#CellCare Wellness | How Gut and Nervous System Imbalance Drives Autoimmune Disease | What You Need to Know
Welcome to Dr. Bhanote’s Weekly #CellCare Wellness Insights!
Hey Wellkulå Friend, I bring you the most captivating discoveries and insights each week, spanning the forefront of plant-powered gut health, inspiring wellness stories, innovative functional culinary medicine recipes, and must-visit wellness travel destinations. Dive into the latest in biohacking, transformative rituals, and cutting-edge longevity science. Stay connected with upcoming events and special announcements to ensure you never miss an opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy exclusive giveaways and discounts.
Did You KNow?
Autoimmune diseases are often complex and multifaceted, involving more than just immune dysfunction. Emerging research shows a significant connection between the nervous system, gut health, and how they influence autoimmune conditions. Understanding these links can empower you to take control of your health and manage symptoms more effectively. By addressing nervous system dysregulation and supporting gut balance, you can reduce inflammation and improve overall wellbeing.
Discover Key Insights About Autoimmune Disease, Nervous System Imbalance, and Gut Health
Did you know? Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation can increase levels of cortisol, which may trigger autoimmune flares by overstimulating your immune system.
Did you know? Gut health plays a crucial role in autoimmune disease, with nearly 70% of your immune cells residing in the gut, making it a key regulator of immune responses.
Did you know? Low vagal tone, often caused by stress, poor sleep, or diet, impairs the vagus nerve's ability to regulate inflammation, worsening autoimmune conditions.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Did you know? Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacteria, can lead to increased gut permeability, also known as "leaky gut," which allows toxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger autoimmune reactions.
Did you know? Poor gut health has been linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which are common in individuals with autoimmune diseases due to the gut-brain axis connection.
Did you know? Environmental toxins from processed foods, pollutants, and chemicals can compromise gut integrity, leading to increased inflammation and autoimmune flare-ups.
Did you know? Enhancing vagal tone through practices like breathwork, meditation, and yoga can help regulate your nervous system, reduce inflammation, and manage autoimmune symptoms.
To learn more about the connection between nervous system dysregulation and autoimmune disease, read our blog: "Why Nervous System Dysregulation Might Be Worsening Your Autoimmune Disease," and discover strategies to take control of your health today!
Weekly wellness Practice | 10-MINUTE VAGUS NERVE RESET RITUAL
This week’s #CellCare Ritual focuses on stimulating your vagus nerve, a crucial player in calming the nervous system and reducing inflammation—significant for those managing autoimmune conditions. This 10-minute practice combines breathwork, gentle movements, and mindfulness to help regulate immune function and promote gut health.
HOW TO PRACTICE:
Diaphragmatic Breathing (3 Minutes):
Sit or lie down comfortably. Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your abdomen, and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Focus on long, slow breaths to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and stimulate the vagus nerve.Neck Stretches (2 Minutes):
Gently tilt your head to the right, holding for 30 seconds, then switch to the left. This movement targets areas near the vagus nerve and helps reduce tension in your neck, a key point of vagal stimulation.Humming or Chanting (2 Minutes):
Humming or chanting “Om” is a simple way to stimulate the vagus nerve through vocal vibration. Hum softly on the exhale after each breath, feeling the vibration in your throat, which helps activate the vagal response.Mindful Body Scan (3 Minutes):
Lie down and mentally scan your body from head to toe, releasing any tension as you breathe deeply. This mindful practice not only calms your mind but also enhances vagal tone, promoting better nervous system regulation.
WHY IT WORKS:
Nervous System Regulation: Diaphragmatic breathing and mindful movements help stimulate the vagus nerve, shifting the body from a stress response to relaxation.
Anti-Inflammatory Response: Vagal nerve activation reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, easing autoimmune symptoms and reducing flare-ups.
Gut-Brain Connection: Stimulating the vagus nerve helps regulate gut motility and improve digestion, supporting overall gut health, essential in managing autoimmune diseases.
Make this 10-minute #CellCare ritual a part of your daily routine to support vagus nerve health, reduce inflammation, and improve autoimmune management.
Forever Young Essentials
Reset Your Gut and Calm Inflammation with Our Turmeric-Ginger Reset Hummus! Satisfy your snack cravings while nourishing your body with our Turmeric-Ginger Reset Hummus. Crafted with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and walnuts, this vibrant, homemade hummus helps support a healthy gut and regulate inflammation—key for anyone managing autoimmune disease. With each bite, you fuel your body with powerful nutrients that calm the immune system and promote overall balance.
The key ingredients in this hummus—chickpeas, tahini, turmeric, ginger, and walnuts—are chosen for their ability to promote gut health and reduce inflammation. Chickpeas provide gut-nourishing fiber that supports a balanced microbiome, while tahini delivers healthy fats that reduce oxidative stress and support brain and gut function. Turmeric and ginger are potent anti-inflammatories that help regulate immune responses and soothe digestive discomfort. Finally, walnuts offer omega-3 fatty acids that support brain function and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Incorporating our Turmeric-Ginger Reset Hummus into your weekly snack routine is a delicious and effective way to nourish your gut, calm inflammation, and support autoimmune health. Click here to view the recipe and fuel your body for better gut health and immune balance!
