 |
If you are receiving this newsletter as text only, you can now view the full online version by clicking here. You can also access our entire archive of newsletters by clicking here. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| This
month kicked off with National Stress Awareness Day.
The registered charity,
Indoor
Allergies were also a focus for November. An allergy is
everything from a runny nose,
With the New Year just around the corner already it's time to wake up and take responsibility for our roles in our own health and well-being. Individuals who take responsibility and get involved in their health and well-being are the people who live longer and more productive lives.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Around 10% of all new mothers are currently thought to suffer from Post-Natal Depression (PND). But this may only be the tip of the iceberg. A recent survey by online support group Netmums demonstrated that a staggering 52% of mums surveyed have suffered post natal illness whether formally diagnosed or not. Worse still, BBC1's Real Story revealed last night that nearly half of all depressed mothers keep silent about the full extent of their symptoms. Most
new mothers are asked by their health visitors to fill out the form
known as The conventional approach to treating PND usually involves the use of antidepressants, but some women are keen to avoid medication if they are breastfeeding. A more natural approach is to try a product such as Pukka Herbs' All-in-One Shatavari & Ashwagandha, a natural reproductive tonic that helps to balance hormones and improve energy levels. All-in-One Ashwagandha & Shatavari Formula is a general tonic for the whole system, used to keep the body and mind functioning at optimum health. This formula is classed as adaptogenic, meaning that it is extremely safe, reacts to the body's needs. It has an overall normalizing effect, improving all kinds of conditions without aggravation. Adaptogens are commonly used to treat stress and fatigue. This nutritive and immune tonic is ideal for busy people who want to add some deep herbal nourishment to support their lifestyle. The herbs nourish the blood, liver, heart, lungs and kidneys, and work synergistically to boost the healthy functioning of the body. Used to treat tiredness, weak immunity, poor muscle tone, lack of lustre in the skin, ME/chronic fatigue, post natal depression, and convalescence.
All-in-One Ashwagandha & Shatavari Formula, made by Pukka Herbs, is available from Xynergy Health Products, tel 08456 585858. The recommended dose is two capsules a day. Safe to use long term for 1-6 months. No known contraindications, although in the West caution is advised with Ashwagandha during pregnancy.
The
Green Guide Or consider giving something completely different. Take out a second mortgage - but for a family in the developing world. A whole new house costs £2,000 and your investment in their building societies will provide the working capital for a revolving fund. Or you could plant chilli hedges to protect villagers' crops from marauding elephants. And why not give a voucher for an organic cookery weekend or a course on low impact living - or maybe splash out on an environmental research trip. Or you could buy an acre of rainforest; adopt a dolphin, a barn owl or an orangutan; send medicines to developing countries; plant a tree; sponsor bees, cattle or goats; or build a loo, endow a library and dig a well. The Guide also shows you how can save energy and reduce waste over the festive season. And, if you plan to travel to friends and relatives or go away for a holiday, there is advice on greener travel and ethical tourism. There is something planet-friendly for everyone in the Green Guide for Christmas. Visit www.greenguide.co.uk for more information.
Renee
Zellweger loves the Spiezia range. Now a cult collection
of 100% organic products, try the Night Time Extra cream
(£30) - a highly concentrated nourishing cream designed to
help diminish fine lines and wrinkles and help your skin keep its
elasticity. Fans of Lavere (the first organic anti-ageing range) include Davina McCall and Jerry Hall. Their best selling product is Hydro Sensation Energy cream (£23.40), a moisturising cream specifically for women 30 years plus, with proven anti ageing effects. Ideal alone or under make up.
If it's organic haircare you are after, look no further than Alicia Silverstone's favourite - John Masters. Now a celebrity in his own right in New York (where he opened the first 'clean air' salon), John's range includes the fabulous Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructing Shampoo (£26). Full of natural ingredients, such as jojoba oil, hibiscus, honey, lavender, pink grapefruit, ylang ylang, bergamot, cardamom, and patchouli this highly effective shampoo has a beautiful aroma. All of these products and many more can be found at www.soorganic.com or you can call 0800 169 2579 for mail order.
