Tag stress

What Are Histamines and How Do They Affect the Gut?

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Histamines can have a significant impact on gut health, and for people with histamine intolerance or dysregulation, they can wreak real havoc on the digestive system. Histamine is a natural compound involved in immune responses, regulating stomach acid, and acting as a neurotransmitter. It’s normally broken down by enzymes like:

  • DAO (diamine oxidase) – mainly in the gut.
  • HNMT (histamine-N-methyltransferase) – mainly in the liver and other tissues.

In a healthy system, histamine is produced and broken down in balance. But when histamine levels get too high or the body can’t break them down properly, this leads to histamine intolerance—not an allergy, but more like an overload.

🧠 Gut-Brain Connection

Histamine also affects the enteric nervous system (the gut’s “second brain”). Too much histamine can lead to:

  • Overstimulation of gut motility (diarrhea, cramping).
  • Inflammation of the gut lining.
  • Increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut).
  • Disruption of the gut microbiome.

🚫 Foods High in Histamines (or That Trigger Histamine Release)

Histamine is found in many aged, fermented, or processed foods. There are also foods that trigger your body to release histamine, even if they don’t contain much of it.

⚠️ High-Histamine Foods

  • Fermented foods: sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir, soy sauce, miso.
  • Aged cheeses: parmesan, gouda, cheddar.
  • Cured/processed meats: salami, pepperoni, bacon.
  • Alcohol: especially wine, beer, champagne.
  • Vinegar-containing foods: pickles, mayonnaise.
  • Fish (especially if not super fresh): tuna, mackerel, anchovies.

🧨 Histamine Releasers

  • Strawberries, bananas, tomatoes, avocados, eggplant.
  • Shellfish.
  • Chocolate.
  • Nuts (especially walnuts, cashews, peanuts).

😵 Symptoms of Histamine Overload (Especially in the Gut)

When histamines aren’t properly broken down, symptoms may appear anywhere in the body—but the digestive system often takes the biggest hit.

🧻 Digestive Symptoms

  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Nausea
  • Acid reflux
  • Constipation (less common, but can happen)

🧏 Other Common Symptoms

  • Headaches or migraines
  • Skin rashes or hives
  • Flushing
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Anxiety or irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Heart palpitations

Symptoms often appear within 30 minutes to a few hours after eating high-histamine foods.

🛠️ What Can You Do to Manage or Offset a Histamine Reaction?

🥗 1. Low-Histamine Diet

Start by reducing or eliminating high-histamine and histamine-releasing foods. This can help “reset” your system and reduce overload.

💊 2. DAO Enzyme Supplements

These help break down histamine in the gut before it’s absorbed. Best taken right before meals. Look for:

  • DAO (diamine oxidase) enzyme
  • Brands with good clinical backing (e.g., Histamine Block)

Note: DAO doesn’t fix the root cause—it just helps manage symptoms.

🌿 3. Natural Antihistamines

These can help calm the body’s histamine response:

  • Quercetin: A flavonoid that stabilizes mast cells.
  • Vitamin C: Lowers histamine levels naturally.
  • Stinging nettle: Has mild antihistamine effects.

🔬 4. Support Gut Health

Since DAO is made in the intestinal lining, gut inflammation can reduce DAO production. Focus on:

  • Healing the gut lining (e.g., with L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, collagen).
  • Restoring microbiome balance (probiotics—carefully, since some can increase histamine).
  • Avoiding unnecessary NSAIDs, alcohol, and gut irritants.

🧘 5. Address Underlying Root Causes

Histamine issues often stem from deeper imbalances:

  • SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
  • Leaky gut
  • Chronic stress (which activates mast cells)
  • Mold toxicity or environmental triggers

Working with a functional or integrative practitioner can help identify and treat the root cause—not just mask the symptoms.

🧭 Summary

AspectDetails
CauseHistamine overload due to poor breakdown or excessive release
TriggersFermented/aged foods, alcohol, chocolate, strawberries, etc.
Digestive SymptomsBloating, diarrhea, reflux, nausea
SolutionsLow-histamine diet, DAO enzymes, gut healing, natural antihistamines

If you’re dealing with persistent gut issues, especially with unpredictable food reactions, histamine intolerance is definitely worth exploring—and often underdiagnosed.

How and Why Do People Develop Histamine Dysregulation?

