Category Archives: Health

Fight Back Against This Season’s Coughs And Colds With 6 Natural Ingredients That Also Bolster Your Immune System

Posted on by

From Erysimum To Eucalyptus; Heal The Plant-Based Way

The way to get through autumn and winter is with Puressentiel and their fantastic range of products. With Autumn many, many of us will be looking for ways to recover fast and support our immune system, so we can get on with everyday life and bust coughs and colds fast. 

According to research by Puressentiel – uk.puressentiel.com – the brains behind the evidence backed plant-based health products for everyday wellness needs – 36% of Brits have had a cough in the last month and 35% have had a cold in the last month with a third of these respondents claiming that their symptoms were worse and took longer to go away than in the past two or three years.[1]

GP, Dr Nisa Aslam from Puressentiel – uk.puressentiel.com – explains: “From respiratory issues, runny nose, headaches and sneezing to watery eyes, body aches, fatigue and a sore throat, the symptoms of coughs and colds can cause real distress. There is unfortunately no hard and fast cure to coughs and colds, but with 93% of Brits admitting that they have struggled to sleep while suffering from symptoms,[2] and only 22% of Brits saying that they would keep working when they are struck down, finding ways to manage symptoms is vital to stop coughs and colds being so disruptive.

Natural Solutions For Coughs And Colds 

The Puressentiel research discovered that 45% of Brits manage their cough and cold symptoms with at home medicines, 41% said they used painkillers and 40% admit they just rest as much as they can.

But, natural health specialist and chemist and part of the Puressentiel expert hub –  uk.puressentiel.com – Dr Tim Bond – recommends trying natural solutions borne out of nature as a means of easing symptoms and supporting the immune system. 

Natural remedies include any product borne out of nature, including plants and also essential oils. 

 Dr Tim Bond explains: “Using plant-based ingredients, we can help tackle coughs and colds, allowing us to think more clearly and feel more alive. Let’s not allow these frustrating symptoms to dictate our lives and instead, work to lessen the impact they have on our day-to-day life.”

Speaking of the many essential oils shown to ease symptoms, Dr Tim Bond adds: “Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts; one of the functions of essential oils in the plant include antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties as part of the plant’s immune system.[3] As a result, any well studied essential oil product, like the Puressentiel cough cold range is going to be great news for our immune health, vital for winter wellness needs.”

Essential Oils To Ease Symptoms 

The essential oil e.globulus, extracted from eucalyptus, helps to clear mucus from the airways and break up mucus in the lungs, allowing you to breathe easier, plus it has antiseptic properties. “It has been incorporated in many of the Puressentiel cough cold remedies as it promotes bronchodilation as well as Puessentiels Purifying Air Spray,”[4] says Dr Tim Bond. 

Pine bud extract, also known as scots pine, has been found to demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.[5] “Scots pine essential oil is often used to help against respiratory system ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, colds, sinusitis and sore throats,” says Dr Nisa Aslam.  Dr Nisa Aslam adds, “as well as being a key ingredient carefully wrapped into many of the Puressentiel cough cold products, scots pine is also in Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray. This smart product is designed to be used indoors, and combines 41 essential oils — including two species of lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and geranium (pelargonium) — to combat airborne bacteria and viruses, fungal spores, and house-dust mites. A trial in patients with a history of respiratory symptoms showed significant improvements in lung function after just four weeks of use.[6]

What makes Puressentiel’s Purifying Air Spray so special:

  • Used to help prevent viruses, bacteria, mould and improve indoor air quality
  • Helps support immunity
  • Ideal for those suffering allergies
  • Over 18 studies – clinically efficacious, safe and well tolerated
  • 100% plant origin formula
  • Easy to use format
  • Propellent free, alcohol denat-free, aerosol free
  • Used and loved around the globe by shoppers

The Wonders Of Erysimum, Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint Oil

Found in Puressentiel’s new Acti Pure Kids Syrup, erysimum, also known as ‘wallflower’ helps to soothe inflammatory throat pain[7] while lavender essential oil and linalool – a component of lavender-has been shown to increase relaxation and improve sleep while also improving mood. 

“With so many Brits struggling to sleep when they have a cough or a cold, lavender could be the support so many people need,” says Dr Nisa Aslam, who adds: “Linalool has antibacterial and antifungal activity as well as antioxidant and analgesic activity with proven benefits in migraine headaches.”[8]

Another natural support is lemon essential oil, which has been used for thousands of years for various reasons including helping to ease sore throats, coughs, cold and influenza, while also helping to induce relaxation and sleepiness.[9] “Peppermint oil (as well as peppermint leaf) has been used internally to help clear catarrh of the respiratory tracts and helps with inflammation of the oral mucosa,[10]” says Dr Tim Bond. 

Puressentiel: harnessing the power of plants 

Puressentiel’s range of products offer a number of natural respiratory aids to help you to breathe easier when you’re suffering from a cough or cold. “Using the power of nature’s pharmacy and a variety of different essential oils, Puressentiel has developed clinically-proven formulas to relieve bothersome cough and cold symptoms,” says Dr Nisa Aslam. 

For kids, Puressentiel Acti Pure Kids Syrup contains a 100% natural formula made of 100% pure organic honey, natural plant extracts of elderberry and erysimum and vegan vitamin D3, sourced from lichen. 

