Agmatine is a metabolite of the amino acid L-Arginine that can be consumed as a supplement. Agmatine may relieve neuropathic pain, anxiety, depression, and even drug addiction. Also known as 4-aminobutyl-guanidine, agmatine was discovered in 1910 by Albrecht Kossel. Early on, researchers explored agmatine for its uses in people with diabetes. Recently, it’s been suggested…
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As often as we talk about “gut instincts” and “gut feelings,” we shouldn’t be surprised to learn there is a substantial connection between our gut and cognitive and emotional health. This connection is called the gut-brain axis. It is a complex system that oversees communication between the gut and the brain to benefit your overall…
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N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a powerful antioxidant and a semi-essential amino acid that supports immune system function. The most common uses of NAC are the treatment of respiratory conditions, Tylenol overdose, and kidney damage. But that’s far from all NAC can do — it’s linked to better mental health, increased fertility, and may even improve symptoms…
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Adaptogens and nootropics are different classes of supplements that have overlapping health benefits, often including stress relieving, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, adrenal boosting, and cognition-enhancing effects. Both these classes of supplements confer healthful benefits, and some herbs are both nootropic and adaptogenic, such as Rhodiola, tulsi (holy basil), and licorice root. However, these are 2 different types…
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How To Meditate To Enhance Wellbeing. Meditation is a complementary health practice - meaning it’s a self-care practice that has benefits when practiced in conjunction with your doctor’s recommendations. Meditation has multiple benefits for both your physical and mental health: It can reduce stress, lower anxiety, improve quality of sleep, and even help reduce chronic pain.
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Everyone experiences stress, sometimes overwhelmed by anxiety and feelings of depression as we navigate our daily lives. We worry about what has happened in the past, and our mind wanders to what will happen when we should all be more focused on the present. Mindfulness is a meditative practice that cultivates a deep awareness of…
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Men have mental health struggles. And that’s okay. Males are more likely than females to experience addiction, suicide attempts resulting in death, and stigma that discourages them from seeking treatment. “Man up,” someone might have told you. “Boys don’t cry.” I have treated many men experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, thoughts of suicide,…
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What Is 5-HTP? 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical your body makes from L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid you eat in foods like turkey and pumpkin. Once tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP, it’s then converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Clinical studies show that 5-HTP supplements work by increasing serotonin production. Serotonin regulates sleep, body temperature, sexual…
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Antidepressant medications are one of the most common treatment options for those suffering from depression. Though typically effective, antidepressants can cause several negative side effects. There are several natural treatment options for depression, ranging from lifestyle changes to dietary supplements to ketamine infusions. SAM-e has earned recent attention as an effective alternative to traditional antidepressants.…
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Dietary supplements like ashwagandha, valerian root, and L-theanine can naturally ease your anxiety. There are also lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and medicines that could help. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, or unease. Anxiety disorders are when certain events or stimuli trigger anxiety, restlessness, panic, and other symptoms. Recurring anxiety may result in mental…
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