High Cortisol https://greenmedinfo.com/taxonomy/term/5670/all en Drumming induces complex neuroendocrine and neuroimmune changes, including down-regulation of cortisol and up-regulation of immunity. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/drumming-induces-complex-neuroendocrine-and-neuroimmune-changes-including-down PMID:  Altern Ther Health Med. 2001 Jan;7(1):38-47. PMID: 11191041 Abstract Title:  Composite effects of group drumming music therapy on modulation of neuroendocrine-immune parameters in normal subjects. Abstract:  CONTEXT: Drum circles have been part of healing rituals in many cultures throughout the world since antiquity. Although drum circles are gaining increased interest as a complementary therapeutic strategy in the traditional medical arena, limited scientific data documenting biological benefits associated with percussion activities exist. OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of group-drumming music therapy as a composite activity with potential for alteration of stress-related hormones and enhancement of specific immunologic measures associated with natural killer cell activity and cell-mediated immunity. DESIGN: A single trial experimental intervention with control groups. SETTING: The Mind-Body Wellness Center, an outpatient medical facility in Meadville, Pa. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 111 age- and sex-matched volunteer subjects (55 men and 56 women, with a mean age of 30.4 years) were recruited. INTERVENTION: Six preliminary supervised groups were studied using various control and experimental paradigms designed to separate drumming components for the ultimate determination of a single experimental model, including 2 control groups (resting and listening) as well as 4 group-drumming experimental models (basic, impact, shamanic, and composite). The composite drumming group using a music therapy protocol was selected based on preliminary statistical analysis, which demonstrated immune modulation in a direction opposite to that expected with the classical stress response. The final experimental design included the original composite drumming group plus 50 additional age- and sex-matched volunteer subjects who were randomly assigned to participate in group drumming or control sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and postintervention measurements of plasma cortisol, plasma dehydroepiandrosterone, plasma dehydroepiandrosterone-to-cortisol ratio, natural killer cell activity, lymphokine-activated killer cell activity, plasma interleukin-2, plasma interferon-gamma, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory II. RESULTS: Group drumming resulted in increased dehydroepiandrosterone-to-cortisol ratios, increased natural killer cell activity, and increased lymphokine-activated killer cell activity without alteration in plasma interleukin 2 or interferon-gamma, or in the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory II. CONCLUSIONS: Drumming is a complex composite intervention with the potential to modulate specific neuroendocrine and neuroimmune parameters in a direction opposite to that expected with the classic stress response. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/drumming-induces-complex-neuroendocrine-and-neuroimmune-changes-including-down#comments High Cortisol Immune Disorders: Low Immune Function Stress Drumming Human Study Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:48:11 +0000 greenmedinfo 46564 at https://greenmedinfo.com Hatha yoga and African dance reduce perceived stress and negative affect, whereas Hatha yoga reduced salivary cortisol and African dance raised it. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/hatha-yoga-and-african-dance-reduce-perceived-stress-and-negative-affect-where PMID:  J Vasc Surg. 2001 Sep;34(3):474-81. PMID: 15454358 Abstract Title:  Effects of Hatha yoga and African dance on perceived stress, affect, and salivary cortisol. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Dance and yoga have been shown to produce improvements in psychological well-being. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine some of the psychological and neuroendocrine response to these activities. METHODS: Sixty-nine healthy college students participated in one of three 90-min classes: African dance (n = 21), Hatha yoga (n= 18), or a biology lecture as a control session (n = 30). Before and after each condition participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), completed the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule, and provided a saliva sample for cortisol. RESULTS: There were significant reductions in PSS and negative affect (ps &lt; .0001) and Time x Treatment interactions (ps &lt; .0001) such that African dance and Hatha yoga showed significant declines, whereas there was no significant change in biology lecture. There was no significant main effect for positive affect (p = .53), however there was a significant interaction effect (p &lt; .001) such that positive affect increased in African dance, decreased in biology lecture, and did not change significantly in Hatha yoga. There was a significant main effect for salivary cortisol (p &lt; .05) and a