“This is ideal for soothing and softening children’s sore throats during winter. It helps unblock the nose and supports the body’s natural immunity at the first signs of a cold,”[11] says Dr Tim Bond.  In fact, 100% of parents said their kids felt better after using Puressentiel’s Acti Pure Syrup and considered the product ideal to take from the first signs of a cold.[12]

Puressentiel’s  Acti Pure Syrup:

  • 100% natural with 100% organic honey, erysimum, elderberries and vegan vitamin D3 sourced from lichen
  • Helps soothe and reduce the duration of cold and flu-like symptoms when used at the first signs of a cold 
  • Clears the nose and makes breathing easier, soothes sore throats and supports the body’s natural immunity 
  • Delicious natural taste
  • Suitable for ages 3 and above 

Puressentiel Respiratory Cough Syrup, available from Holland & Barrett contains three aromatic honeys – propolis, marshmallow and elderberry – to help soothe sore throats and supports the body’s natural defences. Dr Tim Bond adds: “This clears the upper respiratory tract by hydrating mucous membranes, reducing irritation and providing a lasting protection to reduce cough frequency.”

Puressentiel Respiratory Cough Syrup ticks all the boxes when it comes to beating coughs thanks to:

  • 100% natural containing plants, essential oils, honey and propolis.
  • Contains the essential oils Peppermint, Eucalyptus radia, Rosemary cineole, Lemon.
  • Helps calm and reduce the frequency of coughs from the first day
  • Sweet honey taste
  • Reduces irritation and provides lasting protection for the mucous membrane.
  • Suitable for ages 7 and above .

To help relieve a blocked or runny noses, Dr Tim Bond recommends New Puressentiel Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray, available from Holland & Barrett. “This combines a 100% natural sterile saline solution to soften blocked nasal mucosa in the event of a cold and other nose congestion. Organic rosemary floral water plus the soothing and decongestant essential oils of eucalyptus radiata, rosat geranium, niaouli, ravintsara, as well as propolis help you to breathe more easily.”  It’s also clinically proven to decongest from the first few minutes of use. New Puressentiel Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray is:

  • 100% Natural and organic relief for Colds, rhinitis (chronic or allergic), sinusitis, rhinopharyngitis 
  • A unique formula with a blend of: 4 Organic Essential Oils, Hypertonic Sea water, Organic Rosemary floral water, Propolis and Echinacea 
  • Fast, effective, clinically proven relief1
  • Non-irritating and preservative-free
  • Suitable for people with high blood pressure – no corticosteroids or vasoconstrictors
  • Suitable from 3 years plus

To soothe a sore throat, Dr Nisa Aslam suggests Puressentiel Respiratory Soothing Syrup.

“With a combination of plant extracts, seven essential oils and soothing ingredients, such as honey and lemon, this syrup forms a protective film, soothing the throat, pharynx and tired vocal cords, while supporting your natural defences.” 

  • 100% Natural, fast, effective relief
  • Cough relief: soothes irritated mucous membranes that line our throats and cause us to cough and provides lasting protection for the upper respiratory tract
  • Calms cough: reduces irritation and provides lasting protection for the tiny hairs, known as cilia – technical name: mucous membranes
  • A natural, effective, special formula with a blend of: 3 aromatic honeys (thyme, lemon tree and lavender), marshmallow extract, elderberry & propolis
  • Pleasant honey taste
  • Non-drowsy and free from: gluten, colouring and preservatives
  • A formulation with sustainable honey. For every purchase made, Puressentiel makes a donation to the global beekeeper’s network 
  • Suitable from three years plus

For a stronger spray to help prevent ear, nose and throat issues and strengthen the nasal lining’s defence, try Puressentiel Respiratory Nasal Hygiene Strong Jet Spray, which deeply cleanses your nose and helps in the treatment of colds.

  • 100% plant-based formula with plant extracts of organic calendula with soothing and protective properties
  • 100% pure and natural seawater, rich in marine trace elements
  • An alcohol-free, no preservatives, propellant gas-free format
  • Protection against colds or ear infection
  • A 3-in-1 action: gently cleanses, hydrates and decongests with a user-friendly nozzle and multidirectional spray. Ideal for a sensitive and irritated nose
  • The elimination of impurities and reduces the viscosity of mucus
  • The restoration of natural moisture
  • A Medical Device Class IIa

Dr Tim Bond adds: “Plants and nature can really support us when we’re struggling with coughs and colds and Puressentiel truly harnesses nature’s power within its extensive range of products. Let’s help ease frustrating symptoms and recover quickly so we can stop these cough cold perils from dictating our lives!”

Frost’s Top Christmas Picks.

Posted on by

We get sent a lot of stuff over Christmas. It’s nice to open the parcels and find amazing stuff for our readers. With that in mind, here are some top picks.

 LEGO® Party! is a multiplayer party game featuring 60 minigames across fan-favorite LEGO sets. Perfect for all ages, it’s the kind of gift the whole family can enjoy together.

Developed by SMG Studio and published by Fictions, LEGO Party! is an up to 4-player party game that’s built different! Compete against your friends in wacky Challenge Zones and 60 hilarious minigames from across your favorite LEGO sets like LEGO Pirates, LEGO Space, LEGO NINJAGO® and more. Join your friends online, or get together on the couch for a LEGO® Party! game night. With multiple game modes and tons of minifigures to unlock, you’ll have all the bricks to build the ultimate party! Challenge players near or far, customize your character, and compete in a variety of awesome minigames to get as many Golden Bricks as you can, by any means necessary! But beware, watch out for monsters, traps, and flying roast turkeys on your way to become the next star of LEGO® Party! 

Platforms: PlayStation®5 (PS5™), PlayStation®4 (PS4™), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™ and Steam for PC. 

