Prenatal BPA Exposure Effect on Emotional Health in Girls
BOSTON—Exposure to the industrial chemical bisphenol A (BPA) before birth may lead to behavior and emotional problems in preschoolers, particularly girls, according to a new study published in the journalPediatrics. The findings add more fire to the already hot debate about healthy hazards associated with BPA exposure.
Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health examined data from 244 mothers and their young children in the Cincinnati area who were taking part in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment Study. They characterized gestational and childhood BPA exposures by using the mean BPA concentrations in maternal (16 and 26 weeks of gestation and birth) and child (1, 2, and 3 years of age) urine samples, respectively. Behavior and executive function were measured by using the Behavior Assessment System for Children 2 (BASC-2) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool (BRIEF-P).
They found 85% of the mothers and 96% of the children had detectable levels of BPA in their urine. There was little difference between the mothers’ in-pregnancy and at-birth levels of BPA. The BPA levels in the children’s urine samples decreased from age 1 to age 3, but they were higher and varied more than their mothers’ levels.
After adjusting for other possible influencers, BPA levels in pregnancy were linked to more hyperactive, aggressive, anxious, and depressed behavior and poorer emotional control and inhibition in the girls, but not the boys.
The researchers concluded gestational BPA exposure affected behavioral and emotional regulation domains at 3 years of age, especially among girls. Clinicians may advise concerned patients to reduce their exposure to certain consumer products, but the benefits of such reductions are unclear.
Possible Link Between Digestive Problems & Depression/Anxiety?
DIGESTIVE IRRITATION IN NEWBORNS MAY CAUSE LIFELONG DEPRESSION
A new study has found that short-term gastrointestinal irritation in the first days of life can permanently re-set the brain to a state of depression or anxiety, suggesting that digestive problems may actually be the cause of certain psychological disorders, and not the result of them as is commonly assumed.
Because not all stomach upsets result in lifelong depressive or psychological disorders, the researchers speculate that the impact of gastric irritation may depend on when it occurs during the development of the genetic makeup of the affected person. Past research shows that individuals who suffer from functional dyspepsia (persistent or recurring pain in the upper abdomen), a group making up about 15-20 percent of the population, are also more likely than others to be depressed or anxious.
Conventional wisdom has held that stress hormones associated with altered mood cause digestive disturbances; however, the gut and brain are actually hard-wired together by the vagus nerve, which sends signals in both directions from the brain to the internal organs.
This just-released study will not be published until a future issue of the journal PLoS One. It is available online now at http://bit.ly/iPmy4w without charge.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Save Your Life
LIFESTYLE CHANGES TREAT SPECTRUM OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Researchers report that a number of therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) have the generally unrecognized ability to treat schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, stress, cognitive decline, age-related memory loss, other mental and emotional problems – and even help prevent strokes and the common cold – sometimes as effectively as drug therapy (with fewer complications) or psychotherapy. 
The complete TLC list includes:
- exercise (boosts cognitive performance and reduces memory loss);
- a diet rich in fruits, vegetables & fish (improves cognitive function and reduces affective and schizophrenic symptoms);
- spending time in nature (promotes cognitive function and well-being);
- maintaining good, social relationships (reduces many risks, from colds to strokes to mental illness);
- pursuing recreation & fun (reduces defensiveness and fosters social skills);
- relaxing & stress management (treats numerous anxiety, insomnia and panic disorders);
- meditating (boosts empathy, emotional stability, cognitive function and brain size);
- being religiously or spiritually involved (can reduce anxiety, depression and substance abuse); and providing a service to others (promotes mental and physical health and may extend lifespan).
This study was released February 17, 2011 by American Psychologist but will not appear in the journal until a future issue. It is available at http://bit.ly/hvlDlc.
Change Your Brain in 8 Weeks
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION INCREASES BRAIN REGIONS IN 8 WEEKS
A study found that an 8 week program of mindfulness meditation increased the concentration of grey matter in regions of the brain associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress.
Researchers found reductions in grey matter in an area linked with stress & anxiety.
This is the first study to report meditation-produced changes in the brain’s grey matter. (Previous work showed, in those who meditate, a thickening of the cerebral cortex in areas linked to attention and emotional integration but it could not be determined whether those changes resulted from the meditation.) The new results suggest, according to researchers, that the physical relaxation and sense of peace reported by those who meditate might be caused by structural changes in the brain, and not simply by the immediate benefit of physical relaxation. Magnetic resonance (MR) scans were used on subjects who meditated for an average of 27 minutes daily. This study was released early, but will not appear in print until the January 30, 2011 issue of the journal, Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging. It is available online now at http://bit.ly/eEDJER without subscription or fee.
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These formulations are based on cocoa flavonoid research that demonstrates the connection between antioxidants & polyphenols from unroasted cocoa and improved brain function, relaxation and positive outlook.
