Author: naturalifedev

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Rest & Relaxation: How to Manage Stress

What is stress?

Stress can be thought of as the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. Stress can be triggered by a variety of situations and life events – even good one’s like getting married or having a baby!

Everyone manages stress differently and our ability to cope under pressure can depend on our genetics, how we were raised, our personalities and our social and economic circumstances.

What happens to the body during stress?

Stress can be a good thing as it is key for survival and can be a great motivator but when emotional stress persists for weeks or months, this can affect health and wellbeing. Immune system function can be less efficient, blood pressure can rise and fatigue and lethargy are common.

When we perceive stress, the hypothalamus found in the base of the brain is stimulated because the hypothalamus regulates the body’s response to stress. The hypothalamus in turn sends messages to the pituitary gland and the adrenal medulla. When stress is acute, the body’s Fight or Flight response is activated and adrenaline is released.

When stress is long-term, the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis is activated and the adrenal gland releases cortisol. When cortisol is released, stored glucose in the liver is mobilised for energy and the immune system becomes suppressed. When adrenaline is released, digestion decreases and pulse rate and blood pressure increase.

If you feel like you’re experiencing a more chronic form of stress, it is highly recommended to seek advice from your healthcare practitioner.

Signs of stress:

  • Fear
  • Anxiety
  • Losing one’s temper
  • Feeling sad
  • Irritability & Frustration
  • Low or labile mood
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Smoking & drinking alcohol more than usual

Adaptogenic botanicals, can they help?

  • Adaptogens are naturally sourced plant substances that help the body adapt to stress and normalize our bodily processes. For plants to be classified as adaptogens, they must be non-toxic to the individual, positively affect the body, and help reduce occasional stress by helping the body adapt.
  • Rhodiola rosea – sometimes called arctic or rose root, Rhodiola is a flowering herb that commonly grows in the colder, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. Several studies using standardised extracts of rhodiola show that rhodiola supplementation may benefit individuals experiencing emotional pressure.
  • Ashwagandha – sometimes called Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha is a small, evergreen shrub found in the dry regions of India and the Middle East. Its roots and leaves have been used for centuries to support wellbeing. Its benefits are attributed to its adaptogenic properties supporting the body during physical, mental and emotional challenges. Recent findings suggest that high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract helps with an individual’s resistance towards stress.

How do B vitamins work?

B vitamins are an integral part of supporting a healthy nervous system. A well-functioning nervous system is vital for helping the body adapt and become more resilient to both physical and emotional pressures.6 B vitamins support the production and regulation of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that are influenced by stress.

Fatigue is a common concern in individuals who are feeling stress-related pressure. B vitamins help to support energy-yielding metabolism by converting the food we eat into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the body’s energy currency.

Other ingredients that support your body during stressful situations

  • Saffron – Saffron is a fragrant spice made from the thread-like stigmas (pollen receptors) of the Crocus sativus flower. For at least 3000 years, saffron has been used as a spice, food colourant and as a medicine, particularly in countries like Iran, India, France and Spain. Most recently, science is showing that saffron may be particularly helpful in maintaining a positive mood and mental balance.
  • Magnesium- When magnesium levels are optimal, individuals tend to feel calm and relaxed.
  • 5-HTP – Derived from the seeds of Griffonia simplifolia, it helps to make the neurotransmitter serotonin.14 Serotonin contributes to feelings of wellbeing.

