Author drstaceynaito

Vibration Plate Health Benefits

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This is the vibration plate I use. There is a link in this article, but I am not being compensated for sharing the link. I truly like it!

Vibration plate therapy, also known as whole-body vibration (WBV), is a fitness and rehabilitation method that involves standing, sitting, or exercising on a machine with a vibrating platform. These vibrations transmit energy to the body, causing muscles to contract and relax dozens of times per second. One of the most appealing aspects of vibration therapy is that it doesn’t require a huge time commitment—even just 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week can offer substantial benefits. I make sure to use my vibration plate for 10 minutes daily, and once a week, I will double my time on the plate.

Key Health Benefits:

1. Improves Muscle Strength and Tone

The rapid muscle contractions stimulated by the vibration plate help build strength and tone. This can be especially helpful for people who find traditional strength training challenging due to joint pain or mobility issues.

2. Boosts Circulation

The vibrations encourage better blood flow, which can enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body. This improved circulation supports cardiovascular health and may help reduce swelling in the extremities.

3. Enhances Lymphatic Drainage

The stimulation helps activate the lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of toxins and waste from the body. This can reduce puffiness and support immune function.

4. Increases Bone Density

Regular use has been shown to help maintain or improve bone density, making it a valuable therapy for those at risk of osteoporosis or bone loss—particularly postmenopausal women.

5. Supports Balance and Coordination

By challenging your stability, vibration therapy activates deep core muscles and can enhance proprioception (your sense of body position), which is beneficial for fall prevention and general agility.

6. Aids in Weight Management

While it’s not a calorie-torching workout, WBV can slightly boost metabolism and support fat loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle. It’s often used as a supplement to other forms of exercise.

7. Reduces Muscle Soreness and Aids Recovery

Athletes and physical therapy patients often use vibration plates to reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and promote faster recovery after strenuous activity. This is the main reason why I bought a vibration plate for my home, and I swear it makes a huge difference in recovery from my workouts.

8. Helps with Joint Pain and Flexibility

The gentle stimulation can increase joint mobility and reduce stiffness, making it an appealing option for people with arthritis or chronic pain.

Minimal Time Commitment, Maximum Results

One of the greatest advantages of vibration plate therapy is how time-efficient it is. Sessions are short—typically 10 to 15 minutes—yet they activate multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This makes it an ideal option for busy individuals, older adults, or those recovering from injury who want a low-impact but effective form of exercise.

Whether you use it as a stand-alone therapy or a complement to a broader fitness routine, vibration plate therapy offers a wide range of benefits in very little time.

What Is Silent Reflux?

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Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), sometimes called “silent reflux,” is a condition in which stomach acid or other contents flow backward into the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat). Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), LPR often doesn’t cause the classic symptom of heartburn. Instead, it presents with a variety of upper airway and throat symptoms that can be subtle, confusing, and sometimes frightening.

Common Symptoms of LPR:

  • Chronic throat clearing
    A frequent need to clear the throat due to irritation caused by acid or digestive enzymes.
  • Persistent cough
    Especially at night or after eating, the cough may not respond to traditional treatments.
  • Hoarseness or voice changes
    Vocal cords can become inflamed or irritated, leading to a raspy or weak voice, especially in the morning.
  • Globus sensation
    A feeling of a lump, tightness, or something stuck in the throat, even when nothing is there.
  • Postnasal drip or excess mucus
    The body produces mucus in response to irritation, which can feel like it’s collecting in the back of the throat.
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
    Swallowing may feel effortful or uncomfortable, and food may seem slow to move down the throat.
  • Sore throat or burning sensation in the throat
    Especially after eating or while lying down.
  • Ear pain or a sensation of fullness
    Acid can irritate the Eustachian tubes or nearby structures, leading to ear discomfort.

Feeling Like You’re Drowning in Your Own Saliva

One of the more distressing and lesser-known symptoms of LPR is excessive saliva production (also called water brash), along with difficulty swallowing and a sensation of choking. This can feel as though saliva is pooling in the throat, leading to:

  • A sensation of choking on saliva
    Because the throat and swallowing reflexes may be disrupted by inflammation, even normal amounts of saliva can feel overwhelming.
  • Difficulty managing secretions
    Some people feel they can’t swallow quickly or completely enough, leading to a constant awareness of saliva in the mouth or throat.
  • Fear of aspiration
    The fear that the saliva or refluxate could “go down the wrong pipe” and enter the lungs, especially when lying down.
  • Shortness of breath or throat tightness
    These may be reflexive responses from the larynx trying to protect the airway, which can exacerbate the sensation of “drowning.”

