After weeks of working from home, furloughs or unemployment, millions of Americans are returning to the workplace as COVID-19 restrictions lift. The transition may cause fear and anxiety. Experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The Ohio State University College of Nursing say its important to take precautions to avoid infection, but also to deal with the stress of transitioning back to their offices or businesses after an extended period of isolation.

Uncertainty and unpredictability can really create an unhealthy amount of fear and stress, especially when its sustained over such a long period of time, said Dr. K. Luan Phan, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Challenges will remain as businesses reopen, and the typical workplace will look very different following this pandemic. Well have to find new ways to connect with colleagues and work as a team while maintaining our distance and preventing the spread of infection.

Precautions like taking every employees temperature upon arrival, providing face masks, keeping workspaces at least six feet apart and being vigilant about wiping down surfaces are important to preventing the spread of the virus. Those actions can also make everyone feel safer and less anxious.

Physical and mental health are closely intertwined. While you practice good hygiene and physical distancing in the office, you should also practice stress-reduction, said Bernadette Melnyk, dean of the College of Nursing and Chief Wellness Officer at Ohio State. For example, while you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, take the opportunity to take five deep, abdominal breaths. Doing this at least five times a day can reduce anxiety and even lower your blood pressure.

In addition to stress relief, healthy lifestyle choices like daily physical activity, a healthy diet and getting at least seven hours of sleep per night can boost your immune system and help stave off serious illness. Experts say its also more important than ever to stay home when you feel sick to help keep yourself and your co-workers healthy.

To help ease their fears, Phan encourages employees to ask about what will change at work to keep them safe.

Ask their employer, ask their team leader, how are they being protected? What precautions are in place? What new setups to the workplace environment have been established in order to keep themselves and their co-workers safe so that they don't get infected, said Phan, who is a professor at Ohio States College of Medicine. Handshakes, things that we usually do to show physical support for one another, will also not be allowable. So we'll have to find new ways to connect in this new work environment.

There can be a lot of fear surrounding the return to normalcy or what will now become normal, so Phan and Melnyk offer these tips to help transition safely to a post-COVID-19 work life:

Manage Stress: Many people already have a lot of stress and anxiety during this time, and adjusting to being back in the workplace may add to those feelings. Utilizing stress-reduction apps, practicing mindfulness and self-care that calms your breathing and nerves, and making a plan for you and your family to manage the transition back to work can all go a long way to building resilience and helping you feel better about returning.

Dont let your guard down: Just because theres an ease on restrictions doesnt mean the threat is gone. You still need to take precautions wash your hands for at least 20 seconds while taking five big deep breaths, keep sanitizer and disinfecting wipes handy and clean surfaces often. Wear a mask and avoid shaking hands in common areas, meetings or when interacting with customers. (Editor's Note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that hand sanitizers should contain at least 60 percent alcohol.)

Keep your distance: Avoid crowding into conference rooms and keep your workspace at least six feet from your nearest co-worker. Continue holding virtual meetings and limit direct contact. Many adjustments were made to help employees work from home during the coronavirus outbreak. Health experts recommend continuing with remote work or staggering which employees are in the office when possible.

Stay fit to be well: Make changes that help you boost your immune system and fight off illnesses. About 80 percent of chronic conditions are preventable by engaging in a few lifestyle behavior changes, such as regular physical activity, eating at least five fruits and vegetables per day, not smoking and limiting alcohol intake if you drink to one drink a day if you are a woman and two a day if you are a male. Those small changes can make a major difference in fighting the virus if youre infected.

Look out for your co-workers health: Stay home if you dont feel well, get your flu shot and, if a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available in the future, get that too. As workplaces begin to re-open, many are monitoring employee health with measures such as daily temperature checks. If your employer doesnt take precautions you feel are needed to prevent the spread of illness, speak up so that your entire office can be and feel safer.

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Ohio State experts offer tips for healthy transition to workplace as state reopens - Pike County News Watchman

You are quite right in looking to your diet along with external factors. All too often people tend to focus on topical products and forget the importance of considering what goes in the body.

Still, it is worth checking as to whether or not there have been any changes to the water - such as an increase in chlorination measures for additional disinfecting in response to COVID-19. There are shower and bath filter systems which are very effective in reducing chlorine exposure.

It is well worth the money to invest in a shower filter if you are sensitive to the chemicals in treated tap water.

We actually absorb more toxins from our bathing water than our drinking water, with around two thirds of chlorine exposure occurring via skin absorption and vapour inhalation during a shower.

Women, children and the elderly are the most likely to react to changes in the water or chemicals in topical preparations.

This happens more frequently with women because of their higher body fat ratio (toxins accumulate in fatty tissue); in children, it is because of their sensitive and young skin; and the elderly because of their more delicate and thin skin tissue.

The chlorine in tap water also destroys hair and skin proteins, which is why a shower filter can help to eliminate itching scalp conditions and dry or frizzy hair.

