Tag Archives: Health

How to get rid of that slugish feeling

Posted on 23 January, 2012 by | 2 Comments

How to overcome constipation, a toxic colon and diarrhoea once and for all.My husband has a stressful job.  He’s the sales manager of an ever growing company.  The expectation to exceed the target (let alone meet it) for that month is always there. Now don’t get me wrong, he enjoys it immensely. He works with a fantastic bunch of people who all pull their weight. No one slacks.  But the pressure and therefore the stress is still there.Why do I tell you this? Well let’s just say stress affects your body in many different ways. For my Husband, Ben, it affects his stomach and digestive system. Which leads me onto my point.

Book Cover
I’ve been reading this book – How to overcome constipation, a toxic colon and diarrhoea once and for all, written by Peter Jackson and I’ve got 10 copies to give away to those that need a little extra help.   Now by the title you would think it was all about, well, poo. But it’s not. Well it is, but its not.

Read on and see how this book has changed my husbands life.

Right from the very moment you put something in your mouth it will affect your bowls in many different ways depending on a very small yet extremely important fact.

How long do you chew your food?

In this day and age we are very busy.  Much of the food we eat is ‘on the go’ so that’s bad for us… and even if it is home made, if we don’t chew enough then its still causing our body stress.

The point of chewing our food is not only to break it down so we can swallow it comfortably, but to get our saliva into the food.  Our saliva is packed with enzymes that help break down the carbohydrates for absorption. It is actually recommended that you chew your food until it has turned to liquid! (meal times have just got longer!)

Next, it travels down to the stomach where the breaking down really begins.  Now if you haven’t chewed your food until it is liquid then your stomach is going to have to break down the lumps. If the food is the ‘Wrong type of food’ (I will get on to that later) then your stomach acids (gastric acid) will find it impossible to dissolve the bonds between the food molecules properly causing your body more stress. Obviously some things take a lot longer to break down and therefore sit in your stomach for several hours before being moved on to the small intestines.

After the stomach comes the small intestine and it is said that 80% of the nutrient absorption takes place in the small intestine. So this is an important place.

If the food you have eaten is either the wrong type of food or hasn’t been broken down enough whilst chewing or by your stomach acids then this can be where the trouble really begins.  Your intestines produce a mucus to help lubricate the digestive tract making it easier for the unwanted food to slip through the colon. HOWEVER if the walls of your colon are coated with unwanted waste from previous attempts of digestion then your gonna get into some trouble!

One of the main points of your colon is to absorb water from the waste on its way through. However if it cant come in contact with it as the walls of your colon are coated then you will end up with what is known as diarrhoea. And this will continue until you start to look after your inners a little more and think about what you are eating.

What should I eat? Wrong foods, right foods.

Well we all know that plenty of fibre is good for us. (especially those that are having a little trouble in the ‘passing’ area) but did you all know there are 2 different types of fibre?  I certainly didn’t until I read this book.

  • Insoluble Fibre
  • Soluble Fibre

Bran FlakesWhat’s  the difference?

>Well, in a nut shell, insoluble fibre will push things through your system but in a fairly rough manor.  For example, you may eat, say bran flakes (made from wheat bran) and they will go through you fairly quickly but in fact they are what’s known as roughage. As they travel through they will have a scratching affect which could make any sensitive situation worse.

Muesli

Soluble fibre… now that’s a different story.  Found in many fresh vegetables, beans, pulses, whole grains and fruit.  A great source of soluble fibre is oats.  When oats travel through your system, instead of having a scratching affect, they have a cleansing affect.  This means that they clean your colon on the way through, keeping the walls free from anything that is clinging where it shouldn’t be, making the process a lot more comfortable

‘Bad Foods’

Things containing wheat, gluten, dairy, or red meat and sweet things.

What can I eat???

The point isn’t that you need to get rid of all these things completely, but that you need to know just how much of something you are having.  Wheat for example manages to sneak into so many things nower days it’s almost unbelievable! and dairy is not far off either. Our bodies aren’t made to handle the amount of wheat and dairy that many of us consume.

Dairy- People believe that you need to have dairy to make sure you get enough calcium, but actually calcium and magnesium are a double act, so without one the other wont work.  you can get a lot of what you need for calcium and other minerals from the following

  • Sardines
  • Almonds
  • Watercress
  • Parsley
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Quinoa
  • Walnuts
  • Salmon
  • Eggs
  • Brown Rice
  • Chicken
  • Kelp
  • Molasses

And if your still in doubt then you can always take a calcium & magnesium supplement.

