Tag Archives: stress

How Reishi Mushrooms can help with the Back-to-School Transition

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As summer fades away each year, it’s time for students of all ages to return to school. However, this transition can be challenging and stressful. Whether you are a student or a parent helping your child, addressing the stress and lack of energy that come with this time of year is crucial. Fortunately, red reishi mushrooms can help the entire family, offering up a host of health benefits to get you through this school season.

Red reishi mushrooms are known as the “mushroom of immortality,” and they have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Reishi have been found to contain powerful active compounds that provide a wide range of health benefits for the human body, and they offer specific benefits when it comes to managing the challenges of returning to school.

Managing Stress

Returning to school can be stressful for both students and parents. Stress can manifest in different ways, including depression, poor concentration, anxiety, difficulty with coping, digestive issues, or changes in appetite.

Reishi mushrooms are an excellent choice for managing stress, as they are adaptogenic herbs. This, in part, means they are neither sedatives, nor stimulants, but they can help the body manage a wide range of stressors. Red reishi contains compounds, such as ganoderic acid, that help to regulate and reduce stress while promoting relaxation. Reishi mushrooms increase the production of calming neurochemicals, which leads to a significant reduction in anxiety levels and cognitive disturbances.

And one of its primary uses in TCM has been for calming the nervous system. For centuries, both Buddhist and Daoist monks have used reishi to support their meditation practices. Using reishi mushrooms in a supplement form can effectively reduce stress levels and promote feelings of calmness, making the back-to-school transition much easier.

Improving Sleep

Getting enough sleep is critical for students returning to school. Sufficient restful sleep is essential to concentration, focus, learning new material, and retaining and recalling information quickly. Sleep is also needed to help reduce stress and support the immune system. Because the change from summer routine to a school schedule can lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia, incorporating reishi mushrooms is an effective way to make this transition.

The active compounds in reishi mushrooms will help balance the body’s hormones, leading to better quality sleep. Research has demonstrated that reishi mushroom extracts improve sleep quality by reducing the time needed to fall asleep, increasing the amount of slow-wave sleep, and reducing the frequency of waking up during the night. Using a reishi supplement before bed can lead to a more restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep.

Supporting the Immune System

Students often spend long hours in the classroom. This close and enclosed exposure to many others means more potential for contact with viruses and bacteria. Returning to school can expose students to a variety of infections, so ensuring optimal immune system function is paramount.

Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans that help to stimulate the immune system to respond when needed, promoting defensive action against harmful pathogens. Beta-glucans are immune system modulators. This means that the immune system will increase white blood cell production when under attack but calm the overly sensitive immune response for those with allergies and autoimmune disorders.

Taking red reishi supplements daily may help reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of colds and flus by supporting a healthy immune response.

Feeling More Energized

While feeling tired or needing caffeine has become a society norm, it’s not normal. Feeling drained and low on energy can make it difficult for students to focus, leading to poor academic performance. If students have been able to sleep in more often during the summer months, then the return to early morning school schedules may exacerbate feelings of fatigue.

Reishi mushrooms are recognized in TCM as Qi tonics. This means they can help boost energy levels, but they are not stimulants and won’t leave you feeling jittery. They do this in part by regulating cortisol, one of the body’s stress hormones. When cortisol levels are too high, it can lead to fatigue, mental fog, and irritability. Additionally, when stress is chronic and cortisol levels remain elevated for too long, you may experience adrenal fatigue.

Reishi mushrooms contain triterpenes, which have been found to support and strengthen the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing cortisol and other hormones that regulate energy, mood, and mental clarity. Supporting healthy adrenal gland function with reishi mushroom supplements will help to mitigate fatigue and promote energy.

How to Take Reishi

Reishi mushrooms have a hard, chitinous shell, meaning they are not easily cooked and consumed like some of their fellow mushrooms. Additionally, the triterpene compounds are very bitter in flavour, so capsule supplements are the easiest way to be consistent with daily reishi intake.

Because high-quality reishi is key if you want health benefits that you’ll notice, look for capsules that include the fruiting body (the stem and cap that you would identify as looking like a mushroom). The fruiting body contains the triterpene compounds needed for calming the nervous system, supporting feelings of calm energy, and for helping with the health of the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands.

For adults, Mikei offers an easy one-a-day concentrated dose capsule, but it’s safe to take more than one on days when more than one is needed or as directed by a healthcare provider. Take it with something high in vitamin C for better absorption of reishi’s medicinal compounds.

For kids who can’t swallow capsules, consider opening the reishi capsule and adding a bit of it to their food. Because high-quality fruiting body reishi is very bitter in flavour, chocolate (hot chocolate, chocolate milk, chocolate pudding), smoothies, and shakes make for a good hiding place. I’ve also found it hides well in no-bake protein balls made with dates.

