by dnshah | Oct 2, 2020 | Health and Wellness Tips
Post-Covid19 we’ve seen depression and anxiety on the rise in the US. Nearly 50% of Americans report that COVID19 is negatively impacting their health according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll. There was a 1000% increase in registrations for a federal emergency hotline, and 20,000 texts came in on that hotline in April, 2020. What do these stats mean? It means that Americans are afraid, and there is little being discussed in mainstream media about what to do to help. It almost feels like there isn’t a plan.
There were some NY health care workers without history of mental illness that died by suicide. They were frontline workers. The situation unfolding here in the US as well as in other countries is a challenge. For those that remain farther away from the scenes in hospitals, and for those that don’t know anyone dealing with the illness… it may be easier to say that COVID19 isn’t affecting their mental health. For the rest of us, it can create exhaustion, anxiety (overactive worry), fears, sadness, and depression. And so… we are in the midst of a mental health crisis.
When our nervous systems begins to exhibit signs of chronic stress, we have to cope by activating the part of our nervous systems that relaxes our body’s functions – “rest & digest” part of our nervous system called the parasympathetic nervous system. It’s important to take actions that allow your mind a break from the realities of the world. Whether it’s a 20-minute soak in a bubble bath, or a power nap mid-day, the body needs more breaks to tackle the day’s events, news, and latest worry.
Actions that are highly recommended include breathing exercises (Pranayama), meditation, massage therapy, bath soaks, aromatherapy. In all of these holistic therapies, you are tuning out the world and setting your focus internal to your body to regulate yourself on a slower mode. Actions that are not recommended include alcohol and substance use. Although it may seem calming at the end of the day to pour out the wine and drink it, I agree a little won’t hurt (1 glass for women, 2 glasses for men), but the temptation to consume more than that is pretty high. The fluctuations in your body’s processes for excess alcohol can increase your risks for adverse health outcomes when it becomes a regular thing. And it doesn’t change your point of focus. For you to focus on something different that your external world, you must guide that focus internal. No one else can drive your focus… not even the words on this screen. You decide and choose where to place your focus, your thoughts, your worry, and your fears. And that is the thing that you DO CONTROL.
Relaxing your overactive nervous system can help bring about a balance that restores your spirit… and your happiness. “It may sound weird or too easy to be true… how can a bubble bath help me during COVID19?” Give it a try.
Wishing you all health & safety. If you feel you need to reach out and talk with someone about your mental health, here are the crisis hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention 800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line 741741 (text HOME)
National Domestic Violence 800-799-7233
Social Services Helpline 211
Nami Helpline 800-950-NAMI
Substance Abuse & Mental Health 800-662-4357
by dnshah | Oct 2, 2020 | Age Defying, Diet and Weight Loss, Health and Wellness Tips, Stress Management, Virus
These days health professionals are exploring what supplements and foods can help specifically with COVID19 illness. While we all explore ways to get GBOMBS into our daily routine, what does one do if they feel especially concerned about lung function? The answer could lie in quercetin.
Quercetin is a natural pigment in many fruits, vegetables, and grains. (plant-based not animal). It’s an antioxidant which also boosts immunity, is anti-inflammatory, and reduces blood pressure and allergy symptoms.
Antioxidants are compounds that bind to free radicals. Looking back at chemistry, free radicals are end products of reactions where there are free floating electrons – remember them? I recall my Chemistry teacher telling me he thought that was a carcinogenic thing. Fast forward almost 40 years and now I can say, he was right. Free radicals are damaging to the body, and are linked to numerous chronic illnesses, including cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.
Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals by binding to them and this helps minimize the destruction that could occur. A recent study I looked at (May, 2020) shows that quercetin has benefits specifically with lung cancer cells. Some people take quercetin supplements, but I always prefer real God-made foods. Common quercetin food sources include:
by dnshah | Oct 2, 2020 | Dessert, Health and Wellness Tips, Recipes
Recipe by Rebecca Pytell
Yield: 15 pieces
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup Tahini
- ¼ cup pure Maple Syrup
METHOD
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a greased, microwave-safe bowl, at 30 second intervals.
- Once melted add in the tahini and maple syrup to the melted chocolate. Mix well to combine until thick.
- Press the thick mixture on a parchment-lined baking dish (4×8 pan).
- Place parchment paper over the top of the fudge and press down to smooth.
- Place the covered fudge in the freezer to harden (about 1 hour) before slicing.
- Store in the freezer. Take the fudge out about 4-5 minutes before eating.
by dnshah | Oct 2, 2020 | Diet and Weight Loss, Juices and Smoothies, Recipes
This month I want something orange and earthy to symbolize Fall and all things October-ish. But the challenge is to avoid refined sugary treats. So I’m compromising – not a true indulgent dessert, yet it is sweet satisfaction without all that sugar! Remember I broke up with sugar!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup strongly brewed chai tea cooled
- 1 serving protein powder (I use Naked Pea)
- 5-7 ice cubes
- ½ cup your choice of non-dairy milk
- ¼ cup pumpkin (canned, or cooked pieces)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
METHOD
- Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
by dnshah | Oct 2, 2020 | Health and Wellness Tips
I recall eating Indian gooseberries (amla) the summer I spent 2 months in Mumbai, India. I was in search of them after reading study after study of the benefits of this true super-fruit. My cousin-in-law, Tushar, brought some to me and (after thoroughly washing) I popped one little gem into my mouth – not knowing what to expect in terms of taste. It gushed slightly sour, mostly sweet, and very currant-like. They were tasty, and I would eat them solely for taste if I had access to the fruit; but Indian gooseberries are not easily found in the US in fresh fruit form. They are now sold as an extract, juice, dried, salted, pickled, sweetened jam (Chyavanprash), and frozen forms throughout the US – from Indian grocery stores. You can visit or order online. Indian gooseberries (amla) should not be confused with other gooseberries from other part of the world.
Many amla eaters are seeking out this fruit for the numerous benefits.
In terms of treating and preventing cancer, amla has been shown not only to kill cancer cells but leave normal cells alone. This was tested with 6 human cancer cell lines: lung, liver, cervical, breast, ovarian, and colon. Post-study It was suggested to research amla as a possible chemo-preventative agent.
In terms of blood-glucose management, just ½ teaspoon of dried amla was as effective as Rx medication.
Some people don’t like the taste of amla, but desire the health benefits – so they may use the dried powder version and cover up the taste with cacao (chocolate) or other fruits and create a superfood smoothie. Many Indian people use the Ayurvedic amla jam, called Chyavanprash. There are Ayurvedic detox products that include amla juice or amla extracts. So there are ample ideas of incorporating amla into your daily routine. Remember that before you change your diet to discuss the change and reasons for the change with your doctor, who would be more knowledgeable about your particular bio-individuality.
