All posts by Eleanor Wilson

Antioxidant Supreme, Cell Fuzion, MicroCell NutriGuard Plus

The importance of antioxidants for fighting the threat of free radicals

All things considered, the term ‘free radicals’ sounds more like some sort of grassroots political movement than tiny little things that, once inside our bodies, can cause serious disruption and damage. However, don’t doubt it; they’re most certainly the latter. For decades now, free radicals are something that many of us have heard about, but how many of us actually know what they are, the dangers they pose and how to stop them and mitigate their effects?

Fundamentally, what free radicals do in our bodies is to corrupt molecules like fats, proteins and DNA; while antioxidants target and reduce their damage, by scavenging and combating them.

The dangers of free radicals

To be precise, free radicals are actually atoms, ions or molecules, so microscopically small they’re extraordinarily small; but far from insignificant. Indeed, they pose the danger they do because they come with an unpaired electron. This means they’re extremely reactive; they’re constantly searching for something from which they can get another electron to pair with their single electron.

And it’s during cellular metabolism that free radicals show themselves up in the body1, for during this process – when the body’s cells use oxygen to convert food into energy, Adenosine triphosphate(ATP) – free radicals pop up and, via what’s called oxidation, steal electrons from other molecules; everything from proteins to fats and cell membranes to DNA. This then – often referred to as oxidative stress (or damage) – can dramatically alter the make-up of those molecules, thus contributing to the ageing process and aiding the development of countless degenerative diseases. So, the likes of arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, hypertension, heart disease and muscular dystrophy can all be caused, in part, by free radical damage.

But how do free radicals get into our bodies in the first place? Well, harmful environmental factors often play a role; pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol, toxic metals, industrial chemicals and radiation2. Yet, at the same time, it would be foolish to try to consume no free radicals – it wouldn’t be possible anyway – because, like it or not, at low levels they’re of genuine benefit to the immune system, as it uses them to fend off hazardous pathogens to ensure it functions effectively3.

The power of antioxidants

So, as with many things in nature and inside our bodies, it’s a matter of balance. We require help to ensure the volume of free radicals inside us don’t get out of control; we require something to ensure there’s balance. And that thing is antioxidants. How so? Because by regularly consuming antioxidants, we’re offering up something that actively donates an electron to individual free radicals during oxidation, thereby preventing the latter to cause oxidative stress and major damage to other molecules4.

And, handily, there’s an abundance of antioxidant sources out there. You can consume them by maintaining a nutritious, balanced diet, as many common fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants:

  • Anthocyanins – occurring in berries, red cabbage, grapes and many boldly-coloured foods (indeed, they account for the colour of blueberries and raspberries), anthocyanins actually provide many health benefits5
  • Curcuninoids – effective at activating the immune system, they help promote brain health among many other things

Buffered-Vitamin-C

  • Vitamin C – aids the immune system and general good health; found in oranges, lemons, kiwi fruits, broccoli, cabbage and red and yellow peppers

 

MicroCell-Vitamin-E-100

  • Vitamin E – a common component of multivitamins and supplements, it’s known for its antioxidant properties and naturally occurs in sunflower oil, green vegetables and nuts

 

selenium

  • Selenium – highly important for thyroid health, it can be consumed via nuts, lima beans, chia seeds and brown rice.

Antioxidant supplements

Unfortunately, though, due to the long list of environmental factors that can expose us to free radicals (see above), for some people a decent diet on its own many not be enough to supply them with an adequate number of antioxidants. This then is where supplementation can come to the rescue.

And, if you’re looking for the best antioxidant supplements on the market (and why wouldn’t you be?), you might want to try MegaHydrate. Available from us at The Finchley Clinic, it’s proven to deliver full-body hydration for optimal health – and great protection against free radical damage. This is because it’s rich in silica hydride, the only component known to dramatically increase zeta potential, as well as offering a rich, powerful blend of antioxidants that, together, amount to a free radical-combating effect about 10 times stronger than vitamin C alone.

Other supplements we provide and highly recommend for their antioxidant properties include:

Cell Fuzion – an advanced antioxidant formula that energises the work of mitochondria in the body’s cells (critical to cellular metabolism) to prevent DNA damage

MicroCell Nutriguard Plus – contains comprehensively powerful antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E, zinc citrate, alpha lipoic acid, lycopene, beta-carotene and selenium

NADH – aids the supply of ATP to the brain, nerves, muscles and heart, as well as other organs (often also referred to as CoEnzyme 1).

References:

  1. Cadenas E. and Davies K. J. ‘Mitochondrial Free Radical Generation, Oxidative Stress, and Aging’. Free Radical Biology & Medicine. vol. 29, 18 Oct. 2000, pp. 222–230.
  1. Lobo V. et al. ‘Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Functional Foods: Impact on Human Health’. Pharmacognosy Reviews 4.8 (2010): 118–126. PMC.
  1. Gemma C., Vila J., Bachstetter A. et al. ‘Oxidative Stress and the Aging Brain: From Theory to Prevention.’ Brain Aging: Models, Methods, and Mechanisms. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/ Taylor & Francis; 2007. Chapter 15.
  1. Nimse S. B. and Pal D. K. ‘Free Radicals, Natural Antioxidants, and Their Reaction Mechanisms’. RSC Advances, vol. 5, no. 35, 12 Mar. 2015, pp. 27986–28006.
  1. Lila M. A. ‘Anthocyanins and Human Health: An In Vitro Investigative Approach’. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology 2004.5 (2004): 306–313.
General Health & Nutrition

Diarrheoa: Infection, Dehydration, Symptoms and Supplements

We may all think we know what diarrhoea is, but do we? And do we know what causes it, what suffering from it could mean and how dangerous it actually could be?

Generally speaking, diarrhoea tends to refer to the frequent passing of stool that’s of a liquid consistency. Pretty much everybody at some stage is likely to suffer from it, ensuring it affects people of all ages – from children through to the elderly. In most cases, it tends to clear up in a few days and not prove a cause for concern; thus, this is what’s usually referred to as short-term or acute diarrhoea. It’s long-term or chronic diarrhoea then that people should be worried about; if it goes on for more than three weeks it’s more than likely to be symptomatic of a serious bowel function issue.

Diarrhoea causes

Diarrhoea can occur due to a number of different reasons – some more serious than others. Therefore, some cause the acute kind of diarrhoea; others the chronic version:

  • Bacterial infections – usually ingested due to contaminated food or water, they include salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), shigella and campylobacter
  • Viral infections – diarrhoea’s often a symptom of the likes of hepatitis, rotavirus, Cytomegalovirus and Norwalk, as well as simplex and herpes viruses
  • Food intolerances – lactose (milk and dairy-based food) intolerance is the obvious example here, but intolerances to food colouring and other additives are also common
  • Parasites – can be ingested via food and often via water; they include Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia
  • Bowel conditions – irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Celiac disease often result in diarrhoea
  • Medications – on occasions, the likes of antibiotics and antacids, as well as some blood pressure treatments can set off diarrhoea.

When does diarrhoea occur – and for whom?

