All posts by Eleanor Wilson

Detoxification, Latero-Flora, Oxy-Powder, Probiotics

Back down to earth with a bump: the January detox and what alcohol does to the gut and liver

If anything defines the seasonal period then it might be said to be indulgence. All that rich food, piled up on plate after plate and meal after meal. And, of course, all that alcohol too. Alcoholic consumption spikes at this time of year and, although there’s nothing wrong with having a good time and unwinding (in fact, it can obviously be good for your health), overindulging in food and drink can be very bad for your health. Especially if you do it often.

No surprise then that in January people can feel like they’ve come back down to earth with a bump and, thus, gut detoxification – or detox as it’s often known – is especially popular with them during that month. And done right; it’s far from a bad idea.

Alcohol-derived gut and liver problems

It’s widely known that excessive – or even unmoderated, regular consumption of – alcohol can cause many health problems. To be fair, there really are too many of them to cover properly in a single article like this, so let’s focus on just a few and, in particular here, one: what effect alcohol can have on what the gastrointestinal system – dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance in the gut)1.

You may not know but the gastrointestinal tract contains an entire ecosystem of bacteria, which are often referred to as gut microbiota. When we think of bacteria, we often only think of ‘bad’ harmful bacteria (the sort that are the basis of infections, for instance) and, sure, they form an amount of the microbiota in the gut, but it’s also made up of ‘good’ healthy bacteria (the sort that form the basis of probiotics that many people take to ensure good gut health). When taken together then, these microbiota are critical for successful digestion, good immunity and even mental health2.

Now, while it’s fairly widely known that an unhealthy diet rich in refined sugars and artificial additives can negatively affect this microbiota balance (tip the scales too much in favour of the ‘bad’ bacteria over the ‘good’ bacteria), too much alcohol can also contribute to this negative imbalance, upsetting and disrupting the equilibrium and intestinal environment3. In addition to dysbiosis, though, overconsumption of alcohol can lead to gut permeability – or ‘leaky gut syndrome’4.

What’s this? Well, it sees ‘bad’ bacteria escape the gut through thin membranes and into other parts of the body (bacterial translocation)3, which can lead to inflammatory issues and injuries in the liver, as well as elsewhere in the body5. And, while we’re on the subject of the liver, too much alcohol can also result in cirrhosis (scarring of the organ) and fatty liver disease (when more than 5-10% of the organ’s weight is fat)6.

How can you protect your gut from alcohol?

Before we go on, it’s probably only fair to address the fact that some experts believe alcoholic consumption, in the form of drinking red wine in moderation, is good for you and can ‘promote’ gut health, owing to it containing polyphenols (chemicals that naturally occur in plants and possess antioxidant properties)2. Indeed, a particular study suggests that red wine increases Bifidobacterium and Prevotella levels in the gut, thus lowering the levels of plasma lipopolysaccharides (an endotoxin whose presence in the intestinal tract triggers an immune response)7.

However, it’s fair to say that, in general, the less alcohol you drink the better for your body it’s going to be. So the trick is not to overconsume alcohol at any time of the year, eat a decent amount of highly healthy, green, leafy vegetables and whole, raw foods. Moreover, you might consider taking a recommended probiotic supplement to promote the growth of ‘good’ bacteria and ensure a balanced gut environment.

Supplements

Speaking of which, if you feel in need of something of a body cleanse or detox following an indulgent Christmas and/ or New Year, the following detox supplements may interest you – they’re available through The Finchley Clinic:

oxy-powder-120-capsules

Oxy-Powder (120 capsules) – a high quality oxygen based colon cleanser that helps promote friendly intestinal flora

latero-flora-60-capsules

Latero-Flora (60 capsules) – its probiotic ingredients help establish friendly colonies that contribute to good health and systemic function and support optimum digestion and helps you absorb more nutrients from food.

References

  1. Mutlu E. A., Gillevet P. M., Rangwala H., Sikaroodi M., Naqvi A., Engen P. A., Kwasny M., Lau C. K. and Keshavarzian A. ‘Colonic microbiome is altered in alcoholism’. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2012 May 1; 302 (9): G966-78. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00380.2011.
  2. Engen P. A.; Green S. J., Voigt R. M., Forsyth C. B., and Keshavarzian A. ‘The Gastrointestinal Microbiome: Alcohol Effects on the Composition of Intestinal Microbiota’. Alcohol Res. 2015; 37(2): 223–236.
  3. Medscape. ‘Alcohol and Gut Microbiota’. medscape.com Pharmacol Ther. 2015; 41 (10): 917-927.
  4. Bode C. and Bode J. C. ‘Effect of alcohol consumption on the gut’. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2003 Aug; 17(4):575-92.
  5. Purohit V., Bode J. C., Bode C., Brenner D. A., Choudhry M. A., Hamilton F., Kang Y. J., Keshavarzian A., Rao R., Sartor R. B., Swanson C., and Turnerk J. R. ‘Alcohol, Intestinal Bacterial Growth, Intestinal Permeability to Endotoxin, and Medical Consequences’. Alcohol. 2008 Aug; 42 (5): 349–361.
  6. Alzheimer’s Association. ‘Korsakoff Syndrome’. Alzheimer’s Association. 2016.
  7. Clemente-Postigo M., Queipo-Ortuño M. I., Boto-Ordoñez M., Coin-Aragüez L., Roca-Rodriguez M. M., Delgado-Lista J., Cardona F., Andres-Lacueva C. and Tinahones F. J. ‘Effect of acute and chronic red wine consumption on lipopolysaccharide concentrations’. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 May; 97(5):1053-61. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.051128.
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Latero-Flora, Saccharomyces boulardii

Bad triggers and good habits: dietary tips for living with IBS

Do you find you get constipation, bloating, diarrhoea or abdominal pain – or even all four – more often than you assume is normal? If so, there’s a chance you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In fact, given it’s something of an umbrella-like gastrointestinal complaint, the likelihood is a good number of people suffer from it without even realising.

Indeed, statistics suggest IBS occurs more often in women than men and, as far as we know, it affects 10-15% of the population of the United States alone1. However, sufferers shouldn’t despair because in an effort to control – or even to try and prevent – flare-ups of symptoms (or ‘triggers’) there are things they can do to help ensure the condition doesn’t dominate their lives. Many of these take the form of lifestyle adjustments and a good number of them concern what we put in our bodies; in other words, diet.

