Hello Everyone - Welcome to Vitazen Health!

In Today’s Edition:

• Read It: The Afternoon Habit That's Secretly Raising Your Blood Pressure

• In The News: Ginger Shots: A Spicy Ally Against Inflammation

• Eat: Taiwanese Mushroom Rice (油飯)

• Watch: WARNING! "Your Legs WEAKEN First! Eat These 7 Foods to Strengthen Them!" | Dr. William Li

READ IT

We talk a lot about morning routines. The 5 AM club. Cold showers. Journaling.

But the afternoon? That's where things get... slippery.

It's the 2 PM slump. The energy dip. The "I deserve a treat" mentality. And for millions, that treat is a giant, sugary, caffeinated beverage.

We're talking about the daily ritual of the oversized soda, the extra-sweetened iced coffee, the "venti" energy drink. The very thing you think is giving you a boost is actually a silent killer: raising your blood pressure.

Here's the breakdown.

1. Sugar Overload = Inflammation = High Blood Pressure

It's not just the caffeine. It's the sugar. Most of these afternoon drinks pack a sugar wallop that would make a candy bar blush.

• A 20-ounce bottle of regular soda can contain upwards of 70 grams of sugar.

• A large, blended coffee drink? Easily 50+ grams.

• Even "diet" versions aren't innocent, as artificial sweeteners can mess with your body's metabolic processes.

What does all that sugar do?

It triggers inflammation throughout your body. And inflammation is a key driver of high blood pressure.

When your blood vessels are inflamed, they narrow, making it harder for blood to flow. Your heart has to work harder, and boom, your blood pressure goes up.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day for men and 25 grams for women. One afternoon "treat" can easily blow that out of the water.

2. Caffeine's Double-Edged Sword

Caffeine gets a bad rap, but it's not inherently evil. In moderation, it can have benefits.

The problem is the dose and the combination.

That giant afternoon drink delivers a massive hit of caffeine, often alongside all that sugar.

Caffeine stimulates your nervous system, which can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. For some people, this spike is minor. For others, especially those who are already sensitive or have pre-existing conditions, it's significant.

And when you combine caffeine with sugar? The effects can be amplified. The sugar rush masks the initial crash, so you feel good...until you don't. And then you reach for another sugary, caffeinated drink. It's a vicious cycle.

The FDA recommends a maximum of 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for healthy adults. Many of these oversized drinks push you right up to (or even over) that limit in one serving.

3. The Long-Term Consequences

This isn't just about a temporary spike. It's about the cumulative effect of years (or decades) of this afternoon habit.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Kidney disease

• Vision problems

It's often called the "silent killer" because it has no obvious symptoms. You might feel fine, even as your blood pressure is creeping higher and higher. The solution lies in moderation—a sweet drink every now and then won’t hurt you.

But the moment you lose control, that’s when you’ll end up making your health pay.

IN THE NEWS

Ginger Shots: A Spicy Ally Against Inflammation

Ginger shots, those zesty little beverages, are more than just a trendy health fad. Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, they can aid digestion, reduce bloating, and even alleviate joint pain when combined with turmeric. Regular consumption may also support heart health by improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. While not a cure-all, incorporating ginger shots into your morning routine could offer a natural boost to your overall well-being.​

Diet's Role in Chronic Pain Management

Emerging research underscores the significant impact of nutrition on chronic pain. A narrative review highlights how anti-inflammatory diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, can modulate pain perception. These dietary patterns may reduce systemic inflammation, a key contributor to chronic pain conditions. While more clinical trials are needed, adopting a nutrient-dense diet presents a promising, non-pharmacological approach to pain management.​

Healthy Eating: A Prescription for Pain Relief

A study from the University of South Australia reveals that adhering to a healthy diet, aligned with national dietary guidelines, can alleviate chronic pain, especially in women over 45. Foods rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, were associated with lower body pain levels. This research suggests that dietary modifications could serve as an accessible and effective strategy for managing chronic pain.

🔥 INFLAMMATION = DISEASE. HERE’S HOW TO FIX IT.

If you’re tired, bloated, foggy, or in constant pain—that’s inflammation wrecking your body.
And if you don’t stop it, it leads to cancer, heart disease, and aging you faster than you realize.

Most people have no clue that what they’re eating is keeping them inflamed 24/7.

But here’s the good news: you can fight inflammation with food.

🥤 The Anti-Inflammation & Immunity Smoothie & Juice Guide gives you 80+ science-backed recipes to:

✅ Turn OFF inflammation naturally (no gimmicks, just real food that works)
✅ Boost immunity so you stop getting sick all the time
✅ Detox & repair your gut (because 80% of your immune system lives there)
✅ Flood your body with antioxidants that protect against cancer & disease

This isn’t another “healthy smoothie” book.
It’s a plug-and-play blueprint for fixing your body one sip at a time.

👉Grab your copy now & start healing today!

EAT

Taiwanese Mushroom Rice (油飯) (6 Servings)

Mushroom Rice (油飯) is a savory dish that's both satisfying and nourishing. This recipe uses whole food ingredients and focuses on bringing out the natural umami of the mushrooms. It's a great dish for a hearty lunch or dinner, and while it involves a few steps, the result is well worth the effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups glutinous rice (also called sticky rice), rinsed

• 1 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes, reserve soaking liquid

• 1/4 cup dried shrimp, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes (optional, omit for vegan)

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2-inch piece of ginger, minced

• 3 cups reserved mushroom soaking liquid + enough water to make 3 cups

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

• 1/4 cup fried shallots, for garnish (optional)

Recipe Steps

1. Prepare Ingredients:

• Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and set aside.

• Drain the soaked shiitake mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid. Squeeze out excess water from the mushrooms and slice them into thin strips.

• If using dried shrimp, drain them and chop finely.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

• Heat sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

• Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

• If using dried shrimp, add them to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Cook Mushrooms:

• Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pot and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until they soften and release their aroma.

4. Combine Liquids and Seasonings:

• In a separate measuring cup, combine the reserved mushroom soaking liquid with enough water to make 3 cups.

• Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper to the liquid mixture. Stir well to combine.

5. Cook the Rice:

• Add the rinsed glutinous rice to the pot with the mushrooms.

• Pour the liquid mixture over the rice and mushrooms.

• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

• Cover the pot tightly and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Steam and Finish:

• Once the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, give it a final stir. Cover and let it steam for another 5-10 minutes off the heat. This will ensure the rice is perfectly tender and fluffy.

7. Serve:

• Fluff the rice with a rice paddle or fork.

• Garnish with chopped cilantro and fried shallots (if using).

• Serve hot.

Servings

This recipe yields 4-6 servings.

WATCH 

In this video, Dr. William Li shares the top 7 foods that can help prevent leg cramps in seniors and strengthen leg muscles. Learn how to improve circulation and reduce discomfort with these essential foods. Don’t miss out on this valuable health advice! Plus, discover how these foods contribute to overall vascular health and long-term mobility.

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