TCM Nigeria

Intermittent fasting has become one of the most talked-about health strategies in recent years—but not all fasting schedules are created equal. One of the most effective (and sustainable) approaches is ending meals by 6pm and eating your first meal at 12 noon the next day. This eating pattern creates an approximate 18-hour fasting window, and its benefits go beyond weight loss. When done correctly, it can support better sleep, improved hormonal balance, and more efficient fat burning. Let’s break down why this works. How Not Eating After 6pm Improves Sleep Sleep is not just about rest—it’s when your body repairs tissues, regulates hormones, and resets your metabolism. Late-night eating can interfere with this process more than most people realize.  1. Reduced Digestive Activity at Night When you eat late, your body stays in “digest mode” instead of transitioning into rest and repair. By stopping food intake at 6pm, digestion has time to settle before bedtime, allowing your nervous ...

High cholesterol is one of the most common silent risk factors for heart disease—but the good news is that your daily food choices can make a real difference. A heart-healthy diet rich in plant-based, nutrient-dense foods can help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while supporting overall cardiovascular health. Let’s take a closer look at five science-backed foods that deserve a regular spot on your plate: avocado, okra, green tea, garlic, and walnuts. 1. Avocado: Creamy, Satisfying, and Heart-Smart Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, the same heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. These fats help lower LDL cholesterol while maintaining or even increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Avocados are also packed with soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in the digestive system and helps remove it from the body. Just one avocado provides nearly 10 grams of fiber—about a third of your daily needs. How to enjoy it: Add sliced avocado to salads, blend it into smoothies, or use it as a nu...

In early 2026, the world watched closely as new cases of the deadly Nipah virus were identified in India—prompting heightened surveillance, cross-border screening, and renewed international attention to this high-fatality pathogen. While Africa has not yet experienced a major Nipah outbreak, the lessons emerging from Asia’s experience are highly relevant to the continent’s ongoing efforts to prepare for and respond to infectious disease threats. ( Reuters ) What Is Nipah Virus and Why It Matters Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus —originating in animals but capable of infecting humans—that can cause severe respiratory and neurological disease, including brain inflammation (encephalitis). It is primarily transmitted from fruit bats (natural hosts) to humans, often through contaminated food or close contact with infected animals or people. Human-to-human transmission has been documented in healthcare and household settings. ( World Health Organization ) The virus’s case fatality rate ran...

Emerging infectious diseases continue to challenge global health systems, but not all threats operate in the same way. Some spread rapidly with relatively low fatality rates, while others remain rare yet devastating when they occur.   Nipah virus (NiV)   belongs to the latter category. When juxtaposed with   Ebola virus disease (EVD)   and   COVID-19 , Nipah reveals why public-health risk is not defined by mortality alone, but by a complex interaction of transmissibility, severity, preparedness, and prevention. Understanding Nipah Virus Nipah virus is a  zoonotic pathogen  first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia in 1998–1999. It is naturally hosted by  fruit bats (Pteropus species)  and can spill over to humans either directly or through intermediate animals such as pigs. Human-to-human transmission has been documented, particularly in healthcare and caregiving settings. Clinically, Nipah infection often begins with  non-specific...

Male reproductive health is influenced by a complex interaction of hormones, blood flow, oxidative stress, nutrition, and lifestyle. Across traditional medicine systems and modern nutritional science, several plant-based foods and botanicals have gained attention for their potential to support fertility, libido, and overall reproductive function. This article explores five widely discussed natural ingredients— Ashwagandha, Maca root, Pomegranate, Pumpkin seeds, and Tribulus —and how they may contribute to male reproductive health when used as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. 1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Ashwagandha is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, often classified as an adaptogen —a substance that helps the body adapt to physical and psychological stress. Potential benefits for male reproductive health: Hormonal balance: Research suggests Ashwagandha may help support healthy testosterone levels, particularly in men experiencing stress-related hormonal dis...

In conversations about health, we often focus on the body—diet, exercise, blood pressure, or disease prevention. Yet some of the most destructive health crises begin in the unseen interior world of the human heart. Long before actions manifest, patterns of thought, desire, repression, and denial are already shaping outcomes. This article explores the idea of shadow work—the hidden parts of the self—through a biblical and mental health lens, using the story of David and Bathsheba as a case study. We also address, with clarity and responsibility, how unchecked inner darkness can lead to devastating harm, and why some impulses must be confronted, restrained, and put to death rather than ignored. What Is Shadow Work in Health Terms? In psychology, shadow work refers to becoming aware of the repressed, denied, or unacknowledged parts of ourselves. These are often emotions, desires, or impulses we find shameful or frightening. From a health perspective: * Suppressed impulses do not disappear...