Why This Happens

Stomach contents, including acid, pepsin, or bile, are not meant to come in contact with the sensitive tissues of the throat and larynx. Even a small amount of reflux reaching these areas can cause inflammation and nerve hypersensitivity. When this happens:

  • The muscles that control swallowing may become uncoordinated.
  • The throat may feel constricted.
  • The body’s natural response is to produce more mucus and saliva to soothe the tissues, which paradoxically makes the feeling of “drowning” worse.

What to Do

If you suspect you have LPR, especially if you’re experiencing this “drowning” sensation, it’s important to:

  • Consult an ENT or gastroenterologist
    They may perform a laryngoscopy or pH monitoring to confirm LPR.
  • Modify diet and lifestyle
    Avoid acidic, spicy, or fatty foods, eat smaller meals, and don’t lie down after eating. However, I will say that even a clean diet which follows these recommendations might not even make a difference at all. This has been the case for me.
  • Elevate the head of the bed
    This reduces nighttime reflux for some people. However, it won’t make any difference for other sufferers (like me).
  • Use supplements if needed
    These may include alginate-based therapies or other substances which create a physical “raft” to block off the backflow. Some physicians may recommend proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers or allergy medications, but these medications might not have any effect on the condition.

While it’s not dangerous in most cases, the sensation of drowning in your own saliva due to LPR can feel alarming. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can usually be well-managed and greatly improved.

New Pet, Suddenly Allergic?

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It’s a really interesting and somewhat frustrating phenomenon when people develop allergies to new pets, even if they’ve lived with pets for years without issue. This just happened to me when I introduced a new kitten into my home. All these years, I had lived peacefully with my pets with no issues, but all it took was one sweet kitten with her dander to spike my allergic response!

There are several factors that could explain sudden allergic responses when a new pet is introduced to the home.

1. Different Allergen Profiles

Each pet produces different types and amounts of allergens. For instance:

  • Cats and Dogs: These animals produce dander (tiny, often invisible flakes of skin) that can trigger allergic reactions. However, not all animals produce the same type or quantity of allergens. A person may have developed tolerance to the specific dander or protein in their existing pets, but a new pet may have a different protein structure that their immune system perceives as a threat.
  • Species Differences: Even between different breeds of dogs or cats, there can be differences in the types of allergens they release. For example, some dog breeds shed less fur or produce different amounts of dander than others. This might explain why someone living with one breed of dog doesn’t experience symptoms, but develops an allergy when adopting a new breed.

2. Immune System Changes

Over time, a person’s immune system can change. Allergies can develop at any age, and the immune system can become sensitized to new allergens at any point in life, even if the person hasn’t had problems before. This might explain why someone who has lived with pets for years can suddenly develop an allergy to a new pet.

  • Delayed Sensitization: It’s possible that the immune system, over time, becomes sensitized to certain proteins present in animal dander, and the person’s immune response triggers once it encounters a threshold. They might not have had a strong reaction to their old pet, but a new pet could have more potent allergens that push the immune system into overdrive.

3. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

The environment plays a role in how allergens impact someone. If a person moves to a new home or changes their lifestyle, it could increase their exposure to allergens in a way that makes them more likely to develop a reaction.

  • New home, different allergens: If the new pet is introduced into a home with different ventilation, humidity, or dust levels, it could change how allergens accumulate and affect the person. For example, an increase in humidity could make allergens like mold or dust mites more problematic in conjunction with the pet’s dander.
  • Exposure levels: Someone may have had a lower overall exposure to allergens in the past, either due to fewer pets or less contact with them, and the new pet may push that exposure threshold.

