Biohack # 3

Korean ginseng and raw honey

Biohack#3

Adaptogens: are herbs, roots, and plant based extract that help the body mitigate the effects of stress. The “Adapt” part really is the plant working on the excess adrenaline or cortisol release every time you’re faced with a stressful situation.

Stressful situations are extremely common in modern life caused by driving, bills, taxes, exams and assignment deadlines, job or university applications running a successful business, getting dinner on in time, divorce. The list is endless.

Popular Adaptogens are:

  • Korean Ginseng
  • Maca root
  • Ashwaghanda
  • Turmeric
  • Goji berry
  • Tulsi
  • Dong quai
  • Black cohosh

They help make your immune system stronger, help with focus, give you long lasting energy throughout the day and balance your hormones. They help promote longevity. The fact that they are plants, means that they are rich in vitamins and minerals and are better absorbed by the gut-lining during digestion. Adaptogens help combat infertility, help manage menopause symptoms, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, PCOS. If you are chronically stressed, then you are most likely feeling wired and tired. Fatigue, exhaustion, confusion, insomnia, anxiety and depression are common symptoms that a stressful situation can bring about. Chronic stress can lead to adrenal exhaustion, the start of autoimmune diseases, leaky gut syndrome, and hormonal imbalances.

Physical stress such as exercise does lead to inflammation in the muscles. Exercise is good stress but nonetheless stress on your body. To help recover and repair quicker, Adaptogens can be used here too, e.g. turmeric.

Adaptogens must be taken consistently for you to see their positive effects. However, it is also recommended to cycle them after 3 months of use. For example, after 3 months, give it a 2 week break and then start again for 3 months.

I’m currently taking Korean ginseng. My day starts early at dawn. I run shortly after sunrise daily. And then my hectic day starts with weightlifting, the school run, work, home and family, dogs. I’ve chosen Korean Ginseng because it gives me sustained energy throughout the day, then mental stamina and focus when I’m coaching my clients. It silently strengthens my immune system, and has anti-aging properties. Korean Ginseng is the best in the world. On a summer trip to Seoul, I was surprised by how the elderly were swiftly walking down the street, on the metro, up and down the stairs, and working with ease, and even on hikes. I was really impressed on how physically active they were. Nimble, flexible and fast. They were fully engaged in public life even though it was hot outside. Especially since longevity or aging-strong is a goal of mine.

If you have been thinking about taking an Adaptogen, or wish to after reading this newsletter, book a session to learn and discuss which one could suit your needs or goals.



“Good health practices are contagious.”


“I am a Nutrition and Being-Well Coach. My training is from IIN in NYC in Holisitc Health Counselling. I started my private practice in 2017 and as I gained clientele, I wanted to delve deeper in to the root causes of bad health whilst helping women reach their weight loss goals.

I earned 3 more certifications from IIN in Gut Health, Hormone Health and then later one in The Psychology of Food.

Check out my e- Recipe Books

Breakfast Book  |  Lunch Book  |  Dinner Book


You can contact me at my given email or phone number.
info@thefoodpharmacy.pk | thefoodpharmacyapp@gmail.com | +92 302 8437778

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Thanks, Sonia.

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Is there such a thing as super-food?

Dear Reader,
You will have noticed that I haven’t put many pictures of fruit and vegetables on my website. Albeit: I’ve pictures up of delicious desserts and flamboyant, fancy coffee!

Depending on the occasion, they all are superfoods! Fruit and veggies, cake and coffee. Super food can be subjective.

Yes. Of course wellness and well-being are all about eating whole foods first. The primary sources of nutrition that are always superfoods are those grown in the sun, soil and on trees; that have been made with the help of birds, butterflies and bees.

If you sign-up for coaching sessions for any of of the problems mentioned on the mind-map, natural superfoods are what you will be eating.
No doubt.

However food is medicine. The poison is in the dose. And we are more than just a body. Coaching through a Being-Well lens means knowing when to have your cake guilt-free, because I know how hard it is to make switches in your diet when you eat for health’s sake. Giving up on your daily biscuit at tea time can be depressing. It weighs on your mental health. It can even lead to a tantrum.

If you learn not to gratify your desires instantly, and know the occasions of when you can have creamy, dreamy pudding, then temptations won’t govern your mind. Our sessions together will help train your mind to be patient by recognising your triggers and eat with intention to heal.


Make sense?
Call now for your free 10 mins coaching session with me.
Sonia Salim.
Thefoodpharmacy.pk