Mental illness seems to be on the rise in modern society. A vital strategy for maintaining a balanced mood, good energy levels, and sound brain connection is to be aware, to be present, and to be open to new ideas, behaviors, and perceptions.

While genetic predisposition certainly increases our risk for mental illness, the following wellness practices can dramatically reduce it:

According to specialist physician and pioneer of aging medicineDr. Craige Golding, there are well-researched alternatives to the overprescribing of chemical drugs to manage mental illness. Micronutrient depletions from the chronic use of pharmaceuticals should also be addressed. An understanding of the major neurotransmitters involved with mood, memory, motivation, sleep and a balanced, healthy mind is required.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for stronger immune systems. We all know that sunlight exposure, vitamin D, and vitamin C are very beneficial for optimum immune system health. Other useful nutrients include zinc and ionophore-type nutrients to get zinc intracellularly, to assist with optimum antiviral protection. These include nutraceuticals such as quercetin and/or egcg (a green tea extract), and resveratrol.

Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, maitake, and shiitake are also useful for immune support.

Of course, there are many other immune-supportive strategies to consider. This includes exercise and a healthy, balanced diet with a wide variety of colorful foods.

For a healthy immune response against a viral attack, other treatments include:

These help the heat-sensitive viruses become more vulnerable and susceptible.

Golding stresses the importance of good gut function because conditions such as leaky gut or hyperpermeable gut can interfere with the absorption of nutrients. He advises following a five-step program:

Temperature fluctuations place a type of stress on the body that can be helpful. Having a cold shower and then an infrared sauna can be beneficial for physiological adaptation. The idea behind this is that the better you are able to adapt to your conditions, the better your chances of living longer. This relates to your mental resilience and your immune system.

Several kinds of adaptogenic herbs are used to help your adrenals in alternative medicine. Astroganda, for example, originates from certain mountainous plants that regularly experience severe fluctuations in temperature. They have learned to adapt and survive in hot-to-cold conditions.

Golding says caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and time-restricted eating are all important pro-aging strategies.

The fear of a second wave is impacting how were looking forward to 2021. With that said, here is some advice on how to cope and manage your fears during the second wave.

Excerpt from:
Adopting An Integrative Approach to Mental Wellness and Resilience in 2021 - Longevity LIVE