professional clinicians in bringing relief to their patients. CalmiGo Dendro Technologies claims that using its CalmiGo device for a few minutes each day can reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress, change the stress response and shorten episodes of distress. The $180 device has three components: a personalized breathing regulator using lights and vibrations; multisensory stimulation for grounding and focus; and a relaxing aromatherapy scent based on lavender. The device is geared for all ages. It was tried on students with test anxiety at private university IDC-Herzliya and is being evaluated for cancer patients at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. The US Department of Veterans Affairs subsidizes the cost of CalmiGo for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. CalmiGo’s cofounder, Adi Wallach, partnered with physician and serial entrepreneur Dr. Orna Levin to develop the device due to her own struggles with anxiety attacks. MindReset British “mental coach” Matt Hudson helps clients de-stress and overcome various mental health conditions. Due to congenital hearing problems, he can pick up tiny nonverbal signs of physiological stress, such as eye movements, and then helps clients vanquish those subconscious stress triggers. Hoping to make his technique available widely, Hudson contacted Jerusalem-based Umoove, an innovator of mobile eye-tracking technology. Together, they developed and launched the MindReset stress-busting app for iOS and Android. The two-minute voice-led sessions pinpoint subconscious stress triggers while the phone’s camera observes eye movements and processes the images securely on the phone. A visual element interrupts the brain’s reaction to the trigger, resulting in immediate reduction of stress levels that can be measured by monitoring devices such as Garmin watches. A test carried out on Garmin wearers found that 90% had a measurable decrease in daily average stress levels during the first week of using MindReset for a few minutes a day. “You don’t need to dive into your trauma or negative experiences or even to know exactly what they are on a conscious level,” says Yitzi Kempinski, founder-CEO of Umoove and CTO of MindReset. “And the amazing thing is that this app can make a significant improvement very quickly.” Kempinski tells ISRAEL21c that ongoing studies show initial promising results for MindReset’s impact on stress, work burnout and depression, as well as “Long Covid” (long-term mental and physical effects of Covid-19). The company will soon launch a new version with specially designed programs for people dealing with chronic stress, chronic fatigue, depression and more. “Anxiety and chronic stress are growing rapidly worldwide, especially lately with the Covid-19 pandemic and all that comes with it,” said Hudson. “There are many meditation apps out there, but most people don’t have time or patience to meditate effectively. So, a solution that is both effective but only takes moments is just what is needed.” Predictix Clinical depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Yet it’s estimated that half of the people treated for depression go through trial and error to find a medication providing complete relief. Israeli mental health startup Taliaz recently received CE (European Union) approval for Predictix Digital, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool providing instant digital prescribing recommendations during a patient’s face-to-face or virtual visit. Predictix Digital analyses each patient’s clinical and demographic data, then translates these thousands of data combinations into a recommendation report that ranks antidepressants by their predicted efficacy and anticipated side effects. Wisdo The Wisdo app provides access to a social network where users can connect over mutual experiences with more than 100 concerns such as “coping with depression,” “heartbreak” and “loneliness.” Cofounder and CEO Boaz Gaon got the idea for the app when seeking emotional support during his father’s eight-year battle with cancer. Its tagline is “Learn from people who’ve been there.” Wisdo was Google Play’s #1 app for social impact and personal growth in 2019 and is a five-time App Store “App of the Day.” MoodKnight by 4Girls MoodKnight analyzes social-media posts in Hebrew or English, using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and natural language processing, to detect and classify mental-health distress such as loneliness, anxiety, violence victimization and suicidal thoughts. Instances are detected and ranked by severity — low, medium (professional help needed) or high (emergency) – and sends an alert to the client. For now, MoodKnight is working with Israel’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Welfare and Social Services. Potential clients include mental-health divisions of hospitals and HMOs that want to track patients for risk assessment, as well as helplines, e-therapy and telemedicine providers, parenting applications and social-media platforms themselves. “Our technology is trained to look at people ages 12 