Is it GMO, Organic or Conventional?
Is it GMO, Organic or Conventional? Even though consumers are against having GMOs in their food, supermarkets still seem to carry them and some of those ways are quite sneaky. Here’s some things to know: Any food that says USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified seal can still contain less than 0.9% GMOs. I’m not sure if that is good news or bad news. It means there’s still GMOs present, just not over 1%. You decide how far down the rabbit hole you’d like to go. Most people know that Corn and Soy are the major GMO crops in the US. Corn is heavily modified with the exception of popcorn, check your labels on everything, granola, cereals, baking goods, tortillas, tortilla chips, soy milks, infant formula, veggie burgers, etc. If a label says it contains just Corn or just Soy and not Organic Corn or Organic Soy, then it’s safe to assume its GMO. In the US, virtually all canola oil is from genetically modified crops. For dairy products always buy 100% organic to avoid GMOs. Avoid Beet Sugar, which is found in cereals, soups, yogurt, breads, it is 99% GMO, instead find products with evaporated cane sugar or organic sugar. Get used to reading your bar codes: If there are only four numbers in the PLU, this means that the produce was grown conventionally or “traditionally” with the use of pesticides. The last four letters of the PLU code are simply what kind of vegetable or fruit. An example is that all bananas are labeled with the code of 4011. If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “8″, this tells you that the item is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables trump being organic. So, it is impossible to eat organic produce that is grown from genetically modified seeds. A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011 If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “9″, this tells you that the produce was grown organically and is not genetically modified. An organic banana would be: 94011 So in a nutshell: 4-digit number means: food was conventionally grown with pesticides it number that begins with a 8: produce is genetically modified 5-digit number that begins with a 9: produce is organic Hopefully these tips help you navigate around the supermarket a little better, if you’re interested in doing a total overhaul on your eating, consider doing our Eliminate and Detox Program.
Winter Solstice Mushroom Soup
Winter Solstice Mushroom Soup We are entering the solstice starting next week. The days have been getting shorter and the nights have been getting longer, and it is hard not to notice how cold it is outside! Winter is the season of yin, when we need to consolidate our energy. It is a time to slow down and sleep more, spend more time at home, preparing meals from home. This time of year, it is important to eat foods that are slow cooked, braised, fermented, and brewed. Our digestive systems are most capable of absorbing nutrients with foods that are long and slow cooked in the winter time. One of the best ways to encourage healthy digestion in the winter is to eat soup! Soup is easy to make and it is very delicious and satisfying on those chilly winter nights. I made this recipe over the weekend and it was absolutely delicious! Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D, which we need more of in the winter. Dill encourages circulation, which helps our bodies to stay warm. You can use whatever kind of broth you like, I like bone broth b/c it has a lot of minerals and nutrients that are especially beneficial in the winter. This soup is a great way to warm the yang and escape the chill! Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 30 min Ingredients: 1 lb baby Bella mushrooms, sliced 1 lb Shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1 onion diced finely 3 tbsp olive oil 2 cups vegetable broth or beef bone broth 1/2 cup vodka or brandy 2 tsp dried dill 1 tsp caraway seeds 3 sprigs fresh thyme 2 tsp paprika 2 tbsp chickpea miso (or regular miso) 1 tbsp arrowroot or corn starch 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup fresh dill 1/4 cup dairy free sour cream (such as kite-hill) – optional In a heavy pot, sauteé onions and mushrooms in olive oil until translucent and tender, and allow mushrooms to release liquids, for about 15 minutes. Add vodka or brandy to deglaze. Add dill, caraway seed, thyme, paprika, and vegetable or beef broth and turn the heat to high to allow the soup to simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Allow to cook for about 30 minutes. Whisk arrowroot or cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Add to the soup mixture until it begins to thicken. Remove lid and add dairy free sour cream and allow it to melt. Garnish with fresh dill and serve warm!