significant interaction effect (p &lt; .0001) such that cortisol increased in African dance, decreased in Hatha yoga, and did not change in biology. Changes in cortisol were not significantly related to changes in psychological variables across treatments. There was 1 significant interaction effect (p = .04) such that change in positive affect and change in cortisol were negatively correlated in Hatha yoga but positively correlated in Africa dance and biology. CONCLUSIONS: Both African dance and Hatha yoga reduced perceived stress and negative affect. Cortisol increased in African dance and decreased in Hatha yoga. Therefore, even when these interventions produce similar positive psychological effects, the effects may be very different on physiological stress processes. One factor that may have particular salience is that amount of physiological arousal produced by the intervention. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/hatha-yoga-and-african-dance-reduce-perceived-stress-and-negative-affect-where#comments Cortisol: High High Cortisol Stress Dancing Yoga Human Study Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:57:22 +0000 greenmedinfo 46858 at https://greenmedinfo.com Phosphatidylserine reduces cortisol and ACTH levels and may be therapeutic in stress related disorders. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/phosphatidylserine-reduces-cortisol-and-acth-levels-and-may-be-therapeutic-str PMID:  Stress. 2004 Jun;7(2):119-26. PMID: 15512856 Abstract Title:  Effects of soy lecithin phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine complex (PAS) on the endocrine and psychological responses to mental stress. Abstract:  Phosphatidylserine, derived from cow brains, has been shown previously to dampen the ACTH and cortisol response to physical stress. Further research investigated the influence of soy lecithin phosphatidylserine supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an acute stressor. In this study, we investigated the effects of soy lecithin phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine complex (PAS) supplementation on pituitary adrenal reactivity (ACTH, cortisol) and on the psychological response (Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory stress subscale) to a mental and emotional stressor. Four groups of 20 subjects were treated for three weeks with daily dosages of either 400 mg PAS, 600 mg PAS, 800 mg PAS, or placebo before exposure to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Treatment with 400 mg PAS resulted in a pronounced blunting of both serum ACTH and cortisol, and salivary cortisol responses to the TSST, but did not affect heart rate. The effect was not seen with larger doses of PAS. With regard to the psychological response, 400 mg PAS seemed to exert a specific positive effect on emotional responses to the TSST. While the placebo group showed the expected increase in distress after the test, the group treated with 400 mg PAS showed decreased distress. These data provide initial evidence for a selective stress dampening effect of PAS on the pituitary-adrenal axis, suggesting the potential of PAS in the treatment of stress related disorders. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/phosphatidylserine-reduces-cortisol-and-acth-levels-and-may-be-therapeutic-str#comments High Cortisol Phosphatidylserine Stress Human Study Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:24:22 +0000 greenmedinfo 46780 at https://greenmedinfo.com Rhodiola rosea extract exerts anti-fatigue effect that increases mental performance, ability to concentrate, and decreases cortisol response to stress in patients with fatigue syndrome. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/rhodiola-rosea-extract-exerts-anti-fatigue-effect-increases-mental-performance PMID:  Planta Med. 2009 Feb;75(2):105-12. Epub 2008 Nov 18. PMID: 19016404 Abstract Title:  A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Abstract:  The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of the standardised extract SHR-5 of roots of Rhodiola Rosea L. in the treatment of individuals suffering from stress-related fatigue. The phase III clinical trial took the form of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with parallel groups. Participants, males and females aged between 20 and 55 years, were selected according to the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare diagnostic criteria for fatigue syndrome. A total of 60 individuals were randomised into two groups, one ( N = 30) of which received four tablets daily of SHR-5 extract (576 mg extract/day), while a second ( N = 30) received four placebo tablets daily. The effects of the extract with respect to quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire), symptoms of fatigue (Pines&#039; burnout scale), depression (Montgomery -Asberg depression rating scale - MADRS), attention (Conners&#039; computerised continuous performance test II - CCPT II), and saliva cortisol response to awakening were assessed on day 1 and after 28 days of medication. Data were analysed by between-within analyses of variance. No serious side effects that could be attributed to the extract were reported. Significant