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MooGoo on Eczema

As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, many of us can experience a change in our skin. It may become drier, itchier, and for some, Eczema worsens. Managing skin conditions such as eczema often requires a holistic approach. Eczema triggers can vary from person to person, so it’s important to observe and try to pinpoint individual triggers, which can involve making changes in diet, washing detergents and skin care. 

Managing Eczema Symptoms

Effective management of Eczema involves maintaining a healthy skin barrier and minimizing exposure to triggers. Prevention plays a crucial role in managing Eczema. Avoiding hot showers and harsh cleansers, and opting for gentle, SLS free options such as MooGoo’s Milk Wash or Ultra Gentle Cleanser with Ceramides, can help maintain skin health. 

Steroid creams prescribed by doctors are commonly used to alleviate inflammation, but long-term use can have adverse effects on the skin. Natural alternatives, such creams with anti-inflammatory properties, offer long-term relief without the side effects of steroids. MooGoo’s Sensitive Skin Balm contains soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica to help relieve the itching and inflammation, whilst the Eczema Cream with Ceramides is formulated with innovative skin barrier technology to calm and protect the skin.

Finally, it is important to keep the skin hydrated and nourished, with gentle products that don’t cause further dryness, irritation or harsh side effects. MooGoo’s range of moisturisers are formulated to provide deep hydration and soothe, and they are designed to be suitable for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin. The ingredients are selected especially for their skin-nurturing properties!

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Dormeasan – Herbal Help for a Good Night’s Sleep

When sleep is elusive we miss out on time to repair and restore our tissues. We may find our brains struggling to cope, memory slipping, concentration below par, muscles fatigued, skin dull and eyes lack-lustre.

The longer this goes on, the harder it becomes to function properly. The solutions are often practical, such as taking time to relax before bed, not working or watching adrenalin-pumping films in bed, and altering your diet or mealtimes.

Another common aid to sleep is a herbal remedy.

Dormeasan Valerian-Hops Oral Drops is a traditional herbal medicinal product for use in the temporary relief of sleep disturbances caused by the symptoms of mild anxiety, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy. 

Always read the leaflet.

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Brain Health

Taking a multivitamin every day may help support cognitive function and improve focus and memory retention in older adults.

New research suggests that multivitamin and mineral supplementation has an effect on cognitive function. A randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of three cognitive studies investigated the impact a multivitamin has on cognitive abilities versus placebo. The results showed that daily multivitamin and mineral supplementation significantly benefits both global cognition and episodic memory. The magnitude of effect on global cognition was equivalent to reducing cognitive ageing by two years. These findings within the trial support the benefits of a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement in preventing cognitive decline among older adults (Vyas et al. 2024).

Keeping focussed with an ethical solution

Ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition offers several multivitamins including one which is specifically targeted towards brain support. The Viridian Brain Support Multivitamin includes ingredients such as brahmi and choline.

Brahmi extract is an adaptogenic herb which we source in India, where the climate and soil conditions provides optimal potency of the botanical. It is a herb which has been used in Ayurveda practice for hundreds of years. Viridian Brain Support Multivitamin provides a therapeutic dose based on human clinical research. Previous research has also shown that choline is a key nutrient for memory function and 200mg is a therapeutic dose to provide these benefits.

This multivitamin formula also contains a full spectrum of the B vitamins as well as elevated vitamin B12, which is a key nutrient required for brain development that is fundamental in the role in preventing disorders in the central nervous system. Furthermore, vitamins B1, B6, B12, folic acid and vitamin C all contribute to normal physiological function and the normal function of the nervous system.

In addition to this, the Viridian Brain Support Multivitamin offers a powerful blend of nutrients such as zinc, iron, and iodine, all of which contribute to normal cognitive function.

Oxidative stress appears to be a major factor and cause of many human diseases. The Brain Support Multivitamin includes vitamins B2, C, E, and zinc all of which contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Conclusion

The findings show taking a daily multivitamin can be an effective approach to protecting against cognitive decline during the ageing process. The use of a daily multivitamin such as Brain Support Multi can be an accessible way of supporting everyday brain function.

Author: Author: James Pugh, BSc, is a Nutrition Advisor at Viridian Nutrition. He holds a BSc honours degree in Sport & Exercise Nutrition.

Viridian Brain Support Multivitamin is available in 60 capsules, and suitable for vegans. It is priced at £30.95 and available at Naturalife Wholefoods. Click here for 10 steps to brain health.

References:

Vyas CM, Manson JE, Sesso HD, Cook NR, Rist PM, Weinberg A, Moorthy MV, Baker LD, Espeland MA, Yeung LK, Brickman AM, Okereke OI. Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of 3 cognitive studies within COSMOS. Am J Clin Nutr. 2024 Mar;119(3):692-701. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.011.

Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of 3 cognitive studies within COSMOS – ScienceDirect

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.

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Manage the Menopause with A.Vogel

Keep cool this summer with A.Vogel’s Menopause Range – on offer in-store with 20% off PLUS free book with purchase.

A.Vogel Menopause Expert Eileen Durward has come back in 2024 with a new edition of her book, The Menopause, packed with advice and tips she has accumulated over her 25+ years working with A.Vogel. You have the chance to get your hands on this book for free with purchase of an A.Vogel Menopause product* this summer.

If hot flushes leave you feeling hot under the collar, then try A.Vogel Menoforce Sage tablets; a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of excessive sweating associated with menopausal hot flushes, including night sweats, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy. Made using the extract of organically grown fresh Sage, get Menoforce in-store now to help tackle those troublesome flushes.

