Burnout: Modern Day Disease
Burnout describes a chronic physical and emotional state of exhaustion. Those affected feel overextended, burnt out and unfit for the daily tasks of life. Our modern daily life introduces enormous challenges that expose us to ever increasing levels of stress. If this takes place permanently and over a longer period of time, then feelings of exhaustion and excessive demands can occur which, in the worst cases, can lead to complete collapse or burnout. Women are affected from this more than men. Typical symptoms of burnout include hopelessness, inner emptiness, sleep disturbances and lack of energy.
Forgetfulness, decreased libido, difficulties concentrating, as well as a negative outlook on life can also appear. Biochemically a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol can be substantiated in the mornings, leading to an evening value that is higher than the morning value, which is contrary to normal cases. Additionally it can lead to a decrease in a number of neuro transmitters such as noradrenalin, adrenalin, dopamine and serotonin, as well as other specific hormones.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The exact cause for the development of chronic fatigue syndrome is not yet known. Currently everything seems to point in the direction of the significant involvement of a chronic inflammation process. To begin with this illness is similar to the flu. A characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome is a permanent state of exhaustion, which occurs suddenly and in conjunction with unspecified other symptoms of illness and lasts for a period of six months or longer. Women are affected four times as often as men. Contrary to regular tiredness, this syndrome appears regardless of stress and sometimes also during a restful state. On top of the psychological symptoms a number of bodily symptoms appear as well, such as night sweats, joint, throat and muscle pain, gastrointestinal complaints, sensation of pressure, flu-like feelings of illness, as well as severe limitation of short term memory and concentration. As opposed to the burnout syndrome, which develops slowly and over a long period of time, chronic fatigue syndrome occurs abruptly and results in bodily ailments which are not present in burnout syndrome. The blood often demonstrates heightened parameters which point toward a chronic inflammation. Deficiencies in neurotransmitters and/or hormones can be demonstrated less often, unless depression is also present.
General Life Energy: Mitochandria as the Powerhouse in Every Cell
According to a number of diverse studies, both chronic fatigue and burnout syndrome are connected to the central element of life force production, so-called mitochondria. The primary purpose of these specialized cell components, which are present in almost all cells in a high number, is the production of energy. If the mitochondria are not functioning fully, then a bottleneck of available energy is created, and the cells are also no longer capable of producing the building blocks necessary for the functioning of other cells and organs. A malfunction of the mitochondria can lead to numerous symptoms, ranging from general weakness and energy deficiency to problems in specific organ functions, mood fluctuations and fertility problems.
Phytonutrients used at the right time of day are capable of balancing general weakness and protecting from burnout illnesses by increasing energy performance.
Acute or chronic lack of energy calls for an increase in effectiveness and number of mitochondria. In order to obtain this, we recommend certain natural ingredients during the first half of the day which especially encourage energy production. During the nightly regeneration phase one highly important factor is the protection of the organism against free oxygen radicals. The substance called quercetin offers this protective function and also has a stimulating effect, causing the number of mitochondria in the cells to multiply.
If these special bio-active substances are taken at the right time of day, then they are able to chronobiologically support the processes taking place in the cell and lessen the negative consequences due to lack of energy that are caused through the malfunction of mitochondria.
Substances for the Morning (Activating Effect):
- NADH
- L-Carnitine
- L-Arginine
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Omega-3
Substances for the Evening (Regenerative Effect):
- Glutathion
- Co-Enzyme Q-10
- Quercetin
- Reserveratrol
- Ginkgo-biloba
- Zinc
- Biotin
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B12
- Omega-3
Depression
One in eight to ten people is affected in their lifetime by depression that requires treatment. Depression is often expressed through symptoms such as loss of interest, negative thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy, irritability and a gloomy mood; in the worst cases thoughts about suicide also come to the forefront. The physical symptoms include daytime drowsiness, sleeplessness, muscle soreness, gastrointestinal ailments, headaches and other unspecified sensory disturbances. People who suffer from depression almost always exhibit a functional disorder of the serotonin system. Serotonin is one of the most important neurotransmitters/messenger substances in the human body and is also often referred to as the happiness hormone, as our mental wellbeing is largely influenced by our serotonin level. A lack of serotonin, especially in the brain, leads to a depressed mood and poor state of mind. The fact that the night hormone melatonin is formed from serotonin during the evening explains why a lack of serotonin can also lead to sleep disturbances.
With the help of phytonutrients used at the correct time of day, depression can be significantly improved, as these substances heighten the serotonin level in the brain and balance mood swings. Attention should be paid to the fact that the serotonin level is higher in the morning and slowly reduces all day long into the evening. Restoration of the serotonin level can be achieved through the amino acid derived 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) which is the primary substance found in the seeds of the healing plant Griffoniasimplicifolia. If 5-HTP is ingested and set free quickly, then serotonin levels will rise rapidly, but not for an extended period of time. The administering of the amino acid L-Tryptophan (in oatmeal, soy beans, and other vegetable proteins) in a dosage form that slowly releases L-Tryptophan, on the other hand, provides for a slower but longer lasting increase in serotonin level.
The combination of both of these amino acids in their respective dosage forms is optimally effective in their interaction and stimulates serotonin synthesis long term and effectively, particularly in the central nervous system, without having any major side effects. The ideal time of ingestion is in the morning.
Substances in the Morning:
- L-Tryptophan
- 5-HTP
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B6
- Kava Kava
Substances in the Evening:
- St. John’s Wort
- Valerian
- Gaba
- Hops
- Balm
- Kava Kava
- Lecithin
Concentration and Memory
Sufficient blood circulation is essential for brain function, as well as for a dozen other highly important substances. Our brain cells not only are constantly longing for air, but also especially for highly valuable nutrients. Only recently have published study results revealed a shocking truth: The aging brain requires more energy for a smaller performance output. Thankfully the science behind chronobiology is discovering more and more biochemical substances that help us keep our cognitive functions active.
Changes in the brain occur due to cell damage that is caused by free radicals.
Our brain function is dependent on a network of nerve cells and neurons, which are also very susceptible to oxidative damages. Damage in these cells leads to limitation of function, which is first exhibited as trouble concentrating and can later be even expressed as dementia. However, certain nutrients fight free radicals and protect the health of the calls throughout the entire body. Due to this they are also able to play a role in the prevention and fight against neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. If the brain is not challenged sufficiently, especially with increasing age, then the number of cells and their connection with the cerebral cortex shrink, white brain matter decreases and fewer neurotransmitters are produced. The result is not only a reduction in the ability to concentrate, but also an increase in brain illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The good news is some neurodegenerative changes can be significantly improved through the ingestion of valuable nutrients such as plant extracts, vitamins and trace elements. It is recommended to take certain substances in the morning to maintain a stimulating effect on neuronal structures. Ingestion in the evening primarily serves the goal of regeneration and the strengthening of long term memory.
The primary goal of administering these substances is the improvement of blood circulation and antioxidant activity, as well as a sufficient energy supply for the metabolic processes in the brain, cell growth, the networking of nerve cells and the release of neurotransmitters. In addition to chronobiological optimal supplementation, so-called brain jogging is another option in order to increase and maintain memory processes and concentration.
Substances for the Morning (Activating Effect):
- Vinpocetine
- Inositol
- Choline
- DMAE
- Huperzine A
- Vitamin E
- NADH
- Coenzyme Q-10
Substances for the Evening (Regenerative Effect):
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B12
- Folic Acid
- Pantothenic Acid
- Ginkgo-biloba
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine
- Phosphatidylserine
- Panax-Ginseng
