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kramlabs · 5 years ago

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If you’re going to dance on someone’s constitutional rights you better have a good reason, you better have a really good reason, not just a theory,” he said. “The data is showing us it’s time to lift (the stay-at-home orders) so if we don’t lift, what is the reason?

Whisteblowing ER Docs Urge "Open Up Society Now" Because "Lockdowns Are Weakening Our Immune Systems"

“We’d like to look at how we’ve responded as a nation, and why you responded. Our first initial response two months ago was a little bit of fear: [the government] decided to shut down travel to and from China. These are good ideas when you don’t have any facts. [Governments] decided to keep people at home and isolate them. Typically you quarantine the sick. When someone has measles you quarantine them. We’ve never seen where we quarantine the healthy.

So that’s kind of how we started. We don’t know what’s going on, we see this new virus. How should we respond? So we did that initially, and over the last couple months we’ve gained a lot of data typically. We’re going to go over the numbers a little bit to kind of help you see how widespread COVID is, and see how we should be responding to it based on its prevalence throughout society—or the existence of the cases that we already know about….

So if you look at California—these numbers are from yesterday—we have 33,865 COVID cases, out of a total of 280,900 total tested. That’s 12% of Californians were positive for COVID. So we don’t, the initial—as you guys know, the initial models were woefully inaccurate. They predicted millions of cases of death - not of prevalence or incidence - but death.

That is not materializing. What is materializing is, in the state of California is 12% positives.

You have a 0.03% chance of dying from COVID in the state of California. Does that necessitate sheltering in place? Does that necessitate shutting down medical systems? Does that necessitate people being out of work?

96% of people in California who get COVID would recover, with almost no significant sequelae; or no significant continuing medical problems. Two months ago we didn’t know this. The more you test, the more positives you get. The prevalence number goes up, and the death rate stays the same. So [the death rate] gets smaller and smaller and smaller. And as we move through this data—what I want you to see is—millions of cases, small death. Millions of cases, small death.

We extrapolate data, we test people, and then we extrapolate for the entire community based on the numbers. The initial models were so inaccurate they’re not even correct. And some of them were based on social distancing and still predicted hundreds of thousands of deaths, which has been inaccurate. In New York the ones they tested they found 39% positive. So if they tested the whole state would we indeed have 7.5 million cases? We don’t know; we will never test the entire state. So we extrapolate out; we use the data we have because it’s the most we have versus a predictive model that has been nowhere in the ballpark of accurate. How many deaths do they have? 19,410 out of 19 million people, which is a 0.1% chance of dying from COVID in the state of New York. If you are indeed diagnosed with COVID-19, 92% of you will recover.

We’ve tested over 4 million… which gives us a 19.6% positive out of those who are tested for COVID-19. So if this is a typical extrapolation 328 million people times 19.6 is 64 million. That’s a significant amount of people with COVID; it’s similar to the flu. If you study the numbers in 2017 and 2018 we had 50 to 60 million with the flu. And we had a similar death rate in the deaths the United States were 43,545—similar to the flu of 2017-2018. We always have between 37,000 and 60,000 deaths in the United States, every single year. No pandemic talk. No shelter-in-place. No shutting down businesses…

We do thousands of flu tests every year. We don’t report every one, because the flu is ubiquitous and to that note we have a flu vaccine. How many people even get the flu vaccine? The flu is dangerous, it kills people. Just because you have a vaccine doesn’t mean it’s gonna be everywhere and it doesn’t mean everyone’s going to take it… I would say probably 50% of the public doesn’t even want it. Just because you have a vaccine—unless you forced it on the public—doesn’t mean they’re going to take it.

Norway has locked down; Sweden does not have lock down. What happened in those two countries? Are they vastly different? Did Sweden have a massive outbreak of cases? Did Norway have nothing? Let’s look at the numbers. Sweden has 15,322 cases of COVID—21% of all those tested came out positive for COVID. What’s the population of Sweden? About 10.4 million. So if we extrapolate out the data about 2 million cases of COVID in Sweden. They did a little bit of social distancing; they would wear masks and separate; they went to schools; stores were open. They were almost about their normal daily life with a little bit of social distancing. They had how many deaths? 1,765. California’s had 1,220 with isolation. No isolation: 1,765. We have more people. Norway: its next-door neighbor. These are two Scandinavian nations; we can compare them as they are similar. 4.9% of all COVID tests were positive in Norway. Population of Norway: 5.4 million. So if we extrapolate the data, as we’ve been doing, which is the best we can do at this point, they have about 1.3 million cases. Now their deaths as a total number, were 182. So you have a 0.003 chance of death as a citizen of Norway and a 97% recovery. Their numbers are a little bit better. Does it necessitate shutdown, loss of jobs, destruction of the oil company, furloughing doctors?

I wanted to talk about the effects of COVID-19, the secondary effects. COVID-19 is one aspect of our health sector. What has it caused to have us be involved in social isolation? What does it cause that we are seeing the community respond to? Child molestation is increasing at a severe rate. We could go over multiple cases of children who have been molested due to angry family members who are intoxicated, who are home, who have no paycheck. Spousal abuse: we are seeing people coming in here with black eyes and cuts on their face. It’s an obvious abuse of case. These are things that will affect them for a lifetime, not for a season. Alcoholism, anxiety, depression, suicide. Suicide is spiking; education is dropped off; economic collapse. Medical industry we’re all suffering because our staff isn’t here and we have no volume. We have clinics from Fresno to San Diego and these things are spiking in our community. These things will affect people for a lifetime, not for a season.

