The medicinal fungus chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is indigenous to Russia, Siberia, Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and East Asia. This fungus may grow on a variety of different deciduous tree species, such as beech, oak, alder, and ash, although it mostly thrives on birch trees (Betula spp.). On the trunks of these trees, chaga grows as a conk, a dark brown or black woody growth that resembles a crusty, charred mass.
Chaga has brilliant, rust-colored meat packed of antioxidant chemicals behind its thick, woodsy shell. Chagaga is sometimes referred to as a “medicinal mushroom” despite not being a true mushroom since it is a fungus similar to mushrooms.
Customary Applications of Chaga Mushrooms
Folk medicine from Siberia, Russia, Scandinavia, and Native America has a long history of using chaga. Chaga was thought to provide a variety of therapeutic benefits in various ancient medical systems. It has been applied topically to treat skin issues and is traditionally used by Siberian indigenous peoples to treat respiratory infections, aid in digestion, lengthen life, and reduce colds.
Traditionally, chaga conks are made into a fine powder by grating them and then preparing them as a tea or decoction. These days, this powder can be consumed as a capsule, tincture, tea, or powder.Both on its own and as an ingredient in therapeutic mushroom mixes, chaga is accessible. Blends of mushrooms are frequently offered as powders that may be added to other liquids for everyday usage.
As an adaptogen with the ability to improve a wide range of medical ailments and promote general health, chaga's popularity has grown dramatically in recent years. Current scientific study is exploring the various health advantages of chaga while also drawing on traditional wisdom.
Nnutrition from chaga mushrooms
The multitude of bioactive components found in chaga are what give it its health benefits. The following are some of the main ingredients in chaga:
Polymer-coated
Beta-glucans, a polysaccharide with immune-stimulating qualities, are abundant in chaga. These substances may boost the function of immune cells, including T-cells and macrophages, aiding the body's defense against illnesses and infections. Moreover, oats, seaweed, algae, and other therapeutic mushrooms like maitake and reishi contain beta-glucans.
Oxidizers
Antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds are abundant in chaga. These antioxidants aid in the fight against oxidative stress, lessen the harm that free radicals do to cells, and may even raise the body's levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase.
Acid Betulinic
Chaga may absorb betulinic acid from birch trees when it grows on them. Preclinical research on betulinic acid has revealed encouraging anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
Melanin: The high melanin concentration of chaga gives it its dark color. Melanin may have anti-oxidant properties and provide oxidative stress protection. Melanin plays two roles in the human body: it gives our skin its color and aids in blocking UV rays, which may damage DNA in skin cells and cause aging and skin cancer. Tyrosine and copper are two nutrients that are necessary for the synthesis of melanin.
Benefits of Chaga Mushroom for Health
1. Immune System Adjustment
The immune-stimulating qualities of chaga are ascribed to its polysaccharides, which comprise beta-glucans. These substances boost immune cell synthesis and function, strengthening the body's defenses against infections.
It has been demonstrated that beta-glucans specifically stimulate the cells that make up our innate immune system. These cell types serve as the immune system's initial line of defense against pathogens, preventing infections even before our immune system has produced any particular antibodies against the invasive bacteria. Furthermore, chaga may enhance the synthesis of cytokines, which are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between immune cells.
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that has grown in popularity. Fermentation happens when microbes such as yeast and bacteria break down carbohydrates into simpler molecules. Beer, wine, bread, kimchi, yogurt, and, of course, kombucha are all produced using this method.
You can buy it in a bottle in a variety of flavors at most grocery shops or create your own at home. Aside from its wonderfully acidic flavor, kombucha has health advantages and is high in bacteria and antioxidants.
Kombucha is manufactured from a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), which is also known as the "mother," and is similar to the "mother" found in vinegar. The SCOBY is added to brewed black or green tea with sugar, fermentation occurs, and kombucha tea is created! While homemade kombucha isn't often carbonated, many store-bought versions do for a fizzy soda pop-like feel.