ReLax & Recharge Destinations | FIVE ELEMENTS RETREAT, BALI
Imagine retreating to the lush, tranquil surroundings of the Five Elements Retreat in Bali, a sanctuary that blends luxurious comfort with healing traditions rooted in nature. Nestled on the banks of the sacred Ayung River, this award-winning eco-conscious wellness destination offers an immersive experience in holistic healing designed to reset your body, mind, and spirit.
At FIve Elements Retreat, the peaceful environment and intentional healing practices are crafted to stimulate the vagus nerve, the cornerstone of your body’s relaxation response. Through daily yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions, paired with plant-based culinary delights, this destination helps calm the nervous system and reduce inflammation, key elements in managing autoimmune conditions. Their signature Balinese massages and energy healing treatments work harmoniously with nature, promoting deep relaxation and recharging your nervous system.
The serene atmosphere of Five Elements encourages mindfulness and connection with the present moment, helping to reset your vagus nerve and promote deep nervous system regulation. Walking through lush tropical gardens or meditating by the tranquil riverbanks, you’ll feel your stress melt away as you immerse in the natural beauty of Bali, supporting your nervous system's health and resilience.
Ready to take your wellness journey to the next level? Join me in the future for a transformative retreat at Five Elements, where we’ll reset, recharge, and return to balance. Stay tuned for details on how you can be part of this nourishing, life-changing experience!
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Upcoming Events | insights & conversations
Media Feature | Everyday Health
Dr. Monisha Bhanote was recently featured in Everyday Health, discussing the potential health benefits of Frog pose (Mandukasana). While this deep, hip-opening yoga pose is often overhyped, Dr. Bhanote explains how it can help improve hip flexibility, ease back pain, and support chronic disease management.
📰 Read the full article to discover the benefits of Frog pose and how to practice it safely.
Podcast Feature | Healthy Rebel Speaks Out
Dr. Monisha Bhanote was recently featured on the Healthy Rebel Speaks Out podcast, where she shared her expertise on holistic health and wellbeing.
The Shift from Routine to Ritual: Dr. Bhanote discusses her book, The Anatomy of Wellbeing, highlighting the power of intentional rituals over mindless routines to transform health and wellness.
Mindful Eating & Stress Management: Learn how mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can support digestion, reduce oxidative stress, and improve overall health, especially during stressful times.
Functional Culinary Medicine: Dr. Bhanote offers practical tips for using your kitchen as a medicine cabinet, emphasizing a diverse, nutrient-dense diet and the benefits of seasonal and organic foods.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here.
Longevity Retreat | Riviera Maya | March 27th to April 1, 2025
Are you ready to supercharge your health and vitality at the cellular level? Join us for the exclusive Luxury All-Inclusive Longevity Retreat | Ayurvedic Cellular Renewal Edition, led by Quintuple Board-Certified Integrative Physician Dr. Monisha Bhanote, in partnership with WELLKULÅ.
This retreat isn’t just an escape—it’s an immersive, transformative experience designed to rejuvenate your body’s powerhouse cells and mitochondria through plant-based nutrition and holistic wellness practices. Over six revitalizing days in the serene beauty of Riviera Maya, you’ll indulge in nutrient-rich. These plant-based culinary creations delight the senses and support deep cellular renewal and nervous system regulation.
Our expertly curated program integrates advanced nutrition strategies with detoxifying treatments, mindfulness practices, and holistic therapies, all rooted in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. These practices are specifically chosen to enhance mitochondrial function, boost energy production, and promote lasting health and vitality. Each meal and activity is designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit, ensuring you return home feeling recharged, rejuvenated, and empowered to maintain these benefits long-term.
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your well-being and experience a complete cellular reset. Register for the Longevity Retreat | Ayurvedic Cellular Renewal Edition today—limited spots are available!
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From Reflection to Intention | #CellCaRE lifestyle
In the complexity of modern life, we often forget that the simplest rituals can have the most profound impact on our health and wellbeing. Every deep breath, nourishing bite, and moment of mindful rest are not just acts of self-care—they are investments in your future vitality. By nurturing your nervous system, calming inflammation, and fueling your body with intention, you create the foundation for lasting wellness.
Remember, every small step towards balance and healing counts. Whether you're incorporating a calming breath ritual or choosing a nourishing meal, these intentional acts can lead to a healthier, more vibrant you. Your journey toward optimal health begins now—embrace it with mindful intention and celebrate the transformation ahead.
#CellCare starts with one choice. Make it count.
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References:
Zhou, Lei, and Jane A. Foster. "Gut Microbiota: Influences on Brain and Behavior." Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience9 (2015): 235.
Cecchini, Maria, and Esther M. Sternberg. "Sympathetic Nervous System Interactions with the Immune System in Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease." Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 37 (2014): 1-10.
Martínez, Ignacio, Christine E. Muller, and Jens Walter. "Healthy Human Gut Microbiota: Factors That Influence Its Composition and Their Consequences." BioMed Research International 2013 (2013): 1-13.
The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Our content may have affiliate links, through which we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we sincerely love and believe will benefit your wellbeing. Thank you for supporting #CellCare Wellness!
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