Yesterday, we talked about the medicinal power of mushrooms, specifically extracts of the Chaga mushroom.

Today, we will explore another powerhouse mushroom known for its healing benefits: Reishi.

Used in traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi, of the Lingzhi family , is considered the "mushroom of immortality." With different Lingzhi varietals defined by color and used in China for over 2,000 years, red reishi, or Ganoderma lingzhi, is the most common type sold in Chinese herbal shops today. Like Chaga, Reishi has began to appear in supplements and as alternative medicine in the United States. Unlike Chaga, Reishi is extremely rare. 

As part of a clean diet and overall healthy lifestyle, I take Reishi in a powdered form from a brand that I trust: Anima Mundi Apothecary. In addition to offering a powdered Reishi superfood supplement, their Adaptogenic Tonic features Reishi as the first ingredient, among 6 other mushrooms powerhouses in addition to the Shizandra Berry, known for its five flavors and health benefits. Specifically, Shizandra Berry contains the plant-based structures lignans which have been shown to balance estrogen levels and fight certain cancers. Because Shizandra is high in Vitamin C, when combined with the extracts, it helps to draw out this essential nutrient from the mushrooms.

In addition to sourcing their mushrooms from a small, sustainable, 100% organic farm in Washington state, Anima Mundi Apothecary uses a cell wall extraction to ensure we are ingesting the mushroom extracts in the most bio-available form. In order to maintain the plant-based nutrients and ensure purity, this brand simmers the mushrooms at a low temperature for nearly a week. 

While medicinal mushrooms can include "magic mushrooms," which are known to produce psychotropic effects from the primary ingredients psilocybin and psilocin, for the purpose of this article, we will be discussing other varietals - to include Inonotus obliquus, otherwise known as Chaga, Lingzhi, otherwise known as Reishi and Lentinula edodesm otherwise known as shiitake. In part one, we will discuss the medicinal benefits of Chaga mushroom. 

Though ongoing, research has shown that Chaga can promote the formation of beneficial cytokines - specialized proteins that help to regulate the immune system - while helping to prevent the production of harmful cytokines, which trigger inflammation and gut damage. 

Additional animal & test-tube studies show that Chaga can prevent and slow cancer growth, by reducing tumor size by as much as 60 %.  Chaga extract also reduced blood sugar levels in obese, diabetic mice, according to a recent study.  In an 8 week study in rats with high cholesterol, Chaga extract reduced "bad" LDL cholesterol & triglycerides, and simultaneously increased antioxidant levels. ​

I recommend only one brand whose Chaga-containing elixirs and herbal supplements I've personally tested: Anima Mundi Apothecary. Since their mushrooms are grown on an 100% organic farm in Washington state and extracted using a 10:1 ratio, Anima Mundi Apothecary ensures its consumers are receiving the true medicinal power of mushrooms in its most potent form.  

Anima Mundi Apothecary's Immortality Herbal Tonic is a mixture of 7 mushroom powerhouses. Containing Reishi, Lions Mane, Shiitake, Chaga, Maitake, Agaricus and Cordyceps, steam-extracted for optimum availability, as well as superfood Cacao, known for promoting dopamine production and blood sugar regulation, this adaptogenic blend works at a cellular level to identify and heal areas of the mind and body exposed to stress, illness and deficiency. 

Because Anima Mundi Apothecary sources directly from a small, sustainable farm I know I'm not further depleting the Chaga species, which is currently at risk of extinction. Their non-GMO Chaga extract formula, expertly crafted without additives or filler and pictured above, boasts 3900 mg of Chaga Mushroom in a single serving (1 tsp.) Accurately deemed 'Bodyguard,' this herbal tonic is believed to reduce oxidative stress, increase physical endurance, promote cognitive function and ease pain, in addition to the aforementioned clinically studied benefits. ​

​I've tried tons of protein-based supplemental foods...bars, shakes, powders, even protein-infused water! I workout on average 5x a week and don't eat a lot of high-protein foods (like meat) so I need high-protein  supplements like these to keep me satiated and fuel muscle repair.

As existing brands have improved their protein formulas and new brands have entered the protein space touting better flavors, I've found a few brands that make protein products I'm satisfied with over the years. Still, it feels like even the protein products I like have their pitfalls; either they contain too much sugar or they have a strange, cardboard like texture. Sometimes, even the bars labeled with words like "natural" and "organic" contain unnecessary fillers, chemicals, or sugar alcohol, so I'm always on the hunt for a clean, delicious-tasting alternative. 

Scrolling from our Instagram (@thecleanmethod) I came across a company that claimed to have created the "cleanest" vegan protein powder. With a description like this, I had to get my hands on it and give it a try! After some back and forth DM'ing with the company, named Pure Charge Nutrition, they were kind enough to send me two blends to test: Dark Cocoa and Vanilla Bean. What I immediately loved about Pure Charge Nutrition was their passion for their clean protein products, and the fact that they made it clear that they were seeking an honest, no BS review!

