Being stressed about stress is risky

A study examining more than 7000 civil servants concluded that those people who feel that their health is affected "a lot or extremely" by stress have double the risk of having a heart attack or dying from it compared with those who does not feel that stress has an effect on their health. There can be two possible reasons for that.

First and more viable explanation for doctors is that people may have an ability to feel the limits of their bodies and have an innate alarm system that alerts when the owner of that body should stop undertaking more stress. Second, people who are worried about living a stressful life can multiply the burden of stress by constantly focusing on it. This may induce negative feelings and attitudes which indeed may lead to a deteriorating health. At the same time those people who experience stress but are not anxious about its effects on their well-being may have a higher chance of getting away without negative consequences.

In either case the interconnectedness of body and mind seems obvious. Advocates of relaxation and meditation techniques usually emphasize that if you cannot solve a problem in your life, at least try not to focus on it all the time, you are still better off with that. These new findings may prove the validity of this concept.
Read more about the research here.

Rhodiola plant increases longevity, fights depression and fatigue

The root of an Asian plant called Rhodiola rosea has long been famous for its ability to fight depression and increase physical and mental energy. Last month researchers discovered that besides its known benefits the plant can also increase lifespan by 20% in case of fruit flies.

Fruit flies are a lot different from us in terms of genetic makeup so this finding does not imply straightway that the 20% is valid for humans too. However, given that this plant is a strong weapon against oxidative stress, we may suppose that it holds potential to increase human lifespan by years too. Rhodiola also inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes. The role of these enzymes is to break down neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. By inhibiting MAO the level of these neurotransmitters will be higher in the brain. The plant also stimulates endorphin production. These neurotransmitters are magic components of our brain - high levels of them generate the feeling of well-being and relieve stress.

People over 100 years old often say that the key to long life is to live positively and avoid stress. Rhodiola induces this state artificially and seems to increase lifespan anyway. Does it mean that living a deliberately calm life or taking herbal drugs are all the same?

Read more here.