As established, in most scenarios and for most people, diarrhoea tends to be symptomatic of something else and isn’t usually health-threatening in itself. But that’s not always the case. For the young and the elderly it can be potentially dangerous – and that’s because it’s directly connected with dehydration. Essentially, what happens when you experience diarrhoea is the body uses up a large amount of fluid, which the rest of the body needs to function effectively and correctly.

As children’s bodies are still developing and those of the elderly tend to be weaker and in more advanced decline compared to those in the prime of life and health, significant dehydration can be hazardous for these two age groups. Indeed, in children, diarrhoea (usually caused by rotavirus) commonly fades by its eighth day at most, but a parent’s nonetheless advised to seek medical advice after 24 hours – indeed, in new-borns it may even prove fatal if they’re not rehydrated quickly enough.

All that said, those of all ages ought to be wary of long-term symptoms, of course. If it’s gone on in excess of 72 hours, if it’s accompanied by severe abdominal and/ or rectal pain and if you have a fever (higher than 102°F), it would be a very good idea to see a doctor.

Food and travel advice

If you’re already suffering from diarrhoea:

  • Avoid fibre-based, greasy and mostly sweet foods
  • It’s probably best to cut out dairy products too
  • If the diarrhoea symptoms are particularly strong, you may want to opt for fluids only, returning to soft foods (plain rice and bananas, for instance) in time

When traveling overseas, there’s a good chance you’ll find one or more foods simply don’t ‘agree’ with your digestive system. In this case, there’s not a lot you can do if you’re trying and experimenting with local cuisine. However, to try to prevent catching infections and viruses, you should try to:

  • Avoid drinking tap water, don’t add it to tea and coffee and don’t use it to brush your teeth
  • Avoid buying and consuming food from street vendors
  • Drink bottled water but only if the bottle’s seal hasn’t been broken
  • Only add pasteurised milk to hot drinks

Diarrhoea supplements

When you’re suffering from diarrhoea or if you’re someone who’s susceptible to suffering from it at all regularly, it’s natural to want to rely on – or at least try – something that helps alleviate the symptoms, or even prevent it developing in the first place. So, you may be interested in the following diarrhoea supplements and probiotics available via us at The Finchley Clinic:

OptiBac-Probiotics

Saccharomyches boulardii (formerly OptiBac Probiotics for bowel calm) – a globally renowned probiotic that naturally helps control bowel function during diarrhoea episodes and bring under control Candida and other fungal overgrowths.

 

Bio-Kult-120-Capsules

BioKult – great for intestinal balance and integrity, but especially for sufferers of post-antibiotic diarrhoea, IBS, gut dysbiosis, Candida and ‘traveller’s tummy’; combines very well with and enhances Threelac.

 

OptiBac-Probiotic

OptiBac Probiotics for children & babies – an ideal blend of probiotics and prebiotics for women during pregnancy, babies and children; specifically containing acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis and bifidum.

BioCardio, Complete Omegas, Fatty Acids, Mega GLA Complex

Fats that are Good for You: Omega-3, -6 And -9 Fatty Acids

It’s drummed into us when we’re young – or at least it should be – that fatty foods aren’t good for us. But, actually, that’s not entirely true; not all ‘fatty’ foods ought to be avoided – in fact, you should definitely incorporate some into your diet. Because foods that naturally contain the ‘Omega’ family of ‘fatty acids’ are very good for you, indeed.

Unfortunately, our bodies don’t produce either the Omega-3 or Omega-6 fatty acids, which is a shame, given they can contribute significantly to human brain development, immunity and regulating blood pressure – among many other things. In fact, because they’re of such use to us, that’s why they’re often referred to as ‘essential fatty acids’ (EFAs); so much can they do to aid our skin, respiration, blood circulation, brain and other organs.

Omega-3

An essential fatty acid, once Omega-3’s digested and spread elsewhere through the body’s blood stream, it can play a critical role in ensuring effective brain function, as mentioned, and may also help your body tackle arthritis1, asthma2, attention disorders3, cardiovascular disease4, cholesterol5, depressive issues6, diabetes7, digestive difficulties, high blood pressure8, macular degeneration, osteoporosis9, skin disorders10 and even some forms of cancer11.

How does it work? Well, the body eventually converts Omega-3 into either docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EHA); both of them highly unsaturated fats. Given what clinical studies have proven Omega-3 can positively do for the body then, it’s no surprise that it’s believed people lacking sufficient DHA and EPA levels could be at potential risk from Alzheimer’s disease, attention issues, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria (an inborn metabolism error associated with mental disorders) and several other problems.

Naturally occurring in many foods, especially nuts, you can find Omega-3 in the likes of Brazil nuts, canola oil (rapeseed), chia seed oil, grains, flaxseeds and their oil, green leafy vegetables, hempseed oil, mustard seeds, pumpkin seeds, spirulina, wheatgerm oil and raw walnuts and walnut oil.

Omega-6

People tend to consume more of the Omega-6 fatty acid (or linoleic acid) than Omega-3, so it’s important to make sure you get enough of both; as noted above, they’re not referred to as essential fatty acids for nothing – on its own, Omega-6 is believed to promote good skin, heart, circulation and nerve function.In fact, some expert opinion suggests that, perhaps due to how much vegetable oil people consume nowadays, many get a 16:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3, which may be unhealthy12. Thus, a number of experts instead suggest aiming for a 1:1 ratio of the two, if possible12.

Omega-6 naturally occurs in a large number of grains, nuts, oils and green leafy veggies, among them broccoli, chia seed oil, cottonseed oil, grapeseeds, hempseed oil, kale, lettuce, olive oil, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, purslane, safflower oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil and wheatgerm, as well as some raw vegetable oils – but raw and cold pressed vegetable oil’s best as cooking the oil tends to negate its positive Omega-6 effects.

Omega-9

Another of the Omega fatty acids worth mentioning, Omega-9 is classed as a non-essential fatty acid. Monounsaturated oleic and stearic acid, as it’s scientifically referred to, is ‘non-essential’ because it’s naturally created – or synthesised – in the human body; at least, when the body’s consuming enough Omega-3 and Omega-6 it is.

If you’re not receiving satisfactory amounts of those two fatty acids, then it’s wise to alter your diet in order to ensure you’re resplendent in Omega-9 as well – not least as it’s believed to helpmaintain cardiovascular health and immune function. To that end then, Omega-9 fatty acids occur naturally in the likes of almonds, avocados, cashew nuts, chia seed oil, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios and olives and olive oil.

Fatty acid supplements

Unfortunately, of course, it may be that for whatever reason you’re not able to adjust your diet as much you’d like to get your fill of essential and non-essential fatty acids (for instance, should you have a nut allergy). Fear not, though, for salvation can be found in supplements – indeed, do check out the fatty acid section on our website because not only are the following three Omega-related supplements available from us at The Finchley Clinic, but many more as well:

Omegas

Complete Omegas 3:6:7:9 Gel Caps – easy to swallow gelatine capsules that provide the optimal ratio of the Omega fatty acids, including Omega-7 (from sea buckthorn), which on its own helps to nourish and replenish skin and mucous membrane tissue.

