All posts by Eleanor Wilson

BioMulsion Joint Guard, Collaflex Gold, Joint Health, Liposomal Vitamin D3/K3

Joined-up thinking for joints: exercise, diets and supplementation

One of the unalterable truths of our lives is that we all get older. Like it or not, as the years pass we have to take more care of our physical selves because our bodies age; the cells within them aren’t replaced when they die as much as in our younger years. And this is no truer than when it comes to our joints.

Joints are the connections between our bodies’ bones, as such it’s thanks to them we’re able to move – bending our arms at the elbow and legs at the knees, bend our backs, turn our heads and move our fingers and toes. Each joint features cartilage and synovium, along with the lubricant that’s synovial fluid, ensuring that two bones meeting at a joint don’t rub together and damage each other.

It’s here, however, that advancing years prove a problem; as we age it becomes easier to tear and wear out cartilage, damaging the joints and potentially leading to the onset of arthritis. Not a pleasant prospect. How best to preserve the health of your joints then and keep them working effectively?

Watch your weight

Sadly, it’s impossible to prevent the ageing process, but we can all take other steps that’ll help our joints (and general health); one of which is to try to ensure we don’t become overweight or even obese. This is because it’s the joints that take much of the stress of our weight when we move, especially in the knees, hips and back.

Many issues that people have with their joints can be traced to carrying too much weight. To that end then, losing weight can be a simple way to reduce potential joint injury – indeed, studies suggest that as many as four times the normal level of stress is felt by a joint for every extra pound in weight a body gains

Stay in shape

Another straightforward, if unsurprising way to help your joints is to take up regular physical exercise, not least as it can help you to lose extra pounds, of course. Indeed, it’s believed that throwing yourself into aerobic exercise – which momentarily increases your heart-rate – is a good way to reduce swelling of the joints1. That said, if your joints are actually giving you pain then low-impact aerobic exercise, such as bicycling or swimming, are a good step forward.

When you stop and think about it, though, the idea of getting up and doing some exercise makes sense. Our bodies are physical entities; they need to be (mildly) put through their paces to work effectively – just like doing a Sudoku game for mental exercise. Sitting still for much of your life does no good for your body and it simply leads to stiffness in the joints; in fact, those who lead such sedentary lifestyles are among the most at-risk groups for developing joint pain as they age.

So, even if you can’t exercise as much as you’d really like to, be sure to get up and walk about the office, don’t slouch and adopt good posture when sitting in your office chair and when lifting and carrying. Plus, take the stairs instead of the lift as often as you can at work and don’t pass up the opportunity to take the dog for a brisk walk. The body will doubtless thank you for it!

Dietary Tips

Less obvious, perhaps, is the fact that eating certain foods and avoiding others can also promote good joint health. A generally healthy diet is a great start, as it – along with all the other benefits for your body – helps to ensure your bones and muscles grow and remain strong throughout your life. Bone-wise, as you may well know, calcium-rich foods get a big up-tick; dairy products are obviously a good source here, but so too are organic vegetables and fruits like broccoli, figs and kale.

As far as the muscles go, protein is key – aside from lean meats and seafood, for vegetarians then, options include the likes of quinoa, legumes, soy products, buckwheat and a variety of different beans, rice and nuts. Moreover, ensuring your body’s getting enough Vitamin D is important too, as it’s this nutrient that plays a pivotal role in the absorption of calcium from food so it can be used throughout the body1. Some sources suggest that Vitamin C and other antioxidant nutrients are important for maintaining the health of joints as well

Supplements for Joint Health

For some people, altering their diet – especially as they get older and because of other potential health issues – isn’t always easy. And for others getting an adequate amount of regular exercise may prove a challenge too. Help here can be found in natural supplementation. Indeed, do your research; you may find that the following supplements for joints – all available from The Finchley Clinic – suit you well; we sell more besides:

BioMulsion JointGuardBioMulsion Joint Guard – an emulsified pure fish oil concentrate, which contains Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine hydrochloride, Vitamin E and ginger oil; designed to help maintain the health and flexibility of joints.


High-Strength-Collagen-180-tabletsCollaflex Gold (formerly known as High Strength Collagen) – a pure marine-derived collagen that may aid the slowing of the aging process on the joints.



D3 with K2 Liposomal Vitamin D3/K3  – we believe this is  the best, most absorbable liposomal vitamin D3 product (with added Vitamin K3) available in Europe.



Reference:

1. ‘Taking Care of Your Joints’. Webmd.com. http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/caring-your-joints#1. Reviewed: 23 Jan 2016.

Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamins & Minerals

Magnificent Magnesium: An Essential Super Nutrient

If you’re someone who’s nutrient deficient then you’re in for bad news. It’s because you’re consuming vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in the right quantities and to the right levels why you may get ill and not feel at your best a good deal of the time. If you seem to get ill more often than other people, it could well be because you’re nutrient deficient.

But how do you know for sure? And how do you know which nutrient – or nutrients – you’re deficient in? Well, that’s a bit tricky to ascertain, as lacking enough of a specific nutrient would likely be revealed by very specific symptoms – but then there are crossovers that suggest you may be lacking in another nutrient.

All that said, though, one of the leading nutrient deficiencies in adults is of magnesium, which isn’t that surprising given the roster of important things that magnesium’s responsible for in the human body; at least 300 different biochemical functions, in fact, that see it play pivotal roles in heartbeat rhythm regulation, energy production, enzyme and neurotransmitter function and the balancing of nitric oxide levels.