The Importance of Rest During the Yin Time of Year
The Importance of Rest During the Yin Time of Year As we head into the holiday season, it can become easy to get caught up in everything we need to do and become overwhelmed or stressed. But as the days become shorter and the northern hemisphere experiences more stillness, it’s important to take time to slow down and rest. By now most folks have heard the term “flight or fight” which corresponds to the sympathetic nervous system’s response to stress. In this state we feel more alert and ready to take on the world. Experiencing moments of stress are normal and can even be healthy, but problems arise when we stay in this state over long periods of time leading to, among other things, anxiety, tension- especially in our neck and shoulders, and a rapid heartbeat that continues even when we’re not in a stressful situation. When we are constantly in this high gear it can also begin to impact our sleep and digestion- leading to trouble sleeping and digestion irregularities like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and even nausea. It’s important we balance this high gear with its healing counterpart- the parasympathetic system. This “rest and digest” state is when we feel most relaxed and our body is able to use its resources to properly digest what we’re taking in and recover from life’s stresses. When we’re able to settle into this state we’re also able to sleep well- falling easily and staying asleep through the night. During deep sleep is also when our body does all of its repair work. In Taoist cosmology, which Chinese medicine has its roots in, we use the concept of Yin and Yang to describe both the world around us and our physiology, as a reflection of this world. The theory of Yin and Yang simplifies as the binary relationships we can observe. We ascribe Yin to stillness and Yang to activity; Yin is cool and moist while Yang is warm and dry. Nighttime and Winter are both Yin, while Daytime and Summer are Yang. Throughout the day or year there are varying amounts of Yin and Yang in our environment. During the peak of Summer Yang is at its strongest and Yin is weak, while in the Winter the opposite is true with Yin growing in strength and Yang becoming weak. In this same way, we can say that the autonomic nervous system also carries this Yin and Yang aspects, with Yin being the parasympathetic nervous system and Yang being the sympathetic nervous system. Another principle of Chinese medicine is that when we follow the flow of this Yin and Yang around us, we can cultivate good health. Most of us do this inherently to some degree, the best example being that we sleep at night and we’re awake during the day. The same rhythm can be applied throughout the seasons, and as the days become shorter we see the energy of the world around us retreat internally. Many plants go dormant and animals become less active and sleep more. Even our domestic furry friends, cats and dogs, nap more in the Wintertime. And it’s completely normal and healthy that we may find ourselves sleeping and resting more than the rest of the year. With most folks averaging eight hours of sleep per night, it’s not uncommon for folks to vary that throughout the year- maybe you feel good on seven hours of sleep in the Summer but in the Winter there’s nights that you sleep nine hours. Naps can be the same. Maybe a 10-20 min cat nap in the height of Summer refreshes you, while you find yourself leaning into a 30-50 min nap in the Winter. There’s no one size fits all when it comes to sleep and rest, but often the amount of sleep we need varies throughout the year and this is healthy and normal. During this time of shorter days, it’s helpful to shift into this “rest and digest”, parasympathetic mode for periods of time during the daytime as well. While most of us still have a lot to get done, we can take breaks throughout the day instead of pushing through like we may do during the Summer months. We can sit with a cup of tea between errands and chores. We can kick up our feet and read a book we find pleasurable. We can stare out the window and checkout birds soaring overhead or the trees doing their thing. Anything that helps slow us down to help us relax. It’s not uncommon when our stress has been high for a long period of time we find that even when we stop moving we’re still filled with anxiety, stress, tension, a busy mind, rapid breathing, etc. We may need to make a concerted effort to switch gears. Before getting into some tips on how to relax, it’s good to take a look at a few basics to create a steady baseline: Make sure you’re eating well. While it’s OK to indulge sometimes, it’s best to always make sure you’re getting your basic dietary needs met. By eating enough protein, healthy fats, and fiber throughout your day you stabilize your blood sugar which helps stabilize your mood. Designate your sleep hours and stick with them. Most of us have set work hours that we are dedicated to, the same approach can be used with our sleep. While there are things that impact our sleep that can be out of our control, like a sick kid or our pets stirring at night, we should limit anything else that takes away from our sleep that we have control over. Oftentimes it feels like our nighttime self and morning self have different priorities (especially if we’re night owls), but we should always consider the toll that staying up late takes on our wellbeing the next day. If we’re doing everything we can to relax, “rest and digest”, but we still find we need help, it’s time to incorporate healing
A Guide To FSAs and HSAs
