Cognitive Health Archives - StonehengeHealth.com

March 2, 2024March 2, 2024

From Rushed to Relaxed: Overcoming Rushing Woman’s Syndrome

Nature, friends and portrait of group of women enjoying bonding, quality time and relax in retirement together. Diversity, friendship and faces of happy females with smile, hugging and wellness

Calling all women…

Do you ever get the feeling that there’s just not enough time to get it all done?

You feel constantly rushed, even if there’s no reason to be.

If you’ve ever felt the pang of anxiety as you glance at your overflowing calendar, the guilt of squeezing in a quick meal between meetings, or the exhaustion that engulfs you the moment you sit down, you might be experiencing Rushing Woman’s Syndrome…

And you’re not alone.

What is Rushing Woman’s Syndrome?

enior elderly woman wearing apron, cleaning kitchen at home. Attractive mature old housekeeper cleaner feel tired and upset while wiping dining table for housekeeping housework or chores.

Rushing Woman’s Syndrome is a term coined by Dr. Libby Weaver in her book¹ to describe an emotional state commonly felt by modern women who are constantly under pressure and ‘rushing’ through their daily lives in an attempt to ‘get it all done.’

Trying to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities such as career, family, and personal health…

It’s not a medically recognized condition but rather a way to identify the physical and emotional stress that comes from leading a hectic lifestyle.

And it’s not just the external demands that weigh heavily on your shoulders…

It’s the internal expectation to excel in every aspect of your life, from being a high achiever at work to an impeccable caregiver at home, all while maintaining the poise of a well-kept lifestyle.

Left unchecked, you might even develop actual symptoms that begin to plague your everyday routine.

What are the symptoms of Rushing Woman’s Syndrome?

mature middle aged woman working on computer while sitting at the table at home

Brace yourself—these may hit a little too close to home…

• Constantly feeling rushed or in a hurry, even when there’s no need to be

• Hormonal imbalances, particularly with cortisol (the stress hormone)

• Difficulty in managing weight or body composition

• Increased stress levels and irritability

• Fatigue and difficulty sleeping

• Changes in menstrual cycle

• Digestive issues

While some are mental and others are physical, these symptoms can all bring you varying degrees of pain and suffering in their own way.

But why?

Listening to your body

Senior woman meditating as part of yoga training

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Rushing Woman’s Syndrome, your body is trying to tell you something.

Let’s break it down by the various systems in your body and how their malfunction can affect your health:

• Nervous system: An off-balance nervous system could be behind your weight gain and sleep disturbances.

• Adrenal glands: Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and stress response. Adrenal exhaustion might be leaving you feeling simultaneously exhausted and overly alert.

• Reproductive system: The stresses you encounter every day could be impacting your menstrual regularity or reproductive health.

• Digestive system: Stress might be the underlying cause of your digestive discomfort, including bloating, food cravings, or an inconsistent appetite.

Now that you have an understanding of not only the symptoms, but also the underlying bodily systems that are driving them, let’s take a look at how to overcome Rushing Woman’s Syndrome.

You can do it! How to Overcome Rushing Women’s Syndrome

woman preparing healthy and delicious green smoothie in a modern kitchen

As you go through these suggestions, please understand that this is not yet another thing on your to-do list—these are simply tools you can use to address some of your symptoms.

There is no rush…

Prioritize your well-being

older friends happy baking in the kitchen

Put your own oxygen mask on first. It sounds simple, but prioritizing your mental, physical, and emotional health is the foundation of overcoming the relentless pace of life.

Prioritizing your well-being means setting aside time for regular check-ups, ensuring you get nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep.

One of the most empowering words in your vocabulary can be “no.”

Setting boundaries and recognizing that you can’t be everything to everyone is essential. Saying no to additional responsibilities can mean saying yes to your health, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

Incorporate mindfulness practices

household and people concept - senior woman drinking coffee or tea and resting after home cleaning

Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools for managing stress and anxiety. Even a few minutes a day can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and improve your focus. Find what works for you, whether through meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths.