4. Cross-Reactivity

There’s a phenomenon called cross-reactivity, where a person who is allergic to one animal might also react to allergens from a different animal. For example:

  • Cat and Dog Allergies: Some people allergic to cats might also react to dogs because the proteins responsible for causing allergies (like Fel d 1 in cats and Can f 1 in dogs) are similar. The immune system can mistake the proteins of a new pet for those of an older one.
  • Rodents, Birds, or Other Pets: People allergic to one type of pet might develop allergies to completely different animals (e.g., developing an allergy to birds after having had no issues with a dog). This is because certain proteins in saliva, fur, or feathers might have structural similarities, confusing the immune system.

5. Type and Age of the New Pet

Young pets (puppies, kittens) often shed more allergens, including fur and dander, than older pets. This could be due to the fact that they have more active skin cells or they may shed more frequently as they grow. So, even if someone was fine with an older pet, a younger one might have more dander circulating in the environment.

6. Sensitivity to Specific Proteins in Pet Saliva or Urine

It’s not just the skin dander that can cause problems. Proteins found in a pet’s saliva or urine can also trigger allergic reactions. For example:

  • Cats and Dogs Licking Fur: Both cats and dogs spread their saliva over their fur when they groom themselves, which means that their saliva proteins get transferred to their fur and skin. If a person has been exposed to the saliva of one pet for a long time without a reaction, the saliva of a new pet could be a different protein altogether, leading to an allergy.

7. Pet Care Products

It’s also worth noting that people might develop sensitivities to products used in caring for pets, such as shampoos, flea treatments, or cleaning supplies. These allergens could cause issues even if someone has lived with other pets without trouble, especially if the new pet is exposed to different brands or types of products.

8. Changes in Body’s Allergic Sensitization

As we age, our immune system changes. A person may have been exposed to the allergens of previous pets without a noticeable allergic response, but their immune system may have become more reactive over time. The introduction of a new pet might be the tipping point.

To sum it up: While someone might not have had issues with existing pets, the combination of new pet dander, proteins, environmental factors, and changes in the immune system can all contribute to the development of an allergy. If this happens, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on managing or alleviating symptoms.

My Favorite Thin Beef Jerky

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Mom tested, cat approved…

A few months ago, I tried thin beef jerky for the first time, and I was hooked. The crispy texture is far more enjoyable for me than the chewy consistency of traditional beef jerky. Alas, the first brand I tried had spices which did not agree with my digestive tract, so I found another company to order from which did not give me the same issues.

My fondness for Love’s Jerky is so strong that I have ordered their products on a monthly basis for the past 5 months, and don’t anticipate altering that pattern. My favorite flavor is the award-winning Hatch Green Chile variety, but all the flavors are great. I am also very fond of the Teriyaki variety, especially because it isn’t overly sweet, just full of great beef flavor and subtle teriyaki.

This is not a sponsored post, I just wanted to let everyone know how delicious the products from this company are! They offer free shipping on orders over $45, and you can also accumulate points for discounts on future orders.

Why Home Gyms Rock

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During my most recent visit to Hawaii in May of this year, I went to 24 Hour Fitness to get three workouts, and I was honestly rather disappointed in the experience. This is saying a lot, since I have always loved being in a commercial gym atmosphere. However, I have spent the past 5 years, ever since we were hit with Covid lockdown, primarily working out at home. I have become accustomed to being able to work on any body part I want, with whatever apparatus I need to use, without having to wait for equipment or work in with another human. I don’t have to wear earbuds for my music, and can blast whatever tunes I want without worrying about disturbing other gym goers. I don’t have to get in my car or drive anywhere, and I have 24-hour access without any additional fees. My gym smells nice and fresh, and all the equipment is clean.

Before you ask me if I can get full workouts in my home gym, I will tell you that I have no restrictions on what I can train while at home. I have a Marcy Smith Machine Multi-Gym, 285 pounds of weight plates, over 300 pounds of other weights, pulley assemblies, barbells, kettlebells, a hyperextension bench, incline bench crunch apparatus, etc. Right after I finish my workout, I hop onto a vibration plate for 10 minutes, and watch the squirrels in my neighborhood eat breakfast outside while I am getting my vibration therapy.

It’s home gym over commercial gym for me now!

