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Xylitol – Total Sweet and Xylobrit

Maria in our Putney store loves Total Sweet Xylitol – she says that this is the most tasty, natural sugar replacement she has found so far. She says “The taste is very similar to sugar therefore you can add it in anything:- coffee, teas, smoothies, baking. I’ll definitely never go back to normal sugar. I love this product”

Branka in our Watford store prefers the XyloBrit Xylitol. She says Xylitol is low GL, tastes great in drinks and the good thing is it doesn’t have an aftertaste. It has almost half the calories of sugar and protects the teeth from cavities as Kate Quilton demonstrated in food unwrapped on Channel 4

What is it?

Xylitol, also called ‘wood’ or ‘birch sugar’, has been known about and used as a sugar alternative for many years

The word comes from the Greek word ‘xyl’ meaning wood, as in xylophone, as it was first extracted from birch trees after the Second World War, when sugar was in short supply

Today xylitol is used around the world, by millions of people, as an alternative to sugar and is a naturally occurring sweet tasting substance that looks and tastes just like sugar, but has various healthy benefits. Xylitol is found in a whole host of plants and fruits, such as raspberries, plums and strawberries, and is even made in small amounts by the human body, but not all xylitol is the same

Xylitol is available and from different natural sources. The xylitol used in Total Sweet comes from sustainably sourced European birch and beech wood and is always GMO free and  XyloBrit is made from 100% pure Xylitol with no aftertaste. The Xylitol used in XyloBrit is extracted only from birch trees so will not trigger corn allergies.

 

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Trilogy Smoothing and Nourishing Hair Care

Dipti in our Muswell Hill store Loves Trilogy Smoothing and Nourishing Hair care. She says:

“After trying my fair share of shampoos and conditioners I can satisfyingly say I have found the one. I have curly dry hair and this duo of shampoo and conditioner works amazingly, tames the fizz that is my hair, and leaves it smooth”

Trilogy write: Effective natural hair care products can be hard to find. Our natural shampoos and conditioners are enriched with nourishing rosehip oil for healthy hair and scalp, and Keracyn™, a vitamin- and antioxidant-rich artichoke extract, which strengthens and protects hair fibres. Whether you’re looking a natural shampoo to gently cleanse hair or a smoothing conditioner to restore shine and smooth flyaways, our Trilogy hair care will detox your crowning glory and bring it back to life.

 

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Nourish Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser

Joanna in our Putney store loves Nourish Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser.

She says: “I love minimalism. I don’t like too many things on my shelf or when I’m on the go. I also don’t like wearing heavy makeup, so I always try to make sure that my skin looks fresh, bright and healthy every day. This is why this I choose this great 3 in 1 product with a unique combination of kale and pomegranate. The tiny, gentle bits aren’t harsh on my sensitive skin, but leaves it smooth, clean and protected from pollutants.

You can use this product in 3 ways:
Exfoliate daily –Massage gently over wet skin. Rinse with cool water, pat dry.
Weekly Mask– Smooth over dry skin, leave for 2 minutes then rinse with cool water, pat dry.
Revitalise skin – Apply as a mask. After 5 minutes, spritz with Toning Mist or water to soften, massage gently then rinse with cool water, pat dry.

I highly recommend Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser!”

Nourish say you will get remarkable results after just a few days

This truly multi-tasking treatment is a cleanser, mask and facial – all in one product. Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser features phyto-active pomegranate enzymes to gently exfoliate and reveal a smoother, healthier complexion while organic vitamin-rich kale extract helps to increase suppleness. Healing probiotics oxygenate the skin for a smoother, healthier appearance whilst griffonia extract provides a protective shield against daily environmental aggressors.

Rich in antioxidant beta carotene and vitamins C & K, kale extract helps protect skin from damaging free radicals caused by stress and pollution.

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Pukka Mushroom Gold

Our immune system can be affected any time of the year, but the winter months seem to hit us harder. Mushroom Gold is ideal for those suffering with a depleted immune system, autoimmune conditions, inflammation and fatigue due to immune weakness.