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You Can Control Stress
Stress is not only a harmful state of mind, it can also become a harmful condition for your overall health because it actually changes your body chemistry. These chemical changes over time can adversely impact your immune health, your cardiovascular health and your entire well being.
We’ve collected some great stress relief tips that are posted to the Advantig website to help reduce anxiety and maintain a balanced life. Take a look at some of these time tested techniques to help you optimize your day-to-day management of stress:
Relaxation & Meditation: Structured relaxation & meditation can help control stress and improve your physical and mental well-being. The options are almost infinite. We’ve summarized just a few here:
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Biofeedback: a method of learning to relax, control stress responses, or modify the body’s reactions through the use of monitoring equipment, training the autonomic nervous system (the part we don’t consciously use) to relax.
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Meditations: Focusing on religion, spiritual beliefs or purely on physical relaxation, meditation is one of the most popular techniques to achieve physical and mental relaxation.
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Progressive Muscle Relaxation: A method developed in the 1930s in which muscle groups are tightened and then relaxed in succession based on the idea that mental relaxation will be a natural outcome of physical relaxation.
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Qigong: (pronounced “chee gong”) This ancient Chinese Martial Art/health-care system combines physical training (such as isometrics, isotonics, and aerobic conditioning) with Eastern philosophy and relaxation techniques.
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Tai chi: “Meditation in motion” is characterized by soft, flowing movements that stress precision and force.
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Yoga: Yoga’s goal is to restore balance and harmony in the body and emotions through numerous postural and breathing exercises.
Exercise: Exercise promotes overall fitness and helps you manage emotional stress and tension from the release of endorphins. Being fit and healthy also increases your body’s ability to deal with stress. Start slow by taking the stairs, walking in your neighborhood, riding your bike. Just get moving!
Time management: Learn to prioritize tasks, avoid over-commitment, being overscheduled and feeling pressured. Check your calendar, planner, or PDA before commit or learn to say “let me get back to you after I check my calendar” to avoid commitments made under pressure that can cause you stress later.
Organization: Schedule time to organize your physical surroundings (office, desk, kitchen, closet, car) so that you won’t be faced with the stress of constantly searching for misplaced items or being overwhelmed by clutter. Take 10 minutes to periodically sort through and organize piles of paperwork and clutter.
Take 5: Take a 5 minute deep breathing break, look away from the computer screen, close your eyes and visualize a relaxing place, stand up and stretch your arms, neck or legs. Breaking the monotony and changing the pace helps to refresh your perspective.
Lend a Helping Hand: Do something nice for another person. Studies show that altruism is good for your emotional well-being, and can measurably enhance your peace of mind. When you feel stressed and overwhelmed, you may feel like you’re least able to give; however, altruism activates the area of the brain associated with positive feelings, lifting your spirits, making you feel better the more you give.
Support systems: People with strong social support systems experience fewer physical and emotional symptoms of stress than their less-connected counterparts. Loved ones, friends, business associates, neighbors, and even pets are all part of our social networks. Cultivating and developing a social support network is healthy for both body and mind.
YOU CAN CONTROL STRESS
In addition to the mind-body techniques listed above, you can combine these products to help you control stress and support a balanced state of mind:
Healthy Attitude – Proactive State of Mind – Balance. InSight Natural is a cocoa flavonoid-based dietary supplement. Cocoa flavonoids are scientifically linked to brain function and healthy brain oxygenation. We say that InSight supports a “winning state of mind” – which is a phrased coined by one of our customers who found that InSight Natural helped him “break through the wall” in athletic competition. Endurance athletes are finely tuned individuals who benefit from InSight Natural. If these highly specialized individuals can benefit, no fears – so can you. You can learn more about InSight Natural’s here: http://www.advantig.net/products/insight-natural.
Mental tranquility – Calmer Mind – Mental Relaxation. InSight HT is designed for people who want to experience the positive mental state InSight Natural offers, but need more intensive help for “High Tension” (which is why we call it HT). InSight HT blends InSight Natural with 3 additional ingredients that have a scientific basis for supporting a more relaxed, calmer mental state required to manage stress: 5-HTP, L-theanine & Vinpocetine. For more information on these ingredients and InSight HT, got to: http://www.advantig.net/products/insight-ht. If you can take the time for a relaxing massage, take 1 InSight HT an hour before your treatment for ultimate relaxation.
Deep, Restful Sleep & Refreshed Awakening. When you’re under stress, sleep is the ultimate mental recharge. The problem is that sometimes the mind just keeps repeating scenarios as though it were on a loop as a way to problem solve or cope. This can leave you feeling drained and even more tired in the morning. For those times, take 1 Z-Cap an hour before bedtime for the deep sleep your body needs. Unlike prescription sleeping pills, Z-Caps will help you feel refreshed and ready for the day. You can read more here: http://www.advantig.net/products/z-caps.