My husband and I recently watched a docuseries on Netflix called “Pandemic,” where in one episode the focus is on a community of people who are anti-vaccination and it really irked me. This week’s blog post is to educate you on the facts about the importance of vaccines.
Below is video about a boy who decided to get vaccinated even though his mother thought it may make him autistic. He makes a good point when he says, “I never was rude towards my mother, and even in public settings where I expressed how her beliefs were misinformed, I said that she was a loving mother, and that’s important to understand … Because a lot of people, I think, in the scientific community that understand why vaccines are so important, can really be confused by someone who would not vaccinate. Really, we can compare it to someone not taking their child to the ER. That’s a very dangerous situation to be in and it shows some lack of empathy towards your children in some regards. And really, I can understand that, I can. But my mom, she was misinformed and misled by sources that convinced her that if she was a loving parent, she wouldn’t vaccinate.”
Before we get deep into the discussion, let’s first define vaccinations: “The body’s immune system helps protect against pathogens that cause infection. Most of the time, it’s an efficient system. It either keeps microorganisms out or tracks them down and gets rid of them. However, some pathogens can overwhelm the immune system. When this happens, it can cause serious illness. The pathogens most likely to cause problems are the ones the body doesn’t recognize. Vaccination is a way to “teach” the immune system how to recognize and eliminate an organism. That way, your body is prepared if you’re ever exposed. Vaccinations are an important form of primary prevention. That means they can protect people from getting sick.” (https://www.healthline.com/health/vaccinations)
History of Vaccines “Vaccines save lives. Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements in the history of public health. Since its discovery, immunization has been credited for saving an estimated 9 million lives a year. To better understand the impact of vaccines, let’s look at smallpox. Smallpox is among the most devastating diseases in human history. For thousands of years it plagued civilizations from around the globe, from ancient Egypt where evidence of the disease was found on the mummy of Pharaoh Ramses V, to 18th century Europe where persistent and violent outbreaks killed about 20-30% of those infected. During the colonization of the Americas, that number is estimated to assort nearly 90% among indigenous people who had never been exposed before.
Eradication of Smallpox via Vaccinations
The disease itself was particularly agonizing, beginning with a headache and fever, progressing into a painful rash that soon swelled into puss joules. Those fortunate enough to survive were often left blind or infertile, and almost always badly scarred. Fortunately, thanks to extensive vaccination, the last naturally ocurring case was in 1977, and in 1980 the World Health Assembly officially declared that smallpox had been eradicated calling it an unprecedented achievement in the history of public health. So far, smallpox is the only human disease to have been completely eradicated.
Anti-Vaccination Development
Though vaccines have gone a long way to prevent the widespread suffering and death associated with many diseases, polio for example has become increasingly rare in the United States. However, cases of measles are increasing rather than decreasing. In 2008 the CDC received reports of 134 cases of Measles. In spite of the fact that Endemic Measles were eliminated in the US in 2000. This is the consequence of an unsettling anti-vaccination trend, largely stemming from a study published in 1998 by Andrew Wakefield. Wakefield’s study reported linked the measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine with autism. This study however was at best poorly conducted and at worst outright fraudulent. Numerous studies have since refuted Wakefield’s claims, and Wakefield himself has been stripped of his medical license, but for some the fear however unfounded, remains.
World Health Organization’s Six Common Misconceptions About Immunization:
Q&A About Vaccines from the World Health Organization
Why should I get vaccinated?
Without vaccines, we are at risk of serious illness and disability from diseases like measles, meningitis, pneumonia, tetanus and polio. Many of these diseases can be life-threatening. WHO estimates that vaccines save between 2 and 3 million lives every year. Although some diseases may have become uncommon, the germs that cause them continue to circulate in some or all parts of the world. In today’s world, infectious diseases can easily cross borders, and infect anyone who is not protected Two key reasons to get vaccinated are to protect ourselves and to protect those around us. Because not everyone can be vaccinated – including very young babies, those who are seriously ill or have certain allergies – they depend on others being vaccinated to ensure they are also safe from vaccine-preventable diseases.
What diseases do vaccines prevent?