A Guide To FSAs and HSAs Lately, we’ve had a ton of new patients calling to see if we accept their FSA card, and the answer is ABSOLUTELY! Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are definitely approved expenses when it comes to either of these accounts, we know we are biased, but it’s a great way to spend those funds too! The Difference Between a FSA and HSA FSA For starters, both these accounts are pre tax so they help you reduce your taxable income by putting money away for healthcare expenses. A FSA is a Flexible Spending Account that your employer owns. Employees decide how much they would like to contribute, up to a limit per the IRS. If the funds are not used within the calendar year, December 31st of each year, that money put aside goes back to the employer, this is what they call a “Use it or Lose it” account. If you don’t spend it, you lose it. It’s like leaving money on the table, we recommend not doing that! Also, for a few plans, there is a grace period all the way to March, but this is rare. HSA A HSA is a health savings account that you own. Usually it requires an eligible health insurance plan and contributions are limited to whatever the IRS decides for that year, for example this year, 2022, the maximum is $3650 for self and $7750 for family coverage. HSAs are not “Use it or Lose it”, they rollover year after year and if you were to leave your employer, the HSA stays with you, unlike the FSA which does not. How do HSAs and FSAs work? Almost all accounts have a ‘credit card’ if you will. Most times it’s as easy as swiping, other times accounts require proof of eligibility, which means a detailed receipt with our information, including tax ID numbers and NPI numbers to ensure we are a legitimate expense. In that case, patients usually pay for services in full, we furnish what’s called a Superbill and they get reimbursed directly from the FSA. What is Considered an Expense for my FSA and/or HSA? Usually anything health or medical related; copays, prescriptions, acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, almost anything. That being said, depending on the account/plan; massage is sometimes even considered as eligible, so inquire! Recent Changes to the Approved Expense List! If you are having a hard time spending all your FSA funds, check out this list at the FSA Store, you will be shocked at what is now considered an approved expense thanks to the CARES act (Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act), things have changed! Now things like animal expenses, sunscreen, Neosporin, menstrual products and even Advil is approved. Tons of over the counter items are now included. Amazing! If you have any questions at all about FSAs or HSAs, we can help!
Preventing Neck Pain
Preventing Neck Pain What are the Most Common Causes of Neck Pain? Neck pain is one of the most common types of pain in the body, secondary only to low back pain. There are so many causes for neck pain; bad posture, poor support during sleep, repetitive stress, muscle strain from movement and stress. From a Chinese medicine point of view, there are six meridians involved in neck pain, the Large Intestine and Stomach, the Urinary Bladder and Small Intestine and the Gall Bladder and Triple Burner or San Jiao. All of these play a part in neck pain and is mostly dependent on which direction the patient moves his or her head that dictates which meridian is out of balance or the cause of the neck pain. For example, if the patient moved their head up and down, nodding their head in a Yes manner, that tells us the Urinary Bladder and Small Intestine are involved. If the patient turns their head side to side, in a No manner, that tells us the culprit may be the Gall Bladder and San Jiao and lastly, if the patient has the most pain when they try to touch their ear to their shoulder it may be the Large Intestine and Stomach meridians. Any of the reasons above can trigger these types of neck pain and meridian involvement, but the type of neck pain exacerbated by stress is the Gall Bladder and Triple Burner, we see this particular layout associated with stress the most since the Liver and Gall Bladder have a special relationship, partners in crime if you will, if the Liver becomes overwhelmed it uses the Gall Bladder as an overflow system which can effects the meridian and causes neck pain. What Is the Best Way to Prevent Neck Pain? There are many things one can do to prevent neck pain: Meditation and Relaxation You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, meditation is imperative to a relaxed, stress free and happy life. I do believe that meditation can help relax the entire body in such a way that muscles, tendons and ligaments receive more lubrication or moisture, thereby being more flexible and impacted less by injury overall. More Sleep (and deeper!) Seems like many of us are not getting enough hours of sleep, how often do you hear someone saying they wish there were 10 more hours in the day! Not only does the amount of hours matter but the quality does as well. We need Deep sleep in order for our muscles to recovery, there’s no way around it. A great tool to use for this is a Fitbit, I love my Fitbit and get excited to wake up in the morning to see how much REM and Deep sleep I got the night before. Epsom Salt Baths If you’ve had a hard day or stress is high overall, an epsom salt bath might do the trick. Not only does the warm (or hot) water relax the muscles, but epsom salt is loaded with magnesium and magnesium is necessary in over 300 different systems in the body. I think magnesium should be discussed just as much as its rock star friends Vitamins B and C. Stretching We live our lives scrunched up, in our seats for hours – driving, at the computer, etc. Look into receiving a professional stretching session, having someone else stretch you out is so much better than doing it on your own, usually the practitioner will also prescribe sets of exercises for you to do on a daily basis. Anti-inflammatory Herbs Herbs are a wonderful and natural way to relieve the body of inflammation. They work with