Ultimately, reishi mushrooms are a great addition to any back-to-school routine. From managing stress and improving sleep to supporting the immune system and boosting energy levels, red reishi mushrooms can make the transition back to school much easier. Make the most of your or your kids’ time at school by starting with a solid foundation of health and energy with reishi mushrooms.

Five Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms for PTSD

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs for some people who’ve experienced or witnessed a dangerous, intensely shocking, or terrifying event, and it is often associated with symptoms like anxiety, depression, problems concentrating, and insomnia. Usually beginning within a few months of the traumatic event, to meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must occur for over a month and be severe enough to interfere with daily life activities, work, or relationships.

While traditional treatments for PTSD often include pharmaceutical medications and counselling, many people also turn to natural remedies, such as reishi mushrooms, to help manage their symptoms. Reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and because of their numerous health benefits, they were once reserved for royalty.

Reishi mushrooms are recognized in the modern world as adaptogenic herbs, meaning they help the body to adapt to stressors, whether physical, emotional, or mental. For thousands of years, TCM has classified reishi, known as ling zhi, under the heading of Calm the Spirit. In other words, while reishi has a lot of health benefits, its main function is helping to calm the nervous system.

1. Reduced anxiety and stress

One of the most significant benefits of reishi mushrooms for individuals with PTSD is their ability to reduce anxiety and stress. Reishi mushrooms’ adaptogenic compounds help the body adapt to stress and promote a sense of calmness. Regular consumption of these mushrooms can help lower cortisol levels—one of the hormones related to chronic stress—and alleviate symptoms of anxiety commonly associated with PTSD.

2. Improved sleep quality

Many individuals with PTSD experience sleep disturbances, including insomnia and nightmares. Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have a positive impact on sleep quality and duration. The compounds found in reishi mushrooms help regulate the sleep cycle, promoting deeper and more restful sleep. By improving sleep quality, reishi mushrooms can help individuals with PTSD feel more rested and energized during the day. A bonus about reishi’s use for improving sleep is that it is not a sedative, meaning it won’t make you feel drowsy during the daytime.

3. Enhanced mood and emotional well-being

PTSD often leads to mood swings, irritability, and feelings of depression. Reishi mushrooms contain compounds called triterpenoids in their stem and cap—so make sure the supplement you choose is “fruiting body” or “whole mushroom”—that can help regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These play a vital role in mood regulation. Using reishi mushrooms can help stabilize mood, reduce irritability, and enhance overall emotional wellbeing.

4. Supported immune system

PTSD can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses and infections. Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their immune-supporting properties. They contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans that stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off pathogens and boosting overall immunity. By incorporating reishi mushrooms into a regular routine, individuals with PTSD can strengthen their immune system response and improve their overall health.

5. Support for cognitive function

Individuals with PTSD often experience difficulty with memory, concentration, and cognitive function. Reishi mushrooms have been found to have neuroprotective properties. Because of their ability to help calm the nervous system, they can also help with improving higher cognitive functions like focus, planning, and organizing by moving the nervous system out of fight or flight (sympathetic nervous system) into a calm state (parasympathetic nervous system).

Reishi mushrooms offer numerous benefits, including reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep quality, and promoting emotional wellbeing for individuals living with PTSD. While counselling is likely still key and pharmaceuticals may still be included, incorporating reishi mushrooms into your regime can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health.

The Environment, Reishi, and Our Health

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The environment is something that we hear a lot about, particularly the negative impacts on our world and on our health. We all need clean air and water, uncontaminated food, and a safe place to live. However, pollution, overuse or improper use of chemicals, climate change, and poor agricultural practices have led to disease and poorer health outcomes. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key ways in which the environment can affect our health on what you can do to help protect yourself.

The Environment Problem

Air Pollution

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits for air pollutants. Sometimes air pollution is so bad that it is visible as a grey or yellow smog or haze, but it can also be invisible to the naked eye. Causes of air pollution include exhaust from motor vehicles, industrial facilities, household combustion devices (gas or coal-burning devices like heaters and stoves), and fires.

Both indoor and outdoor air pollution can have serious consequences for our health, causing respiratory problems like asthma and lung cancer. It can also lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, allergies, and environmental illness.

Water Pollution

If you’ve ever had an iced drink on vacation that resulted in a prolonged stay in your hotel’s bathroom, you know that contaminated water can have negative health consequences. However, water pollution from chemicals is another major environmental issue. While we recognize the importance of clean water to our survival, we pollute our waters with agricultural, industrial, and municipal wastes, including with toxic chemicals that cannot be broken down.

