Connect with us

Health

Reduce The Cortisol In Your Body

Our bodies produce cortisol when stressed, a byproduct of innate, evolutionary programming that is designed to…

Published

on

Our bodies produce cortisol when stressed, a byproduct of innate, evolutionary programming that is designed to initiate action and elude danger. Cortisol, in addition to epinephrine, is an important stress hormone that serves a variety of functions. In fact, cortisol helps keep us alive by maintaining our body’s balance. It helps regulate blood pressure levels, metabolic activity, immune system responses, blood pressure, inflammation, heart functions, blood vessel function, and central nervous system activity. However, elevated stress levels can cause our body to overproduce this hormone. When this happens, the body is prone to a number of undesirable side effects including: high blood pressure, weight gain, elevated cholesterol, heart disease, anxiety and depression, immune system damage, and cognitive problems such as difficulty learning and impaired memory. It is important that we keep our cortisol levels stable, but how do we accomplish that? Here are some ways to reduce the cortisol in your body.

 

GET SOME EXERCISE

Is there anything that physical activity won’t help? Getting plenty of exercise can help reduce cortisol by releasing pent up stress or other counterproductive emotions. One theory is that fear increases cortisol, and that by exercising we build upon our fortitude, resilience and self-confidence, effectively counteracting potential fear and reducing cortisol levels.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS OR MEDITATION

Paying single-minded attention to your body and mind is called mindfulness, a practice that is incredibly beneficial to reducing a multitude of negative effects, both mental and physical. Any kind of meditation or mindfulness practice can lower cortisol levels. Even a few deep breaths in the middle of a hectic workday can reduce our anxiety and stress, which also lowers the stress hormone.

CONNECT WITH OTHERS

Researchers discovered a link between social isolation and increased levels of cortisol in mice. It is believed that those with a predisposition towards mental illness who are socially isolated in adolescence are more at-risk for the development of abnormal behavior later in life. This study confirms what many scientists already knew: human bonding is important to physical and mental health at any age. Familial ties, friendships and intimate relationships are all beneficial to stress and thus reduces cortisol levels.

LAUGH A LITTLE

“Laughter is the best medicine.” How many times have we heard this throughout our lives? One benefit of laughter is its positive effect on stress hormone levels. Studies show that having a sense of humor, laughing and levity are all beneficial in reducing the levels of cortisol and other stress hormones.

LISTEN TO SOME TUNES

Pretty much all of us have experienced music’s mood-enhancing properties. There’s something about putting on a favorite tune and feeling much better for doing so. Turns out that there is a chemical reason for this: music increases the number of endorphins and reduces the amount of stress hormones in the brain.

EAT HEALTHY

Certain foods such as eggs, fish, lean meat, flaxseed, citrus fruits, berries and leafy greens can help reduce cortisol levels. Another good idea for lowering stress and reducing cortisol is to incorporate five small meals a day. This helps to stave off hunger and reduce the common food cravings that result from high levels of cortisol. Implementing a high-fiber and high-protein diet will aid in reducing stress hormones. Reducing complex carbohydrates, sugar and starches, is another idea that helps in keeping cortisol levels at bay.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

This one is relatively simple to explain. Not getting adequate sleep produces a systematically negative response from the body. We’re prone to cognitive impairment and are more reactive to the environment around us, both things are very bad for stress.

 

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Health

3 Asbestos Risks to Know About Before Tackling a DIY Home Reno

Published

on

By

home renovation

While warm weather seasons might be a good time to tackle DIY home improvement projects, you must consider more than the scope of the renovation and the anticipated expense.

Depending on the age of your home, there are potential health risks to be mindful of before getting behind walls, handling insulation, ripping out floor tiles, or doing other things.

Asbestos risks are real. While there wasn’t a total asbestos ban until recently, the Environmental Protection Agency prohibited asbestos use in some new products after 1989. So, a home built before then might have materials containing asbestos. And if the asbestos fibers get into the air and are inhaled by you, your family, or visitors, the long-term consequences could be severe. 

For example, asbestos exposure can lead to a severe form of cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is rare and aggressive. By the time it’s diagnosed — it can take decades before it develops and causes problems — the cancer is typically at an advanced stage.

So, it makes sense to hire a professional contractor if your home may contain asbestos.

Consider these three things you must know about asbestos. You’ll see why caution is vital when contemplating a DIY home renovation project.

1. All Asbestos Is Dangerous

While some believe that some asbestos is less harmful than others, it’s best to treat all asbestos as detrimental to one’s well-being. And the more asbestos fibers you breathe in, the higher your odds of getting asbestos-related ailments. The problem with undertaking DIY home renovations is that products containing asbestos can, if the products are removed carelessly, release asbestos fibers into the air. So, if you’re ripping out flooring tiles with asbestos and damage the tiles in the process, that’s all it’ll take to potentially release asbestos fibers.

2. You Won’t Immediately Know You’ve Been Exposed

One of the problems with asbestos exposure is that you won’t necessarily know you have been exposed. If working in an environment with materials containing asbestos, you might suspect possible exposure. But if you breathe in asbestos fibers, you won’t experience tell-tale signs. So, your lungs won’t feel irritated, your throat won’t itch, and you won’t cough. 

Asbestos fibers are too small to see with the naked eye, which means you won’t see it in the air. 

Considering that it can take decades between exposure and symptoms, you can appreciate why people with asbestos-related ailments are often surprised by a diagnosis later in life.

If you renovate your basement, bathroom, or some other space without taking proper precautions to prevent asbestos fibers from getting into the air, you could endanger the health of anyone in your home. It’s just that they may not know it until decades later if they get mesothelioma.