Vaccines protect against many different diseases, including:
Cervical cancer
Cholera
Diphtheria
Hepatitis B
Influenza
Japanese encephalitis
Measles
Meningitis
Mumps
Pertussis
Pneumonia
Polio
Rabies
Rotavirus
Rubella
Tetanus
Typhoid
Varicella
Yellow fever
Some other vaccines are currently under development or being piloted, including those that protect against Ebola or malaria, but are not yet widely available globally. Not all of these vaccinations may be needed in your country. Some may only be given prior to travel, in areas of risk, or to people in high-risk occupations.
When should I get vaccinated (or vaccinate my child)?
Vaccines protect us throughout life and at different ages, from birth to childhood, as teenagers and into old age. In most countries you will be given a vaccination card that tells you what vaccines you or your child have had and when the next vaccines or booster doses are due. It is important to make sure that all these vaccines are up to date. If we delay vaccination, we are at risk of getting seriously sick. If we wait until we think we may be exposed to a serious illness – like during a disease outbreak – there may not be enough time for the vaccine to work and to receive all the recommended doses.
Why does vaccination start at such a young age?
Young children can be exposed to diseases in their daily life from many different places and people, and this can put them at serious risk. The WHO-recommended vaccination schedule is designed to protect infants and young children as early as possible. Infants and young children are often at the greatest risk from diseases because their immune systems are not yet fully developed, and their bodies are less able to fight off infection. It is therefore very important that children are vaccinated against diseases at the recommended time.
Who can get vaccinated?
Nearly everyone can get vaccinated. However, because of some medical conditions, some people should not get certain vaccines, or should wait before getting them. These conditions can include: Chronic illnesses or treatments (like chemotherapy) that affect the immune system; Severe and life-threatening allergies to vaccine ingredients, which are very rare; If you have severe illness and a high fever on the day of vaccination. These factors often vary for each vaccine. If you’re not sure if you or your child should get a particular vaccine, talk to your health worker. They can help you make an informed choice about vaccination for you or your child.
What is in a vaccine?
All the ingredients of a vaccine play an important role in ensuring a vaccine is safe and effective. Some of these include:
The antigen. This is a killed or weakened form of a virus or bacteria, which trains our bodies to recognize and fight the disease if we encounter it in the future.
Adjuvants, which help to boost our immune response. This means they help vaccines to work better.
Preservatives, which ensure a vaccine stays effective.
Stabilisers, which protect the vaccine during storage and transportation.
Vaccine ingredients can look unfamiliar when they are listed on a label. However, many of the components used in vaccines occur naturally in the body, in the environment, and in the foods we eat. All of the ingredients in vaccines – as well as the vaccines themselves – are thoroughly tested and monitored to ensure they are safe.
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccination is safe and side effects from a vaccine are usually minor and temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever. More serious side effects are possible, but extremely rare. Any licensed vaccine is rigorously tested across multiple phases of trials before it is approved for use, and regularly reassessed once it is introduced. Scientists are also constantly monitoring information from several sources for any sign that a vaccine may cause health risks. Remember, you are far more likely to be seriously injured by a vaccine-preventable disease than by a vaccine. For example, tetanus can cause extreme pain, muscle spasms (lockjaw) and blood clots, measles can cause encephalitis (an infection of the brain) and blindness. Many vaccine-preventable diseases can even result in death. The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks, and many more illnesses and deaths would occur without vaccines.
Are there side effects from vaccines?
Like any medicine, vaccines can cause mild side effects, such as a low-grade fever, or pain or redness at the injection site. Mild reactions go away within a few days on their own. Severe or long-lasting side effects are extremely rare. Vaccines are continually monitored for safety, to detect rare adverse events.
Is there a link between vaccines and autism?
There is no evidence of any link between vaccines and autism or autistic disorders. This has been demonstrated in many studies, conducted across very large populations. The 1998 study which raised concerns about a possible link between measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism was later found to be seriously flawed and fraudulent. The paper was subsequently retracted by the journal that published it, and the doctor that published it lost his medical license. Unfortunately, its publication created fear that led to dropping immunization rates in some countries, and subsequent outbreaks of these diseases. We must all ensure we are taking steps to share only credible, scientific information on vaccines, and the diseases they prevent.