Water pollution can result in the transmission of diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, and dysentery. Water contaminated by high levels of lead, fluoride, arsenic, or other chemicals can also lead to skin issues, neurological disorders, and an increased risk of cancer.

Climate Change

Climate change is causing a wide range of environmental problems, including more frequent and severe weather events and rising sea levels. These changes can have a significant impact on our health, including an increased risk of heat stroke, respiratory problems, and the spread of infectious diseases.

Pesticides and Chemicals

Pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture and industry can also have a negative impact on our health. Exposure to these substances can cause a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders.

Mushrooms as an Environmental Solution to the Earth

Mushrooms, including reishi mushrooms, are not only beneficial for human health but also for the health of the planet. Mycoremediation is a process by which the enzymes in mushrooms can help break down and decompose contaminants, resulting in cleaner soil and water.

Reishi mushrooms are also an important part of the ecosystem and can help to with biodiversity. By promoting the growth of healthy trees and plants, reishi mushrooms can also help to support other species that depend on them for survival.

Reishi Mushrooms Can Help Protect Us from the Harmful Effects on Our Health

Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, reishi mushrooms are called ling zhi—translated as “divine mushroom”—because of their ability to help restore health for a wide range of health issues.

Support the Immune System

One of the primary ways in which reishi mushrooms can protect us from the harmful effects of the environment is by supporting our immune system. Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are complex sugars that signal an appropriate response of the immune system. By causing our immune system to jump up its response, reishi mushrooms can help us fight off diseases that may be caused by exposure to pathogens, pollutants, and toxins in the environment.

Because the immune system can also overreact, such as is the case with allergies and autoimmune disorders, we also want something that can help calm or “modulate” an immune response. Luckily, reishi mushroom’s beta-glucans can also do this because these compounds are “immunomodulators.”

Reduce Inflammation

Reishi mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect us from the harmful effects of inflammation caused by exposure to environmental toxins. Chronic inflammation is linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. By reducing inflammation, reishi mushrooms can help protect us from these health problems.

Protect the Liver

The liver is responsible for hundreds of activities, including detoxifying the body and removing harmful substances from our system. However, exposure to environmental toxins can overload the liver and cause damage. Reishi mushrooms have been shown to help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, which can help us stay healthy in a polluted world.

Fight Cancer

Reishi mushrooms contain compounds called triterpenes, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. These compounds can help protect us from some of the harmful effects of environmental pollutants that can increase our risk of developing cancer.

Choose Reishi

By supporting your immune system, reducing inflammation, protecting the liver, and fighting cancer, reishi mushrooms can help you stay healthy. Incorporating reishi mushrooms into your supplement routine may be a great way to support your overall health and help protect yourself from the harmful effects of the environment.

Reishi Mushrooms for Oral Health

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Did you know that the health of your mouth can both reflect and affect your overall health? Your mouth is, obviously, an entry point to your body, and regular care such as tooth brushing and flossing can help keep bad bacteria from causing cavities and gum disease as well as cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

However, even with regular oral hygiene, some diseases and medications can contribute to infection and inflammation in the mouth. As a result, taking care of your whole body and your immune system are key to preventing dental issues. Fortunately, there is a friendly fungus out there that can help enhance your immune system and your oral health.

Reishi mushrooms can help strengthen your body as a whole, as well as improve your oral health.

Disease and Medications Can Affect Oral Health

Diabetes, some cancers, chronic infections, and autoimmune disorders like HIV/AIDS, Sjogren’s syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis can increase inflammation and lower the body’s resistance to infection, increasing the risk for gingivitis, periodontitis, and cavities. Osteoporosis can also cause periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Acid reflux or gastroesophageal disease (GERD), if poorly treated or missed (as in “silent reflux”), can weaken the teeth, as the acid erodes the protective enamel.

Saliva is important to wash away food and neutralize the acids produced by bacteria that are in the mouth. That’s why medications—including antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, and some painkillers and antidepressants—that reduce salivary flow can negatively affect oral health.

Poor Oral Health Increases Risk of Other Diseases

Whenever my dogs have had health checkups, their vet always checks their teeth. Why? Because my dogs can’t easily tell anyone what they are feeling, and dental health can indicate other health issues. While we can tell our healthcare providers what’s going on with us, our mouths can also provide visual (and scent) information.

Studies have shown that those with periodontal disease are at an increased risk for coronary heart disease and are more likely to suffer a stroke. This is thought to be due to an accumulation of bad bacteria in the mouth contributing to artery-clogging plaques and inflammation within the lining of the heart and heart valves (endocarditis).

