A few years back, Spanish researchers followed more than 12,000 European university graduates and their diets for 6-1/2 years.  The researchers found that diets rich in trans fats increased the risk of depression by 50%. On the other hand, those whose diets were high in fish oil had a low risk of depression. Fish oil is a rich source of fatty acids called Omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). Omega-3 deficiency has been linked with a diminished ability to cope with stress and with increases in anxiety, depression, hostility and aggression. In a study on medical students, EPA/DHA lowered anxiety 20%.  In the US, we consume much more trans fat than Europeans do, and it’s been estimated that up to 90% of us are deficient in Omega-3s.  Could that explain why so many Americans are in a bad mood? A recent paper by eminent nutrition researcher Bruce Ames, PhD , Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biol…

There’s been an explosion of research in the past couple of decades on the relationship between gut microbiota (the 3½-4 pounds of microscopic critters that live inside our intestines, especially the bacteria in our colons) and health. One surprising finding is that these colonic microbes have a considerable influence on our ability to deal with stress and anxiety. New challenges posed by the COVID pandemic have made it all the more important to maintain stress resiliency—the ability to roll with the punches and deal with stress and anxiety in a healthy way. Like most health resources, at Beyond Health we’ve often recommended “stress reduction” practices, like meditation, exercise, and simple things like enjoying music or nature to reduce the impact of stress. But an equally powerful way to increase stress resilience is by making sure you have good bacteria in your colon! There is a complex bi-directional communication system between gut microbiota…