Optimal Health 360 - You Eat What Your Food Eats

Spaghetti Squash and Angel Hair Pasta

Charmene M. Vega3 years ago4 months ago05 mins

Spaghetti squash is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that provides a range of health benefits. It is known for its unique stringy texture, which resembles spaghetti when cooked. Here, find some of the health benefits of spaghetti squash with a recipe.

A close up of some sandwiches with vegetables

Spring Vegetable Salad With Mint Pesto

Charmene M. Vega3 years ago4 months ago04 mins

Bring a whole new dimension to your palate with a vibrant spring vegetable salad, featuring a medley of crisp, garden-fresh delights, artfully arranged in a bowl bursting with color and flavor. The verdant symphony of seasonal vegetables, adorned with a refreshing mint pesto, not only celebrates the vitality of the blue zone diet but also harmonizes perfectly with crumbled feta sheep cheese, creating a tantalizing fusion of textures and tastes that beckons you to savor the essence of the season in every wholesome bite.

Is Your Immune System Secretly Aging You? Here’s How to Stop It

Charmene M. Vega3 days ago3 days ago010 mins

Supplements for Managing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can silently age your body, impacting everything from energy levels to overall health. While a nutrient-rich diet is the foundation for reducing inflammation, specific supplements can provide an extra boost. Curcumin, derived from turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory; Omega-3 fatty acids support heart and brain health; Vitamin D regulates immune responses; Magnesium helps calm inflammation at the cellular level; and Probiotics nurture gut health. Incorporating these supplements into your routine, alongside healthy lifestyle choices, can help you combat inflammation and promote long-term vitality.

Mindful Eating: Chew Like a Pro and Listen to Your Body’s Clock!

Charmene M. Vega1 week ago3 days ago011 mins

Here’s a quick taste of mindful eating:

Imagine if your body had a food clock—well, it does! Our natural rhythms, or circadian rhythms, help set hunger cues like clockwork around 8-10 AM, 11-2 PM, and 4-6 PM. These aren’t just random times we feel hungry; they’re connected to our hormones like cortisol, which gives us that “time to eat” nudge. And if you’re up for a challenge, try chewing until your food’s nearly liquid! This little trick gives your digestive system a head start, making meals easier on your body and giving you a real sense of satisfaction.

So, next time you feel the tug of hunger, take a whiff, savor the smell, and chew slowly. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Let’s do this right!” Eating mindfully isn’t about restriction; it’s about tuning into the wisdom your body already holds.

I Care... The Often Unsees Weight Carried by Family Caregivers

I Care: The Often Unseen Weight Carried by Family Caregivers

Charmene M. Vega2 weeks ago3 days ago012 mins

“I Care: The Silent Heroes Among Us”

November’s theme, “I Care,” shines a light on family caregivers—the quiet champions who shoulder the weight of caring for a loved one with little recognition and even less help. These caregivers are often left standing alone, sacrificing their time, health, and financial security without a word of thanks. In the silent hours, they provide comfort, hold hands, and bring peace to those they care for, even as family members go on with their lives, unaware of the toll this selfless devotion takes.

Isolation sinks in deeply when day after day goes by without relief, and a simple “thank you” remains unspoken. Some family members may shy away out of fear, others perhaps out of indifference, but in the end, it is the caregiver who carries the load—and it’s a burden heavy with love, loyalty, and sacrifice.

To all the caregivers holding steady, remember: your journey is noble, and though unspoken, your love is seen in every moment you give. Take heart and find support through resources available to you—you’re not alone, and your compassion is the kind of legacy that leaves a lasting imprint.

For support and resources, visit:

Family Caregiver Alliance
Caregiver Action Network

Climate Therapy

Charmene M. Vega3 weeks ago3 weeks ago011 mins

Climate Therapy—Healing Through Nature and Nutrition

Climate therapy harnesses the natural environment—whether it’s the warmth of the sun, the fresh mountain air, or the calming ocean waves—to promote physical and mental well-being. When paired with proper nutrition, the body can better adapt to these environmental shifts, boosting energy, reducing stress, and supporting overall health. As a holistic wellness practitioner, I guide you through how food choices, hydration, and herbs like ginger, turmeric, and adaptogens can enhance the benefits of climate therapy. Together, we can help your body thrive in harmony with nature’s elements.