What is it?

Mushroom Gold contains full spectrum Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms to support immunity. Full-spectrum means just that; the fruiting body and mycelium as well as the extra-cellular metabolites are included to deliver the maximum amount of concentrated β-glucan polysaccharides which are the key ingredient in supporting the immune system whether over or under active. 300mg of β-glucans is the accepted clinically effective dose and this is what Mushroom Gold delivers.

About the Mushrooms:

Maitake’s β-glucans is a potent viral inhibitor which stimulates the immune system and reduces opportunistic infections.  Maitake is also being researched for its anti-tumour effects.

Reishi is an effective adaptogen through helping to moderate the body’s stress response and also being used to help treat conditions such as chronic fatigue. Increased stress levels cause a decrease in our body’s immune response, so this adaptogenic effect in Reishi could help prenvet our immune system taking a dive when we need it most. Reishi is known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’ because of its incredible contribution to long-term health. It was originally classified as a ‘superior tonic’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine considered to prolong life, prevent ageing and boost the life-force qi.

Shiitake is highly nutritious containing all the essential amino acids, Vitamins B1 and B2, niacin, ergosterol (pro-Vitamin D) and iron. The β-glucans found in this mushroom include an immune-regulating polysaccharide called lentinan that increases the immune T-cells. Shitake also has anti-bacterial properties that have been seen to be particularly effective in the treatment of infections and conditions such as ‘strep’ throat

Any side effects?

Pukka Mushroom Gold is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Free from dairy, wheat grain, gluten, and soya as well as unnaturally occurring sugars and made without genetically modified organisms. Just to be safe, Pukka recommend you seek professional advice before using in pregnancy. There are no known contraindications, but as Mushroom Gold has such a profound effect on the immune system, its best avoided with immunosuppressive medication. Maitake and Reishi mushrooms do impact upon blood sugar levels so diabetics should take Mushroom Gold with food.

Feeling under the weather?

For added immune support take with Pukka Elderberry Syrup or a nice cup of Pukka Lemon, Ginger and Manuka honey tea. Alternatively visit us in store for a chat with a member of our Panacea team to find out more about what else you can do to support your immune system.

 

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Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm

Oana, our Watford store Manager, loves Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm. She says: Rescue your skin from everyday skin troubles with this extraordinary all-purpose balm. A premium antibacterial, antifungal, anti-microbial skin salve.

You can dramatically reduce dryness and address skin troubles with this all-purpose skin remedy for the whole family. Nature’s richest oils blend with the power-packed antibacterial properties of Australian tea tree and New Zealand totara, while antioxidant-rich Vinanza Grape from grape seeds optimises your skin’s appearance.

Antipodes recommend this product for many uses including to:

  • tend to grazes
  • rescue dry, cracked skin
  • save chapped lips
  • care for skin troubles
  • protect after shaving
  • care for baby naturally
  • erase blemishes
  • relieve sore muscles
  • hydrate skin in-flight
  • ease sunburn
  • treat feet

The Skin Saviour balm has also been scientifically shown to stimulate synthesis of Type II collagen in human skin cells by more than 95%!

And if that’s not enough to convince you of how wonderful this product is, Antipodes have a beauty hack: Saviour Skin Balm can be used as a hair wax to tame stray tendrils. Simply work the balm between your fingers then smooth through your hair.

Find out more about how the Antipodes roots in our interview with their founder. 

 

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Nature’s Plus KalmAssure Magnesium

Yogini in our Edgware store recommends Nature’s Plus KalmAssure Magnesium.

Each serving of KalmAssure Magnesium Powder delivers 400 mg of highly bioavailable Magnesium Citrate. Magnesium is the most effective mineral at opening ion channels in nerves and muscles, Nature’s Plus say you can literally rest assured that you are giving yourself the right nutrition for healthy relaxation. Magnesium is used for over 300 processes in the body including inflamation, stress and energy.

