In this post, I will discuss the mind-body connection and highlight ten physical symptoms that may stem from your brain. I also provide resources for mental health support, stress management, inspiration, and updates on the current crisis.

Make sure you skim to the end to see my new offering for a group support series and a touching four-minute video.

 

The Unnecessary Brain-Body Division

You cannot separate mental health from physical health. The two are intimately linked. The mind effects the body and vice versa. We have an unnecessary schism between them in conventional medicine, yet every thought we think creates a biological response.

Thankfully, in recent years there has been some progress in acknowledging that they are connected. For instance, it has been proven that emotional stress does not just perpetuate many illnesses, but also instigates them. (source, source, source, source, source)

As I stated previously in my blog, “A Naturopathic Doctor’s Approach to Nourish the Mind-Body and Support Mental Health Using Essential Oils:”

If one overwhelming thought can create downstream turmoil on the body in successive and rapid fashion, it becomes evident that physicians need to find means to balance the mind, as they address its physical repercussions, for true healing.

A recent journal article demonstrated this point. In the study, the researchers were able to map out the heightened medical risks for people with mental health disorders. Medical Xpress reported on their dreary findings:

A University of Queensland study has revealed that people with mental disorders are many times more likely to develop other health conditions, highlighting the need to provide them with better medical care.

Professor John McGrath, from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute and Denmark’s Aarhus University, led an international team of researchers aiming to draw more attention to the fatal consequences of mental disorders, beyond suicide.

“We found that women with anxiety disorders have a 50 per cent increased risk of developing a heart condition or stroke—over 15 years, one in three women with anxiety disorders will develop these medical disorders,” Professor McGrath said.

“We also looked at men with substance use disorders such as alcohol-related disorders and found they have a 400 per cent increased risk of gut or liver disorders, while over 15 years, one in five of them will develop gut or liver conditions.”

In a future post, I will discuss further reasons why it is imperative that we view mind-body medicine more holistically.

Ten Brain-Body Symptoms You May Not Know About

In another article by Amen Clinics, even more evidence was provided that mental health is not just isolated to the mind. Specifically, the post discussed ten symptoms that have been associated with depression that many do not realize. I have listed them below along with a few comments.

1. Unexplained aches and pains.

2. Immune imbalances.

This goes two-ways. Depression makes one more susceptible to infections and immune deregulation impacts mental health.

3. Trouble concentrating.

4. Feeling irritable.

5. Being forgetful. (source)

6. Constipation.

Any type of digestive issue can be linked to mood disorders. They can also be associated with neurological disorders (source, source) and other mental health issues as well. This makes sense if we consider the gut-brain connection and the microbiome.

7. Feeling numb.

8. Feeling tired all the time.

9. Feeling restless.

10. Feeling like you’re “faking it.”

The Dangers of Isolation for Mind-Body Wellness

It has also been shown that perceived isolation is the number one factor related to cardiovascular mortality. The implications of this during the crisis makes it essential to ensure that people are virtually reaching out and staying connected in safe ways. In other words, as people are physical distancing, they should not be social distancing.

Below are some resources for those who are struggling and feeling overwhelmed during this time, emotionally, mentally, and/or physically.

In an upcoming publication, I will discuss further reasons why it is imperative that we pay as much attention to the wellbeing of our brains as to our bodies, especially during the current crisis.

Please feel free to comment below.

Mental Health ResourcesLifeline Crisis Chat — Chat online with a specialist who can provide emotional support, crisis intervention and suicide prevention services at www.crisischat.org

Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.) — Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Stress management tips and resources

 

Other Uplifting Resources

The Tapping Solution, A Technique to Lower Cortisol and Reduce Stress- Podcast interview by Dr. Kara Fitzgerald with Nick Ortner

Another great resource for inspiration and mind-body-soul health is the 2020 You Can Heal Your life Summit.

This article includes 11 tips on how to entertain yourself during self-isolation.

I also discussed more self-care tips and have also been offering reflective readings and resources for my readers.

Essential oils for mental health

Nourishing Your Mind and Body Webcast Series

For over a month now, I have been providing resources and writing about the importance of nourishing our minds and bodies to enhance resiliency.