Everyday Health Made Easy: Small Shifts That Build a Better You

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Image: Freepik

Here’s an article with easy tips to get your mind and body in gear! It was written by Camille Johnson of Bereaver.com

Improving your health doesn’t have to mean turning your life upside down. It’s not about chasing extreme diets or waking up at 4 a.m. to train like an Olympian. Real wellness lives in the everyday stuff — how you move, what you eat, the way you breathe when life gets chaotic. When you stack up the right small habits, they start to carry serious weight, and before you know it, you’re showing up for yourself in a way that feels solid, not stressful.

Start the Day on Your Terms

Waking up just fifteen minutes earlier can be a game-changer, especially if you’re usually scrambling to get out the door. That short pocket of quiet lets you center yourself without jumping straight into reactive mode. Maybe it’s sipping coffee while watching the sun rise, maybe it’s journaling, stretching, or just sitting with your thoughts before the day floods in. Whatever you choose, starting slow gives you more control over how the rest of your day unfolds.

Prioritize Hydration

You’d be amazed at how often what feels like fatigue, hunger, or brain fog is actually just dehydration in disguise. Water isn’t flashy, but it’s fundamental. Carry a water bottle you like, refill it often, and drink before you feel thirsty. When you’re hydrated, your joints feel better, your digestion works smoother, and your mood steadies itself without much effort.

Invest in Career Fulfillment with an Online Degree

It’s hard to feel truly well when your work drains more than it gives. Career fulfillment isn’t just a luxury — it’s a major pillar of overall well-being, and sometimes, leveling up means going back to school with purpose. Choosing from an array of accredited online programs makes the process accessible and flexible; for example, online healthcare programs are readily available if you’re interested in healthcare administration. Online programs are built to support working professionals who want to grow without putting their lives on hold.

Protect Your Mental Bandwidth

You only get so much mental energy in a day — guarding it isn’t selfish, it’s survival. Say no when you need to, mute notifications that suck you into pointless scrolling, and don’t feel bad about opting out of drama. Protecting your peace helps you stay focused on what actually matters. You can’t do everything, and pretending you can is just a shortcut to burnout.

Begin a Fitness Routine That Works for You

The hardest part of any fitness journey is usually just getting started, especially if you’ve been out of the game for a while. Forget chasing fads or forcing yourself into workouts you dread — the key is finding something you don’t hate showing up for. You might begin with bodyweight moves at home, join a local walking group, or enroll in an online exercise program led by Stacey Naito, who brings both expertise and encouragement.

Eat With Intention, Not Restriction

Food doesn’t have to be complicated or joyless to be nourishing. You don’t need to give up the things you love, but it helps to check in with how meals make you feel, not just how they taste. Aim for balance — colorful produce, good fats, clean proteins — but leave space for treats without guilt. The goal is to enjoy food that fuels you, not follow a rigid plan that makes you dread your plate.

Create a Sleep Ritual You Actually Look Forward To

Scrolling your phone until your eyes burn isn’t exactly a bedtime strategy, even if it feels like wind-down time. Building a simple sleep ritual trains your brain to transition out of the chaos. Maybe it’s dimming the lights, reading for ten minutes, or running a hot bath before crawling under the covers. Sleep is when your body repairs, and if you treat bedtime like an afterthought, it’s going to show up in your mood, energy, and focus the next day.

Lean Into Joy and Human Connection

You’re not a machine — you need joy, spontaneity, and people who remind you who you are outside of your responsibilities. Grab coffee with a friend, take a weekend road trip, belt your favorite songs while driving. Laughter, touch, shared experiences — those aren’t extras, they’re part of feeling whole. When life starts to feel mechanical, reconnecting with others can shift everything back into color.

Well-being isn’t some far-off summit you have to claw your way up — it’s woven into the tiny, doable decisions you make every single day. When you show up for yourself with habits that support your mind, body, and spirit, you’re not just surviving — you’re building a life you actually enjoy living. Don’t wait for a perfect Monday or some magical motivation to strike. Start now, with what you have, and let those choices carry you to a version of yourself that feels stronger, calmer, and more alive.Elevate your wellness journey with expert nutrition and fitness plans from Stacey Naito—start transforming your lifestyle today!

Naturally Gray

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When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world in early 2020, it disrupted nearly every aspect of daily life—including personal grooming routines. For many women, the closure of hair salons meant they could no longer maintain their regular appointments for root touch-ups or color treatments. Suddenly, the choice to hide gray hair was taken out of their hands. For some, this was initially a distressing situation, especially in a society that has long associated gray hair in women with aging, invisibility, or a lack of vitality.