Since we can inhale micro-organisms through the mouth, if they reach the lower respiratory tract, they can worsen and promote bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema. These bacterial infections, if they become severe, can also increase blood sugar levels, making diabetes more difficult to manage. And, as if that weren’t enough, it may also contribute to issues with pregnancy, impact sleep, and be a factor in behavioural and developmental problems in children.

Reishi Mushrooms for Oral Health

For good oral health, we want to address oxidative damage, inflammation, and infections. Reishi mushrooms are powerful medicinal mushrooms that have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Reishi mushrooms contain polysaccharides and triterpenes, which are, amongst other things, powerful antioxidants that help prevent oxidative damage, one of the foundation elements that contributes to chronic inflammation, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases.

Reishi mushrooms also contain beta-glucans, which have been shown to help establish a healthy immune response, while also promoting healthy cholesterol levels and improving cardiovascular health. We want our immune systems to respond quickly and appropriately to the bad bacteria that can be found to accumulate in our mouths. But we also want our immune response to be moderated so that it doesn’t overreact in an autoimmune dysfunction. And, while you might think that all you have to do is use antibacterial mouthwashes, remember that you also have good bacteria in your mouth that these rinses will destroy.

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, taking Japanese reishi mushrooms can help you treat or avoid the infection and chronic inflammation that are primary components for problems associated with oral health. These powerful mushrooms promote a better immune response, fight infection, and manage inflammation to help you avoid the need for urgent dental visits. A bonus benefit of reishi include that it can help calm your nervous system, so you can attend those important regular dental checkups, even if they scare you.

If you’re looking for an effective way to improve your smile, reishi mushrooms could be just what the dentist ordered!

Celebrating Famous Women in Healthcare In Honour of International Women’s Day

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When it comes to women in healthcare, there are many inspirational female doctors and researchers who have made an impact on the world of medicine. From pioneering doctors like Elizabeth Blackwell to modern-day scientists like Youyou Tu, countless women have contributed to our understanding of how the body works and what we can do to keep it healthy.

In Honour of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the accomplishments of famous women in healthcare!

Marie Curie

Marie Curie is one of the most famous scientists in history. She was a physicist and chemist of Polish origin who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She discovered radium and polonium, contributing hugely to the science of radiology. The first woman to win a Nobel Prize, she is also only the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences—physics and chemistry (the only other person to win two Nobel Prizes is Linus Pauling for chemistry and peace).

Marie worked tirelessly throughout her life to advance women’s rights, science education, and medical research. In order for her to become the first woman to obtain a Doctor of Science in Europe, she first had to study illegally in Poland before relocating to France, where she pushed through systemic sexism as well as language and financial barriers to complete her education. She was also the first female professor at Sorbonne University in Paris. She was a pioneer, paving the way for many other female researchers and health professionals who have worked since in radiation oncology.

In 1911, she opened the Radium Institute which treated people suffering from cancer with radioactive substances that were discovered by herself and Pierre. During World War I she and her daughter used x-rays to help an estimated million soldiers, even training 150 women how to operate the equipment while she herself drove to help wounded soldiers on the frontlines. Even more, she refused to patent the refining process of radium so that she did not receive what would otherwise have been considerable profit, as she wanted it to be used widely for the public good.

Virginia Apgar

Virginia Apgar was the first American woman to be a full-time anesthesiologist. She was born in Westfield, New Jersey in 1909 and attended Mount Holyoke College and Columbia University Medical School.

Apgar became one of the first doctors to use a system to score newborns on their health immediately after birth. This system is still used today, as it helps doctors decide whether or not a newborn needs immediate care. The scoring system gives each baby a 1 to 10 score based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and colour.

Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale is the most famous nurse in history. She was born in 1820 to a wealthy family but chose to become a nurse rather than marry or take care of her family’s estate. She was an advocate for women’s rights and healthcare reform.

In the early 1850s, she worked in a hospital in London where she made it her mission to improve the practices of hygiene, thus significantly improving the health outcomes and lowering death rates. When she was called to organize a corps of nurses to attend to the fallen British soldiers of the Crimean War, she was shocked to discover that the hospital was sitting in a cesspool of contaminated water with patients in extremely unsanitary conditions, more likely to die from infectious diseases than from their battle wounds. She quickly changed that and with her intense work ethic reduced the death rate at that hospital by two-thirds.

Though she contracted “Crimean fever” and never fully recovered, she later funded the starting up of St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, England, as well as the Nightingale Training School for Nurses. Because of her, nursing became an honourable vocation that inspired many women to follow in her steps. In 1907 she became the first woman to be made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).

