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Varicose Veins – A.Vogel

Varicose veins are enlarged or swollen veins, visible through the skin as blue or purple swellings. Although they may be found anywhere in the body, varicose veins are most common in the calves and thighs. They may also have a bulging, lumpy or twisted appearance. The thickened or swollen parts of veins are known by doctors as varicosities. The word ‘varicose’ comes from Latin and means ‘dilated’ or ‘larger’.

This happens when veins lose their elasticity, become stretched or swollen. This leads to leakage of valves found inside veins, responsible for regulating the normal flow of blood towards the heart.

Who develops varicose veins?

Some people are more prone to the condition than others. Those who spend much of their day sitting, and in particular standing, are more likely to develop the condition. In addition, varicose veins can run in families, especially in the female line.

It is said that over 3 in 10 adults will develop varicosities at some point in their lives. Other estimates are even higher, suggesting that 40% of men and 32% of women aged 18 to 64 years suffer from varicose veins.

The most common cause of varicose veins in young women is pregnancy. It is thought that about 40% of pregnant women experience this, although these usually disappear after birth of the child.

What are the symptoms?

A feeling of aching, heaviness or tiredness may develop in the calves or thighs. Other symptoms of varicose veins include swollen ankles, burning sensation in the legs, muscle cramp or itching of the skin.

The symptoms of varicose veins vary from person to person. Usually the first signs are that affected veins becoming more noticeable through the skin. With time, they appear swollen, and may become itchy or slightly tender to touch.

Although the symptoms of varicose veins are unsightly and irritating, the condition tends not to be serious. However, serious complications can develop and these include varicose eczema, skin ulcers, thrombosis (abnormal clotting) and bleeding. If this is the case, you should seek medical attention.

Varicose veins in other parts of the body

Although varicose veins are most commonly found in the legs, they may appear elsewhere in the body.

  • Haemorrhoids (or piles) are varicose veins in the anus and rectum – the lowest part of the digestive tract where faeces leave. Although not often serious, they can be very painful. You may notice streaks of blood as you try to pass stool
  • Pregnant women may notice varicose veins in their legs but sometimes, varicose veins in the vulva or vagina, as the baby puts pressure on the pelvic region, restricting blood flow
  • They may also be found in the oesophagus(or gullet), the tube which connects your mouth to your stomach. This is known as liver cirrhosis and is usually caused by scarring in the liver resulting from hepatitis infection or excessive alcohol consumption
  • Up to 1 in 7 men develop varicose veins in the scrotum or testicles. They are not usually problematic and you may not notice any symptoms.

Prevention or treatment?

There are many measures you can take to help prevent varicose veins from developing or worsening. Most of these involve improving your circulation with regular exercise and eating healthily.

Treatment of varicose veins include conventional methods such as pressure stockings, lasers or, in severe cases, surgery. Additionally, many people find relief from using herbal remedies, in particular Horse Chestnut seed extracts, available in tablet form, or as a gel.

Should I go to the doctor?

A symptom of varicose veins you may experience is itchiness around the swollen vein. This occurs because blood leaks from the swollen vein, irritating surrounding tissues. If your varicose veins itch, you are more likely to develop complications. Many of these can, and should be treated, so it is worth making an appointment with your doctor.

The diagnosis is often clear as they are usually visible under the skin. However, there may be certain circumstances where you experience some of the symptoms of varicose veins, but are not sure if you have the problem. As with any unexplained symptoms, you should seek the advice of your doctor.

In addition, speak to your doctor if:

  • You have severe pain, discomfort or swelling in your legs
  • The skin over the vein becomes painful or irritated
  • You develop an ulcer (break in the skin)
  • Your varicose vein bleeds.

Supplements

Horse Chestnut

A.Vogel insist that only freshly picked horse chestnut seeds are used to make Venaforce®. This ensures that the extract obtained contains the active ingredients that help with the symptoms of varicose veins.

Venaforce® and Venagel® Remedies

Horse chestnut is probably the most popular herb used for treatment. It is the seeds of the horse chestnut tree which are used medicinally – and these are the same seeds gathered each autumn for the game of conkers.  Venaforce is a traditional herbal medicinal product for the relief of symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins, such as tired, heavy legs, pain, cramps and swelling, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy

Venagel contains the extract of fresh Horse chestnut extracts and when used in gels is soothing, providing cooling relief to legs that feel weary, heavy and uncomfortable – fantastic after a night out or a day’s shopping. It is also useful for long journeys (especially by plane), during hot weather and can be used during pregnancy.

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Your Skin and Collagen

The skin

Skin– your body’s largest organ!

