The Menopause Is A Mystery For One In Five Women… Kira Survey Reveals Dangerous Knowledge Gap

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Two out of five women who have gone through the menopause admit they were not prepared for the hormonal upheaval that comes with the change of life, and only one in four women aged 40 to 60 is confident she knows enough about the way hormones affect her daily life.

Although this milestone is a health challenge every woman will face, for many women menopause remains shrouded in mystery according to new research from Kira the women’s supplement specialists, has revealed. The research which surveyed 1,000 women found that one in five (21%) respondents said they did not understand the change of life. Perhaps not surprisingly, uncertainty is more common among women aged 20 to 40, with a third (32%) admitting they are not confident they understand the menopause.

But shockingly, almost one in ten (9%) of women in the age range where they are likely to be experiencing some symptoms, or may already have stopped menstruating, admit they are not sure what the menopause is.

Of those who had already gone through menopause, almost half (47%) felt they were not properly informed. One in four (25%) admitted they were not prepared and almost one in five (18%) did not seek advice on the health implications and symptom control.

The implications of these insights are alarming as the hormonal changes associated with menopause can have a huge impact on health and emotional wellbeing.

On average, women in the UK reach menopause — which is defined as a year without a period— at the age of 51. As levels of the hormone oestrogen fall, it triggers a range of symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, heart palpitations, headaches, disturbed sleep, headaches, mood swings, depression, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and urinary tract infections. Resources like Wisp women’s health offer support and treatment options tailored to managing these symptoms and improving overall well-being.

But there are also unseen changes. Dr Catherine Hood a women’s health specialist and an advisor to Kira says: “The incidence of coronary heart disease — which is Britain’s biggest killer — rises dramatically after menopause. This is because oestrogen raises beneficial HDL cholesterol, lowers unhealthy LDL cholesterol, and improves heart and vascular function, so as oestrogen falls after menopause women lose all those heart-healthy benefits.

“Bone density also falls, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. One in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone. Worse still, of the 70,000 osteoporotic hip fractures each year, about 30% of patients will die within a year due to causes related to the fracture.

Dr Catherine Hood adds: “The lack of awareness surrounding menopause which this research has uncovered is very worrying. Ignorance is not bliss, it is being blind to the health challenges which come with the menopause. It also means women are blind to the positive steps they can take to bolster their health and relieve troublesome symptoms.”

“You don’t always have to resort to Hormone Replacement Therapy, and some women should not as there are times it can actually increase the risk of heart disease.

“If you prefer a more natural approach, there are supplements and herbal remedies which have been shown to support health and wellbeing and counter common problems such as hot flushes, night sweats and sleep disruption.”

Kira, one of the most trusted names in women’s’ supplements, has developed a range of products which support health and wellbeing during this time of change.

Kira’s traditional herbal products are fully accredited and carry the Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) logo — which ensures they are made to the same exacting standards expected of pharmaceutical medicines. THR accreditation guarantees you receive the same dose every time and the remedy is free from any harmful additives.

Dr Catherine Hood in summary notes: “A healthy diet and plenty of exercise can also make menopause more manageable, but busy lifestyles mean a little extra help from a supplement or herbal remedy is often beneficial.

“Many of my patients say they find herbal remedies helpful, however the quality of these products can vary dramatically, so I would strongly advise against buying any herbal product that does not carry the THR logo.”

Menopause marvels from Kira…

Kira Menopause relief (this product falls under the traditional herbal registration).

Every Kira Menopause relief tablet contains a consistent, standardised 6.5mg extract of Black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa l), which is the equivalent of up to 55mg of dried root. A member of the buttercup family, black cohosh is also known as squawroot because Native Americans used the dried roots and underground stems, known as rhizomes, to relieve hot flushes, night sweats and other symptoms of menopause.

A 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 304 women with menopausal symptoms found black cohosh relieved symptoms more effectively than placebo. A smaller study, also double-blinded with a placebo control, found that black cohosh was as effective as HRT at controlling hot flushes and other menopause symptoms.

