BOCA RATON, Fla. – Researchers are investigating the benefits of a popular supplement used for a variety of purposes, including stress relief.
Psychiatrist Dr. Gil Lichtshein said the focus is on Ashwagandha, which is a class of natural medicines reaching popularity through social media.
He said a small study found some benefit in its ability to lower anxiety.
“Serotonin activity and targets this neurotransmitter called GABA, which is a major neuro inhibitory transmitter in the brain,” he said.
Although it may be natural, Lichtshein said Ashwagandha can have negative side effects and should not be taken without medical supervision.
Nano-plastic linked to cardiovascular disease
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that microplastics are linked to double the chances of a heart attack, stroke and even death.
Researchers found people with micro or Nano-plastics in their carotid artery tissues were twice as likely to die from any cause over the next three years.
That was compared to people who did not have any tiny plastic particles in their systems.
The carotid arteries carry oxygenated blood to the brain.
They can become clogged with fatty cholesterol plaques which is similar to cardiovascular disease.
Nano-plastics can invade individual cells and tissues in major organs potentially interrupting cellular processes.
Researchers said this is the first study that associated plastic contamination with human diseases.