However, something unexpected happened. As the weeks turned into months, and the pandemic dragged on, many women began to embrace the gray. What started out as a necessity slowly evolved into a movement. Social media played a huge role, with women posting photos of their “silver linings” and sharing their journeys of going gray—roots growing out, transitions in color, and emotional realizations along the way. Hashtags like #grombre (gray + ombré), #grayhairdontcare, and #silversisters began trending, creating a virtual support network that celebrated authenticity over convention.

For many women, going gray became symbolic of something much bigger. It represented a rejection of unrealistic beauty standards and the freedom to age on their own terms. It was an act of self-acceptance and empowerment. Some women shared how liberating it felt to stop covering something that was natural and beautiful. Others described how they felt more themselves than they had in years—bold, honest, and unfiltered.

This shift was about more than hair color; it was about autonomy. In a time of uncertainty, women reclaimed control over something deeply personal. They no longer felt pressured to hide a part of themselves just to conform to societal norms. As a result, what started as a temporary break from salon visits became, for many, a permanent transformation—not just in appearance, but in mindset.

As for my personal hair color journey during the pandemic, I was already so accustomed to coloring my gray roots at home every two weeks that it did not bother me one bit that I wasn’t able to visit a salon. In addition, the hairdresser who had been doing my hair during that time worked out of her home, so the interruption in professional hair care services was very brief for me. However, I was so inspired by the women who were daring enough to go naturally gray that I briefly considered traveling down the same path.

What stopped me was the realization that any lighter hair color looks truly bizarre on me, whether it be blonde, gray or white. I have verified this over the years by donning blonde and platinum white wigs, only to cringe in horror. Last month, I applied a gray hair color paste on my hair and took photos, then washed the stuff away. One friend thought it looked cool and suggested that I sort of resembled Storm, but that certainly wasn’t enough for me to consider leaving the temporary color in my hair for more than a few minutes.

Here I am with a temporary gray hair paste

If you have ever considered going naturally gray, I have listed pros and cons of such a decision below.

🌟 Pros of Going Naturally Gray

1. Authenticity and Self-Acceptance
Allowing gray hair to come in can be a bold statement of self-acceptance and confidence. It signals a refusal to conform to ageist beauty standards and an embrace of one’s natural evolution.

2. Healthier Hair
Frequent coloring, especially with harsh dyes, can damage hair over time. Going gray allows the hair to recover its natural texture, strength, and integrity.

3. Financial Savings
Salon visits for color treatments can be costly. Eliminating this routine saves both money and time—no more constant root touch-ups.

4. Time and Convenience
Gray hair maintenance often requires less frequent upkeep compared to colored hair. Once the transition is complete, you’re no longer on a schedule.

5. It Can Look Stunning
Natural gray or silver hair can be incredibly striking. When properly cared for, it can be glossy, elegant, and eye-catching. Many women find that it enhances their features and gives a sophisticated, modern edge.

6. Social Shifting
There’s a growing movement encouraging women to defy beauty norms. Embracing gray can connect you to a supportive community and help challenge outdated societal expectations.

⚠️ Cons of Going Naturally Gray

1. Societal Judgment and Ageism
Women are often judged more harshly than men for visible signs of aging. Going gray can provoke unsolicited comments or subtle discrimination, especially in professional environments.

2. Confidence Rollercoaster
The transition period—when roots are growing in—can be tough. Many women feel awkward or less attractive during this in-between phase.

3. Maintenance Doesn’t Disappear Entirely
While you’re not dyeing your hair anymore, gray hair often has a different texture and can be more coarse, wiry, or dry. It may require new types of products to look its best, including purple shampoos to combat yellowing.

4. Perceived Loss of Youthfulness
Some women feel that gray hair makes them look or feel older than they are, and may worry about losing their youthful edge or romantic appeal.

5. Not All Grays Are Created Equal
Gray hair doesn’t always come in beautifully silver. It may be patchy, dull, or uneven, and not everyone ends up with that sleek silver fox look.