Meat -  Now if you are a meat eater then this bit is going to be a little hard for you to swallow.  It is recommended that you do not have red meat and pork more than once a month!  Both meats are linked to higher risks of colon cancer so from this point alone you should really consider how much you have.  It is actually recommended to have at least 2 days that are completely meat and fish free to give your body time to fully cleanse itself.

Back to my husband.  I have made a few subtle changes to his diet over the past few months.  First I started with his breakfast.  He was eating bran flakes.  Now he eats oat based muesli. This is obvious.  I have swapped the insoluble fibre with a soluble one.  Not only that, but it also has nuts and dried fruit in it.  This is definitely a much better start to the day.

Once he had got used to that I changed his lunch.  He was having a standard white bread sandwich every day, with some fruit and sometimes a piece of cake! Now he has a wheat free pasta dish with vegetables followed by fruit… (and I get the feeling he manages to sneak the odd cake now and again) but the main thing is that the wheat from the bread has gone, and so has the cheese.

Tea times… now this is a slightly harder one to tackle.  He is a meat lover. However if you fill the plate with veg and keep reminding them to chew until its liquid then by the time it gets to seconds (in other words getting more meat) they are actually feeling full from dinner and having learnt a little self control he no longer gets more meat.  Its a step in the right direction.

We are not perfect, but we certainly have learnt a lot form this book and there are still more areas we can tackle.  One thing Peter Jackson’s book does remind us of is that you change one thing at a time… that way its not so overwhelming.  As a testimony to the small changes, Ben would say he’s felling a lot better on the inside already ;)

If you live in the UK and would like to be entered in to the hat to have one of the 10 copies I’m giving away then simply send us an email with the subject A toxic Colon plus your name and you will be put in the hat!

All the best

Laura

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Posted in Competitions, Diet, Digestion, GoodnessDirect, Weight-Loss

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More Vitamin D could protect you from disease

Posted on 24 August, 2010 by | 1 Comment

Vitamin D works with your cells to protect you from a number of diseases. In fact the list of illnesses it is known that Vitamin D can help with is still growing.

Multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cancers, rheumatoid arthritis – all of these can now be conected to a deficiency in Vitamin D. The sunshine vitamin is also known to help, in some cases significantly, with osteoporosis, immunity, muscular pain, coronary illness and depression.

As an anti-depressant, Vitamin D can reduce depression and enhance your mood, sociability and overall sense of wellbeing. Yet more than half the UK population is deficient in this vitamin.

If you live north of Birmingham you won't get enough Vitamin D from the sun in the winter

If you live north of Birmingham you won't get enough Vitamin D from the sun in the winter

And, this is interesting, if you live roughly north of Birmingham (above 52 degrees north) your body will not be able to make Vitamin D in the winter because of the lack of sunlight. In fact, a key reason why so many people developed rickets during the industrial revolution was because everywhere was covered in dense smog.

So how do you get more of the vitamin?

As well as sunlight Vitamin D can also be gained from fish and shellfish, and a little from eggs, dairy produce and green vegetables. But there are calls for the RDA of Vitamin D to be increased because it is such a significant health-giving nutrient.

But, given that so many people suffer from a lack of this sun-sourced friend, it’s useful to take Vitamin D in tablet form. A good vegan source of Vitamin D can be found in Viridian Vitamin D2.

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Posted in Arthritis, Bones, Cancer, Colds, Complementary Health, Diabetes, General, Heart and Blood, Joints, Vegan, Women's Health

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Sprouted seeds and beans, a great source of nutrition

Posted on 4 January, 2010 by | 2 Comments

Remember how, as a kid, you could grow cress on a patch of cotton wool and then eat it in your sandwiches? The fascinating thing is that these simply grown sprouts are really nutritious and a great food.

Newly sprouted seeds and grains are packets of energy on the cusp of life – that makes them great for food because they are bursting with so many proteins, nutrients, enzymes, and more, to help them grow. Researchers have found crunchy sprouted broccoli sprouts to be a powerful anti-carcinogenic (the active element being glucoraphanin) and an antioxidant, better than normal broccoli. Another example is a fresh and tasty serving of sprouted alfalfa which is reported to dramatically reduce cholesterol and has a complete armory of vitamins and minerals ready to boost your health.

But whether it’s sunflower seeds, adzuki, radish or almond, these sproutlings are high energy, low calorie foods which can contribute to your five-a-day vegetable intake at a very low cost – when you grow your own a few pennies results in pounds worth of savings. They are noted for being beneficial for people with food intolerances too.