Now to look at dietary measures that may help. Essential fatty acids are crucial whenever dry skin or hair is an issue.

You can increase these in your diet by consuming more oily fish, increasing your intake of nuts, seeds, and fatty fruits (such as avocado), or simply taking a supplement.

If you know that you are sensitive, intolerant, or reactive to a certain food or food group, then you must cut it out completely to allow your scalp to settle down.

Sugar is often the culprit when it comes to flaking and itching scalp, as it overfeeds the unhealthy yeast and bacteria naturally found on our skin and in our bodies causing it to multiply out of control.

Many cases of flaking and itching scalp are a result of the overgrowth of the yeast Pityrosporum oval.

This imbalance in scalp flora then triggers an overproduction of oil from the sebaceous glands, which in turn means that you feel the need to wash your hair more frequently, which makes the flaking and itching even worse.

You may benefit from taking a probiotic supplement to help balance out the beneficial bacteria found in your gut and on your skin. Intestinal issues are closely linked with skin health, as is our immune health.

Finally, stress can certainly play a role in changes in hair and skin, so go gently on yourself this is a most challenging time.

Some people simply produce wax more frequently than others. Earwax, or cerumen, is produced to help protect your ear canals from dust, dirt, and infection.

It also helps to maintain the pH balance within the ear canals.

The glands responsible for wax production are located in the outer area of the ear canal, with the amount of wax in our ears typically being kept in check by the tiny hairs within the canals moving the build-up to the outer ear where it is easily removed.

This is our natural self-cleaning process.

One of the best natural products out there for cleaning ears safely is Audiclean.

It is a spray which can be used in the bath or shower, utilising the gentle action of bicarbonates to remove excess wax build up without removing the protective layer of wax from the ear canal. The company also makes a natural wax softening product, should you need it.

Audiclean is available from most pharmacies.

Original post:
Natural Health: 'My scalp has got itchy and flaky since I've started working from home' - Irish Examiner

After weeks of working from home, furloughs or unemployment, millions of Americans are returning to the workplace as COVID-19 restrictions lift. The transition may cause fear and anxiety.

Experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The Ohio State University College of Nursing say its important to take precautions to avoid infection, but also to deal with the stress of transitioning back to offices or businesses after an extended period of isolation.

Uncertainty and unpredictability can really create an unhealthy amount of fear and stress, especially when its sustained over such a long period of time, Dr. K. Luan Phan, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Challenges will remain as businesses reopen, and the typical workplace will look very different following this pandemic. Well have to find new ways to connect with colleagues and work as a team while maintaining our distance and preventing the spread of infection.

Precautions like taking every employees temperature upon arrival, providing face masks, keeping workspaces at least six feet apart and being vigilant about wiping down surfaces are important to preventing the spread of the virus. Those actions can also make everyone feel safer and less anxious.

Physical and mental health are closely intertwined. While you practice good hygiene and physical distancing in the office, you should also practice stress-reduction, said Bernadette Melnyk, dean of the College of Nursing and chief wellness officer at Ohio State. For example, while you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, take the opportunity to take five deepabdominal breaths. Doing this at least five times a day can reduce anxiety and even lower your blood pressure.

In addition to stress relief, healthy lifestyle choices like daily physical activity, a healthy diet and getting at least seven hours of sleep per night can boost your immune system and help stave off serious illness. Experts say its also more important than ever to stay home when you feel sick to help keep yourself and your co-workers healthy.

To help ease their fears, Phan encourages employees to ask about what will change at work to keep them safe.

Ask their employer, ask their team leader, how are they being protected? What precautions are in place? What new setups to the workplace environment have been established in order to keep themselves and their co-workers safe so that they don't get infected? said Phan, who is a professor inOhio States College of Medicine. Handshakes, things that we usually do to show physical support for one another, will also not be allowable. So we'll have to find new ways to connect in this new work environment.

There can be a lot of fear surrounding the return to normalcy or what will now become normal, so Phan and Melnyk offer these tips to help transition safely to a post-COVID-19 work life:

Manage Stress: Many people already have a lot of stress and anxiety during this time, and adjusting to being back in the workplace may add to those feelings. Utilizing stress-reduction apps, practicing mindfulness and self-care that calms your breathing and nerves, and making a plan for you and your family to manage the transition back to work can all go a long way to building resilience and helping you feel better about returning.

Dont let your guard down: Just because theres an ease on restrictions doesnt mean the threat is gone. You still need to take precautions wash your hands for 20 seconds while taking five big deep breaths, keep sanitizer and disinfecting wipes handy and clean surfaces often. Follow existing guidelines about wearing a mask and avoid shaking hands in common areas, meetings or when interacting with customers.