In Summary, vaccines do not cause autism. They do not poison children, and they are not a money-making medical scheme. Vaccines are an imperative part of public health. From measles to meningitis, smallpox to HPV, countless lives and communities have been spared the suffering and death associated with varied diseases since the creation of the first vaccine just 200 years ago so if you haven’t already, go get vaccinated.
Information shared by Devi Bajaj Executive Director of Enliven Concierge
Below are links to some articles related to the information above:
We’re in a time that is new for everyone, and it’s natural for feelings of #anxiety to arise in this uncertain period, so we’ve decided to make the final part of the series focus on #mentalhealth. (If you missed the previous posts on this, here are links to part 1, 2, and 3.) There are a lot of articles and resources for how to keep your mind healthy and we’ve listed a few of our favorites at the bottom of this post, but in the meantime, we want to shine some light on an article that we truly think covers most bases when it comes to staying mentally healthy during #covid19.
Know that feeling anxious about coronavirus is OK and normal. With rising death tolls, rising unemployment rates, physical isolation from loved ones, and, for many, a loss of routine and purpose, people everywhere are enduring a mental-health crisis alongside the medical one, so remember that you are not alone in having these feelings.
Tell yourself something that is certain. Say something like, “I am certain that no matter what happens, we will find a way to deal with it. Or, “I am certain that I love my family and will do everything in my power to protect them.” By adding even a small element of certainty in the face of overwhelming uncertainty, you can re-establish a connection with the #presentmoment, #groundyourself, and maintain a good sense of self-control and confidence, says Natalie Dattilo, director of psychology in Brigham & Women’s Hospital‘s department of psychiatry.
Limit your media exposure, especially if you struggled with anxiety before the pandemic. The World Health Organization’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also encouraged people to check the news from reliable sources only once or twice a day.
Do what you can to protect yourself and your family, including excellent hygiene and social distancing practices.Action is the antidote to anxiety, and there’s actually a lot individuals can do to protect themselves and their families. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, sanitize high-touch surfaces often, and #stayhome as much as possible.
Do your part in protecting your community, whether by helping more vulnerable neighbors with groceries or simply staying home. You can also take action to help your community, whether that means helping an elderly neighbor get groceries, donating blood, or staying in even when you feel healthy and are able to go out. Because asymptomatic people can carry and spread COVID-19, “the choices you make about where you go can be the difference between life and death for someone else,” the WHO Director General said.
Try to focus on what you are grateful for, not wish you would change or go away. Rather than marinating in worries that you’ll get the coronavirus, your wedding will be cancelled, or your kids will be out of school until fall, “focus on what you value and what you are grateful for.” Make a daily “gratitude list” in order to build psychological resiliency.
Seek virtual help from mental-health professionals, or download a de-stressing app. Therapists are shifting their practices online, and many established virtual therapy services like Brightside and TalkSpace. There are also guided meditation apps such as Calm and Headspace, and Daylio, which helps you track your mood and daily activity so you can keep a mental-health promoting schedule.
Just breathe. Psychiatrist Dr. Mimi Winsberg, the co-founder and chief medical officer of Brightside, recommends the 4-7-8 method, which can re-instill a sense of calm when you feel out of control. The method involves breathing in for four seconds, holding for seven, and exhaling for eight. But more than the particular count, what matters is that the exhale is longer than the inhale. “Lengthening the exhale emphasizes the release. You’re releasing whatever is going on and relieving stress,” says Briana Borten, clinical ayurvedic specialistand founder of The Dragontreewellness company.
Attempt to maintain a routine. “Within our homes, maintaining structure and routine is critical because it reinforces order and predictability,” says Natalie Dattilo. “It’s also something over which we have control. We know that structure binds anxiety, so to the extent that we can maintain our routines, that helps.”
Eat healthy, don’t smoke, and exercise when possible. Good nutrition and sufficient movement are good for both body and mind. WHO’s Tedros recommended eating “a healthy and nutritious diet, which helps your immune system to function properly. “If you can’t leave the house, find an exercise video online. Dance to music. Do some yoga, or walk up and down the stairs.” For more on this, click on parts 1, 2, and 3 of our series of staying healthy during covid19.
