No matter how stressful your day has been, and in spite of whatever personal issues you may be going through, it is still important to take the time to pay attention to and take care of yourself, both mentally and physically. Far from a demonstration of weakness, making time for self-care — which is especially important for people in high-stress jobs or the military — is one of the best decisions you can make. Self-care can allow you to feel better about yourself while being able to get more work done and generally make the most of your time.

Below are some helpful self-care strategies to help you get started.

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For those going through recovery, overall health and well-being are crucial. Balance is the key to successful recovery. There are many factors that can affect sobriety. The acronym HALT, for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired, is a well-known tool for understanding what outside forces and internal feelings increase vulnerability during recovery. Part of balance involves not only avoiding using but also ensuring that your body and mind are well.

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NUTRITIONAL ASSAULT AGAIN  - MULTIVITAMINS - HELP OR HARM?

A recent report by Johns Hopkins researchers purports to show there is no proof of benefit, but there is evidence of possible harm from high doses of certain vitamin supplements.  Take a look at this summary article from Technology Networks. It hits all the highlights without being too technical. After you read this summary, be sure to consider the viewpoint I put forth that you typically will not find promoted by the major news feeds.

While I agree that there can be harm regarding some forms and doses of vitamins, I think the idiom, "the pot is calling the kettle black", applies  here. The medical/pharmaceutical alliance is very harmful to human health based on many statistics. [1] But still, I do blame many supplement companies for the poor product quality promoted by multi-million dollar ad campaigns. Additionally, we should all strive to make high quality food (and a wide variety) our primary medicine and supplements should fill in gaps based on our unique makeup (genetic SNP's, food sensitivities/allergies, etc.), environment and physical activity levels.

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TSH: What Your Doctor Should Know

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is the hormone produced by your pituitary gland to control the function of your thyroid gland. A high TSH means your pituitary senses that your thyroid is underactive.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)  demonstrated that the mean TSH in apparently normal, healthy participants is 1.4 uIU/mL.

Based upon the results of NHANES III, The National Academy for Clinical Biochemistry has recommended since 2002 that a serum TSH level between 0.5-2.0 uIU/mL be considered the optimal therapeutic target for replacement treatment of hypothyroidism. 

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The Canola Con

I've been telling my patients the stay away from Canola oil for years. Dr. Ron Grisanti from the Functional Medicine University says it best.

We have all be fooled “again”...

Just when you think we are doing something good for our bodies we learn that we have been conned.

This has led to today's case of the Canola Con!

How many people use canola oil for cooking?

How many people choose mayonnaise, salad dressings, baked goods, and other processed foods containing canola oil?

I would say a bunch!

In addition, the major fast food chains brag that they no longer have trans fats, but have switched to canola oil. They use it for their french fries, burgers, salad dressings and baked goods, exchanging it for trans fatty acid-laden genetically engineered soybean oil.

Would I eat it? No.

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Understanding Food Tolerance

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the region of our body that directly interacts with the external world through the foods we eat. Our GI tract performs two main functions. First, it allows us to absorb nutrients critical to maintaining our health. Second, its protective immune system shields us from pathogens, such as bacteria and foreign invaders. The area of our GI tract—from the esophagus to the rectum—where we absorb nutrients and have our protective immune system consists of a specialized line of cells, called the “mucosal layer.” 

Identifying and Removing Reactive Foods

Identifying and removing reactive foods can be a good first-step strategy that may impact energy levels, skin appearance, digestive comfort, well-being, mood, and more. When multiple food reactions are identified, your healthcare professional may recommend removing those foods from the diet. Taking steps to support the GI mucosa and immune system and address any environmental concerns, as recommended by your healthcare professional, may also be beneficial.

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Self-care is a phrase frequently talked about but rarely understood. We all seem to have plenty of time for stress, but never enough for self-care. A healthy, happy life requires we find a balance between managing care for others while prioritizing care for ourselves.

No matter what takes center stage in your life— family responsibilities, work deadlines or end-of-semester finals— you will be better equipped to everything that comes your way if you are also taking the time to care for yourself. Here are a few ways you can sneak self-care into your everyday routine.

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