Keep your distance: Avoid crowding into conference rooms and keep your workspace at least six feet from your nearest co-worker. Continue holding virtual meetings and limit direct contact. Many adjustments were made to help employees work from home during the coronavirus outbreak. Health experts recommend continuing with remote work or staggering which employees are in the office when possible.

Stay fit to be well: Make changes that help you boost your immune system and fight off illnesses. About 80 percent of chronic conditions are preventable by engaging in a few lifestyle behavior changes, such as regular physical activity, eating at least five fruits and vegetables per day, not smoking, and limiting alcohol intake if you drink up to one drink a day if you are a woman and two perday if you are a male. Those small changes can make a major difference in fighting the virus if youre infected.

Look out for your co-workers health: Stay home if you dont feel well, get your flu shot and, if a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available in the future, get that, too. As workplaces begin to re-open, many are monitoring employee health with measures such as daily temperature checks. If your employer doesnt take precautions you feel are needed to prevent the spread of illness, speak up so that your entire office can be and feel safer.

See the original post here:
Ohio State experts offer tips for healthy transition to post-COVID-19 workplace - The Ohio State University News

Dr. Bartholomew I. C. Brai is the President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), and a consultant nutritionist at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Brai, in this exclusive interview with The Guardian, made recommendations on what local foods to eat to beat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and other chronic diseases. CHUKWUMA MUANYA writes.

Hippocrates was quoted as saying, Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food. So what local foods do we have that can satisfy this position? Or rather what food materials do we have in Nigeria that can also serve as our medicine in the fight against coronavirus?This statement is used to emphasise the importance of nutrition to prevent or cure diseases. Nutrition is the foundation for a healthy living and this means that consumption of nutritious and healthy diets is key to staying healthy. Nigeria is blessed with diverse foods such that when they are consumed in appropriate quantities and quality, and with proper hygiene, individuals could stay healthy.

These foods include: tubers/roots yam, cocoyam, potato, cassava; cereals maize, millet, sorghum; legumes beans, meat, poultry, fish, milk and milk products; fruits and vegetables available in different seasons; and nuts and seeds ground nuts, cashew nuts and walnuts.

Is there any particular food, supplement or herb that has been identified to help prevent or treat COVID-19?Although there are widespread claims on social media inaccurately asserting that certain foods and supplements can prevent or cure COVID-19, there is no evidence that any food/supplement or herb can prevent or cure COVID-19.

Current treatment is targeted at the symptoms not the virus. Eating certain foods or following certain diets will not prevent any individual from being infected by coronavirus. That is why it is important that people adhere strictly to rules and guidelines issued by World Health Organisation (WHO), Federal and state ministries of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

What are your recommendations to governments at all levels on how best to contain COVID-19 especially using nutrition as a tool?The COVID-19 pandemic has brought social and economic crisis that is rapidly exacerbating ongoing nutrition insecurity in Nigeria. The country has taken the first step of putting in place a multi-sectoral Nigeria Nutrition Response Plan for COVID-19.

The Federal Government should: ensure the nutrition sector is adequately represented in the Presidential Task Force by including Nutrition Officers on the teams; increase food and nutrition awareness among the state governors on the need to support access to input and services to enable farmers to engage in farming activities, access the markets to sell their produce in order to earn income to acquire enough food for their families during this farming season while maintaining all necessary prevention measures; and strengthen and support the health system to deliver by ensuring adequate procurement, supply and distribution of nutrition supplies for health facilities- ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes for Family MUAC approach to screen; Micronutrient Powder (MNP) linked with

Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) IYCF, Visual analog scales (VAS), therapeutic products and routine medicines Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFA), Zinc + LO- ORS) and also at community level. Zinc and Low-osmolarity Oral Rehydration Solutions (LO-ORS) are critical in the treatment of childhood diarrhoea.

MUAC is the circumference of the left upper arm, measured at the mid-point between the tip of the shoulder and the tip of the elbow (olecranon process and the acromium). MUAC is used for the assessment of nutritional status.

Others include: increase awareness of the general population on the importance of nutritionally diverse diet including animal source proteins (such as dried fish and dried meats), fruits and vegetables in food distribution to vulnerable groups in the Covid-19 pandemic period; promote appropriate Maternal Infant and Young Child Feeding (M&IYCF) practices including promotion of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Continued breastfeeding, Iron folate supplementation for pregnant mothers, monitoring of marketing of Codes of Breast Milk Substitute (BMS) in period during COVID-19 and post COVID-19 pandemic; develop/ adapt a minimum package of food groups that government and partners can use for palliatives; ensure that households identified for cash-transfer must include households with pre- school (zero- five years) and primary school children; and support the continuation of food assistance and social protection measures including school feeding programmes and increased household vulnerabilities beyond COVID-19.