On March 23^rd, I will be offering the first webcast of my group series focused on mind-body support to enhance emotional resiliency, improve focus, and optimize physical wellness.

This month, the focus will be on using essential oils for mental, mood, and physical resiliency. Sarah James from Some Like It Hot Yoga Studio will be joining me along with Sherry Saben, RN.

The classes are free but donations are welcomed. Suggested donations range from $5- $15/class. Any amount is appreciated.

You can use this link to donate. The donate button is at the bottom of the page.

You are welcome to join any or all of these (almost) monthly events.

Space is limited, first come, first virtual smell! 😉

Please see more information and RSVP here starting May 4th.

Once you register, you will receive the link to join in.

News, Updates and Resources Regarding the Current Crisis

Below are some of the news features from the previous week with updated information and resources on the current pandemic.

Along with the resources located on the CDC and WHO website, I have been keeping up with the latest research and medical advances daily. Some of the material is from international medical journals and was shared within my integrative medicine community.

This week’s topics include integrative testing, emerging therapies, and other news on finding the best practices in medicine during times of uncertainty.

I am hoping you find this helpful and having the weekly updates will decrease your “need” to stay glued to the daily news and enhance the ability to reset to calm.

 

Testing

• White House introduces COVID-19 testing blueprint
• Are saliva samples preferable to deep nasal swabs?
• Testing in poo!?
•  NIH launches $500 million contest for best test
• FDA approves new antibody test reported as highly accurate
• Testing in 10 minutes?
• John Hopkins Center for Healthy Security- Statement on national serology testing (John Hopkins Breakdown of tests sensitivity and specify for research vs. diagnostics)
• A letter on Testing

 

Therapeutics Updates

• Oxford begins human trials on the ChAdOx1 vaccine against meningitis vaccine, researchers hope to have it available by September
• Treating lung problems by taking into account vessel health and types of lung compliance
• German physician explains his passive ventilation strategy
• Can sex hormones help men survive the virus?
• Remdesivir  now ‘standard of care’, Fauci says, China reports negative findings on its use
• FDA authorizes emergency use of Remdesivir
• The world wants answers on Gilead’s drug. Experts worry next studies may increase uncertainty
• A new NLP resource for scholars
• Selenium linked to case outcomes in China
• Vitamin D insufficiency may be prevalent in cases
• Most common drugs used in hospitals
• Yale updating treatment protocols

 

Other News

• Data points to two possible realities — Which is it?
• Why Americans are buying pulse-oximeters. Should they?
• Physician’s breathing exercise for respiratory relief goes viral
• The power of fresh air and ventilation
• A study which found that the virus could spread nearly 15 feet has been retracted, but the journal isn’t saying why.
• The CDC has added the following six symptoms to list: chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, repeated shaking with chills, and a loss of taste or smell.
• A new way to estimate COVID-19 death toll
• Llamas as heroes against the virus?
• Virus and Schools- Australia viewpoint
• Researchers explore relationship between viral count and severity of disease
• Timing of immune response may contribute to disease severity
• Which came first- the storm or T-cells?
• Asking for an open exchange of modeling knowledge
• Will this finally trigger action on health disparities?
• Not ignoring the harms of isolation
• Low-income workers disproportionately affected
• The story of Taiwan (CBS report)
• Which epidemiologist do you believe?
• A new national genomics consortium to coordinate sequencing across the U.S.

The Great Realisation

Dreaming of a new world… why Hindsight is 20-20.

Please take 4 minutes and watch!

Dr. Sarah’s Message: I’m Still Here for You

I am continuing to provide phone consults and support for clients during the virus. Learn more here.

 

My Disclaimer About Immune and Wellness Balancing Measures

The above suggestions are for overall health only.

According to experts and the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no approved standard of care treatment, cure, or preventative for COVID-19. Supportive measures and containment are in full force as a result. Please see the CDC website and your state’s website for more information and updates. They also state when to contact your physician related to symptoms and travel history, exposures. Please read my more detailed article on this subject here.