Of all the body’s organs, none is more exposed to the elements than your skin, whose primary role it is to offer protection from the harsh outer environment. Its structure is quite complex, containing four main types of cell, all of which have their own important role to play in keeping the skin healthy – but where to start? Whilst topical products have a crucial role to play, the skin also needs to be nourished from within.

But first, some basic skin care tips…Start from the inside
  • Hydration is key. You need to be drinking around 6-8 glasses of water or beneficial herbal teas daily.
  • Include some skin ‘superfoods’ in your diet – dark berries, oily fish, leafy green vegetables, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, sweet potatoes, avocados, acerola cherries and green tea. They all contain nutrients that are of particular importance to long term skin health
  • Try to sleep for 7-8 hours each night. Lack of sleep quickly catches up with your face leading to lines and bags under the eyes
  • Excess alcohol contributes to ageing skin by dilating small blood vessels and increasing blood flow near the skin’s surface, so save the juice for special occasions!
  • Green Veg TipGreen smoothies! Whizz up some fresh spinach, half an avocado, some frozen berries and a banana with some filtered water – a cleansing and energising way to start the day
  • Boost your circulation by doing some exercise. Exercise also helps your mood and energy levels so do whatever works for you!
  • Don’t forget to remove make-up at night with gentle alcohol-free remover.
CollagenColl-loss

Collagen is the major protein that supports firm, youthful skin. It is found in the thickest layer of the skin called the dermis. It is the collagen in the dermis that determines the strength of the structural base for the skin and provides both support and elasticity. Unfortunately, the skin’s ability to replace damaged collagen reduces significantly with age. This can lead to easy bruising, reduced healing ability and the development of wrinkles. Taking a collagen supplement and using it topically can help its production, improving the structure and appearance of the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally in the body and has some very important functions. For example, it lubricates joints and muscles, moisturises eyes and is vital for maintaining moisture in the skin. Unfortunately, the body’s natural supply decreases with age, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dryness in the skin. HA is emerging as one of the most exciting ingredients in beauty products that can actually help ‘lift’ the face. Together collagen and hyaluronic acid, used both orally and topically, help to support the general function and appearance of the skin by aiding skin flexibility, smoothness, elasticity and water absorption.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man; a bold statement for a nutrient that is even more powerful than vitamin E – but what is it?

The richest source of astaxanthin is from Haematococcus pluvalis, a green micro-alga and part of the carotenoid family. When heated, it turns bright red and it is the pigment that gives fish and crustaceans their distinctive pink colour. It is an antioxidant that works throughout the whole body and is particularly protective of the skin against sun damage, which causes premature ageing. One study showed that significantly more ultraviolet energy was required to produce skin reddening, the first stage of sunburn, in people taking astaxanthin daily. Positive effects on skin hydration, elasticity and reduction of wrinkles have also been demonstrated by supplementing a combination of astaxanthin and natural tocotrienols.

MSM

MSM, an asulphur-tipbbreviation for methylsulfonylmethane, is often added to skin creams and lotions and is also used as a food supplement. Thanks to its role in the production of collagen and keratin, it may help maintain youthful-looking skin. As the name suggests, it is an organic form of the mineral ‘sulphur’, known historically as ‘the beauty mineral’. This is because it is an integral component of keratin, the substance that makes up the outer layer of our skin. MSM is important for healthy skin, nails and luxuriant hair.

 

To find out more, visit one of our Panacea Stores, or if you’re already a fan of collagen, try out out Collagen Cake Bites recipe.

 

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Menopause tips from A.Vogel

The menopause gets rather a rough press in our society as we don’t usually value age and experience the way they do in less Westernised cultures.

There are many things you can do for your health to ensure that the menopause is embraced rather than dreaded. Why not try a few of the health tips below to help you through the menopause and into the next phase of your life.

Food and drink

There are some dietary changes you can make to help you through the menopause:

  • Drink at least 1.5 litres of still plain water daily
  • Cut out coffee and take a maximum of 2 cups of tea daily (why not try Bambu – a coffee alternative)
  • Make sure your bowels move regularly
  • Eat regularly as skipping meals will not help with trying to maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduce refined carbohydrates – white sugar, white bread, white pasta, white rice and things covered in heaps of syrup
  • Eat more phyto-oestrogenic foods such as broccoli, oats & soya
  • Eat more non-dairy, calcium containing foods such as brown rice, salmon and pumpkin seeds
Exercise
  • Walk for 20 minutes every other night – 10 minutes outbound and 10 minutes home. This helps trigger the production of happy chemicals called endorphins in your body
  • Get a mini trampoline (rebounder). You can use it in front of the television so that you don’t get bored
  • Get some mini weights and use them gently whilst watching the ‘soaps’
Sleep
  • Being able to sleep well is easier if your digestion is working properly, so observe the suggestions for eating and drinking above. If you habitually wake at about 3am, you may find that improving your digestion has a very good knock-on effect on your sleep pattern
  • Spend some time relaxing before you go to bed so that your mind stops buzzing
  • Write down things that are on your mind and a list of things you need to do the next day before you go to bed so that you do not have everything revolving round in your mind as you try to go to sleep
  • Avoid all caffeine, not just in the evening but during the day as well. Try to stay away from situations that will cause anxiety. Use calming herb teas such as lemon balm and chamomile to help relax your mind, or use a herbal remedy containing valerian, such as A. Vogel Dormeasan®Valerian-Hops drops to help you re-establish a good sleeping pattern.
 Stress
  • Take time out for yourself
  • Eat regularly, as skipping meals or eating on the run creates more stress
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Practice breathing techniques, or take up yoga or another gentle, meditative exercise that promotes deep relaxation
  • If you need further help, you might like to consider using a herbal remedy such as A.Vogel Stress Relief Daytime
Low Mood/Tearfulness
  • Exercise is very good for both body and mind as it releases natural chemicals in the body that make us feel happy.
  • Write it down – it is best not to bottle your feelings up. Talk to those around you but if you find this difficult, even writing your problems down in a journal can help release your feelings. Better out than in as they say.
  • While drinking in moderation is acceptable, it is best to try and avoid alcohol. Water is the best drink to hydrate the brain!
  • Change things in your surroundings. The brain can easily form repetitive patterns making it hard to change your emotions, so try doing something new when you feel low and you might surprise yourself and others. They do call it the change after all.

If you are looking for a herbal remedy for low mood, you might wish to consider A. Vogel Hyperiforce® St. John’s Wort tablets. This can however not be take if on any other medication.

Soy isoflavones for before, during & after the menopause

A.Vogel Menosan® Menopause Support can provide support to the body through all stages of the Menopause but is especially useful when broad range of symptoms such as hot flushes, irritability, tiredness, pains and aches, vaginal dryness etc kick in.

Made from fermented soya beans
Support for all stages of the menopause
Also contains magnesium and hibiscus

Eileen does Menopause Monday’s for A. Vogel, with a weekly blog and video. Click HERE to find out more her blog.

In this A.Vogel video, Eileen explains why good liver function is so important during the menopause and she recommends what you can do to support your liver.

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10 minutes with Antipodes

An Interview with Elizabeth Barbalich, CEO and Founder of Antipodes Skin Care

I first met Elizabeth 6 years ago when she visited London from New Zealand, after the products were introduced into UK stores. I was fortunate enough to have her explain the wonderful product range to me and once I tried the Antipodes Joyous Serum, I was hooked. Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Serum

Antipodes is a certified organic skincare brand, that bottles the best ingredients directly from New Zealand nature. The natural range includes ultra-hydrating skincare products made from avocado oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, macadamia nut oil and exotic New Zealand plant extracts including their star ingredient, Vinanza Grape®, a potent antioxidant extracted from the seeds of Marlborough Sauvignon blanc grapes that in an independent study in New Zealand, had scientifically shown to have the world’s highest level of antioxidants. We all know how great antioxidants are for us!

I recently caught up with Elizabeth, at the Natural and Organic Products Show just before she was given the Natural Beauty Award for best Body Cream for the Antipodes Joyful Hand and Body Cream.

Danielle: Antipodes is 10 this year! What inspired you to start your own skin care brand?

antipodes-elizabeth-barbalich

Elizabeth: I saw a gap in the market for a lifestyle brand that was natural, sustainable, organic and also had scientific validation. In New Zealand there were a lot of skin care brands that were cheaper looking but there was nothing that ticked all the boxes in terms of a really cool lifestyle brand. I was really inspired by Aesop which is a very strong Australian brand, so I wanted to create something that was a strong look and a distinctive style. It’s not for everyone, it’s not everyday beauty, it’s a real niche brand.

I heard that you started in your kitchen?

I started with ideas because I’ve got a background in Chemistry and Biology so I started with concepts of how formulas would work but we never manufactured from home.

You have received many well deserved awards for your products (See them on Pinterest) What has been the most rewarding part of creating and developing Antipodes?

I think the most rewarding part is when you have someone come up to you and says the products are life changing and I absolutely love the brand. When it’s not a celebrity, but someone who’s put their hard earned money to buy the product, and for me that’s the most rewarding because that’s the person who I developed the products for. We get lots of people saying how much they love it and for me that’s the best thing because that was my vision. It’s nice to get the awards too but you find people can get emotionally attached to the products describe in detail the fragrance and how they use it. It’s great, that’s the most rewarding.

At Panacea, we love that Antipodes ingredients are organic, ethically sourced and use recyclable packaging. Why is “Green Beauty” so important to you?