In fact, it’s estimated that as many as eight in 10 adults are deficient in this vital mineral; believe it or not. How do you know if you’re not getting enough magnesium through your diet? Clues could be if you tend to experience muscle aches and/ or spasms, poor sleep and digestion and anxiety and exaggerated worry. Yet, again, from this it would be hard to pinpoint you’re definitely lacking in magnesium, as they’re rather general symptoms – to that end, it’s best to check with a doctor or medical professional.

Not Enough Magnesium – What happens?

So much for what magnesium does in the body, but when it’s not present in high enough levels, what conditions can its absence help cause? The list’s a long one – underlining just how crucial the nutrient is to us:

  •  Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma or multiple sclerosis owing to peroxynitrite damage1
  •  cardiovascular disease and hypertension1
  •  damage to the kidneys and liver 1
  •  impotence1
  •  increased premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms1
  •  mood swings and potential behavioural disorders1
  •  osteoporosis1
  •  recurrent bacteria- or fungal-based infections1
  •  restless leg syndrome1

How can you Boost your Magnesium Intake?

<style=”text-align: justify;”>It’s often said that increasing your magnesium levels via supplementation may cause disruption of your body’s nutrient balance. The thinking here goes that, because (in spite of its importance) we need relatively little magnesium compared to other vitamins and minerals, consuming large, regular amounts of magnesium could create an imbalance.

To that end, ideally one should seek to get their adequate helping of magnesium from their diet – along with all their other required vitamins and minerals – and foods that are rich in magnesium and advised for widening your diet include vegetables like avocados, bananas, black beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mung beans, potatoes, spinach and Swiss chard, as well as nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews and pumpkin seeds2.

And yet, if for whatever reason, you’re incapable of altering your diet to include a fair number of such foods then the expert thinking is that natural supplementation’s an effective way to overcome Magnesium deficiency. This in no small part is because of, in addition to magnesium’s health-giving properties, its relationship with other nutrients in the body such as calcium – it’s thought that taking magnesium supplementation has the handy, added bonus of counterbalancing levels of calcium, should you also be taking supplements of the latter on a regular basis2.

Plus, if you go the magnesium supplement route it’s also likely to be of benefit if you find you tend to rely on antibiotics to beat infections (although, of course, other natural supplements may help you to avoid infections in the first place!). Why? Well, heavy antibiotic use may result in damaging your digestive tract to the extent that magnesium isn’t absorbed from nutrient-rich foods2. Something to think about.

Magnesium Supplements

The following magnesium-based supplements are all available from The Finchley Clinic:

True Food MagnesiumTrue Food Magnesium –  Offers a highly bioavailable, potent food form of magnesium for enhanced absorption.


Magnesium Malate 120Magnesium Malate – Provides 100mg elemental magnesium per capsule, as well as Malic acid.


Vitamin C 500mg capsuleBioCare Vitamin C – A Magnesium Ascorbate supplement that provides Vitamin C as well as magnesium, in addition to bilberry extract which comprises flavonoids, a potent source of antioxidants.


References:

1. Johnson S. ‘The multifaceted and widespread pathology of magnesium deficiency’. Med Hypotheses. 56 (2): 163-70. Feb 2001.

2. ‘Should you be taking magnesium supplements?’. https://draxe.com/magnesium-supplements.

Colon cleansing, Digestive Enzyme, Fivelac, Threelac, Thyme Formula

Beating the Beastly Yeast: how to tackle Candida the natural way

If you live in the United States and, while watching, hearing or reading the news, you perk up whenever health issues are mentioned, you’ll surely be aware of the drug-resistant illness that in the last few weeks has infected more than 75 people in the US1. Affecting – and potentially damaging – the bloodstream, wounds and ears, it’s predicted (in the very worst case scenario) to cause organ failure, especially for the most ‘at risk’ category; among them diabetics, premature babies and those on paralysis or with weak immunity1.

That’s because it’s an outbreak of Candida auris, one of the broad family of Candida yeasts, many of which (should they get out of control when inside the human body and result in ‘Candida overgrowth’) can cause serious ongoing health issues. In fact, since 2013, outbreaks of Candida auris have been reported in 14 separate countries, including the UK – yes, it’s not just a nasty thing confined to the US, unfortunately1.

Candida – the beastly yeast?

Highlighting these recent infections of this particularly unpleasant Candida strain shows just how common it doing us ill actually is – in fact, so common is Candida that on occasions most people probably don’t realise it’s the cause for them feeling below par or very ill. A wide array of Candida species (the most common of which is probably Candida alcibans2, 3) can cause us real trouble if they’re allowed free roam in our bodies – potentially fungal infections like candidiasis, candidemia and oral flush4.

Yet the truth is that when the Candida levels in your body (most pertinently in the skin and the mucous membranes of the gut and vagina) are kept in check, thanks to a healthy immune system, Candida is very rarely a problem. Indeed, different strains of Candida are among the organisms that a new-born baby will acquire from their mother via birth or through breastfeeding or early food5 – moreover, one specific species, Candida cylindracea, supports effective digestion owing to the positive enzymatic properties and pH levels it possesses6.

Candida overgrowth – symptoms and causes

However, should Candida be allowed to run riot in parts of your body and multiply to the extent it results in overgrowth, perhaps the most immediate consequence is that it’ll imbalance and disrupt the body’s gut microbiota. This is when the balance of bacteria in the intestines tips hazardously in favour of ‘bad bacteria’ and harmful micro-organisms like Candida over ‘good bacteria’ and health-preserving probiotics.

