by Dr. Elizabeth LangerAs a culture addicted to constant stimulation, any type of action feels good. Even if the result is unfavorable, taking action seems better than waiting. Because when you are waiting, you are trapped in a sort of limbo with no guarantee that you will receive your desired outcome.
This hatred of waiting can manifest in many ways. Take traffic, for example. When you are stuck in traffic, this can create a lot of stress, because you are anxious to get to your destination. You can't control the traffic... unless you are the yutz who is causing the jam! But if you've read this far, I don't think you are a yutz, so let's focus on what you can control... your attitude. You can either get upset because you are stuck or you can use that time productively. Meditate, talk to your kids, or listen to your music.
Your patience is also tested when you are waiting on money. Entrepreneurs go through periods where they have to wait for clients to either sign up or to pay. Employees sometimes have to wait from paycheck to paycheck. Trust me, I understand that when money is tight, it can send everything else in your life into a tailspin. So what can you control? If you don't have kids - or are fortunate to have family who will babysit - this is the time to take action! Get a second job! It doesn't have to be grueling labor, in fact it could in fact be fun! Another way you could make the waiting period better is to look into some means of passive income. If you have kids (or no free sitter), you really need to work on your inner calm and patience because the stress of being in limbo can turn you into psycho-mom (or dad). It's not easy, especially when you have no food and no money.
Let's shift your focus to your health. Are you sick and waiting for the doctor to call? For your test results? All that anxiety isn't going to push the results in your favor. It's only going to make you upset. Or are you wanting to lose weight, but are in too much pain to exercise? Are you are waiting for the pain to subside so you can start burning some calories? Can you try to love yourself and bless the fact that you have an abundance of food? And can you start to reduce certain things in your diet (i.e. processed foods) that could contribute to your inflammation? Maybe you know of a good acupuncturist who could help?
Or maybe you are trying to conceive? Whether you are waiting for the test results or are waiting to see if you got your period, how do you stay in faith while you are waiting for your miracle? When everything seems beyond your control, finding patience and peace can seem impossible.
No matter what the circumstance, patience isn't something that comes easily. Not only is it a skill, but it is also a fruit of the Spirit. So attaining patience doesn't mean working harder. It means letting go. As you exhale the tension and frustration, patience will naturally come in when you rebound and inhale. You just have to ask for it.
As an acupuncturist and chiropractor, I prefer simple and natural solutions to solve most health problems. Infertility is no exception. A strong understanding of the allopathic world is essential, because information is power, and there are few things more disempowering than not being able to conceive. While there are many different causes of infertility, let's learn about the top five that plague so many women.
1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women. According to Dr. Louise Chang, PCOS affects over 7 million women. The multiple ovarian cysts that occur with PCOS create a hormonal imbalance, causing your body to produce androgens (male sex hormones). Androgens hinder your ability to ovulate and become pregnant. While it is not impossible to get pregnant with PCOS, your ability to release eggs is impaired. Symptoms of PCOS include insulin resistance, obesity, abnormal hair growth on the face or body, irregular or missed periods, acne, skin tags, male-pattern baldness, anxiety, and depression.
If you think you may have PCOS, it is important to get treated because you may be at a greater risk for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, endometrial cancer, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. There is no conventional cure; however, there are methods to help you manage your symptoms and prevent co-morbid illnesses.
2. Endometriosis Endometriosis is a painful condition that occurs when your uterine lining, or endometrium, develops outside of your uterus. Your endometrium can grow on your fallopian tubes or ovaries, creating cysts. Symptoms include pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, painful periods, and pain with intercourse, urination, and bowel movements. You may also experience nausea, fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Allopathic treatment for endometriosis involves medications and surgery. Medications include NSAIDs, naproxen, contraceptives, and drugs that decrease estrogen and increase progesterone. While surgery removes misplaced endometrial tissue, it can scar your reproductive organs and block the passage of sperm.
3. Pituitary Problems The pituitary gland is known as the "master gland" because it controls the entire endocrine system. Dysfunction with your pituitary gland negatively impacts your thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, and ovaries. Many times, pituitary dysfunction requires medication and a good endocrinologist.
