Tag Archives: stress

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!

Celebrate World Health Day with Reishi

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Did you know that April 7 is World Health Day? This day is a time to raise awareness for global health issues, recognize the efforts and achievements made to improve health internationally, and focus on policies that are needed to overcome these health challenges.

As a way to celebrate World Health Day, here is a list of things you can do to promote healthy living for yourself, your family, and your community.

  1. Be physically active. You don’t need to spend hours at the gym. In fact, for most people, that simply isn’t possible. A simple approach is to just move your body more. That might mean a regular at-home or outdoor exercise routine, organized sporting activities, or actively playing with your kids or pets. It can also mean taking the stairs instead of the elevator, when possible. And, if you can, then walk or cycle to work or to run errands. Not only is it better for your body, but it’s a great way to save some money on gas!
  2. Eat healthy food. It’s not enough to just exercise regularly — you also have to watch what you eat if you want to be healthier, but there is no one way to eat right. In fact, what works great for one person may make another feel awful. In general, however, more whole foods and fewer processed foods is key. Make sure you eat lots of vegetables, get enough fibre, choose healthy fats, and select high-quality proteins. While variety and moderation are words that come up often when talking about eating well, that doesn’t make it has to taste bland. Use herbs and spices to add flavour and you’ll also get their added health benefits.
  3. Reduce stress. Stress is a global health epidemic, but it’s not something that has to continue to break you down. While stressors will happen, it’s important to find ways to manage your stress response. Make time each day for things you enjoy, and make sure to get enough sleep every night. There are also many stress management techniques that can help you relax and unwind, including, yoga, meditation, exercise, and deep breathing.
  4. Take care of your mental health. No matter how busy you are, always remember that your mental health is a major priority. Don’t forget to take care of your mind as well as your body. If you feel like you may not be mentally well, do not ignore it. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to get professional help as soon as possible.
  5. Volunteer in your community. Join efforts that promote health in your community. Volunteering has physical and mental health benefits. It helps you feel happier, more connected with others, and improves self-esteem and confidence. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer to help others in need. From your local food bank to your local hospital, there are many ways you can lend a helping hand.
  6. Plant a tree, tend to plants. Trees are good for our health as they remove air pollution and cool down urban areas in summer. They also provide a habitat for wildlife, and people can enjoy being close to trees in green spaces.

    If you don’t have a place to plant a tree outdoors, bring smaller plants into your home. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, easy-to-care-for plants like spider plants, English ivy, mother-in-law’s tongue, and peace lily can help improve your indoor air quality and make you feel better.

    If you have space to grow your own herbs or food, even better! Getting your hands in the dirt is therapeutic—and having the fresh food you grow can’t be beat.
  7. Donate items you no longer use. Support organizations that provide basic necessities like food and clothing to help people who are affected by poverty or natural disasters. For example, you could donate gently used clothing or household goods to help the less fortunate.
  8. Give blood. Did you know that giving blood just once can save three lives? Your local blood donation centre is always looking for new donors. Not only does it help save lives, but it also makes you feel great knowing you’re helping people in your community!
  9. Recycle. The number of plastics that end up in our oceans and landfills is causing serious problems for our environment, our wildlife, and our health. Recycling not only saves the environment but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. We can all do our part by minimizing our use of plastic and by recycling plastic bottles, paper bags, glass jars, and aluminum cans — which are all prime examples of recyclable products we use every day.
  10. Incorporating reishi mushrooms into your life. If you want to mark the occasion with something that will help you take care of your own health, I recommend taking reishi mushrooms. These fabulous fungi have been used for thousands of years as something of a panacea for everything from cancer to heart disease, and many modern studies support these claims. Reishi mushrooms are said to help strengthen a balanced immune response, fighting off viruses that cause colds and flus, and well as taming an over-responsive immune system that causes allergies or autoimmune disorders. They also help your body adapt to stressors, calming your nervous system and providing you more energy.

In order to take care of the health of our world, it’s important you also take the time to make your own health a priority. A healthy mind and healthy body are crucial to living a fulfilled life. These tips will help you get started in your journey to more health and happiness, so don’t wait another day, get started this World Health Day.