Globally the thrust in treating coronavirus has been the issue of boosting the immune system to fight off the virus. What Nigerian foods could be used to improve the bodys defences?Good diet and adequate nutrition is the bedrock of good immune system necessary to fight off infections and diseases. Nigeria foods are replete with necessary nutrients that could help boost the immune system. It must however be noted that no particular food or nutrient alone is sufficient to boost the immune system.

Foods available in Nigeria that can contribute required nutrient for boosting immunity include: legumes like beans, soybeans, and lentils are all nutrient-dense and known to contain a high amount of protein. Proteins (amino acids) are essential in production of antibodies that are needed to fight against infections. Fresh dark green leafy vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals vitamins A, C, E, B6, B12, iron and zinc. Example fluted pumpkin leaves, African spinach, oranges, grapes, lemons, tangerines, lime etc. Vitamins and minerals aid in building and maintaining a healthy immune system. Seafoods: Eating seafoods regularly can strengthen the immune system. Seafood like oysters, shrimps, periwinkle, and crabs and are all excellent sources of selenium, a mineral, and an antioxidant that helps in boosting the immune system.

Eggs, liver, dairy products especially low-fat yogurt is healthy and can help you maintain a good immune system as it contains protein, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). The body requires adequate levels of vitamin D and other nutrients for optimal immune functioning. Yogurt is also rich in probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidus. These probiotics boost immune function and may even help reduce both the duration and severity of colds and enhance immune function to fight diseases. Spices: ginger and garlic both contain antioxidant compounds and have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Consuming garlic regularly can help to boost your immune system to fight flu and viral diseases like common cold and COVID-19 but does not offer protection against it.

Why is NSN not part of Federal Governments drive to contain COVID-19?Considering the COVID-19 response committees formed in various countries of the world it is quite obvious that professionals in food and nutrition have been sidelined. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 patients require adequate nutrition support and counselling for fast and complete recovery.

NSN is not part of the Federal Government Presidential Task Force team for obvious reasons: low priority accorded to nutrition as a result of low governance at the policy making level; little knowledge of nutrition by medical practitioners who happen to champion the COVID-19 Team; and health and nutrition often misconstrued to mean the same thing.

However, the Head of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health included NSN in the team that produced the Nigeria Nutrition Response Plan for COVID-19. Also, NCDC invited NSN to join the Nigeria COVID-19 Research Consortium.

Should mothers still breastfeed in the light of COVID-19? If yes or no, why?A mother with COVID-19 should be supported to breastfeed her newborn. NSN hereby reiterates that breastmilk remains the safest and best meal for infants aged zero- six months. Therefore, exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding up to the age of 24 months should be sustained.

Currently, there is no evidence that coronavirus can be transmitted through breastmilk. It is therefore considered safe for mothers to breastfeed their infants. However, breastfeeding mothers in isolation should: practice respiratory hygiene; wash hands before and after touching the baby; and routinely clean and disinfect surfaces.

If a woman with COVID-19 is too unwell to breastfeed, she can be supported to safely provide her baby with breast milk in other ways, including expressing milk. Others are re-lactation and breastmilk donor where feasible and safe

What is Nigerias Nutrition Policy in situations like this?The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, including Nutrition Society of Nigeria, has developed the Nigeria Nutrition Response Plan for COVID-19 to be used across the country.

What have been the challenges of the NSN in meeting its mandate in situations like this?Nutrition Society of Nigeria is the largest umbrella body of nutritionists and allied professionals in Nigeria. Our members are spread across various tertiary institutions; government ministries, departments and agencies; research institutes; Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and food industries. We have human resources but lack the finances needed to carry out our programmes, which are aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of Nigerians.

Another major issue now is that peoples purchasing power has dropped due to the coronavirus COVID-19 induced lockdown. What are the cheap and available alternatives to achieve adequate nutrition at all ages and at breakfast, lunch and dinner?It is true that purchasing power of the people has been adversely affected and usually this has compounded the issue of malnutrition and hunger. Since most Nigerians are poor living below poverty line the challenge would be huge and enormous. Fortunately, Nigeria foods are diverse as her culture. There is no community without cheap and affordable alternatives if the common food prices are beyond the reach of individuals.

Most of the foods vulnerable to rapid inflation are either processed foods or imported to which local alternative are available. Examples of such foods vulnerable to rapid inflation include but not limited to bread, rice and its derivatives, meat, noodles, canned foods, exotic fruits and vegetables etc.

Individual can substitute these with yam (different varieties) and their derivatives, cocoyam, plantain and its derivatives, potatoes, cassava and its derivatives, beans including local varieties, mushrooms, fish, crayfish, edible insects, local grains (maize, sorghum, millet), local vegetables and fruits in season etc.

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Eating to beat COVID-19, othersInterview - Guardian

It's time to get back to the basics of good health. Although we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians are taking precautions to safely resume preventive care, both in their offices and virtually, with telehealth audio and video options.

While you have been at home, and away from work or school, you may have let some healthy habits slip. Its easy to do. The pandemic has turned our usual way of life upside down, and for many people, diet, exercise, and mental health are suffering.