Your pituitary gland produces two major hormones that stimulate ovulation: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The most common signs of imbalances of FSH and LH are irregular or absent periods. Other signs include hyperprolactinemia, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and Cushing's disease.
Hyperprolactinemia occurs when the anterior portion of your pituitary gland produces too much prolactin. Too much prolactin decreases your body's estrogen production, making conception difficult. Hyperprolactinemia may resolve on its own, but is often managed with medication.
Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid does not produce enough thyroxine (T4). Your chances of conception are affected because low levels of T4 interferes with ovulation. Fortunately, this is an easy fix! There are a variety of thyroid medications on the market and most are relatively safe to take during pregnancy. Integrative approaches such as supplements, diet, and certain Yoga poses may also be beneficial
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when your adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol and ATCH. Even though cortisol has a bad reputation, this stress hormone is necessary for immune function, stress response, and homeostasis. If you have adrenal insufficiency, you have to take steroids to make sure you stay alive. Hydrocortisone is the closest to the natural cortisol produced by your body.
Cushing's disease occurs when a tumor on your pituitary gland wreaks havoc on your body. Common symptoms of Cushing’s disease include truncal obesity, excessive hair growth on your face and body, rounding of the face (“moon face”), spinal distortions ("Buffalo hump"), weakening of your muscles and bones, fragile and thin skin, fatigue, acne, and of course... elevated cortisol. Some doctors may advise you to "watch and wait," which is fine if your symptoms are mild. But it is ultimately better to get the surgery before the tumor grows too large. When the tumor is small, surgeons can remove it by going up your nose or through your eye. Even though this sounds scary, it is a relatively low-risk procedure. It is better to have the tumor removed when it is small, so the surgeons do not have to open your skull.
4. Premature Ovarian Failure Premature ovarian failure occurs when your ovaries no longer produce eggs. The decrease in estrogen that occurs produces the following symptoms: irregular or missed periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability, and of course, infertility. Premature ovarian failure may also be caused by chemotherapy, and you will want to inform your oncologist if this happens to you.
However, you can be misdiagnosed and labeled as "menopausal" or "perimenopausal." This is why blood work is so important, because it provides tangible evidence that cannot be dismissed. Blood work should test the levels of your estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin.
Another option would be genetic testing. Genetic testing may include a "karyotype" that would examine your chromosomes for any problems and an FMR1 test to make sure that both of your X chromosomes are intact. In addition to infertility and discomfort, prematurely low estrogen can lead to osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia.
5. Unknown Sometimes there is no known cause for not being able to have a baby. When there is no “traditional” medical answer, there is no way to label your infertility. Even though you and your partner may both be very healthy, it still hurts. Since there is no "reason" you are left feeling even more helpless. When there is no apparent reason for your infertility, focusing on alternative methods such as acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition, can be extremely beneficial. These approaches will support and nourish your body and help you to be better able to support a baby.
Whatever the reason for your struggle with fertility, know that you are not alone. I encourage you to reach out for support to friends, family, coaches, and counselors.
If you would like to learn more and be part of a group of kind and caring individuals, please feel free to join our Facebook group, Hope & Healing Fertility.
If you have been struggling to get pregnant, it's no secret that diet plays an important role in your journey to fertility. Women are often placed on super-strict diets that require the complete elimination of their favorite foods. While a nutritious diet is important, drastic changes can be stressful and overwhelming.
And if the doctor doesn't bother to take your constitution into account, the results can be disastrous.
Since I am all about making things easy, I want to share the simplest way to get pregnant...
Can you guess?
Eat one egg every day.
That's it. Fertility diets can really be that simple.
In my practice, I come across a lot of women who mention that they want to have a baby. So without me giving them a complete fertility treatment, I share that the easiest way to increase their fertility is to add an egg to their diet.
And 80% of the time, it works!
Now if you are among the other 20%, please don't stress! There is nothing wrong with you, but you just may need some extra help.
To find out a little more about easy tips for fertility, please feel free to join our Hope & Healing Fertility Facebook group! If you'd like some more personal attention about your fertility struggles, I would encourage you to shoot me an email!