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Histamine dysregulation happens when the production, release, or breakdown of histamine is thrown out of balance. That can happen in a few ways, and it’s usually multifactorial, meaning more than one trigger is involved. As someone who suffers from this, I can definitely tell you that it’s not a fun experience! This condition is one I developed during perimenopause, and I still struggle with it, more than 10 years later.

Here are some of the factors which are involved in the development of histamine intolerance or dysregulation:

1. 🧪 Impaired Histamine Breakdown

🔧 Main Enzyme: DAO (Diamine Oxidase)

DAO is responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut before it’s absorbed into the bloodstream.

🔬 Causes of Low DAO Activity:

  • Gut inflammation (e.g., from IBS, IBD, leaky gut, or SIBO)
  • Certain medications (like NSAIDs, antibiotics, antihistamines, antidepressants, and PPIs)
  • Alcohol (especially wine) inhibits DAO
  • Genetic mutations (SNPs) in the AOC1 gene, which affect DAO enzyme function
  • Nutrient deficiencies (copper, B6, vitamin C)—these are co-factors needed for DAO

2. 🔥 Overproduction or Release of Histamine

Histamine is stored in mast cells, which are part of your immune system. When triggered, these cells release histamine—sometimes inappropriately or excessively.

🧨 Triggers for Histamine Release:

  • Food sensitivities or allergies
  • Chronic infections (like Lyme, Epstein-Barr, Candida, parasites)
  • Mold exposure or environmental toxins
  • SIBO or gut dysbiosis (bacteria can produce histamine)
  • Stress (triggers mast cell activation through the nervous system)
  • Hormonal shifts (especially in women—estrogen can increase histamine)

In some cases, people develop mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), where mast cells release histamine too easily and too often, even to non-threatening stimuli.

3. 🧬 Genetic Predisposition

Certain gene variants can impair your body’s ability to break down or regulate histamine. Key genes include:

  • AOC1 – codes for DAO enzyme
  • HNMT – breaks down histamine inside cells
  • MAO, COMT – involved in neurotransmitter and histamine metabolism
  • MTHFR – affects methylation, which indirectly impacts histamine clearance

People with these genetic variants may have a lower tolerance threshold and be more prone to symptoms from even normal histamine levels.

4. 💊 Medication-Induced Histamine Issues

Some drugs can either block DAO or promote histamine release. Examples:

  • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin)
  • Antidepressants (especially MAOIs)
  • Antibiotics (like clavulanic acid or sulfonamides)
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Opioids
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Beta blockers

These don’t necessarily cause histamine intolerance permanently, but they can tip someone over the edge if they already have a compromised system.

5. 🧠 Chronic Stress and Nervous System Imbalance

Chronic stress can:

  • Increase mast cell activation
  • Promote intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
  • Suppress DAO enzyme production
  • Alter gut microbiota

Basically, long-term stress can create a perfect storm for histamine dysregulation.

6. 🦠 Gut Health Imbalances

Histamine and the gut are tightly linked.

  • Dysbiosis: Some gut bacteria (like Lactobacillus casei or Klebsiella) produce histamine.
  • SIBO: Overgrowth in the small intestine can lead to bacterial production of histamine.
  • Leaky gut: Inflammation in the gut lining reduces DAO production and allows histamine to be absorbed more easily into the bloodstream.

If the gut lining is damaged or the microbiome is imbalanced, histamine clearance drops—while histamine production increases. Bad combo.

🧩 Summary: Why Histamine Dysregulation Happens

Root CauseHow It Contributes
Gut inflammationReduces DAO production
Genetic mutationsImpair histamine breakdown
Chronic stressActivates mast cells, weakens gut
Infections or toxinsTrigger immune and mast cell response
Hormonal imbalancesEstrogen boosts histamine levels
MedicationsBlock DAO or trigger histamine release
Dysbiosis/SIBOIncreases histamine production in gut

🔄 The Vicious Cycle

Histamine overload can damage the gut, and a damaged gut can’t break down histamine—so the cycle continues unless addressed.

✅ What to Do About It

If you’re dealing with symptoms and suspect histamine dysregulation, steps to consider:

  • Support DAO function (supplements, gut healing)
  • Avoid high-histamine foods (especially temporarily)
  • Reduce triggers (toxins, stress, allergens)
  • Test for underlying causes (SIBO, mold, infections)
  • Work with a knowledgeable practitioner

Making Stress Manageable: How Creative Work Quietly Changes Everything

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I hope you all enjoy reading this wonderful article, written by Julia Merrill of befriendyourdoc.org! It’s all about keeping those creative juices flowing and dampening stress.