Mega-GLA-180-Capsules

Mega GLA Complex – contains Omega-6, along with Vitamin E to improve stability, the latter also acting as an antioxidant to help protect cells from oxidative stress.

BioCardio

BioCardio – derived from anchovies and sardines and flavoured with natural orange oil, this product can be consumed neat or mixed with water or juice to provide both EPA and DHA direct, crucial for maintaining heart health.

References:

1. Fortin P. R., Lew R. A., Liang M. H., Wright E. A., Beckett L. A., Chalmers T. C. and Sperling R. I. ‘Validation of a meta-analysis: the effects of fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis’. J Clin Epidemiol. Nov 1995. 48 (11): 1379-90.

2. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. ‘Health Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Asthma’. March 2004. Publication No. 04-E013-1.

3. Richardson A. J. and Montgomery P. ‘The Oxford-Durham study: a randomized, controlled trial of dietary supplementation with fatty acids in children with developmental coordination disorder’. Pediatrics. May 2005. 115 (5): 1360-6.

4. Wang C., Harris W. S., Chung M., Lichtenstein A. H., Balk E. M., Kupelnick B., Jordan H. S. and Lau J. ‘n-3 Fatty acids from fish or fish-oil supplements, but not alpha-linolenic acid, benefit cardiovascular disease outcomes in primary- and secondary-prevention studies: a systematic review’. Am J Clin Nutr. July 2006. 84 (1): 5-17.

5. McKenney J. M. and Sica D. ‘Prescription omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia’. Am J Health Syst Pharm. March 2007. 64 (6): 595-605.

6. Su K. P., Huang S. Y., Chiu C. C. and Shen W. W. ‘Omega-3 fatty acids in major depressive disorder. A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. Aug 2003. 13 (4): 267-71. Erratum in: Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. March 2004. 14 (2): 173.

7. Mita T., Watada H., Ogihara T., Nomiyama T., Ogawa O., Kinoshita J., Shimizu T., Hirose T., Tanaka Y. and Kawamori R. ‘Eicosapentaenoic acid reduces the progression of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes’. Atherosclerosis. March 2007. 191 (1): 162-7.

8. Morris M. C., Sacks F. and Rosner B. ‘Does fish oil lower blood pressure? A meta-analysis of controlled trials’. ACP J Club. Jan-Feb 1994.120 Suppl 1: 8-10.

9. Vanek C. and Connor W. E. ‘Do n-3 fatty acids prevent osteoporosis?’. Am J Clin Nutr. March 2007. 85 (3): 647-8.

10. University of Maryland Medical Center. ‘Omega-3 fatty acids overview’. The University of Maryland Medical System.

11. Augustsson K., Michaud D. S., Rimm E. B., Leitzmann M. F., Stampfer M. J., Willett W. C. and Giovannucci E. ‘A prospective study of intake of fish and marine fatty acids and prostate cancer’. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Jan 2003. 12 (1): 64-7.

12. Simopoulos, A. P. ‘Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and genetic variation: nutritional implications for chronic diseases’. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. July 2006. 60 (9): 502–507.

General Health & Nutrition

Toxin Reduction: Why You Should Consider A Chemical and Heavy Metal Cleanse

Toxins. Everybody’s heard of them, but how many of us are actually familiar with them? How many of us really know what they are, where they come from and just how many of them may be inside our bodies and doing us harm? If you’re unfamiliar with the topic of toxic chemicals and ‘heavy metals’, you might want to read on…

Toxins derived from food

Unfortunately, research suggests a good deal of the toxins that get into our bodies do so because we consume them in what we eat and drink. For instance, it’s worryingly common for industrial contaminants (the likes of dioxins, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs) and naturally-occurring contaminants (say, the bacterial Escherichia coli or E. coli and the fungi-derived aflatoxin) to find their way into our food.

By way of example then, although it’s eaten daily by billions of people around the globe, white bread contains chemicals that surely nobody would otherwise willingly put through their digestive and other bodily systems, what with the likes of chlorine, acetone peroxide, benzoyl peroxide and nitrogen dioxide all being used as regular oxidising agents in white bread’s flour. Meanwhile, like it or not, humble old table salt is often criticised by experts for its toxic effects on the body – so much so, in fact, the US nutritional organisation The Centre for Science in the Public Interest once referred to salt as ‘the single deadliest ingredient in the food supply’1.

And worth considering too is that in the United States ‘good’ gut bacteria-killing antibiotics are used (and therefore fed to) livestock as many as eight times more than they’re used to inoculate humans against disease2. This means that in that in the US alone, should you try to avoid antibiotics – because, among other things, they do no good at all for maintaining the all-important gut flora in your intestines – it’s still likely you’ll be consuming the chemicals they contain should you eat meat and drink milk.

Plus, like it or not, vegetarians don’t get off scot-free here because, beverage-wise, studies suggest as much as 70% of the coffee produced around the world features toxic pesticides – apparently just one cup could well contain in excess of 2,000 different gastrointestinal (and potentially carcinogenic) irritants. Something to consider the next time you think of stepping into that high-street coffee shop?

Toxins derived from elsewhere

As you may have guessed by now, the number of harmful toxins – chemicals and dangerous ‘heavy metals’ – that find their way into our bodies is pretty staggering. And it’s not just because they’re present in so much of the food and drink we buy and consume, but also all around us in our everyday environments.

For example, it’s often said that young children ought not to be mollycoddled in terms of the cleanliness of their environments so their immune systems develop normally and can work effectively in later life; however it’s also important to be aware of the facts here. Research has found that crawling about on a normal home’s floor will expose a baby to the likes of dust mites, mould and mildew – fair dos, you might say; yet this accounts for daily contamination in the infant’s lungs equivalent to four cigarettes3.

And speaking of looking after children, a study published in 2011 found that 10% of women of childbearing age possess a worryingly large amount of mercury in their bodies – it even concluded that some of them may have ‘potentially hazardous levels’ of the metal in their bloodstream3. Meanwhile, nowadays you’ll find another potentially dangerous chemical, fluoride, present in everything from infant formulas to toothpaste and mouthwash to bottled water even. Is fluoride really that hazardous? Well, one scientific study suggests that, once in the body, it can act as an endocrine disruptor that negatively affects the bones, the brain and the thyroid and pineal glands, as well as your blood sugar levels4.

And finally, there’s no question that, given so many of us spend so many hours in homes, offices and travel compartments installed with air conditioning, we should be aware of how potentially harmful today’s indoor environments can be. Believe it or not, a 1992 study discovered that indoor air pollution accounts for 1.6 million deaths annually (one loss of life every 20 seconds); the direct causes for these deaths being chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer and pneumonia5. Now that’s surely something to make you think!

