Three Natural ways to Soothe Your Gut

Soothe your Gut naturally.

Soothing your Gut is so important as it directly influences your mental and physical wellbeing.

The daily pressures many of us experience can cause your gut to tense and become less effective in absorbing those essential nutrients from your food.

Now there are so many varying ways to manage your gut health but today I have chosen to share with you three things I do to soothe my gut.

The following suggestions can be adopted by most and the linked products are suitable for those following a vegan diet.

No matter how healthy or unhealthy your gut is, it will love you for offering it an internal hug. We all know the power of a hug; endorphins are released, serotonin levels increase, anxiety levels fall and your entire body relaxes.

An internal hug is just what your gut needs, and these three items can help you do just that.

1). In a rush, feel tense in your stomach, bloated and experiencing discomfort?
Go an put the kettle on and make a Yogi Stomach Ease Cuppa.

And discover the soothing relief of stomach ease.

Whether you are at home, dining out or travelling, a cup of Stomach Ease to help promote healthy digestive function. This delicious wellness tea provides relief when you are feeling bloated or have occasional upset stomach or heartburn. The combination of fennel with liquorice naturally supports gastrointestinal function. The added unique blend of warming herbs, including cardamom, coriander and peppermint, provide additional comfort.

So, don’t get upset when your stomach does, just ease the discomfort with a healing cup of tea.

2). Ditch the dairy and love your oats!
We all know that race horses are fed oats to boost their energy and stamina, oats work the same on you.

Oatly Oat Drink is delicious either alone, in smoothies, sauces or dare I say it coffee!

Made for the purest oats and free from milk and soya, this Oatly Oat Drink has a smooth flavour and can be used in cooking and baking.

This amazing drink is also available in Chocolate flavour!

3. Time to Turmeric.
Turmeric is an ancient healer and continues to be popular among those who recognise the power within.

Organic Turmeric by Suma is perfect for making Turmeric Milk. Why not use the Oatly Oat drink too.

Turmeric Milk Recipe.

There are hundreds of recipes available on the internet. Here is the one I use.
Turmeric milk is also known as the ‘Golden Cup’ as its a beautiful golden warming colour. It is packed with ant-inflammatory properties.
These quantities make enough to serves 2.

Ingredients:

2 cups (470ml) hemp milk, oat milk, coconut milk (I use Oatly oat drink)
1 inch piece of ginger, grated
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/8-1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp coconut oil

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a saucepan. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat and leave to simmer for 5 minutes.
Strain through a sieve and enjoy .

9th June 201824th August 2018

Do I or Don’t I need Vitamin Supplements?

Vitamins, do you or don’t you need supplements?

Vitamins, we all know what they are, yet many of us don’t know what if we are deficient.

Firstly why do we need vitamins?

They are vital to grow, develop and repair.
Support energy release from nutrients.
Maintain healthy hair and skin.
Help other nutrients be used in our body (Vitamin D is required to absorb Calcium)

Deficiencies can lead to serious illness

Overload can be serious too.

The body can store some but not all – we need to maintain a regular intake

Eating a large rainbow salad or extra helping of broccoli is not going to provide you with extra vitamin C for a few days, your body removes what is not required at that time.

Probiotic Pro Daily

Brilliant biotic boost

The hardy spore form friendly bacteria Bacillus coagulans is resistant to harsh stomach acid. It is great for travel and does not need refrigeration.

Bacillus coagulans is a transient bacteria in the gut but helps to feed some of the resident strains. Pro-daily has a guaranteed 150 million viable bacterium encapsulated with FOS to further encourage growth of the friendly bacteria. This is great to take after illness or antibiotics and is perfect for all the family.

Available in small, easy-to-swallow tablets. Non-dairy.

With Bacillus Coagulans, one of nature’s toughest strains of friendly bacteria
Also contains FOS, a prebiotic, which helps feed the friendly bacteria
Survives high temperatures so no need for refrigeration
Perfect for travelling
Useful to take during and after antibiotics
Dairy free.

Multi-vitamin Advanced Complex

High potency multivitamin/mineral

This high potency multi-vitamin and mineral formula offers all the key nutrients in their optimum form for better absorption and assimilation. For example, pyridoxal-5-phosphate for Vitamin B6, and citrate minerals. Also includes trace minerals, such as Molybdenum, Manganese and Chromium, as well as Choline and Inositol, not normally found in other multis.

A year-round best seller
Perfect for all the family
Contains 24 essential nutrients
Optimum forms for enhanced absorption
Complete and comprehensive daily supplement to suit most needs
Contains full B complex, antioxidant vitamins and important minerals

Contains Vitamin A. Do not take if pregnant or planning pregnancy. Not available in Ireland.