I’d like to go over some basic things about how the immune system functions so people have a good understanding. The immune system is built by exposure to antigens: viruses, bacteria. When you’re a little child crawling on the ground, putting stuff in your mouth, viruses and bacteria come in. You form an antigen antibody complex. You form IgG IgM. This is how your immune system is built. You don’t take a small child put them in bubble wrap in a room and say, “go have a healthy immune system.”

This is immunology, microbiology 101. This is the basis of what we’ve known for years. When you take human beings and you say, “go into your house, clean all your counters—Lysol them down you’re gonna kill 99% of viruses and bacteria; wear a mask; don’t go outside,” what does it do to our immune system? Our immune system is used to touching. We share bacteria. Staphylococcus, streptococcal, bacteria, viruses.

Sheltering in place decreases your immune system. And then as we all come out of shelter in place with a lower immune system and start trading viruses, bacteria—what do you think is going to happen? Disease is going to spike. And then you’ve got diseases spike—amongst a hospital system with furloughed doctors and nurses. This is not the combination we want to set up for a healthy society. It doesn’t make any sense.

…Did we respond appropriately? Initially the response, fine shut it down, but as the data comes across—and we say now, wait a second, we’ve never, ever responded like this in the history of the country why are we doing this now? Any time you have something new in the community medical community it sparks fear—and I would have done what Dr. Fauci did—so we both would have initially. Because the first thing you do is, you want to make sure you limit liability—and deaths—and I think what they did was brilliant, initially. But you know, looking at theories and models—which is what these folks use—is very different than the way the actual virus presents itself throughout communities….

Nobody talks about the fact that coronavirus lives on plastics for three days and we’re all sheltering in place. Where’d you get your water bottles from? Costco. Where did you get that plastic shovel from? Home Depot. If I swab things in your home I would likely find COVID-19. And so you think you’re protected. Do you see the lack of consistency here? Do you think you’re protected from COVID when you wear gloves that transfer disease everywhere? Those gloves have bacteria all over them. We wear masks in an acute setting to protect us. We’re not wearing masks. Why is that? Because we understand microbiology; we understand immunology; and we want strong immune systems. I don’t want to hide in my home, develop a weak immune system, and then come out and get disease.

When someone dies in this country right now they’re not talking about the high blood pressure, the diabetes, the stroke. They say they died from COVID. We’ve been to hundreds of autopsies. You don’t talk about one thing, you talk about comorbidities. COVID was part of it, it is not the reason they died folks. When I’m writing up my death report I’m being pressured to add COVID.

Why is that? Why are we being pressured to add COVID? To maybe increase the numbers, and make it look a little bit worse than it is. We’re being pressured in-house to add COVID to the diagnostic list when we think it has nothing to do with the actual cause of death. The actual cause of death was not COVID, but it’s being reported as one of the disease processes and being added to the death list. COVID didn’t kill them, 25 years of tobacco use killed.

There’s two ways to get rid of virus: either burns itself out or herd immunity. For hundreds of years we relied on herd immunity. Viruses kill people, end of story. The flu kills people. COVID kills people. But for the rest of us we develop herd immunity. We developed the ability to take this virus in and defeat it and for the vast majority 95% of those around the globe. Do you want your immune system built or do you want it not built? The building blocks of your immune system is a virus and bacteria. There’s normal bacteria in normal flora that we have to be exposed to bacteria and viruses that are not virulent are our friends. They protect us against bad bacteria and bad viruses.

Right now, if you look at Dr. Erikson’s skin or my skin we have strep, we have stuff—they protect us against opportunistic infections. That’s why for the first three to six months [babies are] extremely vulnerable to opportunistic infection. Which is why, when we see a little baby in the ER with fever who is one month old, you do a spinal tap, you do a chest x-ray, you do blood cultures, you do urine cultures. But if you had a fever I wouldn’t do that for you. Why? Because that baby does not have the normal bacteria and flora from the community, whereas you do. I guarantee when we reopen there’s going to be a huge, huge amount of illness that’s going to be rampant because our immune systems have weakened. That’s just basic immunology.

Do we need to still shelter in place? Our answer is emphatically no. Do we need businesses to be shut down? Emphatically no. Do we need to have it, do we need to test them, and get them back to work? Yes, we do. The the secondary effects that we went over—the child abuse, alcoholism, loss of revenue—all these are, in our opinion, a significantly more detrimental thing to society than a virus that has proven similar in nature to the seasonal flu we have every year.

We also need to put measures in place so economic shutdown like this does not happen again. We want to make sure we understand that quarantining the sick is what we do, not quarantine the healthy. We need to make sure if you’re gonna dance on someone’s constitutional rights you better have a good reason. You better have a really good scientific reason, and not just theory.

One of the most important things is we need our hospitals back up. We need our furloughed doctors back. We need our nurses back. Because when we lift this thing, we’re gonna need all hands on deck. I know the local hospitals have closed two floors. Folks, that’s not the situation you want. We’re essentially setting ourselves up to have minimal staff, and we’re going to have significant disease. That’s the wrong combination.