You should not take Kira Menopause relief if you are:

suffering from liver or kidney disease (e.g. hepatitis, jaundice or cirrhosis) or if you have suffered such problems in the past.
suffering or have previously suffered from an oestrogen-dependent tumour
are of child-bearing age and not using contraception
are lactose-intolerant
are pregnant or breastfeeding
are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Under the age of 18 years

Kira menopause relief is available from Holland & Barrett RRP £10.20

Kira Body Balance 40+

A vitamin complex designed to support bone health in women aged 40 plus. High-strength calcium (850mg), fluoride and vitamins D3 and K1 help support bone health and teeth^. Research has shown that calcium supplements reduce bone loss associated with advancing age and when vitamin D is taken with calcium it appears to reduce the risk of fractures by as much as 43%. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid help reduce tiredness and fatigue and support the immune system, while copper helps maintain connective tissue which keeps skin supple and helps maintain the pigments in the hair.

Kira Body Balance 40+ is available from Boots RRP £15.39

Kira Restful sleep (this product falls under the traditional herbal registration).

As many as three out of five post-menopausal women report problems with insomnia while symptoms such as hot flushes can undermine sleep quality. The root of Valeriana officinalis L has traditionally been used for the temporary relief of sleep disturbances due to symptoms of mild anxiety. Meta-analysis, a super study which combined the findings of 18 randomized controlled trials, found these “suggest valerian would be effective for a subjective improvement of insomnia”.

Each Kira Restful sleep tablet contains 300mg of the dried extract of valerian root (valeriana officinalis L.) — the equivalent of up to 1,800mg of the herb.

Do not take this remedy if:

You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients (see section 6)
You are under 18 years of age
You are already taking a medicine which makes you feel drowsy

Kira Restful Sleep is available from Boots & Waitrose RRP £6.99

New Research Review Warns Poor Diets Of Older People Boosts Risk of Premature Ageing

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

NEW RESEARCH REVIEW WARNS THAT POOR DIETS OF OLDER PEOPLE BOOSTS RISK OF PREMATURE AGEING

Millions of older people in the UK are putting their long term health at risk because their diets are low in certain key vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, says a new research review commissioned by the

Health Supplements Information Service (HSIS).

The review, about to be published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, assessed the evidence from 34 randomised controlled trials, published 2005-2015, where adults aged 50 years and over had been given nutritional supplements.

The gold standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to ensure that only high quality studies were included in the analysis.

Commenting on the research review, GP Dr Paul Stillman, an advisor to HSIS notes:

“The data results show promising results for many nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils, B vitamins, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K to name a few:

Increasing omega-3 intakes from fish oils appeared to have a role in improving memory, reducing the risk of dry eye, lowering depression scores and levels of leucocyte telomere oxidative stress (a marker of how fast cells are aging) while supporting muscle protein synthesis (which helps older people remain active and avoid falls);
Folic acid and B12 supplementation were found to impact positively on cognitive function (particularly memory);
Combinations of calcium and vitamin D appeared most effective for fracture prevention
Multivitamin use was associated with reduced total cancer risk, improved reported energy levels and enhanced mood.”

However, it was clear from dietary surveys that intakes of key nutrients were low in significant groups of older people. Lead author, Dr Carrie Ruxton, comments: “Vitamin D is a key nutrient for healthy ageing, with a proven role in maintaining normal bone health and immune function. Yet dietary intakes in older British adults are just 30-40% of the recommendation with more than one fifth found to be clinically deficient. Risk of deficiency is also high for iron where 14% of older adults have low blood levels of haemoglobin leading to anaemia, poor immune function and poor cognitive health if not corrected. Smaller groups have inadequate intakes of B vitamins and calcium with those over 65 years most at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Average intakes of omega-3 fatty acids remain below the recommended 450mg per day because two thirds of older adults don’t eat oily fish on a regular basis.”