3. Asbestos Exposure Can Lead to Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Other Diseases

Lung cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment caused by breathing in asbestos fibers, are known as dose-related ailments. This means the more asbestos fibers you inhale, the more probable you’ll get one of these two diseases. 

What makes mesothelioma different from lung cancer and asbestosis is that even a relatively small exposure can cause mesothelioma. And exposure can come in different ways. If your loved one works in an environment with asbestos, you might breathe in the fibers if they come home after work and have asbestos fibers on their clothes. So, second-hand exposure is possible.

These are three things to know about asbestos exposure before tackling any home improvement project. While you likely have nothing to worry about if your home was built after 1989, you should exercise caution if you have an older home. It’s a good idea to contact a professional who can give your home a once-over to let you know if there are any asbestos risks.

Continue Reading

Health

Navigating Holistic Wellness: A Journey as an RN Health Coach

Published

on

By

Embarking on the path of an RN Health Coach sets forth an expedition brimming with discovery, connection, and cultural immersion. From traversing distant lands to fostering wellness in remote communities, this journey intertwines travel with the pursuit of holistic well-being. Let’s explore the captivating voyage of an RN Health Coach, navigating diverse landscapes while promoting vitality and global health advocacy.

Exploring Cultural Health Traditions

As an RN Health Coach, venturing into different corners of the world unveils a tapestry of diverse cultural health practices. From the tranquil temples of Thailand to the vibrant markets of Morocco, each destination offers a unique insight into ancient healing modalities deeply entrenched in wellness traditions. In these experiences, we embrace practices like Thai massage in Thailand and forest bathing in Japan, witnessing firsthand their rejuvenating effects on both body and mind.

Empowering Remote Communities

Beyond exotic wellness practices, the role of an RN Health Coach extends to remote communities where healthcare access may be scarce. Trekking through rugged terrains and expansive landscapes, we collaborate with local healers and community leaders to address prevalent health challenges. In rural Himalayan villages, education initiatives and preventive care programs empower individuals to take charge of their health. Similarly, our work in the Amazon rainforest bridges modern medical knowledge with indigenous healing practices, fostering holistic wellness that respects tradition and innovation.

Curating Wellness Retreats

RN Health Coaches curate immersive wellness retreats, blending travel with transformative experiences. From secluded yoga retreats in Costa Rica to mindfulness workshops in Bali, these sanctuaries offer a space for self-discovery and renewal. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, participants embark on a journey of introspection guided by expert practitioners. Through yoga, meditation, and nutritious cuisine, guests rejuvenate their bodies, minds, and spirits, emerging with a renewed sense of vitality.

Advocating for Global Health

The journey of an RN Health Coach transcends individual wellness pursuits, encompassing a mission of global health advocacy. Whether advocating for clean water access or promoting vaccination initiatives, we strive to create positive change on a global scale. Through partnerships with local organizations and international aid agencies, we address pressing health issues, advocating for equitable healthcare systems and promoting health literacy worldwide.

Joining The Nurse Coach Collective

For those aspiring to embark on a transformative journey into holistic nurse coaching, The Nurse Coach Collective offers a comprehensive Transformative Nurse Coach 7-month Program. Join a community dedicated to fostering wellness, transcending borders, and embracing the transformative power of travel and holistic health.

In conclusion, the journey of an RN Health Coach is a dynamic odyssey fueled by purpose and passion. From exploring ancient healing traditions to empowering communities with vital healthcare resources, every step of this journey contributes to a healthier, more resilient world. Let us inspire others to embark on their own journey towards optimal health and well-being, embracing the transformative adventure that awaits on the path to wellness.

Continue Reading

Health

Amino Acid-based Oral Rehydration Solution

Published

on

By

Amino Acid-based Oral Rehydration Solution (AAORS) represents a significant advancement in medical science, especially in the realm of hydration and nutrient replenishment. These solutions, enriched with amino acids, offer therapeutic benefits that go beyond simple hydration, aiding in faster recovery and improved metabolic functions.

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks for proteins, which are crucial for countless bodily functions. They play key roles in the process of building muscles, repairing tissue, and producing enzymes and neurotransmitters. When included in ORS solutions, Amino Acids can provide essential or conditionally essential nutrients directly to the body’s bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and ensuring rapid and efficient absorption.

One of the primary advantages of AAORS products is their ability to improve hydration efficiency. Conventional ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) products mainly address the electrolyte balance in the body. However, Amino Acid-based ORS products enhance this by not only replenishing fluids and electrolytes but also providing nutrients that support cellular health and recovery.

For patients who are unable to consume sufficient nutrients orally due to illness, surgery, or digestive complications, AAORS products such as IV2 can be lifesaving. The amino acids in the product help maintain muscle mass and prevent protein-energy malnutrition. It is particularly beneficial in clinical settings involving critical care, postoperative recovery, and cancer treatment, where patients might have elevated nutrient requirements or limited capacity to consume or absorb nutrients.

The hydration provided by Amino Acid-based IV2 is also more sustainable compared to typical ORS products. The presence of amino acids can enhance the body’s ability to retain water, thus providing a longer-lasting hydrating effect. This is particularly important in conditions that require prolonged hydration, such as chronic illnesses, extreme physical activities, or exposure to high temperatures.

IV2 is a zero-sugar, amino acid-based electrolyte developed by military doctors in South Korea. Well known for muscle recovery and energy boost, Amino Acids take up 40% in a single packet of IV2, calling it the Amino Acid-based ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). This precise ratio of Amino Acids and essential ingredients of the AAA Formula™ effectively hydrates and replenishes without the use of sugar.  

In conclusion, AAORS products such as IV2 mark a profound shift in how hydration and nutrition are approached in clinical settings. By delivering both essential fluids and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, these solutions ensure rapid absorption, improve cellular function, and enhance overall performance. 

Continue Reading

Trending