Chronic Stress Not Only Causes Depression, It Can Even Make Us “Dumb”
The latest research published in Nature in February 2025 shows that chronic stress alters the way we learn, thereby affecting our decision-making abilities.
A dual-pathway architecture for stress to disrupt agency and promote habit
Experiments conducted on male and female mice revealed a dual neural circuit structure that impacts action-outcome learning in the face of chronic stress, leading to the formation of inflexible habits that lack adaptability. Researchers observed the mice during training and probe tests following handling control or chronic stress, noting the number of lever presses and food-port entries in relation to the neural circuits.
Link: A dual-pathway architecture for stress to disrupt agency and promote habit
The neural pathway from the basolateral amygdala to the dorsomedial striatum gets activated during reward acquisition, supporting the action-outcome learning needed for flexible, goal-directed decision-making. However, chronic stress weakens this pathway, disrupting action-outcome learning and affecting our agency. In contrast, the pathway from the central amygdala to the dorsomedial striatum is associated with habit formation. Following stress, this pathway is progressively recruited, promoting the premature formation of pathological habits.
Chronic stress not only leads to mental health issues but may also make us “less smart,” contributing to declines in decision-making ability, reduced adaptability, and the formation of inflexible habits.
Thankfully, nature offers some powerful allies in the form of health supplements that can help us manage stress more effectively. Let’s dive into some of these amazing ingredients!
γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
If you’re looking for a natural way to relax, GABA might be your go-to. This incredible neurotransmitter helps calm your brain’s activity, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. By boosting GABA levels, you can enjoy better sleep quality and emotional stability—both essential for handling daily stressors. Imagine drifting off to sleep feeling peaceful and waking up refreshed!
Quinoa B-Complex
Next up is quinoa, but not just the grain itself—it’s the B vitamins that pack a punch!
Traditional sources of Vitamin often come from chemical source, but Quinoa derived Vitamin B offers a plant-based alternative and gluten-free. This form of Vitamin B is bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body. B vitamins are vital for energy metabolism and brain health, helping your body respond to stress more effectively. They support the production of neurotransmitters, which play a significant role in regulating your mood, helping you feel more balanced and resilient when faced with challenges.
High-Absorption Magnesium
Don’t underestimate the power of magnesium! This essential mineral helps ease muscle tension and stabilize your mood. It plays a crucial role in neurotransmission and can alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression. When your body gets enough magnesium, you’ll find it easier to navigate through stressful situations with a calm mind.
Silk Protein Peptides
Next, let’s talk about silk protein peptides. These emerging star ingredients are known for their neuroprotective benefits. They may help improve cognitive function by promoting neuronal plasticity—essentially helping your brain adapt and respond better to stress. Research suggests that silk protein peptides can support learning and decision-making, making them a fantastic addition to your stress-management toolkit.
Nigella sativa seed oil (contains 3% thymoquinone)
Nigella sativa seed oil, derived from black Nigella sativa seeds, has been shown to have beneficial effects on stress management and cortisol levels. This oil is rich in thymoquinone, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the body’s response to stress. By modulating cortisol production, Nigella sativa seed oil can assist in maintaining a balanced stress response, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Regular use of this oil may help cope more effectively with stressors, improve emotional resilience and even enhance athletic performance.
With these natural remedies, you can enhance your mental clarity, boost your emotional resilience, and reclaim your peace of mind. Eventually, help you make the right decision and be smarter.
So why not give them a try? Your mind and body will thank you!
You can refer to MEELUNG’s formula
* DriftPeace (link), which contains Glutamic acid fermentation (contain GABA), Silk fibroin peptide
*TranquiLief (link), which contains Ashwagandha extract, γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), Quinoa B-Complex.
*ThymoHeal (link), which contains Nigella sativa seed oil (contains 3% thymoquinone).
Further reading：
慢性壓力不僅會導致抑鬱，還可能讓我們變「遲鈍」
- 2025-02-24
- , 全部, 技術新知, 文章專欄, 業界資訊
最新研究於2025年2月發表在《nature》期刊上的文章顯示慢性壓力改變了我們的學習方式，從而影響我們的決策能力。研究指出了一種雙通道結構，這種結構使得壓力干擾自主行為並促進僵化習慣的形成。
研究連結: A dual-pathway architecture for stress to disrupt agency and promote habit
對雄性和雌性小鼠進行的實驗發現了一種雙重神經迴路結構，這種結構在慢性壓力下會影響行動和學習，導致形成缺乏適應性的僵化習慣。研究人員在訓練並測試小鼠，記錄牠們在處理控制或慢性壓力後的杠桿按壓次數和進食口進入次數，比較了自然情況下和慢性壓力下的神經迴路。
研究連結: A dual-pathway architecture for stress to disrupt agency and promote habit
從基底外側杏仁核到背內側紋狀體的神經通路在獎勵的過程會被活化，導致靈活且目標導向的決策所需的行動和學習。然而，慢性壓力削弱了這條通路，干擾了學習，並影響了我們的自主性。相反，從中央杏仁核到背內側紋狀體的通路則與習慣形成相關。在壓力作用下，這條通路逐漸被活化，促進病理性習慣的過早形成。
慢性壓力不僅導致心理健康問題，還可能使我們變得「不聰明」，促進決策能力下降、適應性降低和僵化習慣的形成。幸運的是，有一些強大的保健原料，可以幫助我們更有效地管理壓力。讓我們深入了解這些神奇的成分吧！
γ-氨基丁酸（GABA）
如果您在尋找自然放鬆的方法，GABA可能是您的首選。GABA是一種麩氨酸發酵物，這種胺基酸神經傳導物質有助於平靜大腦，減少焦慮並促進放鬆。通過提高GABA水平，可以享受更好的睡眠質量和情緒穩定，這對於應對日常壓力非常重要。想像一下，您在寧靜中入睡，醒來時就會感到神清氣爽！
藜麥B群
接下來是藜麥，不僅僅是穀物本身，而是它所含的B群維他命的強大效用！
傳統的維他命常來自化學合成，但藜麥B群維他命提供了一種植物的替代方式，且不含麩質。這種形式的B族維他命生物利用度高，容易於被身體吸收。B群維他命對於能量代謝和大腦健康很重要，幫助身體更有效地應對壓力。它們也幫助神經傳導物質的生成，這對於調節情緒具有重要幫助，讓我們在面對挑戰時感到更加平衡和有韌性。
高吸收鎂
不要低估鎂的力量！這種必需的礦物質有助於緩解肌肉緊繃並穩定情緒。它在神經傳導中扮演著重要角色，能夠減輕焦慮和抑鬱的。當您的身體獲得足夠的鎂時，您會發現自己更容易以冷靜的心態應對壓力情境。
蠶絲蛋白胜肽
接著，讓我們談談蠶絲蛋白肽。這些新興的明星成分因其神經保護效果而受到關注。它們可以通過促進神經可塑性來改善認知功能，幫助您的大腦更好地適應和應對壓力。研究表明，蠶絲蛋白肽可以支持學習和決策，使其成為您壓力管理工具箱中的絕佳補充。
黑種草籽油（含有3%百里醌）
黑種草籽油來源於黑種草（Nigella sativa）種子，已被證實對壓力管理和皮質醇水平有益。這種油富含百里醌，一種強效的抗氧化劑，有助於減少身體對壓力的反應。通過調節皮質醇的產生，黑種草籽油可以幫助維持身體平衡，促進平靜和放鬆的感覺。定期使用這種油可能有助於更有效地應對壓力源，提高情緒韌性，甚至增強運動表現。