Upon receipt of the two 100% plant-based proteins, one thing on their packaging stood out to me immediately: you could count the ingredients in each formula on one hand -- literally! If you're a fit foodie like me that's obsessed with finding products that are made as close to nature as possible, you know they're incredibly rare. But PCN Protein Powders might have just made the cut.

​Here's what was in both formulas:

• A proprietary protein blend (consisting of two plant-based ingredients: Pea Protein & Organic Brown Rice Protein)
• Natural Flavors
• Stevia Extract 

Plus, both formulas (Dark Cocoa and Vanilla Bean) have 21 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar!

That's it! The only difference between the Dark Cocoa and Vanilla Bean flavored protein powder formulas was one ingredient: the Organic Alkalized Cocoa Powder found in the former. 

In addition to the minimal ingredients, these protein powders met all of the other "clean" criteria we use to evaluate products. They're all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, diary-free, soy-free and hypoallergenic, making either flavor fitting for paleo, vegans, gluten-free foodies or anyone with common food sensitivities and allergies following a strict or restrictive diet. Their ingredients were free from artificial additives, colors, sweeteners, sugars, bulking agents, stabilizers, emulsifiers and fillers.  In addition to their clean ingredients, both formulas contain complete Amino Acid profiles, which are necessary for your body to actually rebuild protein and repair muscles following a workout. 

Even though I was thrilled with the minimal amount of ingredients, I wondered if the protein powders would taste good as a result. After all, how good can pretty simply made protein taste? 

Apparently - delicious!

I tried tried PCN Vanilla Bean Plant Protein first and I was totally satisfied with the flavor! It could have passed for vanilla ice cream, without the chalky texture that I find in so many other protein powders and even bars. (I did, however, take the company's suggestion and mix the powder with 4 oz water and 3 oz unsweetened non-dairy milk - in my case, pea milk - to ensure a smooth texture.) Per usual, I also added some greens and fruit to my smoothie.  I loved that these extra ingredients didn't kill the protein's natural Vanilla flavor. I had my smoothie first thing in the morning, about 2 hours before I hit the gym, and the combination of nutrients and Amino Acid building clean protein gave me the perfect, healthy energy boost to start my day. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't feel bloated after sipping my PCN Vanilla Bean Plant Protein smoothie, especially because I combined fruit and veggies with the protein. That's likely because PCN intentionally created an easily digestible formula with a high thermic effect. 

I'm not a huge chocolate fan but I really enjoyed the Dark Cocoa protein powder that I incorporated into my smoothie the next day as a snack, about 30 minutes after my workout. (Aside from first thing in the morning and before bed, a great time to have your smoothie is after a workout to spark muscle recovery.) I didn't add any veggies or fruit to this one (with the exception of a banana -- and some Chia seeds that I usually add for Omega 3s) because I thought that might interact with the flavor. As I was taking one level scoop from the tub, I noticed that the protein was super high in iron (180%, as was the Vanilla flavor, to be exact.) This makes sense for plant-based consumers, like vegans, interested in Pure Charge Nutrition's protein powders, because vegans can be at risk for iron-deficiency anemia. This is because the type of iron that is easily consumed by the body (Heme iron) is found in the animal products that vegans avoid. 

Are you looking for a clean and easily digestible protein formula that promotes muscle recovery and strength gains without skimping on a smooth texture and flavor? Look no further than the alkaline-forming 100% compete plant protein formulas from Pure Charge Nutrition and start charging through your day with a little help from nature along the way. 

For more information, including nutrient profiles and pricing, visit www.PureChargeNutrition.com. ​Don't forget to check out their subscription-based service, which allows you to save money and ensure you never run out of your protein! Also follow them on Instagram (@pure_charge_nutrition) for more news and deals. 

You likely already know the power of superfoods but we all know that with busy schedules it can be hard to actually eat all the foods that can provide us with such benefits. 

That's why I'm rounding up some of the best superfood supplements. While some of these are pricier than others, we all know that health is our most important investment. ​

Why superfoods? Superfoods can boost your immunity, fight free radicals, improve your metabolism, increase your energy and improve the appearance of your skin, hair, etc. 

What are superfoods? Superfoods are foods - mostly plant-based - that are considered to be nutritionally dense and thus, good for our bodies.

What are some examples of superfoods? Kale, blueberries, salmon, maca, spirulina...to name a few. 

Why these 'superfood' supplements? Because these are made from the purest ingredients, so your body can actually absorb it. 

Incorporating superfood ingredients like organic Baobab fruit and organic Peruvian Maca root, this skin-brightening elixir contains vitamins like C and E, essential to collage renewal and overall skin health.  

​

Hum's Raw Beauty Superfood blend is tasty and filled with important elements, like apadptogens, enzymes and probiotics. ​

Created from all-natural herbs and essential vitamins, this gluten-free and vegan formula boosts the immune system, improves indigestion and revitalizes the skin and hair. 