Toxin cleanse via supplements

Happily, however, it’s not all bad news on the toxin front. The modern lives we lead may expose us to wanton levels of toxic chemicals and ‘heavy metals’, but that’s not to say we can’t do anything about it. In addition to trying to ensure your diet is as natural and organic as possible (thus free of processed foods with all their potentially harmful, unnatural chemicals), you can easily perform a regular toxin removal via toxin cleanse supplements. Indeed, you’ll find the following three products – among many more – available on our website here at The Finchley Clinic. Why not check them out and discover just how much good they can do you…!

natural-toxin-remover

ORËÁ – a natural toxin remover that aids the elimination of the likes of lead, mercury, arsenic, biotoxins and solvents from the blood, organs, glands and cellular tissue.

green-magma

Green Magma (Barley Grass Powder) – an organic extract of young green barley juice; regular use of this product could well improve digestion, increase energy and aid detoxification.

crystal-energy-detoxification-supplement

Crystal Energy – a detoxification supplement that ensures the toxins in your body are rendered harmless and then effectively and naturally removed.

References:

1. Jacobson M. F. ‘Press conference on salt: the forgotten killer’. Center for Science in the Public Interest. Feb 2005.

2. Epstein S. S. ‘Potential public health hazards of biosynthetic milk hormones’. Int. J. Health Serv. 1990 20 (1): 73-84. Erratum in: Int. J. Health Serv. 1991 21 (2): 373.

3. ‘Blood and hair mercury levels in young children and women of childbearing age’. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 2001. 50 (08) 140-3.

4. ‘National Research Council Findings’. Fluoride Alert. http://fluoridealert.org/researchers/nrc/findings/. 2006.

5. Morris R. D., Audet A. M., Angelillo I. F., Chalmers T. C. and Mosteller F. ‘Chlorination, chlorination by-products, and cancer: a meta-analysis’. American Journal of Public Health. July 1992. Vol. 82 No. 7 pp. 955-963.

Curcumin Plus, Immune Glucans, Immune health, Immune products, NADH

Better Diet, Exercise and Supplements: How To Boost Your Immunity

Given it’s our last line of defence, you’d think we’d do more to ensure it works as it should and keep us healthy. It’s the thing that, once we’ve picked up a cold, a bug or any other infectious micro-organism that. via our mouths or noses, gets into our digestive or respiratory systems, ensures we can still function and recover.

Yes, we’re talking the immune system – one of the most crucial of all the human body’s systems. And yet, all too often we take it for granted and don’t help our body make sure it can operate as well as possible. So how can you look after your immune system better? How can you boost your immunity?

A complicated collection of interconnected cells, tissues and organs, the immune system is what protects these different bits and pieces of the body from harmful pathogens. And it does so by finding and isolating these pathogens as soon as it possibly can, then transporting them to the spleen, where they’re filtered from the blood – along with damaged white/ red blood cells – and removed as waste from the body.

In actual fact, though, the immune system’s more complex than that – in that it’s also formed of two halves. The first is the innate immune system; it’s this that helps you heal on the outside by fighting infections that could otherwise turn cuts and bruises into wounds. The second is the adaptive immune system, which cleverly adapts your immunity so you become immune to individual viruses and don’t get ill from them again should you catch them more than once.

Immunity disorders

Unfortunately, however, some people are born with immune system disorders, while others – whom may have originally boasted perfectly healthy immune systems – can develop such disorders due to the likes of diseases, allergies and bad nutrition. As such then, the following are common immunity disorders:

  • Autoimmunity – this occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissue it should actually be protecting; there are in excess of 80 recognised autoimmune diseases1, including type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Immunodeficiencies – when your immunity’s weakened, it could be because of a drop in white blood cell levels (the soldiers of the immune system) which, in turn, be caused by poor diet, too little exercise2 or exposure to cigarette smoke, pesticides, toxic metals and other pollutants3
  • A hypersensitive or over-reactive immune system – with this condition, when the immune system detects a harmless allergen, it will create an unnecessary response that may well damage tissue and organs and even lead to disease.

How to boost your immunity

Constantly having to fight a plethora of dangerous organisms present in the air, water and food, the immune system then more than welcomes help to boost its effectiveness. Here are four ways you can do just that:

  • Improve your diet – avoid processed foods with their flavourings, sugars and toxins; instead opt for antioxidant-rich organic fruits and vegetables full of vitamins like avocado, blueberries, broccoli, eggplant, kale, lemons, pomegranate and spinach
  • Get consistent exercise – doing so boosts your oxygen intake and lung capacity, drives along your metabolism and helps ensure strong circulation
  • Manage stress levels – stress aggravates the immune system and escalates inflammation, so try to let go of problems when you can, get outdoors, talk to a caring listener or why not try meditation?
  • Focus on nutrition – in addition to adopting and maintaining a better, healthier diet, you might look to consuming herbs and tonics to supplement your nutritional intake (not least as you get older); for instance, make sure you’re getting enough Echinacea4 and oregano oil5.

Immunity supplements

Additionally, you might look to supplement your diet with, yes, supplements especially proven to boost immunity. By all means take a look at the ‘Immunity Health’ section of our website for the wide selection of nutrient-packed supplements available through us at The Finchley Clinic, which include the following three highly recommended examples:

liposomal-curcumin

Curcumin (Liposomal liquid) – one of a new class of bio-available supplements, this turmeric-derived chemical supports immunity and prostate health, reduces inflammation and soothes the gut lining.

NADH

NADH – also known as Coenzyme 1, this very versatile and important antioxidant-packed nutrient’s ideal not just for improving immune health, but also heart health, adrenal support and anti-ageing.

ImunoGlukan-90-capsules

Immune Glucans – supports healthy immunity and it’s especially suitable during periods of illness, over-work and antibiotic treatment, as well as for those sensitive to allergens.

References:

1. ‘Autoimmune Diseases’. MedinePlus. Aug 2014.

2. Winans B., Humble M. C. and Lawrence B. P. ‘Environmental toxicants and the developing immune system: a missing link in the global battle against infectious disease?’ Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, NY). 2011. 31 (3): 327-336.

3. ‘Aging changes in immunity’. MedlinePlus. Oct 2014.

4. Bany J., Siwicki A. K., Zdanowska D., Sokolnicka I., Skopińska-Rózewska E. and Kowalczyk M. ‘Echinacea purpurea stimulates cellular immunity and anti-bacterial defence independently of the strain of mice’. Pol J Vet Sci. 2003. 6 (3 Suppl): 3-5.

5. ‘Oregano Oil May Protect Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Georgetown Researcher Finds’. Georgetown University Medical Center. Oct 2001.

BioCare Adult Multivitamins & Minerals, General Health & Nutrition, True Food Natural Vitamin E, Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin E-ssential: The Many and Various Benefits of Vitamin E

Pretty much everybody – even children – are aware that the organic compounds known as vitamins are vital to the preservation of human health,  but while most people have heard of Vitamins A, B (Complex), C and D – and some are familiar with them – how many people know that much about Vitamin E? Chances are not that many. And yet, just like its fellow vitamins, ‘E’ is essential to keeping us fit and healthy and our bodies happily functioning as they should.

So, just what’s so special about Vitamin E? What makes it so important to our well-being? Well, principally it’s because it functions as such a good and reliable antioxidant1, thus combating the harmful, highly reactive molecules that occur in our bodies known as ‘free radicals’. Now, because these molecules are ‘uncharged’ (they’re forever after an electron to pair with their single electron) they attack and damage cells in their quest to become ‘charged’ and complete, thus potentially leading to many ailments. This process is referred to as oxidative stress2 and so requires antioxidants to counteract and neutralise the harmful effects of free radicals to the tissues of the skin3, eyes4, liver, breast, lungs and testes6, 7 – which is where Vitamin E comes in.

