Q Should I be eating adaptogens?
Adaptogens are herbs, roots and mushrooms used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine that are thought to help your body ‘adapt’ to physical, chemical and biological stressors (think: exercise, pollution and anxiety). And mushrooms in particular can now be found in everything from trail mix to ice cream. ‘Adaptogenic Adapt and thrive? mushrooms may support quality sleep, reduce feelings of fatigue, calm the nervous system and help muscle healing after intense physical activity,’ says Mary Ellen Phipps, author of The Easy Diabetes Desserts Cookbook. Each type offers a different perk: lion’s mane may be important in achieving neurocognitive benefits, while research suggests that cordyceps has antioxidant potential. Reishi is thought to promote relaxation, chaga boasts anti-inflammatory properties and turkey tail might even protect against the flu. More studies are needed, but these preliminary findings – plus fungi’s long history as a natural healer – are promising.
Q ASKING FOR A FRIEND
WTF is phubbing?
Phubbing is when you feel dejected because your partner is spending quality time with their phone instead of you, says Sonja Bröning, a couple’s therapist and professor of developmental psychology at the Medical School Hamburg. While it may seem harmless, one of Professor Bröning’s studies found it can lead to increased attachment anxiety (feeling insecure). But you can rebuild your (ahem) connection. Start small by only using your phone in the presence of your partner when you really need to, such as a family or work emergency. Next, create no-phone zones. ‘Lay out rituals, boundaries and expectations,’ says Professor Bröning. When and where are phones allowed? What’s a solid reason to text someone during dinner? Once you’ve got a plan, stick to it. Finally, own up to your activity. Secure couples are transparent about why they’re on their phones in the first place, adds Professor Bröning.
In a word, no. The trendy ‘clean’ vino you’ll have clocked celebs sipping on Instagram won’t do you any more favours than the regular stuff, says gastroenterologist Niket Sonpal, an assistant professor at Touro University in New York. Clean wine is made from organic grapes with no added sugars or preservatives, but as for the claim that it’ll spare you