to 30 because these are the people sharing their distress online,” says head of business development Amir Gefen, whose PhD in education focused on adolescent cyberbullying. “We are raising funds and looking to acquire commercial clients for this technology,” Gefen tells ISRAEL21c. “We could collaborate with other mental health and wellness applications,” Gefen adds. “Our technology will help them fit their app to the needs of the users. Right now, these apps are based on self-reporting. We can go beyond that by analyzing a text written by the person.” GGTUDE GGtude offers a variety of free iOS and Android apps that guide users through cognitive behavioral therapy techniques for changing negative thought habits. The apps aim to improve emotional wellbeing in the areas of self-esteem; OCD, anxiety and depression; and self-care. Two to three daily exercises per topic are available for free. Sessions last three minutes each. A paid premium membership entitles the user to more than 500 daily exercises. GGtude has published seven research studies on its mobile mental health platforms. Its personalized content delivery engine is at the core of BrainsWay’s newly launched wellness app for depression. BRAINSWAY BrainsWay’s main product is a non-invasive deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (Deep TMS) platform technology. Itis FDA approved for treating major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and smoking addiction. Clinical trials are underway for various psychiatric, neurological, and addiction disorders. The BrainsWay coil technology inside a flexible helmet is designed to maximize electrical stimulation of deep brain regions. The product to treat major depression – for patients who tried antidepressant medications with no improvement — is also in clinical trials at various stages for the treatment of bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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Stress Is Skyrocketing. 10 Minute Plan to Reduce Stress Now

AHA Publisher — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 08:00:18 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Stress and anxiety are skyrocketing in our country and our world. From the fear of sickness to job-related stress to political unrest and more, we are carrying heavy burdens. And, it’s not good. For the sake of our mental health, physical health, and community health, it’s imperative to reduce stress now. We’ve got a plan. Here’s what stress does to your body and a 10-minute plan you can do every day, or several times per day, to stop stress in its tracks and take back control of your mind. How Stress Affects Your Health High levels of mental stress are not good for your brain, your health, your relationships, or your immune system. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can affect all our body’s systems. Cortisol is a hormone that’s released by the adrenal glands when the body faces stress. In modern times, this stress is often more mental than physical and usually has no outlet. For many, it’s chronic. It builds. And it does damage. High blood cortisol levels are correlated with weight gain and impaired loss, increased blood pressure, negative impacts on mood, sleep and energy, an increased incidence of diabetes and heart disease, and even lower brain volume and memory issues (1). Real Problems Vs. Mental Stress If you don’t think a 10-minute-plan can really reduce stress and cortisol right now, who can blame you? Anxiety can stem from real-life problems, and these can rarely be solved in 10 minutes. But, here’s the thing: stress is different than problems. Stress is worrying about them and allowing your brain to “play” your worries on repeat. It doesn’t actually solve anything. Everyone has problems. But it doesn’t mean you have to live with high levels of stress. In fact, much of our stress is actually made up. It’s been said 85% of our worries are about things that never happen. Think about that. What if you reduced your worries by 85% just by not allowing lies and “made-up situations” to consume your thoughts. Stress lives in our brains and manifests to harm our health physically. If some of your stress is “made up” or “made bigger” in your brain, you can absolutely outsmart it and take control in 10 minutes. Some Problems Are Very Real This is not to downplay the challenges in your life that are very real. Sickness and disease are real. Death is real. Every human must grapple with problems in their lives. Some of them are heart-wrenching. The trick is to eliminate the ones that aren’t real or that we cannot control. Sometimes, we lose our perspective and allow ourselves to engage in more anxiety than our problems demand. Today, you can determine which problems actually require your time and energy, and which you can “let go.” Ready for less stress in 10 minutes? Start the clock. 