Category

Mental Health

23/03/2021
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An Introduction to the Microbiome

What is the Gut Microbiome? Hippocrates said: “All disease begins in the gut”. Modern-day research appears to be showing just how right he was. However, it is not the health of the gut itself that has such an impact – but rather the 100 trillion bacteria that make their home there, forming what is often referred to as ‘the microbiome.’ Bacteria get a lot of bad press. We’re encouraged to use anti-bacterial solutions and to regard all bacteria as ‘germs’, and therefore the enemy. But whilst there are bad bacteria,... Read More

29/05/2020
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Suggestions to Support Anxiety & Depression

Mental health is not something to be ashamed of or to hide away from. Our mental health is something we should all be taking more care of. Anxiety and depression are two of the biggest killers in our society. ANXIETY Anxiety is the almost constant presence of fear, leading to issues at work, in social situations and often isolation. Children who are highly intelligent are more likely to develop anxiety disorders, as they struggle to process all the thoughts and worries they have. This can carry through into adulthood. Low... Read More

29/05/2020
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Men’s Health Month: Mental Health

According to government reports, men could now expect to live for 16.2 years in poor health. With this statistic in mind, this Men’s Health Month, I’m aiming to highlight some simple ways men can try and reduce this figure – and therefore increase their quality of life. Last week, we looked at Heart Health. Now, we turn our focus to mental health and wellbeing. Mental health is a major problem, especially in today’s fast paced society. Women are more likely to address their mental health, whilst men may look to... Read More

29/05/2020
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Christmas: The Most Stressful Time Of The Year?

THE STRESSFUL SEASON? What are the biggest causes of stress and anxiety over the holiday season? According to a survey carried out in 2015, the biggest issue over the festive season is money – with as many as 47% of us being worried about finances.  The other big concerns are: Over-eating and lack of exercise (16% of people) Anxiety about being able to choose the right gift (15% of people) Worry about the planning involved with the big day (12% of people). All this seems to back up a commonly... Read More

27/05/2020
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Mens Health Month: Heart Health

Less than a century ago deaths from infectious diseases were common, and death most often followed a short period of illness. Now though, chronic disease is the leading cause of death, and death is most commonly preceded by long periods of moderate or severe poor health. According to the latest government report the number of years lived in poor health has increased since 2011: Men could now expect to live 16.2 years in poor health! For this reason, this Men’s Health Month I’ll be sharing a number of blogs dedicated to the... Read More

27/05/2020
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Banishing Brain Fog

Earlier this week, I examined the research behind using Omega-3 to help support brain health in children (Read here) As we continue to explore Brain Awareness Week, I’ve chosen to dedicate this blog to the all-too-common feeling of brain fog. I’m going to look at natural ways to boost brain function and mental performance – and therefore lift that foggy feeling many of us will recognise! WHAT IS BRAIN FOG? Many people describe a sensation of ‘brain fog’, but what does this actually mean? Brain fog encompasses a poor memory, lack of mental... Read More

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Teen Health: Supporting low energy & mood swings

In my last blog I started looking at teen health, exploring the role of zinc and good bacteria in supporting healthy skin. This week I am going to continue my teenage theme, and look at ways to support those who are struggling with low energy and mood swings. During the teenage years the body is growing and developing, changing all the time. This demands a massive amount of energy. At the same time, we are asking our teens to work hard at school and achieve good grades – all this... Read More

27/05/2020
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Teen Health: Supporting them through exam time

In my previous blogs on teenage health, I have looked at ways to help support skin health and explored the use of B vitamins to try and increase energy and reduce mood swings.  In this final blog of the series, I am now going to look at supporting them through their exams. There are two main considerations when looking at ways to support teens through exam time – 1. anxiety and exam nerves; 2. memory and concentration. The good news is that natural medicine has quite a lot of different options in this arena! FOR EXAM STRESS AND... Read More

27/05/2020
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Natural ways to support your teen through exam season

EXAM SEASON! A trying time for parents – and of course for teenagers, who feel the pressure to perform and achieve. I remember well the worries and revision, anxiety and brain freeze, and I am now watching my own daughter go through the same. For this reason, I have decided to share my thoughts on the natural ways we can help and support our teens through this demanding time. • ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE A BREAK: Generally, my daughter doesn’t need that much encouragement to stop revising – she is more... Read More

27/05/2020
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How can we use the ‘Stress Bucket’ analogy to support good mental health?

It is important to think about our mental health every day – even when things are going well. Taking note of our mental wellbeing during the good times, can help us to feel more resilient during the bad.When thinking about mental health, one of the best ways to understand why sometimes we can cope, and other times we cannot, is to use the analogy of the stress bucket.