Today, the visibility of gray-haired women in media, fashion, and public life continues to grow. The pandemic may have forced the change, but what followed was a grassroots movement of women stepping into their power, embracing their natural beauty, and redefining what it means to age gracefully.

Final Thought:

Going gray is not about “giving up”—it’s often about reclaiming control. For some women, coloring their hair helps them feel vibrant and polished. For others, letting it go natural is a power move toward freedom and authenticity. Neither path is superior—it’s about what makes you feel most confident in your skin.

The Five Keys To Optimal Brain Health (Repost)

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Sharpens-Your-Brain

By: Dr. Stacey Naito – Physician and IFBB Pro

Even if your genetics put you at risk for developing dementia, there are numerous lifestyle and behavior adjustments which you can make in order to protect brain function and fight dementia. The five keys listed below are proven to improve brain health and keep your mind vital and sharp for decades.

1. MOVE YOUR BODY

Scientific research has proven that overall physical health is closely linked to brain health. Regular exercise aids in the maintenance of a healthy weight range, normal cholesterol levels, while also optimizing blood flow throughout the body and the brain and supporting the growth of new brain cells.

The benefits of physical health stem not only from regular exercise, but also from other good health practices. Support your brain’s health by doing the following:

• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily to relieve stress.
• Make sure to get between seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
• Refrain from using tobacco.
• See your doctor regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

2. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

Research studies indicate that diets which are low in saturated fats and cholesterol, and rich in polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients like lutein and vitamin E, may have a protective effect on brain cells and overall brain health.

Brain-healthy dietary changes:

• Opt for healthy fats which are found in olive oil and fatty fish like salmon. Avoid saturated and trans fats.
• Consume a diet which incorporates milk, eggs, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, and dark leafy greens like spinach, all of which are rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E is an important nutrient which supports brain health. If you can’t get vitamin E from foods, you can take it in supplement form.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, aiming for nine fist-sized servings each day. Select colorful fruits like cranberries, blueberries and tomatoes which are packed with powerful anti-inflammatory compounds known as polyphenols. Keep the skin on fruits and vegetables to maximize their nutritional benefits.
• Add lutein. Lutein is a potent antioxidant which is critical for eye and brain health. Foods which are rich in lutein include spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, egg yolks, corn, and peas. You can also take lutein in supplement form.

3. EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN

Extensive research has proven that the brain continues to learn new skills and information throughout life, and benefits from frequent intellectual stimulation. Make sure to pursue new activities, education and games to challenge your mind. Read books to elevate your knowledge base.

How to stimulate your brain:

• Engage in regular sessions of a mental activity you enjoy, such as reading, word games such as crossword puzzles, or learning a foreign language.
• Get into a daily habit of learning a new word or fact.
• Master a new skill or subject each year.
• Manage stress and balance your energy by meditating. Meditation may help to reduce stress and body inflammation by soothing the vagus nerve, an important nerve which controls the body’s immune response.

4. NURTURE RELATIONSHIPS

Though we know that relationships with family and friends are key factors in a person’s happiness, regular social interaction promotes the formation of new brain cells and aids in brain repair. One study revealed that men and women who had the most social interaction had less than half the rate of memory loss as those who were the least socially involved. By visiting friends and family and being involved in community activities, you will protect brain health.

Social brain boosters:

• Spend time with your family and friends regularly, and make them a priority.
• Volunteer for an organization which surrounds a cause which you are passionate about.
• Work for as long as you can, and for as long as you feel motivated to do so.
• Join clubs and become involved in religious or spiritual activities which resonate with you.

5. BALANCE YOUR NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Brain function relies on important molecules known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitter levels affect mood, behavior, cognitive function, social function, digestion, sleep, weight regulation, and many other processes.

The problem with current society is that the vast majority of people have overly stimulated sympathetic nervous systems, which over time can drain the body of serotonin. The excitatory part of the nervous system dominates once the inhibitory neurotransmitters are depleted, resulting in anxiety and an inability to “wind down”. Eventually, even the excitatory neurotransmitters such as serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and GABA are also depleted, and severe depression or chronic fatigue usually develop.

Conventional drugs cannot replenish these neurotransmitters, and in fact, tend to cause depletion of the neurotransmitters. This is the reason why some depression medications do not work on some individuals. The good news is that supplementation with amino acids can help to replenish deficient neurotransmitters.