Dr Ruxton adds: “People’s bodies age at different speeds and it would appear that having the right diet can slow this process, therefore helping people to stay healthier for longer. While research is still at an early stage, there are promising results for fish oils, B vitamins, calcium and vitamin D. Taking more of these nutrients, from foods plus vitamin and mineral supplements, could help older people age more healthily and would certainly do no harm if intakes remain within recommendations”.

About HSIS…

The Health Supplements Information Service (HSIS) (www.hsis.org.uk; Tel: 020 7052 8955) is an independent information body, set up to provide balanced information on vitamins and minerals. It is supported by a restricted educational grant from the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB).

Cholesterol Egg-splained by Dr Kathleen Thompson

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Margaret Graham

When I was a child, eggs were definitely good for us – We were encouraged to ‘go to work on an egg’ and boiled eggs with runny yolks and toast soldiers were a healthy meal.

Then in the 1970s everything changed. We were warned that eggs raised blood cholesterol. This caused atherosclerotic plaques (fatty deposits), which narrowed our arteries and reduced blood flow, resulting in heart attacks and strokes.

Overnight the egg was recast from hero to villain.

These changes were based on some small studies of animals which were fed high-cholesterol diets, plus large trials involving people who regularly ate cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs.

Forty-years on, we understand that the conclusions reached were flawed.

Dietary studies are always difficult. It is relatively easy to compare a group of patients who are given a new drug with a group who aren’t. In contrast, one can hardly make a group of people eat copious daily eggs for several years, to see whether they suffer more heart attacks than people who don’t.

So, usually people with a certain eating pattern of interest (eg high egg consumption) are followed, and their rates of disease are compared to those with different eating patterns.

However, confounding factors can influence these results. The people who ate lots of eggs in the cholesterol studies often also consumed more saturated fats and trans fats too, in red and processed meat. Other important factors which can affect blood cholesterol, such as physical activity and exercise, were also different between the two groups.

Consequently, eggs were wrongly blamed for blood cholesterol increases.

One should always be wary of facts based on research. Studies are very powerful tools, and numerous important advances have resulted, but the accuracy of data is dependent on the design of the study and interpretation of the results, and can be misleading.

The reality for cholesterol is more complicated than people thought. Our body makes most of our cholesterol itself. Food sources only contribute slightly in most people. Even then, eating eggs raises (protective) high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, rather than the harmful low density lipopoprotein (LDL) type.

Diabetics handle cholesterol differently, and some people are sensitive to cholesterol. These, in addition to people with familial hypercholesterolaemia (an inherited condition) may need to limit dietary intake.

For most though, blood cholesterol is best controlled with exercise, not smoking, weight control and avoiding saturated and trans fats.

Eggs are an excellent food source. Egg protein provides all the amino acids needed to build healthy muscle. The fat in eggs is mainly monosaturated (44%) and polysaturated (11%). They provide vitamin D and other important nutrients and a medium egg only contains 80 calories.

Free-range chickens can eat worms, insects and other natural foods, which could theoretically improve the quality of their eggs, but all eggs are good.

So, why not go to work on one?

Further Information and References:

http://www.bmj.com/content/346/bmj.e8539

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-lower-cholesterol-risk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice

Hyalual® … Could This Be The Breakthrough In Anti-aging Therapy?

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Skincare is my thing.

Forever on the lookout for the best beauty products, they must be effective, easy to use, smell good, give me a glowing complexion and an English Rose peachiness. It’s not too much to ask…

But it’s a skincare minefield out there. Which brand do you choose?

Spoilt for choice, it’s a wonder we ever manage to buy any at all!

I’ve been desperate to try the flagship skincare range from HyaLual® since rumours of its existence began to circulate, and during my recent trip to London Fashion Week, have been extravagantly spritzing myself with the products courtesy of my lovely friend, celebrity hairdresser, Steven Smith, an ambassador of the products.