Airy Diffusers from £33, up to 15% off until 2 December

I love Airy diffusers. They are elegant and smell as good as they look. Highly recommended. Airy Fragrances is celebrating Black Friday with the launch of their exclusive Black Edit, featuring some of your favourite reed diffusers at special prices. Known for their elegant and long-lasting scents that effortlessly elevate any space, Airy’s diffusers combine clean, airy notes with sophisticated depth, creating the perfect ambience for the season ahead. 

From 18th November to 2nd December, enjoy up to 15% off across the range:

KEEO Genius Pro + Straightener | RRP £299.00 | Available at: keeohair.com

There fantastic straighteners are perfect for Christmas, or as an, ahem, self gift. Arguably the best straighteners you can buy right now, they are also stylish and come in sleek packaging. We love them.

Whether you’re thinking of retiring your old hair straightener, planning ahead for the Christmas rush, or simply treating yourself, KEEO’s Genius Pro+ named Best Hair Straightener 2025 by Harper’s Bazaar is a perfect pick this Black Friday. KEEO’s straighteners feature innovative technology to protect hair health with curved plates, a protective heat gap, and heat and tension settings.

This Black Friday KEEO will be offering a 20% off sitewide promotion from 3rd to 30th November, offering an opportunity to upgrade your hair routine with tools trusted by experts and loved by beauty editors.

Upgrade your hair with 20% off sitewide

Build & Decorate Christmas Tree.

Published by Quarto, this is an adorable, interactive 3D Christmas tree that you build. It is over half a metre tall and just slots together. It has 31 colour-in baubles. A fantastic, interactive, present for all the family.

Little People, Big Dreams Advent Calendar Book Collection.

This fantastic advent calendar has 24 mini Little People, Big Dreams books in it. It sold out last year and is back by popular demand. It looks fantastic and is the perfect way to kick off advent. Children will love the little books and learn a lot. It is such a good idea. Also published by Quarto.

Seep Eco Sponge and Tea Towel Limited Edition William Morris Society Set.

These eco sponges and tea towel from Seep are a great gift. They teamed up with The William Morris Society to make your kitchen as stylish as possible. We adore the design. Not only do they have a great design, but they also use zero plastic and are eco-friendly. Stuff in a stocking or keep for yourself.

What is your favourite?

Ultra-Processed Women by Milli Hill Book Review

Posted on by

I loved Milli Hill’s book, The Positive Birth Book, and I was excited to read Ultra-Processed Women. I believe our diets are causing health problems. It is not normal that the rate of many diseases has rocketed. Our food is full of rubbish, to put it politely. I have always felt overwhelmed about trying to improve my diet, but Ultra-Processed Women explains everything clearly. It is an eye-opening book which lets you take back control of your diet and health. Other health books I have read made everything too hard to follow and overwhelming. Basically, just give up everything you love and never eat anything nice again. Ultra-Processed Women takes a complicated subject and makes it easy to understand and follow.

Ultra-Processed Women is brilliant and informative. I think every woman should read it. This book is literally life-changing. I will be referring to it regularly. A must read.

In Ultra-Processed Women, acclaimed journalist and women’s health advocate Milli Hill uncovers the shocking truth. From period pain and weight gain to depression, hormone imbalances, autoimmune conditions and even Alzheimer’s, Hill reveals cutting-edge research into the hidden dangers that lurk in your daily food choices.

But this is not just a book about food. Ultra-Processed Women also explores the way the modern food industry has exploited women in their advertising for decades and uncovers the damage being wrought not only on our bodies but on the environment and on our own ability to connect with each other through the fundamentally human experience of cooking and eating.

This isn’t just a wake-up call―it’s a battle cry. Written in Hill’s trademark down-to-earth style, Ultra-Processed Women will help you understand the issues and develop a clear course of action, arming you with tools and practical steps to cut through the confusion, break free from the damaging effects of UPFs, and reclaim your health without guilt or deprivation. Changing the way we eat, Hill argues, is a radical act of resistance to an ultra-processed world.

It’s time to take back control. Your body, your choices, your future.

Milli Hill is a writer and freelance journalist with a passion for women’s rights in childbirth and throughout their reproductive lives. Her book The Positive Birth Book is one of the UK’s bestselling pregnancy guides, and has sold nearly 100k copies since publication in 2017. Her more recent books, Give Birth like a Feminist, and My Period (for preteens), have also topped the Amazon charts.

HQ will publish Ultra-Processed Women on 3rd July 2025 in hardback, eBook, and audiobook formats.

Christmas Tree Syndrome 

Posted on by

The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Holiday Décor

A Christmas tree lights up any room or space and brings with it joy, cheer and happiness. But did you know that the Christmas tree for some allergy sufferers brings nothing but misery? If you are an allergy sufferer and find that the annual Christmas tree can spark a collection of allergy issues from a runny nose, sneezing, coughing to itchy, red eyes, then you could be suffering from what is termed – Christmas Tree Syndrome.

Pharmacist Sultan Dajani an advisor to GoldenEye – the experts behind a range of pharmacy eye drops and eye ointments to treat conjunctivitis, styes and blepharitis – explains: “Christmas Tree Syndrome is a real thing.[1] It describes allergic reactions people may experience when a real Christmas tree is in the home.  As a result, it can cause symptoms just like hay fever where  people experience runny noses, sneezing and coughing as well as itchy, watery and/or red (pink, aka conjunctivitis) eyes and in some cases blepharitis. Itchy eyes can sometimes lead to styes too as it is often very hard not to rub an eye once it starts itching. 

“Conjunctivitis, sometimes known as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin skin on the inside of the eyelid. It is often caused by infection from a virus or bacteria or an allergen. When it happens, the blood vessels of the sclera (the white of the eye) become dilated, giving us that red-eyed appearance. The eyes may also feel gritty, itchy, sticky, burning or be watering more than usual.”