There’s a kind of pressure no app fixes—mental static that clings to your thoughts, your sleep, your body. You carry it until it becomes background noise. But creativity can cut through that. Not as escape, but as reset. Drawing, dancing, scribbling a thought—these aren’t luxuries. They’re ways your brain reclaims rhythm. You don’t need to be good. You just need to begin. Creative work interrupts stress. That’s where everything starts to shift.

Creativity quiets mental noise

There’s something remarkable about what happens when your brain turns toward a tactile, expressive task. Paintbrush to paper. Fingers to clay. Even organizing a shelf with intention. These acts redirect your attention away from loops of rumination into a space of sensory input and focused decision-making. Creative activities ease emotional overwhelm by helping the brain regulate its own threat response system. In other words, your mind stops screaming and starts listening. This isn’t a distraction. It’s a biological rebalancing—an internal volume knob finally turning down.

Routine creativity builds resilience

When creative work stops being occasional and starts becoming habitual, it stops functioning as a band-aid and starts acting like armor. That doesn’t mean routine kills the spark. It means the spark has a place to land. Daily journaling, weekly collage-making, or recording your dreams each morning—these routines gently wire the brain to process, not suppress. Repetition turns expression into integration. And that’s where regular creativity strengthens emotional resilience. It trains the body to trust itself. Over time, that’s the difference between managing stress and becoming it.

When study supports the practice

Understanding why creativity works can deepen your relationship to it. Learning the mechanics of cognitive load, stress responses, or emotional regulation through psychology doesn’t make creativity clinical—it makes it sustainable. Formal study helps you notice patterns, name blocks, and recognize when you’re shifting states. For some, exploring online learning and psychology degrees becomes a tool for understanding not only their own minds but also the behaviors they witness in others. It’s not about credentials—it’s about access to frameworks that clarify what’s happening beneath the surface. And with that clarity comes choice. The kind that helps you move differently in moments of pressure.

Hobbies as emotional outlets

You don’t need a masterpiece to feel better. You need a release valve. That’s where simple hobbies come in. When you take time to sketch a flower, stitch a pattern, or write a few unedited sentences, you’re doing more than making art—you’re giving shape to what doesn’t have language yet. Stress lives in the body, and the body is trying to tell you something. The act of using creative hobbies to offer mindful emotional outlet allows expression and processing before the pressure converts to tension or collapse. The emotional load lightens because it’s no longer stuck. You moved it.

Structured play resets mood

It helps to have structure when you’re rebuilding your sense of ease. That might mean taking a community ceramics class, joining a songwriting group, or learning photography basics online. It doesn’t need to be expensive or public—just rhythmic. Consistency changes how you metabolize stress. Not because you’re “productive,” but because repetition builds neural reliability. One way people access this rhythm is by engaging in creative expression to release tension, which nudges the brain out of survival mode and into flow. You can’t force your mind to relax—but you can make it feel safe enough to try.

Shared art builds connection

Solitude has its place. But there’s also something restorative about making things around others—especially when no one’s competing or performing. A group paint night. A community mural project. Even virtual writing sprints. By joining creative groups to deepen social support, people experience something more profound than distraction—they rebuild nervous system safety through shared rhythm. Creativity, shared, becomes its own kind of nervous system. You co-regulate without even trying.

Short bursts still benefit

You don’t need a weekend retreat or an artist residency to feel the effects. Some of the most potent shifts happen in short, imperfect, ordinary moments. Ten minutes of watercolor. Two lines of a song. A voice memo idea whispered between errands. People often discover that short creative efforts still reduce stress in measurable ways—dopamine up, cortisol down—even if the work is scrappy and incomplete. Think of these not as projects but as pressure valves. Moments that matter because they add up.

Stress is your body asking for a new rhythm. Creativity answers without needing permission or polish. It softens the edges, slows the breath, and builds a pattern your nervous system can trust. A sketch, a song, a list of words—they all count. Not because they solve things. But because they steady you long enough to try again.

Discover a wealth of health insights and lifestyle tips with Dr. Stacey Naito and start your journey to a healthier, more vibrant you today!

Balancing Life’s Demands with Effective Stress Management

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I hope you will enjoy reading this wonderful article written by Sheila Olson of fitsheila.com which hones in on stress management.