In practice, as you might expect, no single experience of IBS is the same for every sufferer, but a number of the dietary triggers can be, so it’s important to be aware of them.

Dietary triggers

Two of the most painful – and common – IBS symptoms are constipation and diarrhoea. Specifically to prevent constipation, be mindful to limit or avoid eating/ drinking trigger-foods such as:

  • processed foods – including snacks like crisps and pastries like cookies
  • breads and cereals derived from refined (non-whole) grains
  • dairy foods – especially cheeses
  • alcohol, carbonated drinks and coffee

Meanwhile, to prevent IBS-related diarrhoea specifically, be mindful not to overdo how much you eat each meal and try to limit or avoid consuming trigger-foods such as:

  • gassy foods like beans, Brussels sprouts, celery, raisins and wheat germ
  • food rich in insoluble fibre, for instance fruit and vegetable skin
  • alcohol, caffeinated drinks, chocolate and foods containing fructose or sorbitol
  • fried and fatty food
  • dairy products – especially if you’re lactose intolerant
  • wheat (if you don’t react well to gluten)

Good dietary habits

Conversely, there are several things you can try and make part of your regular diet that can prevent flare-ups and even soothe an IBS-afflicted gut and intestinal system:

  • probiotic-rich fermented foods – one of the ways you might find relief from IBS is to create strong probiotic colonies in your gut, especially if you’re having to cut dairy out of your diet; turning to fermented food with high levels of probiotics is one way, while another is to seek out probiotic supplements
  • organic green beans – a good source of soluble fibre
  • organic raw honey – a fine natural sweetener to replace refined sugar in your diet
  • coconut milk – for those with lactose intolerance especially, replacing cow’s milk with coconut milk can yield significantly positive results; other organic alternatives you might look to could be hemp milk, rice milk or sunflower milk
  • egg whites – unlike yolks, whites are relatively easy to digest and not high in fat
  • green tea – why not give it a go in place of heavily caffeinated and carbonated drinks?
  • lemon juice – offers great nutritional value to the liver and has digestive cleansing properties, plus offers a nice flavour when added to water
  • organic brown rice – far more nutritious and thus better for the gut than white rice; it also contains soluble fibre thus it works to encourage normal bowel function

IBS supplements

As mentioned above, to get your necessary fill of good bacteria toting-probiotics, an excellent source is via supplementation. The following – and more – are all available through The Finchley Clinic and are highly recommended by our customers:

bio-kult-120-capsules

Bio-Kult (120, 60 and 30 capsules) – helps to balance the gastrointestinal system against pathogenic, harmful organisms by introducing 14 beneficial probiotic bacteria into the gut; may aid sufferers of candida, gut dysbiosis and post-antibiotic diarrhoea as well as IBS

latero-flora-60-capsules

Latero-Flora (60 capsules) – contains a unique strain of Bacillus laterosporus, a naturally occurring bacteria whose introduction to the gut may maintain a healthy colon, especially in the face of IBS

optibac-probiotics-for-bowel-calm

Saccharomyces boulardii (formerly OptiBac Probiotics For bowel calm) (80, 16 and 8 capusles) – an acclaimed probiotic that naturally helps support bowel health, control and function during diarrhoea episodes; we advise IBS sufferers to take 1 capsule daily

Reference

1. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. ‘Definition and Facts for Irritable Bowel Syndrome’. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases.

Christmas, MicroFloraGuard, Samento, Tapioca Vitamin C, Winter Health

Have a great Christmas – how not to get pulled down by Holiday-related stress

Did you know an estimated eight out of 10 Americans feel stressed around Christmastime? When you think about it, it’s hardly very surprising – there’s probably a similar number in the UK and elsewhere in the world. All that pressure to find and buy presents for everybody, to make food, travel and family arrangements, to fit work in around a few days away from the office and so many other things. For some people, the most wonderful time of the year can be anything but.

The trouble with giving in to stress this time of year – aside from the fact it ensures you don’t enjoy Christmas – is that it can force you into bad habits and ill-health. For instance, along with festive indulgences, you may truly end up drinking and eating more than you intend (toxin-rich alcohol and glucose-heavy food), which can cause anxiety in itself and hinder your immunity system, ensuring it’s harder to remain healthy throughout the rest of winter – as you become more susceptible to picking up viral infections like colds and the flu1.

Yet it needn’t be this way. With a little common-sense stress-planning, Christmastime needn’t be such an anxiety-inducing few weeks. Here are some points to consider…

Budgeting and spending

Another far from surprising fact is that nine in every 10 people buy something for others this time of year merely because it’s Christmas1, ensuring the pressures of conforming to the consumerist demands of the season can become all too much for some, especially if they’re already struggling financially. While it’s undoubtedly emotionally rewarding giving someone a gift – not least if, in your eyes, they deserve it – it’s bad news for you if your spending exceeds your budgeting.

Feeling low

The pressures of Christmas and the anxieties they can bring may only be exacerbated by the reality that many can slip into a groove of feeling low in winter, when compared to other seasons. Why do they feel this way to start with, though? ‘Winter blues’ may occur as a result of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which nowadays is recognised as a form of depression and comprises symptoms brought on by changes in weather and temperature and the time of year2, as well as the fact people get less exercise in winter owing to the cold weather, thus impacting on their psychological and physical health (not least, in the latter case, their immunity levels)3.

Work and social obligations

Fitting the festivities of the season in and around work is often easier said than done. With potentially pressing deadlines to meet by the end of the month – and year – along with other Holiday-related pressures, it can feel like things pile up on you. Moreover, for retail and service staff, Christmas can be the busiest time of year, when a business’s performance is critical to having a successful 12 months, working days become longer and customers are more frantic and less understanding. All this doesn’t mix well with social traditions and obligations; the requirement that we all get involved in things with family and last-minute guests, whether we always feel like doing so or not. In short, it’s all a recipe for festive stress.