Use the time to reach out to loved ones and reconnect with old friends. Just because you may be physically distant from other people, you can, and should, #staysociallyconnected to them. Be proactive about reaching out to others and asking how they’re doing — you’ll boost your #mentalhealth as well as theirs, since they’ll at least experience the perception of support, which research shows can #reducestress.
Use the experience to reevaluate areas of your life. Use the time to reconsider how you want your lives to look after coronavirus and plan how you will work towards it.
We are aware that a twelve point list is long, but we really do agree with all the points and believe that if you try to stick to the suggestions above, that your mental health will thank you.
As promised from the first post about staying healthy during covid19, I am also going to share some ways to keep your mental health in check with local resources here in Bangkok.
The first one ties in with 1, 6, 8, and 10 from the list above, and is to follow @dini_fitmind on Instagram (link here). She offers mindfulness meditation coaching to train you on how to control your mind and become more aware of your thoughts. This type of meditation is defined as a technique to achieve a state of alert, focused relaxation by deliberately paying attention to thoughts and sensations without judgement allowing the mind to refocus on the present moment. It’s great for beginners who want to start meditating and even regular meditators who want to become more in-tune with themselves. She offers one on one and group sessions, contact her now to learn more!
The next is a few groups of people that have really come together to demonstrate #5 (doing their part in protecting the community by helping the more vulnerable population): Bangkok Charity Soldiers started as a group of friends looking to help the needy in these difficult times. They gather funds for a huge order of food, then deliver it over to struggling areas. Their efforts are focused on helping families and neighborhoods. For more on them, watch the video below:
There is also the Covid Relief BKK group on Facebook that is “coordinating a relief effort to distribute masks, soaps, hand sanitizers, and basic foodstuffs to the most vulnerable groups in Bangkok, all whilst maintaining social distancing to avoid increasing the spread of coronavirus. Covid Relief uses demographics data to identify and locate the most in-need based on age and income, ensuring their efforts are targeted and have the most impact. For every 300 baht, you can provide packages consisting of sanitation items and food supplies for a family (4 people). Requests for some or possibly all depending on donation quantities – masks – hand gels and alcohol – sanitation equipment and detergents – food supplies: canned foods, rice, fruit, eggs, raw ingredients – packaging: cloth bags – protective gear: gloves, face shields, suits. To donate items, please send to Na Cafe at Bangkok 1899. You can easily find this location on Google Maps and send via a LineMan or LalaMove. Packages will be made and delivered on Thursdays. You can coordinate with Fon who works at Na Cafe on 090-040-3335.
My husband is working with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad Association Thailand to “raise money to give rice to the needy. One of the places we will be distributing is a place where my staff live. Mostly port and klong toey market workers! If you got alcohol at your wedding or any of your festivities these heroes are the ones that took it there for you. 100 Baht will help purchase 1 bag of 5kg! We are looking for 1,000 bags to help 1,000 families.” Initially, VHP will distribute 1,000 packets of rice in the month of May 2020 (every Saturday 250 packets) at several locations in Bangkok. Our efforts may go up to 5,000 packets as we move forward depending upon the situation and availability of funds to support local communities.
To donate, transfer to the following account and share the slip with us at 081-750-9088: Account Name: Vishwa Hindu Parishad Association Bank Name: Bangkok Bank Account Number: 933-7-02846-9 Account Type: Savings Account
Use this time to help others, it will definitely make you feel better and support your mental health.
Written by Devi Bajaj Founder & Director of Enliven Health Concierge
After focusing the first two posts in the series on the importance of diet (part 1/part 2), it’s time to give some attention to #movement and #exercise. As I’ve said in previous posts (here and here), exercise has always been a part of my life, not only because of its benefits for my #physicalhealth, but it also supports #mentalhealth. I’m an avid follower of Dr. Mark Hyman who is “leading a health revolution—one revolved around using food as medicine to support longevity, energy, mental clarity, happiness, and so much more … He is the founder the Head of Strategy and Innovation of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and Board President for Clinical Affairs for The Institute for Functional Medicine.