Yogini says “I have used this product for energy and inflammation in my knee which is painful after I had a fall earlier this year. I found this product very helpful plus it is very good for the teeth, bones, and physical and mental stress.”

Nature’s Plus KalmAssure is Gluten Free and Vegan and available in an orange flavoured powder or capsules.

 

 

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Terranova Dandelion, Artichoke and Cysteine Complex

Your liver and the festive season

One of the largest and most important organs of the body. It acts like a giant filter to remove waste and toxins from the blood. The liver also produces bile for fat digestion and toxin neutralisation, metabolises alcohol, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, supports the immune system and stores vitamins. It is therefore important to keep the liver functioning and healthy especially during this time of year where alcohol consumption is higher and foods are richer and eaten in large quantities. Terranova Nutrition has developed a formula which can supports you during this time.

Terranova Nutrition is a multi-award winning supplement company with a range of more than 60 different nutritional and botanical products. Formulated and manufactured in Britain, Terranova is one of only a few large-scale supplement companies in the industry that does not use fillers, binders and other manufacturing additives in its products, and one of even fewer such companies that is 100% suitable for vegans. The Dandelion, Artichoke and Cysteine complex is no exception

This complex contains some of the following essential ingredients:

Dandelion Root:

This common weed has many health benefits, including aiding digestion and improving liver function. In this formula, dandelion would be most beneficial for increasing bile flow for fat metabolism making it perfect for the festive season when meals are often high in fats.

Artichoke Leaf:

Artichoke has long been used for its digestive benefits however research has found that it’s benefits extend to more than just digestive discomfort. It helps the liver with fat breakdown, repair of liver cells, and beneficial in cholesterol metabolism in the body

L-Cysteine:

One of the biggest benefits of this amino acid is that it is used in the detoxification process. Toxins and impurities are removed so that better health is achieved. It is also used in fat breakdown and repair of cells in the liver and body.

Turmeric Root:

The curcuminoids in turmeric root have been heavily researched for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants help with the breakdown of free radicals that are especially damaging to the body. There is also evidence that turmeric may enhance the activity of enzymes that are crucial to liver health and production of bile.

Schisandra Berry:

Long used in Traditional Chinese medicine for its health benefits, modern Chinese research has found that this not only helps with liver function , but that it also helps with protection of the liver cells from free radical damage.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA):

A powerful antioxidant that is uniquely both water and fat soluble which can therefore be used in all parts of the body and it is known to enhance the effects of other antioxidants in the body. ALA is also a key component for cellular energy in the body and has also been used for blood sugar regulation and immune system support

Aside from these ingredients, The Terranova Dandelion, Artichoke & Cysteine Complex contains:

Sea Buckthorn Berry/Leaf, Green Tea Leaf, Kale, Green Barley Grass, Stabilised Rice Bran, Vitamin C, Taurine, Larch Tree, Selenium

Terranova contains no fillers, binder or excipients and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans

Contains barley grass – consult physician if coeliac.

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Trilogy Body Wash

Sandhya, our Muswell Hill store Manager loves the Trilogy Botanical Body Wash. She says if you want smooth and aromatic skin this is it. Not only does it leave your skin feeling loved but it leaves a lingering lush scent. Little definitely goes a long way with this body wash. Literally one or two pumps this liquid goodness is all your skin needs.

Trilogy say about their product that it is a gentle gel body wash to deliver exceptionally fresh, clean skin. Enjoy the crisp, relaxing, aroma-therapeutic fragrance while non-drying cleansers gently refresh the skin to leave you ready for action. This product is also the winner of the Natural Health International Beauty Awards 2016

 

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Weleda Mens Shower Gel

Our store supervisor in Kingston recommends Weleda Men Active Shower Gel. Mourad says it gently cleanses, tones and refreshes the body. It is also energising. It awakens your senses and offers a pleasant moment of freshness and well-being. Dermatologically tested and free from preservatives, colourings, synthesis fragrances, and mineral oil as well as suitable for vegans.