Primary care physician Meghan Hunter, DO, with Memorial Hermann Medical Group, encourages patients to "get back to the doctor. You may not have symptoms, but your numbers may have changed. Things like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI.

Start here: checkups and well visitsDid you miss your annual checkup or well-woman exam during the stay-at-home order? Its not a problem to postpone your checkup by a few months, but dont skip your annual physical, Dr. Hunter says.

Seeing your physician regularly is an important part of staying well. Early detection is the one of the best defenses against illness. Having an annual checkup can help you and your physician identify health problems early, when treatments are most successful.

Your healthcare appointments may look different for a while, but providers are taking important steps to minimize your risk of infection so you can feel safe in the waiting room and exam room.

We are screening patients over the phone when they schedule an appointment, and again when they arrive in the office, and we are taking temperatures, Dr. Hunter says.

Know your numbersOne of the best ways to maintain good health is to know your health statistics. Do you know your current blood pressure? What about your cholesterol levels? As you get back on track with good health, it is important to know whether your numbers are in the healthy range.

Your primary care provider will assess your overall health, and if your numbers are in an unhealthy zone, you can work together to develop a plan to restore your good health.

Take control of your dietWhile daily schedules are disrupted, you may be tempted to graze on snacks instead of eating sensible meals. People are home, and they often snack out of boredom, Dr. Hunter says. Stress eating is also very common these days.

If your diet needs some help, a good place to start is sticking to a consistent meal schedule every day, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Healthy snacks can be part of your food plan, but be sure to keep an eye on portion size and limit the number of snacks you have each day.

Stay activeSocial distancing does not mean you cant leave your home. Get outside and enjoy the spring weather, Dr. Hunter says.

It is safe to leave your home, and exercise is important to your health. If you have been sedentary during the stay-at-home order, then be sure to start out slowly. Activities like walking and biking are great options because you can easily maintain social distance and go at your own pace.

Be mindful of your mental healthThis is a really tough time with mental health issues, Dr. Hunter says. Everybody is under a great deal of stress, and those with underlying anxiety or depression are having those issues exacerbated.

If you are struggling with fear and nervousness about contracting the virus, or if you have lost your job, or if you feel unprepared to homeschool your children, know that you are not alone.

To help ease the stress of feeling isolated, Dr. Hunter advises finding ways to connect with family and friends. Pick up the phone, send a text, or connect through video platforms.

Talking to other people is a stress reliever, she says. If you feel that stress, anxiety or depression is more than you can handle, reach out to your primary care provider or a therapist.

COVID-19 has interrupted our lives, but it has also given us time to identify things in life that are meaningful. One of those meaningful parts of life is good health. As we begin to move back to normal, remember to take care of yourself and be proactive in seeking preventive care.

Looking for a new primary care physician? Memorial Hermann Medical Group can help.

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Houston medical experts on how to be healthy during and after COVID-19 - CultureMap Houston

Medicinal mushrooms are spreading rapidly through the health and wellness world, popping up in protein powders, teas, and supplements at every local health food store.

So, what are medicinal mushrooms? Are they safe? What health benefits are they supposed to have?

First off, medicinal mushrooms are part of ancient, traditional medicine going back thousands of years. These incredible fungi are known for almost every health benefit under the moon including fighting inflammation, boosting energy, decreasing anxiety, preventing cancer, and even getting you a great nights sleep.

Yet, the one thing that most medicinal mushrooms share in common is their ability to support, maintain, and boost the immune system! In these somewhat chaotic and uncertain times, everyone could use a little boost to their immune system.

Plus, due to their growing popularity, medicinal mushrooms are available in a variety of forms including powders, extracts, tinctures, and teas, meaning you can integrate these wonderful natural medicines into your life in any way you feel comfortable.

marmaladelane/Pixabay

Medicinal mushrooms have been on the scene for thousands of years.

Edible medicinal mushrooms are part of traditional Chinese medicineand have been used for health promotion and longevity in China and other East Asian countries for centuries. In fact, Ganoderma a very specific medicinal mushroom has been used as an herbal remedyas far back as 2000 years.

So, what makes these fungi so great?

While research is still ongoing regarding the exact mechanism that makes this plant-based medicine tick, structural andpharmacological studies revealed that fungal glycans show multiple physiological and healthy promoting effects including immunomodulation, anti-tumor, anti-aging, anti-oxidation, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-radiation, and other effects.

With that said, each mushroom has a unique set of beneficial properties. Knowing the profile of each medicinal mushroom is instrumental when choosing the appropriate single fungi or multiple mushroom mix to tackle your personal health goals!

stux/Pixabay

On that note, what exactly are the most popular medicinal mushrooms? What do they offer? How do you consume them? Where can you find them?

Lots of great questions and Ive got all your answers!