LIFTING
EYE GEL: A light refreshing gel to infuse the eye
area and promote, clear bright EXPRESSION TREATMENT: The first organic filler and skin plumper - organic goes high tech! For the first time celebs and partygoers can enjoy the benefits of fillers and plumpers but with the added benefit of organic extracts and without toxins. This innovative treatment leads the way in organic anti-ageing skincare and as it is free of the toxins and harsh chemicals normally associated with anti-ageing treatments, it is actively beneficial to skin. This product is perfect at plumping, filling and smoothing Lips, Eyes, Forehead and anywhere else skin needs a boost. BLEMISH GEL: A highly active but ultra gentle gel that contains healing as well as antiseptic herbs and essential oils to reduce spots super fast without drying or irritating skin. Aloe repairs and reduces redness while Tea Tree, Manuka and Lavender provide a strong but gentle antiseptic action. Propolis, Echinacea and Marigold soothe and repair. Cedarwood balances oil production keeping the oily T-Zone under control. Order from the Organic Pharmacy Website or phone 020 7351 2232 for stockists.
Included in the range are shower gels, shampoos and face washes as well as a trio of anti-ageing products. The Face Mask, Body Moisturiser and Facial Defence Moisturiser are packed with amino acids, anti-oxidants and vitamins to provide a superior anti-ageing formula. Nicara also has two products to make your daily shave a little easier - the Before and After Shave Care Oil is formulated with cold pressed organic oils and can help facilitate a closer shave and after the job's done soothe, calm and prevent dryness. The After Shave Balm can be used to relieve discomfort, reduce redness and razor burns and even out the skin tone. The Nicara range is currently available from www.nicara.co.uk or by calling 020 8645 9090. Prices start from £6.50.
Since
then, however, the Dead Sea has become landlocked and totally dependent
upon the For hundreds of years, the special combination of these minerals has helped to relieve the irritation and itching caused by skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis and acne, as well as stimulating the blood circulation and cell rejuvenation. Indeed, thousands of people from all over the world who suffer from skin diseases, in particular psoriasis and eczema, visit health spas on the shores of the Dead Sea to improve their conditions by immersing themselves in the therapeutic waters. The minerals from the Dead Sea form the basis of the Malki Dead Sea Bath Care range, available in Boots stores priced from £3.10.
Goji naturaily helps facilitate the release of HGH or Human Growth Hormone. HGH has been shown to lead to increase concentration, more restful sleep, faster healing, recovery, weight loss, cellulite and increased sex drive & performance. Goji's other Anti-Aging compounds include germanium, selenium, carotenoids, and more beta carotene than carrots. Goji berries are an extremely nutrient-dense fruit.Discovered in the Himalayan mountains .Goji berries is regarded in the Orient as a anti-aging super food. The Goji berry is a deep-red, dried fruit about the same size as a raisin. It's very sweet and tastes something like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry. Order from www.nutricentre.com where 150g costs £4.50.
Moom
Hair Removal Moom is hypo-allergenic, perfect for sensitive skin and sensitive areas of the body, and all ingredients are beneficial to the skin (no alcohol, no chemicals). The strips included are washable and reusable for years, and the tempered glass jars can be warmed using hot water or in the microwave. Moom is sugar-based for maximum gentleness and water solubility, which means that it is safe for use on both the face and body, leaves no residue on the skin, and it removes hair by the root - leaving you hair free for up to 8 weeks. Moom do not test on animals and the ingredients are simply water, sugar, chamomile, lemon juice, and essential oils. Order online at www.moom-uk.com or by phone +44 (0) 20 8393 3581.
You can order the entire Comvita range online at The Nutri Centre.
Before you go
out, make sure you spray PediTech onto your feet and shoes to keep
odours at PediTech costs £9.95 for a 50ml spray and is available from Boots The Chemists and all good pharmacies, or visit www.passionforlifedirect.com. For more information on Peditech please visit www.peditech.com.