As a result of this then, Candida overgrowth effects can regularly include gastrointestinal (and gastrointestinal-related) issues like abdominal pains, indigestion and excessive gas; irritability, tiredness and trouble concentrating; anxiety and mood swings; skin infections, eczema, psoriasis and acne; oral or vaginal thrush7 and promotion of leaky gut syndrome8. Moreover, overgrowth can see Candida-derived problems occur all over the body, thanks to the yeast potentially infecting the blood, genitals, skin and the throat and oesophagus9, 10.

But what about the causes? Well, some of the most common and guilty of Candida promoters are:

  • Weakened immunity – unfortunately, a large number of medical conditions and medications can weaken the immune system11, 12, 13
  • Antibiotics – attack all bacteria (‘good’ as well as ‘bad’), thus upsetting the gut microbiota balance and allowing Candida to thrive4
  • Diabetes – a hallmark of diabetes, high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia), inhibits the immune system and the digestive and urinary systems4, 14
  • Alcohol – chronic alcohol drinking can lead to the growth of certain Candida species
  • Other potential causes include kidney failure and haemodialysis treatment; organ transplantation; poor diet and pregnancy15, 16

Tackling Candida

Thankfully, should you suspect – and especially if you have it confirmed by a medical professional – that you’re suffering from Candida overgrowth, there’s certainly something you can do about it. Your best advised treatment is a natural remedy – and why not in the shape of easy-to-take and highly effective supplements? All three of the following and many more are available through The Finchley Clinic (indeed, check out the ‘Candida Cleansing’ section of our website for all the Candida supplements we sell)…

Threelac

Threelac – a probiotic that’s revered for managing candida and yeast infections, containing three forms of spore-forming lactic acid bacteria that work to purge your intestinal tract of parasites and dysbiotic microorganisms; also highly recommended is its sister product Fivelac.

Active-Digestive-Enzymes

Active Digestive Enzymes – actually designed to be taken in conjunction with Threelac and may help a Candida-focused cleanse by improving food absorption to reduce the amount of ‘food’ such parasites feed on in the tract.

thyme-formula

Thyme Formula and Thyme Formula A – botanical products specifically designed to help manage Candida overgrowth throughout the body.

 

References:

1. Whyte C. ‘Deadly, drug-resistant Candida yeast infection spreads in the US’. newscientist.com. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2125283-deadly-drug-resistant-candida-yeast-infection-spreads-in-the-us/. 20 March 2017.

2. Kim J. and Sudbery P. ‘Candida albicans, a major human fungal pathogen’. J Microbiol. April 2011; 49 (2): 171-7.

3. ‘Candidiasis’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/. Last update: 6 Oct 2016.

4. ‘Candida infection of the skin’. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000880.htm. Review date: 12 July 2014.

5. Jenkinson H. F. and Douglas L. J. ‘Chapter 18 Interactions between Candida Species and Bacteria in Mixed Infections. Polymicrobial Diseases’. Washington (DC): ASM Press. 2002.

6. Fieker A., Philpott J. and Armand M. ‘Enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic insufficiency: present and future’. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2011; 4: 55–73.

7. Global Health Trax. ghthealth.com. 2016.

8. Schulz J. and Sonnenborn U. ‘Yeasts in the Gut: From Commensals to Infectious Agents’. Dtsch Arztebl Int. Dec 2009. 106 (51-52): 837–842.

9. ‘Yeast Infections’. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/yeastinfections.html.

10. Aubyn G. and Tagoe D. ‘Prevalence of vaginal infections and associated lifestyles of students in the University of Cape Coast, Ghana’. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. Aug 2013; 3(4): 267–270.

11. Maksymiuk A. W., Thongprasert S., Hopfer R., Luna M., Fainstein V. and Bodey G. P. ‘Systemic candidiasis in cancer patients’. Am J Med. Oct 1984; 77 (4D): 20-7.

12. Fichtenbaum C. and Aberg J. ‘Candidiasis and HIV’. HIV InSite. http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-00&doc=kb-05-02-03. Feb 2006.

13. ‘Medications that Weaken Your Immune System and Fungal Infections’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/infections/immune-system.html. Last update: 25 Jan 2016.

14. Casqueiro J., Casqueiro J. and Alves C. ‘Infections in patients with diabetes mellitus: A review of pathogenesis’. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. Mar 2012; 16 (Suppl1): S27–S36.

15. ‘Invasive Candidiasis Risk & Prevention’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/invasive/risk-prevention.html. Last update: 2 March 2016.

Digestive Enzyme Supplements, Immune health, Leaky Gut, Women’s health

Leaky Gut – What is It and How Should You Treat It?

What is it?

Many health practitioners believe leaky gut syndrome – or intestinal permeability – can happen when undigested particles pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream1.

Leaky gut can be caused by:

  • Candida overgrowth and dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance in the gut)1
  • Chronic stress1
  • Poor diet1
  • Toxin overload1.

What happens?

These undigested objects – toxins and germs – cause inflammation and affect the gut wall’s permeability (‘leaky gut’), initiating an immune response1. Leaky gut has been closely associated with the following conditions:

  • Adrenal fatigue2
  • Arthritis2
  • Autoimmune disease2
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome3
  • Depression and anxiety2
  • Eczema (and other skin issues)2
  • Hypothyroidism2
  • Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)2
  • Nutrient malabsorption2.

