The left and right side of the brain

If you are right brain dominant, then you are left handed. You are born with this. You cannot change it. 89% of the world's population are right handed.

The brain is cross-wired, meaning that the right side controls the left side of the body and vice versa.
Scientists at the University of Oxford say that the brains of left-handed people work differently than right-handed people.
In a study, the brain was monitored in left-handed participants. Scientists say the two sides of the brain were better connected in lefties and more co-ordinated, particularly in the areas that involve using language.

Prevalence of left-handedness by gender

Males are more likely to be left-handed: than females. 

A meta-analysis of 144 studies indicated that males are about 23% more likely to be left-handed than females. 

For every 4 left-handed women, there are roughly 5 left-handed men. 

How Stress Affects the Immune System

 Stress primarily suppresses the immune system by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased cortisol and catecholamine levels. This hormonal surge can reduce the number and function of immune cells, increasing susceptibility to infections, slowing wound healing, and hindering vaccine effectiveness. In contrast, short-term stress can sometimes enhance certain immune responses. 

How Stress Affects the Immune System

Hormonal Response:

Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). 

Suppression of Adaptive Immunity:

Prolonged exposure to these hormones can suppress the adaptive immune response, making the body more vulnerable to infections and slower to recover from illness. 

Reduced Immune Cell Function:

Stress can impair the function of lymphocytes and reduce the numbers of crucial immune cells like T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which are vital for fighting infections and cancerous cells. 

Impact on Inflammation:

While chronic stress can induce low-grade chronic inflammation, it also suppresses the anti-inflammatory components of the immune system. 

Increased Risk of Illness:

The combination of suppressed immunity and potential inflammation from chronic stress makes individuals more prone to conditions such as colds, flu, and other infectious diseases. 

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Stress

Acute/Short-Term Stress:

Can have mixed effects, sometimes boosting certain innate immune responses, which is helpful for situations like immediate wound healing or fighting off a new infection. 

Chronic Stress:

Consistently high levels of stress hormones can lead to sustained suppression of the immune system, weakening the body's overall defenses over time. 

Consequences of a Suppressed Immune System

Increased Susceptibility to Infections: You may get sick more often with common illnesses like colds or the flu. 

Impaired Vaccine Response: Stress can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, leading to a weaker immune response to them. 

Slower Healing: The body's ability to heal wounds or recover from illness can be delayed. 

Worsening Chronic Conditions: Stress can exacerbate existing inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis. 

Common High GI Foods

Refined Grains: White bread, bagels, instant oatmeal, cornflakes, and white rice are processed and have a high glycaemic index. 

Potatoes: Potatoes, especially when mashed or fried, are high-GI foods. 

Sugary Baked Goods & Snacks: Doughnuts, cakes, cookies, rice cakes, and some cereals like Grape Nuts and Cheerios have a high GI. 

Fruits: Watermelon is a prominent high-GI fruit, but other high-GI fruits include ripe bananas, pineapple, and raisins. 

Sweeteners: Jaggery and other forms of sugar are high-GI foods. 

Processed Snacks: Chips, pretzels, and rice crackers have a high glycemic index. 

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Sodas, some fruit juices, and sports drinks often fall into the high-GI category. 

Why High GI Matters

High-GI foods can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, prompting the body to produce more insulin. Over time, this can lead to energy dips and potentially contribute to health issues like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.