Sultan Dajani continues: “Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids. This can either be anterior blepharitis, inflammation at the base of the eyelid which can be caused by bacteria like staphylococci, or seborrhoeic dermatitis (a condition that causes a red, flaky and itchy rash on your skin. It affects areas of your skin that tend to be greasier, like your face, scalp and chest), or posterior blepharitis, an inflammation of the meibomian glands, which help to produce tears.[2]

“Symptoms may include soreness, itching, a gritty feeling, flakes, or crusts around the roots of the eyelashes and eyelashes sticking together in the morning when you wake up. Such eye conditions are very uncomfortable and require immediate treatment to prevent them from getting worse.”

For those with asthma, being around or having a real Christmas tree in the home can trigger asthma symptoms too. In addition to this, people can also develop a skin rash which is known as Christmas Tree dermatitis.”

Sultan Dajani adds: “It’s worth noting that artificial Christmas trees can also steal the Christmas joy and cause allergy symptoms to flare up as well.  They tend to be stored away for around 11 months of the year, and during this time, artificial Christmas trees can amass dust and mould.  They are then unpacked and put up in the home where the allergens from dust and mould spores can become airborne triggering allergy symptoms.”

But Why Does The Humble Christmas Tree Cause These Allergy Symptoms?

Pharmacist Sultan Dajani explains; “There are several reasons why Christmas trees can cause these allergic reactions, but it is mainly down to pollen, mould and dust. 

“Before they are cut down, Christmas trees collect pollen from other plants around them which stick to them and are then brought into the home. 

“Mould is a huge issue and is most likely to be the cause of watery, red, and sore eyes, runny nose or trouble breathing.

“Real Christmas trees carry mould[3], and it thrives in warmer conditions – and during the winter months when the central heating is on, it has the perfect environment to grow.

“In fact, research[4]  found a 6-fold increase in mould when a Christmas tree was brought into the room – and mould levels did not fall until the tree was removed. Another study [5] found more than 50 kinds of mould on samples researchers brought in from their own Christmas trees.”

Sultan Dajani continues; “Dust mites are one of the most common respiratory allergens as well. They can be carried into the house on real and artificial Christmas trees as well as on the decorations and lights.

“And while pollen, dust and mould from a Christmas tree cause challenges for allergy sufferers, so too does the scent. Many of us love the smell of a real Christmas tree, but the characteristic pine scent is down to a class of chemicals called terpenes, which are found in tree sap – and some people can be allergic to these compounds too.

“Chemicals used at Christmas tree farms may also trigger allergic reactions. Whilst such chemicals may not be true allergens, they can cause similar symptoms.”

Helping To Soothe And Treat

If Christmas Tree Syndrome does strike,  Sultan Dajani suggests: “It’s really important to treat the symptoms straight away, to help stop them from developing further, so see you pharmacist for advice.”  

For eye health issues such as red, itchy, watery eyes, styes, conjunctivitis or blepharitis, sparked off by an allergy borne out of a real or artificial Christmas tree then GoldenEye® Eye Drops can help to soothe and treat. They contain propamidine isetionate which work by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, which controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection.[6] This eye drop also has antifungal properties. 

There is also GoldenEye® Eye Ointment: Containing dibrompropamidine isetionate, GoldenEye® Eye Ointment is for conjunctivitis (red eye), styes and blepharitis (infection of the lid margins and eye follicles). GoldenEye® Eye Ointment contains antiseptics (not antibiotics) which help to stop bacteria from growing and multiplying.

Both are available over-the-counter from the pharmacy. 

GoldenEye® Antibiotic Eye Ointment contains the antibiotic chloramphenicol. This product is intended for acute bacterial conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 2 years and over. It should be reserved for acute infection to limit the spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics (antibiotic resistance).

Sultan Dajani adds: “Consult your pharmacist also for symptoms of runny, itchy nose which may require treatment with a non-drowsy antihistamine or a steroid nasal preparation.”

Jingle All The Way: 7 Self Care Tips On How To Tackle Christmas Tree Syndrome

  1. Shake It. Shake down the tree to remove as much dust, mould, and pollen as possible before bringing it in the house.
  1. Hose down. Hose down live trees before bringing them in the house. Mould spores thrive in the damp so dry your tree thoroughly by leaving it in the sun if possible.
  1. Dust free. Wipe artificial trees and ornaments with a soft dry cloth to make sure they are dust free. Ornaments made of glass or plastic are easier to clean than those made of soft material.
  1. Treat eyes quickly. If you are an allergy sufferer and whether a real Christmas Tree or artificial Christmas Tree sparks a reaction then you can easily self-treat at home with products from the pharmacy. Conjunctivitis, blepharitis and styes are some of the incredibly common conditions that can easily affect the eye and cause misery to boot. If you have a minor eye health problem, the pharmacy should be your first port of call.  The pharmacist can use their clinical expertise and practical knowledge to provide advice and treatment recommendations.
  1. Timings. Minimise the time you keep a natural tree in the house, so not too long before and after Christmas. Mould spores continue to multiply when the tree is in the house.
  1. Storage. Store artificial trees and decorations in a cool, dry place. Seal tree sections and decorations in well-sealed boxes to prevent the accumulation of dust.
  1. Mask-Up. Wear a mask when you retrieve artificial trees and decorations ready for Christmas.

Exploring the Science of Ageing with Dr Miglė Tomkuvienė

Posted on by

Is It Possible to Delay Old Age? 