I’ve talked to our local head of the Health Department and he’s waiting… for the powers that be to lift. Because the data is showing it’s time to lift. I would start slowly [open up schools sporting events] I think we need to open up the schools start getting kids back to the immune system you know and the major events the sporting events these are non-essential let’s get back to those slowly let’s start with schools let’s start with cafe Rio and the pizza place here… Does that make sense to you guys and I think I can go into Costco and I can shop with people and there’s probably a couple hundred people but I can’t go in Cafe Rio so big businesses are open little businesses are not….

Eventually we treat this like we treat flu. Which is if you have the flu and you’re feeling fever and body aches you just stay home if you have coughing or shortness of breath—COVID is more of a respiratory thing—you stay home. You don’t get tested, even when people come with flu a lot of times we don’t test them. We go, “you have flu. Here’s a medication.” You have COVID, go home, let it resolve and come back negative.

If you have no symptoms you should be able to return to work. Are you an asymptomatic viral spreader? Maybe, but we can’t test all of humanity. Sure we’re gonna miss cases of coronavirus, just like we miss cases of the flu. It would be nice to capture every coronavirus patient, but is that realistic? Are we gonna keep the economy shut down for two years and vaccinate everybody? That’s an unrealistic expectation. You’re going to cause financial ruin, domestic violence, suicide, rape, violence and what are you going to get out of it? You’re still going to miss a lot of cases. So we need to treat this like the flu, which is familiar, and eventually this will mutate and become less and less virulent…

I don’t need a double-blind clinically controlled trial to tell me if sheltering in place is appropriate, that is a college-level understanding of microbiology. A lot of times in medicine you have to make you have to make educated decisions with the data that you have. I can sit up in the 47th-floor in the penthouse and say we should do this, this, and this, but I haven’t seen a patient for 20 years—that’s not realistic.

If you’re healthy and you don’t have significant comorbidities and you know you’re not immunodeficient and you’re not elderly you should be able to go out without any gloves and without a mask. If you are those things you should either shelter in place or wear a mask and gloves. I don’t think everybody needs to wear the masks and gloves because it reduces your bacterial flora… and your bacterial flora and your viruses your friends that protect you from other diseases [if they] end up going away and now you’re more likely to get opportunistic infections infections that are hoping you don’t have your good bugs fighting for you.”

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#coronavirus #coronabologna

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howellrichard · 6 years ago

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Spring Miso Ramen Bowl (Vegan & Gluten-Free!)

Hiya Gorgeous!

I’ve started to think of springtime almost like a second new year. As the world around us starts to thaw, the air is filled with possibility. Little buds peek out of the soil, birds start singing their sweet tunes, and the days get longer and warmer. And you know that feeling when you can finally emerge from hibernation without a giant winter coat? Is there anything better?!

The excitement of this season has me reflecting on how far I’ve already come this year. I just launched a longtime dream of mine—a weekly live video series called Wellness Wednesday. I’m SO excited about this and I really hope you’ll get in on the fun. Catch me on Facebook at 4:00 p.m. ET and Instagram at 4:30 p.m. ET every Wednesday to see what it’s all about.

What have you done so far this year that you’re proud of? Or what’s something that made you smile/laugh/feel gratitude? Doesn’t matter how big or small—I wanna hear about it in the comments below!

I’m also reflecting on how I can continue caring for my mind, my spirit and my health for the rest of the year. One way is to keep nourishing myself with simple, tasty, kind (to me, animals AND the planet!) food. Because guess what? That’s where soooo much of this feelin’ better stuff starts, sweetheart—and I want that for you, too.

In case you haven’t heard me say it before, here’s something really important I want you to know about health food:

Just because food is medicine doesn’t mean it has to taste medicinal.

It’s true—eating for vibrant health doesn’t have to mean sacrificing incredible taste. And boy oh boy does our brand new Test Kitchen Tuesday recipe prove it! This vegan ramen is fresh, light and full of flavor. And here’s the best part about it: It manages to be both springy and comforting all at the same time.

Trust me, I know that just because the calendar says it’s spring doesn’t mean Mother Nature has turned up the temperature yet (I’ve still got snow on the ground up here!). That’s why we paired the crisp, fresh veggies with comforting, warming broth and noodles to create a combo that’ll satisfy no matter what the weather brings!

Plus, this vegan ramen bowl isn’t just delicious—it also packs a serious nutritional punch. Here’s a little highlight reel of what some of the awesome ingredients have to offer:

Tofu is a fabulous source of plant-based protein (it’s got all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein)—just make sure to get the organic, non-GMO variety! No worries if you’re soy-free, you’ll find a protein alternative in the notes section of the recipe.

Mushrooms are rich in selenium, which is essential for a strong immune system. They also contain copper, which helps your body use antioxidants efficiently and supports healthy collagen production.

Miso is packed with iron, calcium, potassium and B vitamins. Also, because it’s fermented, it’s great for digestion and gut health. And of course I’ve included a soy-free alternative just in case!

Asparagus is a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A, C, E and K. It’s also rich in glutathione, which is a compound that helps break down carcinogens and other free radicals. If that’s not enough, this skinny green veggie contains folate, which partners up with B12 to boost brainpower.

Both Wakame and Nori (you get to choose which one to use!) are fantastic sources of iodine, which is important for thyroid health. Plus, they contain an all-star combo of iron and vitamin C—vitamin C works to increase your body’s absorption of the iron, making this a red blood cell dream team.