How To Nourish Neurotransmitters:

• Eat a healthy diet. Neurotransmitter imbalance is aggravated by poor diet. Diets high in protein supply the brain with the amino acids it needs to replenish neurotransmitter levels.
• Consume branched chain amino acids to ensure a rich supply of neurotransmitter precursors.

REFERENCES
Neurotransmitter Assessment Brings Light to Management of Psychiatric Problems
Monday, 15 August 2005 00:59By Erik L. Goldman | Editor in Chief – Vol. 6, No. 3. Fall, 2005

My Mom’s Mother’s Day Visit

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This past Mother’s Day was punctuated by two strange and special incidents, the first of which occurred about an hour after a floral arrangement I had ordered was delivered to my mother’s gravesite in Hawaii. I was in the midst of cleaning my home and getting ready for a trip to Hawaii in order to put my mom’s sister Alice to rest in the same grave with my mother’s cremains. While I was cleaning, I heard something fall to the floor, so I looked in the direction of the noise to find out what had fallen. A high school English composition book which has sat propped up decoratively on one of my bookshelves was on the floor, but the manner in which it had fallen, as well as the trajectory in which it fell off the shelf, was very odd.

I was nowhere near the bookcase from which the book had fallen, so the disruption lacked logical explanation. The book had been my mother’s, a textbook she had used while in high school. She had given it to me when I was a child, thinking that I would enjoy having it, and told me that she thought it was ridiculous that the book had been published 16 years prior to when she used it as a textbook (primarily due to budget constraints from the Great Depression and World War 2). Since the textbook was published the year my mom was born (1932), I always felt that the book was a representation of her, since it was as old as her.

When the book fell, it somehow flew in an arc over a nearby etagere, a movement which defied the laws of physics. In addition, it fell face up, which made no sense from the position it was in when it was on the shelf. I picked up the book, and instantly felt my mom’s presence around me. I thought to myself, wow, my mom is finally here to visit. It was a very special moment, but since I had more cleaning to do, I put the book back on the shelf and continued to clean.

About an hour after the book incident, I went up to my bedroom to clean it. When I walked into the room, I saw that the ihai or spirit tablet from my mom’s funeral was turned sharply to the left so that the front of the tablet was facing the window. None of my cats had been in my room the entire time I was cleaning, so I absolutely knew that my mom was once again communicating with me. I was stunned, since my mother’s spirit hadn’t paid me a visit since her death in June of 2023.

I’d love to hear the stories of others who might have experienced similar visits from departed family members!

Scented Candle Love

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A new favorite, Bergamot Tangerine from APOTHEKE

Luxury scented candles have a special way of enhancing a space that goes beyond just fragrance. They offer an affordable touch of indulgence—unlike many other luxury items, a well-made candle can be had without breaking the bank, yet it delivers a surprisingly rich sensory experience. As someone who enjoys scented candles from brands such as Voluspa, Archipelago Botanicals, APOTHEKE, and Nest, I know firsthand how affordable they are, as well as how much joy they bring me.

When lit, scented candles create an immediate shift in ambience. The flickering flame casts a soft, warm light that’s both calming and flattering, making any room feel more intimate and inviting. The scent adds another layer—evoking emotions, memories, or simply providing a gentle background aroma that makes a space feel cared for and curated. Whether it’s a woodsy blend, burst of fruit, or a complex and inviting floral, the right fragrance can transform a mundane evening into a soothing ritual. I light candles on a daily basis, and base my candle selection on what kind of mood I am in, as well as what kind of weather we are experiencing. For example, today was a warm, sunny day, so I opted for a refreshing grapefruit candle, and since it was in a smaller vessel, I opted to place it on my candle warmer instead of lighting it. Later tonight, after it gets dark, I will light a candle which fits my mood, settle onto the sofa in the living room, and enjoy the beautiful glow and inviting fragrance of the lit candle.

There’s also a practical bonus: by using candles for light, especially in the evening, you can reduce reliance on harsh electric lighting. This not only contributes to a more relaxing atmosphere but also supports energy conservation. It’s a small but meaningful gesture toward sustainability—proof that luxury and eco-consciousness don’t have to be at odds.