You are probably aware that you need to be healthy physically in order to conceive a healthy baby. Mothers-to-be are often placed on strict diets with intent to nourish their babies and also their bodies.
But did you know that there is an energetic principle to fertility?
No... Not just in having energy to do the "baby dance," or in a New Age "woo woo" way.
Good energy/Qi/Prana is important for very practical reasons. Your chakras are directly related to your endocrine system, which produces and regulates hormones. If you've been struggling with infertility, you know the importance of balanced hormones.
Your chakras, they act as energy vortexes that help to facilitate the circulation of Qi, or vital energy, throughout your body. You have seven major chakras, and they are each associated with their own function, element, endocrine gland, and color.
Fun, huh?'
So let's start at the "Root..."
Root Chakra
With your Root Chakra, Muladara! This grounding energy center is associated with the Earth element and the color red. It is located at the base of the spine, in the perineum - the thin membrane that separates your vagina from your anus. You can become aware of your perineum when you perform"Kegal" exercises.
Your Root Chakra is associated with safety, security, and having a strong sense of belonging. It is linked to your adrenal glands and results in fear, neediness, and self-destructive behaviors (i.e. addictions) when out of balance. I don't think I need to say how problematic addictions can be for a developing baby... But I will say that it is important that your foundation is strong, so your baby can be supported.
Sacral Chakra
The Sacral Chakra, Svadhisthana, is associated with the water element and the color orange. It is located near your uterus, right below the navel. In TCM, this area is known as the "Dan Tien, a major focus point for Qi Gong and Tai Chi practice. This is is the place where your baby will grow!
Svadhisthana is responsible for your reproductive organs: your uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes. Your Sacral Chakra is associated with sensuality and sexuality, creativity, and manifestation. Any imbalances will appear as guilt, poor self-esteem, insecurity, and lack of emotion.
Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus Chakra, Manipura, is associated with fire, is the color yellow, and is located in the area from your solar plexus to naval. It is the center of your personal power, will, confidence, judgments, and discipline. Manipura is the seat of your ego, and how you perceive yourself in the world.
At this point, I would like to ask you a personal question... Why do you want a baby?
Some women may find that they experience problems because they have placed so much of their identity in having children. Let go of your personal image and you may find it easier to conceive. By releasing your ego, you also release your anxiety and can begin to enjoy your journey to creating a happy, healthy baby.
Your Solar Plexus Chakra is connected your digestive and metabolic systems, specifically, the pancreas. Your pancreas controls your blood sugar, playing an important role in managing conditions such as PCOS, and preventing gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.
Heart Chakra
The Heart Chakra, Anahata, is extremely important on your journey to a family. This chakra holds your peace, love, and joy, not just for yourself, but for your partner and your baby! Anahata is usually green in color, although may be pink in some cases. It is located in the center of your chest, and is charge of your thymus gland, which is important in the regulation of your immune system. Anahata also controls your heart, lungs, and your upper burner in TCM.
This chakra serves as a connection between your upper and lower chakras. Anahata provides a transition of Qi between your Earthly body and you aspirations, spirituality, or Higher Self. When there is an imbalance in your Heart Chakra, you may experience defensiveness, jealousy, and unforgiveness. Or you may be a desperate people-pleaser and focus all of your energy on getting people to accept you. When Anahata in harmony, your baby will grow and develop with all of the love, peace, and joy you could imagine.
Throat Chakra
Your Throat Chakra, Vishuddha, allows for the purification and passage of energy between your head and your body. This chakra is associated with the thyroid gland. An underactive or overactive thyroid can cause problems with conception. The main function of this sky-blue chakra is authentic expression and communication. Speaking your truth and setting boundaries are essential for a strong Vishuddha.
Consider this...
On your fertility journey, there is a chance that you may encounter naysayers and people who "mean well," but are overly critical and stick their noses where they don't belong. If you decide to get acupuncture for fertility, they will tell you to get IVF. If you choose IVF, they will tell you to get acupuncture. And that is only before you are pregnant!
