Overview
What is it?
Stress management refers to a range of techniques and strategies aimed at reducing or controlling stress levels to improve overall well-being and longevity. Stress is a natural response to challenges or threats, but chronic stress can negatively impact health. Stress management includes practices such as mindfulness, exercise, massage therapy, and the use of antioxidants or supplements like resveratrol and NAD+ precursors to mitigate oxidative stress and its effects on the body .
How does it work?
Stress management works by reducing the harmful effects of chronic stress on the body. Chronic stress can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, which are linked to aging and age-related diseases. Techniques like massage therapy lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and increase serotonin and dopamine, promoting relaxation and well-being . Antioxidants and supplements like resveratrol and NAD+ precursors help combat oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and support cellular repair, which are critical for slowing aging and enhancing longevity .
What are the benefits?
Effective stress management can improve longevity by reducing the risk of chronic diseases, enhancing mental health, and supporting cellular repair. Benefits include slowing down age-related decline in organs like the ovaries, improving cardiovascular health, and boosting immune function . Additionally, stress management techniques like massage therapy and mindfulness can improve emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, and enhance quality of life, contributing to a longer, healthier life.
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research shows that stress management techniques, such as massage therapy, can significantly reduce cortisol levels by up to 31% and increase serotonin and dopamine levels by 28% and 31%, respectively, promoting relaxation and reducing stress . Antioxidants and NAD+ precursors have been shown to improve cellular function, reduce oxidative damage, and potentially extend lifespan in preclinical studies . While the exact years of life expectancy gained are not quantified, the overall impact on health and well-being suggests a meaningful contribution to longevity.
Side Effects
Limited evidence on long-term effects of NAD+ precursors
Long-term effects of NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are not fully understood, and more research is needed to confirm their safety over extended periods .
Potential for toxic metabolite accumulation
Raising NAD+ levels may lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites, which could have adverse effects on cellular health .
Risk of tumorigenesis with NAD+ therapy
There is a theoretical risk that increasing NAD+ levels could promote tumorigenesis or cellular senescence, although this has not been conclusively proven in human studies .
Patient-specific reactions to antioxidants
Antioxidants and other stress management supplements may cause varying reactions depending on individual health conditions, requiring a tailored approach to minimize risks .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 2022 update on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
This paper discusses the diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a common type of leukemia in elderly patients, highlighting the role of genomic alterations in disease progression.
View study[2] Consensus criteria for diagnosis, staging, and treatment response assessment of T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia
This paper provides consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), emphasizing the need for standardized criteria in clinical trials.
View study[3] Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of rare mould infections
This guideline provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of rare mould infections, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
View study[4] iwCLL guidelines for diagnosis, indications for treatment, response assessment, and supportive management of CLL
This paper updates the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), incorporating new genetic tests and targeted therapies.
View study[5] The Aging Cardiovascular System: Understanding It at the Cellular and Clinical Levels
This review explores the mechanisms of cardiovascular aging and potential strategies to mitigate age-related cardiovascular diseases.
View study[6] Transition to Practice for New Nurse Graduates: Barriers and Mitigating Strategies
This paper examines the challenges faced by new nurse graduates and strategies to reduce stress and improve retention in the healthcare workforce.
View study[7] Developmental Programming of Fetal Growth and Development
This paper discusses how maternal stress can affect fetal development and lead to long-term health consequences, emphasizing the importance of stress management during pregnancy.
View study[8] Resveratrol (RV): A pharmacological review and call for further research
This review highlights the health benefits of resveratrol, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, and calls for further research into its therapeutic potential.
View study[9] Ovarian Aging: Molecular Mechanisms and Medical Management
This paper discusses the role of oxidative stress in ovarian aging and explores treatments like antioxidants and melatonin to slow down ovarian decay and improve fertility.
View study[10] Sarcopenia: Etiology, Nutritional Approaches, and miRNAs
This review explores the causes of sarcopenia and the role of nutrition and microRNAs in managing age-related muscle loss.
View study[11] NAD+ therapy in age-related degenerative disorders: A benefit/risk analysis
This paper evaluates the potential benefits and risks of NAD+ therapy for age-related degenerative diseases, highlighting its role in energy production and cellular repair.
View study[12] Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy
This review highlights the positive effects of massage therapy on reducing cortisol levels and increasing serotonin and dopamine, which help alleviate stress and improve well-being.
View study[13] Hormesis determines lifespan
This paper discusses the concept of hormesis and its role in extending lifespan through activities like exercise and physical activity, though it does not provide specific numerical values for lifespan extension.
View study[14] Frailty in Critical Care Medicine: A Review
This review examines the impact of frailty in critical care settings and discusses strategies to manage stress and improve outcomes for elderly patients.
View study[15] Glucotoxicity: potential mechanisms
This paper explores the mechanisms of glucotoxicity and its impact on aging, highlighting the role of hyperglycemia in premature aging and tissue damage.
View study