I also love how easy this vegan ramen is to make. It comes together in just 20 min and the prep is super simple. Just chop up some veggies and throw ‘em in a pot! Ok, maybe there are a couple of other steps, but I think you catch my drift—this is the perfect weeknight meal.

And if you make this for dinner, it’s easy to heat up leftovers for lunch the next day. Just make sure to check out the storage and reheating tips in the recipe notes.

Something tells me this vegan ramen is gonna be a new favorite in your mealtime rotation. Get the recipe below!

This Spring Miso Ramen Bowl is fresh, flavorful and oh-so-satisfying! You’re just 20 minutes away from your new favorite comfort food.

Spring Miso Ramen Bowl

Serves 2* | Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 20 min

Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups low sodium mushroom or vegetable stock 3 Tbsp white miso paste 1 Tbsp dried instant wakame flakes or shredded nori (optional) 3 oz (about 1 cup) snow peas or snap peas 5 oz (about 12 stalks) asparagus, cut into 2-in pieces 2 oz (about 2/3 cup) sliced cremini or button mushrooms 4 oz firm tofu, cut into 1/4-in cubes 1/2 cup frozen peas 6 oz gluten-free ramen noodles** 1 tsp toasted sesame oil*** 1/2 cup sprouts or baby greens 2 scallions, thinly sliced Salt, to taste

Instructions: 1. Place minced garlic and 1/4 cup of stock in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until aromatic; about 2 min.

2. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil for the ramen noodles.

3. Whisk the miso paste into the liquid, mixing until smooth, and add in the remaining stock. Cover and bring the liquid up to a boil.

4. Add the wakame flakes, snow peas or snap peas, asparagus, mushrooms, and tofu. Cook for 3–5 min, until the vegetables are all tender and bright green.

5. Add the frozen peas and cook just until thawed; a minute or less. Turn off the heat.

6. Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles in a separate saucepan according to the directions on the package. This will take approximately 3–5 min, boiled in plain water to cover, until al dente. Drain thoroughly and toss with toasted sesame oil.

7. Divide the soup, vegetables and noodles between two bowls, adding salt to taste. Top with equal amounts of sprouts and scallions before serving.

Notes: *Serving size is 2 1/2 cups vegetables + broth and 3/4 cup noodles per serving (may vary based on size of vegetables).

**If gluten-free ramen noodles are unavailable, substitute thin rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti instead.

***Toasted sesame oil is optional to help prevent noodles from sticking together.

Storage tip: Prepare the broth and vegetables but leave the noodles out. Cool and store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to eat. This will last for up to 5 days. To serve, boil the noodles and cook separately; drain and add to warmed soup and eat right away.

Simplify this recipe: Replace fresh vegetables with an assortment of frozen vegetables. Simply toss into the broth and cook until warmed through.

Reheating tip: Gently reheat soup base and vegetables over medium heat on the stove, or in a microwave-safe bowl for 2–3 min in the microwave.

Make it soy-free: Replace the white miso with chickpea miso paste and omit the tofu. Add 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas for protein instead.

But before you run off to make your scrumptious vegan ramen…

Don’t forget to join my Crazy Sexy Recipe Club! Recipe club members get access to exclusive free content like bonus recipes, extra love notes from me, a starter pack that includes 9 gorgeous recipe cards and other awesome goodies.

Being a member is the only way to get this stuff—I don’t share it with anyone else. This month, I launched the Recipe Club Hub, a dedicated, members-only page on my site where you can access all of those incredible free gifts I talked about above.

Don’t miss another month of Crazy Sexy Recipe Club exclusives! Join here:

Your turn: Share your vegan ramen bowl with me!

Whether you’re cookin’ up a storm or sitting down for a cozy meal with your crew, I wanna see! Snap a pic of your very own muffins and share it on Instagram or Facebook with #TestKitchenTuesday. Don’t forget to tag me at @crazysexykris—I’ll share my faves with our spectacular community!

And finally, a very special thanks to the incredible Hannah Kaminsky of Bittersweet Blog and the rest of the Test Kitchen Tuesday crew for helping to create this spectacular dish!

Peace and spring smiles,

The post Spring Miso Ramen Bowl (Vegan & Gluten-Free!) appeared first on KrisCarr.com.

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classydreamgardener · 7 years ago

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Reducing High Blood Pressure When Saddled With a Faulty Human Character

Toxicity and Obesity: There's A Link!

