Chronic Stress Can Take a Toll on Your Health: How Prebiotics May Help! by Mei Marcie

Many of us face a great deal of stress daily, but just because it seems to apply to many people doesn't make it right. Chronic stress is related to obesity and a larger waist, which in turn is related to heart disease, diabetes and premature death. In a study by University College London (UK), published in the journal Obesity, researchers found that individuals with higher levels of hair cortisol had:

• larger waist circumferences
• higher BMIs
• heavier weights

Stress can also affect sleep. In another study by University of Colorado Boulder, researchers tested the effect of prebiotics on high-stressed mice. They found that the group fed the prebiotic diet had more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is important for recovery from stress. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.

Reduce stress and care for your health! Read more about stress and prebiotics here, and learn more about stress and obesity here. 30Seconds contributor Joy Stephenson-Laws shares a list of prebiotic-rich foods here!

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