Over 70 years ago Alfred Vogel was aware that our food can't always deliver the nutrients our bodies need for optimum health. Now, modern living with fast food, ready meals, pollution and stressful lifestyles, makes it even harder to ensure an adequate diet. A.Vogel's new organic superfood supplements are packed with vital nutrients straight from nature, such as elderberries, pomegranates and grape seeds. Both Pomegranate-Spirulina Complex and Anti-Ageing Complex contain only organic concentrates and powders of real foods, providing nutrients that the body will easily recognise and absorb. The nutrients in superfoods are complex and contain many minor substances that guarantee their effective functioning. POMEGRANATE-SPIRULINA
COMPLEX ANTI-AGEING
COMPLEX A.Vogel Botanical Supplements are available from health stores and by mail order, phone 01294 277344 or visit www.AVogel.co.uk online.
Lazy
Fitness Association founder Kevin Allen said: "we have been
working on ways to get people fit through short but powerful exercise
routines. This total body workout covers all the major muscle groups
and can get the heart pumping in under a minute. "Standing squats "Performed daily, this workout would greatly improve the core body strength of the average person, whilst providing anti-ageing and weight loss benefits too". The Lazy Fitness Association has set up a free website at www.LazyFitness.org to help people improve their fitness, lose weight and become more active. Click on the "one minute workout" article and start finding out how easily you can bring exercise into your daily routine.
Fayrefield Foods, the UK's largest independent dairy company, launched Heartfelt+, a fully flavoured 12% fat cheese, in the UK as of May this year. Heartfelt+ cheese has been specifically developed to help people who want to lower their cholesterol and maintain a healthy diet, while continuing to enjoy the taste of cheese. Chris Swire, Commercial Director at Fayrefield Foods says "It is notoriously difficult to produce a cheese that has a good taste, while matching the requirements of a cholesterol lowering diet, so we are delighted with the development of Heartfelt+. It will help consumers to maintain the necessary dietary controls and still be able to enjoy cheese."
Heartfelt+ is the first proprietary brand containing Reducol to be launched in the UK, although a range of cholesterol lowering foods containing Reducol was launched under the Tesco brand in January 2006. The original Tesco range included a spread, yoghurts and a pro-biotic yoghurt drink. The Tesco range has been highly successful since launch and a cholesterol lowering milk containing Reducol was added to the range in March 2006. Heart disease is still much too common in the UK and a survey found that 68% of respondents would prefer to lower cholesterol by diet rather than taking pills. The key to implementing change is for functional foods to be available, that are proven to help lower cholesterol as well as tasting good, at competitive prices. Heartfelt+ is available in ASDA stores with a 200g pack retailing at £1.98.
To a nerve cell, caffeine looks like adenosine, a substance made in the brain which slows down nerve cell activity and makes blood vessels dilate, to cause drowsiness. Caffeine therefore binds to adenosine receptors on the nerve cells, blocking the adenosine from being able to bind to the cells themselves. This means that the adenosine cannot exert its action to slow down brain cell activity, or make blood vessels dilate, and as a result, cell activity actually speeds up. The pituitary gland sees this added activity and assumes that there is a good reason for it, so it releases hormones that tell the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, the 'fight or flight' hormone, in order to respond to the apparent emergency. Adrenaline exerts a host of physiological effects to help you to face, or run away from danger, including making your heart beat faster, increasing blood flow to the muscles and making the liver release stores of sugar back into the bloodstream for extra energy. These stimulant effects are why caffeine is known as a pick me up, and why so many people can't do without their dose of tea or coffee to get them started in the morning. But it is this last effect; the increase in blood sugar levels, that is of real interest to us in relation to dieting. Anyone
who has read Patrick Holford's book, the The Holford Low
GL Diet ,or who is familiar with low GL (Glycemic
Load) or GI (Glycemic Index) eating to
control weight and energy levels will recognise that increases in
blood sugar are exactly what you should try to avoid when trying
to lose weight. An increase in blood sugar, whether it is caused
by a sugary snack or simply a cup of coffee, causes your body to
release insulin. This hormone shifts excess sugar in the blood into
cells, where it is either used as energy or, more likely, stored
as fat. So by triggering the insulin response, you send your body
into fat STORAGE mode. A low GL diet works specifically to keep
your body in fat BURNING mode by making sugar blood sugar levels
stay balanced. If you do not use up the extra energy provided via
adrenaline to 'fight or flight' (for example if you are simply having
a coffee with a friend), it gets stored as fat. If you are trying to balance blood sugar to lose weight (or avoid gaining extra) and increase energy levels, you should avoid caffeine. Sources include tea, coffee, chocolate and energy drinks. For more information on how to follow a low GL diet to balance blood sugar, read Patrick Holford's best-selling books The Holford Low GL Diet and the Holford Low GL Diet Cookbook, available from www.patrickholford.com.