In the journey to cultivate a more serene and manageable lifestyle, understanding and mitigating stress is essential. With a focus on self-awareness and actionable strategies, individuals can learn to navigate their stress with more confidence and resilience, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. This guide from Dr. Stacey Naito provides a comprehensive approach to recognizing the myriad stressors that permeate daily life and offers practical solutions for effectively managing them.

Recognizing Emotional Alerts

If you find yourself frequently overwhelmed, anxious, or irritable, these could be your mind’s way of signaling stress. These emotional reactions are important indicators, suggesting it’s time to reassess your current lifestyle choices and stress management strategies. Recognizing these signs early can help you take proactive steps towards stress reduction. Addressing these emotional cues promptly ensures they don’t escalate into more severe issues. Continually monitoring your emotional state aids in managing stress before it becomes overwhelming.

Pursuing a Fulfilling Career

If your existing role no longer aligns with your aspirations, exploring new career paths may restore balance and joy to your work life. Stepping into a role such as that of a special education teacher can offer profound personal and community benefits, especially if you are driven by a desire to support children with unique needs. Online educational programs provide flexibility, allowing you to blend further education with current professional duties effectively. For more tailored advice on making such transitions, check this out for more info.

Journaling for Pattern Recognition

Maintaining a journal about your daily interactions can reveal patterns in what causes your stress. Document instances when you feel stressed, including the people, environments, or situations involved. This record-keeping can be a powerful tool for identifying recurring stressors and addressing them effectively. Over time, this practice aids in avoiding or altering these stress-inducing patterns. Sharing insights from your journal with a therapist or counselor can also provide additional perspectives on managing stress.

Assessing Environmental Impact

Your surroundings play a significant role in your stress levels. An overabundance of clutter, noise, and lack of privacy can all add to a stressful atmosphere. Take a moment to evaluate these factors in your home and workplace to determine if they contribute to your stress. Creating a calm, organized space can significantly reduce stress and enhance your ability to focus and relax. Consider implementing minimalistic principles to further reduce environmental stressors.

Balancing Life’s Commitments

Often, stress arises from a mismatch in the effort allocated to personal and professional commitments. Reflect on whether you’re giving too much to one aspect of your life at the expense of others. Achieving a more balanced distribution of your time and energy can significantly reduce stress. It’s essential to maintain a healthy balance to ensure personal well-being and professional productivity. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is key to achieving this balance.

Integrating Relaxation Techniques

Incorporating practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into your daily routine can profoundly affect your stress levels. These techniques promote relaxation and provide a necessary respite from the daily grind. Regular practice helps manage stress more effectively and improves overall mental health. Dedicate time each day to these activities to nurture your mental and physical well-being. Engaging in these practices in a group setting can enhance their effectiveness through shared experiences and support.

It is important to remember that stress management is a dynamic and ongoing process. Implementing the strategies discussed will require patience and persistence. Over time, these techniques will foster a greater sense of control over your emotional and physical well-being, transforming how you handle life’s inevitable pressures. By maintaining this proactive approach, you can continue to enhance your quality of life and nurture a resilient, stress-resilient mindset.

Explore wellness, lifestyle tips, and inspiration with Dr. Stacey Naito.

Building Lasting Habits: How to Keep Up with Your Wellness Goals

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Check out this helpful article by Julia Merrill of befriendyourdoc.org!

Consistency is key when it comes to wellness and self-care, yet maintaining momentum can often feel challenging amid life’s demands. Staying committed to these goals requires more than just motivation; it calls for intentional habits, thoughtful planning, and realistic strategies that make wellness a sustainable part of daily life. By creating a framework that integrates self-care into your routine, you can build lasting habits that nurture your physical and mental well-being, even on busy days.

Crafting a Consistent Wellness Routine for Lasting Self-Care

Creating a daily routine that integrates wellness and self-care practices is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health. By incorporating simple activities like drinking water upon waking, engaging in breathing exercises, or maintaining a gratitude journal, you can create a personalized schedule that supports your well-being. Consistency is key, as it helps reinforce these habits, making them a natural part of your day. Flexibility is also important, allowing you to adjust your routine as needed to accommodate life’s changes while still prioritizing self-care.

Improving Your Career Trajectory by Aiming for an Online Degree

Staying true to your career aspirations is vital, and one effective way to do this is by sharpening your skills through further education. Enrolling in an online degree program allows you to gain valuable knowledge in fields like IT, programming, and computer science theory, all while maintaining your current job. For instance, obtaining a computer science degree can significantly boost your technical acumen, preparing you for advanced roles in the industry. Also, thanks to the flexibility of online learning, here’s a solution that makes it feasible to balance work and study. 