Kombucha was first used for its medicinal benefits in Northeast China circa 200 B.C. Kombucha gained popularity and expanded throughout Russia, Eastern Europe, and Germany before arriving in the United States in the early twenty-first century. Kombucha is now available at practically every grocery shop!
5 Kombucha Health Benefits
The health advantages of kombucha are mostly attributable to fermentation, which results in a probiotic-rich beverage. Kombucha's health advantages originate from the fact that it is a tea-based beverage. While kombucha may be brewed with any caffeinated tea, including white, black, oolong, or green tea, research indicates that green tea kombucha provides the most advantages.
The evidence-based health advantages of consuming kombucha are listed below.
1. High in Probiotics
Kombucha, like many fermented foods, is high in probiotics.1 Probiotics are bacteria and yeasts that, when taken, provide health advantages. Consuming probiotic-rich foods like kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, and sourdough might help promote microbial diversity in your gut and general gut health. Gut health is important because it affects immune health; in fact, 70 to 80% of immune cells dwell in the gut. A healthy stomach also promotes regular bowel movements, digestion, cognitive function, and immunological health.
2. High in antioxidants
Green tea kombucha is high in antioxidant molecules known as polyphenols, which are prevalent in green tea. Green tea use may help minimize the risk of chronic illness. Green tea may also improve cognitive function, assist control blood sugar levels, and aid in fat burning.
3. Promotes Heart Health
Green tea beverages, such as kombucha, have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of heart disease. Researchers believe this is due to green tea's antioxidant components.
4. Aids in the reduction of blood sugar levels
Green tea has also been demonstrated to help regulate blood sugar levels. However, because some kombuchas include a lot of sugar, read the nutrition label and pick a kombucha that has no sugar added after fermentation.
5. Helps with Metabolic Function
Green tea includes epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a potent antioxidant that combats free radical damage. EGCG also has anti-inflammatory effects and may aid in the suppression of pro-inflammatory substances in the body.
Side effects of Kombucha
Kombucha has grown in popularity as a healthy beverage alternative. While Kombucha is more healthful than high-sugar drinks, the fermenting process results in caffeine, sugar, and trace levels of alcohol. Keep these warnings in mind, and drink kombucha in moderation.
Sugar content is high.
Some store-bought kombuchas may include a lot of sugar, depending on the brand. To select a kombucha with low added sugar, always check the ingredient list and nutrition data panel.
Mold and Pathogenic Bacteria
Proper fermentation and sanitation are critical for preventing hazardous bacterial development, especially in homemade kombucha. To limit the possibility of mold or other hazardous bacteria development, properly sanitize all glassware, wash your hands often, and sterilize your workplace.
The alcohol content
As a result of fermentation, kombucha naturally includes alcohol. Because most store-bought kombucha contains.5% alcohol or less, it may be advertised as a non-alcoholic beverage. Traditional beer has roughly 4.5% alcohol by volume.
To find out how much alcohol is in the kombucha you're drinking, always read the ingredient list. Also, bear in mind that some manufacturers purposefully create kombucha with a greater alcohol content as an alternative to beer.
Homemade kombucha also contains a trace of alcohol, ranging from 1% to 2.5% by volume.
Carbonation
Those suffering from IBS or other digestive difficulties should restrict their kombucha use since additional fruit juice and carbonation can aggravate digestive issues such as gas and bloating in some people.
Ingredients for Kombucha SCOBY: The bacterial and yeast symbiotic culture has an orange-yellow jelly-like consistency. If you have a kombucha-making acquaintance, peel a layer known as a "baby" off their SCOBY "mother." You may also buy a SCOBY from a health food store, online, or even create one from scratch at home.
Filtered Water: Spring water or filtered water works best. When possible, avoid using tap water.
Cane sugar, turbinado sugar, or brown sugar work well. Artificial sweeteners, maple syrup, honey, and agave nectar should be avoided.