Elizabeth Blackwell

Elizabeth Blackwell is a celebrated pioneer in the world of medicine. Born in England, she moved to the United States after her father died. She was determined to become a doctor, but her gender was an obstacle.

Elizabeth graduated from Geneva Medical College in 1849 and became the first woman in America to earn a medical degree. She opened a clinic in New York City where she treated poor and immigrant women free of charge. Her work helped her gain respect among her peers. In 1857, she founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children which is still open today as part of Beth Israel Medical Center and provides free care to women who cannot afford healthcare services.

Youyou Tu

Youyou Tu received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for her research on a novel therapy for malaria. In the 1970s, Youyou discovered and extracted a substance called artemisinin from the herb sweet wormwood. Artemisinin inhibits the parasite that causes malaria and its discovery and use in modern drugs has led to the improved health and survival of millions of people worldwide.

Youyou got into medical research because of her own experience. As a sixteen-year-old child, she contracted tuberculosis and had to take two years off from high school to recover. She wanted to learn how to keep herself healthy as well as help others. In addition to her studies in pharmacy from a Western medical perspective, she also learned about plants and later expanded her studies into a full-time training program on Chinese medical theory and practice.

As an interesting coincidence, her father named her “Youyou” because of a famous poem that includes the mention of the sweet wormwood plant.

Queen Reishi

I’ve taken to sometimes calling the herb reishi Queen Reishi because of its unique contribution to our natural health pharmacy. This amazing mushroom is an adaptogen that helps prevent and treat a wide range of conditions. Once reserved for royalty, it is one of the rare herbs that instead of needing to be included in a formula of multiple herbs, may be prescribed on its own by Traditional Chinese Medicine herbalists.

Red reishi’s main use in TCM is to calm the nervous system, a Yin/feminine action. It can also improve function of the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys, while balancing a healthy immune response.

So, raise your reishi-infused hot-chocolate-filled mug to International Women’s Day!

Top 5 Supplements for the Whole Family

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When it comes to your family’s health, one of the most important things you can do is ensure they have a healthy diet. Unfortunately, with busy schedules, we can all use some help staying on track. That’s where supplements can be helpful. With Family Day right around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect time to discuss which supplements your family should be taking.

Multivitamins

Taking a multivitamin supplement is a smart way to ensure you and your family are covering your nutritional basics. Multivitamins help fill in the gaps in your diet by providing essential nutrients that might otherwise contribute to health problems.

But with so many different multivitamins on the market, it can be difficult to find one that works for everyone in your family. That’s okay because you can find multis that are designed for a specific age range, activity level, or gender. Menstruating women, for example, may need more iron, while men’s multis might include saw palmetto for the prostate. Of course, children may more easily take chewable or liquid options over a pill they need to swallow.

When you’re choosing a multivitamin, it can be helpful to look at the non-medicinal ingredients, as there are a number you are best to avoid, including titanium dioxide (used to make the colour of the supplement brighter), hydrogenated oil (it’s not healthy in your food, so why take it in your health supplement), and artificial colours (FD&C Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 5) and flavours.

Another thing I look for in a quality multi is the type of vitamin E that’s used. Check the brackets next to the listing of vitamin E and put it back on the shelf if there’s a “dl” at the start of the description, e.g., dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. This is the synthetic, cheaper, and less effective version of vitamin E. Look instead for d-alpha-tocopherol. If this natural vitamin E were used, perhaps they wouldn’t need to include so many chemical preservatives, as vitamin E is a natural preservative. You might even find some supplements that offer d-alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols and tocotrienols, a more complete version of vitamin E. Want to go a step further? Look for the calcium and magnesium to be citrate or chelate instead of oxide forms. Fancier versions may use calcium microcrystalline hydroxyapatite and magnesium glycinate or bisglycinate. There are a ton of other signs, but you’ve got a good starting point now.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin.” It’s produced when your skin is exposed to the sun, and is found naturally in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, herring, cod, halibut, and tuna. Some foods like milk and milk alternatives, cheese, and orange juice are sometimes fortified with vitamin D. And, did you know that mushrooms can also be a rich source of vitamin D?

Vitamin D is known to have many health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D has long been recognized for its ability to maintain strong bones and teeth by helping with calcium absorption in the body.

Vitamin D also plays a role in muscle function, immune health, and hormone production. Many people don’t get enough vitamin D from food or sun exposure, so supplements are recommended for many children and adults.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that help support healthy digestive and immune systems. They can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso. But if you’re not eating enough of those foods (or any at all), then taking a supplement is a good idea.