It’s important to schedule time for yourself—time that’s not allocated to any tasks or responsibilities. Use this time to indulge in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether that’s reading a book, taking a long bath, or walking in nature.

Embrace imperfection

Senior Woman Relaxing In Hammock With Book

Perfection is an illusion that contributes significantly to our stress. Embrace the beauty of imperfection in both yourself and the world around you. Recognize that it’s okay not to have a perfectly clean house or a flawlessly executed project every time.

Nurture your passions

Elderly woman is painting in her home. Retirement hobby.

Invest time in activities that fulfill you outside of your work and family responsibilities. Whether painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, engaging in hobbies can provide a much-needed outlet for creativity and stress relief. Physical activity is particularly crucial for your mental health.

Discover the magic of mushrooms

Certain functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane provide cognitive supporting benefits for healthy brain function and healthy stress response to daily challenges.*

Dynamic Mushrooms from Stonehenge Health is a carefully crafted blend of mushrooms designed to support healthy cognitive function, putting you in the right mental state to deal with your symptoms of Rushing Woman’s Syndrome.*

Sources:
1. amazon.com/Rushing-Womans-Syndrome-Never-Ending-Do/dp/1781808163

January 29, 2024January 29, 2024

Brain Boosting Blueprint: 5 Ways Keep Your Mind Sharp

mature woman lying on the floor happy reading her book

As time passes, our minds hold onto valuable memories and knowledge. Protecting these against the effects of aging becomes increasingly important as we grow older. Reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline is not only about living longer but also about improving the quality of our lives.

At Stonehenge Health, we understand the crucial role of lifestyle choices in maintaining our cognitive health. In this article, we will explore the lifestyle habits that can help you in this important journey.

5 Key Habits for Long-Term Brain Health

mature woman holding a brain with hand over her mouth in front of orange background

1. Thinking Caps On

Portrait of mature woman playing sudoku puzzle.

Much as regular exercise strengthens muscles, consistent mental activities enhance brain function. Participate in tasks that stimulate your thinking and bolster brain adaptability, like tackling brainteasers, strategizing through complex games, or acquiring new abilities. These mental gymnastics can forge new neural pathways and fortify existing connections.

2. Let’s Get Physical

Mature Woman doing stretching yoga side bend at home.

Physical activity isn’t just for the body. It has profound benefits for the brain, too. Aerobic exercises, in particular, can boost brain function and even spur the growth of new brain cells. Lace-up your walking shoes or get out that yoga mat — your brain will thank you.

3. Zen is the Name of the Game

Enhance your mind with meditation. Shot of an older couple meditating together outdoors.

Stress is a stealthy thief, subtly eroding our cognitive reserves. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or incorporating practices like mindfulness into your everyday habits to safeguard your cognitive abilities.

4. Catch Your Z’s for a Mind at Ease

Middle age woman sleeping on the bed at bedroom

Quality sleep is the unsung hero of brain health. During sleep, our brains consolidate memories and purge toxins. Prioritize a sleep schedule that allows you to wake up refreshed and mentally sharp.

5. Food is (Brain) Power

Photo of mature woman happy positive smile prepare meal cooking flavoring pepper spices tasty plate kitchen home

Brain-healthy foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins can provide the raw materials for cognitive preservation. Incorporate foods like berries, nuts, dark leafy vegetables, and oily fish as foundational elements for a diet that boosts brain health.

The Art of Celebrating Cognitive Milestones

older happy couple holding hands walking outdoors

As you integrate these habits into your life, celebrate each milestone. Whether it’s mastering a new puzzle, jogging a little further, or feeling more present, each achievement is a step toward cognitive resilience.

Our choices shape every day, each contributing to our ongoing health and vitality. Each decision we make — from the food we eat to the activities we engage in — can either support our cognitive health or detract from it. Making informed, health-focused choices is the essence of a lifestyle that cherishes cognitive well-being.