Some prepared foods take full advantage of the nutritional benefits of sprouted seeds for example the Sunnyvale organic breads and Linusprout flax powder bringing sprouted nutrition in an alternative, simple to eat form.  But there is nothing more fun than sprouting your own seeds or beans.

How to sprout beans and seeds

All that is needed is a glass jar with a lid with holes in or a piece of cotton or muslin and an elastic band to hold the cloth in place over the neck of the jar.
Take a handful of your selected seeds or beans.  Adzuki and mung beans work really well as do alfalfa, radish and most any bean or seed that has not been hulled.

Put the beans into the jar and rinse them really well in water, give them a good swish round and then drain the water.  The process has begun.

Place the beans in a shaded warmish place. Now each day for the next 3-4 days rinse the beans again, just fill the jar with water enough to cover the beans and drain it off again gently.  You should see the sprouts appearing after 2 or 3 days and after 3 -5 days  the sprouts will be ready to eat.  The length of time does vary for each bean type, how warm it is etc, so just be patient.

Include bean sprouts in your menu
Sprouted grains and seeds are crunchy additions to salads, stir fries and sandwiches, but they can also be baked or blended, toasted or eaten raw as tapas – sunflower seeds are very very moreish.

Here’s an easy fresh tasting sprouted seed recipe  to try:

Sprouted bean bruschetta with tomato and basil

Makes 10 slices

1 tablespoon sprouted mung beans
1 tablespoon sprouted radish
10 slices of organic baguette
5 tablespoons olive oil
30 cherry tomatoes
1 clove of garlic, peeled and rubbed in salt
Basil (preferably fresh)
Freshly milled salt and pepper

1. Bring a pan of water to the boil and put the cherry tomatoes in for 30 seconds. Quickly remove the tomatoes and cover them in cold running water until they are completely cold, the skin should have cracked and loosened.
2. Grill 10 organic baguette slices on both sides. When they are crisp, score the slices 3 times with a sharp knife on one side.
3. Rub the garlic around the cuts in the bread and drizzle about half a tablespoon of olive oil over each slice.
4. Crush three tomatoes and place them onto a baguette slice, top with a pinch of sprouted mung bean and radish.
5. Repeat for each slice. Season with a scattering of basil, salt and pepper. And finally, sprinkle a few more drops of olive oil over the top.

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Posted in Coeliac Disease, Diet, General, General Food, Gluten-Free, GoodnessDirect, Health, Organic, Raw, recipe, Recipes, Salad, Uncategorized, Vegan, Vegetarian, Weight-Loss

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Green tea heals body and soul

Posted on 21 October, 2009 by | 1 Comment

My friend recently got into green tea. He was reading a self-help book on how to reduce stress, took the hint and is now practically addicted to the stuff. (It makes for neat little gifts to him: green tea and nettle, green tea with orange and lotus flower, green tea with interesting red bits…)

Because green tea is steamed rather than fermented, like the more familiar black tea, that is what holds its antioxidant and anticancer properties. The latest report out this month is that drinking five cups a day would reduce your risk of getting blood and lymph cancers by over 40%. In fact so well documented is the healing effect of green tea that 1000s of studies now exist into its benefits. My friend thinks he’s drinking something to help him de-stress but he could be helping to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, osteoporosis and weight-gain. Not bad for a cup of green stuff.

Incidentally, green tea contains half the caffeine of coffee and slightly less than black tea, so you can drink it before bedtime. Since it aids digestion and cleanses the pallet it is also good to drink after a meal or in the afternoon as a pick me up. It is best made with spring or filtered water and usually brewed for only a short time. Personally, I like to drink it before the evening begins as it really does help clear away the day’s stress. If you’re anything like me (or my friend) you’ll find it will help relax you, giving you composure for the twilight hours.

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Posted in Alzheimer's, Antioxidants, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart and Blood, Insomnia, Joints, Weight-Loss

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Colloidal silver, natural anti-biotics

Posted on 16 April, 2009 by | 4 Comments

I hate anti-biotics and all that they do to our bodies. Sometimes there seems little alternative. However, colloidal silver is certainly worth considering for this use. What is colloidal silver and what is it useful for?

A colloid is an incredibly small particle of matter, small enough to pass through the membranes in our bodies and into our system.

