Chronic stress has far more serious health implications than you can ever imagine. And we are not just talking about the mental or emotional kind of stress that comes from financial worries, relationships or a work environment that is just too demanding.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been using Reishi mushroom (scientific name Ganoderma lucidum) for more than 2,000 years to promote good health and longevity. There is also a great deal of scientific research that supports many medicinal uses of Reishi [1], which is also called ‘Lingzhi’ and ‘The God of Fungi’.

Your body uses Vitamin C to do a lot of important stuff. This powerful anti-oxidant fights free radicals, lowers oxidative damage in cells and prevents chronic inflammation. While its role in boosting immune functions, and fighting off infections is probably well known, it is also required for collagen synthesis and tissue repair. It also plays an important role in a range of metabolic functions; for example, absorption of iron and activation of folic acid. [1]

In part 1 of this series, we discussed how most sunscreens are full of potentially hazardous chemicals. Not only is it a fat that these products offer an incomplete protection against sun damage, they even contribute to skin cancer, which ironically is the main reason why you are applying sunscreens in the very first place.

The use of sunscreen has significantly peaked in the past decades. That is hardly surprising when both doctors and media are shouting from the rooftops that wearing a good sunscreen cuts down your risk of sunburns and skin cancer. Sounds like a good strategy: if only things were as simple as that.

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lung that causes inflammation and constriction in the airways. Affecting more than 300 million people across the world, this respiratory disorder causes recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The severity of these symptoms may range from mild to severe flare-ups (exacerbations may require immediate medical attention.)

Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin that keeps you healthy in a number of ways. Most importantly, it is one of the nutrients that your body needs to convert food into energy. Vitamin B12 is also involved in the synthesis of DNA, proteins and red blood cells; and it keeps your brain and nervous system well-functioning. Since it is responsible for so many important functions, it is no wonder that a lack of vitamin B12 can significantly affect your health.

The sunshine vitamin needs no introduction when it comes to making your bones healthy and strong. Besides its well-known role in helping your body absorb calcium, vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating both adaptive and innate immune system responses.

Have you suddenly developed sensitivity to certain foods? Do you experience excessive fatigue or suffer from insomnia, joint pain, headaches and digestive disorders? Chances are you may have a leaky gut.