Antioxidant benefits

As a result of its invaluable antioxidant properties then, Vitamin E is believed to help with a whole range of issues, not least arthritis8, compromised eyesight9, gout10 and atherosclerosis6. Moreover, in combating free radical formation that would otherwise see the molecules spread throughout the body, it can help prevent chain reactions that might lead to the emergence of diseases such as cardiovascular and heart disease, hypertension, senility and even forms cancer6.

And it doesn’t end there; further Vitamin E benefits include reducing menstrual pains and disorders such as vaginal itching dryness6 and migraines11, as well as help treat fatty liver disease12, muscular dystrophy13, restless leg syndrome14, shingles15 and diabetes-related circulatory problems16. Plus, in tandem with Vitamin A, there’s research to suggest Vitamin E may help reduce cholesterol and accumulation of fat6.

Vitamin E sources

So, with its myriad health benefits, it would be no surprise you decided to check if you’re getting enough of Vitamin E. The good news is that if you practice a well-balanced, healthy diet, there’s a decent chance you do. If not, though, you might look to boost your vegetable, seed and nut intake6. To that end, almonds, broccoli, avocados, hazelnuts, kale, mustard greens, papayas, parsley, pine nuts, olives, raw seeds, spinach, Swiss chard and turnip greens are all noted strong sources for the vitamin.

But what if you’re unable to alter your diet sufficiently (you might well have a nut allergy, for instance)? Well, there are a good number of Vitamin E supplements on the market and that means it’s in your interest to check out and discover the best and most value-for-money products. In which case, may we turn your attention to the ‘Vitamins & Minerals’ section of The Finchley Clinic website where you’ll find a fine selection of supplements containing Vitamin E and more; the following three of which are all highly recommended:

Adult-Multivitamins-and-Minerals-90-Capsules

BioCare Adult Multivitamins & Minerals – a one-a-day capsule for all round nutritional support, features Vitamins A, B (Complex), C, D and E, as well as zinc, magnesium and selenium.

True-Food-Natural-Vitamin-E

True Food Natural Vitamin E – a highly bio-available food form of Vitamin E that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and supports healthy skin; can also be taken with True Food Soyagen for menopause support.

MicroCell-Vitamin-E

Microcell Vitamin E 200 – micellised into small droplets by BioCare’s unique MicroCell process for enhanced absorption and bioavailability.

References:

1. ‘Vitamin E: Health Sheet for Health Professionals’. National Institute of Health. May 2016.

2. Jakus V. ‘The role of free radicals, oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in diabetic vascular disease’. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2000. 101(10): 541-51.

3. Thiele J. J., Hsieh S. N. and Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. ‘Vitamin E: critical review of its current use in cosmetic and clinical dermatology’. Dermatol Surg. July 2005. 31 (7 Pt 2): 805-13.

4. Rizvi, S. et al. ‘The Role of Vitamin E in Human Health and Some Diseases’. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal 14.2 2014: e157–e165.

5. Applegate T. J. and Sell J. L. ‘Effect of dietary linoleic to linolenic acid ratio and vitamin E supplementation on vitamin E status of poults’. Poult Sci. July 1996. 75 (7): 881-90

6. Lobo V. et al. ‘Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Functional Foods: Impact on Human Health’. Pharmacognosy Reviews 4.8 2010: 118–126. PMC.

7. Choi E. J., Bae S. C., Yu R., Youn J. and Sung M. K. ‘Dietary vitamin E and quercetin modulate inflammatory responses of collagen-induced arthritis in mice’. J Med Food. Aug 2009.12 (4): 770-5.

8. Larsen P. D., Mock D. M. and O’Connor P. S. ‘Vitamin E deficiency associated with vision loss and bulbar weakness’. Ann Neurol. 1985 Dec. 18 (6): 725-7

9. Hsu D-Z. et al. ‘Therapeutic Effects of Sesame Oil on Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Acute Inflammatory Response in Rats’. SpringerPlus 2. 2013: 659. PMC.

10. Ziaei S., Kazemnejad A. and Sedighi A. ‘The effect of vitamin E on the treatment of menstrual migraine’. Med Sci Monit. Jan 2009. 15(1): CR16-9.

11. Arani K. S. et al. ‘Effect of Vitamin E and Metformin on Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children- Randomized Clinical Trial’. Iranian Journal of Public Health 43.10 2014: 1417–1423.

12. Berneske G. M. et al. ‘Clinical Trial of High Dosage Vitamin E in Human Muscular Dystrophy’. Canadian Medical Association Journal 82.8 1960: 418–421.

13. Ayres S. and Mihan R. ‘Leg Cramps (Systremma) and ‘Restless Legs’ Syndrome – Response to Vitamin E (Tocopherol)’. California Medicine 111.2 1969: 87–91.

14. Nicholas J. A. et al. ‘Design of Oral Agents for the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Benefit and Risk Assessment for Dimethyl Fumarate’. Drug Design, Development and Therapy 8 2014: 897–908. PMC.

15. Baburao Jain, A. and Anand Jain V. ‘Vitamin E, Its Beneficial Role in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Its Complications’. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR 6.10 2012: 1624–1628. PMC.

Children’s Health, Children’s Mindlinx, Kidslac, Optibac Probiotics for Babies & Children

The kids are all right? Why probiotics are a great idea for children

The popularity of probiotics seems to grow by the day. And for good reason. In being the ‘good bacteria’ required by the body to balance the ‘bad bacteria’ in the gut, they can do each and every one of us a great deal of good. But, for all that, many people only look on probiotics as something for adult consumption. For some reason then, they’re not associated with the health of children as much as they might be. Is there any good reason for this? Quite frankly, no; because probiotics can be ideal for kids – and do them just as much good as they do adults.

Microbiota in infants and children

The microbiota (or the microbiome) is an umbrella term for the cacophony of commensal microorganisms that live inside and on our bodies. The significance of them to kids’ health is that they’re universal. They’re ‘good bacteria’ that aids in the digestion of food and – using the nutrients of food – the creation (or synthesising) of vitamins, but not just for adults; for children too.

Indeed, the microbiota begins developing when a baby’s in its mother’s womb, before evolving in infancy and the early stages of childhood. As it develops, a child’s microbiota plays a critical role in shaping the development of immunity, specifically intestinal mucosal defence. To that end, it’s often been posited that, should the microbiota not develop properly or run into problems during childhood, conditions such as asthma, allergies, autoimmune diseases and even type 1 diabetes may be more likely to occur in a person several years down the line.

Gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions

Logic dictates then that the ‘good bacteria’ of children’s microbiota can only benefit from the additional ‘good bacteria’ of probiotics. Indeed, clinical studies have revealed certain probiotics may reduce a bout of diarrhoea in a child by 25 hours, roughly one-third its usual duration1. The best probiotics to seek out for this treatment – especially of acute gastroenteritis – appear to be Lactobacillus GG and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii2.