Managing stress

It’s important then to successfully manage your stress over Christmas in order to look after yourself in the short term – both psychologically and physically. In order to do that, these are some important areas to get right:

  • Healthy diet – as noted, by their very nature the Holidays are a time of indulgence, however that doesn’t have to become overindulgence; it’s OK to moderate your intake by having smaller courses, drinking water while dining and upping the anti-inflammatory foods that are good for your gut like leafy greens, beans, broccoli, citrus fruits and walnuts (and if that isn’t possible, why not try probiotics and supplements for winter – see below?)
  • Exercise – don’t forget to get out and remain active over the festive period, as it’s great for combating both depression4 and anxiety5; just a half-hour or hour-long, brisk walk in a natural environment will be worthwhile
  • Don’t skimp on sleep – for many, time off over Christmas can be an opportunity to catch up on sleep and there’s something in that; ideally, most of us should be getting regular, decent sleep of around 7-8 hours a night to keep our emotions balanced6, 7 and to help stave off high blood pressure, obesity and heart and kidney disease (sleep deprivation’s been linked to the development of all these conditions)6
  • Try to enjoy yourself – this may seem obvious, but when you’re finding life trying it’s sometimes not easy to see the forest for the trees; whether you’re really where you want to be and feel altogether comfortable or not, it can do you good to try to smile, laugh and enjoy yourself (it’s proven that laughing out loud has genuine health benefits8); plus, getting along with those you’re with over Christmas and avoiding tension and disagreement will inevitably ensure the time passes more smoothly and easier and this extends to spending money on presents, so be sensible, do research, maybe shop online away from the crush in the shops and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
  • Do seek help if you need it – if you sense you’re really dropping into a low place, reach out for help from friends and family you trust and can rely on and seek out professional help; share and be honest with others and yourself. 

Supplements

As mentioned above, it’s not always easy to maintain an ideal diet over the Christmas period, so if you’re concerned your body isn’t likely to receive all the nutrition it might at this time of year or if, owing to the stresses of the season, you feel boosting your immunity through other means is an option you’d like to follow, you can always try supplementation – the following products are all available through The Finchley Clinic:

samento-15ml

Samento (15ml and 60 capsules) – contributes to the immune system and can help with candida and viral and bacterial infections.

vitamin-c

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

micro-floraguard

MicroFloraGuard (30 capsules) – releases into the gut probiotics (‘good bacteria’ that combat infection-carrying microbes or ‘bad bacteria’) and botanical oils at very effective, separate intervals.

References

1. ‘Fact Sheet on Stress’. National Institute of Mental Health. n.d.

2. ‘Seasonal Affective disorder’. Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine. 2016 Oct 12.

3. Bagchi D., Nair S. and Sen C. ‘Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance’. N.p.: Academic Press. 2013 Oct 8.

4. Craft L. L. and Perna F. M. ‘The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed’. The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 6.3 (2004): 104–111.

5. Anderson E. and Shivakumar G. ‘Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Anxiety’. Frontiers in Psychiatry 4. (2013): n.pag.

6. Gibbons G. H. ‘Why is Sleep Important?’. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. 2014 Aug 19.

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ‘How Much Sleep Do I Need?’. CDC.gov. 2015 Nov 12.

8. Strean W. B. ‘Laughter Prescription’. Official Publication of the College of Family Physicians of Canada 55.10 (2009): 965–967.

Immune health, Licorice Formula, Winter Health

Winter wellness: how to stay healthy in the colder months

Like it or not, there’s no scientific research to actually suggest cold, wintry weather on its own makes someone ill. Although lower temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, thus reducing blood flow and slowing the spread of protective blood cells throughout the body1, it’s always viruses and harmful bacteria that are most likely to make you unwell this time of year – that’s what we’re referring to when we say ‘catching a chill’ or ‘a cold’, yet some of them are just as easy to catch in the warmer months2, 3.

Maybe why such illnesses infect more people in winter is simply because we tend to stay indoors and in closer contact with each other this time of year, ensuring they’re able spread among us all more4. But exactly what sort of complaints are we talking about – and what can you do to prevent catching them?

Common complaints

Seasonal complaints in the winter usually consist of:

• Colds – most adults are likely to catch two or three colds each year5 and, perhaps because of the ‘common cold’ moniker, they’re especially associated with cold weather; they’re caused by viral infections, their most usual versions being human rhinoviruses (HRVs)6, and as if you need telling, symptoms include a runny nose, a cough, a sore throat, headaches and sometimes mild aches in the body7

• Norovirus – a nasty ailment, this one’s a contagious gastrointestinal complaint that results in nausea, vomiting and a watery stool; it’s often referred to as the ‘vomiting bug’ in the UK, tending to play havoc in highly populated communities like hospitals, schools and nursing homes as it spreads easily via inhaling virus particles, eating food contaminated by someone who’s been infected or touching a contaminated surface8

• Sore joints – if you suffer from inflamed joints, then it’s likely your joints are attuned to atmospheric pressure changes (that is, temperature alterations), thus they may be more painful when it gets colder; moreover, they may be stiffer in winter simply because you’re more sedentary this time of year9

• Influenza – flu symptoms are similar to but worse than those of colds (we’re talking chills, fevers and aches); don’t allow the flu to escalate because it could lead to pneumonia or even threaten your life10, so make sure you stay at home, get rest, hydrate yourself and recuperate properly11 and be aware that those infected tend to remain so for up to a week after their symptoms dissipate12.

Prevention – better than a cure

Ensuring your immunity’s firing on all cylinders so you avoid getting ill in the first place is obviously advisable, so try following these steps:

• Eat sensibly – a poor diet leading to high glucose consumption can result in oxidative stress in the blood13, which can weaken your immunity14; to prevent this you might try to prioritise beans, citrus fruits and leafy greens in your diet

• Remain active – regular exercise may not be very appealing in winter but, as it supports the immune system, it aids blood circulation, enabling white blood cells to spread around the body effectively and fight harmful organisms; it also combats stress15 and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)16

• Sleep hygiene – if you sense you’re coming down with something or – because of that – you’re feeling unnaturally tired, get some rest and good sleep, as it’s during your sleep cycle that your immune cells are most active17; indeed, constant sleep deprivation can see the body enter a pro-inflammatory state in just eight days18

• Hand-washing – by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face, you can inevitably become infected with harmful pathogens19, so always and regularly wash your hands

• Gargling – believe it or not, gargling salt water may help prevent upper respiratory infections; indeed, research suggests that gargling green tea may be better than gargling water to stop children developing fevers20.

Supplements

As mentioned above, a good diet (that is, genuine nutrition) is essential to staying fit and healthy in winter and not catching colds, bugs, the flu or anything else. If you’re not getting enough nutrition from your diet, though, you can always try winter supplements; the following are all available from us at The Finchley Clinic:

licorice-formula Licorice formula (adrenal maintenance) (60 capsules) – a botanical product designed to maintain healthy adrenal function, vital for a balanced immune system. optibac-probiotics-for-daily-immunity

OptiBac Probiotics (30 capsules) – an advanced formula of probiotics and antioxidants to support the body’s resistance to infection and promote a healthy immune system. aerobic-oxygen-60ml

Aerobic Oxygen (60ml) – users of this supplement claim it provides benefits in maintaining energy and the health of the immune system.