Lifestyle approaches to managing stress

  • Write out a to-do list – if there is a mountain of responsibilities looming over you, try writing out a detailed to-do list, and then work your way through it in small, manageable steps.
  • Practice mindfulness – centering your energy and focusing on the present moment can help you face each new day with gratitude and productivity.
  • Take care of yourself – although self-care can often be neglected when stressed, eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep can make all the difference.
  • Exercise – exercise releases mood-supporting endorphins.
  • Be kind to yourself – keep things in perspective and focus on the good things that you are grateful for and that bring you joy. It’s also ok to say “no” sometimes – you don’t have to please everyone.
  • Make healthy food choices – a well-balanced diet can provide the nutrients you need to keep both physically and mentally well.
  • Ask for help – sometimes, we give ourselves unnecessary stress because we are too scared or proud to ask for help. Admit when you are struggling, and reach out to those around you.
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Allergies: A 21st Century Phenomenon

In today’s modern society it seems we’re increasingly developing an allergic reaction to many natural and manmade substances around us. Be it animal fur, pollen or house dust mite – our bodies’ immune systems are over-reacting. For some people, this can lead to a significant change in their diet and lifestyle. The list below shows the number of conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system. The most common include:

  • food allergies
  • sensitivity to grass and pollen (hay fever)
  • reactions to pet fur
  • dust mites
  • latex
  • nickel
  • household chemicals Sound familiar? Here are common reactions to allergens:
  • itching
  • sneezing
  • wheezing
  • rashes
  • swelling of facial features
  • sore
  • red eyes
  • digestive pain

However in more serious cases, this can lead to life threatening conditions such as severe asthma and anaphylactic shock.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a reaction which involves the immune system, to a substance or food that is not normally harmful to the body. During an allergic response, the body will activate white blood cells to fight the ‘invader’. When contact with the allergen occurs again, the immune system will respond by releasing antibodies and histamine which triggers the symptoms of allergies.

Histamine is an organic nitrogenous compound made by the immune system from the amino acid histidine. The release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils is involved in the cause of acute allergic and inflammatory responses.

Mast cells are found in the highest concentrations in the body, in the blood vessels of the respiratory tract, conjunctiva, gastrointestinal tract, and the skin. Following contact with an allergen, the body will often respond with inflammation as a method of protecting itself from the threat. This activity can have negative effects on health as allergic responses such as hayfever (allergic rhinitis) and allergic dermatitis.

The difference between sensitivities and intolerances

Sensitivities and intolerances are different to allergies. Although they may show similar symptoms, allergies involve a specific response from the immune system. On the other hand sensitivities or intolerances do not result in the release of antibodies by the immune system. Whereas sensitivities to objects or elements found in our everyday environment can be annoying, they are less severe than allergies.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic response which can affect the whole body with a rapid onset from exposure to the allergen, the most well known allergen to cause anaphylaxis is peanuts, which can trigger breathing difficulties, extreme inflammation, swelling and even death.

What causes an allergic reaction?

Allergies are considered a 20th/21st century phenomenon. Although the exact cause of allergic reactions is unknown, some researchers believe it is increased chemical pollution in the air and water supply that cause damage to our internal gut barrier and in turn cause inflammation and allergic diseasesi.

This alongside increased use of synthetic additives and preservatives in our food maybe contributing to the rising levels of allergies seen in the UK and Europe.

In addition, levels of allergic compounds in food appear to have changed through the ages. There is evidence to suggest that wheat flour historically contained much less gluten compared to flour we use today.ii This maybe a leading cause of the rising incidence of gluten sensitivity and coeliac disease seen in today.

There is also a genetic factor with allergies whereby children born in families where both parents suffer with allergies, are more likely to suffer themselvesiii.

Am I allergic?

Allergies can be diagnosed through a number of methods including a skin prick test which is the most common and involves putting a drop onto your forearm that contains a substance you may be allergic to. The skin under the drop is then gently pierced with a needle. The allergy is confirmed if the skin under turns itchy, and red.

Blood tests can assist by checking for the presence of specific antibodies in response to an allergen. Skin patch tests are used to investigate allergic skin conditions. When it comes to food allergies and intolerances, elimination diets have proven helpful in determining what substance is the cause of negative reaction.

What will the GP recommend?