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High blood pressure level is a serious condition that really must be treated therefore. Some people have reached risk because of this disorder for their age, gender, or genealogy. Though these factors is not controlled, you can find causes that may be managed. Generally, balanced and healthy diet and regular exercise are steps to take to help keep blood pressure level in order. - What I inform you this is not ordinary advice - I am not gonna say exercise more (though it will dramatically improve blood pressure level) because you may have learned that - I am keen on the tiny little, but immediately actionable tweaks you possibly can make starting following you check this out article Are You Looking For Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure? - 5 Tips on Where to Start Searching Eat only chocolate brown, not milk or white chocolate. Consuming brands containing at the very least 60 % cacao (the beds base product that chocolate is manufactured), means you are giving the body the advantages of powerful heart-healthy antioxidants. Do you know white chocolate isn't even chocolate... it's fat.- The mineral content ensures an optimistic relation to blood pressure levels (both low and high) - Containing traces of iodine - required for thyroid hormone production as well as the output of each of the hormones of the body - Iodine contains antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, and anticancer properties, essential for proper defense mechanisms function when seen in adequate levels Fast Food French Fries (say that 4x fast!) Many junk food chains are choosing non trans fat oil now, however, you may still find several that haven't made the switch yet. Regardless of the sort of oil fries are cooked in, they supply a large dose of unhealthy fat and sodium (270 mg for a medium fry) and also have little to NO nutrients. Lowering Blood Pressure With Exercise Ringing Ears From Blood Pressure: What Exactly Is It? Hello, My name is Daniel, and I am a Qualified Health and Fitness professional. I love my job, If you can refer to it a job. I spend my paid working hours training and educating a huge selection of clients towards a healthier lifestyle through adequate exercise and nutrition. Now those two topics "Exercise" and "Nutrition" I have separated into smaller sections that you should understand and the majority in the specific information have been around in separate articles. It will become evident as I explain in basic terms the reason why and great things about each section. Starting with basic introductions to: - One of the fascinating aspects of drugs are what is known mind-body medicine - Over the last decade approximately more scientific studies are commencing this area - A number of new fields have opened up - Psyconeuroendocrinology blogs about the connections between our psyche, the nerves and our hormones - Pyschoneuroimmunology looks at the connections between your psyche the central nervous system and our immune system - For example it has for ages been observed that individuals are more likely to have a virus if we are stressed as well as in the longer term natural meats be able to explain just how this happens Vitamin D Helps Reduce High Blood Pressure The secret to improve BP control is in mixing natural treatments for high blood pressure with change in lifestyle and diet alterations. For those who follow some simple principles they're able to be prepared to feel great generally health terms - and they're going to also are a smaller amount just a few doctor issued drugs.- When choosing a BP monitor to acquire for home usage, you need to be careful to get an electronic device that is certainly simple to use, and is also accurate enough to offer good results - You should select a device that fits your arm well, and which you'll inflate around your arm on your own, and not having to ask anyone's assistance These tips are easier to shallow than the home remedy of a table spoon of Cayenne pepper in a very cup of hot water. So take your medication, adjust your daily diet, exercise and monitor yourself regularly. Even that free screening station with the local pharmacy is an excellent way to get an idea of where your blood pressure level are at. Source how to lower your blood pressure naturally how to reduce your blood pressure naturally

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ouraidengray4 · 7 years ago

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WTH Is Ashwagandha, and Why Have I Been Taking It for a Month?

The first time I heard about ashwagandha was when Gwyneth Paltrow’s daily smoothie broke the internet. Spending close to $200 on ingredients made me cringe, but the thought of getting Gwyneth’s glow piqued my interest, as did the notion that this magical smoothie could help me get her toned physique too. (It didn’t.)

I skimmed the list of ingredients and nearly went cross-eyed. Coconut oil and almond butter I knew, but the dusts and exotic tinctures I did not—and I wasn’t sure I wanted to. As someone who loves drinking the wellness Kool-Aid—golden milks, probiotic tonics, collagen boosters, butter coffees, you name it—I was surprised to find myself skeptical and unenthused. Perhaps it was the media backlash from the recipe release (haters gonna hate), or perhaps it was that I was sick of investing in cure-all ingredients that did seemingly nothing aside from eat my savings account and momentarily boost my sense of self-worth.

Within minutes, I’d given up on the Goop life and forgotten all about ashwagandha. But then it started haunting me.

First it came up at a dinner with health-minded friends, then at a yoga workshop, then in my Instagram feed, and then I got this text: “Do you like ashwagandha? It’s so disgusting, but I’m obsessed with it.” Upon reading it, my face wrinkled up in equal parts concern and alarm—and, to be honest, a bit of disgust too. What the heck was it about this ashwa-what?

WTH Is Ashwagandha?

Someone wise once said, “Don’t knock it till you try it.” So I decided to give ashwagandha a chance and do some digging (a.k.a. research). Here’s the need-to-know:

Ashwaghanda is an herb believed to offer rejuvenating properties that promote physical and emotional well-being and longevity (maybe why it’s commonly referred to as “Indian ginseng”).

It means "horse smell"—literally. It’s a combination of the Sanskrit words ashva (meaning "horse") and gandha (meaning "smell"). So yes, it’s named for its horse-like smell (yummy) but also for the strength of the herb, which is akin to a stallion.

Don’t worry: Despite the name, you don’t have to swallow horse-size pills. Instead, it’s often taken in powder form, which looks like cinnamon. If only it tasted like cinnamon...

It’s an adaptogen. A what? If you had to guess, you’d probably assume the word is related to adapt. Bingo. An adaptogen is believed to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect on bodily processes. To put it simply: If something feels out of whack, adaptogens might help. Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity. Panossian A, Wikman G. Current clinical pharmacology, 2009, Sep.;4(3):2212-3938.

While, yes, it is super trendy, it’s hardly new. The herb has been used for thousands of years to treat stress, increase energy, and improve focus. Steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera, an ancient plant for novel medicine. Mirjalili MH, Moyano E, Bonfill M. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2009, Jul.;14(7):1420-3049.

Why Do People Take It?

