As reported by science daily a new research journal has just come out in the Neuroscience & Biobehaviour Journal.   It shows that social isolation may be associated with increased inflammation.  The research involved a systemic review of 30 studies looking at the effects of both loneliness and social isolation on inflammation.  Loneliness showed to increase interleukin-6 while social isolation showed to increase C-reactive protein and fibrinogen and men were more likely to display these inflammatory markers compared to women.
Based on this research I think we need to take a look at the difference between loneliness and being alone because the two are quite different.  One we can control and the other we cannot.  The one we cannot is simply an emotion - lonely and by recognizing it in the body it seems to come less often, being aware of each time you feel it allows one to redirect any negative thoughts about it, and journaling helps to get to the bottom of it! 
Now, with the lock-down dealing with the being alone issue is going to be more challenging, but not impossible.  The internet makes it easier and easier to connect; so, next time you are having a meal way not do it over Skype or messenger and with someone else?  Don't have anyone else google "Mukbang" and your guaranteed to find someone to eat with.   Netflix now has party extensions where you can get a group together and all watch at the same time.  Or my absolute favorite, having a glass of wine or cider with a friend while doing an online painting or drawing tutorial!  

If none of this works get outside into nature, do some yoga / online dance classes, keep busy cleaning and organizing, or learn a new skill!   Your health depends on it! 

Photo by Taryn Elliott

Prep 15min    Cook time 50-70min

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp psyllium husk powder (not seed or husk)
• 1 cup water
• ¾ cup non-dairy milk
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp oil
• 1 cup finely ground oats into a powder
• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda

¼ cup oats or oat flour for dusting on the top

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a mixing bowl, whisk the psyllium husk powder, water, milk, and apple cider vinegar.  Once it turns into a thick gelatinous mixture add the oil and honey.  Next add all of the dry ingredients just until the dry ingredients are mixed in.  If it is overmixed it will become very hard. 
Lightly roll onto a floured surface and form into two small and narrow rolls.  Dust the top with rolled oats or simply dust with oat flour (if dusting on oats you can slightly wet the top of the loaf to help them stick). 
Bake on parchment paper or on a lightly oiled baking sheet for 50-70 min (this will change based on how wet your dough is and the type of flour you use).

Enjoy!