If you are not able to set boundaries and enforce them, then you will allow these people and circumstances to get in the way of the happiness of your family. You matter. You deserve to be heard. You don't need to be mean, but tell them to buzz off... Nicely.
Third-Eye Chakra
The Third-Eye Chakra, Ajna, is located between your eyebrows. Though its color is usually indigo, it can sometimes appear as purple. Ajna is responsible for imagination, visualization, intuition, and critical thinking. It is associated with the pituitary gland, the "master gland" that controls your entire endocrine system.
Imbalances may manifest as living in a fantasy land and overindulging in psychic delusions. Conversely, a lack of clarity and complete rejection anything spiritual may result when Ajna is out of sync.
This chakra will be important on your fertility journey because it allows you to visualize your goals and connect to your own wisdom and trust yourself.
Crown Chakra
Your Crown Chakra, Sahasrara, is located at the top of your head. Its color is purple, although in cases of extreme spirituality, may manifest as white or even gold. Your Crown Chakra provides you with a higher state of consciousness and connects you to God, the Divine, your Creator. You don't have to be religious to experience this connection... All you have to do is ask for it.
Sahasrara controls your pineal gland. This tiny gland produces melatonin and seratonin, both hormones that are responsible for your body's inner rhythm. Unfortunately, the pineal gland has a tendency to calcify as we age. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that good melatonin can be pricey?
Imbalances in your Crown Chakra may manifest as close-mindedness, cynicism and derision to spirituality; or conversely, extreme disconnection with your body and obsession with spirituality.
So why is Sahasrara so important on your journey to fertility? This journey will be filled with challenges and trials. And even after you have your baby, parenting can be intense. Having a connection with something greater than yourself will give you the strength to carry on when times get tough. And this connection will help you to see the "bigger picture" of your journey.
If you would like to learn a little more about fertility, or how a balanced chakra/endocrine system can help you on your journey, please feel free to shoot me an email or join our Facebook group, Hope & Healing Fertility!
How Diet Impacts Fibromyalgia Syndrome
If you suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome, you most likely experience extreme fatigue and digestive problems in addition to pain. While it is important to have a diet that fights inflammation, it is also important to eat foods that will not exacerbate your digestion and make you feel worse. If your digestion is problematic, it is more difficult for you to adequately absorb nutrients from food.
An optimal diet plan for someone with fibromyalgia syndrome is based on whole foods and is high in the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Though you don’t have to be a vegetarian, it is beneficial to include a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your diet.
But that’s not saying anything new.
When it comes to an anti-inflammatory diet, there are many different opinions. Many individuals thrive on a raw vegan diet and others feel that they need to consume meat in order to be healthy. Depending on you and your personal beliefs, a sensible middle ground can almost always be reached.
However, there are certain foods that specifically fight pain.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3’s are important for a healthy circulation, nerve conduction, and are beneficial to the integrity of cell membranes. Not only do omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation, but they also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Omega-3's are polyunsaturated fatty acids and must be consumed in foods because they are not made by our bodies. They are found in foods such as fish, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and dark green, leafy vegetables.
Proteins
Proteins are essential for the building and repair of tissues in the body and are easy to obtain in the diet. Proteins are found in meats, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes, whole grains, and vegetables. Make sure your fish is wild-caught and your beef and bison are grass-fed, free-range, and organic. Consume in moderation and see how you feel.
Can you get enough protein from vegetables? Yep! Don’t go by me… Go by the American Dietetic Association (1) and the American Heart Association (2). And for those with sensitivities to soy, protein can be found in other plant-based sources. Lentils, peas, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans all contain high amounts of protein. Adzuki beans are particularly beneficial for inflammation. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and Brazil nuts, contain a high amount of protein as well as other nutrients that fight inflammation (i.e. vitamin E, selenium).
Whole Grains
Though certain grains may cause problems in people with sensitivities, consuming whole grains provides many important B vitamins and beneficial nutrients. Oats, brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, and barley provide energy and can help to reduce inflammation.
Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables contain the necessary vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to survive. Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K also help to fight pain and inflammation. Vitamins B and C both work to stimulate neurotransmitters, which help regulate the body, making it stronger and more resilient. Minerals that can relieve inflammation include zinc, magnesium, and potassium.