When I asked my friend why she loved ashwagandha, she didn’t respond. A few hours later she sent me a link that claims it’s “an excellent tonic for immune health, sexual vitality, and harmonized mood.” When I asked if it worked, she said yes. When I asked how long she’d been taking it, she said she’d only tried it once. Hrmph. Unsatisfied, I took my search elsewhere. I asked everyone who seemed remotely interested in health and even strangers I met at smoothie shops. The response from most was the same: They didn’t really know! But they heard it was awesome. I wish I was surprised, but more often than not, health trends explode with the majority of consumers knowing little to nothing about what they’re imbibing—except that it’s “awesome.” And I’m no different. My cupboard contains several untouched superfoods and supertonics. I can tell you what I think they’re good for, but the honest truth is I don’t really know and can’t remember why I bought them in the first place. Fortunately, I have a trusted advisor who's always there to help when I’m in need: the internet. A quick search for “the benefits of ashwagandha” will lead you into a treasure trove of supposed benefits. It boosts immunity, improves stamina, promotes mental clarity, prevents aging, treats fertility, lowers cholesterol… the list goes on and on and on some more. I’m honestly surprised that when you Google “miracle pill” and “secret to world peace," ashwagandha isn’t the first result. Because according to said internet, it can even treat cancer. But wait one second before throwing horse powder into your daily routine. Because as much as I love me some internet, health fads are often just that: fads. Let’s talk science.

The Benefits, According to Science

Unlike many trendy herbs and tinctures, ashwagandha (known as Withania somnifera in the science world) seems to actually live up to the hype. Here are some of its purported powers:

Let it go, let it go: It may help the body cope with stress, boost immunity, and improve focus and mental clarity.

Bye bye bye: Studies show ashwaghanda may help reduce the signs of aging.

He's going the distance: When scientists tested the swimming performance of adult rats, the rats who were given ashwagandha swam twice as long as those who weren’t, proving the herb may help increase stamina.

Ooo baby baby: Ashwagandha is used to treat fertility problems in men and to increase sexual desire in women—and may help balance hormones overall.

Beat it: It may help treat adrenal fatigue and fight diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, Huntington's, arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension.

Hit me with your best shot: Some even use it topically to heal wounds, backaches, and paralysis, while others claim it can reduce depression and brain cell degeneration, stabilize blood sugar, decrease inflammation, lower cholesterol, and help prevent and treat cancer.

The Takeaway

I’m not going to tell you how to live your life. And I’m definitely not going to tell you to start guzzling horse tonics and trust in a single herb. But I am saying I was wrong: Ashwagandha is pretty darn awesome—and might just live up to its reputation. Since taking it, I’ve been sleeping like a champ (even with a hyperactive puppy in the bed), my menstrual cramps have subsided (glory hallelujah), and I’ve reconnected with the laid-back California vibe I came to New York with (so long, stress case). That said, it also lives up to its flavor reputation—and a rather unpleasant one at that. To make it a bit tastier, try adding a teaspoon to morning matchas, coffees, or smoothies or nighttime golden milks and teas. If you’re feeling extra bold and are already on the apple cider vinegar train, try mixing a few droplets of liquid ashwagandha with two tablespoons of ACV and 8 ounces of water. Chug; don’t sip. It may not go down smoothly at first, but if it’s really a medicinal miracle like some of these studies claim, then it may be worth adapting to its funky flavor.

from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/2uJRpK3 WTH Is Ashwagandha, and Why Have I Been Taking It for a Month? Greatist RSS from HEALTH BUZZ http://ift.tt/2wgsf5w

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howellrichard · 6 years ago

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The Healing Power of Medicinal Mushrooms

Hiya Gorgeous!

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for their healing benefits for hundreds of years in places like China, Russia, Japan and Tibet. Chaga mushrooms, for example, have been used to treat diabetes, intestinal issues and various cancers. There are even records of Cordyceps being used as an aphrodisiac all the way back in the 15th century. Oh la la!

But, it wasn’t until relatively recently that medicinal mushrooms became mainstream in the West. Now they’re easily accessible online and in health food stores, and boast incredible health benefits like stress relief, improved sleep, cancer-fighting properties, glowing skin and a near-cure for the common cold.

The question is: Are these impressive benefits for real, or are they too good to be true?

I know that you’re confronted with news about the latest lotions, potions and remedies every single day. It can be hard to keep track and figure out what’s really worth your time. That’s why I love to go full-on Nancy Drew (picture me with a magnifying glass) and investigate these trends—so you don’t have to. We did it with CBD oil, we did it with beans—now we’re doin’ it with medicinal mushrooms!

Before we dive in, I know that you might be wondering about the difference between medicinal mushrooms and those you’re used to seeing in the grocery store. Everyday mushrooms have wonderful health benefits, too. They’re loaded with antioxidants and help boost your immune system. Plus, they’re delicious and work well as a meat substitute in many dishes (can you say grilled portobello burgers?!).

But many of the fabulous fungi we’ll chat about today aren’t your standard throw-em-in-a-stir-fry variety. Unlike our favorite buttons, oysters and truffles, some of these guys contain indigestible fiber and definitely don’t make tasty cooking ingredients. That’s why there are so many other ways to consume them, which we’ll cover when we get into each variety.

Here’s something else to keep in mind as you venture into the world of medicinal mushrooms: While some mushrooms are healthful and others are tasty, some will make you very sick. So it’s important to understand which are safe to consume and how they may help you. Think of them like supplements—everyone’s needs are different, so do your research and when in doubt, check with your doctor!