What can you do?

Diet

First of all, you’re advised to reduce or – better – avoid sugary foods and gluten. Instead, consider introducing into your diet:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods – beets, blueberries, bok choy, broccoli, celery, chia seeds, coconut oil, flaxseeds, ginger, green leafy vegetables, pineapples, turmeric and walnuts4
  • Fermented vegetables – kimchi, kvass and sauerkraut2
  • Omega oils – linseed oil and Omega 3:6:9 Balance oil
  • Raw cultured dairy – amasai, kefir, yogurt and some butters and cheeses2.

Supplementation

And why not consider supplements?

The Finchley Clinic provides the following food supplements which can help ease leaky gut and reduce food intolerance:

  • Aloe Gold Natural (1,000ml and 485ml) – may help healthy digestion, immunity and skin
  • Colostrum Plus (120 capsules) – also for gastritis, intestinal candida and food allergies
  • Glutamine (100g, 200g and 90 capsules) – ideal for healing troubled guts
  • Mindlinx (60 capsules) – supports healthy function of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Permatrol (90 capsules) – includes intestinal-supportive nutrients like L-glutamine, N-acetyl glucosamine and probiotic bacteria
  • Restore (32floz, 16floz and 8floz) – works to restore the tight junctions of the gut
  • Slippery Elm Intensive (75g) – also contains gamma oryzanol, licorice, marshmallow and aloe vera extracts, combining to support gut permeability.
Kidney cleanse, Kidney Health

Keep your kidneys cleansed: how to look after these crucial organs

Many of us know what the different organs in the abdominal region of the body do. The stomach holds food; the intestines see food progress as it’s processed; the liver critically helps remove toxins and the pancreas produces crucial enzymes and hormones like insulin. Fine; but what do the kidneys do? And, to that end then, why’s it so important we look after them? Our kidneys are those two bean-shaped organs that sit either side of the spine against the back muscles of the upper abdominal cavity – and they do a number of very important things. In removing waste from the blood, they help balance the body’s fluids (via regulating sodium, water and acidity/ alkalinity balance) and create urine – in other words, waste water to be let out of the body1. Moreover, in carrying out their wider functions, the kidneys are also responsible for the regulation of the hormones and enzymes that manage blood pressure.

Unhealthy kidneys mean an unhealthy you

Taking into account the above then, you certainly don’t need to be a genius to realise that maintaining good kidney health is pretty darn important to ensure your body runs as effectively as possible – and you yourself remain fit and healthy. But just in case you’re not convinced, here are some of the things that, should your kidneys get into trouble, will ensure you get into trouble too:

  • Kidney stones – the obvious one; a far from unusual urinary tract disorder that at least one in 10 people in the US alone suffer from2
  • Kidney disease – can be caused by both high blood pressure and diabetes; more US citizens die from it than from prostate and breast cancer combined2
  • Body water imbalance – a symptom of toxic kidneys, it appears to contribute to the likes of stress, paranoia, muscle shakes and even panics attacks. 

Cleansing means healthy kidneys

So how can you keep your kidneys – and, in turn, of course – yourself as healthy as possible? Well, helping your kidneys to cleanse themselves of all the toxins and harmful micro-organisms that might find their way into them is your best course of action. Through cleansing you can ensure, among many other things, they purify your blood effectively – some estimates say up to 60 times a day. But don’t worry; it doesn’t require anything painful or drastic – in fact, the best way to do a cleanse is to focus primarily on diet, consuming the right foods and drink and eschewing non-kidney-friendly ones. First off, staying hydrated is hugely important, as so often when it comes to keeping healthy. That means drinking plenty of pure, filtered water each day2. On top of this, you should look to eat:

  • Leafy, raw vegetables2, while organic fresh fruit rich in low-sugars is also recommended like apples and grapes (the latter comprise antioxidants to support detoxification and are well known for helping to flush out the ‘system’)
  • Nuts and seeds, cinnamon, olive oil and berries2 – especially cranberries as they contain quinine, which becomes hippuric acid in the body and aids removal of urea and uric acid from the kidneys
  • And be sure to get some exercise outdoors and take in the fresh air2

You should avoid:

  • Consuming too much alcohol and caffeine (or better, cut them out entirely) and try to quit smoking2
  • Eating a lot of rhubarb and chocolate – like it or not, they can may help your calcium oxalate levels to rise, supporting kidney stone formation.2 

Supplements for cleansing

In some cases, you may find it difficult to alter your diet exactly as you’d like to include the aforementioned kidney-cleansing foods. Help is at hand, though, via natural supplementation that supports and thoroughly promotes the process. For example, the following kidney supplements can be bought through us at The Finchley Clinic, along with many more:

Green Magma

 

Green Magma (Barley Grass Powder) – great for cleansing the kidneys, detoxifying the body and maintaining its acid/ alkaline balance, this product constitutes a genuine ‘green food’ (it’s grown in the fertile soil of Japan)

ORËA

 

 

ORËA (formerly ZNatural) – taken daily, it can successfully detoxify and cleanse the body, permeating the kidneys and other organs, blood, glands and cellular tissue and supporting the body’s own natural immune defence and disease resistance systems

Dandelion Formula

 

Dandelion Formula – helps the kidneys to stimulate urine production and, containing as it does the likes of turmeric and ginger, it may also help healthy liver function; alternatively you may opt for High Strength Ginger, which in addition to aiding the kidneys may also relieve indigestion, gas pains, diarrhoea and stomach cramping.