the root of the problem, working preventatively as opposed to support during a flare up or crisis when you might need something like Advil or Motrin which ultimately is just masking the situation by turning off your pain responders. Anti inflammatory herbal remedies are much effective in the long run. Herbs like Turmeric, Ginger, Rosemary or Fish Oil. It is highly recommended to work with a licensed herbalist when creating a herbal regimen. Does Acupuncture Help Neck Pain? Absolutely. In complementary care circles, we look at the triad of health to be Massage, Chiropractic and Acupuncture. All three play such an important role in overall healthcare. Massage is wonderful for relaxing the muscles, chiropractic is necessary for moving bones and creating balance in the structure of the spine and acupuncture is imperative for de-stressing the body, bringing inflammation down, opening up the meridians, relaxing tendons and muscles and bringing more oxygen to the site of injury so healing can begin. In addition to all that, Tao to Wellness can also balance the entire body thereby impacting one’s sleep, digestion, hormones, brain chemistry, immunity and myriad other things. It makes sense to work with an acupuncturist since we can impact ALL aspects of health. Where Do You Put Acupuncture Needles for Neck Pain? We like to veer away from the site of injury and trust the meridian system, so usually for neck pain you will be needled around your wrists and ankles, hands and feet. It’s a strategy to not ‘hurt the baby when they are sick’ so we needle away from the pain creating a freeway system to open up the area, bring down inflammation, increase blood flow and speed up healing time.
Using Acupuncture to Treat Migraines
Using Acupuncture to Treat Migraines What is the Main Reason for Migraines? Research studies show that acupuncture is wildly successful in the treatment of migraines. A recent systematic review of 22 clinical studies with 4985 participants showed that acupuncture reduced migraines by 50% in 69% of the individuals and that effect lasted more than 6 months. That is incredibly encouraging since Western medicine unfortunately has very few tools to treat the common migraine. In Western medicine thinking, migraines are triggered from a number of factors, stress being one of them. The triggers tend to be more difficult to manage for people with irregular serotonin levels. The trigger causes a wave of electrical activity through the brain, the serotonin level surges as well in a similar wave fashion, the result is a decrease in serotonin that causes blood vessels to be irritated resulting pain. From a Chinese medicine lens, the patient feels stress in the body, the energy of the body gets disrupted and creates an imbalance in the flow, that energy then run through the meridians in a reckless way causing pressure which obviously results in pain. The organ systems involved with migraines is usually the Liver and Gall Bladder, there are other scenarios but this is the most common. The Liver is the organ that deals with metabolizing stress so to speak, when there is overwhelm, the Liver gets sort of backed up and it’s overflow the Gall Bladder takes over. The Gall Bladder meridian is where most migraines take place, on one side of the head, around the temple and ear. What is the Best Natural Treatment for Migraines? Avoiding Certain Foods Migraines have so many triggers, alcohol being a big one, in addition to that things like nitrates in food, cheese (because of tyramine), processed foods, cold foods and MSG. Did you know that citric acid can also be an issue because of when it is processed the remaining protein results in processed free glutamic acid, which is MSG. So read your labels, it almost seems like citric acid is in everything these days. Grab Some Feverfew Although we don’t specialize in American herbalism here at Tao to Wellness, there are a few key American herbs like Feverfew that we recommend. Feverfew looks a little like a daisy and is a folk remedy for treatment migraines. The Magic of Magnesium Magnesium is exactly that, magic! It’s a necessary factor in around 300 different systems in the body and so many of us are deficient. We love magnesium for deeper sleep, leg cramps, constipation and of course migraines, menstrual migraines really responds to magnesium and it can also help with menstrual cramps as well. Meditation is the Way Meditation is a remedy for just about any illness, discomfort or disease. Relaxing the mind, enhancing the amygdala, relaxing the muscles from head to toe. Meditation is no longer for soul seekers or Buddhists it’s really for everyone. Acupuncture in the Treatment of Migraines Our favorite way to treat migraines when they are full force or better yet, our favorite way to prevent them is with acupuncture and here’s why. Western medicine treatments offered are only a temporary band aid to mask the pain, OTC NSAIDs initially and when that doesn’t work prescription pills, beta blockers and sometimes antidepressants. The world of Chinese medicine has much more to offer, acupuncture being the number one modality but number two being Chinese herbal medicine. Another thing to remember is that we are not only treating the problem, we are treating the entire body, rebalancing it and preventing future migraines. This is really key, because when a patients stops taking the Western medications listed above, the symptoms will return, nothing has necessarily been healed. With Chinese medicine, we are healing the body. A great metaphor is when a tree has a sick or diseased branch you can prune it back, but you also need to treat the roots of that tree so that the tree will grow beautifully. We think of the body like that, the migraine representing the branch and the roots representing the whole body. One needs to treat both the root and branch.
