#CellCare Wellness | How Stress and Nervous System Imbalance Are Sabotaging Your Metabolism and Weight Loss Goals
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?
I know you’ve probably been told your whole life that stress and diet aren’t really connected to weight gain, and if you’re like most people, you’ve focused primarily on cutting calories or increasing exercise to lose weight. I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but if you want the real truth, I’m here to tell you (and guess what? I didn’t know either; I used to do exactly what you did—until I learned better). So whether you decide to change or not, the least you can do is make an informed decision.
HERE ARE SOME KEY FACTS ABOUT YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM, METABOLISM, AND WEIGHT GAIN:
Did you know? Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which disrupts your metabolism, making it harder to burn calories and more likely to store fat, especially around your midsection.
Did you know? Stress-induced nervous system dysregulation affects your mitochondria, reducing energy production and slowing your metabolic rate.
Did you know? High cortisol from chronic stress increases insulin resistance, which makes your body hold on to glucose and turn it into fat, especially in the abdominal area.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Did you know? Poor sleep caused by nervous system imbalances lowers levels of leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, and increases ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger, leading to overeating.
Did you know? Chronic stress and nervous system imbalance can negatively impact your gut health, leading to inflammation and weight gain due to the imbalance of gut bacteria.
Did you know? Nervous system dysregulation decreases thyroid hormone production, which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism, making weight gain more likely even if you’re eating the same foods.
To learn more about how your nervous system could be silently sabotaging your metabolism and contributing to weight gain, check out our latest blog: "How Nervous System Dysregulation Affects Metabolism and Weight Gain Over Time."
Take the first step toward understanding how your nervous system affects your metabolism and how you can make informed decisions for a healthier, more vibrant life.
Weekly wellness Practice | MORNING ADAPTOGEN TEA RITUAL
This week’s #CellCare Ritual is designed to help you start your day with calm and focus by replacing your morning coffee with an adaptogen-rich herbal tea. This simple practice will nourish your nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and support balanced energy throughout the day—without the jittery side effects of caffeine.
HOW TO PRACTICE:
Brew Your Morning Adaptogen Tea (5 Minutes):
Start your day with a grounding cup of adaptogen tea to support nervous system balance and boost metabolism. Here’s a simple recipe:
1 teaspoon Ashwagandha powder (reduces stress and balances cortisol)
1 teaspoon Holy Basil (Tulsi) (calms the mind and improves mental clarity)
1 teaspoon Ceylon Cinnamon (regulates blood sugar and enhances flavor)
1 cup of hot water
Optional: Add a teaspoon of plant-based milk (almond or oat) and a touch of raw honey for sweetness.
Instructions:
In a small teapot or mug, mix the adaptogen powders with hot water.
Let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
Stir well, and if you like, add plant milk and honey. Sip slowly, focusing on the warmth and calm it brings to your body.
Mindful Sipping Meditation (5 Minutes):
While enjoying your tea, engage in a brief mindful meditation to center yourself for the day:
Sit in a comfortable position, holding your warm mug.
Take a deep breath, inhaling for 4 seconds and exhaling for 6 seconds. Repeat for 1-2 minutes to activate your parasympathetic nervous system.
As you sip your tea, pay attention to the taste, warmth, and texture. Focus on the calming sensation it brings and set a positive intention for the day.
WHY IT WORKS:
Nervous System Regulation: Adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Tulsi are known for their ability to reduce cortisol, helping your body handle stress and stay in balance throughout the day.
Sustained Energy: Unlike coffee, which can spike cortisol and lead to energy crashes, adaptogenic herbs support steady, balanced energy without overwhelming your nervous system.
Metabolic Boost: Ceylon cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels, supporting healthy metabolism and reducing cravings.
Make this #CellCare morning tea ritual a part of your daily routine to nurture your nervous system, balance your metabolism, and set the tone for a calm, focused day.
Forever Young Essentials
Start Your Week with Our Metabolism-Boosting Tofu Curry Bliss! If you’re looking for a plant-based dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also supports your metabolism, our Tofu Curry Bliss is a must-try. This comforting, nutrient-packed meal offers a flavorful blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, and protein-rich tofu to help you feel full and energized throughout the day. Unlike traditional meals that might spike your blood sugar and leave you feeling sluggish, this curry is designed to stabilize your metabolism, promote fat-burning, and reduce inflammation.
Each ingredient in this recipe has been carefully selected to nourish your body on a cellular level. The tofu provides clean plant-based protein, perfect for muscle repair and energy regulation without the inflammatory effects of animal proteins. Meanwhile, turmeric and garam masala bring their anti-inflammatory and thermogenic properties to the table, helping to boost your metabolism naturally. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply support a healthy metabolic rate, this Tofu Curry Bliss is the ideal addition to your weekly meal rotation.
Click here for the full recipe and make this delicious, metabolism-boosting dish part of your wellness routine!