Colloidal silver supports the natural defence systems of the body and has been known as a remarkably effective natural antibiotic for centuries.It is very alkaline and has a slight magnetic charge, resulting from the way it is produced, both of which make it more effective in how it benefits us. If you are more scientific than I am you may appreciate that the colloidal silver works by acting as a catalyst, disabling the enzyme that the bugs, bacteria and fungi need to breathe, so the invaders are suffocated but no harm is done to our bodies.

There is much modern research which has endorsed the conclusions that colloidal silver can even help eradicate antibiotic-resistant microbes like MRSA , the Avian Influenza (bird flu), and Human Corona virus (SARS).

In the mid-1970s, Dr. Robert O. Becker at Syracuse Medical University began his research into colloidal silver. He concluded that the research established the fact that silver kills bacteria, something that has been known for centuries. Silver’s innate anti-microbial effect was actually common knowledge among doctors around 60 years before Becker’s time. In fact, in the early 1900′s Alfred Searle, founder of the global Searle Pharmaceutical Company, had already discovered that silver in its liquid colloidal form could kill even the most deadly of pathogens. In his book Colloids in Biology and Medicine, 1919, Searle wrote:

“Applying colloidal silver to human subjects has been done in a large number of cases with astonishingly successful results. Colloidal silver has the advantage of being rapidly fatal to microbes without toxic action on its host. It is quite stable.”

Unlike prescription antibiotic drugs, silver does not create resistance or immunity in pathogens killed by it.

Just how effective is colloidal silver?

Several new studies have demonstrated the fact that silver is one of the most effective agents in the battle against deadly or extremely harmful antibiotic-resistant super bugs. One was the Brigham-Young Clinical Study which concluded that a number of the antibiotic drugs which had previously been able to kill MDR (multiple drug-resistant) pathogens such as MRSA could be restored to full efficacy against the deadly pathogens, but only if colloidal silver was used in conjunction with the drug. In an Iranian Clinical Study it was also found that silver increases the effectiveness of antibiotic drugs against infections. A Taiwanese study published as recently as 2007 concluded that colloidal silver, by itself, was highly effective in eradicating some super bugs including MRSA.

These studies were high powered and were testing against the big boys of the bug world, but for you and me on a daily basis, how should we be aware of the benefits of colloidal silver? It is worth a try for minor bugs too. The trials show it to be effective in helping to combat acne, strengthen against allergies, arthritis, athletes foot, boils, burns, candida, cystitis, diabetes, eczema, hay fever, indigestion, parasitic infections, psoriasis, ringworm, warts and yeast infections. That is quite a list, but don’t go too mad, and read more widely about it before you purchase because overdoing contact with silver can make you go a little grey before your time.

Colloidal silver can be taken by mouth by either placing droplets under your tongue for quick absorption or put into water and drink. Alternatively you can apply the colloidal silver directly onto cuts, burns, skin infections or acne. Just make sure you have true colloidal silver (it is slightly cloudy, never totally clear). Colloidal silver is available from Higher Nature in both 100ml or 15ml spray for the throat or spraying under your tongue for quick absorption. Do not exceed the stated dose.

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Posted in Complementary Health

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St John’s Wort, effective in treating moderate depression

Posted on 16 February, 2009 by | 2 Comments

It is becoming more widely known that the herb St John’s Wort is as effective in treating moderate to severe depression as Seroxat, one of the prescribed options which has been known to provoke suicide and aggression. This is a serious endorsement of the humble herb.

Hypericum Perforatum, or St John’s Wort, as we more commonly know it; is a yellow flowered plant which contains many chemical compounds, including hypericin and hyperforin. The ancient Greeks were aware of its healing properties and used it to treat many ailments, including sciatica and poisonous reptile bites. In Europe it was, and still is, popular for the topical treatment of wounds and burns; ear infections, cold sores, and as a folk remedy for kidney and lung ailments; anxiety, as well as depression; and in other areas has long been used for mental disorders and nerve pain. Whatever the credibility of these traditional uses, we now do know that St John’s Wort is effective as a mild mood lifter and can help with SAD too. The standard recommendation for mild to moderate depression is 300 mg of St John’s Wort extract 3 times daily. Results can be noted as early as 2 weeks, and length of use should be discussed with a health-care professional. St John’s Wort is available as capsules, tablets and extracts.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

St. John’s Wort could, theoretically, make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, but this is rare when used at recommended levels. However, fair-skinned individuals should be alert for any rashes or burns following exposure to the sun. This shouldn’t be a problem in the winter in the UK. St John’s Wort can’t be taken with any other anti-depressants or with the contraceptive pill. So check with your doctor before use. Isn’t it good to know that there are natural, herbal products to help at such times. St John’s Wort is natural enough and can also give that added lift after a bereavement, or personal tragedy.