‘A person starts to age the moment they are born’, says Dr Miglė Tomkuvienė. A biochemist at Vilnius University (VU) Life Sciences Centre (LSC) explores what old age is and what methods could potentially delay its effects, should such methods exist.

‘This is not a new question. It has always been relevant, as the search for the elixir of life has been ongoing throughout human history. The new wave of interest results from the most recent scientific data on the ageing process at the molecular and cellular level. This is stimulating interest, both among the general public and among scientists, in how to halt ageing, or prolong a healthy and active life’, says Dr Tomkuvienė.

The scientist explains how we begin to age as soon as we are born: ‘Ageing is influenced by both environmental factors and the body’s own characteristics. At the molecular level, the way the body itself disposes of waste is important. It is also about the level of negative influence of the environment. All of these external and internal detrimental factors are slowly damaging us. And although we try to repair the damage, it eventually builds up, leading to a deterioration in the body’s functions, commonly known as old age.’ 

Causes of ageing

Many factors determine how this happens, including genetics and environmental influences. Scientists have now identified twelve molecular mechanisms that lead to the ageing of cells and, therefore, the body. 

‘This can be a variety of DNA damage that can lead to mutations and diseases such as cancer, for example, epigenetic alterations. There can be defects in proteins that are important as building blocks; disorders of metabolites, which are our metabolic waste disposal system; dysfunctions in the responses to nutrients; disorders of communication between cells; and stem cell exhaustion, where stem cells can no longer divide and regenerate, so the body can’t regenerate along with them. I would also like to mention that it is not only the health of the cells that is important for humans but also the health of the microbiota. This is the health of the bacteria that live in our gut and on our skin. It also contributes to our health, and when the microbiota is dysfunctional, we see an acceleration of ageing,’ explains the scientist.

 We all know the preventative solution: a healthy lifestyle

In response to the question of how to stay young, she says that all these mechanisms are highly interconnected and that we can make a variety of choices in our daily lives that can lead to better bodily functions. Everyone knows the answer is simply a healthy lifestyle: a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and sport, and the absence of harmful habits.  

‘Everything we do has an impact on our organ functions and, ultimately, our cells and genes. Epigenetics, now widely discussed, describes the mechanisms that regulate gene activity. Our genes don’t all have to work evenly at the same time because different functions in the body require different genes to play like an orchestra – some louder, some quieter, depending on their needs. The body has day-night patterns called circadian rhythms. Therefore, some genes must work at night and others during the day. They change in waves. If sleep is disturbed, so is gene activity. When the orchestra is out of tune, it can also lead to organ function deterioration, which manifests as ageing. 

Food and nutrition are essential for the microbiota, which I have also identified as one of the factors influencing ageing. Researchers now recommend consuming at least 30 different plants a week to get the widest possible variety of nutrients from them. It’s also important to absorb the fibre found in fruit, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. Sport is essential for the cardiovascular system: the blood vessels tend to clog up as we get older, so sport helps keep them working well. 

Epigenetics can explain what happens in the cell nucleus 

‘Epigenetics is the blueprint that aligns the body’s processes. Biochemical and genetic methods allow the study of genes that are marked by chemical markers in cells. Epigenetics works like this: we have gene sequences written in DNA, but what is also important is what is happening in the nucleus of the cell – around and attached to that DNA are what we would call ‘road signs’ that tell us where to stop. What researchers can do is extract DNA from human cells and look not only at its sequence but also at the epigenetic marks that are attached to both the DNA itself and the surrounding proteins. Current science already has a great deal of knowledge about which chemical molecules transcribe which epigenetic signals. As a result, we can extract a gene and know what gene it is and what its function is; we can also see what epigenetic marks are attached to it and, therefore, whether the gene is active in the person being studied. From this information, conclusions can already be drawn, Dr Tomkuvienė stresses.

She argues that this allows us to study different aspects of everyday life and how they affect our epigenetics. For example, studying the gene activity of people who smoke (both traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes) and comparing it with a control group of non-smokers. This study showed that smoking alters the activity of a person’s genes. For researchers, such studies may help explain how smoking traditional cigarettes causes cancer and other lung diseases and how smoking an e-cigarette affects cells in a similar way to smoking a traditional cigarette, as well as how the effects of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes may differ. This makes it possible to identify the molecular pathways by which such bad habits can lead to later diseases, lung failure, etc.

Aiming for customisable therapy

According to Dr Tomkuvienė, many studies are currently underway to develop specific drugs or complex therapies that can be applied as age-reversing interventions to our bodies: ‘Scientists have already identified specific genes and proteins that, if activated and perhaps with additional cellular input, could stimulate cells to rejuvenate themselves, and thus rejuvenate the whole organ.

Of course, the results are not yet as great as in a science fiction movie. The current focus is on how to rejuvenate individual organs. As I said, the body is a complex system with different organs, so we cannot rejuvenate everything with modern means. So far, we know that one of the mechanisms of ageing is the accumulation of aged or inefficient cells. Therefore, if they were rejuvenated or removed, organ function would be restored, and there would be less chronic inflammation, often suggested as one of the mechanisms driving ageing.’ 

Signs of ageing and how to reverse them

‘The signs of ageing for doctors are likely to be vascular blockages, dementia, cartilage damage, etc. For biochemists and epigeneticists, the cellular DNA level will be more important. We will see ageing as the phenomena I mentioned – ageing mechanisms, the accumulation of mutations, and epigenetic and protein-level disorders. When we are young and healthy, everything works in harmony: the organs and the cells, of which we have about two hundred types and 30,000 genes. As we get older, it all gets out of sync.