The Wonder of Winter: Five things to know
The Wonder of Winter: Five things to know Written by Deanna Tasi, L.Ac. The way to staying healthy with the seasons is adjusting our daily habits throughout the year. By doing a dance of reflection with the season, our body is better able to ward off illness and recover from chronic ailments. One of the basic systems in Chinese medicine is the five elements or phases. These elements are meant to symbolize the movement that they are associated with, and not so much the physical attributes as we would associate in the West. Out of the five phases (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), Winter is represented by the water element. The movement of the water element is downward. If we observe our environment we’ll see the plants and animals, having already pulled their energy inward in the Fall, now hunker down through the Winter. By having an understanding of this movement, we can begin to think about and associate our healthy Winter habits with the rhythm of the environment around us. Here are five ways of changing our patterns during the Winter to help us reflect this downward movement: Eat heavier foods that are nourishing. There are reasons that are holiday feasts include a spread of nutrient dense foods. Root vegetables, fatty meats and stews all help our body pull our energy down. By keeping our energy stored below we allow for deeper repairs in our body and we keep this energy from being swept away by the outside elements of cold, wind, and dampness. Moderate physical activity. While it’s important to keep moving throughout the year, with Winter brings moderation. It’s a good time of year to do more strength training than intense cardio. Combined with stretching, strength training is a great way to keep circulation up while avoiding exhaustion. Of course this varies for people, based on age and physical shape, but in general, if you feel tired after your workout, you’re probably doing too much. Our low back and knees need extra love. People with a history of back and knee problems may experience more aches and pains with the cold and damp weather. Our low back, knees (and ankles), are all governed by this water energy. If you’re experience extra aches in your joints this time of year, make sure you are keeping your range of motion up for each of these joints daily. Chinese medicine offers great remedies for achy backs and knees, so come see us if you’ve got an ache that you can’t shake. Sleep is magic! During the longest nights of the year, it’s important to allow yourself to sleep for longer. The ultimate downward movement, it is while we’re sleeping that our body does all of it’s repair work. The beauty of sleeping in the Winter is that this downward energy supports even greater repair work. It’s during this time of year that sleep can help resolve chronic issues. If your year was especially difficult or exhausting, this is the time of year to recover in preparation for the next year. And if you’re feeling tired during the day, a cat nap can be especially rejuvenating. Meditation will be more accessible. Getting a regular sitting practice going can be challenging for many people. During the Winter, you may find that you crave a quiet retreat. Enjoying this downward movement within you can offer you a renewed connection with your body and a peaceful mind. If you’re starting up a practice, begin with an amount of time that you are comfortable with committing to each day. And remember to always keep your spine in alignment during your sits (or refer back to #3)! Bonus tip: February 1st marks the beginning of the lunar new year, the year of the Tiger. In this tradition, the new year is like a reset button. It’s a chance to let go of any negative ties from the last year. In preparation to welcome in the new year, tradition is to clean and get rid of anything you don’t want to bring into the new year. If possible, make time to get rid of clutter and do a deep clean by the end of the month. In health, Deanna Tasi L.Ac. Tao to Wellness 809 Hearst Ave Berkeley, CA 94710 www.taotowellness.com
Back to Basics
Back to Basics By Deanna Tasi L.Ac. As we round the corner into the homestretch of 2021 many of us are finding our new rhythm of life. No one could deny the intensity of the past 18+ months. And as we resume back into the routines that Fall brings – it’s good to take a breath and reflect. Many folks have experienced heightened stress since the pandemic began. It’s good to check in with our bodies to see how we’re handling things. Here’s five cornerstones we can use to gauge our health: Sleep Are you getting enough sleep? The amount of sleep folks need varies- but when our sleep is healthy we fall asleep within a few minutes of bedtime, we stay asleep through the night; and if we need to get up to use the restroom, check on kids, etc., we’re able to resume quickly. When we’re getting enough sleep we are able to wake without an alarm in the morning. Digestion How do you feel after you eat? Are