ReLax & Recharge Destinations | MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
Years ago, I had the opportunity to experience a transformative stay at The Ranch Malibu, long before the intermittent fasting trend really took off. Every morning, we were woken by the gentle sound of a bell, signaling the start of a new day disconnected from the outside world—our electronics locked safely away, giving us the chance to reconnect with nature and ourselves. Along with 12 other women, I embarked on a 12-mile hike each morning through the stunning Malibu hills, and halfway through, we were given nothing more than an apple and six almonds to sustain us. That minimal snack, followed by a light plant-based lunch and dinner, became the foundation of what I later recognized as the early days of intermittent fasting.
Looking back, I realize how this immersive experience of intermittent fasting, combined with daily intense physical activity and mindful, plant-based eating, profoundly impacted my metabolism. The Ranch’s structured program emphasized metabolic health, and although we were pushing ourselves physically, the plant-based meals and restorative practices, like yoga and massages, helped our bodies recover and thrive. If you ever find yourself out in California, I highly recommend trying the 12-mile hike through the Santa Monica Mountains. The views are breathtaking, and it's an incredible way to reconnect with both nature and yourself.
Yes, I have attended retreats for decades, each offering unique insights, but there was always something missing—a deeper connection to the cells in both the mind and gut. This is why I now create retreats that truly nourish at the cellular level, addressing both physical and mental health to help you achieve lasting wellness.
Explore My Articles: #CellCare Insights
Upcoming Events
Docuseries | Unbroken Decoding Autoimmunity
Dr. Monisha Bhanote was recently featured on Unbroken Decoding Autoimmunity, a 10-episode docuseries, diving deep into the world of autoimmune disease, shedding light on how these conditions are increasingly triggered by modern lifestyles, environmental toxins, trauma, habits, and diet, rather than solely by genetics. Watch this series and take control of your immune health.
Podcast Feature | Health Coach Talk
Dr. Monisha Bhanote was recently featured on Health Coach Talk, hosted by Dr. Sandi Scheinbaum, where they delved into the essential role health coaches play in integrative medicine. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Bhanote, a quintuple board-certified physician, shared how health coaches bridge the gap between complex medical care and patient understanding, transforming the healthcare experience for many.
The Vital Role of Health Coaches in Integrative Medicine | During the episode, Dr. Bhanote highlighted how health coaches are instrumental in helping patients take charge of their health by simplifying medical information and offering the guidance and support they need to follow through on their health plans. She emphasized that health coaches help patients navigate overwhelming medical information, empower them to take actionable steps, and hold them accountable in their wellness journey.
At WELLKULÅ, Dr. Bhanote has integrated health coaching into the very fabric of her practice, ensuring that patients receive continuous guidance and support tailored to their unique health goals. With WELLKULÅ, patients are not just getting a diagnosis—they’re getting a lifelong partner in their health journey.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here or in your favorite podcast player.
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!
This Week’s Most entertaining Social Media Post
Have we connected?
From Reflection to Intention | #CellCaRE lifestyle
A New Approach to Metabolism and Weight Loss | It's Not What You Think | When it comes to improving your metabolism and losing weight, what you think you need to do may not be the real solution. Many of us focus on counting calories or working out more, believing it’s the only way to shed pounds. But the truth is, most of us overlook the deeper, foundational practices that could have a more lasting impact on our metabolism.
If you’ve been dealing with unexplained weight gain, it could be due to something you're not addressing—your nervous system. Chronic stress, disrupted sleep, and nervous system imbalances can slow down your metabolism and contribute to weight gain, despite your best efforts to eat right or exercise. Balancing your nervous system, managing cortisol levels, and focusing on practices like mindful movement, plant-based nutrition, and intermittent fasting can completely shift how your body functions.
This is your reminder: the changes you need might not be what you’ve been focusing on. It’s time to rethink what truly nourishes your metabolism. By incorporating stress management, better sleep, and plant-based rituals into your routine, you can transform your metabolic health and move closer to lasting wellness. The steps you haven't yet taken—like calming your nervous system—could be the key to unlocking the weight loss and vitality you’ve been striving for. Let’s start the journey, one mindful step at a time.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY SHARING THIS ARTICLE WITH A FRIEND ⤵
References:
Gonzalez, L., et al. 2019. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mitochondrial Function in Metabolic Health." Advances in Nutrition 10(6): 1028-1038.
Patel, S., et al. 2020. "Magnesium and Nervous System Health: Implications for Metabolic Function." Journal of Mineral Nutrition 28(7): 432-445.
Singh, P., et al. 2018. "Effects of Ashwagandha on Cortisol Levels and Stress Management." Journal of Herbal Medicine 7(2): 142-150.
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!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
by Dr. Monisha Bhanote
✅ EVIDENCE-INFORMED REVIEWED ARTICLE