How can cells be influenced to renew themselves? In the future, maybe there will be pills. But right now, we are thinking about encoding the necessary proteins that give cells their youth. This would take place in the RNA molecule. This would be similar to when we had RNA vaccines against the virus during the Covid-19 pandemic. They encoded the information to be transmitted to the cells about what virus to protect themselves against. This is very similar to the way in which you can encode the proteins that make a cell’s genes youthful in an RNA molecule. Inserting them at the cellular level should make gene activity more like that of a young cell.’ 

However, all this is yet to be seen because, according to Dr Tomkuvienė, it is challenging to find the sweet spot in terms of how much we should rejuvenate. A Nobel Prize has already been awarded to a scientist who has figured out how to rejuvenate mature cells with a specific function to the embryonic level, where the cells do not yet have that function. But we do not want to become giant embryos. We want to rejuvenate the cells so that they perform their function perfectly but retain their identity – so that the heart cells function like a heart, the skin cells function like skin and so on. So, the challenge is to rejuvenate, but not too much or too little. Also, no research has been done on humans. 

93% Of Brits Rightly Believe That Problems With Sight Can Affect Wellbeing: Experts Share Nutrition Advice To Help Support Eye Health

Posted on by

As one of the five senses, vision is pivotal to a happy and comfortable life. But eye-opening new 2024 data, part of a new report tracking the UK’s eye nutrition knowledge and habits – SEEING SENSE: The Nation’s Eye Health Knowledge And The Impact Of Diet1 and commissioned by MacuShield,[2] – has raised concerns around the nation’s eye health dietetics. The same MacuShield report also brings to light how much importance Brits place on their eyesight and their perceived negative impacts of poor eye health.

The report data found that a high 93% of Brits1 believe that a problem with sight can affect other areas of wellbeing. Nearly three quarters (73%) say sight problems lead to headaches, 67% report stress or anxiety, 54% say mood or mental wellbeing issues and 40% say increased risk of falls.[3]

Optometrist Francesca Marchetti and co-author of the new MacuShield report says: “The nation clearly knows the dreadful impact of poor eyesight. In fact, the MacuShield report data has revealed how 28% of Brits admit that vision is their most ‘important area of health’ and 84% believe that their vision deteriorating would impact their everyday lives.”[4]

But, according to the New MacuShield report: “SEEING SENSE: The Nation’s Eye Health Knowledge And The Impact Of Diet,” despite 63% of Brits saying a good diet can support eye health,[5] only 9% admit to actually eating a healthy diet.[6] What’s more, 42% are unaware how to eat to support their eye health[7] and 10% wrongly believe there is nothing you can do to support eye health.[8]

Clinical Nutritionist and co-author of the new MacuShield report, Suzie Sawyer explains: “There has been a slight improvement in some areas of the nation’s knowledge; when MacuShield shared the same data in 2023, 12% of respondents said they didn’t believe it was possible to help support eye health.”[9]

But more needs to be done. 

Public Health Nutritionist and one of the MacuShield report co-authors, Dr Emma Derbyshire notes: “We need to ensure that our diets contain the correct nutrients from a young age. Leaving it too late can have a big negative impact on eye health. The latest data from MacuShield has already found  that 70% of respondents admit that they’ve noticed their eyes deteriorating with age[10] and a high 91% of Brits would be more likely to look after their eye health if they thought they were losing their vision, rather than putting practices in place all the time to keep their eyes healthy.”[11]

“Dietary advice is extremely valuable, but it can only work if people are able to follow it,” adds Dr Emma Derbyshire, noting further, “Only a third (33%) of adults aged 19 to 64 are achieving their 5-A-Day of fruit and vegetables, according to the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS[12]), meaning two thirds of the nation could be short of nutrients including essential vitamins and minerals for eye health. But bridging gaps with the appropriate targeted eye supplements maybe worth considering alongside a healthy diet with at least 5 fruit and vegetables a day as well as following a healthy lifestyle.” 

Knowing our eyes

 The macula is part of the retina right at the back of the eye. “It is only about 5 mm across, but it is responsible for our central vision, most of our colour vision and the fine detail of what we see,” adds Francesca Marchetti. The macula has a very high concentration of photoreceptor cells – the cells that detect light. 

Francesca Marchetti explains: “The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina and gives us sharp central vision essential for activities like reading and driving. The pit or depression within the macula, called the fovea, provides the greatest visual acuity.”

The Macular Pigment

Francesca Marchetti notes further: “Most people don’t know that the macula has a pigment – the macular pigment – which looks like a yellow spot at the back of the eye. This macular pigment is composed of three macular carotenoids – lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin. The highest concentrations of macular pigment and hence of the three macular carotenoids are found in the fovea.”

Nutrition Know How

Speaking of the three macular carotenoids – lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin – Public Health Nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire says: “When it comes to knowing a little about lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin, our knowledge of these macular carotenoids is sparce. In the latest MacuShield eye tracker data detailed in the new report: SEEING SENSE: The Nation’s Eye Health Knowledge And The Impact Of Diet – only 19% of people know what lutein is.[13]

“But the foods that pack in the highest amounts of these nutrients aren’t being eaten regularly by us Brits. Just 46% of people eat nutrient-dense green vegetables such as kale weekly, 13% eat it daily and 10% never do.”

Suzie Sawyer adds: “The macular carotenoids are found in vegetables and fruit, in particular dark green vegetables and orange and yellow fruit and vegetables. Meso-zeaxanthin is found in some fish and seafood, such as trout and shrimp.”

 All the products in the MacuShield range2 contain LMZ3 – a nutrient blend of the three macular carotenoids: lutein (10 milligrams (mg), meso-zeaxanthin (10 mg) zeaxanthin (2mg).  