6 Medicinal Mushrooms: Uses, Benefits and How to Take Them

Today we’re going to talk about six of the most commonly used medicinal mushrooms: shiitake, reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps and turkey tail.

Shiitake

Scientific name: Lentinula edodes Superpower: Combats inflammation

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the few medicinal mushrooms that also happen to be delicious. In fact, they’re one of the five most popular mushrooms worldwide! But being tasty isn’t their only superpower. They’ve also been used for their health benefits for hundreds of years in Japan, China and Korea.

Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which has strong anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. What does all that mean? Well, not only can lentinan help destroy cancer cells, it may also ward off various infections and viruses. An injectable form of shiitake mushrooms is used alongside chemotherapy in China and Japan for the treatment of gastric cancer. Shiitake mushrooms have also proven helpful at lowering bad cholesterol levels.

How to take shiitake mushrooms: Since shiitake mushrooms are so tasty, you can enjoy them in stir-fries, miso soup, grain-based dishes, casseroles or even curries. Just 5 g of dried shiitakes (about 1 oz fresh or one large mushroom) can lower markers of inflammation in the blood after a single meal! Fun fact: You can purchase dried shiitakes and keep them in the pantry for several months, which makes them a convenient staple. Then, just rehydrate them before adding to cooked dishes!

You can also take shiitake mushrooms as a supplement in pill form. Just be sure to look for organic varieties without added ingredients or gelatin. The only downside to shiitake mushrooms is that they’re rich in purines, meaning that folks who are prone to gout flare-ups may need to limit portion sizes or eat them less frequently.

Reishi

Scientific name: Ganoderma lucidum Superpower: Reduces stress and promotes balance

Even though reishi mushrooms are technically edible, the indigestible fiber they’re composed of gives them an unpleasant, woody texture. So, you won’t see them in the produce aisle of the grocery store, but rather with the herbal supplements, tea and coffee. Reishi mushrooms can reduce stress and anxiety, make you more alert and energized, and help balance your hormones. Perhaps this is why reishi tea and coffee are often called “liquid yoga.”

People suffering from seasonal allergies have also found great relief when supplementing with 1000 mg of reishi daily. And it doesn’t stop there—some folks have reported that reishi-infused skin creams can help reduce signs of aging.

How to take reishi mushrooms: These medicinal mushrooms have no apparent side effects, so they’re great to try if you’re just dipping a toe in the shroomy waters. You can find them in many forms, including supplements, tinctures and powders. They’re also available as mildly flavored teas, coffees and hot cocoa mixes. My team has tried Four Sigmatic’s Hot Cacao with Reishi* (500 mg reishi per serving!) and fallen in love with it. Whatever form you choose, beware of products made from inferior black reishi mushrooms as they are less potent. Look for red and purple varieties of reishi because they’re superior in quality and likely worth the added cost!

If you want to go the capsule or supplement route, look for brands that are certified pure. Be sure to pay attention to the recommended dosage instructions as concentrations will vary. Your integrative doc will probably have brand recommendations and give you specific instructions.

Chaga

Scientific name: Inonotus obliquus Superpower: Knocks out the common cold

Chaga mushrooms may look like nothing more than a clump of dirt until you see their orange interior, but rest assured that these babies pack a serious healing punch. They grow on birch trees in very cold climates and have one of the highest antioxidant contents of ANY food! That’s why they’re often used to ward off the common cold.

A single 8-oz cup of chaga tea has the same number of antioxidants as 30 lbs of carrots. No, I’m not kidding! Also, the beta-glucans in these medicinal mushrooms stimulate the production of lymphocytes, which help regulate our immune system’s response to infections.

Chaga mushrooms have also been used to treat cancers and reduce tumor size, resolve digestive issues, manage blood sugars, lower bad cholesterol levels, and make hair and skin shinier, healthier and younger-looking. Oh, and for yet another cool detail about these amazing medicinal mushrooms: They’ve been consumed in Russia for hundreds of years and the word “chaga” is Russian for mushroom!

How to take chaga mushrooms: Hot water or alcohol are needed to break down the tough cell walls in chaga mushrooms and activate their beneficial compounds. That’s why tea, coffee and cocoa are popular ways to consume chaga mushrooms. In fact, chaga mushroom coffee became especially popular as a coffee substitute during the world wars because of its pleasant taste and ability to increase energy in a more balanced way than caffeine.

Supplements, tinctures and extracts of chaga are also available and are processed with hot water to activate the medicinal compounds. For defense against colds, some integrative docs recommend 1000-2000 mg chaga extract when symptoms start to come on.

Even though people have been taking chaga mushrooms safely for centuries, doctors recommend that people with bleeding disorders and diabetes avoid them as they can accentuate the effects of anticoagulant medications and insulin. Chaga overuse may also tax your kidneys, so be sure to follow recommended dosages and work with your doc.

Lion’s Mane

Scientific name: Hericium erinaceus Superpower: Improves focus and memoryThe first time you see a lion’s mane mushroom, you’ll know exactly how it got its name. It looks like a white, hairy mane—not your typical fungus! This shroom’s big claim to fame is its ability to repair and regenerate neurons. Yup, it’s GREAT for your noggin!Lion’s mane can help improve memory and concentration, protect the nervous system, and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Lion’s mane may even help prevent and reverse neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia because of its regenerative capability in the nerves of the brain and spinal cord! Research has shown that it can stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is why it may have such a positive effect on the neurological system. How cool is that?