The Relationship between Stress and Gut Health

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Have you ever experienced the queasy sensation in the stomach, the constant belching, or the runs when you are under stress? These are typical scenarios illustrating the relationship between our stress levels and gastrointestinal function. In TCM, we often refer to this as “Liver & Spleen/Stomach Disharmony”, meaning that the Qi in the liver is stagnant, while the Qi in the middle is deficient. This will often manifest as symptoms of fatigue, hypochondriac pain, nausea, belching, sighing, bloating, diarrhea, or epigastric/abdominal pain.

When we treat this disharmony, we usually focus on soothing the liver and replenishing the middle jiao, and most of the herbs we select are coincidentally strong adaptogens. Adaptogenic herbs function to help the body better adapt to environments that are stressful for the body and regulate homeostasis, and are commonly used in naturopathic remedies and western herbology.

In relation to TCM, most adaptogenic herbs are either middle Qi tonics or liver Qi regulators, such as chai hu (bupleurum), gui zhi (cinnamon twig), huang qi (astragalus), bai zhu (atractylodes), ling zhi (reishi), ren shen (ginseng), gan cao (licorice root), and wu wei zi (schisandra berry). Therefore, it is conclusive to say that, in order to better manage stress and prevent physical damage, it is crucial to keep your spleen/stomach happy and strong, while ensuring your liver Qi is continuously flowing unobstructedly!

Six Amazing Health Benefits of Red Reishi

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For centuries, medical practitioners in East Asia have used reishi mushroom because of this its long list of therapeutic pluses. But only recently has awareness about this highly revered superfood reached the shores of the western world. So, why is red reishi gaining so much popularity around the globe? Today, we want to dive a little deeper into the amazing health benefits of this miraculous medicinal mushroom.

Increase calm and reduce anxiety

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), reishi is known as ling zhi, or the “herb of spiritual potency.” When a person feels anxious, depressed, manic, or agitated, or suffers from a mental illness, TCM practitioners may describe this as the spirit or “Shen” being out of balance.

Reishi is categorized in its materia medica of herbal medicines as an herb that helps “calm the Shen.” As such, it can help calm the nervous system during times of stress, without causing sleepiness. So, you can still go ahead with operating large machinery (e.g. driving) when you take reishi, unlike some sedative herbs. In fact, reishi mushrooms are also considered “Qi tonics,” loosely meaning they can improve energy.

Stress comes in a number of forms. It includes physical stressors like extremes in temperature, lack of nutrients, insufficient restorative sleep, infection, or disease. Stressors can also be mental and emotional ones like loss of a loved one, loneliness, fear, worry, anger, frustration, being overwhelmed, depression, and more. It is no wonder why this medical mushroom is the go-to tonic in TCM.

Boost the immune system

No matter the time of year, colds and flus are always a concern. One of the most beneficial effects of consuming reishi mushroom is its ability to support the immune system. The beta glucans, compounds found in this holistic herb, have been shown to promote a healthy immune response to fend off diseases and infections.

Fight off cancer

While so much surrounding the cause of cancer remains a mystery, fortunately, great strides have been made in treatment options, including reishi mushrooms. Studies have shown that including reishi mushroom supplementation renders conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments more effective at killing cancer cells. 3 Furthermore, the study groups who received reishi reported that their quality of life after these powerful conventional cancer treatments was higher than the control group who did not receive reishi during their treatments.

Further studies have shown promise with inhibiting the growth of cancer cell lines, potentially preventing cancer from developing. 2,6 Thus, reishi mushroom may be helpful as both a supportive therapy and also a preventative one for cancer.

Promote liver health

The liver plays a crucial role in eliminating toxins. So, if you want to ensure your liver is working in peak performance, consider giving reishi a try. Studies have demonstrated that triterpenes found in reishi has been shown to prevent free radical damage and support healthy liver function. 6

Keep allergies at bay

If you are looking for a more natural way to manage allergies, take reishi. Studies have revealed that the compounds found in Japanese red reishi are an effective treatment for allergies 5 and other respiratory ailments. Researchers also detected that the ganoderic acids found in this herb act as a natural antihistamine.

