In today’s unpredictable environment of world-wide pandemics, health concerns and economic uncertainty, it is easy to succumb to the negative effects of stress on the body. We are being exposed to a greater variety of stressors daily. We may think that one type of stress is better or worse than another, but in reality, the body interprets and responds to all stress in the same manner: cortisol release. You may have heard cortisol described as the “stress hormone.” When the body experiences stress, cortisol and catecholamines are released from the adrenal cortex which activate the “fight-or-flight” mechanism. This mechanism prepares

Mushrooms and fungi have been used in medicine for thousands of years. They have been used traditionally to treat and prevent infections, protect the liver and offset the negative effects of stress. There are many different varieties of mushrooms that have demonstrated beneficial effects against boosting the immune system. Mushrooms contain specific compounds including polysaccharides; in particular β-glucans, polysaccharopeptides (PSP), polysaccharide proteins, and proteins.  The various glucans, and especially β-glucans, have become the focus of a great deal of research into immune system modulation and infection prevention. β-glucans are large polysacharrides, which means that they are formed from a large

February is heart health month so of course we start to see more posts on heart-healthy recipes and natural ingredients. One thing you might notice is that many of these natural compounds fall into the category of antioxidants. This is a broad term that includes any substance that that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced in our bodies as results of normal cell energy production or from external damaging influences (i.e. UV radiation, chemicals etc.). The cardiovascular system is especially sensitive to the effects of free radicals.

Finding the perfect, unique, and appropriate gift for your loved ones can be a stressful task. Luckily, we came up some gift recommendations for you. Maybe these ideas will remind you of someone on your list. Your ex-professional golfing dad (at least he thought he was pro) is having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning with stiff joints and rickety knees. He dislikes taking medication is willing to try natural supplements. Gift recommendation: P.E.A.k Endocannabinoid Support Why: Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has widespread activity in supporting and sustaining the endocannabinoid system. PEA is scientifically shown to help reduce

Throughout our lives our weight will change. In fact, throughout the day it will change. Sometimes we will be 10 pounds up and sometimes we may be 10 pounds down. As the culture of wellness evolves and matures, so too does the concept of “weight management”. The simple formula of calories out>calories in=SKINNY=HAPPY is laughably reductionist, but it is also quite harmful. The reality is that every BODY has its own ideal form. By this I mean you may have a genetic predisposition to an optimal body shape and your environment, nutrition, hormone function, activity, stress, and sleep all correspond

It seems that as the days get shorter, the To-Do lists get longer. As the holiday season approaches, it seems there is never enough time to get everything done. Increased workload, travel or trying to find that perfect gift can contribute to rising levels of stress. As a result, maybe you aren’t getting sufficient sleep, which can lead to even higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Both stress and insomnia can lead to a suppressed immune system, which can in turn lead to increased susceptibility to any colds and flu being passed around the office or brought home by

Information is not intended to diagnose treat or cure any condition. Please see a qualified healthcare practitioner for information and assessment if you suspect you may be suffering from PCOS. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormone disorder affecting 5-10% of childbearing women and the most significant cause of infertility amongst women of all nationalities. Its classification as a syndrome means that there is a systemic nature and a constellation of signs and symptoms that result from disordered endocrine function. This means no two individuals with ovaries will experience it the same. Symptoms vary greatly from weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth,

When it comes to our cardiovascular health, many of us don’t have a high awareness of the prevalence and risks of developing blood clots. There is a tendency to focus on the health issues we can see, not on those we can’t. When plaques build up on the walls of an artery it can become blocked, and eventually rupture. The resultant blood clot can deprive vital tissues – the heart, brain, or peripheral arteries – of vital oxygen. Some signs of blood clots are chest pain, light headedness, being out of breath, leg tenderness and leg swelling. Risk Factors for