First and foremost, before launching into the world of medicinal mushrooms, its important to outline your own personal health goals. Ask yourself why youre seeking a medicinal aid? Once youve got some goals outlined and clarified, take a deep dive into the following medicinal mushrooms to find the perfect single or mixture!

WILL POWER/Flickr

Familiar to the medicinal practices in Siberia, Russia, Northern European countries, and other parts of Asia, Chaga mushroom has been used for a variety of health benefits and ailments including boosting immunity and improving overall health.

With that said, this mushroom cant really be classified as attractive. Chaga forms into a woody growth, or conk, which looks similar to a clump of burnt charcoal roughly 10-15 inches (25-38 centimeters) in size, yet inside youll discover a soft core with an orange color.

Known as an antioxidant powerhouse, Chaga mushrooms are excellent for fighting free radicals and inflammation. Various studies have shown this mushroom to be effective at combating oxidated stress, linked to skin aging slowing the growth of cancer, and it has also been found to lower low-density lipoprotein LDL, the bad cholesterol. This is why Chaga mushroom is best used to fight the signs of aging, reduce inflammation, and help manage cholesterol.

Unfortunately, there arent any human studies that have determined Chagas safety or appropriate dosage, therefore its up to the consumer to find a reputable supplement company, as well as speak with a medical professional before consuming the product. While Chaga is generally safe, its been known to interact with some common medications, causing potentially harmful effects, such as those taking insulin for diabetes, those taking blood-thinning medications, or those suffering from autoimmune diseases.

If youre looking to get your hands on some of that good old Chaga mushroom, here are a few easy options:this Sayan Siberian Wild Forest Chaga Mushroom Extract Powder Supplement, this Host Defense Chaga Capsules, or this NordicNordic Chaga Mushroom Tea.

adege/Pixabay

When it comes to cordyceps, you have both the soil and insects to thank!

This parasitic fungi grows on the larvae of insects. How does it work? The fungi actually attack their host and replaces its tissue with long, slender stems that grow outside the hosts body. What youre left with are the remains of the insect and fungi which are hand-collected, dried and have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries.

Of course, theres not justone typeof cordyceps. In fact, there are over 400 species of Cordyceps discovered, yet two specific varieties have become the focus of health research: Cordyceps sinensisandCordyceps militaris.

While cordyceps have been used for thousands of years to treat a myriad of ailments including fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low sex drive modern-day herbal practitioners generally source cordyceps to boost energy, athletic performance, and muscle recovery. Basically, cordyceps are a one-stop-shop for those beginning or uber athletes!

Turns outCordyceps sinesisis particularly difficult to harvest and carries a price tag of more than $9,000 USD per pound, which means that most of these mushrooms are actually synthetically grown. Youll want to look for brands that carry the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International (NSF) seal, referring to third-party organizations that weed out impurities and verify ingredients.

More research is needed to verify dosages, yet the most commonly used reference range is between 1,000 [to] 3,000 mg per day which has been associated with side effects and has been found to have certain health benefits.

Cordyceps are best consumed in powder or supplement form. Here are a few vegan-friendly, online options: this Four Sigmatic Cordyceps Mushroom Elixir, this Micro Ingredients Sustainably US Grown Organic Cordyceps Mushroom Powder, or this NOW Foods Cordyceps Supplements.

Paul Comstock/Flickr

Lions mane mushrooms go by many traditional names includinghou tou gu and yamabushitakeand have been used far and wide in both culinary and medicinal practices in countries including China, India, Japan, and Korea.In its natural, unadulterated form, the lions mane mushroom is large, white, and shaggy, resembling a lions mane as they grow, hence the Westernized name.As a medicinal aid, lions mane is generally dried and used as an extract in a powder form. When it comes to cooking, this meaty mushroom is a great seafood replacement, oftentimes compared to crab or lobster.

Lions mane is particularly special in that it produces bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG) and myelin (insulation around nerve fibers), both of which are crucial to brain health. Along with being a wonderful brain-boosting agent, lions mane is linked to increased concentration and memory, better cognition, and even a decreased level of anxiety and irritability (most likely from all those brain-boosting effects!).

While there arent any human studies conducted on lions mane, its generally considered to be a safe food to consume with the guidance of a healthcare professional. With that said, if youre allergic or sensitive to mushrooms you should absolutely avoid lions mane.

Lions mane may look a bit scary in its natural form, yet luckily theres lovely processed forms that make this much more manageable! Try out this Host Defense Lions Mane Capsules, this Four Sigmatic Lions Mane Mushroom Elixir, or this Micro Ingredients Sustainably US Grown Organic Lions Mane Mushroom Powder.

tassilo111/Pixabay

One of the more widely-recognized and popular medicinal mushrooms, reishi also happens to be one of the more affordable and easily accessible!

