Cortisol, the primary stress hormone released when your body perceives a threat, is essential for survival. In small doses, cortisol has beneficial effects, like waking you up in the morning, supporting energy, and helping the body deal with stress. The problem is that high cortisol levels over a prolonged period can lead to adverse health consequences, both physically and mentally. …
Time with family, holiday lights, special food, and fun drinks are some of the many things we love about the holidays. But let’s be honest: The holidays can be more than stressful. The pressure to make everything “perfect,” plus extra get-togethers, travel, and gift-giving, can all add up. For women, who tend to do it all, the holidays can be …
L-theanine benefits include promotion of relaxation, stress reduction, restful sleep, and increased concentration. It is an amino acid that is found in both green and black tea. It is also found as a stand alone supplement and in combination formulas designed to promote sleep and relaxation. Many of my patients have benefited from adding L-theanine to their lifestyle routine to …
Ever notice that your appetite seems to increase in the days leading up to your period? If so, you’re not alone. During our weekly Ask Dr. Brighten Q&A on social media I am often asked, “why am I so hungry on my period (or before),” especially for sugary snacks. It’s a common question among my patients too. So if you’ve …
Serotonin is a key hormone in promoting feelings of happiness and well-being. It plays a role in regulating your digestion, sleep, bones, inflammation, libido, and memory. If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or insomnia, you may want to ask your doctor about a possible serotonin deficiency. You can support your body’s natural happiness hormone by understanding how serotonin …
Rhodiola rosea is an herb known for increasing energy, improving mental and physical stamina, and for building resilience to stress. While Rhodiola may be one of those herbs that you may not have heard of — yet. But it is a versatile and powerful tool and rhodiola benefits in improving hormonal health. From helping the body adapt to stress via …
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for many reasons. Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is water-soluble, so it can’t be stored in large amounts by the body. You’ve got to ingest it daily. Vitamin C is crucial for skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, teeth, eyes, and blood vessels. In this article, we’ll discuss all of some of the top …
Do you feel like the holidays might get the best of you and your energy? If preventing holiday fatigue is on your mind, I want to let you know you’re not alone. Many of my patients share that the holidays are the most stressful time of year for them! Travel, family, late nights, eating out… It’s easy to see why …
I’m a new mom and if you are a mom reading this you know exactly what that means. I am lucky to get enough sleep, have a sit down meal or even use the bathroom in peace, let alone meditate. But as a doctor and yoga instructor, I know how beneficial meditation is, especially when you are chronically stressed. That’s …