post-treatment improvements were observed for both groups (placebo effect) in Pines&#039; burnout scale, mental health (SF-36), and MADRS and in several CCPT II indices of attention, namely, omissions, commissions, and Hit RT SE. When the two groups were compared, however, significant effects of the SHR-5 extract in comparison with the placebo were observed in Pines&#039; burnout scale and the CCPT II indices omissions, Hit RT SE, and variability. Pre- VERSUS post-treatment cortisol responses to awakening stress were significantly different in the treatment group compared with the control group. It is concluded that repeated administration of R. ROSEA extract SHR-5 exerts an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental performance, particularly the ability to concentrate, and decreases cortisol response to awakening stress in burnout patients with fatigue syndrome. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/rhodiola-rosea-extract-exerts-anti-fatigue-effect-increases-mental-performance#comments Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Cortisol: High Fatigue High Cortisol Rhodiola (Tibetan Ginseng) Human Study Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:13:52 +0000 greenmedinfo 45483 at https://greenmedinfo.com The soy compounds genistein and daidzein inhibit the production of cortisol, while increasing the androgen pathway, e.g. DHEA. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/soy-compounds-genistein-and-daidzein-inhibit-production-cortisol-while-increas PMID:  J Hypertens. 2009 Apr;27(4):774-81. PMID: 10404819 Abstract Title:  Phytoestrogens alter adrenocortical function: genistein and daidzein suppress glucocorticoid and stimulate androgen production by cultured adrenal cortical cells. Abstract:  Phytoestrogens influence a variety of biological processes. As 17beta-estradiol alters adrenocortical cell function, we examined whether the dietary phytoestrogens, genistein and daidzein, have related effects. In cultured human fetal and postnatal adrenal cortical cells, genistein and daidzein (both 0.4-40 micromol/L) decreased ACTH-stimulated cortisol production to basal levels (ED50, 1-4 micromol/L). In the adult adrenocortical cell line, H295, genistein, daidzein, and 17beta-estradiol (10 micromol/L) decreased cAMP-stimulated cortisol synthesis in a similar fashion. Neither genistein nor daidzein altered basal or ACTH-stimulated dehydroepiandosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) production in fetal adrenocortical cells, whereas in postnatal adrenocortical cells, DHEA and DHEA-S were markedly increased (ED50, 1-4 micromol/L). In H295 cells, basal and cAMP-stimulated DHEA production were similarly increased by the phytoestrogens and 17beta-estradiol. Genistein and daidzein did not affect the expression of steroid-metabolizing enzymes. However, genistein and daidzein specifically inhibited the activity of 21-hydroxylase (P450c21); the activities of other steroidogenic enzymes were not affected. Thus, phytoestrogens may decrease cortisol synthesis by suppressing the activity of P450c21 and, as a consequence, increase DHEA/DHEA-S synthesis by shunting metabolites away from the glucocorticoid synthetic pathway. Therefore, consumption of foods containing phytoestrogens may alter adrenocortical function by decreasing cortisol and increasing androgen production. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/soy-compounds-genistein-and-daidzein-inhibit-production-cortisol-while-increas#comments Genistein High Cortisol Low Testosterone Soy Secretagogue In Vitro Study Fri, 15 May 2009 03:46:58 +0000 greenmedinfo 44238 at https://greenmedinfo.com Therapeutic touch educes agitated behavior and cortisol in persons with Alzheimer's disease. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/therapeutic-touch-educes-agitated-behavior-and-cortisol-persons-alzheimers-dis PMID:  Biol Res Nurs. 2002 Oct;4(2):104-14. PMID: 12408216 Abstract Title:  The effect of therapeutic touch on agitated behavior and cortisol in persons with Alzheimer&#039;s disease. Abstract:  Agitated behavior in persons with Alzheimer&#039;s disease (AD) presents a challenge to current interventions. Recent developments in neuroendocrinology suggest that changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis alter the responses of persons with AD to stress. Given the deleterious effects of pharmacological interventions in this vulnerable population, it is essential to explore noninvasive treatments for their potential to decrease a hyperresponsiveness to stress and indirectly decrease detrimental cortisol levels. This within-subject, interrupted time-series study was conducted to test the efficacy of therapeutic touch on decreasing the frequency of agitated behavior and salivary and urine cortisol levels in persons with AD. Ten subjects who were 71 to 84 years old and resided in a special care unit were observed every 20 minutes for 10 hours a day, were monitored 24 hours a day for physical activity, and had samples for salivary and urine cortisol taken daily. The study occurred in 4 phases: 1) baseline (4 days), 2) treatment (therapeutic touch for 5 to 7 minutes 2 times a day for 3 days), 3) posttreatment (11 days), and 4) post- &quot;wash-out&quot; (3 days). An analysis of variance for repeated measures indicated a significant decrease in overall agitated behavior and in 2 specific behaviors, vocalization and pacing or walking, during treatment and posttreatment. A decreasing trend over time was notedfor salivary and urine cortisol. Although this study does not provide direct clinical evidence to support dysregulation in the HPA axis, it does suggest that environmental and behavioral interventions such as therapeutic touch have the potential to decrease vocalization and pacing, 2 prevalent behaviors, and may mitigate cortisol levels in persons with AD. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/therapeutic-touch-educes-agitated-behavior-and-cortisol-persons-alzheimers-dis#comments Alzheimer's Disease High Cortisol Massage/Therapeutic Touch Human Study Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:06:21 +0000 greenmedinfo 48827 at https://greenmedinfo.com Top 5 Secret Weapons for Managing Stress https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/top-5-secret-weapons-managing-stress <div class="copyright">This article is copyrighted by GreenMedInfo LLC, 2015<br/><strong><a href="/greenmedinfocom-re-post-guidelines">Visit our Re-post guidelines</a></strong></div><p class="rtecenter"><img alt="Top 5 Secret Weapons for Managing Stress" src="//cdn.greenmedinfo.com/sites/default/files/ckeditor/lrossi/images/MANAGING_STRESS_GREENMEDINFO.png" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;" /></p> <p class="rtecenter">Originally published on <strong><a href="http://www.thedempsterclinic.com/top-5-secret-weapons-for-managing-stress/" target="_blank">thedempsterclinic.com</a></strong>.</p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Gone are the days where we don't look at the mind body connection. The more research that rolls out the more we see it as the ABSOLUTE connection needed to bridge the gap not only for treatment of, but also in prevention of the many diseases including chronic stress.</span></strong></em></p> <p>I want to share a personal story with you. This past year has been one filled with many incredible blessings, memories, beautiful and hilarious moments.&nbsp;<em>It has also been the most stressful 12 months of my life.</em></p><p><a href="https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/top-5-secret-weapons-managing-stress" target="_blank">read more</a></p> https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/top-5-secret-weapons-managing-stress#comments Heart Disease High Cortisol Stress Health Guide: Mental Health Laughter/Humor Meditation Stress Cortisol laughter meditation mental health Top 5 Secret Weapons for Managing Stress Sat, 01 Aug 2015 16:20:58 +0000 drdempster 119515 at https://greenmedinfo.com Vitamin C supplementation attenuates exercise-induced increases in serum cortisol while enhancing acute-phase protein response in ultramarathon runners. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/vitamin-c-supplementation-attenuates-exercise-induced-increases-serum-cortisol PMID:  Int J Sports Med. 2001 Feb;22(2):120-6. PMID: 11281614 Abstract Title:  Attenuation of increase in circulating cortisol and enhancement of the acute phase protein response in vitamin C-supplemented ultramarathoners. Abstract:  Supplementary vitamin C (2 x 500 mg tablets daily) or a matched placebo was administered to 10 and 6 ultramarathon athletes respectively for 7 days prior to participation in a 90 kilometer running event, as well as on the day of the race and for 2 days after its completion. Circulating concentrations of vitamins A, C and E, as well as those of leukocytes and platelets, myeloperoxidase, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), cortisol, and creatine kinase were measured 16 hours before the race and at 30 min, 24 hours, and 48 hours after completion. Pre-race vitamin C concentrations in the supplemented group were unchanged after the race (118.2 +/- 15.9 and 115.9 +/- 11.9 micromol/l) while an increase was observed in the placebo group immediately post-race (85.8 +/- 11.9 to 107.4 +/- 18.8 micromol), with a return to pre-race values after 24 hours. Immediately on completion of the race transient elevations occurred in the concentrations of circulating neutrophils, monocytes and platelets, IL-6, cortisol, CRP, and creatine kinase in both groups. In the supplemented group the concentrations of CRP were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.01) at each of the post-race time-points while those of cortisol were 30% lower immediately post-race. These observations provide evidence that supplementation with vitamin C may blunt the adaptive mobilization of this vitamin from the adrenals during exercise-induced oxidative stress and may be associated with an enhancement of the acute phase protein response and attenuation of the exercise-induced increase in serum cortisol. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/vitamin-c-supplementation-attenuates-exercise-induced-increases-serum-cortisol#comments Cortisol: High High Cortisol Vitamin C Human Study Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:49:36 +0000 greenmedinfo 45332 at https://greenmedinfo.com