02/12/2025
In times of injustice, racism, inequality, attacks on international law and corporate and governments complicity in the genocide, ecocide and ethnic cleansing in Palestine those of us that deeply care may be chronically stressed and need nervous system support as well as the gut-brain axis support with pre and pro biotic foods. The microbial cells which are the immune cells in the brain may be inflamed and lead to cognitive decline. Justice is the medicine but support with an anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial to reduce chronic inflammation and stress. (see our Anti-inflammatory Food Guide) www.betterbalance.co.nz Don't do it alone, join a solidarity group- chanting and singing is good for the vagus nerve. Be physically active, get out in nature and never fail to speak out in the face of injustice. This is an anti inflammatory act.
Stress can reduce cognition (memory, attention) by ~20% (with respect to test scores)
Certain botanicals (e.g., Rhodiola, Ashwagandha) may mitigate via HPA-axis regulation and neuroprotection
Evidence is promising but requires standardization. As always, act with diet, sleep, and exercise.
PMID: 41011217