Beneficial vegetables for those with fibromyalgia include kale, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, Swiss chard, spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels’s sprouts, and cabbage contain nutrients that can keep our bodies healthy.
Certain fruits are powerful for pain relief. As an aside, dried fruits can increase inflammation, but this may have more to do with them containing sugars or other preservatives. Fresh fruit is best, but frozen can work just as well. Juices are okay… But they are often highly processed and lack fiber. Check to see that they are from 100% juice. Fruits that reduce pain include papayas, pineapples, cherries, apples, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, lemons and limes, and avocados.
Nightshades and Pain
Though vegetables in the nightshade category contain many nutrients that relieve pain and inflammation, some may find that these foods may exacerbate certain symptoms. If you find yourself experiencing pain and discomfort when eating foods such as tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, and white potatoes, you may be sensitive to nightshades. Nightshade sensitivities are due to a chemical they contain, called alkaloids. Alkaloids cause inflammation in joints and interfere with nerve function and digestion for people who are sensitive.
To help manage your symptoms, it may be beneficial to either reduce nightshades or eliminate them completely. If these foods don’t bother you, by all means, eat up!
Foods for Good Digestion
Healthy digestion is critical in managing fibromyalgia syndrome. Heartburn and acid reflux not only cause pain and discomfort, but they can also erode the esophagus and digestive tract. Irritable bowel syndrome, often experienced by people with fibromyalgia, wreaks havoc on the body with its alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Constipation prevents proper elimination and causes a buildup of waste, feelings of sluggishness, and fluid retention. Diarrhea dehydrates the body, adversely affecting the balance of electrolytes.
It can be challenging to find foods that react well with your constitution because each person is unique. Some of the foods listed above, while wonderful for fighting inflammation, can seriously aggravate digestion. Fruits and vegetables are great. However, some cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli can create gas and bloating.
A great way to enjoy vegetables and reap the maximum benefits and reduce digestive discomfort is to steam them slightly. It breaks them down so your body can better absorb the nutrients.
There are certain foods that are a little "safer" for most people, such as oatmeal - not the pre-packaged instant type. Healthy oatmeal may require a little more time and effort to prepare, but the health benefits are worth it. Oats have a lower glycemic index and nourish the body. Water with lemon is usually pretty mild, though drinking water at room temperature is better if you have a delicate digestive system.
Consume with Caution
There are certain foods in every diet that should be reduced or eliminated. With fibromyalgia syndrome, the negative effects of these foods are experienced with greater intensity. Alcohol, caffeine, red meats, dairy, and pre-packaged foods are inflammatory. White flour and white sugar create excess inflammation. Sugar-substitutes, such as aspartame and saccharin are more harmful to our bodies than regular sugar.
Fried and greasy foods are known to make you sick, but even the over-use of "healthy" oils can also contribute to pain and inflammation. Extra virgin olive oil and flaxseed oil are usually beneficial but should be consumed in moderation and not be exposed to high temperatures.
So what works for you?
It can be “trial and error” when finding a diet that works for you. If you find a health care provider who can work with you, please take advantage. There is no "one-size fits all" approach, so watch out for practitioners who are striving to make a profit or are pushing extreme diet plans. Meal plans should be sensible, well-rounded, and flexible. Also, be careful of practitioners who will not work with your dietary beliefs. For example, if you are a vegetarian, your healthcare provider should respect that and not bully you into going against your beliefs.
Understanding how foods affect our bodies is important for everyone. By paying attention to how our bodies react to different foods, we are empowered in taking control of our health and wellness.
If you found this information helpful, please share! If you would like to learn more about how I could help you, please shoot me a message or call at 412-860-0246!
References
"Vegetarian Diets." American Heart Association., 28 11 2011. 16 Mar 2012.http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Vegetarian-Diets_UCM_306032_Article.jsp.
"Vegetarian diets." Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 109. (2009): 1266-1282.
by Dr. Elizabeth Langer
Sometimes you are just feeling "blah." You feel completely off and can't seem to get your energy up. You are so overwhelmed with exhaustion that you feel it in your bones. Your digestion is sluggish and you may be experiencing constipation, diarrhea, or symptoms of IBS. Worse yest, you are always getting sick!