you moving your bowels at least once per day? Does your belly generally feel OK or do you experience bloating, gas or pain? There’s many factors that can influence digestion- including diet, movement, and stress. Mood Is there an overriding emotion that you are experiencing? Or do you feel calm when you have a chance to relax? Are there emotions you need to take time to sit with? Or do you need to prioritize ways that help calm your nervous system? Physicality Are you moving regularly? How’s your back? Your shoulders? Your jaw? How does your head feel on a day to day basis? If you mostly work in front of a computer- is your set up OK or is it causing you increased pain somewhere in your body? Do you take breaks regularly? Are you getting an average of 30 minutes of movement per day? Do you have an injury that needs attention? Energy Do you have enough energy to move through your day? Often any of the above – on their own or in tandem can affect our energy levels. Additional factors like overworking and/or long-term stress can also lead to feeling fatigued. If any of your systems are feeling off, it’s important to take the time to tune into what it needs. Acupuncture can also be beneficial to help you regulate your systems and move stagnant Qi that may show up as stuck emotions, GI issues, pain, etc. We’re always here to help- so make an appointment to come see us! In health, Deanna Tasi, L.Ac. Tao to Wellness 809 Hearst Ave Berkeley, California 94710 510-883-0383
Acupuncture Can Stop You From Aging
Acupuncture Can Stop You From Aging In the world of scientific longevity research, we don’t calculate age by what’s on your driver’s license, and we pay no attention to the youth-obsessed culture that ascribes to the notion that ’50 is the new 30′. Scientists now calculate age on a cellular level, by the length of your telomeres. Telomeres are the “caps” at the ends of our chromosomes that naturally shorten as we age, they are similar to the plastic caps at the end of a shoelace. As the plastic ends shred, and the shoelace becomes frayed and damaged, so too the shortening of our telomeres can leave our cells and chromosomes vulnerable to damage. Telomere shortening means the cell’s lifespan is shortening. Telomeres become shorter with each cell division, at some point can no longer divide which leads to senescence (aging) and ultimately, cell death. Recent research shows that telomere shortening plays an important role in human disease and mortality. More than 20 studies, from top universities around the world, have shown associations between shorter telomere length and various types of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Shorter telomeres have also been associated with cancer, osteoporosis, cognitive function, dementia, and arthritis. On the flip-side, long telomeres are related to healthy aging and overall longevity. The longer and more stable the telomere, the longer we live. What causes telomere shortening Stress Poor diet Lack of exercise Too much exercise Unresolved emotions Toxins (industrial, environmental and food) Smoking and other recreational substances including alcohol Anything that creates free radicals It’s not surprising that this shortening or aging can be accelerated by an unhealthy lifestyle. However, there’s hope that we can actually turn back our cellular clocks. How to lengthen telomeres Researchers report that lengthening your telomeres isn’t directly related to healthy eating and exercise. Numerous studies, from Harvard University to UCSF, have shown the primary contributor to cellular aging isn’t fast food or a sedentary lifestyle, it’s actually stress. Accelerated cell aging has now been associated with many stress-related conditions, including trauma exposure, major depression and other psychiatric disorders. In Chinese medicine we believe that almost every symptom the body experiences primarily comes from stress. Stress wreaks havoc on the organ systems and creates stagnation and disharmony of Qi, blood and other important substances. So, logics will tell us that if acupuncture treats stress and balances the body overall, then it must lengthen telomeres. And we are happy to report that evidence based studies confirm that acupuncture, in fact, is effective in lengthening telomeres. Our Recommendation If you aren’t experiencing any symptomatology and are ‘healthy’, we recommend receiving acupuncture at least once a month. This will help de-stress the body overall, thereby creating the enzyme telomerase to protect and bring stability to the already present telomere. As a positive side effect, it will also do the following: Decrease inflammation Build immunity Strengthen the gastro-intestinal system Enhance circulation Regulate brain chemistry and hormones Relax the nervous system Clear trauma in the body memory Open the meridians and create a clear connection to the associated organ system hereby eradicating stress and free radicals. And lengthen telomeres. We are your support system for anti-aging and longevity.
