Guest: Rethabile Moshoeshoe-Molapisane, Pharmaceutical Scientist, PhD candidate at TUT

Plot: Indigenous food holds significant importance in combating obesity within black communities because it often embodies a balanced, nutrient-dense, and culturally relevant dietary tradition. These foods are typically less processed and rich in whole ingredients like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats, which can help in managing weight and reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases.

Resetting: Staycation as a form of resetting, rebooting and realignment
Guest: Lindi Mthethwa, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing at Sandton Minor Plot: Staycations have become an increasingly popular way to unwind and rejuvenate without the need for travel. They serve as a powerful tool for resetting, realignment, and rebooting, especially when someone feels overstimulated by the constant demands and noise of daily life.

Guest: Tendai Mulaudzi, Recovering addict

Showing up for yourself during recovery is one of the most courageous acts you can undertake. August, recognised as Overdose Awareness Month, reminds us that each step toward healing is a testament to resilience and hope. Overcoming overdose is not just about survival; it's about reclaiming your life, turning a new leaf, and embracing the possibility of a brighter future.

Every morning you wake up and choose to stay committed to your recovery is a victory. It’s about forgiving yourself for past struggles and celebrating your strength today. Recovery is a journey of small, meaningful moments, attending support groups, practicing self-care, and surrounding yourself with positivity. 

As we honour Overdose Awareness Month, let’s remember that no one is alone. Turning a new leaf means rewriting your story, finding new purpose, rediscovering passions, and building a foundation of hope and self-love. Your willingness to show up for yourself is the first step toward a future where you thrive, not just survive. Celebrate your courage, honour your progress, and keep moving forward—your new chapter is worth every effort.

TENDAI’S STORY

When I first started using this platform, it was purely for personal reasons and to show off all my highlights in my life, although I was a 20-something who always felt a bit different, I felt like something was missing. In 2019, I was shipped off to long-term rehab and remained there for three years (in the end becoming a counsellor myself). I decided to start afresh and archive all my content and I’ve built up a little bit of a following, often receiving messages that my content inspires in its authenticity.

But of late, I haven’t been as authentic. I’ve been really, really struggling with my mental health and recovery and although I’ve given little glimpses into my reality, shame gaslights me into hiding elements of myself. But a couple weeks ago, I had a seizure from either withdrawal/overdose/poisoning (let’s not forget that alcohol is a hell of a drug and one that causes the most deaths). Again, I thought I might die. In some ways, I didn’t mind that. I mean, I was so tired. I often find my addiction, which I didn’t choose and almost always picks those who have unresolved childhood trauma, is so unfair. Why me? Why? But another part of me didn’t want to be like some of our greatest who suffered tragic drug-related deaths, on their own because that’s what addiction does: it isolates. Heath, Amy, Whitney, Mac, Matthew — to name a few. I was okay with dying, but definitely not in this way.

So I was put into treatment to detox for two weeks and I’ve come out feeling hopeful again. I am fully myself (which I realised yesterday when I knew that once again, I’m witty as ever and genuinely compassionate and kind again, also I did a ridiculous thing which is so me). I want to live. I want to love. I want to live in a different place. I want to keep giving of myself and helping others in whatever way I can. Unfortunately, I can’t do that if I’m dead.

Addiction is fucking hard. It is painful. It has pushed away a lot of the friends I grew up with who actually just don’t get it. Addiction steals me away from the people I love. It makes me feel like I’m worthless. It takes away my ability to choose. When I’m in addiction, there comes a time when I’m using and I fucking don’t have a choice anymore. Drugs own me and my soul when I use them. It’s hard to understand as a non-addict but I know that all addicts resonate.

Recovery, at times, is harder. Staying clean is the easy part. Facing myself is the difficult part. If we are working a programme, we deal with all our demons and have to, at all times, practice rigorous honesty. Imagine that you literally had to rat yourself out for every thought you had and mistake you made. It comes down to the little details. I cannot lie if I’m in recovery, it will lead me back to addiction. I know this, but because I’m generally a very secretive (in a private sense), it’s difficult for me.

I also hate people seeing me at my lowest. I’m scared people will leave, after all — they’ve left before at my most vulnerable. When I say I’m a perfectionist, and I’ve said it before, I say it in a way that means my perfectionism destroys aspects of my life as it means that I often feel I have to be the most upbeat, loving and charismatic person to others. I am naturally these things, but I do have my days.

A friend told me that I can “come as I am” when I cancelled because I was struggling. I’m going to do more of that. I plan on once again using this platform for honesty and hope. I’m going to give myself a fucking break. I’m going to show up, whether I’m messy, clean or whatever in between.

To the late Matthew Perry in his book Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, ““Love and courage, man—the two most important things. I don’t move forward with fear anymore—I move forward with curiosity. I have an incredible support group around me, and they save me every day, because I have known hell. Hell has definable features, and I want no part of it. But I have the courage to face it, at least.”

Guest: Thato Motepe

Meditation is a powerful practice that helps quiet the mind and allows you to centre yourself amidst the chaos of everyday life. To achieve a peaceful, focused state of mind, it’s important to find a quiet and comfortable space where distractions are minimised. Begin by sitting comfortably, with your back straight, and taking a few deep breaths to settle into the present moment.

Focus your attention on your breath, observing each inhale and exhale without trying to control it. When your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breathing, without judgment. This simple act of redirecting your attention cultivates mental clarity and inner calm. Over time, consistent practice helps diminish mental clutter, reduces stress, and enhances your ability to remain centred regardless of external circumstances. Meditation becomes a tool for creating a sense of peace and stability within, allowing you to connect more deeply with yourself and the present moment.