References

1. Eccles, R. ‘Acute Cooling of the Body Surface and the Common Cold*’. Cardiff University, United Kingdom: n.p., 2002.

2. ‘Flu Virus Fortified In Colder Weather’. National Institutes of HEALTH. National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2016 Mar 30.

3. Becker R. A., Zimmer C. and Eck A. ‘Scientists Finally Prove Why Cold Weather Makes You Sick’. PBS. NOVA Next, 2015 Jan 12.

4. Choices, NHS. ‘10 winter illnesses’. Department of Health. 2016 Sep 30.

5. ‘Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others’. Centers for Disease Control, 2016 Feb 8.

6. Ikäheimo, T. M et al. ‘A Decrease in Temperature and Humidity Precedes Human Rhinovirus Infections in a Cold Climate’. Viruses 8.9 (2016): 244.

7. ‘Common Cold and Runny Nose’. Centers for Disease Control. 2016 Mar 16.

8. ‘Norovirus’. National Health Institute. Department of Health, 2016 Sep 30.

9. ‘Weather Related Arthritis Symptoms: Medical Fact or Fiction?’ N.p.: University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 2010.

10. ‘Cold Versus Flu’. Centers for Disease Control. 2016 Aug 11.

11. ‘Cover your cough’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2015 Aug 14

12. ‘How Flu Spreads’. Centers of Disease Control. 2013 Sep 12.

13. Mohanty P. et al. ‘Glucose Challenge Stimulates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generation by Leucocytes’. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 85.8 (2000): 2970–3.

14. Evans, P. and Halliwel B. ‘Micronutrients: Oxidant/antioxidant Status’. British Journal of Nutrition 85.S2 (2001): 67–74.

15. ‘Exercise and immunity’. Medline Plus. 2016 Nov 1.

16. ‘Seasonal Affective disorder’. Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine. 12

17. ‘Sleep and Immune Function’. Pflugers Archive 463.1 (2011): 121–137.

18. Besedovsky L., Lange T. and Born J. ‘Sleep and Immune Function’. 463.1 (2011): 121–137.

19. ‘When & How to Wash Your Hands’. Centers for Disease Control. 2015 Sep 4.

20. Noda T. et al. ‘Gargling for Oral Hygiene and the Development of Fever in Childhood: A Population Study in Japan’. Journal of epidemiology. 22.1 (2011): 45–9.

Lavender oil, Nutracool, Parfait Visage

The most essential oil? Protect your skin and alleviate anxiety with lavender oil

Think about it for a moment; with such a bewildering array of skincare and other wellbeing products on the market, wouldn’t it be great if there were just one naturally-occurring, health solution you could turn to? Well, this article isn’t suggesting there’s a single silver bullet out there, but in the shape of lavender oil, those seeking something for skincare and more may feel it’s well worth looking into.

In its pure form, lavender oil is a nectar derived from the distinctively-scented purple flowers of the lavender plant, the shrub that’s also referred to as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), nowadays to be found throughout Europe, North America and Australia. Indeed, it’s no doubt because of the plant’s ubiquity that its oil has become recognised for a number of separate, significant health attributes.

Skin protection and complexion

Thanks to the antioxidant-rich polyphenols it contains, lavender oil can be applied to the skin to provide protection from harmful organisms and elements, thus enhancing the skin’s natural smoothness and complexion1. It also appears lavender oil has the potential to guard against conditions that commonly affect nails. Research suggests it may be capable of tackling nail fungus so well it can attack fungus cells at the cell membrane2.

Aromatherapy and haircare

Meanwhile, using lavender oil as part of aromatherapy treatment (the application of natural plant-derived oils to improve cognitive, psychological and physical wellbeing) may well do you good, as it might possess pain control attributes, as well as help with chronic pain when applied via foot massage3, 4. Moreover, lavender oil may also help sufferers of alopecia areata. There’s research to suggest that, should they use it every day to massage their scalp, it could prevent hair loss – indeed, it’s believed it may even promote hair growth2.

Anxiety, sleep and circulation

If you find life gets on top of you now and again, leaving you frazzled and anxious, then lavender oil may also prove something of a remedy – it’s been traditionally used to treat anxiety. Again, undergoing a massage with lavender oil (making use of almond or jojoba as a carrier oil) may prove just the ticket5. Furthermore, there’s evidence to suggest that in capsule form, lavender oil may aid sleep hygiene – inducing longer and better quality sleep5, 6. However, you may find merely dousing your bed’s pillow with a drop of essential lavender oil before bed does the trick just as well. And, away from relaxation, it’s also believed that, when applied in exercise and meditation routines, lavender oil may aid normal circulation, in addition to working to effectively balance cortisol (a major hormone released at times of stress)7, 8.

Lavender oil supplements

So, interested in trying out lavender oil for its health-promoting qualities? If so, you may be interested in the following lavender oil supplements, all available through The Finchley Clinic:

Parfait Visage – a 100% natural, organic product that aims to naturally restore skin to a fresh, radiant firmness; contains lavender oil, as well as aloe vera, Vitamins A, C and E and oils derived from chamomile, frankincense jasmine blue and hemp seeds.

nutracool

Nutracool – comprising seven essential oils (including lavender oil), aloe vera, metabolic MSM and capsaicin, it may provide relief from joint and hip discomfort, sore neck and feet and strained muscles.

lavendar-formula

Lavender Formula (60 capsules) – combines herbs traditionally relied on to help with stress and anxiety (such as lavender, peppermint, aniseed, chamomile and lemon balm); it may also aid regular, natural sleep.

References

1. Afaq F. and Katiyar S. K. ‘Polyphenols: skin photoprotection and inhibition of photocarcinogenesis’. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2011 Dec; 11(14): 1200-15.

2. Hay I. C. et al. ‘Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata’. Archives of Dermatology. 134 (11).

3. Kim J. T. et al. ‘Evaluation of Aromatherapy in Treating Postoperative Pain: Pilot Study’. Pain Practice. 6 (4).

4. Koulivand P. H. et al. ‘Lavender and the Nervous System’. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/681304/. 2013

5. ‘Lavender’.University of Maryland Medical Center. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lavender. 2013

6. Kasper S. et al. ‘Efficacy of orally administered Silexan in patients with anxiety-related restlessness and disturbed sleep – A randomized, placebo-controlled trial’. European Neuropsychopharmacology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26293583. 2015 Jul.