Well in nature you have the answers to everything. All Pharmaceuticals and drugs are inspired by nature. I think the reason green beauty is important because you don’t need to use chemicals on your body. I’m not pro synthetic ingredients. I think if you want to be in the best possible health you need to eat natural raw foods and if you go back to cave men or paleo times they ate raw foods, and it’s the same in skincare, getting as close to the earth as possible.

So we have to look after the earth for it to look after us?

Absolutely. At Antipodes we source all of our ingredients through sustainable sources, we know where they come from, we work closely with suppliers, we’ve got great relationships, we understand what they’re doing and that’s part of the journey. So as a brand we’ve created a sort of eco community in terms of all our suppliers. Our key suppliers come from New Zealand. It’s cool. We’re growing, they’re growing, everyone is benefitting.

You mentioned raw foods – Besides skin care what other tips do you have for beautiful skin?

Raw juice is a big one, lots of sleep if you can get it. No alcohol. But Raw juice yes –  beetroot, ginger, carrot, parsnip, parsley all that kind of thing. My daughters are really big on juicing too. As little animal fats as possible, raw ingredients and be happy with what you’ve got.

We know you are against animal testing, but so much so you refused to sell in China because of their animal testing requirement. Antipodes also recently donated an amazing NZ$60,000 to WWF-New Zealand. How did you get involved with the WWF?

We were looking for an organisation who were aligned with our ethos. We’re very pro animals and the environment that they live in. We looked at lots of different organisations but we thought the WWF were the best in terms of alignment. They are the world’s best and largest independent conservation organisation, very altruistically focused, and they’ve been around for 50/60 years so quite reputable. I was quite lucky to have met the CEO of the WWF in Wellington where I live, so that gave me the opportunity to start talking to them, which is amazing because they are a giant organisation. We had to work really hard to get a licencing agreement with them though because they’ve got a brand to protect. They are very particular who they work with. They’ve never worked with a beauty brand before and they wanted to make sure everything we did was aligned with what they do. So it’s fantastic. We’ve donated a significant amount of money, well for us its significant, but for them it’s probably small, but in New Zealand it’s helping with native birds and the Maui dolphin, which is a rare species, so it contributes towards something that is meaningful.

Going back to animal testing in China, we don’t sell in stores in China because you have to test on animals to go in stores but we do sell online on an across border ecommerce company who don’t have to test on animals to sell there. A lot of brands have “sold out”, like Jurlique and L’Occitane* are in China. We’re waiting for those laws to change and there’s been talk for a few years. We tick all the boxes, but we’re not prepared to change our brand for that, animals don’t wear cosmetics.

You must have a busy life with your husband and 3 teenagers as well as running a successful company. What advice do you have for mums who are balancing a busy work and home schedule?

You can’t do everything. Get as much help as you can possibly get. You have to sacrifice something, so my focus is work and my home life. My kids and husband. I’ve got good friends but I don’t socialise that much, these women who think they can do it all and go to parties 5 times a week – you just can’t. You’ve got to look after what’s important first

What is your naughty (edible) indulgence?

Well the chocolate over here (there is a large selection of raw chocolate at the show today) That Booja Booja chocolate! Have you tried it? That stuff is amazing! And I really love Lamingtons. I do like cakes. Cakes and biscuits.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what Antipodes product could you not do without?

Hosanna Serum, Ananda Toner, Grapeseed Butter Cleanser, Avocado Night Cream. All of them.

Do you have any predictions for Natural Skincare in 2016/17?

It will become more high tech. A lot of brands will drop off. The market is too saturated and the consumer is too savvy. I think the good brands will get better and a lot of brands will fall by the wayside.

What’s next for Antipodes? Are you launching any new products for your 10th Birthday?
Yes, we are. We have 2 new products launching in July

Joyful

Panacea keeps a wide range of Antipodes skincare products including the Mineral Foundation. Visit our stores to try these luscious products and you too will be hooked on natural beauty

* the companies mentioned don’t personally do the testing, but they do allow their products to be tested on animals to be able to be sold in stores in China.

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Amazing Grass Guide to Greens

For quite some time now, greens have been touted as one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods. Often, they are referred to as superfoods. But how exactly are “greens” defined and how do we know which ones are best? Thankfully, although there are a wide variety of greens, most all of them are packed with important nutrients. In fact, since all greens have different nutritional profiles, it’s recommended that we all eat a diverse mix of greens and not stick to the same thing day in and day out.

Below we outline 5 different types of greens and explain what makes them unique!