It became apparent that the consistency of the products had a soothing, healing and moisturising effect on my skin with an uplifting quality that improved my mood, making it a welcome addition to the weekend’s beauty routine.

Since our lives are more hectic than ever and time is increasingly precious, urban life stresses our skin – the delicate barrier, and if you want to influence its internal structure and improve the outward appearance, you have to nourish it.

I fell in love with the pinnacle of the HyaLual® brand, the Daily DeLux…

Most of us tend to be guilty of taking the easy option when it comes to looking after our skin – we want a one-stop product that works for the day and night. By day, our skin is bombarded by the environment, attacked by sunlight, pollution and central heating, so we need a product that will protect and hydrate it, providing a barrier that will lock in moisture – but night-time is when our complexion gets to work repairing itself, we need a product that will give our skin the best chance to restore itself.

Institute HyaLual® Switzerland

is an Institute, operating in the field of

anti-age therapy
skin rejuvenation
correction
skin renovation

HyaLual®’s pioneering research into the importance to maintaining moisture levels in the skin was pivotal in the development of their Natural Melt Water.

Aqualual® – is a unique cosmetic spray based on the

combination of melt water and hyaluronic acid.

Melt water has a biocompatible structure close to

cellular liquids and is able to hydrate

epidermis cells immediately.

Hyaluronic acid helps to keep natural moisture

into the skin cells.

WOW Mask – is the professional aqua gel mask for immediate visible results of skin restoration. It is based on an innovative technology and components to ensure that you feel and look younger after the very first use.

Benefits:

– Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

– Delivers 200% more hydration to the skin (vs other collagen-based moisturizing treatments)

– Helps your skin to feel smooth

– Improves the feeling of skin elasticity

WOW Mask contains Argireline, RMCP-complex, collagen matrix enriched with peptides, vegetable cell extracts.

HyaLual® Safe Sun Protection Face and Body Spray SPF 15 is an easy-applyable spray sunscreen.

This light to the touch spray should be used on exposed, facial/décolleté, body areas.

Benefits:

Protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays with an SPF15 protection.
Suitable for all skin types.
For use on both the face and body.

Directions:

Apply in the morning to complete your anti-ageing skincare regime or as directed by your aesthetic professional.
Spray and then gently massage until absorbed ensuring complete coverage of the exposed, non-facial/décolleté, body areas.
Water resistant reapply every 2-3 hours during periods of high sun exposure.

HyaLual® elevates premium skincare to a whole new level, redefining the luxury skincare market.

With luxurious formulas working together to give your skin a chance of a new beginning… things are set to change.

Institute Hyalual UK – 1 Harley Sreet London W1G 9QD – United Kingdom office: +44 0203 651 1227 – e-mail: info@hyalual.co.uk

www.hyalual.co.uk/en

Corinne Beauty Gossip www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

@ladycdtt

corinne@frostmagazine.com

Organic September – Rainbow Salad & Fries

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

You all know by now I love to get creative in the kitchen. And as part of organic September I was invited to create a few recipes using a range of organic produce. So I decided to base my first recipe around a savoury dish and get really stuck in with a good healthy recipe.

So after a little bit of googling I couldn’t find a dish that would do the range justice. Back to the drawing board. With many people being gluten or wheat intolerant these dishes should make a lot of you very happy indeed. Most chips and some salads have a vast amount of hidden nasties in them. The coatings on fries and even some salads will have wheat in the sauces. So with this in mind I decided to rustle up some sweet potato fries with a nifty crisp, crunchy and delicious coating and a bright rainbow salad.

My original creations went down so well last weekend when we had friends stating over. They all ran out and picked up a few packets of the oatcakes themselves. If you want to create this amazing, heathy and sumptuous salads then here is what you will need.