7. Shiina Y. et al. ‘Relaxation effects of lavender aromatherapy improve coronary flow velocity reserve in healthy men evaluated by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography’. International Journal of Cardiology. 129 (2).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17689755. 2007 Aug.

8. Kim I. et al. ‘Essential Oil Inhalation on Blood Pressure and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Subjects’. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/984203/. 2012.

Acid Reflux Supplements, Digestive Enzyme, Digestive Enzyme Supplements, Latero-Flora, Probiotics, Treat Acid Reflux, Vegan HCl, VeganZyme

Ease your digestion: tips to avoid acid reflux

1 Comment

In some cultures, belching during or after consuming food is perfectly acceptable; a sign that you’ve enjoyed and are satisfied by a meal. The truth is that everybody’s liable to belch at some time or another, not least after eating. However, excessive belching isn’t good; not only isn’t it particularly endearing, socially speaking, but also if – in extreme cases – it’s accompanied by heartburn and even chest pain, it could signify you’re suffering from acid reflux.

A rather violent sounding disorder, acid reflux is a long-term condition that sees stomach contents (both food and gastric acids) splash back up into the oesophagus. If experienced regularly, it could irritate and even harm the oesophagus, potentially scarring this tube between the mouth and stomach and cause ulceration, swelling or haemorrhaging. Indeed, in the worst case scenario, it could put you on the road to developing oesophegael cancer.

So what measures can you take to put an end to acid reflux? In addition to seeing a health practitioner, here are some suggestions…

Balance your HCl levels

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) may sound a bit frightening, but it’s nothing to be worried about – it’s a mineral acid combing hydrogen, chlorine and water. In fact, your body naturally produces it and should you be successful in encouraging it to create more HCl, then it could prove an important step in reducing acid reflux symptoms. In order to balance your body’s HCl level you may consider switching ordinary table salt for high-quality sea salt; moreover, you may look to supplementation for help – see at the bottom of this article.

Switch up your diet

If you want to bring on acid reflux and exacerbate its symptoms, one of the best ways to go about it is to consume lots of processed foods and sugars – this, as much as (if not more than) anything else, helps to establish and maintain bacterial imbalance in the gastrointestinal system. So how instead can you generate bacterial balance? Well, obviously cut out a lot of those processed food and sugars and try to replace them with fresh, organic fruit and veg. Again, read to the end of this post for a specific probiotic supplement – available through The Finchley Clinic – that’ll augment the good work of those dietary adjustments.

Boost your enzyme intake

Enzymes are terrific for effective digestion and occur naturally in raw food; unfortunately the act of cooking these foods destroys them and all the health-providing goodness they offer – cooking anything above 47°C is enough to do so (to give you an idea, Gas Mark 3 is approximately four times as hot as that). Obviously, nobody would suggest you shouldn’t adequately cook the food you eat, but maybe you could introduce more fresh and/ or raw food into your diet (like fruit). Also, you might like to look at the supplement possibilities in this area – once more, check the bottom of this article for our suggestion.

Further tips to treat acid reflux

  • Organic apple cider vinegar – add raw organic apple cider vinegar with four ounces of purified water (resulting in a tablespoon’s worth) and consume it before each meal; it’s not idea for easing acid reflux symptoms, calming the stomach and aiding digestion in cases of low stomach acid
  • Organic aloe vera – another soother when it comes to acid reflux, aloe vera helps calm the stomach, ease diarrhoea and relieve the redness that comes not just with acid reflux, but also bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis
  • Cleanses – if you’re constantly suffering from acid reflux (and have the time and patience), it may be a good idea to try some body cleanses, such as a colon cleanse, a liver cleanse, a harmful organism cleanse and a chemical and toxic metal cleanse.

Supplements

As noted above, there are also some acid reflux supplements you might give a go to alleviate symptoms and tackle underlying digestive issues:

BioCarbonate (90 capsules) – an alkalising complex whose carbonates help to maintain the correct pH (acidity) for efficient enzymatic activity and digestion, thus may reduce hyper-acidity in the stomach.

Marshmallow Formula (60 capsules) – contains botanical marshmallow_formulaingredients which may help maintain normal intestinal permeability; it combines well with our products for candida balancing and may also be suitable for leaky gut, food intolerance and gut inflammation issues.

latero-flora-60-capsules

Latero-Flora (60 capsules) – a probiotic that helps balance the bowel with good bacteria; it nicely complements a well-balanced, natural diet thanks to safely assisting the maintenance of beneficial micro-organism colonies to improve gut health and digestive system function, thus may help to tackle the underlying causes of acid reflux.

 

Digestive Enzyme, Digestive Enzyme Supplements, Energy boosters

Shake off that wintry sluggishness through good diet, rest, exercise and probiotics

Let’s face it; it’s not unusual this time of year to feel a little lacking in energy; a wee bit done in; rather sluggish. But is it normal? Should you shrug your shoulders and put up with it? Scientifically speaking, there’s no reason why you should accept having less energy at one time of the year (when it’s colder and the days are shorter) compared to another (when it’s warmer and the days are longer) – and that’s not to mention it’s not healthy either.

Why might you feel sluggish? Well, maybe you’re working hard, not getting as satisfactory a work-life-rest balance as you might and perhaps you’re not eating as healthily or getting as much exercise as you could – the latter being very common this time of year. The following are all specific reasons you might feel sluggish – and alongside them are ideas to boost your energy.

Low hormone levels

Low levels of certain hormones can play a big role in keeping energy levels low. Why? Well, your ability to think clearly and act effectively is compromised when your body isn’t producing and, thus, not using enough testosterone, oestrogen, thyroid hormones and human-growth hormones1. To ensure your body’s creating a sufficient amount of hormones then to keep you full of beans, you should aim to live a healthy lifestyle. What does this mean? Steer clear of pesticide-affected fruit and vegetables, boost your Vitamin D intake and get exercise (yes, in the winter months), but remember to take the time to rest too.

The thyroid effect

Of all hormone deficiencies that can leave you feeling sluggish, an imbalanced thyroid may be most significant. The hormones this gland produces are necessary for almost every organ in the body. Moreover, one of the major hormones it creates and supplies is Triiodothyronine (or T3), which is directly responsible for metabolic rate and influences modest changes in energy levels and body weight. Getting enough iodine (either through diet or supplementation) is crucial to ensure the work your thyroid does is balanced effectively2, but again, so too is getting enough exercise and sleep.

