Tag Archives: Health

5 Reasons To Give Up Alcohol

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whitewineAccording to the latest statistics the average person in Britain spends £50,000 on alcohol in their lifetime. The shocking figures were compiled by Macmillan Caner Support who are currently asking people to sign up to Go Sober for October.

Nutritionist Elouise Bauskis from nutricentre.com gives her five simple reasons not to drink alcohol, or at least to reduce your intake:

We’ve been told that a little bit of alcohol is healthy for us, for example a glass of red wine will provide us with resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant.  if you’re especially addicted to alcohol, it is not only important to cut down alcohol, it is also important to visit rehab near me for substance abuse treatment. There may be some health benefits, but there is increasing incidence of women especially, consuming beyond the recommended amount of alcohol, often binging at the weekends. It’s very easy for us to consume over the recommended 2-3 units per day – that one large glass of wine may equal this! How many of us consume way more than this in an evening out or at home?!

Women are more physiologically sensitive to alcohol than men, states experts from alcohol and drug rehab. This is because we have a lower body content of water and we have a higher fat content, therefore alcohol becomes more concentrated in our systems and is retained in our bodies longer. As a result women develop liver disease at lower levels of alcohol intake than men do, and are at increased risk of osteoporosis (due to reduced absorption of nutrients).

1. Protect your liver – The liver is an amazingly robust organ, and is the only organ that has the ability to regenerate itself after certain types of damage. Unfortunately alcohol is one of the toxins that the liver doesn’t handle as well as other toxins, and it cannot regenerate after being severely damaged by alcohol. The liver processes 95% of alcohol ingested. Alcohol is seen as a toxin and therefore the body will preferentially process it before anything else. As a result alcohol is absorbed and processed before nutrients and food; therefore it’s not a good idea to consume alcohol whilst eating!

2. Optimise your nutrient absorption and prevent excess aging – Repeated consumption of alcohol inhibits the liver’s production of digestive enzymes, which then majorly reduces the body’s ability to absorb proteins, fats and the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E and K), as well as the B complex vitamins especially B1 (thiamine) and folic acid. Many essential nutrients are not retained by the body and are ‘washed out’ rapidly through the urine. This means that alcohol consumption causes a major loss of valuable nutrients and antioxidants. Without these vital elements, we may not have the adequate ingredients to make collagen, meaning we may produce wrinkles more easily. With the loss of antioxidants, we may age much more quickly, losing our vitality and looks.

3. Avoid excess weight gain, especially around the middle – Because alcohol prevents the body’s ability to digest fats properly, excessive amounts of fat may accumulate in the liver. Leptin is a peptide hormone involved in the regulation of appetite and energy metabolism. High levels of leptin are known to contribute to fatty infiltration of the liver. Alcohol prevents the release of glucose from the liver and can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). This drop in blood sugar often produces a craving for foods, especially foods that raise blood sugar such as more alcohol or sugar – not good for anyone, especially those concerned about weight gain, especially fat around the middle! For anyone with diabetes and are taking insulin, this can have very serious negative results.

4. Alcohol can negatively affect your sex life and fertility – Alcohol reduces the body’s storage of the essential mineral zinc. Zinc is involved in hundreds of reactions in the body, so without it, many processes suffer, including your hormonal balance and fertility. For men! For men it can reduce testosterone production and cause erectile dysfunction, and for women it can disrupt your menstrual cycle, and if you’re thinking about having a baby, alcohol consumption increases your chance of miscarriage and birth defects.

5. Alcohol may be making you depressed and anxious – As alcohol reduces the absorption of many essential nutrients, it may be having a major impact on your brain chemistry in a negative way. For example, those consuming excessive alcohol may have lower levels of tryptophan (the amino acid that is converted to serotonin). Low serotonin is a major feature of depression. Selenium deficiency may occur as a result of alcohol intake and is associated with depression, anxiety, confusion and hostility. The absorption of B vitamins are majorly affected by alcohol consumption, and deficiency in these crucially important vitamins will add to stress, nervous tension and energy levels.

