TCM Nigeria

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When Every Minute Counts: Rethinking Emergency Health Care and Public Health in Nigeria

Last year, Nigeria witnessed yet another cholera outbreak. Today, the country mourns a young life lost under shocking circumstances: a rising star reportedly succumbing to a snakebite in her sleep. While tragedies like these stir emotion, they also illuminate systemic gaps in emergency health care, resource allocation, and public trust. They challenge us to ask: how can we create a health system where a life-threatening emergency does not become a lottery? The Limits of Traditional Referral Systems For decades, the standard approach in emergencies has been patient referral: move the patient to a hospital that has the necessary resources. But Nigeria’s realities—geography, infrastructure, road conditions, and inconsistent drug availability—often make this approach deadly. In time-sensitive cases like snakebites, the critical question is not where the patient should go, but how we can get the treatment to the patient, fast. Imagine a certified practitioner carrying anti-venom to a patien...

High Cortisol Levels in the UK: Symptoms, Causes, and Natural Ways to Reduce Stress

Stress has quietly become one of the biggest health challenges in the UK. From long working hours and financial pressure to poor sleep and constant digital overload, many people are living in a near-permanent state of tension — often without realising how deeply it affects the body. At the centre of this stress response is a hormone called cortisol . While cortisol is essential for survival, chronically high cortisol levels can slowly damage both physical and mental health. This article explains what high cortisol means , the symptoms many people in the UK experience , the common causes , and natural, practical ways to lower cortisol levels safely . What Is Cortisol? Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays an important role in: Regulating blood sugar Controlling inflammation Managing metabolism Helping the body respond to stress In short bursts, cortisol is helpful. It keeps you alert and ready to respond to challenges. The problem arises when cortisol rema...

🍃 Unlocking the Power of Cortisol: How Stress Affects Your Body & How Natural Foods Like Kiwi Can Help

Stress is more than just a feeling — it’s a biological response powered by hormones like cortisol. When life feels overwhelming, your body triggers a stress response that’s designed to protect you — but when that response stays “on” too long, it can take a toll. In our earlier article, When Life Becomes Too Heavy: How Chronic Stress Breaks the Body Before the Mind Notices , we explored how prolonged stress impacts physical and mental health. In this follow-up post, we’ll dive deeper into cortisol — what it is, why “anti-cortisol” foods matter, and why kiwi fruit deserves a spot on your plate for better stress resilience and wellbeing. 🧠 What Is Cortisol & Why Should You Care? Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone” because your adrenal glands release it in response to perceived threats. Its job is to regulate your fight-or-flight response, manage inflammation, and help balance energy. 🔍 In the short term, cortisol helps you stay alert and focused. ⚠️ Over the long term, con...

Death by Snakebite in Abuja: The Tragedy of Ifunanya Nwangene and the Dangerous Myths We Must Abandon

The death of Ifunanya Nwangene , a former The Voice Nigeria contestant, at just 26 years old has left Nigeria grieving—and arguing. Beyond the shock of losing a young, talented woman, her passing has reopened old fears, folk beliefs, and uncomfortable questions about emergency medical care in Nigeria. According to BBC Africa , Nwangene was bitten by a snake in her apartment in Abuja. A friend told the BBC that she was asleep when “the snake bite woke her up.” Videos later circulated on social media showing a snake being removed from the premises, as terrified voices screamed, “It’s a cobra.” What followed was a race against time—one that she tragically lost. But to truly honour her memory, we must separate facts from folklore , and medical reality from long-held myths that continue to cost lives. Snakes in Homes: Myth or Reality? There is a popular belief in Nigeria that stories of snakes living with humans—sometimes in the same room or toilet—are mere folklore. Unfortunately, this ...

Intermittent Fasting: Why Stopping Food at 6pm and Eating at Noon Can Improve Sleep and Burn Fat

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 ...

Five Powerful Foods That Help Lower Cholesterol Naturally

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...