Fermented Honey Recipe

Charmene M. Vega1 month ago4 weeks ago09 mins

How to Make Fermented Honey for Health and Wellness
Unlock the benefits of fermented honey, an age-old remedy known for boosting gut health, enhancing skin elasticity, and supporting overall wellness. This probiotic-rich superfood not only improves digestion but also promotes collagen production, making it a natural ally against aging. Learn how to make your own fermented honey at home with simple ingredients like ginger and lemon, and discover how this powerful elixir can be added to your daily routine for long-lasting health benefits.

Fight Sagging Skin: Super-Ager Secrets

Charmene M. Vega1 month ago3 days ago014 mins

As we age, our skin begins to lose its firmness, becoming more prone to sagging and dryness, especially during menopause. According to Dr. John Layke, renowned plastic surgeon and co-founder of Beverly Hills MD, maintaining youthful skin isn’t just about surface-level treatments—what you eat and how you care for your body plays a vital role in how you age.

The top three habits that can make you a “super-ager” include hydrating your skin from the inside out, boosting collagen production with estrogen-encouraging foods like wild yam, and incorporating dietary hyaluronic acid and MSM into your routine. But there’s one simple thing you can do at home to tackle sagging skin: adding wild yam to your diet. Wild yam helps increase estrogen, which promotes collagen production, giving your skin that youthful elasticity.

Holistic Empowerment Strategies for Women at The New Empowerment Summit

Charmene M. Vega2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

Are you ready to tap into your inner strength? Are you prepared to thrive as the powerful woman you were…

JAMA Study Blood Test for Alzheimer’s

Charmene M. Vega2 months ago2 months ago011 mins

Recent studies have demonstrated significant advancements in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease using blood-based biomarkers, particularly the phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217) protein. Research published in JAMA Neurology highlights that these blood tests offer diagnostic accuracy comparable to traditional methods like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, achieving accuracy rates around 80-92%(
JAMA Network
)(
UCL
). This makes them a promising tool for early intervention, particularly as they are less invasive and more cost-effective than lumbar punctures and imaging. However, the generalizability of these tests across diverse populations remains a challenge, necessitating further research to ensure their efficacy across different demographic groups(
Neurology live
).

Eldercare Disparities: A U.S. Perspective vs. The World

Charmene M. Vega2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

Caring for Our Seniors: A Global Lesson for the U.S.

In the United States, we often place our elderly in assisted living facilities, a decision that can inadvertently convey the message that they are no longer valued. In contrast, countries like Japan and Italy integrate seniors into their homes and communities, showing respect and reverence for their wisdom. It’s time we shift our mindset and adopt principles from the Blue Zones—regions known for longevity and quality of life—where seniors are active, connected, and valued. By incorporating these practices into our homes and senior care facilities, we can ensure our elders live with dignity and purpose.

Whether it’s through improving nutrition, supplementing cognitive health, or creating environments that foster independence, we must find ways to honor our seniors and help them thrive.

The Psychology Behind How Food Tastes Based on Presentation

Charmene M. Vega2 months ago2 months ago010 mins

When we think about food, we usually focus on flavor, but how it looks can be just as important as how it tastes. The brain starts forming opinions about food before it even hits your taste buds. The presentation of a dish triggers expectations that influence your experience and can even enhance or diminish the flavors.

Think about a beautifully plated meal versus one thrown together carelessly. The elegant arrangement, vibrant colors, and balance on the plate communicate a level of care and quality. This sets your brain up to expect something delicious. On the flip side, when food looks unappealing, even if it tastes good, you’re more likely to perceive it as less enjoyable.