Getting enough of these beneficial bacteria can help your body defend against bad bacteria, lower the risk and severity of diarrhea, reduce constipation and bloating, lessen the likelihood and severity of skin disorders and allergies, and even support good mental health. Probiotics can be important supplements for the entire family.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fats that your body cannot produce, so you need to get them from your diet. The most important EFAs are omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish like sardines and salmon, nuts like walnuts and hazelnuts, and seeds like chia and flax.

A healthy balance of EFAs is important for everyone. For children, their brains are developing quickly and omega-3s are key. Pregnant women are often also recommended to ensure they have enough omega-3s in their diet to support the developing brain and other organs of their child. Because a foundational issue with many health issues is chronic inflammation, having supplements like omega-3s decrease inflammation is helpful.

If your family doesn’t get enough omega-3 essential fatty acids in their diet, you may want to consider taking a supplement.

Reishi Mushrooms

More than just an immune system booster, reishi mushroom is packed with antioxidants that reduce oxidative damage in the body and compounds called triterpenoids that help reduce inflammation and promote healthy functioning of the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.

It’s main use in Traditional Chinese Medicine is to calm the nervous system. It’s an incredible adaptogen, helping the body to deal with stressors, both physical and emotional. As such, it can help with sleep issues and mood imbalances. And, while it is calming, it is not sedating. It is, in fact, a powerful Qi (energy) tonic, so if you need more energy but don’t want a stimulant, reishi is a great option.

As if that wasn’t enough, though the polysaccharide compounds like beta glucans in reishi can enhance a strong immune system response when needed, they can also moderate an overactive immune system that causes autoimmune disorders and allergies. Plus, reishi is safe for kids and adults of all ages!

If you’re looking for a quality supplement for the entire family, it is hard to go wrong with reishi mushrooms, but some mushroom supplements are better than others. In order to ensure you get both the polysaccharides as well as the triterpenoids, make sure you get the fruiting body of reishi, and that the powder inside tastes bitter (that’s the triterpenoids). For ease of taking, you’ll also want to find one that is a high concentration extract.

The best supplements are those that deliver benefits in the areas your family needs it most. Whether you are looking to maintain optimal health or provide an added level of support in an area where your diet is lacking, you can find a supplement out there that will fit the bill.

9 Simple Ways to Improve Your Quality of Life

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January is International Quality of Life Month, so now is the perfect time to start the year off on the right foot. Quality of life is a subjective concept—it’s different for everyone. But we all have our own idea of what good quality of life means to us, and that’s what matters most.

It might sound like a simple thing, but it can be hard to figure out how to improve your quality of life on your own. No one else can tell you what your unique needs are, but check out these steps you can take to improve your quality of life.

Find your ikigai.

The Japanese concept of ikigai means “a reason for being.” It’s the reason you get up in the morning, your purpose, and what drives you. It’s what gives your life meaning. So how can you find your ikigai?

Ask yourself these questions: What do I want out of my life? How can I achieve that? What is my ultimate goal? And most importantly, why am I doing this? Why does it matter to me?

Think about the things you’re good at, the things you love to do, what you find most rewarding, and what the world, your community, or your friends and family need. This will help you determine your ikigai. You may have more than one purpose and your purpose might change, depending on where you are in your life.

With this in mind, you can think about how your answers relate to each other—how one thing leads to another and how everything fits together as part of a bigger picture. Once you have a clearer vision of where you’re going and why, then you can start taking steps toward making it happen.

Set and work toward goals.

When you know your ikigai, it’s easier to make goals, and having clear, achievable goals can enhance your sense of direction and purpose. Take the time to reflect on what you want to accomplish and create a plan to make it happen. Remember that big goals will need to be broken down into smaller goals and steps to keep you motivated. And be sure to stay flexible in your plans, as life’s road is full of potholes and obstacles, so it’s good to know there are a usually a multitude of ways to reach a destination.

Practice gratitude.

While having goals is key, it’s important to practice gratitude for where we are now. Even when life is difficult, there may be some things you can note to be grateful for. Focusing on the things you are thankful for can help you appreciate the good in your life and improve your overall wellbeing. Consider keeping a gratitude journal or sharing your gratitude with others, but even just spending a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for can make a big difference in your quality of life.

Prioritize your physical health.

Taking care of your body is essential for overall wellbeing. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and stay active through regular exercise. I often hear from patients that they feel they don’t have enough time to do these things. But when you do, you’ll usually find you have more energy and you’ll become efficient and productive with the things you’re already doing. You might also discover that taking out or reducing time devoted toward less healthy habits like scrolling social media, binge watching tv, and getting enmeshed in the drama of others frees up time.

Cultivate positive relationships.