If you are receiving this newsletter as text only, you can now view the full online version by clicking here. You can also access our entire archive of newsletters by clicking here. * Disclaimer: The advice in this newsletter should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice or treatment, especially if you know you have a specific health complaint. Our advice is that you find a GP who is sympathetic to the usefulness of natural medicine. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Psoriasis
is a skin condition which is still largely misunderstood, and sufferers
of psoriasis are often blatantly discriminated against. During Psoriasis
Awareness week (6-10 Nov) the Psoriasis Association worked
nationally to provide updated information and promote self-help
and support for those with the condition. Psoriasis is a recurrent
skin condition that affects around 2% of the UK population. In simple
terms, it is an acceleration of the usual replacement processes
of the skin. It appears as raised red patches of skin covered with
silvery scales. It can occur on any part of the body although elbows,
knees and the scalp are usual sites - there is often accompanying
irritation. For more information visit the 
itchy eyes and palate to skin rash. It aggravates the sense of smell,
sight, tastes and touch causing irritation, extreme disability and
sometimes fatality. It occurs when the body's immune system overreacts
to normally harmless substances. Allergy is widespread and affects
approximately one in four of the population in the UK
at some time in their lives. Each year the numbers are increasing
by 5% with as many as half of all those affected being children.
For more information visit the 
November
the 14th was World Diabetes Day. More than 200
million people worldwide have diabetes, and many of them do not
receive the care that they need. 
Here
are some great ways to start taking responsibility:
the
Edinburgh Scale, designed to assess levels of PND, but in a survey
for Real Story, 44% admitted to lying about their feelings on the
form. PND remains a taboo subject amongst mums who feel that admitting
their feelings may be viewed as a sign of failure or weakness. While
some feared being labelled a bad mother, others were frightened
that social services might get involved and their children be taken
away. 
Ingredients:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa),
Amla (Embilica officinalis), Guduchi (Tinosporia cordifolia), Pippali
(Piper longum), Safed Musali (Chorophytum borivillianum).
This handy guide provides everything you need to make your Christmas
greener. It's packed with advice, listings and ideas, all of which
have a planet-friendly, natural or ethical slant. For greener gift
giving, choose from organic, eco-friendly or ethical food, hampers,
clothes, shoes, accessories, chocolates, wine, cosmetics, gadgets,
jewellery, toys, furniture, vouchers, cards, trees, trimmings, decorations,
books, magazines and much more.
Bianca
Jagger swears by Essential Care products. Try their
Rose Skin Tonic (£11.95), a fragrant blend
of precious organic damask petal water and its essential oil to
rehydrate, soothe and tone. 
Daryl
Hannah likes to use products by Green People. With
a huge range including products for children and
men plus toothpastes and natural
deodorants too, try the Stimulating Sugar Scrub
(£14.99) with Avocado, Jojoba, and Lemongrass for smooth and
glowing skin.
eyes.
With Rose hip to nourish and fight wrinkles, Kigelia to firm and
lift and Bilberry to refresh and combat dark circles, this gel leaves
skin soft, refreshed and visibly firm. Use everyday - especially
during long haul flights and after a late night. 
British
men have yet to embrace the idea of personal grooming in the same
way as their female counterparts, so Nicara's for men range is bound
to press a few buttons, with its no-nonsense, results-driven formula.
Everything in the range is produced to do the job effectively, and
do the job quickly with the minimum of fuss and bother, leaving
men more time to do the things they really enjoy. So now a perfect
complexion need not be at the expense of missing a big game as you
were too busy applying your three-step pore-minimising mask, with
added vitamins and minerals! 
numerous
natural thermal springs that flow into it from the steep escarpments
surrounding its shores. These springs release abundant quantities
of hot mineral waters uniquely rich in a variety of health-giving
minerals such as sulphur, bromine, iodine, magnesium, potassium,
calcium, sodium and many others.