Omega 3 DHA is another beneficial nutrient for vision. We need 250 mg daily for beneficial effect for maintaining vision. Oily fish such as sardines and mackerel  provide this nutrient but just 40% of Brits eat oily fish twice a month and 18% just a few times a year![14]

Other vitamins and minerals also play a key role in eye health by helping to protect the eye tissues from oxidative damage linked to blue light (such as sun and digital screen) exposure. These nutrients include vitamin C, E, B2 and the minerals zinc and copper.[15]

Zinc is involved in retinal function[16] as it helps contribute to the maintenance of normal vision, while vitamin B2 supports eye health and is important to help maintain opacity and clarity of the lens which contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.[17] Foods such as berries, citrus fruits, vegetable oils, sweet potatoes, liver, kidneys, red meat and dairy products offer these nutrients.

“It is worrying that around 20% of people haven’t heard of vitamin C[18] and 33% don’t know what zinc is,”[19] notes Dr Emma Derbyshire. 

Bridging Gaps 

In the UK, too many of us are not getting the key nutrients we need that help support our eye health nutrition needs. In fact, two thirds of the nation could be short of nutrients including essential vitamins and minerals for their eye health because of failing to consume  5-A-Day of fruit and vegetables. That’s according to data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS[20]; aged 19 to 64).

Bridging gaps with the appropriate targeted eye supplements such as those in the MacuShield range[21] maybe worth considering alongside a healthy diet with at least 5 fruit and vegetables a day as well as following a healthy lifestyle. 

New MacuShield Original+ Omega 3™ contains a blend of all three macular carotenoids – lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, the same supplement also includes vitamin B2 and a daily dose of 250mg of DHA – which each help to maintain normal vision with just one capsule daily.[22]

Dr Emma Derbyshire notes further: “The UK’s NHS recommends that  everyone eats one portion of oily fish (140g) a week[23] but, the government’s NDNS data has found that among 11 to 18-year-olds, oily fish intake is 21g weekly and in adults is only 56g weekly,[24] so many of us are not only short of vital nutrients like vitamin B2 and Zinc according to the government’s nutrition survey (NDNS), but also omega 3.” 

Francesca Marchetti says: “For those people struggling to get their five fruit and vegetables into their daily diets, there’s another way to help top up the eye nutrient levels and bridge dietary gaps – and that’s taking a targeted eye health supplement, together with a healthy lifestyle makes good eye health sense to me.

“Let’s take action now to help support our vision down the line as we age.”

How Flaxseeds Support a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Posted on by

Supporting a Healthy Gut Microbiome with Flaxseeds: Key Benefits and Insights from Award Winning Nutritionist, Rob Hobson.

Flaxseeds are rich in vital nutrients

Flaxseeds are rich in vital nutrients, including lignans, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. While the term “superfood” is often over-used, milled flaxseed genuinely deserves this title and should be a daily addition to your diet to enhance its nutrient density. These tiny seeds offer a wide range of health benefits, particularly in promoting gut health. A healthy gut is crucial for digestion, immune function, and overall well-being, and by choosing milled flaxseed, you maximise the potential benefits.

The Nutritional Power of Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are one of the best plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that we need to obtain from our diet. ALA has anti-inflammatory properties and ALA is known to lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol which is great for heart health1

Flaxseeds are also high in dietary fibre, making up about 40% of the seed. Of this fibre, 25% is soluble, which helps lower blood sugar levels and absorb cholesterol, both of which are important for preventing heart disease2. A study found that consuming flaxseed mucilage, which is the gel-like substance that forms when flaxseeds are mixed with water, can reduce levels of insulin and improve blood glucose control3.  This can help to promote better metabolic health such as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other risk factors for heart disease like high cholesterol and blood pressure. The remaining 75% of the fibre in flaxseeds is insoluble, which helps add bulk to stool and prevent constipation4.

Flaxseeds are also rich in several other key nutrients, including protein, vitamin E, and magnesium. Flaxseed protein is a high-quality plant-based protein that contains all the essential amino acids, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet for muscle repair and overall health.

Flaxseeds and The Gut Microbiome

One of the key benefits of flaxseeds is helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion and overall health. A diet rich in healthy and plant-based foods is linked with the presence and abundance of certain gut microbes that are also associated with a lower risk of developing conditions such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease5.

Soluble fibre in milled flaxseed also supports a healthy gut acting as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system, which can be converted into short-chain fatty acids that help nourish the cells lining the colon, promoting a healthy gut barrier and reducing inflammation6,7. A study published in American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism found that the fibres in flaxseed help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut, specifically Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia8.

Flaxseeds are also known for helping prevent constipation, a common digestive issue that can negatively affect gut health. In a study where participants ate 10 grams of flaxseed twice a day for 12 weeks, their constipation symptoms, especially stool consistency, improved significantly9.

Flaxseeds have also been shown to reduce intestinal permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut,” where harmful substances pass from the gut into the bloodstream. This phenomenon is associated with inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS. A study found that consuming 40 grams of brown or golden flaxseeds daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced intestinal permeability in overweight women10. Research shows that ground flaxseed is particularly beneficial for people with IBS because it is easier to digest and better absorbed by the body. Regular consumption can help relieve constipation, reduce bloating, and improve overall gut health, which is often compromised in people with IBS11.

Conclusion

Flaxseeds are a versatile and nutritious addition to your diet, offering numerous health benefits, particularly for supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Milled flaxseed is an easy and effective way to boost your nutrient intake. Simply add 2 tablespoons of Linwoods Organic cold Milled Flaxseed to smoothies, sprinkle it over porridge, yoghurt, or salads, and mix it into homemade muffins, breads, and pancakes. This is a simple yet powerful approach to enhancing your digestive health everyday.