Too little exercise

Wait a minute; the more we exercise the more tired we’ll get, right? Well, more physically tired for a brief time, yes; more sluggish, no. The reality is that throwing yourself into either vigorous or light exercise on a daily basis encourages body functions (not least digestion), increases the acceptance of glucose (food) by cells throughout the body and activates significant parts of the brain – those that enable us to feel better psychologically, especially when it comes to us feeling more or less energised3.

Not enough B12?

Speaking of glucose-conversion in cells, Vitamin B12 is of critical importance for this to take place in our bodies effectively. Also referred to as cobalamin, B12 plays a crucial role in the creation of red blood cells, which carry glucose (potential energy, if you will) and other nutrients to organs via the bloodstream. Unless they’re careful to manage an entirely balanced diet, vegans may find they’re not getting enough B12 from food alone (as the vitamin tends to be derived mostly from animals), thus energy supplements could prove a decisive option for sluggishness linked to B12 deficiency.

Gut matters

It’s not unusual to feel lethargic when you haven’t passed waste and feel like you need to but can’t (that is, when you’re suffering from constipation), yet if you haven’t properly digested the food you’ve eaten there’s a more specific biological reason why you might feel sluggish. Basically, it’s likely you aren’t absorbing as many energy-supplying nutrients as you need to. If your gastrointestinal system is deficient in the enzymes that help you digest food then you simply won’t get the vitamins, minerals and glucose your body requires to function as it should – inevitably then, you’ll experience low energy levels. Digestive enzyme supplements could help here4.

Reducing stress can also aid efficient digestion – when you’re in a stressed out, ‘flight or fight’ state, digestion automatically stops as your brain deems it a low priority. Rest and exercise can help lower stress levels and aid your body in reaching the opposite state, the parasympathetic (or relaxed) state that supports digestion.

Energy-boosting tips

So to reiterate, there are many things you can do to boost your energy and reduce the opportunity for you to become overly sluggish; even exhausted:

  • Diet – introduce into your daily intake organic raw vegetables, organic berries and nuts, herbs and seeds; aim to reduce the sugars you eat, but don’t cut down on calories altogether as you’ll need enough of them to burn to provide you energy
  • Exercise and sleep – try to exercise vigorously or lightly every day and look to get least 7-8 hours of sleep a night
  • Vitamin D – in addition to getting your fill of Vitamin B12, try to boost your levels of the  all-important Vitamin D by getting out in the sun (but not too much in the summer), the point being that sunlight provides Vitamin D, which can help to balance the serotonin and melatonin levels in your body, thus stabilising its circadian rhythms; in turn ensuring your energy levels are in tune with your sleep-wake cycle
  • Supplements – as noted above, supplements may help a great deal to banish that sluggish feeling; in their different ways the following (all available through The Finchley Clinic) are highly advised to augment the other lifestyle adjustments suggested:

detoxadine

Detoxadine (Iodine) (1floz) – a high-quality nascent iodine supplement (made ​​from dietary transformative iodine) that helps balance the body’s iodine levels and thus supports thyroid health.

Sublingual Unique B12 (90 veg tablets and powder) – provides an infusion of B vitamins directly into the bloodstream to nutritionally support the nervous system and aid cardiovascular function; also contains folic acid and Vitamins B6 and B7 (biotin).

veganzyme-180-capsules

VeganZyme (120 capsules) – a popular digestive enzymes supplement that can help enhance the body’s digestive process and increase the nutritional value of your food.

References

1. Tuin J., Sanders J. S., Buhl B. M., van Beek A. P. and Stegeman C. A. ‘Androgen deficiency in male patients diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis: a cause of fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life?’. Arthritis Res Ther. 2013; 15 (5): R117.

2. Laurberg P., Cerqueira C. and Ovesen L. ‘Iodine intake as a determinant of thyroid disorders in populations’. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Feb; 24 (1): 13-27. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2009.08.013.

3. Sharma A., Madaan V., and Petty F. D. ‘Exercise for Mental Health’. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006; 8 (2): 106.

4. Balakrishnan M. and Floch M. H. ‘Prebiotics, probiotics and digestive health’. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2012 Nov; 15 (6): 580-5. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e328359684f.

Eye Health, Omega Fish Oil, VisualEyes

Foresight for your eyesight: nutrition and supplement ideas for eye health

It may come as no surprise to you, but research suggests sight is the sense we’re afraid of losing most. For many of us, the idea of only being able to connect with the world through speech, hearing, touch, smell and taste is a fearful one indeed – and for very good reason. Perhaps preventing sight loss should be something we’re more concerned with then. Regular sight tests play a crucial role in keeping tabs on our eye health, obviously, but we can take other, simple steps to help out our peelers.

The vast majority of us are aware of how good regular exercise is for our bodies – aiding weight control and heart health, among many other things – but, because it also helps prevent high blood pressure and thus hardening of the arteries, exercise ultimately too plays a role in keeping our eyes healthy. Better known, though, is the benefit of sun protective eyewear, of course, which can guard eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light rays. However, a too rarely considered contributor to good eye health is a sensible diet – in fact fewer than 60% of people in the UK are aware of the positive effects good nutrition has on their eyesight1. So, more specifically, what don’t they know?

Sugar bad; whole foods good

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is very bad news for eyes; basically, it causes them to degenerate in later life. And it’s aided by unnecessary, excess fat in your blood, which affects the optic nerve, lens and delicate tissues of your eyes. Yet a diet that avoids such fats, cutting out then refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice and high-sugar sweets, can help2. Adopting such a diet that focuses on low-glycemic index (GI) foods is highly advisable to prevent sight loss, such as whole grain foods, whole fruits, high fibre beans and vegetables and proteins. Obviously, over consumption of sugar-rich foods also leaves one open to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a result of which can be that high blood sugar impacts on the eyes’ blood vessels, potentially causing blurred vision and, yes, eventual sight loss.

Awesome Omega-3

To be fair, Omega-3 has been long promoted as a terrific source to support eye health – and for good reason. Indeed, it’s been discovered that just one portion of Omega-3-rich, oily fish a week may reduce the chance of developing AMD by 40%3. While you let that fact settle in, consider why these polyunsaturated fatty acids are so good for the eye – they reduce glaucoma risk, aid effective drainage of intraocular fluid and support the physical strength of cell membranes. Food-wise, you’re best opting for oily fish like sardines, salmon and rainbow trout to get your Omega-3 fix.

