Pharmacentre Limited > Blog > Natural Remedies
Posted on:

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

Posted on:

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.

Posted on:

Viridian Black Seed Oil

Muhi, from our Putney store, says: “I love Viridian Black Seed Oil. All my family use this product. This is a traditional herb that has been used for thousands of years by people living in Middle East and most part of Asia and Africa to promote health and fight disease. Tutankamun is even believed to have had a bottle of black seed oil in his tomb. This oil commonly has been used for treatment related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal complains, kidney and liver functions, circulatory and immune system support. It is also known as Blessed Seed, Black Cumin or Nigella seed.

Organic Black Seed Oil from Viridian Nutrition is of the highest quality, made exclusively from organic Egyptian black cumin seed that is cold-pressed. It has a pleasant aroma and taste, it can be taken internally off the spoon, used as part of a salad dressing or used as a head or chest rub.

Viridian’s Organic Black Seed oil is vegan, organic and certified Kosher.

 

Posted on:

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

 

Posted on:

Optima Pomegranate Juice

It’s heart health month and our product of the week is Optima Pomegranate Juice.

It is double strength and unfiltered, one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, Optima’s pomegranate Juice is made from pure, unfiltered juice.

Small studies seem to suggest that drinking pomegranate juice might lower cholesterol. It’s also thought that pomegranate juice may block or slow the build up of cholesterol in the arteries of people who are at higher risk of heart disease. A study from 2004 on patients with carotid artery stenosis (narrowed arteries) found that a daily 50ml glass of pomegranate juice over three years reduced the damage caused by cholesterol in the artery by almost half, and also cut cholesterol build-up.

Another trial from 2005 on 45 patients with coronary heart disease demonstrated that 238ml of pomegranate juice daily over three months resulted in improved blood flow to the heart and a lower risk of heart attack.

Research also shows that pomegranate juice contains free radical scavenging antioxidants which help the body’s natural defence system fight oxidative damage. Reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in blood vessels is a well-documented way to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Looks like plenty of reason to love the pomegranate.

Further reading: 7 Proven benefits of Pomegranates

Posted on:

Higher Nature Saltpipe

Karishma in Edgware and Oana, our Watford Manager both recommend the Higher Nature salt pipe.

There is a growing number of people suffering from breathing difficulties due to air pollution levels rising. Hay fever, asthma and other respiratory disorders are on the increase. The ancient Greeks used many health therapies and one of them was salt’s positive effect on the airways. Later in the mid 1800’s,a Polish doctor documented how salt mine workers didn’t seem to suffer from the same respiratory problems as the general population and from there Salt Therapy has grown, to the extent that you can sit in a modern day salt therapy room that recreates the salt mine environment.

The Higher Nature Saltpipe, is a handy inhaler that brings the benefits of salt mine therapy to your home. The active ingredients are salt crystals from the Transylvanian Praid Salt Mine. The Praid salt hill is a geological curiosity with approximately 3 billion tons of salt which has been mined since 2nd century AD. The salt’s curative properties are well known and used in therapeutic treatment facilities located in the disused parts of the mine. The Higher Nature’s Saltpipe’s salty micro climate calms the cells of the respiratory system and induces their natural self-cleansing mechanism. It has been known to help everything from asthma and hay fever to chronic snoring ,it can also help if you suffer from coughs and colds. When you first use The Saltpipe you may experience some coughing or sneezing as your respiratory system clears. For best results use The Saltpipe regularly. Recommended usage: 15-25 minutes every day. Suitable for adults and children from 5 years.

Posted on:

Pharma Nord Ubiquinol

Santha in our Kingston store loves Pharma Nord Ubiquinol.

Co Q10 is a substance similar to a vitamin and found in every cell of the body. Your body needs it for energy cell growth and maintenance and it also functions as an anti-oxidant. Co Q10 is seen to help prevent heart disease, cancer, muscular dystrophy and periodontal disease as well as being an essential nutrient for cholesterol metabolism.

Ubiquinol is a reduced form of Co Q10; it carries electrons which can be donated to other molecules, meaning it is ready to work in the body and it is a more effective and active anti-oxidant form of Co Q10. Pharma Nord BioActive Q10 is a product containing coenzyme Q10 in the reduced form, ubiquinol. CoQ10 occurs within the body in two closely related forms, oxidised (ubiquinone) and reduced (ubiquinol). Most people are able to absorb coenzyme Q10 as ubiquinone. However, if you’re getting a little bit older, have been suffering from an illness, or have digestive issues, then coenzyme Q10 is more easily absorbed in the reduced ubiquinol form of BioActive Q10.

BioActive Q10 has all the health benefits of the original Q10, such as maintaining a healthy heart and immune system, and contains ubiquinol in a stabilised form, using specially developed lightproof and air-proof packaging to prevent oxidation via a unique patented process. Pharma Nord is therefore able to guarantee the stability of this product during the whole of the product shelf life.

Posted on:

New Horizon NectAloe

New Horizon Nectaloe is a carefully selected blend of Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm and Aloe Vera to support the digestive tract.

Traditionally Marshmallow root has been used for centuries in the treatment of inflammation, specifically sore throats and stomach trouble because of it’s soothing “mucilage” quality. Marshmallow leaves were considered a delicious vegetable and often used in soups but the root was prescribed in the Renaissance era for sore throats and ulcerative symptoms to heal and soothe.

Slippery Elm was similarly used to reduce inflammation for all inflamed gastric conditions including ulcers and gastritis. It is soothing and healing on gut irritation but highly nutritious and easily digested by the body, making it an ideal food for one who is does not feel like eating.

Aloe Vera is one of the most popular digestive herbs for virtually any digestive condition. It is soothing, cooling and anti-inflammatory. In Ayurvedic medicine Aloe is used for excess Pitta conditions which include acid reflux, gastric or peptic ulcers and heartburn.

Nectaloe is flavoured with Mango, sweetened with stevia and comes in convenient single dose sachets for use when feeling the symptoms of heartburn and upper digestive discomfort.

Many people can identify the triggers for their symptoms but if you are suffering regularly, or have any concerns, consult your health care practitioner.

 

Posted on:

Saguna Silicol Gel

A recent product of the week and now a Staff favourite!

Codrin in Edgware loves Saguna Silicol gel. He says “It’s a great remedy because it works fast to cover the lining of the stomach and intestine to soothe and ease irritation. It helps ease nausea, pain and flatulence. It’s ideal for people who suffer from IBS, but can also be used when recovering from any stomach upset. It can be used as a quick short term fix to ease pain and discomfort, and it works alongside more long term remedies such as probiotics.”

A single tablespoonful of Silicol®gel taken three times a day has been shown in a clinical trial to normalise the function of the stomach and bowel quickly and without side effects.

Posted on:

Saguna Silicol Gel

Most of us have a bit of an iffy digestion this time of year. We change our diets, exercise more and try out new foods we’re told are good for us. Before you know it you have all the symptoms of IBS.

Silicol Gel contains Silicic Acid, a compound of Silicon & Oxygen and is a hydrated liquid gel that can be easily taken as an oral dose which then acts rapidly in the gastrointestinal tract. cover the lining (mucous) of the stomach and intestine.
It binds toxins, irritants, cell residues and excess acidity, and carries them safely and naturally out of the body, thereby protecting the lining of the stomach and intestine to maintain digestive comfort. Silicol Gel also acts as a “magnet” physically adsorbing/binding irritants, harmful toxins & pathogens, rendering them harmless, as well as adsorbing excess acidity and gases to reduce bloating. Visit us in store to find out more about how to get great digestive health.

 

Add to cart