References

  1. Pan, A., Chen, M., Chowdhury, R., Wu, J. H., Sun, Q., Camargo, C. A., … & Hu, F. B. (2012). α-Linolenic acid and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 96(6), 1262-1273. https://doi:10.3945/ajcn.112.044040
  2. Soliman G. A. (2019). Dietary Fiber, Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrients, 11(5), 1155. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051155
  3. Nowak, W., & Jeziorek, M. (2023). The Role of Flaxseed in Improving Human Health. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 11(3), 395. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030395
  4. Anderson, J. W., Baird, P., Davis, R. H., Jr, Ferreri, S., Knudtson, M., Koraym, A., Waters, V., & Williams, C. L. (2009). Health benefits of dietary fiber. Nutrition reviews, 67(4), 188–205. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00189.x
  5. Asnicar, F., Berry, S. E., Valdes, A. M., Nguyen, L. H., Piccinno, G., Drew, D. A., Leeming, E., Gibson, R., Le Roy, C., Khatib, H. A., Francis, L., Mazidi, M., Mompeo, O., Valles-Colomer, M., Tett, A., Beghini, F., Dubois, L., Bazzani, D., Thomas, A. M., Mirzayi, C., … Segata, N. (2021). Microbiome connections with host metabolism and habitual diet from 1,098 deeply phenotyped individuals. Nature medicine, 27(2), 321–332. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-020-01183-8
  6. Ding, H. H., Cui, S. W., Goff, H. D., & Gong, J. (2015). Short-chain fatty acid profiles from flaxseed dietary fibres after in vitro fermentation of pig colonic digesta: Structure–function relationship. Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre, 6(2), 62-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcdf.2015.09.006
  7. Martin-Gallausiaux, C., Marinelli, L., Blottière, H. M., Larraufie, P., & Lapaque, N. (2021). SCFA: mechanisms and functional importance in the gut. The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 80(1), 37–49. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665120006916
  8. Arora T., Rudenko O., Egerod K.L., Husted A.S., Kovatcheva-Datchary P., Akrami R., Kristensen M., Schwartz T.W., Bäckhed F. Microbial fermentation of flaxseed fibers modulates the transcriptome of GPR41-expressing enteroendocrine cells and protects mice against diet-induced obesity. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metabol. 2019;316:E453–E463. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00391.2018
  9. Soltanian, N., & Janghorbani, M. (2018). A randomized trial of the effects of flaxseed to manage constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutrition & metabolism, 15, 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-018-0273-z
  10. Sant’Ana, C. T., Amorim, A. D., Gava, A. P., Aguilar, C. M., Silva, N. G., Machado, L. D., Viana, M. L., Oliveira, D. D. S., Silva, P. I., Costa, N. M. B., & Costa, A. G. V. (2022). Brown and golden flaxseed reduce intestinal permeability and endotoxemia, and improve the lipid profile in perimenopausal overweight women. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 73(6), 829–840. https://doi.org/10.1080/09637486.2022.2052820 – 11
  11. Tarpila S, Tarpila A, Grohn P et al. (2004) Efficacy of ground flaxseed on constipation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Curr Topics Nutraceutical Res 2, 119–125. 12

Is It Time To Try Magnesium Water?

Posted on by

I hear about magnesium all the time. From muscle aches to better sleep, it is having it’s moment. I decided to try Magnesium Water from BetterYou. I’m now a firm fan. Not only are they refreshing and taste great, but they also make me feel healthier. From hydration, focus and energy, there is a drink for that. I will definitely be drinking these again.

Award-winning British wellbeing brand BetterYou has long been recognised as the market leader in magnesium innovation. Their latest launch BetterYou® MagnesiumWater™, is designed to refresh, hydrate, and optimise mental and physical performance and wellbeing needs through the power of magnesium. 

BetterYou magnesium drinks provide the optimal level of essential magnesium (180mg per serving) in a great-tasting recipe. The range includes:

Hydrate – A low-calorie citrus and botanical-flavoured Magnesium Water with added electrolytes to maximise magnesium absorption and rehydration. This drink can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Energy – Energising Magnesium Water with a B vitamin blend to support natural energy levels, flavoured with an uplifting blend of pomegranate and rhubarb. This drink is best enjoyed during the day to boost energy and help to optimise energy before or after a workout.

Focus – A functional magnesium drink with blueberry and mint extract, vitamin B blend and caffeine to support concentration. This drink works well for those looking to boost mental clarity and concentration throughout the day. It can also be helpful for those working long hours needing something to help refresh and support focus.

Added benefits:  Electrolyte-rich • Low calorie • Naturally low sugar • No artificial sweeteners • Zero additives

BetterYou Magnesium Water RRP:4-pack (mixed flavours) £5.9712-pack £19.99 24-pack £34.99

BetterYou Magnesium Water is available online at betteryou.com, in Holland & Barrett stores/online, on Amazon and in independent health foods store retailers nationwide. According to the NHS, the amount of magnesium you need per day is:300 mg a day for men (19 – 64 years) 270 mg a day for women (19 – 64 years)

Expert opinion “Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral essential for various biochemical reactions, from nerve function and muscle contraction to bone development,” says Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart, PhD. “It plays a vital role in converting food into energy, repairing DNA, and ensuring the regular function of the heart and lungs. It can also help to promote sleep, boost mood, support healthy bones,  boost exercise performance, and relieve muscle tension.”