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Spring is here, flowers are blooming, and pollen is in the air—but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through itchy eyes, sneezing, and brain fog.

In this episode of The SA Node, Shukri breaks down:

• What seasonal allergies really are (and why your immune system overreacts)
• The pathophysiology behind allergic reactions like allergic rhinitis
• The most common over-the-counter and prescription medications
• Smart tips like cycling meds if you develop tolerance
• Drug interactions, potential side effects, and lifestyle hacks to keep symptoms under control

Whether you’re a longtime allergy sufferer or just curious about what’s happening in your body each spring, this episode will leave you informed, empowered, and ready to enjoy the season.

Subscribe and follow @thesanodepodcast for more episodes where wellness meets wisdom.

                                                  References

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). (2023). Allergic rhinitis. Retrieved from https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/nasal-allergies/

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Seasonal allergies: Hay fever. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/symptoms-causes

National Institutes of Health. (2023). Seasonal allergic rhinitis. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459315/

Simons, F. E. R. (2010). Advances in H1-antihistamines. New England Journal of Medicine, 364(2), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra093104

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In this episode of The SA Node, we're sipping deep into two of the most popular energizers in the world: matcha and coffee.

Which one truly supports your energy, mood, metabolism, and overall wellness? And how can you avoid the common side effects- like crashing, jitteriness, and sleep disruptions?

You'll learn:

1. How caffeine in matcha and coffee works differently in your body. 

2. Why matcha offers calm focus and less crash.

3. What "dirty matcha" is- and whether it's worth the buzz. 

4. Evidence-based health benefits of both drinks. 

5. Who should avoid which (and why)

6. Practical ways to hack both for optimal wellness.

7. Plus, non-beverage uses like skincare, detox, and more. 

Whether you're team matcha or team coffee, this episode will help you choose (or balance) your brew with intention. 

Listen now and tag a friend who needs this breakdown. 

References: 

Matcha vs. Coffee: Differences, Pros, and Cons
 Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/matcha-vs-coffee

7 Proven Health Benefits of Matcha Tea
 Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-benefits-of-matcha-tea

Matcha: A Look at Possible Health Benefits
 Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/matcha-a-look-at-possible-health-benefits

Matcha: Benefits, Side Effects & More
 Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/matcha-benefits-side-effects-and-more-7480765

What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Matcha Every Day?
 Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/matcha-benefits-11708757

Swapping Coffee for Matcha May Help Ease Your Anxiety
 Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-matcha-good-for-anxiety-11711671

Matcha: Benefits, Side Effects & More
 WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-matcha

Matcha vs. Coffee: Which One Has More Caffeine (and Health Benefits)?
 Real Simple. https://www.realsimple.com/matcha-vs-coffee-8550568

Should You Choose Dark or Medium Roast Coffee to Get Your Caffeine Fix?
 Real Simple. https://www.realsimple.com/dark-vs-medium-roast-coffee-11714153

Is Coffee or Matcha Better For Health?
 Health. https://www.health.com/coffee-vs-matcha-8697718

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In this episode of The SA Node, we're taking a deep, practical look at birth control-from combination and progestin-only pills to IUDs, the patch, ring, implant, injection, and non-hormonal options like Phexxi. 

You'll learn:

1. How each method works.

2. Who it's for-and who it's not for.

3. Side effects and real risks.

4. Drug, food, and supplement interactions (yes, even "natural" ones).

5. And what questions to ask your provider to make empowered choices. 

Whether you're already using birth control, considering it, or just want to better understand your body, this is your go-to breakdown-clear, balanced, and BS-Free. 

Please note that this episode was not sponsored by any of the products mentioned. 

Follow at the The  SA Node podcast on Buzzsprout, Apple podcast, Spotify, and Patreon for more episodes where wellness meets wisdom.  Join The SA Node Wellness Circle at www. patreon.com/thesanode for exclusive content, livestreams, show notes, digital guides, and more. 

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Constipation isn't just uncomfortable-it's a signal. In this episode, we unpack the real root causes of constipation beyond fiber and water, from stress and hormones to sleep, medications, and more. 

Join Shukri A, as she shares practical insights, holistic solutions, and empowering reminders that your gut is not just about digestion-it's about your mood, energy, skin, and overall wellness. 

Whether you've been silently struggling or just want to be better understand your body, this episode is for you. 

Subscribe and follow @thesanodepodcast for more episode where wellness meets real life. 

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When we think about self-improvement, we often focus on habits, mindset, and discipline. But true growth isn't just about the mind and body-it's about the soul. 

In this episode, we're diving into the three stages of the soul according to Islamic psychology and the Quran:

Nafs al Amara bil su- The lower self, driven by desires and ego. 

Nafs al Lawwama- The self-reproaching soul, aware of of its mistakes and seeking growth. 

Nafs al Mutmainnah- The content soul, at peace with itself and Allah's plan. 

We'll explore what these stages mean, how they impact our daily lives, and practical ways to move toward inner peace and self-mastery. Whether you're struggling with breaking bad habits, dealing with guilt, or seeking spiritual fulfillment, this episode will help you better understand yourself and take intentional steps toward true wellness. 

Let's get deep. Let's reflect. And let's grow together. 

Reference:

Rothman, A., & Coyle, A. (2018). Toward a framework for Islamic psychology and psychotherapy: An Islamic model of the soul. Journal of Religion and Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0651-x

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The last episode was all about what GLP-1 medications are, how they work, and who they're for- but today, we're making it real. This episode is about my experience working with clients using GLP-1s (specifically Semaglutide) for weight loss. I'll walk you through exactly what the process looks like, from the first consultation to real results. 

I'll also share what i've seen work well, what challenges my clients have faced, and the biggest misconceptions about these medications. If you've been considering GLP-1 for weight loss or just want an inside look at what this journey actually looks like, this episode is for you. 

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There has been a lot of buzz around Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 medications- but what do these drugs actually do? Are they just another weight loss fad, or is there solid science behind them?

In this episode we're breaking it all down- without the hype. We'll talk about what GLP-1 is, how these medications work, who they're actually meant for, and what risks or side effects to consider. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear, balanced understanding of these drugs- so you can separate facts from fiction. 

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In this episode I'm introducing The SA Node- a podcast that explores the connection between health, wellness, aesthetics, and spirituality. I'll share a little about my journey, what inspired this podcast, and what you can expect in the future episodes. 

This isn't just another wellness podcast. It's about education, empowerment, and bridging the gap between science and the soul-helping you connect the dots between your mind, body, and energy in a way that actually makes sense. 

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Fasting is often seen as just skipping meals, but in reality, its one of the most powerful tools for physical, mental, and spiritual transformation. In this episode, we're diving into both the science and spirituality of fasting- how it affects your body on a cellular level, improves your health, why its deeply connected to discipline, faith, and self-awareness. 

By the end of this episode, you'll understand why fasting is not just about what we take away (food, distractions, excess) but about what we gain-clarity, control, connection, and renewal. 

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