Let’s Talk About Stress!

By Matt Weik

We’ve all had those moments at work that make us wonder how we have any hair left! The stresses that can be formed throughout your normal 9-5 can be enough to drive anyone mad—not to mention the anxiety and fatigue that seems to come along with it.  A recent study, however, seems to have found a way to put your mind at ease when it comes specifically to work-related stress by utilizing two ingredients that we are all quite familiar with.

The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology has published a study that involves the combination of two ingredients—curcumin and fenugreek.  Both of these ingredients should sound familiar to you.  Those of you who read my article on the top four supplement trends for 2016 will know how powerful curcumin is and how it’s sales are going to skyrocket in 2016.  With all the research that has been published as well as current studies, it’s no wonder curcumin is so hot.

With properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer properties, curcumin seems to be flying off the shelves. Fenugreek on the other hand, like curcumin, also has copious amounts of benefits such as helping regulate blood sugar, treating high cholesterol, aiding in weight loss, and helping alleviate upset stomachs and constipation – just to name a few.

A key part of work-related stress has to do specifically with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when antioxidants aren’t able to combat free radicals in the body.  When this happens it can lead to many pathophysiological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart attack/cardiovascular disease, gene mutations, and even some forms of cancer.

This particular study conducted called upon 60 individuals. All subjects were evaluated to ensure they are experiencing work-related stress.  For the trial the subjects were then given one of three options: 1) a product containing curcumin and fenugreek.  2) a product containing only curcumin.  3) a placebo.  All subjects took the product routinely and religiously for 30 days.

At the end of the study it was concluded that the product containing both curcumin and fenugreek showed the greatest reduction in free radicals and showed there was an increase in antioxidant activity in those particular subjects.  All subjects were also given three surveys, both before and after the trial, to evaluate their scores on stress and quality of life.  These three surveys were the Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the SF-36 health survey.  At the end of the study after analyzing all data, it was concluded that the combination of a specific curcumin and fenugreek blend had an enhanced bioavailability which resulted in less stress and free radical damage to cells.  This opens up the door to allow users to use such a product with the precise dosage to increase their bodies defense mechanisms and combat work-related anxiety, fatigue, and stress.  – Finally, some news we don’t have to stress about!

 

Source: Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology

“Safety, Tolerance, and Enhanced Efficacy of a Bioavailable Formulation of Curcumin With Fenugreek Dietary Fiber on Occupational Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study”

2016 Apr 2. [Epub ahead of print]

Authors: Pandaran Sudhereen S, et al