Steroids medications are often prescribed for allergies. They work by reducing inflammation associated with an allergic reaction. Anti-histamines are frequently purchased as over-the-counter medication and assist by preventing histamine from binding to our cells and causing a reaction. However, both types of medication are associated with side effects such as weight gain, hypertension, drowsiness and nausea. Never suddenly stop taking medication without consulting with your health practitioner.

Helpfully, there is a wealth of dietary and lifestyle advice as well as research into nutritional supplements that can offer relief for chronic and seasonal allergic reactions, without the side-effects commonly experienced with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.

Author: Aimée Benbow, BSc (Hons) ANutr. is Director of Nutrition at Viridian Nutrition.

References

i Fukuoka A, Yoshimoto T. Barrier dysfunction in the nasal allergy. Allergol Int. 2018 Jan;67(1):18-23. doi: 10.1016/j.alit.2017.10.006. Epub 2017 Nov 14.Review.

ii Van den Broeck, H. C., de Jong, H. C., Salentijn, E. M. J., Dekking, L., Bosch, D., Hamer, R. J., … Smulders, M. J. M. (2010). Presence of celiac disease epitopes in modern and old hexaploid wheat varieties: wheat breeding may have contributed to increased prevalence of celiac disease. TAG. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. Theoretische Und Angewandte Genetik, 121(8), 1527–1539. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-010-1408-4.

iii Yilmaz-Demirdag Y, Prather B, Bahna SL. Does heredity determine the allergy manifestation or the sensitisation to a specific allergen? Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2010 Mar-Apr;38(2):56-9. doi: 10.1016/j.aller.2009.07.003. Epub 2009 Oct 22.

This article is for information purposes and does not refer to any individual products. The information contained in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a health practitioner. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a pre-existing health condition or are currently taking medication. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.

© Viridian Nutrition 2020.

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Maintain a Healthy Gut with some Friendly Bacteria

If you’re new to the concept, friendly bacteria, or probiotics, are naturally occurring microorganisms living in your gut, collectively known as the gut microbiome. Maintaining a healthy balance of these bacteria is essential for overall well-being. With various options available, it is good to get some guidance on selecting the right supplement for you.

When choosing a friendly bacteria supplement for you or your family, you need to feel confident that it’s safe, well-researched and contains strains of bacteria most suitable for your needs. Optibac probiotics contain strains clinically tested across hundreds of trials in thousands of adults and children.

Optibac live cultures supplements come in capsules, sachets, liquids, and gummies, giving consumers a choice of format. For example, Baby Drops, which is suitable for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies from birth, is a flavourless liquid with an easy-to-use dropper.

Bifido & Fibre, a friendly bacteria supplement with FOS for natural fibre, comes in a powder format that can be mixed into cool, non-acidic food or drink.

Optibac also offers two gummy supplements – Gut Health Gummies and Kids Gummies – both of which contain the scientifically proven friendly bacteria strain Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2, FOS fibres, Vitamin D and Calcium to support immune and gut health.

Selecting probiotic strains backed by thorough research is crucial for optimal health. Extensive scientific studies validate the efficacy and safety of strains, ensuring they deliver the intended benefits. By choosing highly researched probiotic strains from a reputable company, individuals can have confidence in the quality and effectiveness of their supplementation.

Throughout May 2024 Naturalife is offering 20% off Optibac probiotics. So, create a healthy balance in your gut by starting with Optibac Every Day probiotics.

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Support Vaginal Health with Sea Buckthorn: A Natural Solution

Menopause brings a host of changes, including vaginal dryness—a discomfort many women endure silently. But could sea buckthorn hold the key to relief?

Research indicates that declining estrogen levels during and after menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, discomfort, and even increased risk of infections. This dryness, often linked to vaginal atrophy, signals a decline in mucous membrane health.

Enter sea buckthorn, a lesser-known treasure trove of omega-7 fatty acids. While omega-3s steal the spotlight, omega-7s are rare gems found primarily in sea buckthorn berries and seeds. These fatty acids, along with other beneficial compounds like vitamin A, play a crucial role in maintaining mucous membrane health—a key component of vaginal moisture.