Empowering Your Wellness Journey Through Informed Choices

Understanding the advantages of various wellness activities is crucial for making informed decisions that align with your personal health goals. By educating yourself on the benefits of different wellness practices, such as wearable technology, gut health, and holistic services, you can tailor your self-care routine to meet your specific needs. For instance, insights from the 2024 Health and Wellness Toolkit reveal that individuals who actively engage in wellness behaviors often experience enhanced physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Employing the Power of Accountability for Wellness Success

To maintain consistency in your wellness and self-care objectives, consider joining accountability groups or partnering with a friend. This approach not only provides a structured framework for tracking progress but also enhances motivation through shared responsibility. When you know someone else is counting on you to meet your commitments, it becomes harder to justify skipping steps or making excuses. Regular check-ins serve as constant reminders of your goals, keeping them at the forefront of your mind.

Harnessing the Power of Social Connections for Stress Relief

Building a network of supportive friends, family, or support groups can significantly ease the burden of stress. Engaging with others who understand your experiences can provide emotional comfort and practical advice, which is crucial for managing both daily pressures and more severe stressors like burnout or PTSD. By sharing your challenges and triumphs with a trusted circle, you create a buffer against stress, which can lead to improved resilience and a more balanced life.

Incorporating Technology for Enhanced Fitness and Health

Incorporating fitness apps and wearable devices into your daily routine can significantly enhance your physical activity levels and overall health. These technologies provide real-time monitoring of vital statistics such as heart rate, steps, and sleep patterns, offering personalized insights and recommendations tailored to your health profile. By leveraging data-driven approaches, you can stay consistently engaged with your fitness goals, making it easier to track progress and adjust your routines as needed.

Mastering the Art of Saying ‘No’ for Better Self-Care

Learning to decline commitments that sap your energy and time is crucial for maintaining your wellness and self-care objectives. By saying ‘no’ to tasks that do not align with your overarching goals, you preserve your most valuable asset – time – for pursuits that truly matter. This practice not only safeguards your energy but also fosters healthier relationships, as it demonstrates self-respect and clear boundaries. While it might be challenging to refuse requests due to fear of judgment, remember that every ‘no’ to an unimportant task is a ‘yes’ to yourself.

Staying consistent with wellness and self-care is an investment that pays off in countless ways, from improved energy and mood to a deeper sense of personal fulfillment. By embracing realistic strategies and making small, sustainable changes, you can integrate wellness into your life as a natural extension of your daily routine. Remember that progress doesn’t require perfection; it’s the steady commitment to taking care of yourself that makes a lasting impact.

Discover a world of wellness, lifestyle tips, and more with Dr. Stacey Naito and elevate your everyday living!

Resources and Tips to Help You Relax and Recharge Throughout the Day

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By Julia Merrill of Befriendyourdoc.org
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Modern life is busy. You probably have a lot of obligations to juggle, from work to family, friends, school, and more. You might find yourself getting overwhelmed and frazzled regularly. In the big picture, this can lead to mental health issues like anxiety. Read on for some resources and tips from Dr. Stacey Naito’s blog to help you unwind and recharge your battery.

Take a Break to Focus on Your Physical Well-being

Regular exercise is good for your mental and physical health. Try these tips to get more physical activity.

  • If you can’t get to the gym, try this total-body home workout. It only takes 15 minutes and requires no equipment.
  • You can also get exercise with hacks like skipping the elevator and taking the stairs.
  • Yoga is another activity you can do from home that helps to bust stress and improve mental health.

Build a stress-busting mental health toolkit

Get proactive about tackling stress head-on when it arises.

Natural Remedies

Using natural remedies to relieve stress is important because they often have fewer side effects, can be cost-effective, and work harmoniously with the body’s natural processes to promote overall well-being and resilience. Here’s a list of three natural remedies for stress:

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as yoga, jogging, or swimming, can significantly reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins and improving overall mood.
  • Meditation: Practicing meditation and mindfulness techniques can help calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional stability.
  • THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): As a non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw cannabis, options for THCA may have therapeutic properties that help reduce stress without inducing a high.

Create a Relaxation Space at Home

When you need to take a break, curl up in your zen zone. Here’s how to make the perfect soothing space.