Made from organic green superfoods, this formula includes Digestive Enzymes, Immune enhancing Mushrooms, Acidophilus, Linseed and MSM -- making this a perfect daily vitamin supplement and for strong hair, skin and nails. 

​Okay, so I knew about fitness trackers and how they can help us monitor things like our movement and our sleep.

But I did not know these gadgets have gotten so advanced that you can now attach them to your bras and undies to give your clothes that extra "smart" edge.

Meet Spire.
Spire health tag works with your existent clothes to monitor your stress levels, activity, sleep and quality and breathing patterns. You apply it to each piece of clothing you wear most and wash your clothes as you normally would.  

How does it work?
Spire works by measuring the expansion and contraction of your chest while breathing to identify when you are tense, calm or asleep, and delivers customized insights via its accompanying smartphone app about your overall health.


Pretty sweet. I'm next to try. 

Crystals have long been used as healing instruments, believed to emit positive energy and vibes.

While there are many different ways to use crystals - from holding them in the palm of your hand, to looking upon them with focused intent, to placing them underneath your pillow - as Supermodel Miranda Kerr does at night - one of the most popular ways to absorb the healing properties of crystals is to incorporate them into your home. 
​
Even if you're not a designer, you've likely heard of the Chinese system of arranging objects to promote healthy energy flow, known as Feng Shui. Adding crystals to your home can be likened to this concept, albeit crystals redirect the flow of energy not by rearranging objects, but by transmitting unique energies of their own. 

In order to access the healing and harmonious properties of crystals, it's best to begin by understanding the unique properties and benefits of each crystal. Below, I've hand-selected three of the most popular crystals that concurrently serve as beautiful and functional pieces of decor for the home. (These crystals also happen to be my personal favorites for their natural beauty and healing properties.) 

Quartz Crystal
Quartz Crystal is a pure and powerful energy source, known as 'the universal stone.'

Benefits: stimulates brain function, elevates alertness and consciousness
How to incorporate into your home: Quartz Crystal comes in a variety of cuts (like clusters and chunks) and is incorporated into a variety of household items, from lamps and  pillows to adorable salt and pepper shakers. Given the natural beauty of this universal stone, it's also incorporated into many statement pieces, like the beautiful John Richard Natural Quartz Sprites Collection.

Amethyst Crystal
Amethyst is a type of Quartz, known for its deep purple huge and affiliated with the Zodiac signs: Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn. 
Benefits: cure hangovers, relieve drunkenness, connect to inner spirituality, cut through illusion, enhance psychic ability 
How to incorporate into your home: Amethyst is the root of many different home goods - ranging from embellished pillows, to luxurytrinkets and even posh tissue boxes. There were so many beautiful amethyst pieces to choose from that I included six of my favorites below. I also loved the amethyst and black diamond waste bin that matched the beautiful tissue box and soap dispenser!

Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is an opaque pink crystal that is affiliated with the Zodiac signs Libra and Taurus and known as the "love stone."
Benefits: strengthens relationships, dispels negativity, creates a calm atmosphere
How to incorporate into your home: Rose Quartz is embedded into highly functional pieces for the home, fromlighting tobowls tobathroom sets and coasters. 

Questions? Comments? Drop me a comment below! 
xo Christina Lee | TheRealChristinaLee.com @therealchristinalee

Climate change matters.

Not just for the preservation of our beautiful Earth, but for the preservation of our people.

Climate change and its damaging effects are rooted in science, not subjectivity.

If we care about the health of our generation and those to come, we need to make a stance to curb climate change. This includes holding the current administration accountable for decisions made to slash funding to important agencies like the EPA, whose mission is to protect our environment and health. 

We cannot have healthy people without a healthy environment. We cannot have a healthy environment without healthy people.

Climate change factors such as extreme temperatures, poor air quality, natural disasters, water contamination and changes in infectious agents pose a direct threat to our health, including the increase of:

• heat-related death and illness
• worsened chronic conditions (such as cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease)
• hospital admissions (due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures)
  
• allergic reactions
  
• asthmatic episodes
• death and injury resulting from extreme events / natural disasters
• economic devastation
• vector-borne diseases, transmitted by mosquitoes, fleas and ticks
  
• water-related illnesses due to water contamination

These are just some of the risks posed to our health as a result of the devastating implications of climate change. The good news is each and every one of us can make a difference.

Want to help preserve our beautiful planet and our people?

Join your fellow citizens as they leverage their local communities, Congress and the media to make a difference in the health of world. Regardless of your political party, Citizens' Climate Lobby is empowering citizens to help solve key climate change issues, strengthen the economy and ensure a healthy future for our children and the generations to come.

Let's leave this Earth better, not worse. 

For more information on climate change, including substantiating evidence and its effects on our health, visit GlobalChange.Gov.