We meddle a lot with women’s bodies – contraception, HRT, low carb diets, extreme exercise. Our bodies aren’t machines – they’re complex chemical/electrical/biological systems. For some women, it gets even more complicated if they have food intolerances or chronic fatigue issues. Sometimes, when things get out of whack, the things we think to be CAUSING…
(even if you’re thyroid-challenged) Soy isoflavones and healthy eating Soy-based foods have been eaten for thousands of years in Asia – and have a strong cultural reputation for being healthy. Now we western sceptics have worked out the science behind that reputation. Soy products (if not over processed) contain some powerful anti-oxidants called isoflavones. These…
Did you know that there’s a connection with Vitamin B12 and your heart health, mood and dementia prevention? “Vitamin B₁₂, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body: it is a cofactor in DNA synthesis, and in both fatty acid and amino acid…
Testosterone Supplements are all the rage with a lot of men who want to increase muscle mass and strength. They’ve become increasingly known and used since body builders started using them. There has been a five-fold increase in prescriptions in the last 10 years. Many men are now turning to hormone therapy to deal with…
Even a Journal of Psychiatry 2018 espouses the use of herbal medicine: for stress, burnout and chronic fatigue. Rhodiola rosea possesses a dual and unique mechanism of action: normalises the release of stress hormones boosts energy production through the main power house of our cells – the mitochondria (I like to…
There’s a nasty virus going around at the moment – not “the flu” with its fevers, aches and pains – but still a virus. This nasty little beastie’s main impact is fatigue – the people who get it are really knocked about, and can end up spending days in bed sleeping. They don’t have the…
Do you know the state of your bones? Is your skeleton fragile or strong? Osteoporosis is a hidden, silent menace for both men and women – but particularly for women. It doesn’t hurt (unlike arthritis); there are no obvious symptoms – then one day you have a minor fall and your life changes – sometimes forever. …
Many of us these days just don’t feel “well” – and we think it’s just because we’re busy (or stressed, or out of shape). But there’s a cluster of subtle symptoms that are actually really something physically wrong. They include: fatigue and lethargy poor memory aches and pains in joints and muscles hair loss fertility…
Founder of Positive Psychology Dr Martin Seligman is in Australia, and I heard him speaking on ABC LifeMatters this week about PERMA – how to actively practice wellbeing. He asserts that it’s every person’s right to experience more: Positive Emotions – emotions such as joy, belonging, acceptance, fulfilment Engagement – being totally involved in doing…
I’ve really been enjoying the classic bodywork book Somatics (by Thomas Hanna) over the summer. Even though it’s 30 years old, it’s applicable right now as we listen to the stories our bodies reveal. One of his themes is that our body can develop “sensory amnesia” – where we actually stop being able to notice…
Garlic and horseradish have been known to reduce hayfever symptoms since time immemorial. More recently, orange peel has been identified as another (and sweeter) effective treatment. Orange peel contains natural chemicals similar to anti-histamines that can help you deal better with allergies and hayfever. It’s a good idea to use organic fruit that hasn’t been…
Brain fog anyone? I’ve certainly had my fair share – especially navigating menopausal transition time. Wherever we are in life, we could all do with a clearer, more focussed mind to help our days go smoothly and get through them with more energy and productivity. 3 brain defogging tips Implementing some simple habits can make…