Rhodiola Benefits Beyond Stress – Invite Health Podcast, Episode 27
On today’s episode, Amanda Williams, MPH. discusses Rhodiola, a powerful adaptogenic herb, and the science behind how it can help optimize your health.
Tag: stress
Adaptogens: Herbs For Energy and Immunity – Invite Health Podcast, Episode 21
Today, Jerry Hickey, Ph. discusses three scientifically substantiated adaptogens – Panax Ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, and L-Theanine – to help you handle stress, improve your energy, and support your immune system.
New Study: Resveratrol Opens Door for Treatments for Depression & Anxiety
Photo by Suzana Sousa on Unsplash
A new study published in the journal Neuropharmacology from Xuzhou Medical University in China has revealed that the plant compound resveratrol, which is found in red wine or obtained by supplementation, displays anti-stress effects by blocking the expression of an enzyme related to the control of stress in the brain.
What is Resveratrol?
If you are interested in anti-aging (and who isn’t?), you’ve probably heard of the benefits of Reservatrol. You have heard of how it is derived from grapes, how it occurs naturally in wine, and how it is a natural polyphenolic compound that is well known for its phytoestrogenic and antioxidant properties. Resveratrol is one of the first supplements that drew a significant amount of attention from the scientific and medical communities throughout the world. As a matter of fact, it has been researched extensively for its many health benefits. To date, there have been over 4,000 human studies with Resveratrol.
Interested in learning about Resveratrol’s Impact on Longevity? Click here to read more >>
Resveratrol is an important antioxidant that targets free radicals and limits the impact of oxidative stress on our cells. Because of this, studies on this plant compound have concluded that it may help to support metabolism, improve lean body mass and support healthy aging.
Resveratrol and Extreme Stress
According to the study’s researchers, while research has identified resveratrol to have antidepressant effects, the compounds relationship to stress was unknown, specifically an enzyme that is influenced by the stress hormone corticosterone called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). “Corticosterone regulates the body’s response to stress. Too much stress, however, can lead to excessive amounts of the hormone circulating in the brain and, ultimately, the development of depression or other mental disorders,” explain researchers.
This Plant Compound May Also Be A Safety Net for Your Heart! Click here to read more >>
In a study on mice, researchers revealed that the enzyme PDE4, induced by excessive amounts of corticosterone, causes depression and anxiety-like behavior. The enzyme lowers levels of a molecule that signals the body of physiological changes which can lead to physical alterations in the brain.
Researchers conclude that Resveratrol displayed neuroprotective effects against corticosterone by inhibiting the expression of PDE4.
Source
Xia Zhu, Wenhua Li, Yongkun Li, Wenhua Xu, Yirong Yuan, Victor Zheng, Hanting Zhang, James M. O’Donnell, Ying Xu, Xiaoxing Yin. The antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of resveratrol: Involvement of phosphodiesterase-4D inhibition. Neuropharmacology, 2019; 153: 20 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.04.022
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This is What Happens to Your Gut When You’re Stressed Out
You may not have realized it, but your level of stress has a direct relationship with your gut. Have you ever felt extremely nervous before giving a major presentation? Or have you been so anxious because of a big test coming up that you’ve completely …
Could A Magnesium Deficiency Be To Blame For Your Sleeping Problems?
Photo by Zohre Nemati on Unsplash If you’ve done everything to try to get or stay asleep (from ditching the electronics, to taking melatonin or trying to exercise to tire your body out), we’ve got news for you! You may be deficient in Magnesium. What …
Skin Care Spotlight: Can Intense Stress Trigger A Breakout?
Photo by kevin laminto on Unsplash
Everyone has had acne at some point of their lives, either as a teenager or as an adult. Hormones, when you are a young adult during puberty, can be to blame, as they tend to make your skin produce more oil, leaving your skin susceptible to breakouts. Certain skin care products can also block your pores – the perfect setting for a breakout to occur. But did you know that a breakout can also be caused by stress?
The Science Behind Breakouts and Stress
In a study performed by the Department of Dermatology from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina, 94 subjects with mild or moderate acne were used to determine whether stress and acne has a direct link. The study results suggested that there was a significant association between stress and severity of acne (especially in males).
In an interview with TIME magazine, Dr. Adam Friedman, an associate professor of dermatology at George Washington University, says that the link between acne and stress is due to a specific hormone, CRH; Corticotrophin-releasing hormone is one major culprit that binds to receptors in the skin’s sebaceous glands which drives up oil production and causes pimples. “These sebaceous glands are also immune organs, and they create inflammation,” Friedman adds. “At the end of the day, an acne blemish is basically inappropriate inflammation, and so turning on that immune response can exacerbate swelling or redness.”
Asides from these biological drivers of stress-related acne, feeling stressed and overwhelmed can leave to poor quality of sleep, a poor diet and a breakaway from skin care routines that would normally rid your skin of excess dirt and oil, further promoting acne breakouts. If you are someone who is prone to experiencing acne breakouts when stressed, then this could be the much-needed wake-up call that you need to get your stress levels under control.
The Skin Care Routine You’ve Been Searching For
Clean your Skin with A Superior Cleanser
Throughout the day, your skin is collecting dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris and is covered by bacteria, pollutants and old (and dead) skin cells. Washing your face daily will help to remove those impurities. Leaving your face unwashed could cause clogged pores, dirty skin and a breakout you really don’t need.
You’ll want to find an all-natural facial cleanser that cleanses deep benefit your skin’s surface and provides long-lasting hydration to get you through the day. Stay away from products that contain parabens, petrolum, colorants, fragrances, sulfates, benzoic acid and other harsh and dangerous ingredients. Be sure your facial cleanser contains antioxidant ingredients (like Green tea, Grape Seed extract, and Vitamin C) to help slough off rough, dead skin cells, tone pores and clean the skin.
It’s Time to Tone!
If you’ve been skipping a facial toner, you don’t know what you’ve been missing, especially if you have acne-prone skin! Facial toners help to prep the skin for moisturizer and can get rid of the excess oils, stubborn dirt and makeup that could be left over after using your facial cleanser. A facial toner will also help to keep your pores tight. You’ll want to use a facial toner that contains ingredients that are light enough to not leave your skin feeling tight, but powerful enough to show benefit. These ingredients include Green Tea, Witch Hazel, Marine collagen, Aloe Vera and Cucumber oils.
Moisturizing is Key!
If you’re skin care routine is easiest for you after you shower, that’s great! But did you know that a hot shower or bath can strip your skin of moisture and oils it needs to stay hydrated? No worries – here is where a good facial moisturizer comes in! Using a facial moisturizer replenishes the hydration that your skin needs in order to give you that dewy, glowing skin you’ve been looking for, without making it feel oily to the touch. The best moisturizer includes antioxidants like Grape Seed, Bilberry Fruit, Vitamin C and E and Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), that offers enriching protection for healthy, smooth, and even-toned skin.
Taking it a Step Further with An Overnight Serum
If you’re concerned about your skin’s brightness or discoloration (especially in the summer due to the sun), you may want to invest in a toning serum. It’s job is to help fight free-radical and chemical damage on your face and neck and brighten your skin tone. Uneven pigmentation can be a serious issue for many women (and men!). An overnight toning serum, especially one with Vitamin C, can help be both protective and beneficial.