A placebo-controlled trial involving postmenopausal women found that supplementation with sea buckthorn oil led to improvements in vaginal pH and moisture levels. This suggests that sea buckthorn oil formulas could offer a natural and complementary approach to managing vaginal dryness, potentially providing relief to those experiencing menopause-related symptoms.

In a world where women’s health is gaining increasing attention, sea buckthorn emerges as a promising ally, offering hope for comfort and vitality during life’s natural transitions.

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Hayfever – Tackling Nature with Nature

As spring gets underway, do you suffer with any of these symptoms … runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, streaming eyes, sneezing, itchy throat, red eyes?

This could be hayfever or it could be allergic rhinitis, which is a non-seasonal reaction to airborne allergens with hayfever-like symptoms. Allergic rhinitis symptoms can happen at any time of the year, and can sometimes appear later in life, especially during the menopause years.

Hayfever season

Hayfever fluctuates in severity depending on the time of year, as different pollens are released at different times of the spring and summer. Each individual person tends to react to their own ‘set’ of pollens, and may therefore experience symptoms at differing times to other hayfever sufferers.

  • Grass pollination – mid-May to July
  • Tree pollination – March to mid-May
  • Weed pollination – June to October

Whether it’s hayfever or allergic rhinitis, let’s look at the causes and what can be done about them, along with some diet and lifestyle tips to help reduce symptoms.

Hayfever is a type of allergic rhinitis where the allergen your body is reacting to is pollen. An allergy to pollen affects around 25% of the UK’s population1. Contact with tree, weed or grass pollen can all bring on hayfever symptoms, though grass pollen is the most problematic – 95% of all hayfever sufferers are thought to be allergic to this2. Grass pollen mainly makes its presence felt from March to October. You may suffer all summer!

Symptoms occur when the immune system overreacts to contact with tree, weed or grass pollen. Instead of ignoring these things as would normally be the case, the immune system initiates a response to kill them, as it would do with a cold virus for example, or troublesome bacteria.

This response involves releasing a chemical called histamine which, in excess, can lead to a host of unpleasant symptoms that can include: itchy eyes, sore throat/cough, blocked ears/earache, runny/blocked nose, sneezing, itchy skin/skin rash, headaches, and fatigue.

Allergic rhinitis happens when the immune system over-reacts to a harmless airborne particle, rather than just letting it pass by. This reaction can be triggered by a wide range of substances, not just pollens.

As part of this response, it releases a chemical called histamine which, in turn, can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose. This encourages secretion of thick, sticky mucus to trap the foreign particles.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can occur at any time of the year and, as noted above, in response to a wide range of triggers. It is far more of a long-term problem than hayfever.
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be very similar to a common cold infection, and usually occur immediately after coming into contact with the particular substance or substances to which your immune system has decided to object. These symptoms may include: watery eyes, itchy eyes and throat, runny nose, head and/or nose feeling stuffy, loss of taste and smell.

Usually, these problematic symptoms ease quickly as you move away from the troublesome substance. House dust mites, mould and flakes of dead skin from animals are all common allergens that give rise to allergic rhinitis.

Alleviating the Symptoms

Whether you suffer from hayfever or allergic rhinitis you can alleviate the symptoms in several ways by trying A.Vogel’s Pollinosan products.

You can try A.Vogel’s Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets. These work to address a whole range of symptoms. Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets are made from 7 tropical herbs which, together, address symptoms including sneezing, watery eyes and congestion. They are non-drowsy so will not affect your ability to go about your day-to-day life, and can be taken in combination with medications such as antihistamines, as well as alongside A.Vogel’s other herbal remedies. If a specific problem is troubling you, another one of our other remedies may add extra benefits.