Omega 3:6:9Organic Omega

ORGANIC OMEGA 3:6:9 BALANCE OIL

Perfect 2:1 omega 3 to omega 6 balance

This fresh, natural tasting formula provides cold pressed, 100% Organic, unrefined Flax Seed and Sunflower Seed oils, plus Extra Virgin Olive oil, protected with natural antioxidants. Today’s modern diets can provide an excess of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids, which creates an imbalance in the body. Omega 3:6:9 Balance Oil provides the perfect 2:1 balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6, with added Omega 9. Fatty acids make up the cell walls of every cell in the body and make hormone-like substances, important for many body processes. Omega 3 and 6 also support a healthy heart and arteries, eyes and brain. Use in salads, on potatoes and vegetables or straight from the spoon. For added lignans and fibre, mix with Organic Sprouted Flax Seeds.

Refrigerate after opening and consume within 6 weeks.

Essential omegas in ideal ratio to help combat imbalances in today’s diet
Also contains omega 9 to help support heart and immune health
Perfect used in salad dressings, drizzled on potatoes and vegetables or taken straight from the spoon
100% organic unrefined flax seed, sunflower seed and extra virgin olive oil,
Protected with natural antioxidants
Cold-pressed
Not suitable for cooking
Cholesterol-free

Fibre Sprouted Flax Seed Fibre

ORGANIC SPROUTED FLAX SEEDS

A living ‘Superfood’

Naturally sweet, Sprouted Flax Seeds are a good source of dietary fibre, lignans and the essential omegas 3 and 6. Indeed the process of sprouting increases the seeds’ nutrient content. Sprouted Flax Seeds are milled to a coarse, golden powder without using heat. Blend into drinks, stir into yoghurt or sprinkle over breakfast cereal. Tastes great straight from the spoon without oiliness.

Excellent source of fibre, lignans and Omegas 3, 6 and 9
Sprouting increases nutrient content and decreases ’anti-nutrients’ for enhanced bio-availability
Easily digestible and gentle on the stomach
Naturally sweet, delicious blended into drinks, smoothies, yoghurts or sprinkled over breakfast cereal
Also tastes great straight from the spoon
Cholesterol-free

Why are they a superfood? Because they provide loads of nutrients in an easily digestible form.

Unsure of what vitamins you may be lacking in? Click this link to request a Vitamin Assessment.

You can download the PDF Vitamin Guide and see how to naturally boost your vitamin intake.

1st April 201830th April 2019

Antioxidant Energising Smoothie

So what are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are a substance that protect your cells from damage. Damage may be caused from pollution, chemicals, processed foods, alcohol and drugs. The effect is called ‘oxidation’ a reaction between oxygen and other molecules.

Your body naturally creates free radicals (toxins) when cells use oxygen. Research shows toxins can be linked to disease including heart disease.

Antioxidants support your cells to repair from oxidative damage. They are found in many foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Ideally use organic where possible as this reduces the level of chemicals you will be ingesting.

This recipe is from Healthy Smoothie Headquarters and one I personally use and recommend to my clients. Quick and easy to prepare and packed full of antioxidants and energy.

Antioxidant Berry Blast Smoothie Recipe

The Ingredients

1 cup water (filtered if possible)
1 cup of mixed frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and/or blueberries)
1/4 cup goji berries
A dash of sea salt

The Add-ons (These are optional) The Chia seeds add thickness.

1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/4 cup coconut shreds or flakes
1 serving of your preferred protein powder

Show Time

Add the ingredients into your blender. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds or until your desired consistency is reached.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 278
Fat: 15g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 28g
Vitamin A: 138% RDA
Vitamin C: 36% RDA
Calcium: 15% RDA
Iron: 16% RDA

30th March 201830th March 2018

Aroma to soothe your senses:The Power of Oils

The aroma of a room can influence the ambience and the mood of those in it.

Aroma oils have the power to soothe your senses, yet creating the right atmosphere is a challenge owing to our senses being in control. Our sense of smell is linked to our limbic system in the brain, triggering our emotions and memory bank. Aromatherapy can enhance, or stimulate responses and getting it wrong can have negative experiences.

During my time as a nurse the smell of disinfectant was sometimes overpowering, and whenever I smell similar aromas to Dettol, I instantly visualise infected wounds, metal beds and the sluice area!! In contrast when I experience delicate aromas of rose I recall fond childhood memories of hours spent on the garden making rose petal water, laughing with my nanna and being free.

Today we spend many hours and great amounts of money furnishing our homes, yet are we fragrancing our rooms correctly to complement our visual image?

Candles are a popular choice, though restrictive when we have young children or pets close by. Diffuser rods are effective, though often lose their intensity quickly, plug in’s are a great idea but what if you don’t like the chemical element within the oils.

I have always had to be careful using room fragrances as my daughter suffers with a chronic lung condition. It was during my training as a Reflexologist that I found the amazing products of Neals Yard Organics. Their essential oils were perfect for my clients as they are organic and as soon as they introduced their diffuser range I was hooked.