Organic September – Rainbow Salad Ingredients

Organic spinach
Organic carrots
Red & yellow peppers
Clearspring toasted almonds
Edamame beans
1 can of Chic peas
Fresh limes
Nairns flax seed, chai & sunflower oatcakes
Organic sweet potatoes
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Soya sauce

Method

Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into similar size chips and add a good amount of fresh ground pepper and pinch of salt.
Pour over the olive oil and then crush the oat cakes.
Coat the fries in the crumbs. Makes sure they are all well coated in the oil.
Pop into the oven for 30 mins. Check half way through and shake them up so they get nice and crispy.
Pile a large serving plate with the fresh organic spinach and then decorate it with a rainbow of colour.
Chop up all the fresh salad. Slice the carrots with the grater and thinly chop the rest of the ingredients.
Add the chick peas & beens.
Sprinkle with lime juice and almonds
Add a dash of soya sauce if needed
Now pour a nice glass of organic fizz, sit back and let the mouthwatering munching begin. Make sure you make enough to go round as your guests will most certainly go back for seconds.

Nu Skin Galvanic Spa Review

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

I have used the Nu Skin Galvanic Spa for the last 4 weeks and it has really changed my skin for the better. At the cost of 2 professional salon visits it’s well worth the hype. I now can see amazing results in the comfort of my own bathroom. It’s lifted my jaw line. My cheeks, around my mouth and eyes have really been smoothed out. Also my pores actually look like I have spent a fortune on weekly treatments. The fine lines are around my eyes have all but vanished. it looks like I have expensive spa visits. It’s a little like ironing out the skin. The more you use this device the better the results. What’s great about this is that I found it actually works much like a professional Galvanic machine. These work by sending a current through the skin and enable products to be penetrated deeper into the underlying cells. And also to cleanse the skin to allow the new podcast to be introduced. It will create a slight metallic taste, this is completely normal and professional services do just the same.

I use the Nu Skin Galvanic Spa (incredible little gadget) around 3 times a week for 5 minutes a time for each gel stage that comes with the kit. I just pop it into my regular nighttime routine and I’m sorted.

Nu Skin Galvanic Spa Routine

I take off my makeup with an oil based lotion. This will get rid of stubborn eye makeup and daily build up of London life.
I then cleanse with my skin with Caudilie facial foam. I will do a full review of this very soon!
I then chop off the end of the pre gel treatment and apply 1/2 of the tube all over my face.
Then I damp my hand under the tap and place my fingers on the metal pad at the back.
Turn on the machine to No1 and start to gently use upward motions, a bit like a facial massage. You will hear the machine beep and this tells you its working.
I do this for about 2 1/2 minutes then move onto the other side. This stage is the deep cleansing stage where its having a souphficaton effect. This means its turning the grease and grime into a soap like substance that can be washed off.
Then it time for the treatment mode No2. Cut open the treatment tube and add 1/2 to the entire face and just repeat the movements from before.
If I am doing my weekly mask I would apply this now for about 10- 20 mins while relaxing in the bath.
I then lightly remove any excess and apply a pea sized amount of Nu Skin night cream.
I always follow this with my Hydropeptide eye cream! Check out my article here on some other incredible products.

When I used the Nu Skin Galvanic Spa for the first time I decided to do just one side of my face! It’s truly amazing and I suggest if you purchase this bathroom anti ageing buddy that you do the same!! I get told all the time that I have amazing skin and regularly get asked for ID! I think this really has helped loads over the last few weeks as my skin hasn’t looked this great in months.

Once the skin has gone too far with the ageing process we can only maintain what we have. Their is no miracle cure and its all down to upkeep. You need to know that the effectiveness of expensive salon facial electrical treatments are not miracle workers but they will assist to help keep the skin in good condition. But also you need to have regular treatments going forward or the effects will be lost and your money just wasted. I have had this little device for over 6 months and annoyed I didn’t start using it sooner. I am now converted and happy to have this little baby sitting on its stand taking pride and place on my vanity unit!