How to Decrease Chronic Inflammation with Diet
How to Decrease Chronic Inflammation with Diet Chronic inflammation in the body is linked with many serious illnesses: heart disease, numerous cancers, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, arthritis and autoimmune conditions. We usually think of inflammation as on the surface of the body presenting as local redness, heat, swelling and/or pain. It actually signals our body’s healing response and brings more immune activity towards the site of injury or infection. But when inflammation persists or serves no purpose to increase healing, the end result is damaging to the body. Until recently chronic inflammation was thought of as idiopathic and insidious. Here are some foods to increase in your dietary regimen and foods to avoid in order to decrease inflammation in the body. Trans Fats According to the Mayo Clinic, trans fats can induce inflammation by damaging the cells in the lining of blood vessels. Always investigate labels for hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils and industrialized seed oils. Sugar Too much sugar can alert the body to send out extra immunity messengers, called cytokines, resulting in an inflammatory response. As good as it might taste, and as hard as it is to eliminate, sugar should be eaten rarely and in moderation. Like Dr. Mark Hyman says, treat sugar like a recreational drug. Simple Carbohydrates White breads and pastas break down quickly into sugar, which in turn leads to inflammation. In a 2010 study, researchers found that a diet high in refined grains led to a greater concentration of certain inflammatory markers in the blood. Conversely, a diet high in whole grains resulted in a lower concentration of inflammatory markers. Saturated Fats Animal fats are linked to inflammation. One research study by Scientific American tracked how our beneficial gut bacteria changed after eating saturated fats and found that “as the balance of species shift, it can trigger an immune response that results in inflammation and tissue damage”. According to U.S. News, saturated fats also contain a compound the body uses to create inflammation naturally called arachidonid acid. Diets lower in this molecule have anti-inflammatory effects and have been shown to improve symptoms in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. Alcohol Alcohol is naturally irritating to our insides, but shouldn’t cause lasting problems unless you overdo it. According to U.S. News, with a few too many drinks, bacteria can easily pass through the intestinal lining, leading to irritation and inflammation. Omega-6 Fatty Acids The average American gets more omega-6 fatty acids via diet than omega-3s. This imbalanced ratio can lead to inflammation. The solution is to cut back on omega-6 heavy seeds and vegetable oils and add more cold-water, fatty fish and walnuts. MSG There’s some research in animals to suggest that the preservative and flavor enhancer MSG can create inflammation. While few of MSG’s effects are understood in much depth, it may be best to avoid. Gluten Even without a diagnosis of Celiac Disease, a number of people report feeling better after eliminating gluten from their diet. In fact, a full 30 percent of American adults are now actively avoiding gluten. Science is still largely inconclusive on what’s being called “gluten intolerance,” but many think that gluten sensitivity can lead to bloating or other digestive ailments and that gluten creates an inflammatory response. How to Eat a More Anti-Inflammatory Diet Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Minimize saturated, trans fats and industrialized seed oils. Eat a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish or fish oil supplements and walnuts. Watch your intake of refined carbohydrates such as pasta and white rice. Eat plenty of whole grains such as brown rice and bulgur wheat. Eat lean protein sources such as chicken; cut back on red meat and full-fat dairy foods. Avoid refined foods and processed foods. Spice it up. Ginger, curry, and other spices can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