Your Partner on the Journey

In the journey of life, as we strive to maintain cognitive health, Stonehenge Health Dynamic Brain stands as a beacon of support. Dynamic Brain is a blend of the nutrition your brain needs in one easy-to-take serving with 40 ingredients, including Bacopa Extract, Choline, and Huperzine A, plus essential vitamins and minerals.* These components are pivotal in enhancing cognitive function, improving memory, and supporting overall brain health* so you can get out there and put your best brain forward.

January 8, 2024January 8, 2024

The Science Behind “Senior Moments”: Understanding Age-Related Brain Freeze

Embarking on life’s journey, our bodies naturally go through various transformations, and our brains are no exception. It’s pretty common to experience momentary memory lapses, often humorously referred to as “brain freezes” or “senior moments“, as we age.

But what exactly causes these fleeting moments of forgetfulness?

The Natural Aging Process

Memory loss due to dementia. Senior woman losing parts of head as symbol of decreased mind function. Senior woman losing parts of head feeling confused as symbol of decreased mind function.

Normal aging may lead to certain natural transformations in the brain that can subsequently impact memory and cognitive function. As you grow older, certain parts of your brain that hold memories, such as the hippocampus, can shrink, which may result in occasional forgetfulness (1). Additionally, your brain cells can produce fewer chemical messengers, decreasing neuron communication and affecting memory and cognitive abilities.

The Role of Stress and Anxiety

senior woman stressed and angry at her computer

Stress and anxiety can significantly impact memory and cognitive function. As we age, we will likely encounter more stressors and life changes – retirement, health issues, or loss of loved ones, for example. These situations can lead to elevated stress levels, which, in turn, can affect areas of the brain involved in memory processing and recall.

Multitasking

senior woman trying to do multiple things at once concept. stressed, anxiety, unhappy

As we grow older, our brain’s ability to juggle multiple streams of information begins to decline. This is primarily due to the natural aging process, which affects how efficiently our brain coordinates and processes diverse pieces of information.

This change can make multitasking increasingly demanding and in its attempt to manage several tasks at once, you may experience the dreaded brain freeze. This is essentially a momentary lapse in mental agility, often noticed when we struggle to remember things or swiftly switch between tasks.

The Impact of Sleep on Memory

Sleep quality plays a significant role in memory and cognitive function. Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can significantly affect these areas. During sleep, our brains consolidate memories, so inadequate sleep can hinder this process, leading to forgetfulness.

What you can do about it….

Experiencing “brain freezes” or momentary memory lapses is a normal part of aging. Factors such as natural aging, stress, multitasking, and poor sleep quality can all contribute to these lapses. However, by understanding these factors and taking proactive steps to maintain cognitive health — such as minimizing stress, engaging in mentally stimulating activities, ensuring sufficient sleep, and maintaining proper brain nutrition — we can mitigate the impact of these brain freezes.

Mental Stimulation and Cognitive Health

happy senior man reading a book on his couch

Keeping the brain busy with mentally stimulating activities is imperative for maintaining cognitive function as you age. Activities that require mental effort, like puzzles, reading, teaching, and learning a new skill can help keep the brain sharp and may even delay cognitive decline.

Brain Nutrition

Nurturing your brain is essential for health and memory function because your brain needs a variety of nutrients to function optimally. A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can provide these necessary nutrients. However, getting all the nutrients your brain needs from diet alone can be challenging.

In such cases, supplements like Stonehenge Health Dynamic Brain can be beneficial. Dynamic Brain is a blend of nutrients crafted to support brain health, ensuring that your brain gets the nutrients it needs to stay sharp and focused.*

These strategies help promote overall brain health as we age and enhance our quality of life. Aging might be inevitable, but with the right approach, we can ensure that our golden years are filled with clarity, vitality, and an active mind.*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Sources:
1. AARP. (2016). Is It a Senior Moment or Something More Serious? [online] Available at: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2016/senior-moment-memory-lapse.html

October 23, 2023

Exploring the Cognitive Wonders of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG): A Brain-Boosting Probiotic

Support healthy of the brain concept design.