Excellent antioxidants

Antioxidants are critical to our body’s gastrointestinal system because they help ensure stored food doesn’t deteriorate before all its goodness is removed. To that end, it’s maybe unsurprising, when you think about it, that eating foods containing antioxidant nutrients appears to lower AMD rates4. In particular, two plant-based cartenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin possess potent antioxidant properties and are commonly believed to greatly aid eye health – research suggests following a diet that features foods rich in them both cuts the risk of AMD development by 35%5. Indeed, experts suspect that lutein and zeaxanthin not only aid eyes in filtering UV light but also help defend the retina from any damage. For foods specifically rich in both nutrients, turn to green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, collards, lettuce and broccoli.

Supplements

Finally, if the prospect of basing your diet around whole foods and high-fibre foods, green vegetables or oily fish is either not practical or fills you with dread (for whatever reason), then there is another option to help ensure good eye health via nutrition – supplementation. The following eye health supplements are available through The Finchley Clinic and, naturally, we highly recommend them all:

omega-3-fish-oil-180-caps

Omega 3 Fish Oil (180, 90 and 30 capsules) – contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); together they promote normal heart function, while DHA supports eye and brain health.

 

Complete Omegas 3:6:7:9 (240, 180, 90 and 30 capsules) – a product packed with Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 oils derived from fish, starflower, sea buckthorn and virgin olive oils (thus providing EPA, DHA and gamma-linolenic acid or GLA).

visualeyes-30-capsules

VisualEyes (30 capsules) – this supplement is rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, selenium, zinc and Vitamins A, B2, C and E.

 

References

1. Eyecare Trust ‘Healthy Eyes Report’.

2. Mares J.A. and Moeller S.M. ‘Diet and age-related macular degeneration: expanding our view’. Am J Clin Nutr. 83:4 pp. 733-734.

3. van Leeuwen R., Boekhoorn S., Vingerling J.R., et al. ‘Dietary intake of antioxidants and risk of age-related macular degeneration’. JAMA. 2005; 294:3101–7.

4. SanGiovanni J. P. ‘The Relationship of Dietary Carotenoid and Vitamin A, E, and C Intake With Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Case-Control Study’. Archives of Ophthalmology. September 2007, Vol. 125 No. 9.

5. Seddon J.M., Cote J. and Rosner B. ‘Progression of age-related macular degeneration: association with dietary fat, transunsaturated fat, nuts, and fish intake’. Arch Ophthalmol. 2003; 121:1728–37.

Detoxification, Immune health, Immune products, Kidney Health, Saponin supplements, Vitamins & Minerals

Don’t Get In A Lather – Turn To Super Saponins

We are – all of us, surely – aware of the wonderful benefit of soap. It plays a pivotal role in keeping our bodies clean. But few of us are aware that some of the chief ingredients in soap are of huge benefit to our bodies when consumed – namely, helping maintain our cholesterol levels, aiding immunity and supporting the gastrointestinal system1.

These ingredients are the plant-based chemicals known as saponins. As they generate a lather when put together with water2, saponins have proved crucial in ensuring saponaria (or soapwort) – one of the many flora they occur in – has been used as a traditional soap for many centuries2. Specifically, when mixed with water, saponins – thanks to their very individual chemical structure – create a foam as well as fatty oils, in the manner of a detergent.

Health benefits

Indeed, it’s this foam-inducing, very individual chemical structure that enables saponins to provide a number of significant health benefits:

  • Cholesterol – when its levels aren’t too high, cholesterol actually plays an important role in ensuring digestion takes place because, in the digestive tract, it’s responsible for fat-soluble molecules mixing together or, in other words, it binds with bile acids, causing the latter’s excretion from the body so they’re not absorbed back into the bloodstream; research conducted on rats suggests a specific type of high cholesterol-packed saponin extract may work to decrease ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol levels, but not beneficial ‘good’ (HDL) cholesterol levels3
  • Immunity – in order to fight off the harmful effects of parasites, plants readily call on their saponins and humans can do so too; a study suggests they can be effective at combating candida4, while a specific type of saponin is a good antimicrobial for the mouth5
  • Kidneys – research evidence points to saponins sourced from Terminalia arjuna (an arjun tree) providing therapeutic effects for urinary stone issues6, thus aiding good kidney health
  • Liver – it’s believed by experts that saponins also support Kupffer cells in the liver, thus helping to encourage successful detoxification
  • Blood sugar and bone density – animal studies indicate saponins aid balanced blood sugar levels and contribute to normal bone density7, 8
  • Depression – a number of preclinical reports suggest that saponins may positively contribute to treating depression9.

Saponin sources

Although saponins seem to be rarely talked about, they can be derived from more than a hundred different plants and foods, for instance:

  • Foods – beans, chickpeas, peanuts, quinoa, soy and tomatoes, among many others
  • Herbs – bupleurum root, collinsonia, ginseng, jiaogulan, osha and Tribulus terrestris.

Saponins (extracted from quillaja and yucca) are even used in fizzy drinks like root beer to ensure they have a foamy head.

Supplements

In addition to the above food and drink-based sources, you might consider any of the following saponin supplements – all available from The Finchley Clinic. Not only do they contain the chemicals, they’re also packed full of many more essential nutrients:

cumanda

Cumanda (1 floz/ 30 ml) – typically used for candida management and microbial defence, cumanda bark may support the immune system; contains anthocyanins, cyanogenic glucosides, heterosides, saponins and tannins.

suma-120-vegicaps

Suma (Brazilian Ginseng) (120 and 60 vegicaps) – features 19 amino acids, cobalt, germanium (an antioxidant), iron, magnesium, saponins, silica, zinc and the Vitamins A, B-1, B-2, E and K.

yerba-mate-90-vegicaps

Yerba Mate (90 vegicaps, 100g powder and 40 and 90 teabags) – derived from the yerba mate tree in South America, this product contains magnesium, Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, 15 amino acids, antioxidants (polyphenols), plant sterols and saponins.