Weleda Men Active Shower Gel invigorates and refreshes the skin with mild surfactants derived from coconut that gently cleanse skin. With organic ingredients and the energising scent of rosemary, this shower gel is easy to rinse off and leaves skin clean, refreshed and soft.

Just apply a small amount to the body using hands or loofah and gently massage. A Fabulous Product.

 

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Magnesium for Migraine

The Causes of Migraine

A few facts:

  • Women are three times more likely to have migraines than men.
  • Migraines may be hereditary
  • Some women may have fewer migraines when they are pregnant

The pain can last from four hours to three days, and if untreated, can be severe enough to hamper daily activities. Based on symptoms, they are classified into two types:

  • Common migraine: If you have a migraine with aura, you may see things such as stars or zigzag lines or have a temporary blind spot about 30 minutes before the headache starts. Even if you don’t experience an aura, you may have other warning signs in the period before the headaches starts, such as a craving for sweets, thirst, sleepiness, or depression.
  • Classic migraine is migraine without aura.

Migraines tend to first appear between the ages of 10 and 45. The exact cause is still not well understood, but the problem is considered to be related to the circulatory and nervous system and more common among people who have epilepsy, depression, asthma, anxiety, stroke, and some other neurologic and hereditary disorders.

A migraine can be triggered by a number of factors including alcohol, stress and anxiety, certain odours or perfumes, loud noises or bright lights, and smoking can trigger a migraine. These attacks may also be triggered by changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle or due to the use of birth control pills. Certain foods also act as migraine triggers, as do changes in sleep patterns, missed meals, and exercise or other physical stress.

Magnesium-migraine Connection

Researchers believe that there is a magnesium-migraine connection because of magnesium’s role in stabilising the blood vessel walls. Magnesium plays a vital role in multiple physiologic processes and deficiency of magnesium can be seen in many chronic medical illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, preeclampsia, eclampsia, sickle cell disease, and chronic alcoholism. Regular sleeping patterns are also very important to migraine sufferers and magnesium is an important mineral when it comes to helping you get sleep.

It was first suggested over 70 years ago that a deficiency in magnesium could cause headaches. A lot of the things that cause the body to run short of magnesium also either trigger migraines or lower your resistance to disease. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include premenstrual syndrome, leg muscle cramps, coldness of extremities, weakness, anorexia, nausea, digestive disorders, lack of coordination, and confusion. Magnesium also helps in protein synthesis and helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function.

In 1989, a study showed that sufferers have low brain magnesium during migraine attacks. Published in ‘Headache, The Journal of Head and Face Pain, October 1989, the study established that low brain magnesium is an important factor in the mechanism of the migraine attack.

Other studies have shown that a deficiency of magnesium may play a particularly important role in menstrual migraine.

Magnesium Supplementation

A German study in the Munich-Harlaching Clinic evaluated the effect oral magnesium supplementation has on patients. 81 patients aged 18–65 years with migraine, with an attack frequency of 3.6 per month, were examined.

After 4 weeks they received 600 mg of oral magnesium daily for 12 weeks or placebo. By weeks 9–12, the attack frequency was reduced by 41.6% in the magnesium group and by 15.8% in the placebo group. The number of days with migraine and the drug consumption per patient also decreased significantly in the magnesium group. Duration and intensity of the attacks also tended to decrease compared to placebo.

Another study done in Italy found that magnesium supplementation is helpful in managing menstrual migraine.

Getting more Magnesium

If you suffer from regular migraines, chances are you might be having low serum magnesium. Include plenty of magnesium-rich foods like wheat germ, beans, soy products, whole grains, seafood and dark green leafy vegetables to your diet.

You should also add some good oral magnesium supplements like Mag365. Another way to get magnesium is through topical solutions like Magnesium Rub. Transdermal magnesium therapy is ideal for those suffering from a severe lack of magnesium.

Mag365 not only has a high bioavailability, it is also gentle on your stomach. For best results, take on an empty stomach ideally a half hour before bed. Take magnesium for at least 60-90 days to see a more meaningful difference

For full article and references visit MAG365

 

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