In holistic health spaces today, shadow work is often presented as courageous, therapeutic, and liberating. It promises healing through self-exploration and wholeness through integration. For many, especially those wounded by trauma or disillusioned by shallow religion, it feels like honesty at last. But Scripture gives us categories that are sharper and more sobering than modern therapeutic language. When examined biblically, shadow work is not merely a neutral psychological tool, nor is it simply a misguided attempt at healing. It represents something far more serious: The affirmation and cultivation of the flesh after the rejection of God’s authority. To understand why, we must stop borrowing language from psychology and allow Scripture to name the issue itself. What Shadow Work Actually Does Shadow work teaches that human brokenness is best healed by: * Identifying suppressed desires, impulses, and traits * Exploring them without moral judgment * Integrating them into one’s identit...

 Obesity is often discussed as a personal failure, but modern science tells a very different story. Body size is influenced by a complex interaction between genetics, metabolism, environment, and lifestyle choices . Understanding this interaction — especially through the lens of Body Mass Index (BMI), nutrition, exercise, and fasting — can help individuals improve their body structure and long-term health without extreme or unsustainable methods. This article breaks down the science clearly and practically, offering an evidence-based path toward healthier body composition. Understanding Body Size: The Role of Genetics Human bodies are not created equal — and that’s not a flaw. Genetics influence: Basal metabolic rate (BMR) — how many calories you burn at rest Hormonal regulation — appetite, satiety, and fat storage Fat distribution — whether weight is stored around the abdomen or hips Muscle fiber composition — affecting strength and endurance Studies estimate that 40–70% of b...

Stress is often spoken about as a mental experience — worry, anxiety, overthinking. But long before stress announces itself emotionally, it begins its damage physically . Chronic stress does not shout. It drains, weakens, and exhausts — quietly. This article explores how prolonged life stress affects the body, using a hypothetical but realistic scenario many adults silently live through. A Hypothetical Case: The Weight of Prolonged Uncertainty Imagine a middle-aged professional who once lived independently and confidently. Over time, a series of life events begin to overlap: A long-running legal dispute over property Financial strain caused by blocked income An attempted relocation that required selling most personal belongings Returning home with fewer resources than before Dependence on aging parents for shelter Pressure to “level up” professionally despite lacking basic tools Encounters with law enforcement while trying to survive through informal work Individually, these challenges...

Across cultures — including in Nigeria — stories circulate about couples who have trouble separating after intercourse. Some interpret such experiences as “black magic” , spiritual interference like magun , or punishment for wrongdoing. But medical science offers a clear and very real explanation rooted in human anatomy and physiology — and it’s rare but fascinating. What Is the Phenomenon People Talk About? The experience described — where a man cannot withdraw his penis from a woman’s vagina after sex — is often associated with something called penis captivus . Literally translated, that means “captured penis.” It refers to a situation in which powerful vaginal muscle contractions make withdrawal difficult or temporarily impossible. ( Wikipedia ) Importantly: This is not caused by glue or magic. There is no supernatural force involved. The tissues themselves are not stuck together. Instead, it may be caused by unusual muscle spasms combined with normal sexual physiology. The Anatom...

As Nigeria advances to the   AFCON semi-finals , football fever is sweeping the nation. For fans, it’s more than just a game — it’s an opportunity to boost both   mental and physical health , whether you’re cheering from the screen or hitting the pitch yourself. Mental Health Benefits of Watching the Game Even if you’re not on the field, supporting the Super Eagles can have  significant mental health advantages : Boosts Mood and Dopamine : The excitement of goals and victories releases dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. Strengthens Social Bonds : Discussing matches with friends or family enhances social connection and reduces feelings of isolation. Stress Relief : Cheering, analyzing, and celebrating provides a healthy emotional outlet from everyday stress. For women and others who may only watch via screens, this mental engagement still counts — it stimulates the brain, encourages community interaction, and creates moments of joy in daily life. Physical Health B...