 

 

Taking Small Steps To Improve Your Health

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Many of us whose waistline is on an expansion mission know there are simple solutions to rein in weight gain. In many cases, a healthy lifestyle is seen as being too much effort, but the truth is that just a few small changes to lifestyle and diet can see a massive difference to health and wellbeing and in most cases you will hardly notice a difference to daily routine.

health, health tips

 

Why is it important to stay healthy?

 

Eating properly and having the right amount of exercise are key to your ability to fight off illness and disease.  The immune system needs the right amount of nutrients to remain strong in order to work efficiently, but it is also hampered when you are overweight and out of shape.  Additional factors to consider if you want to improve your health include the damaging effects of smoking and alcohol consumption.  Both of these can lead to illness and also reduce the effectiveness of your immune system.

 

A healthy diet

 

Following a healthy diet will mean that you are providing your body with all the nutrients that you need to stay in good health.  With plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet it will be much easier to get the right nutrients.  The recommended daily amount is around five portions a day, but some scientists are now recommending that people extend this to seven portions a day, with just two of those as fruit.  However, if you are one of those people who rarely eats fresh fruit and vegetables, the first step is to include just some each day.  Over time, you can build this up to the right amount.

 

In addition to fresh fruit and vegetables, it is a good idea to make a few swaps so that your unhealthy choices are suddenly much better for you.  One example is fries.  Replace these with jacket or boiled potatoes and you will cut your fat intake dramatically.  White bread can be swapped for wholegrain and you can opt for brown versions of rice and pasta instead of the standard white.

 

For some it can be difficult to get the balance right, particularly if there are underlying health issues.  Herbal and nutritional supplements can be useful here.  A good multivitamin can help to redress the balance, but you can also incorporate herbal teas as an easy way to add the benefits of herbs to your diet.  Jasmine Tea, for example, is considered to be very calming and perfect for those who suffer from stress and anxiety, both of which can have a negative effect on health.

 

Don’t forget exercise!

 

Finally, make sure that you get regular exercise.  The jury is still out on just how much exercise a person needs but the good news is that you only have to go for a good walk a few times a week to see a difference.  Exercise does not have to be hard work or boring – take up cycling with the family or even try something like ballroom dancing.  You will be having so much fun you might not even notice the pounds and inches slipping away!

 

 

Research reveals that drinking tea reduces non-cardiovascular mortality by 24%

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More evidence on tea and reduced risk of mortality

tea

Drinking tea reduces non-cardiovascular mortality by 24%, reveals a study in 13,000 people presented at European Society of Cardiology Congress by Professor Nicolas Danchin from France.

 

Commenting on the study, Dr Carrie Ruxton from The Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) notes: “This study investigated the risk of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality in relation to tea and coffee consumption in a large population of French people at low risk of cardiovascular disease. The study included 131,401 people aged 18 to 95 years who had a health check up at the Paris IPC Preventive Medicine Centre between January 2001 and December 2008. During a mean 3.5 years follow up there were 95 deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 632 deaths from non-CVD causes. Tea consumption was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire as one of three classes: none, 1 to 4, or more than 4 cups per day.

 

“Compared to no tea drinking, tea drinking lowered the risk of non-CVD death by 24% and the trend towards lowering CV mortality was nearly significant. When the analysis was extended to 2011 tea continued to reduce overall mortality during the 6 year period. Most of the effect of tea on non-CV mortality was found in current or ex-smokers, while tea had a neutral effect in non-smokers.

 

“In this study, tea had a more marked effect on blood pressure than coffee, with a 4-5 mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure and 3 mmHg decrease in diastolic blood pressure in the heavy tea drinkers, compared to non-drinkers, when adjusted for age. This effect of tea on lowering blood pressure has been found in several earlier studies. A meta-analysis of 25 randomised controlled trials published in the British Journal of Nutrition [1] involving 1476 people found that long term tea intake reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure while acute tea intake had no effect. The blood pressure lowering effect was apparent in people who consumed tea for more than 12 weeks.

 

“Tea drinkers also had a better cardiovascular risk profile in this new study than people who did not drink tea. For example, tea drinkers had a healthier lifestyle. One-third (34%) of the people who did not drink tea were current smokers compared to 24% of those who drank 1-4 cups per day and 29% of those who drank more than 4 cups. Physical activity increased with the number of cups of tea per day from 43% in the moderate tea drinkers to 46% in the heavy drinkers.”