Surrounding yourself with supportive people can have a big impact on your happiness and sense of purpose. Try to strengthen your relationships with loved ones and consider reaching out to new friends and communities. It has been said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so think about who you want to be and seek out people who can help you cultivate that.

Take breaks and prioritize self care.

It’s important to take breaks from work and other responsibilities to relax and recharge. Make sure to carve out time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. These can include playing music, making crafts, taking a bath, or spending time in nature.

Practice mindfulness.

Being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings can help you better manage stress and improve your overall wellness. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation or breathwork into your daily routine.

Seek professional help if needed.

If you’re struggling with a physical or mental health issue or other problem that is impacting your quality of life, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A healthcare professional can provide support and guidance to help you work through your challenges and improve your quality of life.

Take reishi mushrooms.

Reishi are a superfood that has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. We’ve mentioned many times before that reishi are nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality.” While they can’t actually make you live forever, they may help improve both the quantity and the quality of your life. The main use for reishi mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine is to calm the nervous system. As adaptogens, they help you to deal better with stressors, both mental and physical. They are packed with antioxidants and compounds that support a healthy immune system, heart, liver, and kidneys. And if that wasn’t enough, they also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by chronic conditions.

By taking small steps to prioritize your physical and mental health, cultivate positive relationships, and find meaning and purpose in your life, you can improve your quality of life so you can live a more fulfilling life.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day

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Though it’s important every day, World Mental Health Day is marked annually on October 10. It was established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), an organization representing over 100 mental health associations in over 120 countries. Their goal is to educate the public about mental health and mobilize efforts to improve it.

To mark the day, we’ve rounded up some ways you can support your own mental health.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health is a state of emotional well-being in which an individual can realize their own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to their community. Mental health is an important part of overall health and wellness as it includes the ability to enjoy life and to develop a wide range of skills and interests. It affects all aspects of our lives, including our physical health, work performance, and connection with others.

Mental health can be impacted by many different factors, including:

  • Stressors
  • Trauma
  • Depression or anxiety disorders
  • Substance use disorders (including alcohol and drugs)
  • Chronic conditions like pain, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, autoimmune diseases, and anything that affects one’s ability to enjoy life

Our mental health affects what we think about ourselves, how we relate to others, and what choices we make.

What Are Some Ways to Improve Mental Health?

Mental health conditions can affect anyone. So, if you’re struggling with your mental health, or know someone who is, it’s important that you know you’re not alone. Here are some ways to take care of yourself:

  • Reach out for help, whether that be by talking to a friend or family member or going to see a therapist or health practitioner.
  • Practice self-care by taking time for yourself each day. This could mean taking a walk outside on your lunch break, practicing ten minutes or more of breath work or meditation, or doing some stretches or taking a soothing bath at the end of your day instead of immediately turning to the TV.
  • Eat healthy, brain-supportive foods like omega-3-rich nuts (walnuts are shaped like brains!), seeds, and fatty fish, as well as leafy greens, brightly coloured vegetables, and berries.
  • Keep your gut healthy by including fermented foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, miso, and kimchi, as they provide good bacteria (probiotics) that are key to our emotions. The digestive system provides more feel-good serotonin than the brain.
  • Include movement activities. This might be going to the gym or playing a sport, but it can also be stretching, going for a hike in nature, walking your dog (or cat—getting to be more common!), doing some yoga or tai chi, and even just taking the stairs or parking your car a little further from where you need to be.
  • Get enough restorative sleep. Create a wind-down routine and shut off backlit screens a few hours before bedtime, address sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and make sure your bedroom is geared for a restful environment.
  • Seek joy. That doesn’t mean always being joyful, of course, but find activities, places, people, and animals where you can feel pleasure, awe, flow, peace, and comfort.
  • Express yourself. While we may not enjoy feeling angry, frustrated, sad, hurt, lonely, fearful, anxious, or worried, suppressing our emotions and pretending they aren’t happening doesn’t necessarily make them better. Of course, there’s a time and place for strong emotions, but stoicism isn’t always the best approach. What we feel is valid and important.
  • Practice gratitude. Some days this can be particularly difficult, but seeking and expressing gratitude for even the tiniest of things can help shine a bit of light.

Mental health concerns affect everyone, whether we realize it or not. The good news is that there are many ways we can help ourselves stay mentally healthy—not just during this special day, but every day of the year.

How Can Reishi Improve Mental Health?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), reishi mushroom is one of the top herbs for calming the nervous system. It is also recognized as a powerful adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stressors and can support the body’s natural defences against physical, chemical, and biological stressors. This makes reishi an excellent choice for people looking to improve their mental health as well as their physical health.