Know When to Ask for Help

If you’re constantly on edge and unable to relax, even with the above tips, it may be time for support. Here are some resources to help.

You don’t have to go through life feeling stressed and drained of energy. Making small changes to your daily routine can ensure you feel calm and refreshed. The resources above can help you get a better grasp on your daily well-being.
Read more informative articles on Dr. Stacey Naito’s blog today!

Uncover the Roots of Stress and Master Effective Management

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Here’s another fantastic article by Camille Johnson of bereaver.com which offers tips on managing stress.

In the whirlwind of modern life, stress often becomes a constant, yet unwelcome, companion. Its presence can be pervasive, affecting various aspects of our lives. Recognizing the sources of stress and developing effective strategies to manage it is not just beneficial; it’s necessary. This article dives into the primary causes of stress and equips you with practical ways to address them, aiming to bring balance and tranquility to your daily life.

Identify Your Stress Triggers

To manage stress, it’s imperative to pinpoint what triggers it. Stressors vary widely, encompassing aspects like work pressures, relationship dynamics, and personal responsibilities. By understanding these triggers, you can devise targeted strategies to mitigate their impact. This process involves self-reflection and may require changes in both perspective and lifestyle, but the reward is a more peaceful and manageable life.

Prioritize Fitness

Beginning a fitness routine is a powerful tool in combating stress, as it brings both physical and psychological benefits. Engaging in regular exercise leads to the release of endorphins, known as the body’s natural mood elevators, which help in reducing stress levels and enhancing overall mood. Physically, exercise improves cardiovascular health and increases strength and stamina, contributing to a greater sense of well-being and resilience against stressors. Additionally, a fitness routine provides structure and a sense of achievement, which can be particularly beneficial for mental health. It also offers a positive distraction, allowing for a break from daily stressors and the opportunity to focus on personal health and well-being. Discover a balanced and healthier you with customized nutrition and fitness plans from Stacey Naito!

Balance Work and Life

A common source of stress is the struggle to balance professional and personal life. This doesn’t mean compromising career goals but finding a harmony that supports both professional success and personal happiness. Here are some steps you can take to live a balanced life that is less stressful and more fulfilling:

  • Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Define specific working hours and stick to them, avoiding excessive overtime. 
  • Prioritize self-care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Prioritizing self-care ensures you have the energy and resilience to handle work stress.
  • Delegate: Delegate tasks when possible, both at work and home, to reduce your workload and free up time for other activities. 
  • Learn to say “no”: Saying “no” when necessary prevents burnout and allows you to maintain a healthier work-life balance. It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and others.

Consider Alternative Stress Therapies

Exploring alternative therapies can provide a distinctive path to stress relief, complementing traditional methods. The following methods have been recognized for their potential in managing stress:

  • Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and rose have been shown to promote relaxation and emotional well-being.
  • Biofeedback: Biofeedback techniques use sensors to monitor physiological functions like heart rate and teach individuals how to control them. It can be effective in managing stress by providing real-time feedback on stress responses.
  • Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to release physical tension and promote relaxation, making it an effective stress management tool.
  • THCa: Found in raw cannabis, THCa is a non-psychoactive compound that can offer stress relief benefits. It’s typically consumed in its natural form—explore the allure of THCA diamonds.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation

Mindfulness is a powerful practice for relieving stress by bringing one’s full attention to the present moment without judgment. By cultivating awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, individuals can better understand their stressors and learn to respond to them in a more balanced way. Mindfulness meditation techniques, such as deep breathing and body scanning, promote relaxation and reduce the physiological effects of stress, such as elevated heart rate and muscle tension. Over time, regular mindfulness practice can lead to increased resilience, improved emotional regulation, and a greater sense of calm, making it an effective tool in stress management.

Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Cultivating a positive mindset can act as a protective barrier against life’s stresses. Adopting an optimistic attitude, acknowledging your successes, setting achievable goals, and engaging in self-compassion are powerful tools in diminishing the effects of stress. Additionally, being in the company of uplifting individuals and consistently nurturing a hopeful perspective not only wards off stress but also enhances overall life satisfaction. These proactive measures contribute to building resilience, enabling you to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence.

Stress, while an inevitable part of life, doesn’t have to dominate it. By identifying its sources and adopting a comprehensive approach that encompasses physical, mental, and alternative strategies, you can effectively manage stress. This journey is about discovering what uniquely works for you, leading to a balanced and fulfilling life where stress is manageable, not overwhelming. Remember, prioritizing your well-being is not just beneficial; it’s essential.

