When a traumatic event triggers our internal alarm system, the body goes into fight, flight, or freeze . . . . . . but what happens in the brain during trauma? According to Dan Siegel, MD, there are two key chemical reactions to trauma (and one can play a role in actually shrinking part of […]
Stress, Depression, and Telomeres
For years, I’ve had an interest in neuroplasticity, particularly as it relates to telomeres in the brain. Many researchers use telomere length to determine cell age, as telomeres naturally shorten with time and give a picture of overall brain health. Telomeres act as protective caps on the end of chromosomes to keep them from deteriorating. […]
Trauma’s Impact on the Brain
When a traumatic event triggers our internal alarm system, the body goes into fight, flight, or freeze . . . . . . but what happens in the brain during trauma? According to Dan Siegel, MD, there are two key chemical reactions to trauma (and one can play a role in actually shrinking part of […]
Stress and Oxytocin: The Mom Factor
Mother’s Day has already come and gone this year, but according to new research, your stress levels may decrease if you keep in touch with your Mom. Seth D. Pollack, PhD, led a team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison who looked at the effect that contact with mothers can have on the stress […]
Tired, Stressed, Fat and Depressed: What You Need to Know About Cortisol (New Video)
Most of us know that too much stress is harmful to health – but, do we know why? Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” impacts the body in so many ways. Weight gain, fatigue, depression, sex drive, and overall mental function can be adversely affected by high levels of cortisol. Really makes you wonder, why […]