Not only can I use the oils on my clients skin, they can inhale the aromas and soothe their senses, a win-win situation for all.

So what oils should you use to create the atmosphere to compliment your furnishings? I have created a guide you. Once you get to know the aromas you can experiment by mixing the oils together or select the pre mixed options listed within the guide.

At the end of the page you can downloaded or print off a PDF version of the oil guide for future reference.

Each oil name is a live link to the Neals Yard Organic site to purchase direct. Simply click on the name and the page will open in a new window.

If you would like any further information the read more section opens up further information on each oil.

In the Bedroom.

Sleep is essential for wellbeing. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, exhaustion, fatigue, headaches, joint stiffness plus many more conditions.

Oil – Jasmine – To encourage sleep, a sweet and sensual aroma, that can enhance sensuality.

Oil – Sandalwood – Ideal for becoming still (mindfulness or meditation), promotes a calmness and overall wellbeing. Read more

Oil – Ylang-Ylang – Perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere with a sensual undertone.

Oil – Chamomile – Soothes and relaxes with its delicate herby aroma. Read more

Oil – Lavender – Cleansing, refreshing soothing and calming an excellent all round oil. Read more

In the Living Room

Oil – Bergamot – Calming and relaxing

Oil – Geranium – Uplifting and restoring Read More

Oil – Rose – Calming and soothing

In the Office

Oil – Eucalyptus – Cooling and refreshing, great for clearing sinuses. Read more

Oil – Peppermint – Stimulates the mind

Oil – Lemongrass – Energising and stimulating

Oil – Pine – Refreshing and energising. Read more

So now you know which oils to use you require a diffuser to compliment your homes decor.

Neals Yard Organics have some amazing diffusers which compliment your home.

Esta Aroma Read more

Sophisticated and stylish, the elegant bamboo Esta Aroma Diffuser brings a touch of aromatic eco-lux living to any room. The beautiful sustainably-sourced bamboo is cut by hand to allow maturing flowering strands to flourish. Creating a fine aromatherapy-infused mist, it’s ideal to help counteract drying central heating.

Soto Aroma Read more

Elegant and aesthetically pleasing, the Soto White delights your senses and adds luxury to everyday living.

The Soto diffuser has colour changing mood lighting, which moves through a rainbow of colours, it can also be set on a single colour of choice. There is also a no light option, to continue soothing whilst you sleep.

The Soto aroma diffuser also acts as a mini humidifier, creating a cool, scented and relaxing mist which will spread fragrances quickly and effectively.

Click the link below for your PDF Essential Oil Guide

Essential Oil Guide

3rd January 2018

Older Peoples Natural Remedies

Today as I near the ‘young old’ category, I have become far more conscious of the health benefits of the food I consume in relation to specific ‘older persons’ complaints such as aching joints, failing eye sight, dry skin plus so much more.

Fatigue has been my biggest challenge, quickly followed by aching joints.

I eat a healthy balanced diet, and rarely succumb to processed food, though I can’t control the natural changes occurring to my body systems, hormone levels and metabolism; BUT what I can do is consume foods that support the systems function more effectively and therefore reduce the fatigue, dry skin and aching joints.

Staying active is very important. No need to join a gym, just a brisk walk, some stretches and general housework or gardening is enough, though for the more active or able bodies, pilates, yoga and gentle weight lifting is ideal.

To keep your BONES in good health the hormones oestrogen is required. Most women as they enter into later life stages experience a natural decline in oestrogen production; increasing the risk of brittle bones. SAGE is a very powerful herb that contains substances similar to oestrogen, that support the retention of calcium in your system. I love my sage brew in the morning and mid afternoon. Simply place a good handful of fresh sage leaves or 25g of dried sage into a teapot. Pour on hot freshly boiled water and leave to infuse for 10 mins. Strain through a tea strainer and enjoy. There should be enough for two or three cups, I strain the remainder into a jug and store in the fridge and drink cold.

PORRIDGE is excellent for providing slow release energy and also contain properties that lift the ‘mood’. Make your porridge with organic oats and fresh filtered water. Eat each morning, also ideal as a pre bedtime snack to prevent night cramps.

VITAMIN B is not only good for the brain but also helps prevent dry mouth and mouth sores.

Dry skin can be a sign of VITAMIN A deficiency. COD LIVER OIL is naturally rich in vitamins A & D and can be applied topically too. VITAMIN E is also known to reduce dry skin, applying it as a cream works far more efficiently.

MAGNESIUM is the ‘new kid’ on the block, ideal for aching muscles, tied limbs, stiffness. Spinach is naturally rich in magnesium but unless you eat a whole bag of fresh leaves daily, you may be at risk of not achieving the recommended daily intake of magnesium. I take a liquid supplement, and I do eat fresh spinach every day!!

To purchase the above mentioned items, simply click on the links below.