You could also try A.Vogel’s Pollinosan Hayfever Nasal Spray, which provides protection against pollen and other airborne irritants and allergens. It also reduces inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by allergies, which in turn alleviates symptoms such as runny nose, blocked nose, and itchy nose. It stabilises the nasal mucosa and supports healing and regeneration of the nasal membranes. This product is vegan and suitable for both adults and children. It is preservative-free and appropriate for those with high sensitivity.

If you suffer from itchy or red eyes, then A.Vogel’s Pollinosan Hayfever Eye Drops could be the perfect solution for you. They are also vegan, and contain moisturising hyaluronic acid alongside soothing chamomile. Suitable for those over age 7, they are also preservative-free and therefore appropriate for highly sensitive eyes, and for ongoing use. Currently on special offer of £6.99 (during April 2024).

References:

[1] https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/health/public/pollen-forecast/ when-is-hayfever-season
[2] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/many-peoplesuddenly-suffering-hay-fever-middle-age/

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The Benefits of Collagen

Why collagen?

The word collagen stems from the Greek “kólla”, which means glue. This is apt because collagen helps to hold our cells, tissues and organs together.

Our diets are generally much lower in collagen now than previous generations. This is because there is much less focus on traditional nose to tail eating, meaning many of the best sources have fallen off the menu for most of us.

Found only in animal foods, collagen is abundant in organ meats, skin, bones and any meat you eat off the bone along with connective tissue rich cuts like cheek and neck. You might be in the minority who prioritises these but for many, the focus is mainly muscle meats, breast or leaner cuts. This has shifted the amino acid profile of our diet.

Benefits

Whilst improvements to skin and hair are most often the desired targets when supplementing collagen, this is really the tip of the iceberg.

Collagen is our main structural protein, making up as much as one third of all the protein found in the human body. Made up of interwoven polypeptide chains, collagen connects the skin, tissues, muscles and many other parts of the body, including our vital organs.

Collagen fibres are also an integral part of the scaffolding inside the bones onto which the minerals including calcium are deposited, and there are several studies showing taking it can support improvements in bone mineral density in post-menopausal women with osteopenia.

Collagen is also part of our tendons which link muscle to bone and there is increasing evidence it can support those with osteoarthritis and joint pain.

It’s also a major component of our blood vessels and gut, with many people swearing by it as part of a gut protocol.

Types

Although there are over 29 different types, around 90% of this is type 1 in the human body. This type provides amazing strength and flexibility to tissues, supporting things like skin elasticity, load-bearing to ligaments and tendons and shock absorption to bones. From the age of 25, the body starts to lose its type 1 collagen reserves, resulting in conditions associated with ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and impaired joint mobility.

Expectations vs Reality

Taking collagen takes commitment to consistency. The reality is that if you are only taking it every now and then, you might wonder what all the hype is about. That said, you can start to feel benefits within days (reduced soreness after exercise) and the first few months (improvements in skin hydration and elasticity).

Individual results will vary because the body is very intelligent and will prioritise what needs the peptides the most. For example, if your diet is already low in protein, the collagen will go to support more essential processes before your skin and hair.

Marine vs Bovine

Marine collagen generally contains slightly more glycine than bovine collagen, which some may find appealing due to this amino acid’s involvement in muscle repair and calming effect on the nervous system. However, there is only a very small variation in amino acid profile of these two sources, so it often comes down to personal preference.

Why Higher Nature’s Collagen Drink

Sourced from sustainably farmed, antibiotic free fish, Higher Nature uses fish skins which would otherwise be wasted. With zero unnecessary additives or flavourings, just pure hydrolysed collagen peptides that can be easily mixed into hot or cold liquids.

Higher Nature uses a scientifically proven collagen, backed by 12 double-blind clinical studies in humans so you can be sure what you’re taking is doing you good.

Benefits of Higher Nature’s Collagen drink

  • Therapeutic dose of 6000mg per scoop
  • Hydrolysed marine collagen for superior absorption
  • Supports bone and joint tissues
  • Key protein for vital organs and blood vessels
  • Helps optimise skin, hair and nails
  • Great for gut health