Caffeinated Tea: Black tea, white tea, or green tea are the finest options. Avoid herbal teas and teas infused with essential oils, which can disrupt the fermentation process and promote the growth of bacteria or mold.
Prepared Kombucha: You may use unflavored store-bought or homemade kombucha as a starting point for your own kombucha. Avoid sweetened kombucha, which can introduce harmful germs and increase the likelihood of mold formation.
If you don't want to brew your own kombucha, you may check for starter kits or kombucha powders online!
While some of us look for reindeer in the skies on Christmas Eve, others look for snow. Ultimately, the enchantment and joy of the holidays stem from the sparkling snowflakes and the serene expanse of pristine white on the earth.
We wanted to grant your desire to have a white Christmas this holiday season. Even with the assistance of some very special elves, we are unable to control the weather, but we can tell you that in the USA, the finest spots to spend Christmas are when there's a decent probability of snowfall, either on the ground or in the sky.
Oh, how much fun it is to get into the holiday spirit with our recommendations! Take a vacation to one of these snowy wonderlands over the Christmas season!
1. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen promises you a happy little Christmas with a 100 percent likelihood of snowfall and an almost flawless white Christmas record.
At Ullr Nights, honor the Norse God of Snow with snow tubing, bonfires, and Ullr's ghost ship.
Twelve Days of Aspen is a countdown to Christmas, with festivities taking place around the area.
Join the carolers at Base Village and Snowmass Mall's Santa's Village.
2. Lake Placid, New York
December brings an average of 23 inches of snow to Lake Placid, increasing the likelihood of a chilly Christmas in the Adirondacks. It makes sense that it's among the top destinations for Christmas tourism.
Observe how Main Street decks the halls by taking part in the village stroll.
Get a free lift ticket at Whiteface Mountain by dressing like Santa.
At the Olympic Sports Complex, brave the tracks in a bobsled.
3. Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes has average lows of 17 degrees Fahrenheit in December, which makes for perfect weather. Let there be snow—plenty and lots of it!
Enjoy the breathtaking Village Gondola ride during the Night of Lights while fireworks are displayed.
Join in the massive holiday celebrations.
Take the Tamarack XC Ski Center December Full Moon Snowshoe Tour.
4. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
Given that there is snow on the ground three out of every four Christmases in the Twin Cities, the likelihood of flurries appears to be bright and cheerful.
Enjoy a visit with Santa and take in the lit artwork at Loring Park during Holidazzle.
Get in character as Kris Kringle at St. Paul Lowertown SantaCon.
See the decorations at the Minnesota Governor's Mansion during the holiday tour season.
Question. I find it unsettling that guidelines and suggestions for medicine seem to change so frequently. For instance, I recently read that recommendations for colon cancer screening may undergo yet another modification. How exactly does one determine what is right?
A considerable number of clinicians, including myself, adhere to the recommendations put forth by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF enlists sixteen specialists from various fields to conduct research and discussion on the potential advantages and disadvantages of screening and other preventive and health-promoting techniques for each guideline. The summary recommendation is subsequently made available for public feedback.
Question. I'm a 73-year-old male with heart disease (I had coronary bypass surgery at the age of 45). I pay special attention to my health and exercise on a regular basis. I went to the ER recently because I was experiencing chest discomfort. Despite the fact that my electrocardiogram and, subsequently, a stress echocardiography revealed no issues, my troponin levels were high, ranging from 57 to 63 ng/L on multiple repeated tests. Should I be concerned about the increased troponin? Is it possible to reduce this level?
Answer. Troponins, which are proteins that help muscles contract, are almost exclusively present in heart and skeletal muscle cells. Reduced blood flow during a heart attack destroys sections of the heart muscle, causing troponins to be released into the circulation. That's why emergency department doctors frequently assess blood troponin levels in individuals who are having a heart attack.