What's going on?
Most likely you are experiencing a common condition in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) referred to as Qi deficiency. The good news is that there are many ways to boost your Qi naturally so you can feel like you again!
But what is Qi and how does it keeping you healthy?
Qi, more commonly known as Chi, is the fundamental energy that sustains life and makes things work. According to TCM principals, Qi is the substance responsible for keeping us alive and making our bodies work. It powers respiration, digestion, circulation, and elimination.
When Qi is imbalanced or depleted in our bodies, we get sick. If we are injured, Qi (and Blood) stagnates or "gets stuck." If the injury is sustained for too long, then the Qi (and Blood) becomes deficient.
Qi circulates throughout our bodies in channels known as Meridians. We cannot see this system, but research is being done and it's visibility is being shown in Quantum Physics. Some scientists have identified it as the Primavascular System.
So now that you have an understanding of what Qi is and what does in your body, let's talk about five ways you can boost your Qi so you can live a healthy life!
1. Eat a Healthy Diet This doesn't mean to go on a diet, rather commit to eating sensible and well-balanced meals that give your body energy. And a healthy diet for one person may not be the same for another. However, there are a few basic rules to eating well. First, stop eating crap! All the cookies, crackers, and chips contain chemicals that clog your arteries, make you gain weight, and suck your energy because your body has to work extra hard to process them. This doesn't mean that you can't treat yourself, but when these "treats" happen once a week or even once a day, this can be a problem.
Another basic tenet is to eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. Two of the healthiest diets, Paleo and Raw Vegan, have one thing in common, they are both high in fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables will give you most of the vitamins and minerals your body needs, plus a good dose of fiber to keep you regular!
Chew your food! There is a saying that the "stomach has no teeth." In our society, it is considered "hip" to be "on-the-go" or "too busy" for meals. That attitude comes with consequences. If you don't take time to chew and savor your food, you don't digest as well. This means that in addition to not absorbing your nutrients, you will also be more likely to experience gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
2. Move! I know that this may seem counter-intuitive, but if you don't take time to exercise, your energy will continue to decline in a rapid spiral. And this doesn't mean that you have to go all out at the gym. Try walking 30 minutes after meals. Maybe something gentle such as Yoga or Tai Chi? If all you can do is some light stretching, please do it. You won't get better if your body continues to stagnate. If you have a pre-existing condition, by all means, consult a trusted health care provider.
3. Practice Qigong/Tai Chi Qigong and Tai Chi are internal martial arts that cultivate Qi, and develop strength and stamina. So if you were a sickly kid or have lived a life that was hard on your body and spirit, practicing Tai Chi and Qigong are absolute necessities. Qigong and Tai Chi focus on breath and use gentle movements to help you to restore balance and bring your body back to a natural state.
4. Acupuncture And I'm not just saying this because I'm an acupuncturist. Acupuncture stimulates points on your body that increase your energy and get you out of pain.
Acupuncturists usually offer adjunctive therapies such as moxibusion, cupping, therapeutic massage/Tui Na, or dietary counseling. Many prescribe herbs. If you are afraid of needles, acupressure can be almost as useful. Many massage therapists and chiropractors will often integrate acupressure into their treatments for better results.
5. Turn Off and Tune In By this point, you have most likely heard about how cell phones give you cancer, how microwaves poison your food, and you will need glasses if you sit too close to the television. So I'm not going to lecture about that. But the constant stimulation of our cell phones, iPADS, computers, and televisions can make it very difficult to relax. And because it's hip to be "on-the-go," the pressure to conform can be overwhelming. Seriously, how many of your Facebook "friends" are really going to grab a coffee with you? Granted, some may live across the globe, but for the most part, no. The constant bombardment of the simulated reality of your "friends" and "followers" can leave you feeling disconnected and ungrounded. And when that happens, your energy can easily become drained.
These are just a few of the ways you can boost your Qi. If you would like to learn a little more, send me a message and we'll talk!