Dr. Hyman says, “You can’t exercise your way out of a bad diet, but exercise is absolutely critical for your wellbeing. Exercise helps me feel better, gives me more energy, helps me stay focused, improves my mood, helps me sleep better, controls my appetite and all the while I know it’s preventing diabetes, cancer, heart disease, helping my bones stay strong and helping my immune system work better. . . We also know that being sedentary for a long time is very dangerous for your health. In fact, people who sit for a long time have as much risk of dying as people who have bad diets or people who smoke.” Please let that last sentence sink in for a minute. Not exercising is as bad as smoking!
“Fitness is really critical. Now if you don’t like to exercise, which I really don’t, find a way to make it fun! Dance for half an hour in your room! Sometimes I do a 7 minute workout, it’s something you can look up online, it’s a super high intensity workout with jumping jacks, pushups, tricep dips, running in place. Try to vary your exercise and always try to have fun.” For more about this, check out the video pasted below.
Okay we get it, exercise is important. But, how do we exercise during #covid19 when we are meant to stay home and be in isolation? We aren’t supposed to have any gatherings and you may think that would nix group exercises, but so many fitness companies in Bangkok have gone online and are offering live workout sessions!
For example Physique 57 (@physique57bkk on Instagram) has a weekly schedule for online workouts, as shown below:
Their Facebook LIVE and IG LIVE sessions are really easy to use (and they’re free!). All you have to do is go online in the app at the time of the class and you can join! Also on Facebook you can rewatch the live classes and replay the class as many times as you want. My friend Bookee is an instructor at Physique 57 and she says “Our exercise is a total body workout, focusing on low impact with high intensity exercises. Great for those who would like to have long, lean, and tone muscles. Give it a try, the class will definitely give you the burn!” I always told her I’d join one of her classes (never actually made it over before covid19), but little did I know my first barre class ever taught from her would be virtually from my bedroom! Here’s a link to her latest workout focused on arms and thighs. I appreciated that she started with a warm up before getting right into the intense workout, and that she did a full cool down at the end.
Speaking of, it really is crucial to #stretch before and after a workout, and it’s just as important to make sure that you do take the time to #rest (more about this in our interview with Salman Khan about weight loss and running). In a recent instagram post (@drmarkhyman), Dr. Hyman says “Give yourself a day or two off. It’s important to remember that in order for the body to fully reap the benefits of exercise, it also needs a day or two of rest each week. Our muscles and bones need time to mend and strengthen after a challenging workout. This doesn’t mean you should lay around and eat junk food all day, it’s still helpful to get out on a mellow walk or do some light stretching on ‘down days,’ just be aware that high-intensity exercise can actually be stressful on the body when done seven days a week.”
An effective option of exercise on rest days is #yoga, and for this I do almost one youtube video from Yoga with Adriene a day. Her list of free yoga videos is endless, from ones to do on days that you want to take it easy, like the one pasted below, to more intense ones when you want a real workout like this series focused on weight loss.
Since quarantine started, there have been a variety of fitness challenges that my friends and family have been participating in. For example, Salman started a 10K challenge on Instagram where he challenges you to run 10K, post it on your story and tag 10 more people to join in on the challenge. It’s not about how fast you run, but about doing something together! Another example is from my cousin Pawan who’s been participating in a 100 squats a day challenge. When I heard about this one I decided to join right away and invite more people. There’s even a sister duo (Hi Anavi & Alekhya!) that has started an instagram account @plankathon2020 where they invite people to “plank 6 days a week for 1 month. Each day, add on 10 more seconds. Choose the duration of your first plank based on your own fitness goals!!! 💛🌟⚡” In order to motivate myself to complete the daily planks, I’ve partnered with cousin Sunaina and we go on Facetime to do it together! I also have daily check ins on Whatsapp with some friends (you know who you are!) where we each share the exercises completed to help drive each other! In a time like this, it’s really important to stay connected to your tribe.