Moreover, these two probiotics are also among those to have shown promise in reducing – even halving – the likelihood that children being treated with antibiotics for an ailment will end up suffering from diarrhoea3, 4. Another gastrointestinal condition that probiotics are thought to be able to treat among the young – specifically premature and underweight babies – is necrotising enterocolitus5. Potentially fatal, this disease sees bacteria invade the wall of the intestine and, should it be allowed to develop, can cause such serious infection and inflammation that the bowel wall may eventually be destroyed.

There’s also research out there suggesting probiotics may help prevent children’s respiratory infections. A number of trials – the majority focusing on child subjects – have found that probiotics including Lactobacillus GG halve the risk of upper respiratory infections. And the trials also found that among kids who had developed such infections, one-third didn’t require antibiotics thanks to taking these probiotics. That said; the studies’ findings weren’t able to entirely identify the efficacy of one probiotic over another here, which may explain some doctors’ wariness in recommending routine use of probiotics to prevent respiratory infections7.

Aiding allergies?

Finally, it’s worth addressing the chatter there is around whether giving probiotics to children will help treat pre-existing allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases. It’s only fair to say this is a controversial subject in children’s health. While many assert these complaints appear to be on an upward trend among the young living in developed countries7, perhaps because infants and kids aren’t being exposed to certain ‘good bacteria’ as much as their forebears were (due to better sanitation, less exposure to bacteria-carrying animals and livestock, higher antibiotic use8 and more Caesarean-section births; the latter instance supposedly ensuring babies don’t receive ‘good bacteria’ from their mothers9), not every expert is convinced by the theory.

And, running with that, the research into whether, in helping restore kids’ microbial balance, probiotics can redress these allergy/ asthma/ autoimmune issues is in its early stages, unfortunately. So it’s difficult to say yes definitively. Time will tell on this question, it seems. What does appear to be true, though, is that giving babies probiotics may well reduce the chance of them developing eczema10 – which, in this particular area, is surely welcome news for parents.

Choosing probiotics for your child

By taking a quick look around our site, you’ll discover we stock a good number of highly reputable probiotics for children, all of them containing terrific health-giving properties. Indeed, by way of example, here are just three such probiotics available to buy from us at The Finchley Clinic:

Probiotics-For-Childs-Health

 

Optibac Probiotics for Babies & Children (90 sachets) – suitable for infants from six months and up, this probiotic supports the development of friendly bacteria for good digestive health and boosting natural immune defences and energy.

 

Childrens-Mindlinx-Powder

Children’s Mindlinx (powder/ 60g) – a high-potency live bacteria supplement comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium lactis, along with added glutamine (an amino acid that’s crucial for healthy human muscle and plasma).

 

Kidslac

Kidslac (30 sachets) – essentially a children-friendly version of our highly popular products Threelac and Fivelac, Kidslac contains five different strains of healthy bacteria (including the DDS-1 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus) in a delicious sour apple-powder base.

References

  1. Guarino A., Guandalini S. and Lo Vecchio A. ‘Probiotics for Prevention and Treatment of Diarrhea’. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2015 Nov-Dec; 49 Suppl 1:S37-45. doi: 10.
  1. Guarino A., Ashkenazi S., Gendrel D., Lo Vecchio A., Shamir R. and Szajewska H. ‘European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition/ European Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases evidence-based guidelines for the management of acute gastroenteritis in children in Europe: update 2014’. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014 Jul; 59 (1): 132-52. doi: 10.
  1. Johnston B. C., Goldenberg J. Z., Vandvik P. O., Sun X. and Guyatt G. H. ‘Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhea’. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Nov; (11): CD004827. doi: 10.
  1. Hempel S. PhD, Newberry S. J. PhD, Maher A. R. MD, Wang Z. PhD, Miles J. N. V. PhD, Shanman R. MS, Johnsen B. BS, Shekelle P. G. MD, PhD. ‘Probiotics for the Prevention and Treatment of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis’. JAMA. 2012; 307 (18): 1959-1969. doi: 10.
  1. Alfaleh K. and Anabrees J. ‘Probiotics for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants’. 2014 Apr. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005496.pub4.
  1. Williams K. and Tang M. ‘Probiotics may prevent upper respiratory tract infections, but should we recommend them?’. 2012 Oct. doi: 10.1111.
  1. Okada H., Kuhn C., Feillet H. and Bach J-F. ‘The ‘hygiene hypothesis’ for autoimmune and allergic diseases: an update’. Clin Exp Immunol. 2010 Apr; 160(1): 1–9. doi: 10.1111.
  1. Alm B., Erdes L., Möllborg P., Pettersson R., Norvenius S. G., Aberg N. and Wennergren G. ‘Neonatal antibiotic treatment is a risk factor for early wheezing’. Pediatrics. 2008 Apr; 121 (4): 697-702. doi: 10.1542.
  1. Bager P., Wohlfahrt J. and Westergaard T. ‘Caesarean delivery and risk of atopy and allergic disease: meta-analyses’. Clin Exp Allergy. 2008 Apr. 38 (4): 634-42. doi: 10.1111.
  1. Cuello-Garcia C. A., Brożek J. L., Fiocchi A., Pawankar R., Yepes-Nuñez J. J., Terracciano L., Gandhi S., Agarwal A., Zhang Y. and Schünemann H. J. ‘Probiotics for the prevention of allergy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials’. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2015 Oct; 136 (4): 952-61. doi: 10.1016.
Colon cleansing, Colosan, Oxy-Powder, Threelac and Fivelac

Diet, Hydration, Supplements and More: How To Help Your Colon Help You

There are two kinds of colon. The first is the grammatical kind (‘;’), which most people don’t know how to use properly. The second is the long tube that makes up part of the human body’s digestive system and, likewise, unfortunately many people don’t know exactly what it does and so how to keep it (and themselves) healthy.

Otherwise referred to as the large intestine, the colon doesn’t digest food – instead, it’s all about the processing of waste from food and drink, passing the waste on its way eventually out of the body via the rectum. It’s made up of four different parts, along which waste moves, slowly developing into solid material and finally becoming stool. Given the colon’s critical importance to the digestive system then (although you may ask what part of the digestive system isn’t critically important?), it’s very much in your interest to keep yours as well functioning and happy as possible; a healthy colon helps make for a healthy you.

And if a colon’s healthy and functioning correctly, it’ll be doing its job of removing much needed vitamins and other nutrients, as well as water, from the waste before it’s finally expelled from the body. Why? To ensure that not only is all the goodness from the food we eat removed and used as it should be in the body, but also that the unnecessary and, indeed, damaging ingredients of the food (that is, the toxins and impurities) are removed and, yes, excreted as waste.