If you are lacking energy and find yourself feeling fatigued, you might want to consider pairing Menoforce with A.Vogel Menopause Support tablets. These tablets provide nutritional support throughout all stages of the menopause with a unique formulation of Soy Isoflavones, Magnesium (known to help with tiredness and fatigue), Hibiscus. It provides 50mg of bioavailable Soy Isoflavones, based on the recommended daily intake of 2 tablets.

Ask in-store about A.Vogel’s Menopause range and don’t forget to redeem your free book with purchase.

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5 Secrets to Healthy Hair Growth

MooGoo would bet their most premium grazing paddock that having healthier and longer hair was on more than one New Year’s Resolutions list this year. Probably right next to ‘start micro-investing’ and ‘try meditating every day’! They aren’t financial advisors, so you’re on your own with that one, but Meditation, on the other hand, could be connected to promoting hair growth. They’re not joking!

If you’re experiencing hair loss, or have a head that’s growing hair strands at a snail’s pace, don’t fret. The secrets to a scratch-free scalp and luscious locks that are slowly but surely lengthening are simpler than you think. By making some simple switches and building healthy habits into your week, you should start to regain your hair growth.

Secret #1: Breaking the sweat

We all know exercise is excellent for your health in so many ways, but the sweating element can come at a price. Sweat on its own is harmless, but when you leave sweat-drenched hair to sit for too long, you could start seeing some unfavourable consequences. Think blocked pores, a dry and irritated scalp, and hair that is at a higher risk of becoming brittle and breakable.

The saving grace? Common sense says to keep hair up and away from your skin whilst breaking any kind of sweat, and we would agree. But for those who are fitting in fitness more than us once-a-week-ers (we’re trying, promise!) it’s important to wash your hair regularly to remove chances of this build-up. If you’re washing your hair more regularly though, you’ll have to make sure you’re using a gentle formula that isn’t stripping your scalp and strands of all its natural moisture – that’s another road to mane misery. SLS-free Shampoo & Conditioner with natural ingredients are a must!

MooGoo’s Milk Shampoo’s unique formula is perfect for this. Made using a combination of gentle coconut and glucose-based cleansers, this shampoo does the job of cleaning without unnecessary trauma. Our formula also contains Piroctone Olamine which helps to control the microflora of the scalp, protecting you further from any frustrating flakiness. Plus, we’ve added Milk Protein for a boost of amino acids to strengthen the hair.

Secret #2: Never sleep with wet hair

As tempting as it is to skip hair drying and let your head hit the pillow after a long day, sleeping with wet hair is not recommended for the health of your hair and scalp. When hair is wet, it is in a vulnerable state as the cuticles, the outer layer of the hair shaft, are open. This makes the hair more susceptible to damage and breakage. Friction between wet strands and the surface of your pillowcase can lead to increased breakage and split ends. No thanks!

Plus, a damp scalp can create an environment conducive to fungal and bacterial growth. The warmth and moisture trapped against the scalp during sleep may contribute to conditions like dandruff and scalp irritation. Additionally, wet hair is more prone to tangling, and the friction caused by rubbing against a pillow can worsen the problem, leading to knotted and matted hair in the morning.

Allowing your hair to air-dry before bedtime is a healthier practice. This gives your hair cuticles time to close and reduces the risk of breakage. If blow-drying is necessary, use a low-heat setting and keep the dryer at a safe distance to minimize damage. Overall, promoting a dry and well-ventilated environment for your hair before sleeping contributes to maintaining the overall health and appearance of your hair and scalp, which is what you want when growing out those tresses!

Secret #3: Hydrate for happiness

Just as your body needs water to function properly, your hair requires hydration to stay healthy and vibrant. Dehydrated hair can become brittle, prone to split ends, and may struggle to grow at its full potential. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day is essential, but external hydration is just as crucial.

Behind every successful shampoo is a great conditioner, and MooGoo’s Cream Conditioner is no different. Instead of using Silicone to create a fake ‘hydrated’ feeling of smoothness, MooGoo opt for naturally nourishing oils like Jojoba and Olive Oil that penetrate deeply into the hair to hydrate from the inside. It’s a hair moisturiser that does the deeper work. A whole lot more effective than Silicone which just builds up on top of your hair (and your scalp) and ends up weighing it down and causing irritation.

Secret #4: Massage for the mane

A little self-care goes a long way, and your scalp is no exception! Massaging your scalp not only feels great but also stimulates blood circulation, promoting the flow of nutrients to your hair follicles. Increased blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients reach your hair roots, encouraging hair growth.

Next time you’re sudsing up your strands (with Milk Shampoo we hope!), take a moment to indulge in a gentle scalp massage. The nourishing ingredients in the shampoo, combined with a massage, create a powerful synergy that enhances blood circulation and ensures that your hair follicles receive the care they need. Incorporating this hair treatment into your routine can make a noticeable difference in promoting hair growth.

Secret #5: Trim for triumph

While it may seem counterintuitive, regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair. After all, there’s no point having long locks if the bottom half of them are damaged. Trimming eliminates split ends, preventing them from travelling up the hair shaft and causing further damage. Additionally, a consistent trimming routine helps maintain the shape and appearance of your hair, keeping it looking its best as it grows.

So now you know! Unlocking the secrets to growing your hair involves a holistic approach that addresses both internal and external factors. By embracing these five secrets and incorporating the right products into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the long, luscious locks you’ve always dreamed of.

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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.