{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/auto-immune/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3174-markdown","title":"7 Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy During Winter","slug":"7-natural-ways-to-boost-your-energy-during-winter","content":"Bears and other animals hibernate through the winter, waking when springtime brings sunshine and warmer days. However, humans don't have that option – and the short days and long cold nights can cause us to feel lethargic and unmotivated.  If the wintertime blues are getting you down, we give you seven natural ways to boost your energy levels while waiting for the sunshine to return and warmer weather.\n\n### Why Does Winter Sap Our Energy?\nWintertime [tiredness and overall lack of energy](https://www.stack.com/a/the-scientific-reasons-you-feel-more-tired-during-winter-and-how-to-combat-it#:~:text=Winter%20is%20a%20dark%20time,in%20sleep%20patterns%20and%20mood.%22) can affect anyone, but it's more common in the northern hemisphere, where the shorter days of winter also go along with overcast skies, cold temperatures, and snow. \n\nFor many people, the effects of winter are debilitating and may cause depression and the onset of a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. But even for those who don't suffer from SAD, [winter conditions can trigger changes in our biorhythms and metabolism](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-25235/5-reasons-youre-tired-all-the-time-how-to-get-more-energy.html)that affect mood, energy levels, and overall health.\n\nSunlight plays an important role in human biology. It triggers changes in skin cells to produce Vitamin D, and it also affects the activity of the brain's pineal gland. This tiny gland uses the \"feel good\" hormone serotonin to produce melatonin, regulating cycles of sleep and waking.   \n\nWhen days are shorter and darker, the pineal gland produces more melatonin, which can cause daytime sleepiness and a feeling of fatigue. Higher melatonin levels also mean less serotonin, which can cause sadness, lack of motivation and anxiety.\n\nSunlight is the body's major vitamin D source, an essential vitamin that plays a key role in bone health, blood pressure, and immune function.  Recent research reveals that Vitamin D also supports a positive mood.  But the farther north people live, the lower their Vitamin D levels because they don't get enough sun exposure. \n\nLikewise, this crucial nutrient levels can drop significantly in the winter, when there's less daylight, skies are overcast, and people are less likely to get outside.\n\nExercise generates energy and elevates mood, but it can be harder to get moving in harsh winter weather. People tend to be more sedentary during the cold months, which can contribute to low-grade fatigue and lack of enthusiasm.  The wintertime blues are a natural response to seasonal changes – and a variety of safe and natural remedies are here to help.\n\n### Drink More Water\nOne of the easiest ways to [get a quick energy boost](https://www.cnet.com/health/7-ways-drinking-more-water-can-make-you-healthier/#:~:text=1.,sluggish%20and%20off%20your%20game.) is to drink more water. Although dehydration is often associated with hot summer temperatures, staying hydrated during the winter is important too. \n\nCold outdoor air can dry out the throat and nasal passages, aas well as the hot dry air from indoor heaters.  Drinking more water can boost alertness and energy levels, and help to keep joints and membranes lubricated.  Drinking plenty of water can also protect the skin from cracking and help the body resist colds and flu.  \n\nTip: Try flavored sparkling waters or add a twist of lemon to your morning glass to keep it interesting.\n\n### Cold Water Therapy\nAlthough winter's cold temperatures may leave you craving warmth, a cold shower – or a quick cold rinse after your hot shower – can boost energy and concentration.  The brief shock of a cold (below 70F) water starts the metabolism and releases endorphins, powerful hormones that cause positive, optimistic feelings.  [Some research also shows](https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-shower-benefits) that taking a cold shower two or three times a week can also improve symptoms of depression.\n\n\"Cold therapy\" holds promise for positive benefits with both the immune and sympathetic nervous system. The Dutch athlete and cold therapy advocate Wim Hof, also known as the 'Ice Man', has been studied for his endurance and overall immunity.   During his cold training he has enabled himself to control his heart rate, breathing, and blood circulation.\n\nA 2014 study injected Wim Hof Method practitioners with an endotoxin meant to attack the immune system. The results indicated an overall control of the sympathetic nervous system and immune response - in other words, the participants did not get sick. A further 2018 study showed that the Wim Hof Method of cold therapy and breathing activated regions in the brain responsible for pain suppression.\n\nTip: Take a regular hot shower and for the last two minutes blast the cold water - you will feel it less and still get the same benefits.\n\n### Consuming Cannabis\n\nCannabis is known for its relaxing and calming properties, but [many strains](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/top-5-marijuana-strains-to-fight-fatigue)\nprovide a much-needed energy boost.  Stimulating sativa-dominant cannabis strains can improve concentration, focus, and energy, whether you consume them by smoking, vaping, or as slower-acting edibles.  Here are a few to try:\n\n[Jack Herer](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/jack-herer) is a high-energy sativa strain with hefty amounts of THC, the psychotropic ingredient that causes a euphoric high. It's known to stimulate creativity and elevate mood, and it can also help people with anxiety, PTSD, and migraine.  \n\n[Harlequin](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/harlequin) is a high-CBD strain, although it contains THC, and it can be useful in treating anxiety. \nHarlequin's effects are relaxing and calming, but this cannabis strain also boosts focus and alertness so that users can feel more energetic without the distracting effects of THC.\n\n[Green Crack](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/green-crack) is a high-energy sativa strain that can contain up to 24 percent THC. It supports creativity and productivity, and it can help relieve stress, fatigue and depression, and other conditions such as ADHD and migraines.  \n\nTip: If you're new to cannabis, start with a high CBD strain like Harlequin and start slowly.\n\n\n### Laugh More\n\nLaughter might be the best medicine for winter's down days.  Years after author Norman Cousins described using laughter to help him recover from a painful spine condition; researchers are documenting the many effects of laughter for fighting fatigue and boosting immune functioning.  [Some studies indicate](https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/give-your-body-boost-with-laughter#1) that laughing can raise the heart rate, feed more oxygen to the brain and tissues, which is similar to the effects of exercise.  Natural (not forced) laughter can also contribute to better sleep and raise immune cells' levels in the body.  \n\nAccording to [SCL Health](https://www.sclhealth.org/blog/2019/06/the-real-health-benefits-of-smiling-and-laughing/#:~:text=Release%20the%20Endorphins!,the%20serotonin%20is%20an%20antidepressant.), \"When you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress. Then other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins come into play too. The endorphins act as a mild pain reliever, whereas the serotonin is an antidepressant.\" Proactively smiling and laughing in an authentic way can help get you out of your funk!\n\nTo get more laughter into your life, take time to watch a comedy movie or a favorite TV comedy.  Or consider listening to one of the many new (and free) [comedy podcasts](https://www.vulture.com/article/best-comedy-podcasts-2020.html) while you're doing daily chores.\n\nTip: Looking for a good comedy? Try Hulu's vampire mockumentary [What We Do In The Shadows](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows_(TV_series)).\n\n### Start the Day With Meditation\n\nA morning meditation practice can help to relieve anxiety and low-level depression and set the tone for a calmer, more centered day.  Meditation can be as simple as sitting quietly for a few minutes, observing your breathing and thoughts, but a variety of [apps such as Headspace and Calm](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-meditation-apps/) can provide more support, with guided meditations, intentions, and other information and activities for starting and keeping a daily meditation routine.\n\nTip: Don't pressure yourself. Start meditation for two minutes when you wake up with deep breathing and work up to ten or twenty minutes.\n\n### Take Vitamin D\nVitamin D may be the ultra supplement hero of 2020. Vitamin D is called the \"sunshine vitamin\" for a good reason, and taking a D supplement [can help boost energy and concentration](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-supplements-for-energy#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4) during dark winter days. It is also known to lower inflammation levels, and is a suggested vitamin to take during the COVID pandemic.\n\nAim for a quality supplement that supplies about 1,000 to 2,000 mg of Vitamin D3 daily.  Consider adding more [Vitamin D rich foods](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-foods-high-in-vitamin-d)to your diet, too. Eggs, oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, and mushrooms are among the best sources.  Vitamin-D fortified foods such as dairy products, orange juice, and cereals can also boost your intake.\n\nTip: Take thirty minutes during your lunch break on a sunny day and have lunch outside to expose your skin to natural vitamin D: sunlight.\n\n### Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids\n\nSome research suggests that people tend to consume fewer Omega 3 fatty acids in winter, and that can [contribute to the low energy and depressive mood](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-chemistry-calm/201012/fear-not-the-winter-blues). These essential fatty acids have multiple benefits for the heart, eyes, and other organs, but they can also help to fight fatigue and depression. Consider taking a high-quality supplement if your diet doesn't include [plenty of natural sources](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3) such as olive or flaxseed oil, fish, and nuts.\n\nTip: Eat foods high in Omega 3 such as salmon, sardines, herring, and oysters. Flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are also good sources. \n\nLike other animals, humans are bound to the cycles of the sun, and it's natural to feel the effects of the short days and cold nights of winter. But a few simple strategies that work with the body's own rhythms can help to beat those wintertime blues.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.ca/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/ee604/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.png","srcSet":"/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/69585/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.png 200w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/497c6/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.png 400w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/ee604/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.png 800w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/084c5/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.png 989w","srcWebp":"/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/58556/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/61e93/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.webp 200w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/1f5c5/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.webp 400w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/58556/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.webp 800w,\n/static/c34693a68f961d87b5b8e8b121f4ca88/cfaac/5a4ad78ae66ffa862a5a42501110d230.webp 989w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2071-markdown","title":"7 Tips for a Positive Experience With Cannabis Oil ","slug":"7-tips-for-a-positive-experience-with-cannabis-oil","content":"Constance Finley is founder and CEO of [Constance Therapeutics](http://constancetherapeutics.com/), a California Proposition 215 compliant medical cannabis company inspired by her personal experience with medical cannabis as a means to manage symptoms caused by a rare autoimmune disease. Constance Therapeutics works alongside health-care professionals to provide patients with