How to keep your colon healthy

So, how can you aid your colon in doing its job effectively – what can you do to help it help you? Well, here are five top tips for looking after your colon health:

  • Get your diet right – the first step to a happy colon is eating well and that means swapping sugar-rich, fatty processed foods packed with toxins for nutrient-rich, organic, fresh foods; the likes of fruits and green leafy vegetables, broccoli, lemons, garlic, juices, mung beans, raw nuts, seeds and whole grains
  • Exercise – as with many things when it comes to your body, it’s important to remain physically active to ensure your digestive system’s in good shape1; if you’re feeling sluggish your colon will doubtless behave likewise and no good will come from toxic waste clogging it up for longer than is necessary
  • Keep hydrated – there are few things more healthy for you than drinking water (hardly surprising, as about 60% of the male adult body is actually water; 55% of the female adult body), so be sure to drink purified, oxygenated water to help flush out toxins and harmful impurities; in fact, the body’s most fundamental processes can’t take place without good old H2O1, including waste process and removal, not least because it helps stool remain soft so it’s easier to pass and excrete2
  • Rest properly – in most cases, even the healthiest person is believed to need between seven and nine hours’ sleep a night3 – how much do you get? Less than that? And how do you sleep? Do you get tired easily? Following a better diet is likely to help you relax and sleep, which in turn then – like your diet will directly – will improve your colon’s health
  • Consider a colon cleanse – this may seem an extreme step to take, but don’t worry it’s not an unpleasant or involving experience; certainly not if you avoid laxatives and do it the natural way to clear your colon of any waste that’s got trapped.

Colon cleanse supplements

To that end, you might want to take a look at the ‘Colon Cleanse’ section of our website for suitable naturally-derived, gentle and safe colon-cleansing products – for instance, all three of the following highly recommended supplements are available via The Finchley Clinic:

Oxy-Powder

Oxy-Powder – slowly releases mono-atomic oxygen to create an unfriendly environment for harmful bacteria and other toxins, enabling free rein for the friendly bacteria needed for proper digestive and intestinal health.

threelac-caps

Threelac – contains Bacillus coagulans (a probiotic that helps solve digestion issues), Bacillus subtilis (may aid removal of bad flora) and Enterococcus faecalis (a friendly bacteria that’s great for the gut); Threelac works very well with other supplements we sell.

Colosan-Capsules

Colosan – gently releases oxygen into the digestive tract to cleanse the large and small intestines and ease constipation; may also help with candida and parasites.

References:

1. ‘Water – a Vital Nutrient’. Better Health Channel. Department of Health & Human Services, State Government of Victoria. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/water-a-vital-nutrient. May 2014.

2. ‘Water in Diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia’. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002471.htm. July 2015.

3. ‘Five ways to stay healthy this winter’. NHS Choices. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Healthywinter.aspx

Cinnachrome 60's, Healthy Blood Sugar, Sucroguard, True Food GTF Chromium

Stay balanced: the importance of maintaining a healthy blood sugar level

It’s pretty much taken as given nowadays that high blood sugar levels are bad for you, but why actually is this? After all, scientifically speaking, our bodies need sugar, don’t they? Well, yes; in so much as they need the simple carbohydrate-based blood sugar that’s glucose (derived from the food we eat) that circulates our bodies in our blood and provides our cells with their key form of energy, ensuring it’s of critical importance to aerobic respiration.

That said, it’s all about balance; we should all be aiming to strike a balance and ensure our blood sugar level is neither too high nor too low. For some people, doing that’s easier said than done, but read on for why it’s important for them – and indeed all of us – to do so…

What’s a balanced blood sugar level?

Generally speaking, a balanced, normal blood sugar level varies between around 60 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) and 90 mg/dL. Levels are usually at their lowest just before someone eats a meal. For those who are healthy and don’t have diabetes, their level is likely to be in the 70-80 dg/mL range before a meal. Put simply, if you haven’t eaten for a while and your level’s above 100 mg/dL or, alternatively, lower that 60 mg/dL, it’s probably not good news.

High blood sugar dangers

Should your blood sugar level be too high, often due to an unbalanced diet, glucose can end up behaving like a slow-acting poison. This phenomenon is called hyperglycaemia and it inhibits the cells of the pancreas (a gland located behind the stomach) to do their job and create insulin, a hormone that, when the right amount of it is produced, is key to balancing blood sugar at a healthy level. This is because it’s insulin that’s called on to move glucose from the blood stream and into cells, where the latter gets broken down and used as energy. If there’s not enough glucose to do this (or it can’t do it adequately enough) because of hyperglycaemia, it can result in diabetes.

Additionally, high blood sugar levels can cause atherosclerosis (when blood vessels harden), which in turn can lead to a whole host of problems in the body, including heart attacks; strokes; kidney disease/ failure; loss of vision/ blindness; poor circulation; weakened immunity; slowed wound-healing; neuropathy (nerve damage) and erectile dysfunction.

Glycaemic load and GL diets

If you’ve been informed your blood sugar level is high – or gets unhealthily high on occasions – then you may have been recommended an altered diet. This is often referred to as a ‘GL diet’; GL is short for glycaemic load, a measurement referring to different foods and what effect they’ll have on someone’s blood sugar. The higher the GL the more a food will contribute to the level; the lower it is the more the food encourages the body to burn fat and, thus, return it to a healthy blood sugar level – as well as, in the long term, contribute to a potential weight loss programme.

Glycaemic load is itself based on what’s known as the glycaemic index (GI), which arranges foods and drinks according to how fast or slow the carbohydrates they contain are released, thus their potential effects on blood sugar level (fast releasing is good; slow releasing bad). On this index you’ll find many fruits and vegetables are good (lightly cooked or raw especially, although fresh, frozen or canned are also recommended) and, as you may have guessed, sugar-rich snacks are bad (sweets, crisps, pastries and cakes).

Low blood sugar dangers

Essentially, the opposite of the high blood sugar-caused hyperglycaemia is the low blood sugar-caused hypoglycaemia (or ‘hypo’); it’s basically when there’s an abnormally low amount of glucose flowing in your bloodstream. It is possible for someone who doesn’t have diabetes to have hypoglycaemia, but it’s rare; generally, then it’s often linked to diabetes and, to that end, is usually brought on when a diabetic takes too much (exterior) insulin, misses a meal or over-exercises.

Among non-diabetics, it can be brought on through malnutrition, alcoholic binge drinking or due to conditions like Addison’s disease. Usual signs that hypoglycaemia could be about to come on include (often in addition to hunger) trembling, shakiness and/ or sweating. Additionally, in some cases, people have difficulty concentrating, become dizzy or confused or may even lose consciousness.

Treatment-wise, a hypoglycaemia sufferer should find something sugar-based to eat or drink quickly (glucose tablets or sugary fruit juice) in order to help balance blood sugar levels, ideally followed by something that’s a longer-acting, ‘starchy’ carbohydrate (such as a sandwich or biscuits). So important is this, that they’re advised to carry such food/ drink items about with them when away from home as well as a form of identification so that, in case they find themselves in an emergency situation, those around them are alerted they suffer from hypoglycaemia – and, if relevant, diabetes too.