 

References

  1. Shi J., Arunasalam K., Yeung D., Kakuda Y., Mittal G. and Jiang Y. ‘Saponins from edible legumes: chemistry, processing, and health benefits’. J Med Food. 2004 Spring; 7(1): 67-78.
  2. Cornell University. Department of Animal Science – Plants Poisonous to Livestock.Updated 09/10/2015 14:58:48.
  3. Malinow M. R., McLaughlin P., Papworth L., Stafford C., Kohler G. O., Livingston A. L. and Cheeke P. R. ‘Effect of alfalfa saponins on intestinal cholesterol absorption in rats’. Am J Clin Nutr. 1977 Dec; 30(12): 2061-7.
  4. Coleman J. J., Okoli I., Tegos G. P., Holson E. B., Wagner F. F., Hamblin M. R. and Mylonakis E. ‘Characterization of Plant-Derived Saponin Natural Products against Candida albicans’. ACS Chem. Biol., 2010, 5 (3), pp 321–332. doi: 10.1021/cb900243b.
  5. Jyothi K. S. M. and Seshagiri M. ‘In-Vitro Activity of Saponins of Bauhinia Purpurea, Madhuca Longifolia, Celastrus Paniculatus and Semecarpus Anacardium on Selected Oral Pathogens’. J Dent (Tehran). 2012 Autumn; 9(4): 216–223.
  6. Chaudhary A., Singla S. K. and Tandon C. ‘In vitro Evaluation of Terminalia arjuna on Calcium Phosphate and Calcium Oxalate Crystallization’. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010 May-Jun; 72(3): 340–345.
  7. Ojewole J. A. and Adewole S. O. ‘Hypoglycaemic effect of mollic acid glucoside, a 1alpha-hydroxycycloartenoid saponin extractive from Combretum molle R. Br. ex G. Don (Combretaceae) leaf, in rodents’. J Nat Med. 2009 Apr; 63(2): 117-23. doi: 10.1007/s11418-008-0298-0. Epub 2008 Dec 3.
  8. Abbas G., Rauf K. and Mahmood W. ‘Saponins: the phytochemical with an emerging potential for curing clinical depression’. Nat Prod Res. 2015; 29(4): 302-7. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2014.942661. Epub 2014 Jul 30.
  9. Meliani N., El Amine Dib M., Allali H. and Tabti B. ‘Hypoglycaemic effect of Berberis vulgaris L. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats’. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011 Dec; 1(6): 468–471.
MSM, Parfait Visage, Skin care, Women’s health

Look good and be healthy: why you should use organic skincare products

No question, going organic is firmly established as an approach to maintaining a good, balanced diet. The organic route to eating more healthily and more environmentally responsibly is scientifically proven and thus followed by millions around the world. However many are now increasingly going the organic route when it comes to something else – what they put on their bodies; that is, skincare and cosmetic products. Why? After all, it’s not like we’re putting ingredients of non-organic skin products inside us, is it? Well, actually; yes it is.

Skin absorption

You may not be aware of it, but your skin is one of your body’s organs – its biggest, in fact. And, like all other organs, it absorbs a great many things, such as the nutrients we need as well as unfortunately the harmful toxins we definitely don’t. The problem is then, in applying different skincare and cosmetic products to yourself all the time, you’re potentially forcing your skin to absorb even more toxins than it ordinarily would do so. Unless you can be sure the products you’re applying to your skin don’t contain toxins, of course.

Yet, naturally, many of us can’t be sure of that – or don’t check. Indeed, a good number of the established products many women apply to their skin contain phthalates (salts or esters derived from phthalatic acid) or parabens (preservatives) that disrupt the endocrine system (which oversees the creation, development and deployment of the body’s hormones)1. Unsurprisingly, studies suggest the more such products you use on your body, the higher the concentration of toxicity from them manages to make its way through the skin and into the body – plus, research also points to these toxins causing reproductive problems and increasing the levels of cancer risk2.

Go organic

The advantage of adopting an organic-derived skincare and cosmetic routine is pretty obvious then. You won’t be unnecessarily exposing your body to any of those unnatural, dangerous preservatives and other toxins that non-organic products harbour. Moreover, experts believe that, in relying on natural ingredients to make your face and skin look good, you might even help treat potential hyperpigmentation (patchy darkening of the skin) and inflammation, as well as photoaging (sun damage to the skin that reveals itself over time)3, 4.

Fundamentally, skincare products should surely not just ensure you look good on the outside but definitely not harm you on the inside – and if they can aid you living healthily and looking after your body too, then all the better. These are three pointers that you might try to follow when looking to buy cosmetics and skincare products:

  • Avoid ingredients such as potentially harmful chemicals, irritants or preservatives
  • Opt for on-allergenic, carefully formulated products containing natural, organic ingredients
  • Always try to buy items free of non-genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that haven’t been tested on animals.

Organic product examples

So, armed as you now are with the information, why not try out one or two organic skincare products – the following are all available through The Finchley Clinic:

msm-lotion-rose

MSM Lotion Rose (150ml) – a fine lotion for the hands, body and face containing methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), the organic sulphur compound that’s the fourth most prevalent mineral in the human body, and fragranced with rose geranium and palmarosa oils, rose extract, aloe vera and shea butter; ideal for dry and ‘problem’ skin

aqua-spirit

Aquaspirit (previously Oxy-Skin) (4floz) – thanks to its circulation-stimulating properties, bio-available oxygen and aromatherapuetic nutrients, this product oxygenates the blood in the face and skin, energising the cells and promoting healthier, more radiant skin

parfait-visage

Parfait Visage (1.7floz) – a 100% organic product that, owing to its ingredients including vegetable palm stearic acid, sweet almond oil, whole leaf aloe vera, hemp seed oil, MSM and essential oils, penetrates and moisturises seven-layers-deep in the skin, enhances new cell growth and stimulates new healthy tissue.

References

  1. Dodson R. E., Nishioka M., Standley L. J., Perovich L. J., Brody J. G. and Rudel R. A. ‘Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products’. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2012 Jul; 120 (7): 935–943. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1104052.
  2. Braun J. M., Just A. C., Williams P. L., Smith K. W., Calafat A. M. and Hauser R. ‘Personal care product use and urinary phthalate metabolite and paraben concentrations during pregnancy among women from a fertility clinic’. Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology. (2014)24.459–466
  3. Fowler J. F., Woolery-Lloyd H., Waldorf H. and Saini R. ‘Innovations in natural ingredients and their use in skin care’. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.2010 Jun; 9 (6 Suppl): S72-81; quiz s82-3.
  4. Bowe W. P. and Pugliese S. ‘Cosmetic benefits of natural ingredients’. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2014 Sep; 13 (9): 1021-5; quiz 26-7.