Head over to their website for more information HERE.

Follow me on Twitter HERE

Check out my blog HERE!

And for any Photography or information regarding images please check out 2boxes.co.uk

Australian Beauty Brand Sukin Reveals New Products

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

For August 2015, Australian beauty brand Sukin has announced the launch of its Botanical Body Wash and Hydrating Body Lotion in a new lime and coconut scent.

Lime & Coconut Botanical Body Wash (£13.22) is a sulphate free cleanser, enriched with coconut and lime, containing jojoba, avocado and rose hip oils to soften, hydrate and purify skin.

Lime & Coconut Hydrating Body Lotion (£7.55), contains an infusion of aloe vera, nettle, horsetail and burdock to restore the skin’s moisture balance.

The brand has also announced the launch of its Super Greens range face products.

The four-piece range comprises Detoxifying Clay Masque (£9.99), Detoxifying Facial Scrub (£9.99), Facial Recovery Serum (£13.99) and Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturiser (£9.99).

Sukin’s Super Greens range, features handpicked actives, including kale, spirulina, parsley, chlorella, acai and goji, to promote a healthy glow and leave a clean, radiant complexion.

Additionally, the brand is launching Miracle Micellar Cleansing Water (£8.12), a gentle formula designed to remove make-up and impurities, soothe skin and encourage hydration.

To compliment Sukin’s micelles producing formula, chamomile, aloe vera and cucumber have been added to leave a calm complexion, with no tightness or dry patches after use.

Sukin is available from Holland & Barrett, Alphega Pharmacies, Whole Foods, Planet Organic, Ocado and online at cressuk.com and feelunique.com.

www.sukinorganics.com
@SukinSkincare

corinne@frostmagazine.com

@ladycdtt

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Macadamia Professional Launch

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

I attended the launch of a very exciting hair range recently. Macadamia are known for their hair oils and now they have created a fantastic new collection of professional products for salons and home use. I was mesmerised at the performance of the entire range.

They are for sale on their website so don’t worry if your salon isn’t stocking just yet, and if you are a salon wanting these just hit THIS LINK and you can introduce the entire range for your customers to go crazy over. It won’t be long before this range pops up in salon near you as this range is quite frankly superb. I have had a drastic cut recently and these are helping restore my hairs lustre, bounce and body. One of the main reasons I cut it off was it had become dry from using hotel shampoos and conditioners while traveling recently. Most inferoiur products contain Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES for short) and these strip the hair of vital goodness and essential oils. It’s not widely know that this nasty chemical can cause eye or skin irritations. The worst thing about SLES is that its used in experiments done on animals and humans. So if your Vegan you need to check those bottles guys. SLES can also cause irritation after extended exposure with some people. I can see you all dashing off to check bathroom cabinets very soon. You will be amazed at how many of your favourite products contain this substance.

So knowing all of this you would think that I would be more aware of hair heath…NO! I threw caution to the wind and also had a little fling with mega blonde hair. The combination left my once beautiful mane a tad dry and frizzy. Then macadamia pro came into my life! It’s a game changer that’s for sure! Along with being kind to your hair and free from SLES the new Macadamia range is cruelty and gluten free. Yes you read that right, it doesn’t contain any wheat based or gluten products. With allergies being on the increase its so important to remember that your skin absorbs countless substances throughout the day. The skin is the largest organ we have so it makes sense to protect ourselves from over exposure to unnecessary products. I’m a coeliac suffer and this was music to my ears. Who would have thought a brand could be so forward thinking! Myself and my new cropped hair are extremely happy to say the least.

Take yourself over to their website here to see the entire range! I will be doing individual reviews on all their products over the next few weeks. Make sure you pop back and check them out.

So with that I will cut this short!!! And say bye until next time!

Come and say hi over at twitter too! @Sarahbacchus or check out my blog SLBstyle.com for more fashion, food and fun.

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