Dark Leafy Greens:

Dark leafy greens are often the most popular form of greens and the ones that we’re most familiar with. Spinach, kale, collards and chard all fit into this category. All dark leafy greens are great for cooking and some, like spinach and kale, make fantastic additions for smoothies because they are not too bitter. Although dark leafy greens contain a variety of nutrients, most are high in vitamins A, C & K and may help protect you against heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Sea Greens:

You don’t have to be a fan of seaweed salad to enjoy sea greens. Chlorella and Spirulina are two examples of sea algae that you can easily take in supplement or powder form. . Spirulina is also quite high in Vitamin B12, containing over 150% of your daily recommend value. It’s also high in magnesium, zinc and iron. Sea greens are great for detoxifying and cleansing

Lettuces:

Lettuces are the forgotten super green, many are exceptionally high in nutrients. Red and Green leaf lettuce along with Romaine lettuce are high in vitamin A and folate (also known as vitamin B9). Folate has been shown to encourage normal nerve and brain function.
Some varieties like iceberg lettuce are not as high in nutrients, it’s recommended to search for lettuces darker in colour. Often, the richer the green color, the higher in nutrients it will be.

Microgreens:

Microgreens (also known as sprouts) are a relatively new phenomenon in terms of popularity. Microgreens are the seedlings of common plants like kale, beets, etc. They are most commonly used on top of salads, in sandwiches and as a garnish to give a dish a bit of crunch and texture. While young in age, these seedlings are certainly not lacking in nutrient value. In fact, micorgreens have been shown to have up to four to six times more nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plant! Find out more about germinators and how to grow sprouts here

Grasses:

Call us biased, but we’re pretty obsessed with grasses. The nutrient profile of grasses like barley grass, alfalfa grass are very similar to most nutritious, dark green veggies. So many animal species on our planet survive almost exclusively on grasses and grasses are such a complete food that you don’t need any other vegetable or animal product to complement them or make up for missing nutrients. Grasses are high in calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12, even protein. They have been shown to improve our digestive function, detoxify our blood and cleanse our liver. They are all extremely alkalizing and contain a long list of amino acids.

Amazing Grass makes it easy to enjoy these nutritional powerhouse grasses as a part of your daily routine!

Read original blog and other articles by Amazing Grass

 

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Beauty from Food – By Sunwarrior

The battle for beauty is waged with creams, serums, masks, needles, and even lasers. When those don’t do enough, we turn to make-up to cover and smooth out skin tone, blemishes, and wrinkles. We have forgotten the old adage of “you are what you eat” as we scramble to stay young and beautiful.

Some of what we put on our skin can help—Sunwarrior have several articles out about coconut oil—but our natural beauty is more deeply tied to our diet than many of us realize. Our bodies heal from within. Blood carries nutrition to every tissue, cells die and are replaced, specialized cells are dispatched to combat infections. What happens internally is vital to how we look and feel. Truth is, nothing will completely keep us from growing older, getting wrinkles, and eventually dying, but what we eat does affect how we appear and how quickly we age. Eating more plant-based foods can keep us looking and feeling younger and more beautiful.

Plant-Based Foods – The fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in a plant-based diet overflow with antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that neutralize age hastening free radicals, deeply nourish our cells, and reduce inflammation that leads to chronic illness. Unstable free radicals damage our cells, contributing to wrinkles, blemishes, age spots, and other signs of ageing. Lack of proper nutrition can bring on other symptoms of premature ageing, like hair loss, grey hairs, sagging skin, and more. Berries, beans, artichokes, apples, and sweet potatoes pack a lot of antioxidants in them, just to name a few. Fresh or dried herbs and spices, like cinnamon, also do much more than add flavour. Many are antioxidant and vitamin powerhouses that we should be using more often.

Antioxidants – Easily add more antioxidants to your diet by starting your day with a fruit smoothie full of richly coloured berries, by sprinkling tomatoes and red bell pepper into a salad, or with a baked sweet potato or steamed artichoke added to your dinner. Don’t forget to reach for those herbs and spices when making soups, sautéing vegetables, or seasoning sauces. Ginger, turmeric, black pepper, oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, cinnamon, cardamom, and many more are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

spices_cloves_rosemary_picVitamins and Minerals – Healthy, radiant, glowing skin needs more than antioxidants, it also requires proper nutrition. Plant-based foods are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals that the body needs to look and feel healthy. Vitamin A is vital to the health and appearance of skin and eyes. B vitamins help control inflammation of the skin and improve hydration. Zinc improves immune function which includes working to eliminate acne. Zinc also speeds healing. Vitamin C helps skin and other tissues stay firm and healthy. Magnesium stabilizes DNA to slow ageing. Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant for smoother, blemish-free skin. Sulphur fights off bacteria that can damage skin. Selenium also controls acne. Omega 3s reduce inflammation, improve hydration, and help keep skin elastic.

