Stress Tag

Common Probiotics Can Reduce Stress Levels, Lessen Anxiety

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Probiotics, or beneficial live bacteria that are introduced into the body, have become increasingly popular as a way to improve health and well-being. Previous studies have shown a direct correlation between gut microbes and the central nervous system. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri, using a zebrafish model, determined that a common probiotic sold in supplements and yogurt can decrease stress-related behavior and anxiety. Studying how gut bacteria affect behavior in zebrafish could lead to a better understanding of how probiotics may affect the central nervous system in humans. Their results recently were published in Scientific...

USING A STRESS MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS

The funny thing about stress management is that when people are under stress, they genuinely believe there is no time to be healthy, or relax. Yet, a simple 15 minute time investment or an adjustment in attitude is sometimes all it takes to keep it together, and even improve the experience. Interestingly, as little time as there seems to be in a busy, hectic schedule, people seem to find time “managing stress” in ways that actually drain them more, such as taking a cigarette break, having a drink, watching mindless TV, emotional eating or ranting/complaining on the phone or through...

New Service Targets Overstressed Vancouver Residents

In today’s world of endless distractions, always-on connections, and breakneck speed work, it’s easy to feel drained and anxious. Instead of addressing the root cause of stress, too often we medicate it away with caffeine or even prescription drugs, which, over the long run, run our batteries still lower. These symptoms of low energy include: feeling frequently tired, anxious or overwhelmed and over time, this will lead to deficiency in self-care, especially around energy and health. It’s an unfortunate fact, but in today’s world of endless distractions and rapid pace, self-care in the area of health frequently falls to the bottom...

Preventing Stress at Work from Becoming a Health Risk

You may have your life set up as optimally as possible for preventing stress. For example; a well-paying job, comfortable standard of living, good relationships, healthy foods in your pantry and a steady exercise routine. However, there is one key piece to consider that often gets overlooked. Your health is still at risk if your job causes you stress. According to this Women's Health Study, sponsored by the American National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, stress in the workplace is a primary hazard for heart disease. In the findings of this large study (17, 415 middle-aged women), factors that increased cardiovascular...

Yoga Helps to Quit Smoking: Roll Out the Yoga Mat

Kicking any addictive habit, such as smoking, is a tough physical and psychological challenge. For a smoker who’s ready to put down the lighter, there’s unfortunately no pure “cure” for the smoking-addiction. There are, however, unquestionably some ways to make the process more manageable than it may seem at first glance to the smoker who is contemplating kicking the habit. The practice of yoga actually provides a number of aids to a quitting smoker, in staving off cravings, in replacing the old habit with healthier and more productive ones, and in celebrating and enjoying a new, healthy lifestyle. Yoga Uses Something...

How to Deal With Workplace Stress

According to the 2011 Buffett National Wellness Survey, the top health concern cited by employers with respect to the establishment of employee wellness programs was workplace stress. I recently had a conversation with a patient about stress. He lives a stressful life and has for a long time. His work is stressful, but he does it because he enjoys it. Because the stress has been affecting his health, the question is whether the job is worth it. Upon further discussion, I learned that he can do the same work pretty much anywhere. That’s one of the benefits of computers, cell phones, email,...

The One-Breath Meditation

We have all heard how meditation can be a useful way to calm the mind, reduce stress and gain energy, and yet the thought of trying may seem somehow daunting. The image of the yogi sitting peacefully for hours may just seem too far from our reality to consider meditation as a viable method to de-stress and centre oneself. Yet the fact of the matter is that probably every single one of us has at one time or another been in a meditative state when we are doing something that completely occupies us, whether it is painting, rock climbing, playing...

New Service to Target Stressed Clients

In today’s world of endless distractions, always-on connections, and breakneck speed work, it’s easy to feel drained. Instead of addressing the root cause of low energy, too often we medicate it away with caffeine or even prescription drugs, which, over the long run, run our batteries still lower. These symptoms of low energy include: feeling frequently tired, anxious or overwhelmed and over time, this will lead to deficiency in self-care, especially around energy and health. It’s an unfortunate fact, but in today’s world of endless distractions and rapid pace, self-care in the area of health frequently falls to the bottom of...

Got Stress? Alpha-Lactalbumin to the Rescue

Most people these days will tell you that they are stressed! Chronic stress has been linked to North America's five leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung disease, accidents and cirrhosis of the liver, but there is also much evidence that also implicates stress in the number one cause of disease (and death) these days--obesity. Author and stress researcher Kenneth Pelletier has contended that, in America, between 80-90% of all illness is linked to stress and that 75-90% of all visits to the doctor are for stress and anxiety-related concerns. Many people realize how detrimental the effects of excess stress can...

When Does Alcohol Become Bad For Your Health?

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used stimulants.  Even with economic stress, bars were and have continued to run smoothly.  People can’t wait to have that post-work beverage after a long and challenging day.  I definitely don't disagree with this - I think moderate consumption of alcohol is fine.  But I am talking 2 glasses a week.  Why?  Don't be foolish - alcohol consumption has many, many short and long-term side effects in the body.  Yet people find it therapeutic at times.  This is because alcohol releases GABA, a neurotransmitter which has a calming affect.  Are there any foods...