Hello and welcome back to Optimal Wellness, a health and wellness platform dedicated to helping YOU live a healthy and well-balanced life.
Optimal Wellness is now offering live yoga classes every other Monday from 5:30-6:30. Our next one is November 1st. For those local, there will be limited spots to join in person. There will also be a virtual option for those wanting to join from their own space. To sign up click here. As always, let us know if you have any questions.
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This Month’s Resources
What is CBD and Why Do We Use It?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis and it is derived directly from the hemp plant. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes.” Animal studies, and self-reports or research in humans, suggest CBD may also help with:
- Anxiety. Studies and clinical trials are exploring the common report that CBD can reduce anxiety.
- Insomnia. Studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.
- Chronic pain. One study from the European Journal of Pain suggests CBD could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis when applied to skin. Other research identifies how CBD may inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain, which are difficult to treat.
- Addiction. CBD can help lower cravings for tobacco and heroin under certain conditions, according to some research in humans. Animal models of addiction suggest it may also help lessen cravings for alcohol, cannabis, opiates, and stimulants.
If you currently take CBD or intend to, consider talking to your doctor and be sure you are getting it from a good source such as Lazarus Naturals. This company seeks sustainability as well as environmental and socially responsible ways of doing business. Lazarus Naturals is lab tested and verified for quality and potency. They are also a certified B-Corp, USDA Organic, and vow to use business as a force for good.
Cold Exposure and its Benefits
“The use of cold exposure to promote good health is an ancient practice, dating back many centuries. In modern times, cold exposure is used primarily to reduce muscle soreness and promote muscle recovery after physical activity. However, regular cold exposure may also improve glucose and lipid metabolism, decrease inflammation, enhance immune function, and improve cognitive performance. The beneficial effects of cold exposure may be due to hormesis, a favorable biological response to a mild stressor. Hormesis triggers protective mechanisms that provide protection from future, more harmful stressors.” Some common cold exposure modalities include cold water immersion and cryotherapy. One way to add cold exposure into your everyday life is in the shower! You can intermittently add cold water or close your shower with 30-60 seconds of cold.
Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
“The filling is where it’s at. It’s: mega flavorful, super pumpkin-y, firm, incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, subtly spices & seriously PERFECT.” Try this amazing pumpkin pie from one of our favorites… The Minimalist Baker.