Healthy Fats – Plant-based foods are also low in saturated fats. Consuming foods high in saturated fats or trans fats can produce more damaging free radicals and can also lead to oily, unhealthy skin. A high nutrient diet that includes healthy fats keeps those waistlines slim and our bodies fit and trim. A beautiful body starts with beautiful food. High fat, processed foods can also raise cholesterol levels, elevate risks of heart disease, and have been linked to infertility.

This doesn’t mean you should start removing all fat from your diets though. Avocados, coconut oil, olives, seeds, and nuts are filled with healthy fats that our bodies and our brains need to function. These fats contribute to supple and well hydrated skin and healthy hearts, brains, and eyes. They’re easily added to salads, smoothies, many meals, or simply eaten as a snack.

Good Sugars – Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are also free of processed and refined sugars. Refined sugars encourage acne and inflammation, contributing to older, more wrinkled skin. Lower sugar intake also keeps teeth and gums healthier and cavity free for a beautiful smile. Fruits still contain sugar, but the fibre and water content slows down absorption so our bodies can handle it. Berries and melons are very good treats that are sweet and delicious without the high calories. They are also very rich in antioxidants and many minerals. Whole grains, like barley, offer more complex carbohydrates that burn slower for sustained release of energy.

fruits_berries_red_picEating better has many other fringe benefits too. The enzymes and fibre in raw plant-based food aid digestion and improve intestinal health. The chlorophyll in green vegetables helps control body odour and bad breath while detoxifying our bodies. Hair and nails grow stronger as the body gets more healthy protein, quality fats, iron, zinc, vitamins A and C, selenium, sulphur, and silica.

To hammer home the point that plant-based foods increase natural exterior beauty, a Scottish study looked into how fruits and vegetables relate to attraction. Researchers studied the changes in colouration as volunteers consumed more fruits and vegetables, taking in the carotenoids that then added more yellow and red tones to their skin. They used that study to apply the colouring of someone eating 2 to 3 more servings of fruits or vegetables to photographs of regular people. The researchers then presented the photos, altered and not, to a group that voted on attractiveness and appearance of health.

The results showed that adding even just a few more servings of fruits and vegetables to your meals each week increases your appearance of health and other’s perception of your attractiveness. Humans seem to be instinctively drawn to people who eat more plant-based food, solidifying the idea that natural beauty comes from what you eat in more ways than we even realized.

Original article written by Sunwarrior

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5 ways to boost your brain power! – By Revive Active

 

The brain is the most incredible machine we have ever encountered, constantly working to store, process and recall information. It is a difficult job and modern day stresses like information overload, money worries, and the ups and downs of life make it harder on our brain function. Not only does it not keep up with the workflow, but it can stop repairing and building entirely. Revive Active‘s Daniel Jones has some tips to keep our brains in shape…

Energy

The brain is constantly working, and to an extremely high degree, resulting in a constant need for fuel. What we feed our brain plays a large role in its daily function. This is particularly important in the morning as our brains are just turning on for the day.  Additionally, just as important as fuel is hydration, because as little as a 2% decrease in hydration can result in an impairment of mental performance.

Rest

A proper night sleep of a continuous eight hours is extremely important for daily mental performance. It is during this phase that the brain recovers and resets after
a long day. Compromising the brains ability to rest and recover can lead to a domino effect of mental restlessness, decreased brain function, impaired mental performance and diminished memory function.

Information

The information which is presented to the brain has a large impact on the function of the brain itself. Studies show that ‘moments of awe’, or moments where we may see a grand scenic landscape like the Cliffs of Moher or hear a grand idea like the size and scale of space, drive our brain to begin to rewire itself to accommodate this new awe inspiring information. Taking the time to seek out these ‘moments of awe’ result in significant benefits to the function of our brain as well as our mind-set and outlook.

Positivity

Having a positive mind-set has been shown to improve the overall function of the brain, while negative outlooks including fear have been shown to impair brain and cognitive function. Having a positive mind-set also promotes the continued production of signals in the brain which help us feel confident and content. Physical activity, whether it be running, swimming or any exercise, is a great first step in promoting the generation of positive brain signals to start each day with a pleasant and happy outlook.

Nutrition

A good start in fuelling the brain is a mixture of short chain carbohydrates (fruits), medium-long chain carbohydrates (oats and grains) and protein. However the resources which the brain receives, similar to the fuel, has a significant impact on its daily function. Nutrients like choline and vitamin D3 help to improve mental focus, clarity and help to reduce brain fog by promoting the healthy production of brain signals and activity. Omega-3 fatty acid DHA and uridine support memory and mental performance by promoting the building of essential connections within the brain. Vitamin B5, B6 & B9 contribute to mental energy and cognitive function by helping to supply energy, oxygen and important nutrients to the brain.

Together these nutrients have an even more pronounced effect through their synergistic actions, than they would individually.

