NEW YORK: Researchers, including those of Indian descent, are more likely to lose memory and have reduced brain size.
The study found that people with higher levels of cortisol – a stress-related hormone – performed worse on memory and other cognitive tasks than their peers of the same age whose mean cortisol levels were .
The high concentration of cortisol in the blood was also associated with lower brain volumes.
"Cortisol affects many different functions, so it is important to study in depth how high levels of the hormone can affect the brain," said lead author Justin B. Echouffo. – Cheugui, from Harvard University.
"Memory loss and narrowing of the brain were observed in participants of average age before the appearance of any symptoms," added Echouffo-Tcheugui.
For the study, reported in the journal Neurology, the team had more than 2,000 adults aged 40 to 50 years, who were then examined for their blood cortisol levels and brain volume, as well as their memory and reflection abilities. They also underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure brain volume.
Say goodbye to worries: 5 natural ways to beat stress
Simple anti-stress hacks
July 19, 2018
A recent Optum study found that 46% of the Indian workforce said they were suffering from a form of stress. Do not let your busy and stressful work life hurt you. Excessive stress can have a negative effect on your body, your mood and your behaviors, from headaches to anxiety, fatigue and irritability. Dr. Hariprasad, expert in Ayurveda at Himalaya Drug, shares the natural methods of coping with stress:
Eat well
July 19, 2018
Your eating habits have a significant impact on stress levels. It is essential to balance different foods and nutrients. A diet rich in different foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products, fish and poultry would help you get carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. A well-nourished body is better able to cope with the physical and emotional effects of stress.
Relax with physical activity
July 19, 2018
All forms of physical activity are useful for managing stress. Exercise has many benefits, such as release of endorphins and calming of the mind, which helps reduce the level of stress. Even 45 minutes of physical activity a day contribute greatly to stress management.
Organize your life
July 19, 2018
Organizing your workload creates a sense of control and peace of mind, and there are many ways to achieve it. One way to do this is to adopt time management, prioritize tasks, and schedule their execution. Changing tasks and stacking them often becomes an additional source of stress. Decentralizing tasks or asking for help as needed is also a good way to reduce stress levels.
Use herbs in the daily diet
July 19, 2018
Herbs like Ashwagandha have been shown to be effective in managing the negative effects of stress. According to Ayurveda, Ashvagandha helps reduce the harmful effects of long-term stress by rejuvenating the mind and body. It is an adaptogen that helps the body stabilize physiological processes, better withstand stress and maintain a healthy balance between various biological systems.
"In our quest to understand cognitive aging, the growing stress of modern life is one of the factors that is of great interest," said Sudha Seshadri, a professor at the University of Texas.
"One of the things we know about animals is that stress can lead to cognitive decline.
"In this study, higher morning cortisol levels in a large sample of people were associated with deterioration of brain structure and cognition," said Seshadri.
The researchers suggested that it was important that doctors advise people with higher cortisol levels on ways to reduce stress, such as getting enough sleep and doing moderate exercise.
The team asked if having APOE4, a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease, could be associated with a higher cortisol level.
This has not been the case, the researchers said.
World Heart Day: exercise, eat almonds and reduce stress to prevent heart problems
Secret for a happy life
September 25, 2018
According to a study published by The Lancet Global Health, cardiovascular heart disease accounts for more than a quarter of total deaths in the country and mostly affects rural populations and young adults. The study also shows that the youngest adults, especially those born after 1970, have the highest mortality rate due to narrowing of the cardiac arteries.
Nutritionists point out that lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some of them are:
(Text: Divya Shekhar)
Bring the almonds
September 25, 2018
Research indicates that almonds, a source of protein and high in dietary fiber, help maintain a healthy blood sugar level and reduce the impact of carbohydrates on blodd sugars.
Meghana Kumare, nutritionist in Nagpur, said: "Consuming 43 grams of lightly salted dry roasted almonds reduces hunger and improves the consumption of dietary vitamin E and monounsaturated fat without increasing body weight.
Keep fit
September 25, 2018
Include exercise in your daily routine and maintain an active lifestyle. According to nutritionist Madhuri Ruia, "a moderate exercise of 30 minutes a day for five days a week is recommended for a healthy heart".
Healthy eating habits
September 25, 2018
Experts have said that one must consume good fats in proportion and avoid saturated and trans-food fats.
The Eat Right movement of the FSSAI recommends reducing the daily consumption of sugar, salt and oil.
"Halve your intake of sugar, salt, and oil to halve your impact on heart disease," said nutritionist Ritika Samaddar of Delhi.
Stop smoking
September 25, 2018
Sheela Krishnaswamy, a nutritionist in Bengaluru, said, "Smoking can damage the structure and function of the arteries, thus increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Carbon monoxide inhaled by cigarette smoke helps reduce oxygen levels in the blood. Second-hand tobacco smoke also causes heart disease in non-smokers, which means you could also affect the health of your loved ones. "