10 Minutes to Reduce Stress Now All you need is 10 minutes, a pencil, paper, and access to Scripture (if not memorized). MINUTE #1. CALM YOUR MIND WITH MINDFUL BREATHING First, let’s get our minds straight. Get into the “moment” and out of our emotions and worries. If you feel frantic, you can’t really think through your stress. It feeds on frantic. Take the first minute (set a timer) to breathe and slow down. Here’s how: While pressing your tongue strongly against the roof of your mouth, breathe in slowly. Then, allow your tongue to completely relax and lower, even allowing your mouth to hand open if you want, and slowly breathe out. Do this for the entire 1st minute. MINUTE #2: WRITE YOUR WORRIES DOWN Next, take a full minute and write down all your worries. This is a free-for-all. Scribble all your worries on your paper. MINUTE #3: CONSIDER YOUR LIST OF WORRIES VS. “REAL PROBLEMS” Look back at your list of worries. Which hasn’t even happened yet? Which have you made up? Cross these out. Next, which worries are real problems in your life? We will have struggles, this is guaranteed. Circle these. Lastly, determine with are within your control (those you can take action on) and which are entirely out of your control. Remember, you can’t always control outcomes. You can’t control other people’s feelings, actions, or lives. Look at the circled “problems” you can’t control. Draw an “x” over them. But, don’t erase them, they are still worth your prayers. God certainly can control them. But, if you can’t take action, they must come off your list of stress. Now, how many remain circled (without an “)? These are the things you can control or take action. You’ll consider these more in the next few minutes. MINUTE #4-5: PRAY OVER YOUR WORRIES, PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES. PRAY FOR YOUR ACTUAL PROBLEMS. BE SPECIFIC. Look at your list, and pray for each thing you wrote down one by one. Not only does prayer reduce stress and increase optimism, but it can also actually improve physical health (2). If it’s an issue that’s really someone else’s issue, pray for that person. If it’s made-up, pray that God will take that thought captive and give you peace. If it’s an actual problem in your life, pray for clarity and strength to move forward as needed. Or, for the wisdom to wait. MINUTES #6-7: MEET YOUR WORRIES HEAD-ON WITH AN ACTION PLAN IF POSSIBLE Look at the circled items on your list (those without an x). These are the ONLY ones to focus on now. Take a few minutes to meet these head-on. If you have many listed, consider only working on your top 3 at a time. You’ve prayed for the others and can come back to those at another time. Jot down actions you can take with these items. If you don’t know, pray for them individually again and ask God to align your actions and thoughts with His will. Sometimes, this means no action. For example: You may be really worried that your political party won’t win. You’ve already taken action in voting. Now, it’s somewhat out of your control. In REALISTIC terms, play out that scenario. If your choice doesn’t win, your taxes may be affected. Your business or job may be affected. Your outlook on our country and worldwide politics may be affected. But, in everyday life, you can still choose to work hard and love those around you. You can still choose to work towards your goals. Our country has checks and balances. And, we are blessed enough to vote for our choice in leadership every four years. In the meantime, you can continue to pray. You can also take action in your community to support the programs for which you care. Or, maybe your stress stems from how a person is treating you or a family member. A dispute with a neighbor, family member, or co-worker. First, pray for them. Pray that God will bless them and affect their lives. Then, force yourself to give them the benefit of the doubt, thinking that they are doing the best they can with the situation they are in. This may or may not be true. But, if you choose to believe this, your stress will be reduced. If they’ve wronged you, choose to forgive whether they’ve asked for it or not. This is about your health and relationship with God. Set healthy boundaries with them if needed. These are your actions. You are in control of this. Perhaps you are facing a serious health threat. If this is a worry that hasn’t actually happened, pray that God helps you take control of your fears. If it has happened, focus on what you can do to be healthy and happy each day. Pray for wellness, pray for peace, and pray for miracles. They do happen, and optimism can actually improve health and reduce pain reactions (3). In the meantime, eat well, exercise, and prioritize sleep. MINUTE #8: MOVE FORWARD WITH TRUTH On the same sheet of paper, write down and memorize one verse from Scripture, from your favorite praise song, or a mantra to repeat to yourself when you are stressed. You can rewire your brain to stop stressful thoughts in their tracks, and play life-giving truths in their place. There’s a reason we are encouraged to memorize scripture and write it on our hearts. When it’s in your thoughts, there’s not as much room for stress. For example: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 5: 35-38 MINUTE #9: GIVE PRAISE TO GOD FOR BEING GOD Have you ever taken an entire minute and