Also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, reishi mushroom is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. Reishi is a wonderful medicinal agent due to several molecules, includingtriterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans, that may be responsible for its health effects. This medicinal mushroom happens to be one of the varieties safely eaten raw, yet powdered forms are more widely used.

Reishi is well-known for its calming properties all of which are thanks to the compound triterpene, which reishi has its fair share of. This mushroom is known to aid sleep, decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and can even increase focus. On top of that, reishi has been known to promote healing.

There are great reasons to get on board with reishi mushroom, yet there are also some safety concerns to consider and go over with your doctor beforehand.

First and foremost, studies have shown that reishi mushroom consumption may cause upset stomach or digestive distress and two case studies, in particular, found significant liver problems after switching to the powdered form of reishi mushroom. This leaves some dangling questions regarding the effect of reishi mushroom on the liver, whether theres something off with the powdered form of reishi or whether it was a specific instance to this study.

With the limited data available, its recommended that those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a blood disorder, will be undergoing surgery or have low blood pressure should probably avoid reishi mushroom consumption.

Reishi is super popular in powder form, such as this Micro Ingredients Sustainably US Grown Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder. Yet, if youre a little weary of the powder, you can always try a good old supplement such as this New Chapter Reishi Mushroom Supplement or this BoostCeuticals Reishi Mushroom Capsules.

chulmin1700/Pixabay

Shiitake mushrooms happen to be uber popular in fact, they are one of the most popular mushrooms worldwide. Along with offering some great health benefits, shiitake also have a wonderful savory flavor.

Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and are found growing naturally on decaying hardwood trees. Most shiitake mushrooms are sourced from Japan around 83 [percent] in fact yet theyre also grown in the United States, Canada, Singapore, and China. In their natural state, they are tan to dark brown, with caps that grow between 2 and 4 inches (5 and 10 cm). While theyre most popularly consumed raw, you can also find shiitake mushrooms in powder and extract forms.

This particular medicinal mushroom is one of the few that has a full nutrition profile offering fiber, protein, vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, folate, B5, B6, and D and minerals copper, selenium, manganese, and zinc.

Plus, theyre also linked to a myriad of health benefits including boosting heart health, lowering cholesterol, improving blood pressure, increasing circulation, and boosting immunity. Shiitake is particularly nifty for preventing plaque buildup.

Shiitake mushroom is generally recognized as safe to consume, as long as you dont have a food allergy to fungi or mushrooms in particular. For instance, in a few rare cases, people have developed a skin rash from eating or handling raw shiitake, referred to as shiitake dermatitis and is caused by lentinan. On top of that, some observational studies have found that long-term use of the powdered form of shiitake has led to stomach upset and sensitivity to light.

While you can definitely pick up some shiitake at your local grocery store to cook for dinner or even pick up a shiitake-based ingredient such as this Edward & Sons Roads End Organics Gluten-Free Vegan Shiitake Mushroom Gravy Mix, an easier on-the-go option would be either powder or supplements, such as this Gaia Herbs Mushrooms + Herbs Reishi + Turmeric Supplement or this New Chapter Reishi Mushroom Supplement.

Illuvis/Pixabay

Personally, this one has the best of the names, yet dont let this silly title dissuade you from its serious health benefits!

Turkey Tail also goes by Trametes versicolor and versicolor,yet gets its more friendly name due to its striking colors. This is yet another super popular medicinal aid, having been used to treat various conditions for centuries. One of the most recognized qualities of turkey tail is its immune-boosting powers!

Turkey tail contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that stimulates the immune system. This compound is also an effective cancer-fighting agent and has been found to improve the immune system of people receiving chemotherapy. This mushroom also contains high amounts of antioxidants, lending to its cancer-preventing and immune-boosting properties.

While turkey tail is considered safe, some people have experienced digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, and dark stools when taking turkey tail mushroom. On top of that, another potential side effect of consuming turkey tail mushroom is the darkening of the fingernails. Very strange, but its a documented side effect!

As is the same with any other medicinal mushroom, always speak with your healthcare provider before beginning consumption!

Get some that wonderful immune boosting turkey tail in your life with this Turkey Tail Sustainably US Grown Organic Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder, this Double Wood Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplement, or this Wild Foods Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract Powder.

Golden Chaga Latte/One Green Planet

Alright, so youve selected youre favorite medicinal mushroom or mix of medicinal mushrooms! and now you want to get down and dirty with infusing your body with all of their goodness. While its super easy to simply add a spoonful to a flavorful smoothie or shake, its also just as easy to create a medicinal mushroom-based meal. Whether you want to use the whole mushroom such as shiitake or lions mane or want to stick with the non-cook powder, theres options out there for everyone!