Tech Tools for Managing Your Health When You Have Diabetes

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Please check out this informative and excellent article by Karen Weeks of Elderwellness.net which has great tips for managing your overall health if you have diabetes.

Managing diabetes is a full-time job that can interfere with your life in more ways than one. But this common disease doesn’t have to rob you of a healthy, active lifestyle. Adopting healthy habits is essential for managing diabetes, preventing complications, and giving you better control over your life—and you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it! If you’re looking for new ways to improve your health, check out the tips below presented by Stacey Naito.

Get Moving to Lose Weight

Weight loss is a crucial element of any diabetes management plan. Carrying excess weight can increase insulin resistance and make it harder for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. However, a recent trial reported by Medical News Today found that losing weight may reverse the effects of early type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, aerobic exercise is a very effective weight-loss tool! Also see if you can find ways to keep moving at the office. Many of us are sedentary at work, so see how often you can take the stairs or stand during a meeting.

Fitness trackers are affordable, user-friendly devices that can help you get moving and shed those pounds safely. There are several models to choose from with different features to meet a variety of health and fitness needs. For example, some fitness trackers include heart rate monitors, while others are capable of tracking your sleep stages. Take a look at your options from stores like Dicks Sporting Goods, Academy, or Walmart. 

Lastly, don’t hesitate to add some music to the mix! Sometimes, listening to music—or even a podcast—can provide you with the motivation you need to push through your exercise routine. You can invest in a speaker to add some quality to your tunes, as well as a stand that can keep your phone upright if you’re using it to watch something as you work out. Do what works best for you. Find what motivates you and work it into your routine.

Eat Clean

Adopting a nutritious diet is another effective way to lose weight and keep diabetes under control. EatingWell recommends developing a low-calorie, nutrient-packed meal plan full of complex carbohydrates, fresh veggies, healthy fats, and lean protein. There are many free apps out there that can help you develop healthy meal plans on any budget. For example, Mealime is great for finding personalized recipes and generating shopping lists. Similarly, Meal Planner Pro offers budget-friendly meal planning for people with a variety of conditions, including diabetes.

Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control

Many complications can arise if you don’t keep your blood pressure in check. Unfortunately, high blood pressure is exceedingly common in people with diabetes, since this disease causes damage to the arteries. Alarmingly, constant high blood pressure can lead to everything from kidney failure to a heart attack. Keeping your blood pressure down might lessen your chances of peripheral vascular disease and stroke. The good news here is that blood pressure monitors are affordable and easy to use. Take a reading often, and contact your doctor if your numbers are consistently high.

Learn About Your Body

You can also try free and low-cost apps to learn how different foods affect your body. Use diabetes apps and food trackers to log what you eat and when, so you can learn how different foods affect your blood sugar levels. With these apps, you’ll be able to monitor long-term trends and identify the foods and activities that make you feel your best.

Your doctor can be a great resource for diabetes-related information and questions. And if getting to the doctor’s office is a challenge, you can try finding online doctors. Once you’ve found a great fit, you can do video appointments and pick up prescribed medications at your convenience, and most accept a variety of insurance options.

Manage Stress

Did you know that stress can worsen your diabetes? Stress increases blood sugar levels, raises blood pressure, increases insulin resistance, impairs sleep, and promotes emotional eating. If you’re struggling with stress, use mindfulness apps like Headspace and Pacifica to calm your mind and learn how to manage anxiety throughout your day. Other apps, like Relax Melodies and Calm, use gentle music and sounds to promote relaxation—these are great if you have trouble sleeping! Most of these apps include free versions and offer affordable subscription options to unlock more features.

Living with diabetes can be tough, to say the least. Fortunately, a variety of low-cost apps and tech devices can make it easier to adopt healthy habits and enjoy the life you want. Use all of the tools at your disposal for guidance and motivation, so you don’t have to face diabetes alone.

Dr. Stacey Naito is passionate about feeling and looking good. Her blog is full of helpful resources on eating well, getting active, and living your best life.

How To Treat Depression Naturally

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Despite the fact that I was trained in the traditional ways of medicine, I prefer to utilize natural supplements and foods to treat conditions, only turning to prescription medications as a last resort for my patients. I have a particular aversion to prescribing antidepressant medications, and honestly believe that such meds only serve as a bandage for the root cause, which almost invariably is a combination of hormonal imbalance and malnutrition.