Reishi is known to have a very positive effect on the mind, and many people use it for mental health issues, including:

Depression: Reishi can help reduce depressive symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting neurotransmitters. The anti-inflammatory properties of reishi also help reduce the risk of developing depression in the first place.

Anxiety: Reishi can help reduce anxiety by regulating neurotransmitters, balancing hormones, and reducing inflammation.

Stress: Reishi has been shown to reduce stress levels by increasing serotonin production while decreasing cortisol production (the stress hormone).

Reishi may be a strong tool for improving mental health and stabilizing mood swings. It’s a great option for anyone suffering from depression or anxiety. And the best part is, you can use reishi to complement your existing treatment plan, not replace it. So, what are you waiting for?

The more we talk about mental health, the more others will realize they aren’t alone. And hopefully, they’ll feel comfortable reaching out to get help if they need it. Knowledge is power, after all.

12 Ways to Start Practicing Self-Care

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Did you know that July 24th is International Self-Care Day? It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about self-care and the important role it plays in leading a healthy lifestyle. While International Self-Care Day is observed on July 24th, self-care is important to lifelong health and wellness and should be practiced regularly.

Good self-care means taking care of yourself in the best way you can and making choices that support your physical and mental health. This includes things like eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising. But it can also mean spending time with friends and family, enjoying a hobby, and getting out in nature.

Read on to learn 12 ways to help expand self-care day to every day—or at least most days.

1. Practice yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or meditation.

These breath-focused practices help calm your nervous system and improve your overall health. You can practice on your own, but it can also be helpful to join a class or connect with other people who practice yoga or meditation in your community through community centres, local studios and clinics, or something like Meetup. When you’re busy and want to practice on a flexible schedule, there are many online sites like Glo and MindBodyGreen. Many of your favourite local instructors also offer their own online courses.

2. Get moving.

Exercise can help you feel better physically, but it also releases endorphins which make you feel good emotionally. Find an activity that you enjoy, whether it’s walking, hiking, swimming, cycling, joining a sports team, or checking out some new activity that’s growing in popularity, like pickleball.

3. Schedule “me time.”

Think about what makes you feel good when you’re stressed out or feeling blue. Maybe it’s listening to music or taking a walk in nature or walking on the beach. Whatever it is, schedule some time each day (or week) when you can do those things without interruption from others.

4. Prioritize sleep.

Sleep is vital to your health because it helps regulate hormones, maintain weight, and boost immunity, among other things. It also improves mood, reduces stress, and lowers blood pressure.

5. Nourish your body! Eat healthy food.

Eating well is important for both physical and mental health. Eating nutrient-rich foods provides the energy needed for daily activities while also helping to prevent disease by reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and a slew of other health issues.

6. Drink more water.

Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and poor concentration. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. If you’re thirsty, drink water rather than sugary beverages or caffeinated drinks like soda or coffee.

7. Express gratitude.

Being grateful can help reduce stress and increase happiness. Think about all the things you have in your life that are good, or even great. These could be big things like your health or a loving family, or smaller things like your ability to get to work on time. Write down five things you’re grateful for every night before you go to bed, then read them out loud while savouring the feeling of gratitude!

8. Take a break from technology.

Turn off your phone for one hour each day or go on a digital detox for the weekend. If you’re getting out in nature or spending time with family or friends, these are excellent times to take a break from your phone and social media. This can give you more time to focus on what matters most. While you might want to stay up to date with the news, you may also benefit from news-free days so that you don’t get overwhelmed. On a regular basis, it’s also ideal to limit the number and way that you get notifications.

9. Spend time with friends and family.

Socializing with people who make you feel good makes you feel good! Some of us like to spend time with groups, while others are better one on one. Either way, spend time with those who support the choices you make to take care of yourself.

10. Do something creative.

Getting a chance to express your creativity is often forgotten about when it comes to supporting health and wellness, but it has many benefits. Creative activities often cause a “state of flow,” also called “in the zone,” that helps people feel calm, feel at peace or happy, experience improved self-esteem, and find it easier to cope with difficult emotions. It also helps with motivation, which may make it easier to eat healthy and exercise! Try doing something creative like painting, writing poetry, or playing music—whatever makes your heart sing (or at least hum).

11. Seek help.

Sometimes it’s tough to self-evaluate what you can do to best support your health. Seek out a care provider (or more than one) who can offer you both physical and emotional health guidance.

12. Take reishi.

Reishi mushroom has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to improve health and vitality. As an adaptogenic, it has a wide range of health benefits. It’s been shown to support the immune system and promote a calm nervous system, making it a perfect addition to your self-care routine.

It’s important to remember that self-care is a practice. Sometimes it takes a little bit of time to get into the habit, but it’s well worth the effort!