When we think of probiotics, our minds often jump to gut health, but this story has a remarkable twist.

Did you ever imagine that some probiotics could positively impact your brain health?

Among these brain-boosting probiotics, one stands out in the crowd: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, or simply LGG.

LGG, a member of the Lactobacillus family, debuted in 1983, thanks to the groundbreaking work of two researchers, Dr. Sherwood Gorbach and Dr. Barry Goldin. The “GG” in its name? That’s an homage to their initials.

This little wonder has earned its stripes for conquering the challenging terrain of the gastrointestinal tract, becoming a colonizer of the gut microbiome since it was isolated from a healthy human being. In fact, it holds the title of being the most researched strain within the Lactobacillus family worldwide.

Another thing that truly stands out about LGG beyond its remarkable ability to nurture gut health – is evidence that its influence extends up to the brain.

The Cognitive Potential of LGG

middle age man smiling pointing to head with one finger, great idea or thought, good memory

Exciting research presented at Nutrition 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society of Nutrition, revealed that LGG could potentially enhance cognitive performance and memory, particularly in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study involved 169 participants aged 52 to 75, with and without MCI. The research found that people with MCI had a higher relative abundance of microbes in the genus Prevotella than those without cognitive impairment. ¹

Taking LGG daily for three months led to a reduction in Prevotella abundance and an improvement in cognitive scores. “The implications of this finding are exciting, suggesting that modifying the gut microbiome through probiotics might be a strategy to enhance cognitive performance, particularly for those with MCI,” according to Mashael Aljumaah, a microbiology candidate at the University of North Carolina. ¹

Curious about the fascinating connection between the microbes in your gut and your cognitive abilities? Let’s delve into the intriguing realm of the Gut-Brain Axis to unravel this mystery.

The Gut-Brain Axis

The Gut-Brain Axis represents a dynamic, two-way communication system that links the gastrointestinal tract and the brain in an intricate, ongoing dialogue. This bi-directional connection facilitates constant interaction between the gut and the brain, allowing each to impact the other’s well-being significantly.

The complexity of the Gut-Brain Axis involves an array of pathways, including the immune system, the nervous system, and the release of neurotransmitters and hormones. And here’s where the gut microbiome, with its vibrant and diverse community of microbes, takes center stage. When the composition of the gut microbiota is harmonious and balanced, it can positively influence your mood, behavior, and cognitive function. In other words, a healthy gut microbiome contributes to a healthier brain and mental well-being.²

The intricate dance between your gut and brain health is a profound one. But it doesn’t stop there—stress and negative emotions can also impact your gut health, reinforcing their symbiotic relationship.

The potential of LGG to support your gut and brain health is a testament to the intricate and fascinating connection between these two vital aspects of your overall well-being.*

An Easy Way to Take LGG Every Day

Stonehenge Health Dynamic Biotics supplement

Unlocking the potential benefits of LGG is easier than you might think. If you want to introduce this multi-benefit probiotic into your daily routine, why not explore it through a premium probiotic like Dynamic Biotics by Stonehenge Health?

Dynamic Biotics play a crucial role in fortifying your beneficial gut microflora, fostering a healthier microbiome. Boasting an impressive lineup of 16 diverse strains and 55 billion CFUs, including the brain-boosting LGG, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive solution to supplement their gut and overall well-being.

Sources:
1 Daniells, S. (2023). LGG clinical study. | nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2023/07/24/probiotic-lgg-may-slow-age-related-cognitive-decline
2. John F. Cryan, et al. “The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis“ Physiological Reviews 2019 99:4, 1877-2013 | journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00018.2018

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.