Dr Daniel Jones – R & D director at Revive Active. All of the nutrients needed for super brain function are contained in Revive Active‘s new Mastermind supplement.

mastermind glass

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Beauty from within – by Udo’s Choice

Skin

Beautiful skin comes from within!  Our skin is a reflection of what we feed our body and one of the most neglected parts of our nutrition – Essential Fatty Acids – can impact on our skin’s natural look and feel. You will probably have heard of Omega 3 and 6.  Without enough of these in our diet we can become prone to:

  • Dry Skin
  • Dandruff
  • Inflammatory skin conditions
  • Sunburn
  • Cracked heels
  • Stretch marks during pregnancy
Essential Fatty Acids and Skin Cells

Youthful skin is full of plump, water-filled cells. A skin cell’s ability to hold water decreases with age. A healthy skin cell has a healthy membrane, which keeps good things in, like water and nutrients, and allows waste products to pass out.  It is a fatty acid’s job to keep that cell healthy and its membrane functioning. Not getting enough essential fatty acids results in unstable membranes that cannot keep their buoyant shape, which in turn leads to saggy, aged skin.

The cells integrity is also determined by the type of fat we eat. Researchers believe that diets containing large amounts of saturated or hydrogenated fats produce cell membranes that are hard and lack fluidity whilst diets rich in Essential Fatty Acids Omega 3 and 6 produce cell membranes with a high degree of fluidity allowing the membrane to work at its best.

For the full natural beauty of our skin to shine through our skin cells need protein, water, vitamins, minerals and Essential Fatty Acids.  However, with todays modern diet of processed foods, carbohydrates and low fat meals they tend to lack the Omega 3 and 6 they need to work at their best.

How it works

Essential Fatty Acids work in three ways:

  1. They allow the cells to retain water, essentially moisturising the skin from within
  2. Omega 6 helps the body maintain hydration which also helps with retaining the skin’s look and feel
  3. Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory so helps to reduce inflammatory skin conditions

Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend provides the cells in our skin with the Essential Fatty Acids they need so that the skin can look and feel its best.

If you have sufficient Essential Fats in your diet and still experience skin problems there are a number of other potential causes but many can be attributed to diet.  Udo’s Choice is focussed on providing people with products that help maximise the nutrition they get from their diet and so you may wish to read more about the Udo’s Choice range of Microbiotics, Udo’s Choice Digestive Enzymes and Udo’s Choice Beyond Greens.

How to use Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend

Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend is easily incorporated into your daily diet, just pour two or three tablespoons as desired onto hot or cold food, mix in with a smoothie or yoghurt or stir into porridge, mashed potato or casseroles always after cooking.  Visit Udo’s recipes page for ideas and inspiration.

Written by: Udo’s Choice on 3rd March 2016.

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Natural Cholesterol Balance

One of the best ways to take care of your heart and cardiovascular system is by maintaining normal cholesterol levels. Healthy eating habits and exercise are important lifestyle factors that will keep your cholesterol count within the safe range.

Why should we maintain healthy cholesterol balance?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid and it is vital for the normal functioning of the body. Its roles include providing cell structure, insulating nerve fibres, making hormones and aiding in digestion and absorption of fats. 80% of the cholesterol in the body gets produced from within, mostly by the liver. From there it is carried in the bloodstream to other tissues. We also get cholesterol from foods, especially those high in fat. Having an excessively high level of lipids in your blood (hyperlipidemia) can have a serious effect on your health as it increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. We need to ensure our cholesterol levels stay within a normal, healthy range.

There are two key forms of cholesterol

Cholesterol cannot travel around the body on its own because it does not dissolve in water. Instead, it is carried in your blood by molecules called lipoproteins, the two key forms of which are:

HDL – also known as “good cholesterol” – gathers excess cholesterol in the bloodstream and brings it back to the liver where it is re-processed. Raised HDL levels are associated with cardiovascular protection.

LDL – or “bad cholesterol” – conveys cholesterol from the liver and deposits in different places, including the lining of the arteries. This causes the formation of cholesterol plaque and, over time, thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries (this process is called atherosclerosis).

The right balance

What is important is the ratio – or balance – between HDL and LDL. The more LDL and the less HDL you have, the worse off you are. On the other hand, relatively high HDL and low LDL is considered healthy. Factors that contribute to healthy HDL levels include exercise, a modest alcohol intake, and certain foods such as fish (because of their omega-3 content).

Healthy and Cholesterol clogged Artery
Illustration: A healthy artery is wide open because there is no arterial plaque that clogs it up. When blood fats like cholesterol and triglycerides get oxidised, they turn into sticky plaque that narrows the passage through the artery.
Natural statins

Statins are synthetically manufactured drugs used to lower cholesterol, and they are currently prescribed to a staggering 8 million people in the UK. There are also natural statins. For instance, lovastatin is also found naturally in red yeast rice. Randomised clinical trials have found natural statins to be effective, and they have become an increasingly popular choice amongst health-conscious consumers.