References:

1. Healthline Medical Team. ‘Body Maps – Kidneys’. Healthline.com. http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/kidney. Last reviewed: 12 Dec 2014.

2. Global Healing Center. http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/renaltrex-kidney-cleanse.html#4.

Colon cleansing, Livatrex, Mag O7, Oxy-Powder, Oxygen Colon Cleansers

Aim High Not Low: How to Improve Your Metabolism

So you’re feeling a little frazzled, a bit tired, even a tad run down? Doesn’t everyone now and then? Well, a lot of people do, but equally, it may be preventable. There could be a reason why, on top of leading a busy working, family and social life as you may do, you feel physically exhausted now and again. It may be because you’re not looking after your body and maintaining your metabolism as you well as you might.

Metabolism refers to the chemical reactions that occur in the body, not least digestion and the transport of food and energy to and between different cells. And it’s to understand this process – and what you are eating and how you lead your life – as to why you have a ‘high metabolism’ (you digest food and can use it as energy relatively quickly) or a ‘low metabolism’ (your body takes longer to digest food and use it as energy). In a good number cases, the lower a person’s metabolism, the more likely they’ll feel physically tired; the higher the metabolism, vice versa.

Low metabolism – why?

Of course, you use energy from the food you eat and burn fat while you’re physically active, but in reality, you also do so when you’re at rest. And it’s this that essentially defines the kind of metabolism you have, as it’s when you’re at rest your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is measured for how quickly and effectively you burn fat. To that end then, should you realise your BMR is slow and that may ensure why you feel tired too much of the time, there are several reasons why it might be:

  • Diet – all those fatty, processed, sugary foods are doing you no good whatsoever
  • Dieting – yes, that’s right; dieting tends to do little to help your metabolism because low calorie diets force your body into ‘starvation mode’, thus slowing the metabolism down as it attempts to preserve calories instead of burning them; note that when you resume eating after the diet it’ll preserve the calories still – but as fat
  • Sleep hygiene – your body won’t process food and use energy efficiently if you’re not sleeping well and are exhausted
  • Pressure and stress – stress brings on the production of the cortisol hormone which, unfortunately, eventually contributes to body fat
  • Toxicity in the body – toxins and ‘free radicals’ slow down your metabolic rate because, while the body’s converting food into energy, it’s also fighting  hard to eradicate such harmful molecules and micro-organisms
  • Medical factors – weight gain can result from thyroid and adrenal issues and family genetics, thus inevitably slowing down your metabolism (especially as you age).

High metabolism – how?

So to ensure a healthy metabolism what should you be doing? First off, start exercising. It needn’t be difficult; sure, it may be challenging to start with, but say you exercise every day for 10 minutes; eventually you’ll get used to it and, in time, find it relatively easy to slowly increase the amount to 12 minutes, then 15 and then 20. And exercise at work too. Be sure to get up from your desk and walk about every once in a while (preferably up and down stairs) and walk the dog daily if possible. Incorporating such short bursts of energy-use throughout the day will help keep your metabolism ticking over.

And then there’s your diet, of course; this has a huge impact on your metabolism. Indeed, after a night’s sleep (when it naturally slows down), try to start the morning by eating a fresh fruit-based breakfast first-thing, kicking off the day with a boost to the metabolism so you start burning calories as soon as possible – and aim to keep on doing so throughout the rest of the day:

  • Meals – eat smaller helpings at meal times but keep eating throughout the day; fewer but regular helpings will burden your digestion less
  • Snack on fruits – many are ‘negative calorie’ foods, such as apples, asparaguses, avocados, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, celery, berries, cucumbers, grapefruits, lemons, lettuce, onions, oranges, papayas and pineapples
  • Go for lean protein – raw nuts and seeds are rich in protein so are packed with amino acids, ensuring you burn more calories and get your metabolism working harder to break it down as it passes through your digestion system.

Cleansing– why not try supplements?

Why not, indeed! Hopefully it’s now clear that focusing on diet, eating habits and remaining physically active is crucial to improving your metabolism, but who would turn down further help? And if, for whatever reason, you’re incapable of exercising as much as you’d like to or unable to change your diet as much as you might, then supplementation’s a great alternative or enhancement – specifically digestive cleansing supplements.

Available from us at The Finchley Clinic, all three of the following products help eradicate from the body toxins and the like that slow down digestion, thus helping to speed up your metabolism naturally:

Oxy-Powder-120-capsules

Oxy-Powder – a high-quality oxygen cleansing supplement, it oxygenates and cleanses the small and large intestines, leading to an optimal bowel environment to aid a well-functioning metabolism

Mag-07-colon-cleanse

Mag O7 – a colon cleanser that releases nascent oxygen for fast acting (usually overnight) results

Livatrex-new

Livatrex – ideal for liver cleansing, a product designed to support and drive the natural process of detoxifying, flushing and purging the liver of built-up toxins, fatty deposits and more.

Biomulsion D, Heart health, Suntrex D3, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2

Don’t be Deficient: Vitamin D and Men’s Heart Health

With any amount of luck, the year will soon be properly moving on from the cold of winter to the relative warmth of spring and the temperatures will rise for all of us. And with that comes increased daylight. However, for those who work through the night, getting enough daylight hours can be an issue not just in the winter months, but throughout the year. And, don’t doubt it; there can be biological implications if they don’t manage to do so.