There is even a Facebook group that has been created here in Bangkok called Quarantine Tribe (thanks for introducing us to it Ashita!), where the lovely Christiana Mikesch started the group out of frustration because she said we need something #positive like this in our lives. Something #inspiring, something #motivating to get us going, especially since we have all the time in the world now to work on ourselves and make it better! The description of the group on Facebook says “This group is for everyone who wants to stay active, get some inspiration, do workouts, yoga, share quarantine recipes and meals and other activities that we can do during this time! Invite your friends & share this amazing thing that we will create together!” This is exactly what the world needs, people coming together to take care of their physical and mental health. They are hosting a Virtual Wellness Festival from today April 23rd to 30th where the goal is to treat your mind and body by bringing wellness into your own four walls. What an awesome initiative!
It will be 7 Days of Wellness with Premium LIVE Stream Classes by the best instructors, coaches, and teachers you can find online! Sweat it out, work on your flexibility or find a peaceful moment in the storm of current events. Enliven has collaborated with one of our partners Form Physio and Rehab to participate in this event, details of our offerings are below:
Lower Back Pain Relief Exercises & StretchesDate: Friday, April 24th, 2020
Time: 09:00 am – 09:45 am Knee Pain Relief Exercises & Stretches
Date: Monday, April 27th, 2020
Time: 09:00 – 09:45 amRegister at www.livehomeworkout.comto join the #quarantinetribe now to treat your mind and body!
So there you have it – countless options for you to exercise and keep your mind healthy during covid19. Take your pick and have some fun! Our final post in the series will be focused on mindfulness and meditation. Stay tuned.
Written by Devi Bajaj Executive Director of Enliven Concierge
Life has changed a lot for everyone since #covid19 has emerged, but we must do whatever we can to consciously keep ourselves as healthy as possible. In order to do this, we need to be mindful of our diet (parts 1 and 2), exercise regularly (part 3), and also find ways to ensure that our mental health is taken care of (part 4). In this first part of series about staying healthy during #covid19, the focus is going to be on diet, particularly drinks. I will share two of my favorite local places to order healthy beverages from here in Bangkok.
There’s a wide array of literature on how to boost the immune system, and after sifting through for hours, I can confidently say that I agree with two professionals: Rosemary Cook (a registered nurse and holistic nutritionist) and Dr. Vivian DeNise (adult integrative medical specialist), both from Garden City Center for Integrative Health based in New York City. Cook says, “strengthening or boosting the immune system during this difficult time is of the utmost importance. A healthy immune system can defeat an invasion of a bacteria or virus or organism that is going to come to the host, which is your body.”
Dr. DeNise adds, “Consume a balanced diet that includes protein, fruits and vegetables, Avoid refined sugar, processed foods (which often contain monosodium glutamate or MSG) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), all of which will inhibit the body from doing its best work, she warns. Blending fruits and vegetables into juices and smoothies is a great way to get lots of nutrients into your diet. Frozen vegetables are dense in vitamins and minerals.” Dr. DeNise notes. Cook also states that gelatin-rich bone broth supports gut health and the immune system, and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut are great probiotics and also are rich in vitamin C.”
The 2 local businesses below support Cook and Dr. DeNise’s statements:
Genius Bar BKK
Darren Liu, the owner of Bangkok’s first bone broth cafe explains his product to us:
“Bone broth is one of the most ancestral foods you can consume, meaning we’ve been drinking for thousands of years as a human species. Our ancestors have been eating nose-to-tail of their catch, making use of not only the nutrient-rich organs and meat, but by brewing all the bones, marrow, connective tissues, cartilage and the rest in boiling water. This way, they could have gone days (even weeks) without eating because they had enough animal stock to keep them alive and thriving. One of the main health benefits of good quality bone broth is that it promotes gut and digestive health by way of the natural collagen and gelatin that contain amino acids such as glutamine — which supports a healthy inflammatory response.
Genius Bar offers 3 options for broths
Beef Broth (made with grass-fed beef bones from local farms in Thailand)
Chicken Broth(made with organic chicken bones, both antibiotic and hormone-free)
Mushroom Elixir Broth (homemade recipe made with 100% organic medicinal mushrooms from our own farm in Wang Nam Khiao in the Northeast of Thailand). The medicinal mushrooms include: Lion’s mane (cognitive and nerve support), cordyceps (helps with energy, blood flow), agaricus (helps control blood sugar)
What makes Genius Bar unique is that they hand-blend fresh herbs (such as cilantro, ginger, garlic, turmeric) for extra flavor and health benefits. They also have a premium add-in: pasture-raised beef gelatin powder for extra natural collagen and protein.