praised God? Praise Him for His attributes, completely separate from your circumstances. When Jesus said the Lord’s prayer, He started with praising the Father. “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.” -Luke 11:2 Pure praise to God for being God. Meditate on His character. When this is your perspective, it’s easier to realize that your burdens are in good hands. MINUTE #10: GIVE THANKS. FOCUS ON WHO MATTERS MOST IN YOUR LIFE. Lastly, give thanks for your blessings. Go back to your paper. Prayerfully write down your gratitudes. Write down big and small blessings. Fill your heart with gratitude and your stress will diminish. If you’d like, extend the writing of gratitude throughout the day. When you see something or think of something for which you’re thankful, write it down and thank God! Did that take more than 10 minutes? The first few times, this routine may take a bit longer. You’re learning a new habit. It will become easier and smoother as you continue to practice it. Bonus: We Can Change Our World If you’ve got extra time after reducing your stress, even just 5 minutes, think of and act on one small kindness you can do for someone else right now. A quick text or note telling someone you appreciate them or are praying for them. A $5 small gift for someone. A card. A hug. A compliment. How much less stress would we all feel if every day all of us took the extra 5 minutes for one act of kindness? Can you imagine? It’s true: We can change our world. Bottom Line As a people with real hope in a real God, it’s time to stop this outbreak of skyrocketing stress. It’s time to meet despair head-on, and fight. Take 10 minutes. Reduce stress now. Then, go beyond your own stress and spread love and hope to others. We can do this, no matter our circumstances this day. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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Research Shows Probiotics Can Help Combat Anxiety and Depression

AHA Publisher — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:00:31 +0000

Angela Betsaida B. Laguipo, BSN via News-Medical Net – Previous research has tied mental health issues and developmental disorders to gut health. Now, a team of British scientists has shown that foods that broaden the profile of helpful bacteria in the gut, which are collectively known as probiotics, can help ease anxiety and depression. The researchers from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School and the University of Brighton in the United Kingdom aimed to determine if foods containing bacteria that positively influence the gastrointestinal microbiome can influence therapies to treat psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression. The Gut Microbiome Trillions of microbes are living in the digestive tract, with at least 400 species of bacteria in the gut. This means that there are more bacteria in the gut than the cells throughout the body. These microbes are essential in digesting food, warding off potential pathogens or harmful microorganisms, and synthesizing vitamins. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), it has long been known that the brain communicates with the gut, but recent research shows that it is a two-way connection. Further, gut microbiota may impact behavior and emotion, which can affect brain chemistry. Altering bacteria in the gut through specific diets may help treat stress-related and neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism and hyperactivity disorder. What are Prebiotics and Probiotics? Prebiotics and probiotics support the body in maintaining a healthy colony of bacteria and other microorganisms in the gut. These bacteria aids in digestion and support gut health. Prebiotics are mostly found in different types of carbohydrates and fiber that humans cannot digest. These are essential food sources for the gut’s beneficial bacteria. Meanwhile, probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements that provide many health benefits. The Study To arrive at their findings, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the team looked at 71 studies published between 2003 and 2019, which looked at how probiotics and prebiotics may help adults with anxiety and depression disorders. The researchers identified seven studies. All these studies showed improvements in one or more of the outcomes measuring the effect of taking prebiotics and probiotics compared with no treatments or placebo. The findings suggest that utilizing pre- and probiotics may be a potentially valuable adjunctive treatment in easing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Further, the team found that patients with co-morbidities like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might experience more significant benefits from such treatments. “Our results affirm that pre/probiotic therapy warrants further investigation. Efforts should aim to elucidate whether the perceived efficacy of pre/probiotic therapy in depression or anxiety disorders can be replicated in larger test populations and whether such effects are maintained through continued