Indeed, several clinical studies conducted in recent years have proved that deaths owing to cardiovascular diseases are higher in winter months than at other times of year. The reason for this? Well, it may not just be coincidence because one study suggests that men with low levels of Vitamin D are more likely to suffer from a heart attack than those with higher levels of the vitamin in their bodies1. What’s the connection here, you may ask? Well, it’s that Vitamin D’s widely referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ – and for good reason. Although an essential vitamin for the human body, it is traditionally derived via exposure to sunlight as it prompts the body to produce the vitamin.

Exposure to sun for around just 15 minutes, three times a week is said to be sufficient to produce enough quantities of Vitamin D for the body. And yet, everyone’s body is different and some, maybe most certainly need far more. Indeed, there’s no question that, for instance, for the majority of the men who took part in the aforementioned study, to eradicate their Vitamin D deficiency and increasing their body’s levels of it would reduce the chance of suffering a heart attack.

What does Vitamin D do?

But what is it that makes Vitamin D so essential? Why do our bodies need it so much? Not only does it play a critical role by encouraging and ensuring the absorption of magnesium and calcium takes place in the body, but also – and perhaps why it has the aforementioned connection to heart health (especially in men) – its presence in the body makes sure there are adequate levels of calcium and phosphorous in our blood, which means both these crucial elements are carried to the organs where they’re required for our bodies to function correctly and keep us healthy and well.

Vitamin D supplements

Now, you may be one of the fortunate people who does – and, indeed, make sure you – get a decent amount of ‘sun time’ in the summer; that’s good for sure, so long as you take precautions when the sun’s at its hottest (and its harmful UV rays) are at their most potent at the height of the day. But, even so, it’s probably unlikely you’re actually getting enough Vitamin D from this method alone. And, if that’s the case, what about those poor people who are, for whatever reason, not able to do as you do come the summer months? And those who barely see the sun at all in less warm months when there’s far less daylight?

The truth then is that the vast majority of us could do with a little help in boosting our Vitamin D levels. To that end, supplementation is the ideal avenue to turn to. And one of the best Vitamin D supplements on the market (actually the best-selling for us at The Finchley Clinic) is Vitamin D3 (5,000iu) with Vitamin K2. Not only are its capsules chewable and capable of being taken sublingually, but they also have a terrific apricot flavour and, among all the other attributes and benefits to your body they offer, they’re great for supporting both the skeletal and the immune systems. Indeed, it’s the supplement’s additional ingredient, Vitamin K2, contributes to bone strength and arterial and heart health (reducing calcification or even decalcifying and likely reducing blood pressure).

Moreover, you may also be interested in the following supplements that are also ideal for boosting your Vitamin D intake:

suntrex

Suntrex D3 – a premium quality product created by extracting oil from nutrient-dense lichen plants, it provides support for the immune and nervous systems and promotes good organ, bone and brain health; suitable for vegans.

 

BioMulsion-D

Biomulsion D – A fluid-based Vitamin D3 supplement, it provides maximum strength and convenience in a few tiny drops for those who’d prefer not to take tablets or capsules.

Reference:

1. Giovannucci E., Liu Y., Hollis B. W. and Rimm E. B. ‘25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Men’. Archives of Internal Medicine. June 2008; 168 (11): 1174-1180.

Aerobic O7, Allertrex, Colostrum Plus, Respiratory Health

Fighting Allergens and Air Pollutants: Have You Considered A Lung Cleanse?

It’s not unusual to hear or read something almost every day about air pollution. It’s become a part of everyday life. However, there’s a very good reason – air pollution in most towns and cities is real, thanks to a combination of motor exhausts, chemical by-products and all manner of industrial emissions. And the problem is, in addition to what it all does to the natural world of course, none of it does our insides any good. Especially our lungs. Indeed, bad air can cause stress and even serious damage to lung tissue.

It’s not just outdoors

And, unfortunately, it’s not just outside that’s full of toxins; the reality is that indoor environments appear to be just as bad, if not worse, on this score. You may be sceptical, but studies suggest when a baby crawls over a patch of normal carpet they’re likely to inhale the equivalent toxicity of four cigarettes1. Now, that may sound frightening (and, in many ways, it is), but it’s come to be normal in our everyday world. Every environment in the world around us contains a good deal of toxicity which we’re exposed to as soon as we’re born, pretty much up until our dying breaths – and owing to dust mites, mould, mildew and chemicals, that includes indoors as well as outdoors environments.

Don’t doubt it. In the United States alone, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reckons that one in six of homes are filled with airborne pollutants that harm their occupants’ health. Meanwhile, the American College of Allergies has claimed that up to a half of illnesses in the country are down to air pollution indoors not outdoors.

Again, that sounds like a staggering claim to make, but consider just how many of our homes we live in and the offices we work in today are super-insulated and rely on pollutant-spreading air conditioning systems to control air flow. To that end, it’s also been claimed that air inside buildings may contain up to 100 times the toxin level as the air outside them, while a direct correlation has also been found between depression and the high concentrations of mould in homes2.