 

Dr Catherine Hood from TAP adds; “Overall this study adds to the growing evidence base that tea consumption reduces cardiovascular risk. This is likely related to the flavonoid content of tea. In addition to effects on blood pressure, a study published earlier this year found that drinking more than three cups of tea daily is associated with reduced arterial stiffness.[2] Other previous studies have shown that black tea improves blood flow through the arteries[3] and can reduce the risk of stroke.[4] Two recent meta-analyses have found that tea consumption improves cholesterol profile mainly by reducing LDL (bad cholesterol). [5] [6]

 

“Tea is a very popular beverage in the UK and these findings across several studies continue to suggest that Britain’s’ favourite beverage is good for cardiovascular health.”

 

 

Soleve Sunburn Relief Review | Health

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Summer may feel like a distant memory but there are still a few lucky ones on holiday. In the hope of some future summer days, or future holidays we have reviewed Soleve Sunburn Relief. It is the first licensed product of its type specifically formulated to ease the pain and discomfort of mild to moderate sunburn. solevesunburnreliefreview Here is what they say:

Soleve Sunburn Relief is a lotion applied to mild to moderately sunburnt skin to relieve the pain of the sunburn and to moisture the skin. It combines two active ingredients to deliver effective relief right where it’s needed: an effective analgesic, ibuprofen, and an emollient, isopropyl myristate.

Ibuprofen is a well-known Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that is a powerful painkiller and reduces inflammation. Soleve is specially designed to deliver therapeutic levels of ibuprofen directly into sunburnt skin – precisely where it is needed.

Isopropyl myristate, is an emollient which effectively soothes and moisturises the skin by trapping water. Rehydration of sunburnt skin is very important to promote the normal healing process and to make the skin feel more comfortable by reducing both the skin tightness of sunburn and the frictional irritation between sunburnt skin and clothing.

 

This lotion goes on easily and a little bit goes a long way. It absorbs well and you can use it up to eight times a day. Does it work on sunburn? Yes, it eases and soothes. It is quite pricey at £9.95 but it does work, both moisturising and painkilling. It doesn’t smell bad and is not overpowering either. Recommended as a first-aid kit essential, good stuff.

 

Available from Boots and Boots.com

 

 

Back Nodger Review | Health

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backnodgerreviewAfter an injury on a film set I am now unfortunately one of those people who are in possession of a bad back. The most annoying thing about it is the limitations it places on you. Pain isn’t fun so anything that helps your back is worth the money and the time.

So we agreed to review the Back Nodger. First thing first: the back nodger is easy to use. Using it is very satisfying. Like always having your partner on hand for a good massage. It really does work, easing tension, soothing muscles, helping aches and stiffness. We are very impressed and our backs are grateful.

We love the Back Nodger and can highly recommend it. I will certainly be using it on a regular basis.

The Back Nodger can be used to relax the knots and tension in all the places you can’t reach; tight shoulders, stiff neck and your aching back

Say Goodbye To Half-Hearted Massages……and Hello To Your New 24/7 Masseuse. Back Nodger goes deep, is on-hand whenever you need it and will never miss the spot (or get distracted).

Your essential piece of kit for hours at your desk, after the gym or just to de-stress at home with your feet up.

Designed With Top Physios to Be Simple and Effective

Clinical Physiotherapist Paula Coates recommends using Back Nodger every day: “We all clean our teeth twice a day to keep our mouths healthy, so why not nodge your knots to keep muscles relaxed, de-stressed, and able to keep up with your lifestyle.”

This video shows you how to use the Back Nodger.

Back Nodger – Quick Guide to Nodge Your Knots from R N Ventures Ltd on Vimeo.

STEP 1
backnodgerstep1

2 hands on your Back Nodger
at all times!

The top hand is for control and the bottom hand is to apply pressure

STEP 2
backnodgerstep2

Hook the Back Nodger over your shoulder.

Place the uniquely designed Nodge head onto a knot or an area of pain or tension

STEP 3
backnodgerstep3

Apply deep, precise pressure directly into that knot or area of tension.

Hold each Nodge for upto 10 seconds (or one breath) and then release the pressure.

STEP 4
backnodgerstep4

Keep Nodging! Once you have Nodged one knot, move onto the another knot anywhere on your back.