Reduce cardiovascular risks

Did you know that reishi mushrooms can help lower blood pressure? The ganoderic acid in reishi is responsible for a variety of heart health benefits, from decreasing high blood pressure 4 and reducing excessive cholesterol levels to lowering the risk of dangerous blood clotting. There is also evidence to suggest that this mushroom can improve blood flow and reduce plaque build-up on artery walls. 1

Choosing Reishi Supplements

When it comes to reishi mushrooms, the advantages of using this natural medicinal wonder are far too many to ignore. But it’s equally important to make sure you are getting a quality product with the medicinal compounds that your body can use.

  1. Firstly, if you are only getting the mycelium (root-like structure) found in some reishi supplements, you are missing out on the ganoderic acids and other useful compounds found in the fruiting body (cap and stem).
  2. Second, if you are getting a supplement that has only ground up the mushroom and is not an extraction, then you are unlikely to be able to absorb many of the important compounds, and those compounds are also not going to be in sufficient quantities to have true medicinal value.
  3. Third, a quality reishi mushroom is one that is grown cleanly in a high-nutrition foundation and allowed to sufficiently mature.

How to Quiet the Mind and Boost Cognitive Clarity

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Goals are what move us forward in life. They provide the spark to our dreams and the direction for the first steps to every journey. Goal setting is one of the tools to achieving success, happiness, and yes, wellbeing. But for many people, there is one thing that can constantly get in the way—a distracted mind.

When your brain is restless and stressed out, your thinking becomes muddled and you find it harder to concentrate, remember, and come up with the correct…ummmmm…words. In this state of mind, you can easily lose focus and direction, and that can ultimately move you away from your destination.

But you can fix that.

There are a host of effective relaxation techniques and tips you can use to quiet the mind and boost cognitive clarity.

​Breathe

When your mind starts racing, a great way to reel in your thoughts and stay in the present moment is to breathe. To do this, slowly inhale through your nose for 4 or 5 seconds, then exhale for the same amount of time. Continue to take deep breaths, concentrating on only moving your stomach. You could also try a 4-7-8 count breath practice, breathing in for a count of 4, holding your breath for a count of 7, and breathing out for a count of 8. There are many other mind-calming breath practices you could learn and try out if you want more.

​Meditate

Meditation can offer up a variety of healthy benefits for the mind and body. Taking the time to meditate can help you clear away the distractions that are clouding the real inner you. Meditation can be done almost anywhere, though a quieter place is probably easier, and even as little as 10 minutes daily can provide benefits.

​Journal

Keeping a journal can help you zero in on your goals and stay focused. You will have a record of achievements and roadblocks, making it easier to plan for the days ahead. Writing down the next steps of your goal-setting plan in your journal is an effective and fun way to tell your scattered mind, “Hey, I’m working on this.”

​Reach out to a friend

Having a supportive circle of friends (or one dependable friend) can really come in handy with goal setting. Sharing or “downloading” with that trusted someone can go a long way to helping you process what you are experiencing and feeling. Friends can offer you an influx of new and helpful ideas, help you handle stress, relax your mind, and motivate you to stay focused.

​Take reishi mushrooms

If you want to improve cognitive clarity, Japanese reishi mushrooms can help. The Chinese herbal materia medica (collected knowledge on the therapeutic properties of substances) places reishi mushrooms—called ling zhi—in the “Calm Spirit” category. These soothing mushrooms are Mother Nature’s answer to relaxing the mind and improving concentration. Health practitioners use them for a wide range of calming reasons, including lowering anxiety and managing stress.

Though reishi can also be included in formulas to address insomnia, don’t worry, they aren’t going to knock you out or make you sleepy. In fact, a more tranquil mind can feel clearer and more alert. After all, chasing thoughts around your head is tiring, is it not?

Not only that, but having a frantic, anxious, or overactive mind can put stress on your body, weakening your immune system, impairing your digestion, and lending you less able to repair damaged tissues.

Having a more peaceful mind helps you gain traction on your health goals.

If you are feeling foggy-headed, forgetful, and unmotivated, a Japanese red reishi mushroom supplement (one a day is easy to remember to take!) can help you get back on track, ready to take on your day and your goals.