How to take lion’s mane: Lion’s mane is edible and has a seafoody taste, making it a great ingredient in stir-fries or faux crab cakes. It’s also available as an herbal supplement, tincture or tea. Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Elixir Mix* may help you when brain fog sets in, and is delicious combined with cinnamon and hot oat milk (don’t worry—it’s not fishy in this form!).

Keep in mind: Some folks feel more focused within days of taking lion’s mane. But when it comes to anxiety and depression, research has shown that it may take at least 4 weeks to feel relief.

There aren’t any documented side effects or adverse reactions currently associated with lion’s mane. But, you know what I’m gonna say about checking with your doc… (Do I sound like a broken record?!

)

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Cordyceps

Scientific name: Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Ophiocordyceps militaris Superpower: Boosts energy

Cordyceps have become famous for their supposed ability to improve athletic performance. I say “supposed” because we couldn’t find a study (yet!) that compares the performance of athletes taking cordyceps against those not taking them. But, we do know that cordyceps can boost ATP levels in the body. ATP is like a battery that powers yours cells. When it comes to exercise and athletic performance, an abundance of ATP means increased strength, energy, capacity for explosive movement and overall stamina. I’d call that a competitive advantage!

Cordyceps have also been used for centuries to treat sexual dysfunction and fertility. Recent clinical studies demonstrate cordyceps’ ability to improve libido, as well as increase sperm count, survival rate and quality. This is good news, because many conventional medicines used to improve sexual health come with high costs and uncomfortable side effects.

Plus, like most medicinal mushrooms, cordyceps are rich in antioxidants, making them great for your immune system!

How to take cordyceps: In the wild, cordyceps grow as a fungus out of the mummified carcasses of caterpillar larvae in high altitudes of the Himalayan mountains and in Tibet. This type (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is rarely found in stores in the United States because it’s difficult and expensive to harvest. Most companies use artificially produced cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps militaris), which is grown out of grains, most often rice. They’re just as potent and cheaper to produce.

Cordyceps are available in tinctures, powders, capsules and liquid extracts. My team tried Four Sigmatic’s Cordyceps Mushroom Elixir Mix,* which has 1500 mg cordyceps per serving. It would make a great addition to your morning smoothie!

I encourage you to check with your doc before taking cordyceps. Like chaga, they may interact with anticoagulant medications and can lower blood sugar too severely in people on diabetic medications. They also shouldn’t be taken by people with autoimmune diseases.

Turkey Tail

Scientific name: Coriolus versicolor or Trametes versicolor Superpower: Protects cancer patients

Turkey tail is a beautiful fungus that grows on dead logs and gets its name from its colorful, striped appearance. Like many of the medicinal mushrooms we’ve discussed, it’s a powerful immune-booster that can help protect you from infections and diseases.Turkey tail also has incredible benefits for cancer patients and thrivers, which is why this shroom holds a special place in my heart.

It’s been shown to help prevent cancer cell growth and encourage cancer cell death, but its real claim to fame has to do with the way it boosts the damaged immune system after cancer treatments. Turkey tail contains two unique beta-glucans: Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and Polysaccharopeptide (PSP). Both PSK and PSP are widely used in Japan to help repair and regenerate immune cells destroyed by chemotherapy while simultaneously stimulating the immune system in general to fight cancer and further infections. Wow, right?

How to take turkey tail mushrooms: Turkey tail is edible, but rarely eaten because of how chewy it is. Most people who take turkey tail take it in capsule or tea form. Because turkey tail is grown in soil, it’s best to look for organic varieties to prevent pesticide and toxin exposure.

Mild side effects of diarrhea and dark stools have been reported, so follow your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to turkey tail and discontinue use if any side effects occur.

Medicinal mushrooms: powerful healers or all hype? Discover 6 types, their uses and benefits, and if they’re right for you!

*A note on brands and ways to take medicinal mushrooms: My team tested some drink mixes from Four Sigmatic (not sponsored or gifted), but they’re by no means the only game in town! For example, one of my favorite supplement brands, Solaray, has a Reishi Mushroom supplement (600 mg per capsule). Pure Encapsulations (another favorite of mine) has a Mushroom Formula that contains maitake, reishi and shiitake! Also, my friend Jenny Sansouci has done a lot of research on this subject and provides some other product recommendations in her article here. There are plenty of options out there, so find the one that works for you.

Medicinal Mushrooms: The Bottom Line

Taking mushrooms as supplements may sound unfamiliar to you, but people all over the world have been using them for hundreds of years. Their proven ability to help protect us from infections, boost our immune systems, energize us, support our neurological health and more is nothing short of amazing. That’s nature’s magic at work, folks!

I’m excited about the many possibilities medicinal mushrooms have in store for us. Natural remedies like these, when paired with the right conventional methods and a healthy lifestyle, have so much healing potential—and that fills me with hope. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more studies and info, not to mention doing my own testing! And of course, I’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Your turn: Have you tried medicinal mushrooms? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. If not, will you give them a shot?

Peace and marvelous mushrooms,

The post The Healing Power of Medicinal Mushrooms appeared first on KrisCarr.com.

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