Eat
them as they are, or add them to your favourite christmas recipes.
Goji berries are found in the pristine "Heavenly Mountains"
of China and have been famous and revered as an Anti-Aging Elixir
for thousands of years. These "immortality berries" have
a unique group of polysaccharides found nowhere else that are a
super source of essential cell nutrients.
associated
with most methods of hair removal - try this fantastic product.
Moom has reinvented the concept of hair removal by considering the
health and beauty of the skin first. Only purest and most beneficial
natural ingredients are used. Hair is removed by the root, but Moom
is not painful like waxing as it has been formulated to only stick
to the hair and not the skin. No need for expensive pre or post
wax products as the skin is left smooth and moisturized. Moom has
recently launched the revolutionary male hair remover M4Men. The
Rose and Lavender formulas are also new for those with dry and extra
sensitive skin.
Help
maintain winter wellness and take Comvita Propolis Tablets
(£12.95 for 100 tablets) or easy to swallow capsules (£15.95
for 100 capsules) to help boost the immune system. It's a great
way to take propolis which contains health-giving flavonoids, delivering
antiviral and antibacterial benefits to the body. Both products
are a 'must-have' for everyone looking for a natural highly effective
remedy for colds, coughs, sore throats, flu, bronchitis and even
laryngitis, this winter. 
bay. The last thing you want is whiffy feet to get in the way of
a good night out. The two-step proactive formula in PediTech kills
the bacteria that causes foot odour and helps protect against the
odour from returning. You should keep up basic foot hygiene throughout
every season, and feet should be washed with non-scented soap everyday.
To avoid infections dry your feet thoroughly with a towel, especially
between the toes. All that is left to do it paint your toenails,
step into your heels and you're ready to party! Just one more thing
- go easy on the mulled wine - you do have four inch heels on.
In this new supplement, Pomegranate is combined with apple peel
and spirulina to provide a potent source of complex nutrients for
vitality and well-being and to support the cardiovascular system.
Pomegranates are a natural source of potassium, vitamin C and polyphenols
with a protective antioxidant effect. Apple peel is a rich source
of vitamins, minerals and bioflavonoids which neutralise the harmful
effects of free radicals. Spirulina is a microalgae wholefood, full
of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It helps to remove harmful
substances such as heavy metals from the body. Pomegranate-Spirulina
Complex is a great supplement for anyone whose vitality needs a
boost, particularly if the diet is unbalanced and stress is a problem.
60 vegetable capsules cost £10.99.
It's
not just the passing of the years that causes the signs of ageing.
Free radicals which are responsible for the ageing process are also
created by environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette
smoke and herbicides. New Anti-Ageing Complex is a capsule containing
8 superfoods that helps protect against free radicals. Each capsule
is rich in powerful antioxidants such as carotenoids and polyphenols,
including oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Anti-Ageing Complex
contains elderberries, grape seeds, beetroot, carrot, ginger, rosemary,
green tea and turmeric. These contribute in different ways to protect
against oxidative stress and help the body function efficiently.
Anti-Ageing Complex is recommended for anyone concerned with the
signs of ageing, particularly if they drink, smoke or have an unhealthy
environment. 60 capsules cost £15.99. 
are excellent for toning the legs and buttocks, the sits-ups tone
the abdominals and the press- ups tone the arms, back, shoulder
and chest.
Heartfelt+
contains Reducol, a well established and clinically proven ingredient
for lowering cholesterol safely and naturally. Reducol is a unique
ingredient containing plant sterols and stanols, which was developed
by the Canadian company, Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. Reducol is incorporated
into foods such as milk, spreads and yoghurts, to offer cholesterol
lowering benefits to consumers who want to continue to enjoy those
products. It is supported by numerous reviewed clinical studies
(see 
Many
dieters make the common mistake of replacing food with tea and coffee
to quash hunger pangs and provide an energy boost. But this is a
false economy, as the effect of caffeine on your blood sugar levels
is similar to that of sugar. 