treatment, or post-cessation,” the researchers concluded in the study. “Interventions should also be investigated in isolation, not combination, to ascertain where the observed effects are attributable to. Efforts to produce mechanistic explanations for such effect should be a priority,” they added. Anxiety and Depression Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the number of people with depression exceeds 300 million in 2015. Many people also suffer from anxiety disorders, which is commonly experienced simultaneously. There are two main diagnostic categories for common mental disorders – depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. These disorders are experienced by many people across the globe and affect the mood or feelings of the affected persons. Major depression is a common mental health disorder in the United States. There are an estimated 17.3 million people had at least one major depressive episode, accounting for 7.1 percent of all U.S. adults. The prevalence of depression is higher among women compared to males, and in terms of age, it is more prevalent in people between 18 and 25 years old. Also, the NIMH reports that an estimated 19.1 percent of U.S. adults had any anxiety disorder in the past year, which is also higher in females than in males. To read the original article click here.

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Replacing Time Spent Sitting with Sleep or Light Activity May Improve Your Mood

AHA Publisher — Thu, 21 May 2020 07:00:40 +0000

Iowa State University via EurekAlert – AMES, Iowa – Moving more and sitting less was a challenge for many of us, even before states started issuing stay-at-home orders. Despite disruptions to our daily work and exercise routines, there are some subtle changes we can make at home to help improve our mental health. New research, published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that substituting prolonged sedentary time with sleep was associated with lower stress, better mood and lower body mass index (BMI), and substituting light physical activity was associated with improved mood and lower BMI across the next year. Jacob Meyer, lead author and assistant professor of kinesiology at Iowa State University, says light activity can include walking around your home office while talking on the phone or standing while preparing dinner. “People may not even think about some of these activities as physical activity,” Meyer said. “Light activity is much lower intensity than going to the gym or walking to work, but taking these steps to break up long periods of sitting may have an impact.” Meyer and colleagues used data collected as part of the Energy Balance Study at the University of South Carolina. For 10 days, study participants, ranging in age from 21 to 35, wore an armband that tracked their energy expenditure. Meyer, director of the Wellbeing and Exercise Lab at Iowa State, says the data allowed researchers to objectively measure sleep, physical activity and sedentary time, rather than relying on self-reports. In addition to the benefits of sleep and light physical activity, the researchers found moderate to vigorous activity was associated with lower body fat and BMI. Given the negative health effects of prolonged sedentary time, Meyer says the findings may encourage people to make small changes that are sustainable. “It may be easier for people to change their behavior if they feel it’s doable and doesn’t require a major change,” Meyer said. “Replacing sedentary time with housework or other light activities is something they may be able to do more consistently than going for an hour-long run.” Getting more sleep is another relatively simple change to make. Instead of staying up late watching TV, going to bed earlier and getting up at a consistent time provides multiple benefits and allows your body to recover, Meyer said. Sleeping is also unique in that it is time you’re not engaging in other potentially problematic behaviors, such as eating junk food while sitting in front of a screen. Something We Can Control Making these subtle changes was associated with better current mood, but light physical activity also provided benefits for up to a year, the study found. While the research was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Meyer says the results are timely given the growing mental health concerns during this time of physical distancing. “With everything happening right now, this is one thing we can control or manage and it has the potential to help our mental health,” Meyer said. As states start to ease stay-at-home restrictions, Meyer is looking at changes in physical activity and sitting time with potentially interesting results for those who regularly worked out prior to the pandemic. Preliminary data from a separate study show a 32% reduction in physical activity. The question he and colleagues hope to answer is how current changes in activity interact with mental health and how our behaviors will continue to change over time. To read the original article click here.

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