What is Red Yeast Rice?

Red yeast rice, a dietary staple in some Asian countries, is yeast cultivated on rice. The product contains 14 active compounds called monacolins, which have been shown to inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol. Monacolin K effectively blocks HMG-CoA reductase, which aids cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Monacolin K is also referred to as “mevinolin” or “lovastatin”.

In China the use of red yeast rice is documented as far back as the Tang Dynasty in 800 A.D . It has been used as a food colouring for centuries in many Asian countries – think Peking duck. Red-yeast-rice extract is therefore considered safe and well tolerated.

Red yeast rice can act as a ‘natural statin’ in extract form and it should be noted that red yeast supplements are different from red yeast rice sold in grocery stores.

Together with red yeast rice, ALA can also be used like a ‘natural statin’. Both are very gentle on the body. Finally Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like compound which practically all cells in the human body depend on in order to produce energy. Coenzyme Q10 is an important antioxidant and protects cell membranes from the damaging effects of free radicals.

You can now further support healthy cholesterol levels with regular use of StatiQinon® by Pharma Nord.
What is StatiQinon®?
♥ StatiQinon® is nature’s own cholesterol stabiliser.
♥ StatiQinon® contains Red Yeast Rice, coenzyme Q10 and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).
♥ StatiQinon®’s special preparation effectively helps you maintain a healthy cholesterol balance.
♥ StatiQinon® is made to pharmaceutical standards and is blister-packed for protection.

Visit your nearest Panacea store to find out more about StatiQinon and other cholesterol balance tips

This weeks blog was written by Pharma Nord UK. Pharma Nord is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of dietary supplements and preventative nutrition. The company develops, manufactures, and markets dietary supplements and natural medicines with emphasis on bioavailability, safety and documentation.

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What’s your number?

Blood Pressure
What is it?

When your heart beats, it pumps blood around your body to give it energy and oxygen. As the blood moves, it pushes against the sides of the blood vessels. The strength of this pushing is your blood pressure. If the pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your arteries (and your heart) and this may lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Blood pressure readings have two numbers, for example 140 over 90. The top number is the systolic pressure– this is the highest pressure when your heart contracts and pushes blood around your body. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure – this is the lowest pressure when your heart relaxes in between beats.

What’s Normal?

Ideally, we should all have a blood pressure below 120/80. This is the ideal level for good health and lower risk of heart disease or stroke.

What’s too high? (Hypertenstion)
  • if your top number is 140 or more – then you may have hypertension, regardless of your bottom number.
  • if your bottom number is 90 or more – then you may have hypertension, regardless your top number.
What’s too low? (Hypotension)
  • if your top number is 90 or less – then you may have hypotension, regardless of your bottom number.
  • if your bottom number is 60 or less – then you may have hypotension, regardless of your top number.
  • Hypotension is uncommon and usually harmless
Hypertension Symptoms

High blood pressure usually has no obvious symptoms and many people have it without knowing.

The only way to know is to have your blood pressure measured. It is estimated that more than 5 million people don’t know they have high blood pressure in the UK- that’s why it’s called the silent killer.

In some rare cases, where a person has very high blood pressure, they can experience symptoms, including:

• a persistent headache
• blurred or double vision
• nosebleeds
• shortness of breath

Hypertension Health Risks

High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. This can cause them to become weaker or damaged.

The higher your blood pressure, the higher your risk of serious health problems in the future, including:

Damage to your heart – it can cause you to have a heart attack and heart failure.

Damage to your brain – it can cause strokes. It has also been closely linked to some forms of dementia.

Damage to your kidneys

Damage to your limbs – it can cause peripheral arterial disease, which can affect your legs.

If you have other health conditions, such as diabetes or high cholesterol, this increases your risk of health problems even more. It is then even more important to lower your high blood pressure.

High risk groups include the over 55s, people of African Caribbean descent, and people of South Asian origin who are more prone to other vascular conditions.

How to get high blood pressure under control:

Firstly – know your numbers! As symptoms are rare, you won’t know if your blood pressure is high unless you check!

  • Eat less salt – use salt substitues such as herbamare
  • More fruit and veg which contain essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium which help control blood pressure. Coconut water is also a great source of potassium.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Drink Less alcohol
  • Keep active
  • Reduce stimulants caffeine tea and coffee
  • Garlic supplements
  • Omega-3 rich fish oil supplements
  • Hawthorne extract supplements
  • Antioxidants supplements, including Resveratrol, Co-Enzyme Q10
  • Beetroot juice
  • Pomegranate juice

 

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