Benefits of Meditation:

- Reduces stress and anxiety

- Enhances emotional well-being

- Improves concentration and focus

- Promotes better sleep

- Boosts self-awareness

- Increases feelings of calm and relaxation

- Strengthens the immune system

- Helps manage symptoms of anxiety and depression

- Encourages a positive outlook on life

- Fosters resilience and emotional balance

Guest: Natasha Sass, Founder of N-Lightened Self | Naturopath | Integrative Health & Empowerment Specialist | Trauma-Informed Practitioner 

pH balance refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity in the body, which is essential for maintaining optimal health and proper physiological functions. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with seven being neutral. Values below seven indicate acidity, while those above seven signify alkalinity. The body naturally strives to maintain a balanced pH, especially in the blood, where slight deviations can impair enzyme functions, weaken the immune system, and cause various health issues.

Maintaining pH balance involves several lifestyle and dietary choices. Consuming a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, which are generally alkaline forming, helps support a balanced pH. Conversely, limiting intake of processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and excessive animal proteins can prevent the body from becoming overly acidic. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water also plays a crucial role in helping the body eliminate excess acids and maintain equilibrium. Regular exercise and managing stress levels further contribute to maintaining pH balance, as physical activity helps improve circulation and detoxification processes.

Certain beverages and substances people consume for their smell or flavour can significantly impact pH levels. For example, some drinks with strong or unusual tastes, such as certain flavoured waters, sodas, or infused beverages, may contain additives or acids that influence acidity in the body. Additionally, some perfumes, colognes, or oral hygiene products used for their scent often contain chemicals that may temporarily affect oral or skin pH but generally do not impact overall systemic

The necessity of acupuncture detox stems from the complex nature of addiction and the challenges associated with overcoming it. Substance dependence often leads to physical toxicity due to the accumulation of chemicals in the body, as well as emotional and psychological distress. Traditional detoxification methods, such as medical detox, may help manage withdrawal symptoms but often do not address underlying issues or support long-term recovery. Acupuncture detox offers a complementary approach that can reduce withdrawal symptoms, alleviate cravings, and promote relaxation and mental clarity. By helping to rebalance the body's energy and improve overall well-being, acupuncture detox can enhance the effectiveness of a comprehensive addiction treatment program, making it a valuable tool for those seeking a more integrative path to recovery.

Guest: Amiena Ally, Holistic Practitioner at Wellness Loft

Acupuncture detoxification is a therapeutic approach that utilises the principles of traditional Chinese medicine to help individuals eliminate toxins from their body and support recovery from addiction.

It involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, which are believed to help regulate the body's energy flow, or Qi, and restore balance within the body's systems. This process is often tailored to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of detoxification, providing a holistic method to support individuals through their recovery journey.

Last week we were talking about the benefits of intermittent fast when you are detoxing your body and that is from the inside. Now we look at how this specific detox benefits a person’s immune system.

Guest: Nonhle Hlophe, Dietician

Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It is gaining popularity due to its potential health benefits and simplicity compared to other diet plans. The importance of intermittent fasting primarily lies in its ability to help regulate insulin levels, promote weight loss, improve metabolic health, and potentially extend lifespan. By giving your digestive system a break, it may also support cellular repair processes and reduce inflammation in the body. 

For beginners, starting with intermittent fasting can be straightforward. One common approach is the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours each day and eat during an 8-hour window, such as from noon to 8 pm. Another simple strategy is the 12/12 method, which is more accessible for those just beginning, involving fasting for 12 hours and eating during a 12-hour window. Beginners should start gradually, perhaps by extending their fasts slowly or adjusting their eating windows to suit their lifestyle and comfort levels. Staying hydrated during fasting periods is essential, and it's also important to focus on nutrient-dense foods during eating windows to support overall health.

Dietician Nonhle Hlophe from Bayeni Dietetics popularly known as a door-to-door dietician talks to us about people choose to adopt intermittent fasting for various reasons, including weight management, as it can help reduce calorie intake naturally and improve fat burning. As more people turn to it for its potential benefits on metabolic health, such as lowering blood sugar levels, improving cholesterol profiles, and reducing the risk factors associated with heart disease. Some also see intermittent fasting to enhance mental clarity and energy levels.

Dr Zhakieyyah

Many people turn to calming herbs as a self-prescribed remedy to manage their emotional well-being, especially when dealing with mental health-related issues such as anxiety, stress, or insomnia. These herbs often offer a gentle and natural way to soothe the mind and promote relaxation, which can be particularly appealing for individuals seeking alternative or complementary approaches outside of conventional medicine. When used appropriately, calming herbs like valerian, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and passionflower can help reduce feelings of nervousness, ease mental tension, and improve sleep quality. These benefits can contribute to a greater sense of emotional stability and overall mental resilience, allowing individuals to cope better with daily stressors and emotional upheavals.

However, it's important to the effects of these herbs can vary considerably from person to person. While some individuals experience significant relief, others might find only minimal benefit or may encounter side effects. The influence of calming herbs on emotional well-being extends beyond their direct sedative properties; they can also foster a sense of control and proactive engagement in one's mental health management, which can be empowering.

Benefits for Emotional Well-Being:

- Reduced anxiety and stress levels

- Improved sleep quality, leading to better mood regulation

- Enhanced feelings of relaxation and calmness

- Support for mental clarity and focus during stressful periods

Considerations and Cautions:

- Efficacy can vary based on the herb, dosage, and individual response

- Some herbs may cause side effects or interact with medications (e.g., sedatives, antidepressants)

- Self-prescribing herbs without professional guidance may lead to overuse or adverse effects

- It’s important to combine herbal use with other stress management techniques like therapy, exercise, and proper sleep