If you are experiencing new symptoms of depression, the first thing you should do is visit your primary care provider and have bloodwork drawn. Issues such as thyroid dysfunction, low progesterone, and low testosterone can often pop up in an individual who is experiencing depression. Make sure to also ask your provider to check vitamin D3 levels, since that substance actually acts like a hormone in the body. Other blood values which can be tested include DHEA, IGF-1, and estradiol.

When a patient comes to me complaining of symptoms of depression, I always recommend the following three supplements as part of the patient’s daily regimen:

Vitamin D
Folate 800 mcg
B-Complex

Once my patients are on this daily regimen for a few weeks, I have them visit for a follow-up to see if their symptoms have improved. If the improvement is marginal, I add SAMe and 5-HTP to the regimen, both of which are great for treating pain issues. If anything is off balance with respect to a patient’s hormones (and in most cases, something is), I will treat the imbalance directly with organ support compounds and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

In addition to natural supplements, I also recommend that patients consume whole foods, and avoid processed foods at all costs. If possible, I also urge them to engage in regular exercise, as such activity can have an immense positive impact on mood. I encourage people to find balance in their daily lives, and will often demonstrate breathing exercises or discuss meditation with them while they are in the office. I also remind them to stop and enjoy what they have in their lives, to be grateful for what they have instead of dwelling on what they lack.

Rather than turn to SSRI’s, please consider the natural approach first if you are dealing with depression!

How Coronavirus Has Changed Our Shopping Habits

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Shopping habits have changed dramatically since the appearance of COVID-19 and the subsequent scramble to socially distance and protect ourselves.  Grocery stores and retail pharmacies now have plexiglass shields at the checkout stands, and there are shoe stickers on the floors as visual reminders of the six foot distance we are urged to keep from each other.

Malls are nearly empty, and many merchants haven’t even dared open their doors.  The days when you could just hop over to a local store and pick up a couple of items have been replaced with long lines of people waiting to get in, and staple items which are perpetually low in stock or completely depleted.  Let’s not forget about all that toilet paper hoarding which defined the earlier part of 2020.

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The new normal when it comes to consumer spending is largely confined to purchasing only the essentials, but there has also been a peculiar yet predictable surge in what can reasonably be described as online retail therapy.  Since we’ve basically been forced to become homebodies, our shopping preferences have changed to reflect this lifestyle shift.  Online streaming services have increased dramatically in popularity, as people search for shows and films to chew up some of their time at home.

Industries which have seen an uptick in their sales since the global pandemic hit include food delivery and takeout services, alcohol, exercise equipment, health supplies such as masks and hand sanitizer, and beauty and wellness products.

Some people have been compelled to stock up on bundles of essentials like pasta, toilet paper and the like, while others have fallen into the habit of purchasing unnecessary items, perhaps a long coveted item which was purchased with the attitude, life is short, might as well buy it.

The following excerpt from an article by Leanne Italie is an excellent description of the purchasing habits which many of us might find ourselves falling into as this lockdown continues:

“Shopping as therapy has been shown to reduce negative moods and boost overall happiness,” he said. “The big downside, however, is that such relief is very short-lived. That good feeling very quickly dissipates.”

Mr. Galak said some research points to “shopping while bored” as a variation with less emotional payout.

“Browsing for things that one doesn’t need fills the time and then clicking `buy now’ just naturally follows,” he said. “Consumers may find themselves on page 20 of a search result for a new pair of shoes, a place that when engaged and not bored, they would never reach.”

Jennifer Salgado, 42 of Bloomfield, N.J., is a shopper with many heads these days.

“Resourceful me has purchased: a pasta roller and drying rack, because now I’m Ina Garten; stuff to make hand sanitizer, because I’m now a chemist; and dog nail clippers that my 76-pound bulldog noped out of real fast and is now looking like Snooki from the ‘Jersey Shore,’” she said.

There’s also “luxurious me,” Ms. Salgado said, snapping up 96 macarons from a bulk-buying store, along with the Jennifer who needed 24 pounds of frozen peas.

“Most of the time, I forget what’s coming,” she said, echoing others who accepted long delivery dates out of fear. “And most of the time, I realize I never really needed these things in the first place.”

Kellie Flor-Robinson of Silver Spring, Md., just may be a combination of all of the above.

“I ordered a case of Moet,” she said. “I’m not sure that it was an accident, though — this thing has me buggy.”