the best possible treatment options, including high-quality, whole-plant cannabis extracts developed through a stringent, science-informed and patent-pending extraction methodology. \r\n\r\nIn this article, Constance shares her top seven tips on how to have a successful experience with medical marijuana oil. \r\n\r\n### What You Should Know About Cannabis Oil\r\n\r\nSo, you're new to cannabis oil. Cannabis oil comprises cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) that have been extracted from the marijuana plant. You may feel like there's a lot to learn, that so much of this feels like trial and error. I assure you that we've all been where you are now—myself included. \r\n\r\nI discovered the medicinal benefits of cannabis for myself after being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. I tried just about every pharmaceutical medication on the market to make myself feel better, even at the detriment of my already declining health. At my breaking point, I decided to give medicinal cannabis a try, and I'm happy to say that I'm doing so much better now than I was before. \r\n\r\nYour goals for giving medical cannabis oil a try may be different from mine, or from the person next to you at the dispensary. It's fascinating how much potential this plant holds as a form of treatment. \r\n\r\nBut you likely also have some hesitations about using cannabis oil. I had those, too. To help answer your questions and address your concerns, here are a few tried-and-true suggestions and best practices to encourage a positive first experience with cannabis oil. \r\n\r\n### 1. When it Comes to Using Cannabis Oil, Start Slow and Small\r\n\r\nIf you've never used cannabis oil before, I recommend starting with a small dose. Everyone experiences it differently, and different strains of cannabis and cannabinoid ratios in oil elicit different effects. So it's best to learn how your body reacts and consume accordingly.\r\n\r\nFor example, if you're using a vaporizer for the first time, I recommend starting with one 10-second inhale and waiting 2-3 minutes to feel the effects. First-time cannabis oil users should start with a rice grain-size drop at first. It's entirely possible to build your tolerance, but it takes time, so start small and increase your cannabis oil intake slowly.\r\n\r\n### 2. Select Your Environment Carefully When Consuming Cannabis Oil\r\n\r\nTake cannabis oil in a comfortable, familiar environment around someone you know and trust. I recommend that anyone who's trying cannabis oil for the first time do so in an environment that's safe to them. I find that home is always best. Also, it can be good to have someone nearby that you're comfortable with just in case you begin to feel anxious. That can really make the difference in your experience.\r\n\r\n### 3. Take the Cannabis Oil With Some Food in Your Stomach\r\n\r\nFew things are best done on an empty stomach, and cannabis oil is no exception. It helps to avoid any potential nausea that can result.\r\n\r\n### 4. Don't Take Cannabis Oil With Other Intoxicating Substances\r\n\r\nYou should have something in your stomach when you're ingesting cannabis oil, but that something shouldn't be alcohol. This is because alcohol can increase levels of THC in the blood, thereby intensifying marijuana's effects. \r\n\r\n### 5. Drink Ginger Tea If You're Feeling Unsettled From the Cannabis Oil\r\n\r\nIf you feel nauseated at all from consuming cannabis oil (or any time, really), try drinking some ginger tea. Ginger is a natural nausea suppressor, and it works wonders for settling an upset stomach. The process of making and drinking tea can also be quite soothing and grounding on its own, should you experience any anxiety when having cannabis oil.\r\n\r\n### 6. Remain Calm If You've Had too Much Cannabis Oil\r\n\r\nIf you feel as though you've taken too much cannabis oil, always do your best to remain calm. Lie down in a comfortable area, dim the lights, and remember that the uncomfortable feeling will eventually subside.\r\n\r\n### 7. Remember Your Goal for Using Cannabis Oil\r\n\r\nEvery treatment has its side effects, but it's important to keep the goal of your treatment in mind. If you're taking medicinal cannabis oil and find that you're having a hard time adjusting to some of THC's side effects—dry mouth, fatigue, paranoia, anxiety, know that these aren't permanent. Think about the potential benefits from the treatment, how it will help your overall health, and why you're using cannabis oil in the first place. Reminding yourself of potential positives can help to keep yourself focused.\r\n\r\nDo you have additional tips to share for fellow cannabis oil users? Have questions about using cannabis oil for the first time? Feel free to share in the comments below.\r\n\r\nDo you have questions about cannabis oil? Ask them in HelloMD's [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. Our doctors and community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.550387596899225,"src":"/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/14b42/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/f836f/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.jpg 200w,\n/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/2244e/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.jpg 400w,\n/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/14b42/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.jpg 800w,\n/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/47498/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/170bc/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.jpg 1222w","srcWebp":"/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/58556/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/61e93/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.webp 200w,\n/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/1f5c5/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.webp 400w,\n/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/58556/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.webp 800w,\n/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/99238/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.webp 1200w,\n/static/f3f4a146c0a613ad8eabe8c505844b54/d2615/7a74c1cf3de945fbbc8b2920e8b79a35.webp 1222w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":4977,"name":"Auto Immune","slug":"auto-immune","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}