Supplements

Maintaining a balanced blood sugar level isn’t always easy, especially for diabetics, so a helping hand may well be welcome for some sufferers of hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia. Moreover, should you have been advised to follow a GL ‘low’ diet, you may sometimes find it a challenge to always buy and eat the recommended types of food and drink. To that end then, perhaps you may be interested in taking a look at trying some blood sugar supplements? The following – and more – are all available from The Finchley Clinic:

Cinnachrome-60-Capsules

Cinnachrome 60’s (60 capsules) – suitable for those following a GL diet, this product combines Cinnulin PF (a concentrated extract of cinnamon) with niacin (Vitamin B3), which aids the release of energy from carbohydrates; suitable for vegetarians.

SucroGuard-90-Capsules

Sucroguard – Blood Sugar Support (90 and 30 capsules) – blends together key nutrients involved in managing glucose levels (including chromium picolinate) to ensure the body’s cells are provided with the energy they need; suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Chromium-90-tablets

True Food GTF Chromium (90 and 30 tablets) – for healthy glucose and lipid metabolism, this supplement comprises Saccharomyes cerevisiae (food yeast) which, with its naturally-occurring GTF (glucose tolerance factor) Chromium plus co-factors, supports insulin action; great for a weight management programme and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Colds and flu, General Health & Nutrition, Green Magma, Probiotics, Winter Health

A gateway to winter illness: treating and preventing a sore throat

It’s something that automatically causes dread in people this time of year – a tickle in or at the back of the throat. The reason? Because, in so many cases, it tends to indicate an oncoming sore throat. Granted, on its own a sore throat’s usually a minor complaint, but too often it’s also a gateway to something that truly has to be endured (a cold, the flu or another type of viral infection), forcing many people to try and battle through work during the cold, dark days of winter while they feel unwell. So what can you do to treat a sore throat – and can you prevent yourself from ever getting one in the first place? Good question…

Causes and symptoms

The causes of a sore throat are many and various. In the vast majority of cases in both adults and children (as many as 95%), the reason for one developing is because of the onset of a virus like the common cold or influenza (the flu)1. Less often but occasionally, a sore throat may be caused by the likes of allergies, dry air, pollution, smoking, tonsillitis or acid reflux 2, 3.

As pointed out then, a sore throat is, of course, a symptom itself, yet owing to the fact some can be more severe than others, it can practically feel like they’re made up of their own various symptoms. For instance, you may merely experience a tickling soreness and a hoarse voice or you might have swollen glands around your throat and neck and find swallowing painful and difficult1. Moreover, you may be suffering from other symptoms in addition to a sore throat, such as congestion, a headache, a runny nose, a fever and even abdominal pain or vomiting. Obviously if you feel your sore throat’s part of something serious, you should consult a doctor – in fact, it’s advisable to do so if it alone lasts more than a week.

Natural remedies

There are several natural sore throat remedies you can turn to:

  • Drink warm beverages – they can moisten and make comfortable an inflamed, painful throat; ordinary tea is an obvious choice here but healthy green or oolong tea are excellent options too
  • Gargle salt water or try garlic – gargling warm water with half a teaspoon of salt is great for quick relief from throat pain4, or how about trying the fantastic health-giving properties of this odourless, aftertaste-free garlic?
  • Honey and black seed oil – research suggests that honey can provide relief to children’s coughs5; just a teaspoon in a drink or on its own will suffice each time and you might add to it two or three drops of black (cumin) seed oil, as it’s anti-inflammatory so ought to further aid pain relief6, 7
  • Essential oils – inhaling the vapours of myrrh8 and eucalyptus are recommended for a sore throat, as is gargling with the former; while applying two drops of Lavandula angustifolia (lavender oil) to the back of the tongue may also prove effective
  • Spices – both turmeric and ginger have been recognised for centuries for their therapeutic aspects9; as such, ginger is thought to alleviate sore throat pain, while turmeric contains the soothing component that’s curcumin (see many of the products we stock that contain turmeric and curcumin here)10.

Prevention

Finding natural resources for relief to a sore throat’s all well and good, but what about preventing one from developing in the first place? Well, you might try to limit your exposure to people whom seem to be ill and could give you one, but this isn’t always particularly practical. However, making sure to wash your hands regularly and avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke are easier achievable aims that’ll cut the likelihood of a sore throat.

Meanwhile, a failsafe way to reduce the chances of catching a cold, the flu or putting yourself at risk from sore throat-causing viruses and infections is to try and boost your body’s immunity. To that end, introducing into your diet cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, bok choy and cauliflower)11 and carotenoid-rich tomatoes12 comes highly advised.

Supplements

That said; it ought to be pointed out that some people have dietary constraints, so it may be best for them to boost the infection-combating Vitamins B and C in their bodies – as well as improving or maintaining their immunity – via vitamin supplements. The following are all advisable and available through us at The Finchley Clinic:

Aerobic O7 (70ml) – nascent oxygen, when taken as Aerobic O7, prompts the formation of white blood cells, which are critical in helping the body fight infections.

vitamin-c-ultra-pure

Tapioca Vitamin C (90 capsules) – contains the immune-building and infection-fighting Vitamin C.

Echinacea Cold Flu Relief (capsules) – a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu-type infections; can be used in combination with our Liquid Oxygen products (including Aerobic O7) and others.

 

References

1. Worrall G. J. ‘Acute Sore Throat’. Canadian Family Physician 53.11 (2007): n.pag.
2. CDC. ‘Sore throat’. Centers for Disease Control. CDC. 23 July 2015.
3. ‘Sore throat’. Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine. 21 Oct 2016.
4. ‘Strep throat’. Medline Plus. 2 Dec 2016.
5. Paul I. M. et al. ‘Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents’. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine. 161.12 (2007): 1140–6.
6. Ali B. H. and Blunden G. ‘Pharmacological and Toxicological Properties of Nigella Sativa’. Phytotherapy Research 17.4 (2003): 299–305.
7. Padhye S., Banerjee S., Ahmad A., Mohammad R. and Sarkar F. H. ‘From Here to Eternity – the Secret of Pharaohs: Therapeutic Potential of Black Cumin Seeds and Beyond’. 6.b (n.d.) (2008): 495–510.
8. El Ashry E. S. H., Rashed N., Salama O. M. and Saleh A. ‘Components, therapeutic value and uses of myrrh’. Die Pharmazie – An International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Avoxa – Mediengruppe Deutscher Apotheker GmbH, 1 Mar. 2003.
9. Baliga M. S., Haniadka R., Pereira M. M., D’Souza J. J., Pallaty P. L., Bhat H. P. and Popuri S. ‘Update on the Chemopreventive Effects of Ginger and Its Phytochemicals’. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 51.6 (2011): 499–523.
10. Lim T. K. ‘Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants: Volume 12 Modified Stems, Roots’. N.p.: Springer. 2016.
11. Veldhoen M. and Brucklacher-Waldert V. ‘Dietary Influences on Intestinal Immunity’. Nature reviews. Immunology. 12.10 (2012): 696–708.
12. Watzl B., Bub A., Brandstetter B. R. and Rechkemmer G. ‘Modulation of Human T-Lymphocyte Functions by the Consumption of Carotenoid-Rich Vegetables | British Journal of Nutrition | Cambridge Core’. British Journal of Nutrition 82.5 (1999): 383–389.