Comforting Shiitake and Kale Congee/One Green Planet

Shiitake is one of the most popular and easiest of the medicinal mushrooms to use in plant-based recipes. Its one of the more affordable options and is generally available at your local grocery store. Plus, there are lots of ways to get this wonderful medicinal mushroom into your cooking! This Comforting Shiitake and Kale Congee recipe by Annie Oliviero is exactly that, comforting. Warm, savory, and super-nutritious, this recipe is not only filled with medicinal agents to help lower cholesterol, boost heart health, regulate blood pressure, and increase circulation, you also get a dose of detoxing and healing garlic and ginger to boost that immunity.

Chocolate Reishi Latte/One Green Planet

Next to the popularity of shiitake mushrooms, reishi is climbing the ranks in the Western world! This may be due to higher rates of anxiety and depression in these modern times or it could also be attributed to more awareness of self-care and wellness. No matter the reason, reishi is definitely a hot commodity! When it comes to cooking with reishi mushroom, try your hand at the powdered version such as in this Chocolate Reishi Latte recipe by Maria and Alyssa Tosoni. Along with a teaspoon of reishi powder to help with sleep, anxiety, depression, and focus this recipe calls for detoxing raw cacao powder and inflammation-fighting cinnamon, creating a concoction to calm and heal!

No-Bake Chaga Maca Cookie Bites/One Green Planet

As mentioned, Chaga is known as one of the best medicinal mushrooms to help fight premature aging, reduce inflammation, and even helps to lower bad LDL cholesterol. Its also a great ingredient to cook with! While you may think youre stuck with hot beverages, shakes, and smoothies when it comes to using mushroom powder, you can actually include a teaspoon here and there in any of your favorite super flavorful recipes. This No-Bake Chaga Maca Cookie Bites recipe by Crystal Bonnet creates a wonderful treat thats great to have on hand! Not only does it source those medicinal powers from a teaspoon of Chaga mushroom powder, but its also rich in healing and anti-inflammatory maca powder and cacao powder (and nibs!).

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help withchronic inflammation,heart health,mental wellbeing,fitness goals,nutritional needs,allergies,gut healthandmore!Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, includingacne,hormonal imbalance,cancer,prostate cancerand has manyside effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading theFood Monster App with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmentalandhealth benefitsof aplant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to theOne Green Planet Newsletter!Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please considersupporting usby donating!

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6 Medicinal Mushrooms that Boost Immunity - One Green PlanetOne Green Planet - One Green Planet

Photo credit: Wendy's

From Men's Health

Wendy's has quickly become a popular breakfast spot since unveiling a new morning menu in March, according to Business Insider. Apparently, the new options are so good that breakfast makes up about 8 percent of the company's total sales.

So what's Wendy's serving up to draw diners?

The fast food spot offers a range of sandwiches, burritos, and biscuits.

Maple Bacon Chicken Croissant: 560 calories, 30 g fat, 1 g fiber, 22 g protein

Sausage, Egg & Swiss Croissant: 600 calories, 41 g fat, 1g fiber, 22 g protein

Bacon, Egg & Swiss Croissant: 410 calories, 23 g fat, 1 g fiber, 18 g protein

Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit: 500 calories, 29 g fat, 2 g fiber, 14 g protein

Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit: 610 calories, 45 g fat, 1 g fiber, 20 g protein

Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit: 420 calories, 27 g fat, 1 g fiber, 16 g protein

Breakfast Baconator: 730 calories, 50 g fat, 1 g fiber, 34 g protein

Classic Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich: 500 calories, 35 g fat, 1 g fiber, 22 g protein

Classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich: 320 calories, 17 g fat, 1 g fiber, 18 g protein

Seasoned Potatoes: Medium: 330 calories, 14 g fat, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein

Fresh Baked Oatmeal Bar: 270 calories, 10 g fat, 4 g fiber, 3 g protein

Sausage, Egg & Cheese Burrito: 340 calories, 20 g fat, 1 g fiber, 15 g protein

Honey Butter Biscuit: 310 calories, 19 g fat, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein

Sausage Gravy & Biscuit: 450 calories, 29 g fat, 1 g fiber, 7 g protein

Vanilla Frosty-ccino: 310 calories, 8 g fat, 0 g fiber, 8 g protein, 41 grams of sugar

Chocolate Frosty-ccino: 310 calories, 7 g fat, 0 g fiber, 9 g protein, 41 grams of sugar

Abby Langer, R.D., says there's only one menu item she'd suggest eating: The classic bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.

"It has protein, but isn't not loaded with sauce and sausage and on a biscuit or croissant, all of which are high in calories and likely high in saturated fat, " she says. "The frosties are probably a nightmare of sugar. Why would you start your day with a milkshake?"

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The oatmeal seems like a solid pick, it is low in protein and high in sugar, meaning you probably won't be full and need a snack much sooner.

Although there's nothing wrong with eating fast food occasionally, it's also easy to make a breakfast sandwich at home.

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The Healthiest Breakfast Item at Wendy's, According to a Dietitian - Yahoo Lifestyle