Animal allergens

Moreover, love animals and keep pets as so many of us do (and why shouldn’t we?), it also feeds the allergen levels in our homes. Conventional wisdom suggests this is all about the kind and length of hair our pets have – the longer haired a cat or dog the more allergens they’ll give off. Yet, while cat or dog allergies are often linked to their hair, that’s only half the truth because it’s often more specifically about the dander beneath the cat or dog’s coat of hair that’s responsible for the allergens. And, in some cases, the source may be the saliva that coats the hair when the animal – in this case usually a cat – lick their fur.

Fair dos, even many of those who suffer from such animal-derived allergens are content to put up with the sniffles and some coughing while living with their quadruped companions – and who would blame them? That said, who wouldn’t advise someone to perform a regular lung cleansing if they’re putting up with either pet-based allergens or respiratory and/ or sinus issues owing to the quality of air in their homes? Why wouldn’t you want to try out something that may prevent you from, at some point, suffering a severe allergic reaction?

Why not try a lung cleanse?

Over the course of human history, naturally-occurring remedies have been relied on by many civilisations, not least indigenous cultures, for respiratory conditions. Plants including the likes of eucalyptus, lungwort, peppermint and osha root are all examples here. Yet, unfortunately, for some people, purchasing such plants individually isn’t always an affordable or practical option, but there is a solution. Rather than buying – or even trying to grow! – this quartet of herbs on their own, you can consume all of them together in one of the most well regarded of lung cleanse supplements, Allertrex – which is available via us at The Finchley Clinic.

Enabling improved respiratory function then, Allertrex is absolutely ideal for a thorough cleansing of your lungs; detoxifying, cleaning and refreshing the fragile linings of the lungs’ bronchial passages and removing from them built-up environmental toxins, damaging organisms and other irritants.

Also, for further natural respiratory support, you might consider these two supplements:

Aerobic-K07

Aerobic O7 – contains nascent oxygen, which prompts the formation of white blood cells, essential for supplying damaged cells (including those in the lungs) with the super-oxide they require for repair and good health.

 

Colostrum-Plus

Colostrum Plus – in addition to supporting both the immune and digestive systems, this product’s great for tackling any type of inflammatory issue, especially allergies and their effect on the lungs.

References:

1. ‘Facts about indoor quality’. Intuitive Environmental Solutions, LLC. 2008

2. Brown University. ‘Household mold linked to depression’. Science Daily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070829162815.htm. Aug 2007.

Detoxification, Latero-Flora, Livatrex, Oxy-Powder

Supplements Versus Toxins: The Importance of A Liver Cleanse

You’d probably be hard pressed to find anyone who’s unaware their liver processes the toxins they put in their body. Yet it may not occur to many of them that, should they be putting too many toxins in their body, it’ll be putting undue stress, wear and tear on their liver. A healthy liver is vital to ensuring a healthy body; and to ensure a healthy liver, you need to take care of it because, although it may be your body’s toxin processor, it’s not toxic-proof – indeed, nothing is.

Whichever way you look at it then, despite society deeming it normal to maintain a diet of alcoholic indulgence and nutrient-deficient, sugar-rich processed foods, living a toxin-laden lifestyle is not normal biologically speaking. As far as your body’s concerned, it’s abnormal. It overburdens the liver, thus potentially causing problems to the body as a whole, with toxins not just overwhelming the liver but finding their way into all sorts of other nooks and crannies of the body.

To that end, detoxification is becoming increasingly recognised as a sensible, nay necessary activity for the body and, of course, the liver especially. But how do you go about such a toxin cleanse – or, in this case specifically, a liver cleanse? What steps should you follow…?

Step 1: Cut out the toxins

An obvious place to start, sure; but first things first, you have to cut out the processed goods and refined sugars and reduce your alcoholic in-take. By over-indulging in these foods and fluids you might as well be waging war on you liver; that’s how it’ll feel for the poor thing anyway. Call a truce and strike peace with this most essential of your body’s organs – and give it far less to do and the opportunity to have a far easier time of it. How about, instead of the toxic foods and drinks, giving the likes of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables a try? Such toxin-free and liver-friendly foods will help happily push the process along – and tend to taste great too!

Step 2: Give herbs a go

Herb-based remedies have been relied on by specialists in indigenous and other cultures for many centuries as therapies to – wittingly or not – aid in removing toxins from the liver and, therefore, for the stimulation of bile, an alkaline fluid the gastrointestinal system produces to help digestion.

Dandelion-Formula

Granted, herbal remedies don’t detoxify the liver on their own, but they could be said to act as detox agents, as they encourage and help mobilise the natural functions of the liver to start cleansing itself. To that then, consuming herbs like organic dandelion root and leaf and turmeric are an important second step in ensuring improved liver health.

Step 3: Go organic

The drawback with relying on herbal remedies, however, is that they can be pricey. Unfortunately, unless you can find them at affordable prices in a health food shop or online, good quality organic foods in their natural form tend to be expensive – and, don’t doubt it, it’s always best to invest in pure, high quality herbs and extractions. Sure, you might be able to buy discount peppermint extract, for instance – but, if it hasn’t been grown in a natural way and so isn’t genuinely organic, how many of the natural benefits (the whole point of purchasing it) are you going to derive from the product? That said, forking out a small fortune for hard-to-get-hold-of herbs and the like isn’t the only way you to go organic – you could alternatively take the supplement route.

livatrex

And, of all the liver cleanse supplements available, the ideal one to go for is Livatrex – available through us at The Finchley Clinic. An all-natural blend of 100% organic and wild-crafted herbs, its formulation is specifically designed to support and drive the natural process of detoxifying, flushing and purging the liver of built-up toxins, fatty deposits and any accumulated stones.

