3 minute read
health briefs
Consider Therapy to Reduce Inflammation In exploring the mind-body link that is particularly relevant during the current pandemic, an analysis of 56 randomized clinical studies found that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and similar approaches reduced inflammation and enhanced immunity in subjects, reports JAMA Psychiatry. University of California, Davis, researchers reviewed studies that included 4,060 participants undergoing behavior therapy (which seeks to help patients understand and change problematic behaviors), cognitive therapy (which teaches patients how to change negative thoughts or mindset), CBT (that combines elements of both), bereavement or supportive therapy, psychoeducation and other therapies such as stress management. Those that received these psychosocial interventions experienced a 14.7 percent increase in positive immune outcomes such as lower viral load and an 18 percent decrease in negative outcomes, including proinflammatory cytokines, compared with those not receiving therapy. The immunity improvements were strongest among patients that received CBT or multiple interventions.
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Boost Fun Nutrition with Microgreens Halfway in size between sprouts and full-grown plants, microgreens are bursting with nutrients, but have been mostly relegated to garnishes at upscale restaurants. Researchers at Colorado State University, exploring their acceptability, fed 99 people six separate types of microgreens: arugula, broccoli, bull’s blood beet, red cabbage, red garnet amaranth and tendril pea. The redcolored varieties—beet, cabbage and amaranth—received top marks for appearance, but broccoli, red cabbage and tendril pea scored the highest overall grades. The subjects found the greens were fun (“funfetti”), colorful and attrac tive. Microgreens, which can be grown quickly indoors yearround with minimal water, offer a possible solution to sustainably feeding the planet, the researchers pointed out.
We Humans are pretty remarkable. Everyone experiences some kind of loss – a relationship, a career, a home, a dream, a way of life or our health status. In the depths of our pain, we wonder how anyone ever loves again, builds a new business, heals physically, takes another risk, or transforms their lives. The remarkable part is that we do.
Some of us are better at this than others which may be due to something called Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). Originally theorized in the 1990’s, PTG is the positive psychological change that can happen following challenging life events. PTG is the opposite of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Where PTSD ultimately sets long-term wellbeing back, PTG can actually leave someone better off.
Social media is full of examples of PTG in action when groups are formed in response to tragedies such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving or Black Lives Matter. Lucy Hone’s grief led to her authoring “Resilient Grieving” and a neighbor surviving hunger leads to the formation of a food bank on the local Nextdoor website.
The opportunity to pivot toward growth is a result of recognizing that there is a choice to be made. Actions that demonstrate a propensity toward growth and healing are:
• Seeking novelty and embracing new opportunities. • Investing in and enjoying existing personal relationships. • Practicing gratitude for ourselves and our abilities. • Deepening spiritual connection. • Finding a way to serve others.
It’s important to know that experiencing potentially traumatic loss doesn’t have to be a self-fulling prophecy. When facing the life challenges that we would never have chosen - remember - we have a choice. For support in transforming loss into powerful opportunities for personal growth contact Renee Ellis, MA LPC RMT of Live Your Knowing Counseling at 720-984-9575 or renee@liveyourknowing.com. See ad page 22.
CLAIM YOUR OPTIMAL HEALTH With Conventional AND Natural Medicine
At Clear Sky Medical, we believe in a combination of leading-edge preventive conventional and natural medicine to help get you back on track and feeling your best – for the long term.