Order yours now via Instagram @geniusbar.bkk, FoodPanda or LineMan:
Small size: 135 Baht
Large size: 175 Baht
Unlimited Add-ins: 15 Baht
1 Liter Frozen broth packages: 340 Baht
My preferred choice is the Mushroom Elixir Broth! I like to get the large packages to keep in my fridge. That way when I have a craving, I just need to pour it into a cup, warm it up, and it’s ready to drink!
Three Goats Kombucha
For those of you who have never heard of or tried kombucha, Dietician Maxine Smith, RD, LD from The Cleveland Clinic explains what it is: “Kombucha is fermented from tea (usually black, though sometimes green) and a sweetener (perhaps white sugar, agave or honey). The end result? A slightly fizzy drink that’s probiotic-rich, meaning it contains live bacteria and yeasts or healthy little microbes that benefits your digestive system. Some of kombucha’s health benefits are similar to those of other fermented foods, like yogurt, kefir and raw (live) fermented pickles or sauerkraut,” I’ve been a fan of kombucha for years (my sister can attest to my obsession with GTS Kombuchawhile I visited her in New York last year) but I haven’t been able to find a local brand that I truly loved. Enter: Three Goats Brewery! I first tried their deliciousness about two weeks ago when I saw it on the Paleo Robbie website. After enjoying the Orange Cinnamon flavor, I decided to try the Shiso Plum, and now I’m hooked to both!
Vanessa from Three Groats Brewery says, “we want to make this probiotic drink an all-day healthy refreshment for you! Our brewers love to experiment, combining the traditional way of Kombucha brewing with the brewing of craft beer, and cooking itself. The selected ingredients run from fruits, spices, herbs to hops! We believe that good tastes must come from the quality of the ingredients, so we avoid all artificial flavors in our fermentation. You can enjoy our kombucha and be assured that all the good taste come from natural flavors and fermentation only.”
10,000 Miles Hops (organic green tea/hom meun li/mosaic hops)
Order yours now via Instagram @threegoatsbrewery or LINE @threegoatskombucha
240ml for 120 Baht
500ml for 260 Baht
1,000 ml for 540 Baht
So there you have it: options for home delivery of nutritious beverages to keep you healthy during covid19. Our next post will be focused on three of my favorite local businesses for healthy snacks and treats including brownies and ice cream. Click here to read it!
Written by Devi Bajaj Founder & Director of Enliven Health Concierge
Disclaimer: Nothing on this post is sponsored content.
After hearing a gut-wrenching recount of a friend who was tested positive for #covid19, I knew I had to write a post on the importance of #kindness and #compassion.
Don’t get me wrong, the medical care which the friend and the family received was not the issue (they said the team that cared for them were heroes <3). It makes me sad to say that it was the people around them. Mind you, not only did this dear person test positive, so did others in the family. Now, if you could just take a second and try and imagine what was going through their minds. They were probably terrified. All they needed from anyone that knew they had tested positive were #wellwishes, #support, and #positivity.
It’s understandable that fear blinds people at a time like this, but please do remember that anyone who contracts this virus doesn’t choose to, especially if they had been doing their part by practicing #socialdistancing/#physicaldistancing, trying to #stayhome when they can, and of course being sure to wash their hands often.
If you hear that someone has been tested positive, the first thing you need to do is verify it before spreading any rumours. As soon as I heard that this friend may have the virus, I checked in with someone close to them who confirmed that it was true. The friend said that they were doing well, although very overwhelmed and they would tell me about it themselves when they were ready. Once I heard it was factual, all I wanted to do was offer well wishes and any help I could, but I waited to hear from them. When they reached out to our friends, we all responded by offering support and love.
Although we live in a time filled with unknowns, there is one thing I’m certain of, and that is my message to society about the importance of #kindness and #compassion, must be heard.
Information compiled and shared by by Devi Bajaj Founder & Director of Enliven Health Concierge
