The Nutrient: Ashwagandha, Hangry, and Uncles

Research

A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults

This study confirmed what Ayurvedic medicine has known for 3,000 years–Ashwagandha root can help mitigate the harmful effects of chronic stress.

After just 60 days, participants taking 600mg daily of Ashwaganda had a 44% reduction in perceived stress. They also showed a 27.9% decrease from baseline of serum cortisol, which likely explains what's happening here. Psychological stress elevates adrenaline and cortisol, causing the physical symptoms we associate with stress like high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. Ashwagandha works by bringing these hormone levels back down. Perceived stress subsides because the psychological stressor doesn't seem so physical anymore.

The solution to stress is simple: remove the stressor(s). This is one of those simple-but-not-easy things, which is why it's good to have a backup plan. Stress is inevitable, but prolonged, chronic stress needs to be addressed, and one little known tool is Ashwagandha root.

News

Hunger really can make us feel ‘hangry’ – study

It's no surprise that hunger is associated with greater levels of anger and irritability, as well as lower levels of pleasure. This research explains why a low-calorie weight-loss plan is rarely sustainable.

Article

The World Needs Uncles, Too

I’ll never be a father. But when my friends and family members had children, I learned a new way of showing up for others.

EsquireBloomsbury USA

But the non-selfish part of not having children for me is that I can literally show up for people who need the help, especially in this country where healthcare and finances don't make it easy to raise a child.

Words of the week

"For them to open-up, you know, so bravely about this, it might just allow someone else to say "Jesus, actually I've been struggling with that."

I share stories like this because it shows how even the best of the best are battling demons we know nothing about. One takeaway from this film is that if you see someone struggling with suicidal thoughts then make the doctor's appointment for them. And if you're struggling yourself, one helpful thing to do today is chat with someone at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255.