 

The Back Nodger is available from Boots.com and eBay.

 

 

Think Dirty App Tells You How Toxic Your Cosmetics Are

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It is no secret that the bees are dying because of pesticide abuse and that all of the toxic chemicals they put in our toothpaste and make up are affecting our health. The madness of the world is that if we don’t want nasty pesticides on our fruit and veg then we have to pay more for the organic stuff.

thinkdirtyapp

This is why we have a new favourite app: Think Dirty.  This is what they say:

Think Dirty® app is the easiest way to learn about the potentially toxic ingredients in your cosmetics and personal care products. It’s an independent source that allows you to compare products as you shop. Just scan the product barcode and Think Dirty will give you easy-to-understand info on the product, its ingredients, and cleaner options.

 

This is a free app that will let you know if your products contain potentially toxic chemicals like BHA / BHT, PEGs, formaldehyde releasing agents, siloxanes, sulfates, petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates, fragrance/parfum and non-biodegradable ingredients

 

We love it and think that you will too. Get the free app on iTunes here.

 

 

CurraNZ Supplement Review | Health

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We are on a major health kick here at Frost and always looking for the next health trend.

product
Fitness supplements are always big news, anything that makes the body work a bit better or the skin looking healthier.

So we tried new natural supplement, CurraNZ, which is made from 100% concentrated New Zealand blackcurrant powder, which have been proven to benefit those who regularly exercise. The berries have anti-inflammatory properties as well as promoting circulation and reducing lactic acid build-up, allowing people to train harder for longer. It also reportedly dramatically reduces menopausal flushes.

Taken in capsule form, the supplement is an easy way of ingesting extra goodness without making food taste funky as some other fruit & veg powders do! As a superfood, New Zealand blackcurrants are also incredibly high in antioxidants with 100mg of fresh fruit providing 12,881 ORAC, compared to blueberries 6,341 and green tea 1,500. The product costs £29 for a month’s supply (30 capsules) and is available online at healthcurrancy.co.uk. It is also vegan friendly.

What did we think? First of all, it didn’t taste horrible, which is always good. We tried a month’s supply and by the end our skin was definitely improved, we were slimmer (we did use it when exercising but it seemed to make weight loss happen faster) and we definitely think it helped with lactic acid build up as we took the supplement just before we worked out. By the end we were actually glowing.

We are definitely fans of CurraNZ. We think it certainly has health benefits.

 

 

4 in 10 admit they go online to seek health and wellbeing advice

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Where Do You Go For Reliable Health Advice?

New research has revealed the growing trend of people taking important health and well-being advice from unreliable sources.

health advice online. Almost 4 in 10 people would choose to go online to seek advice on their own health and wellbeing and around 1 in 20 Brits have admitted they would turn to social media sites like Facebook or Twitter for advice on health issues.

While there are many reliable sites offering health and nutritional information, it can be easy to take the wrong advice.

The research, commissioned by Viridian Nutrition, also revealed that more than 1 in 3 people surveyed said they would go to their doctor for medical advice, only 1 in 4 claimed they would take advice from their local specialist health food store.

Jeff Martin is Managing Director of As Nature Intended, and he said health food stores are good sources of reliable health information, ‘People coming into health food stores and asking for health advice is a cornerstone of what we’re about. If people came in and saw me earlier they would have got a resolution to whatever problem they had a lot quicker’.

A further survey from the Health Food Manufacturer’s Association also revealed that, of the 10,000 adults questioned, 40% said they don’t think they have access to enough information on vitamin supplements.

The research also revealed that around 55% of the UKs population now take food supplements (a 9% rise over the past two years) and that almost 1 in 4 people get the majority of their information about vitamin supplements from the box or packaging they come in.

We also spoke to Nutritionist and Lecturer Ben Brown, ‘In terms of the reliability of health information there are a number of different potential consequences. One of the more obvious ones is misdiagnosis – you may have something that seems like a garden variety headache but it could be more serious and the same is true for diet and nutrition information.

‘You could be following something that’s potentially misguided and unhealthy in the long term. If you’re looking for general diet and lifestyle advice and in particular advice on natural products, it’s much better to get off the internet and get into your local independent health food store and speak to someone there’.