Latero-Flora-60

Moreover, for a great liver cleanse, you can combine Livatrex with the additional supplements Oxy-Powder and Latero-Flora. The former is terrific for helping to loosen intestinal build-up and so aiding the release of toxic substances from the liver, as well as unwanted waste materials, while the latter helps and supports normal digestive function and assists the body in maintaining beneficial colonies of the ‘good bacteria’ that improve health. A win-win all round then for your liver cleansing efforts!

Brain Health, True Food B Complex, VeganSafe B12

Brain food: the importance of vitamins and supplements for brain health

Crossword puzzles, reciting times tables to ourselves, learning new skills like a language and all manner of memory tests; many of us like to practice exercises and activities to keep our bonces nimble and in good condition – in short, to maintain our brain health. But it’s not just about the playful rigours we put our brains through in terms of memorising and ‘thinking’; the wellnesses of that organ upstairs is also determined by exactly the same thing all the other organs of the body are – by what we put in ourselves.

Yes, that’s right; what we consume and digest can have a critical impact on our brain health. If your brain’s getting vitamins and minerals it via your diet or supplementation, then it’ll remain more alert, supple and better-performing. And the more then it’ll be able to grow new cells, make new connections and become better at memory function and problem-solving. And who doesn’t want that?

However, before we look at what foods are best to get all those brain-friendly nutrients, consider this – pure, clean water makes up a whopping 85% of the human brain’s weight. There are few better things for brain health, therefore, than making sure you remain hydrated and drink plenty H2O. Indeed, instead of grabbing a coffee – or any other caffeinated/ carbonated beverage – to give you a pick-me-up during the work day, why not go for a bottle of distilled water instead? It’ll be cheaper too!

Brain-boosting berries

So then, just what foods should you make a central plank of your diet for the good of your brain? What are, to put it another way, the brain health foods? Well, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that fresh, organic produce is undoubtedly best, while processed, saturate-fat-filled food is pretty much worst.

In which case then, we’re talking the likes of berries, which – it’s true – have been found via research to reduce or, in some cases, even reverse declining brain function. Among the very best are blueberries, which studies have shown have an innate ability to both boost memory and help ‘keep it young’1, 2. Berries in general, though, are so good for brain health because they’re packed full of antioxidants, which play a vital role in protecting cells in every part of the body – not least the brain – from damage accrued from oxidation and harmful molecules and micro-organisms such as free radicals3. Other berries to consider include blackberries, cranberries, goji berries, strawberries and red grapes.

Other fruits and vegetables – and fatty acids

And, generally speaking, brightly, boldly coloured vegetables are good for brain health, as green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables (cantaloupes, carrots, mangoes, oranges and tomatoes among them) tend to contain high levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that’s turned into Vitamin A to do good throughout the body – including the brain, of course. Meanwhile citrus fruits and green, leafy vegetables tend to be rich in Vitamin C – again, great for the brain, as research suggests both Vitamins A and C can help improve memory function and reasoning.

Few fat-related foods are recommended to aid the body’s health, of course, but when it comes to brain health – and more – foods that contain essential fatty acids (EFAs) come highly recommended, as it’s believed they help drive brain growth and development and boost memory. Both seed oils (unprocessed organic olive oil, coconut oil and hemp seed oil) and nuts are fine sources for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; walnuts, in particular, are said to help increase production of serotonin – the neurotransmitter the brain relies on to keep sleep, memory and mood levels under control4.

Brain-friendly supplements

Hopefully, you’ll find that most of the foods suggested above are relatively easy to access and buy; however, if for any reason it’s difficult or not possible to incorporate them into your regular diet (say, for instance, you’re allergic to any of them), then there is another option – supplementation.

And when it comes to brain-friendly supplementation, one route you might look at is Vitamin B supplements. Why? Because studies have shown that certain ‘B vitamins’ (B9/ folic acid, B6 and B12) can play a role in preventing cognitive decline and even dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease5. A powerful reason, indeed, then to try the likes of True Food B Complex, which is available from us at The Finchley Clinic and, with its combination of ‘B family’ vitamins, offers all manner of health benefits in addition to keeping the brain youthful and staving off decline.

Additionally, you might consider these supplements for brain health:

brain-food

Brain Food 120s – a mixture of vitamins, phospholipids and other nutrients to help you maintain focus, concentration and memory.

 

VeganSageB12

VeganSafe B12 – ideal to combat B12 deficiency and its related issues – memory and brain decline, as well as potential anaemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, weight loss, depression, asthma, vision problems and low sperm count.

References:

1. Krikorian R. et al ‘Blueberry Supplementation Improves Memory in Older Adults’. J Agric Food Chem. J Agric Food Chem. April 2010; 58 (7): 3996–4000.

2. Carey A. N., Gomes S. M. and Shukitt-Hale B. ‘Blueberry supplementation improves memory in middle-aged mice fed a high-fat diet’. J Agric Food Chemistry. May 2014; 62.18 (2014): 3972-3978.

3. Connealy L. E. ‘The importance of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables’. Natural News. http://www.naturalnews.com/024710.html. Nov 2008.

4. ‘Serotonin’. Pub Chem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/serotonin. Feb 2016.

5. Mercola J. ‘The Importance of B Vitamins for Brain Health and Combating Dementia’. Merocola.com. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/03/17/vitamin-b-brain-health.aspx. March 2016.