If you feel this was helpful, please share or send me a message!
by Dr. Elizabeth Langer
I get it. When you have the flu, you don’t feel like getting out of bed, let alone coming into the office. You feel crappy and want to rest. But other than acetaminophen or ibuprofen, there really aren’t any over-the-counter medications that can relieve your symptoms. And because the flu is a virus, you shouldn't be taking antibiotics. Fortunately, there are supplements available that boost your immune system and get you back on your feet.
1. Mushrooms As a food, mushrooms are a wonderful source of B vitamins, trace minerals, protein, and fiber. They contain beta-glucans, which are miraculous polysaccharides that keep your immune system strong. While they are a tasty addition to soups and stews, consuming a combination of mushrooms in a supplement is powerful when fighting the flu. Examples of mushrooms found in supplements include reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, maitake, oyster, cremini, and lion’s mane mushrooms.
Reishi mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory properties that help to not only fight the flu, but benefit people suffering from asthma, bronchitis, cancer, heart disease, cholesterol, hormone imbalances, adrenal fatigue, and mood disorders.
Shiitake mushrooms are antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. They protect your DNA from oxidative damage. Shiitake mushrooms provide energy and can help you to balance blood sugar. They contain all of the essential amino acids, linoleic acid, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese.
Cordyceps mushrooms increase stamina, endurance, and are used in anti-aging nutrition because they help the body produce ATP. ATP is essential for helping our mitochondria function at optimal levels.
Maitake mushrooms are not only key components in fighting the flu, but can also help to reduce the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
Oyster mushrooms reduce muscle aches and joint pain. They are a great source of iron and help to prevent anemia.
Cremini, or white button, mushrooms contain linolenic acid, and minerals such as copper, potassium, protein, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, niacin (vitamin B3), and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).
Lion’s Mane mushrooms stimulate the immune system, along with promoting the growth and function of nerve cells. This mushroom is also good for joint inflammation (arthritis), and gastrointestinal problems.
2. Vitamin C This one might be obvious, but it's a "tried and true" remedy and deserves to be one of the top five. The trick is in getting the right vitamin C. First, be careful with chewable tablets, because they often contain sweeteners such as sugar or worse (i.e. fructose, dextrose, sucralose, and other horrible concoctions). Secondly, the type of vitamin C that you take is important. Ascorbic acid is great and certainly cost-effective, but if you have problems with digestion you may want to consider liposomal vitamin C. Additionally, taking vitamin C in conjunction with bioflavonoids dramatically helps to increase absorption and bioavailability.
3. Oregano Oil The extract of the oregano herb is commonly used to treat all respiratory problems in addition to the flu, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, pneumonia, and bronchitis. The active oils in oregano, thymol, and carvacrol, have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano oil is also great for digestion, as it calms nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It stimulates sweating, a natural detox mechanism that can help to reduce fever.
4. Vitamin D3 Taking vitamin D3 is especially important in the winter or in climates with very little sun. Vitamin D3 is a steroid that naturally balances the hormones in your body while stimulating your immune system. Unless you are a strict vegetarian or vegan, take the D3 as opposed to D2. Your body will better absorb this natural form and you decrease your risk of toxicity. A safe dosage is 2000 IUs, but I take 5000 every day – some people take more. Vitamin D reduces your level of cytokine proteins that create inflammation, while increasing your level of antimicrobial proteins that destroy viruses. Taking vitamin D3 may help to prevent the flu from developing into full-blown pneumonia.
5. B Complex Taking a B complex every day not only helps fight the flu, but also increases energy, nerve conduction, and circulation. There are eight B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12), and I recommend that patients take them all together in a complex form, unless otherwise indicated by blood work. This prevents you from developing an imbalance in your system. Vitamin B5, especially helps to support the adrenal glands, thereby providing you with the ability to fight off infection. Also, it is a good idea to take methylated B vitamins, as they are better absorbed in the body.
These supplements are usually safe to take and in most circumstances, do not interfere with medication. However, if you are taking medications, it would be a good idea to talk with a trusted healthcare provider before adding any to your diet.
If you have any questions, please call or shoot me an email and I will be happy to talk with you!
