Blog — Mental Health

  In the whirlwind of our daily lives, we often focus on physical fitness, but what about mental fitness? Just as we exercise our bodies to keep fit and strong, our mental well-being demands attention and care. A crucial aspect of this is managing stress, a common yet impactful adversary. Imagine stress as an internal alarm triggered by a minuscule part of our brain—the hypothalamus. When it activates, the body releases stress hormones, gearing us up to confront perceived danger. This stress response, a survival mechanism ingrained in us, can be immensely helpful. It heightens our senses, primes us for...

  By Dr. Tracy Tranchitella, ZRT Laboratory. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stands as the most prevalent neurodevelopmental condition among children. Nevertheless, boys receive diagnoses at a rate of two to nine times higher than girls (1). While girls do experience ADHD, it frequently evades detection due to its distinct presentation compared to boys. Typically, girls exhibit quietness and inattentiveness, whereas boys commonly display hyperactivity and disruptiveness. The symptoms of ADHD in children may manifest as inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or a combination thereof, although these symptoms might also vary or evolve over time. The presentation of ADHD in girls is typically...

  Sleep is the cornerstone of our physical and mental well-being. However, for many, the pursuit of a good night's rest remains an elusive dream. While factors such as stress and lifestyle play a significant role in sleep disturbances, an often-overlooked culprit is hormone imbalances. In this blog, we will explore the link between hormones and sleep, the symptoms of sleep deprivation, and how the Sleep Balance testing can be your ally in identifying and addressing these issues. The Toll of Sleep Deprivation The effects of sleep deprivation can be both insidious and debilitating, impacting various facets of our lives....

Our brains are remarkable and complex organs, orchestrating an intricate symphony of activities within our bodies. At the heart of this symphony are neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that allow our nervous system to communicate. But did you know that a staggering 86% of Americans have suboptimal levels of these vital neurotransmitters? Neurotransmitters: The Brain's Communicators Neurotransmitters are the unsung heroes of our nervous system. They are the messengers that relay information from one nerve cell to another, ensuring the seamless functioning of our brain and body. Think of them as tiny couriers delivering important messages that regulate our moods, thoughts,...

By Dr Beth Baldwing In part 1 of this blog post, we discussed the use of inositol for insulin resistance and related conditions. However, in the late 1990s and early 2000s researchers were largely focused on the effects of inositol on mood. A link between insulin resistance and depression has been established since, and may eventually provide one possible mechanism of action. (1) ​A 2014 meta-analysis suggested that inositol may be beneficial in depression, particularly premenstrual dysphoric disorder. (2) Numerous smaller studies found inositol to be effective for a spectrum of disorders that usually respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (3), including panic (4) and obsessive-compulsive...