The first tests found troponins that are exclusive to cardiac cells, as well as two subtypes of the protein: troponin T and troponin I. Newer versions of the tests identify extremely tiny levels of troponins at 10 to 100 times higher concentrations than the initial test. High-sensitivity troponin testing can diagnose heart attacks sooner and more precisely.
The online publication of Menopause magazine on June 27, 2023, featured research that analyzed data from five previous studies with a sample size of over one million women. Notably, none of the participants had been diagnosed with GERD prior to the commencement of the study. A study conducted by researchers revealed a positive correlation between the utilization of hormone treatment for alleviating menopausal symptoms and the increased likelihood of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The kiwifruit season starts in October and extends until May. The delectable verdant fruit is very suitable for use in salads, smoothies, and desserts. According to a tiny randomized experiment, there is a possibility that it may provide an additional benefit in relieving persistent constipation. According to the researchers' instructions, a group of over 180 adults from Italy, Japan, and New Zealand, both with and without constipation, participated in two consecutive four-week treatment regimens. They consumed two peeled kiwifruits a day as part of one program.
The purpose of this study is to conduct evaluations of Car-Fit, a program designed to assess the compatibility between drivers and their vehicles.
As individuals advance in age, they may have challenges accessing the gas and stop pedals, as well as maintaining a clear line of sight above the dashboard. This phenomenon may be attributed to the individual experiencing a decrease in physical dimensions as a result of the aging process or a lack of familiarity with the advanced technological features of the vehicle that are designed to customize the user's comfort.
The utilization of a software application known as Car-Fit can provide assistance in this matter. This assessment is conducted by AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association with the primary objective of enhancing your vehicle's ergonomic suitability. Individuals have the option to participate in a Car-Fit event conducted in person, or alternatively, they can choose to access a session through an online platform.
If you've ever had diarrhea, you are aware of how fast it wears you out. Imagine a case that drags on forever or reappears repeatedly.
This is the situation for over 500,000 Americans who contract the bacterial infection known as Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff., annually. Life-threatening conditions include violent diarrhea and intestinal inflammation.
You'll learn about the typical symptoms, how C. diff spreads and produces toxins, and who is most susceptible from this overview.
C. diff spreads in what way?
We have C. diff in our feces, just like many other bacteria do. Almost everyone carries it; it's on our skin and even on the bottoms of our shoes. The C. diff bacteria are dormant spores while they are outside the body. Their sole opportunity to come into action is when they are ingested and make it to the intestines.
Many people who ingest C. diff spores never get sick, even in that case. The only individuals who feel ill from the spores are those whose gut microbiome, or the billions of microorganisms that reside in their intestines, becomes unbalanced for any of the several causes listed below. The spores begin to grow and produce toxins when an imbalance takes place, which results in a C. diff infection.
C. diff bacteria colonize many of us with no negative effects. Spores of Candida diff are continuously ingested by us. It is only in certain situations that the spores will sprout and emit poison. The toxin is the cause of your illness.
What signs indicate an infection with C. diff?
The symptoms bear similarities to several different forms of digestive problems. This might initially make it challenging to distinguish the infection from less serious conditions.
Signs to look out for include
persistent diarrhea that lasts for three days or longer
nausea, fever, discomfort or pain in the stomach, or loss of appetite.
Although there is no need for the general public to be afraid of C. diff, if you are prescribed an antibiotic, watch out for signs of diarrhea after the medication has finished. When you stop taking the antibiotic, the diarrhea that is related to the drug alone should go away.
Who is most at risk?
From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), here are some frightening statistics:
The most common cause of illnesses linked to healthcare in the US is C. diff.
It disproportionately affects residents of nursing homes and hospitals.
One in eleven adults over 65 who are diagnosed with a C. diff illness related to medical treatment pass away within a month.
Nonetheless, the illness can also affect other populations. While C. diff infections linked to healthcare facilities are leveling off, infections that affect the general public and are referred to as community-based are rising.