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Posted in Complementary Health

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How good is soya?

Posted on 27 January, 2009 by | 1 Comment

Soya is a versatile, nutritious food that offers a wide range of health benefits and does not contain saturated animal fat, animal protein, cholesterol, animal hormones or growth factors which have all been linked to many illnesses and diseases.

It contains all eight essential amino acids and is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids including omega 3, disease-busting antioxidants, B vitamins (including folate), iron and is free from cholesterol. Calcium-fortified soya milk and tofu provide a valuable source of this important mineral.

Many soya foods also contain fibre which is important for good bowel health and can lower cholesterol.

Health benefits associated with soya are thought to be caused by the action of soya isoflavones which are a type of phytoestrogen or plant hormone. Many studies show that soya foods can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. Because the Japanese diet is rich in soya the women suffer less from menopausal symptoms which suggests it may be an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Post-menopausal women with the highest intake of soya foods also have the highest bone mineral density. Human trials in other parts of the world have shown that soya protein may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

The UK government’s ‘Joint Health Claims Initiative’ has approved the health claim that ‘the inclusion of at least 25 grams soya protein per day as part of a diet low in saturated fat can help reduce blood cholesterol’.

Studies from China (and of Asian-American women) indicate that having a high soya intake can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Similarly, a large scale study in 59 countries found that overall soya products did protect against prostate cancer. Evidence suggests that a moderate amount of soya is much more likely to be of benefit to health rather than harmful, both in terms of breast and prostate cancer risk and other chronic diseases.

A great many people ask if it safe to give soya-based infant formulas to babies. Studies on adults raised on soya showed no detrimental effects to their health. A publication in the Nutrition Review found that growth, sexual development and reproductive ability was normal in people who consumed soya formula as infants and concluded that it continued to be a safe, nutritionally complete feeding option for most infants.

Another fantastic bonus is that several studies indicate that soya isoflavones may improve both short- and long-term memory, mental flexibility and planning. This benefit may be restricted to those under the age of 65.

Faye Axford © GoodnessDirect 2007

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Posted in General Food

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8 Food Myths Busted!

Posted on 22 September, 2008 by | Leave a comment
Common misconceptions about food challenged.

8 Food Myths Busted!

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Posted in General Food

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Odd ways to keep healthy

Posted on 2 April, 2008 by | 1 Comment

Daily Mail: Some unusual ways to go for a healthy lifestyle.
A good list of some more interesting ways to get healthy.

Here’s a summary:

  • Brush your teeth while standing on one leg till you wobble, then change legs to improved balance, posture and strengthen back.
  • Keep a mirror on your desk. Giving a quick glance shows you your posture.
  • Eat cereal before bed to avoid headaches.
    Lack of food means our bodies drain our resources which could trigger migraines and headaches.
  • Take antihistamines on outings for insect bites.
  • Brush teeth before breakfast since bacteria and plaque formed on teeth while we sleep will multiply on the sugar or acid in breakfast increasing the risk of tooth decay.
  • Wear sunblock everyday – even in winter – SPF of 15 to 20. Increase to SPF 30 or 40 in summer even if it’s not sunny to avoid skin damage.
  • Wear ear-plugs when mowing the lawn since regular, high decibel noise can damage hearing.
  • Walking for 40 minutes a day is highly beneficial for cardiovascular health and can reduce blood pressure. Ditch the car altogether or leave your keys at work a few times a week to force you to walk.
  • Work only the hours you are paid to.
    Working extra eats into leisure time, adding pressure and more stress. Keep work to work hours and try swimming or cycling to relieve other anxiety.
  • Drink a probiotic everyday to keep a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. Make sure it’s a LIVE bacteria probiotic.
  • When buying fruit and veg, always buy different or new types exposing you to a wider range of micronutrients, essential for good health.
  • Open a window at bedtime. Body temperature needs to drop for us to sleep. Ideal temperature is 16c.

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Ban harmful food additives

Posted on 4 February, 2008 by | Leave a comment

MPs and Peers from all parties have demanded that all harmful food additives that cause hyperactivity should be banned in the UK.

They also want the Food Standards Agency to issue warnings to parents to avoid artificial colours and preservatives that have been identified as a risk in a report from The Parliamentary Food and Health Forum.

Research shows suspect additives which can prevent nutrients from being absorbed in children’s bodies which are key to physical and brain development.

Some of these are already banned in the US and Scandinavian countries.

Daily Mail

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