IMMUNITY

Wheat can be found in many products – bread, cakes, biscuits, pasta, cereals, pastry. Modern wheat is high in gluten, and baking it increases its ability to react with the gut wall.  Gluten is a sticky glue-like substance that is difficult to digest, and can encourage the growth of unfriendly gut bacteria, which are responsible for producing toxic substances and gas.  Constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, indigestion, flatulence and wind are all problems that can benefit from the removal of wheat from the diet.  In severe cases of gluten sensitivity the villi, the tiny protrusion that make up the small intestine, get completely worn away.  For those with gluten sensitivity, all foods containing gluten must be avoided. Find out more where wheat is found and some alternatives.

Modern wheat is very different to the wheat that our ancestors ate. It is high in protein, and generous in fat, but it is lacking many amino acids and provides a relatively meagre vitamin and mineral content. 

I often recommend the ‘healthful’ benefits of home-made bone broth, which makes a fantastic base for stews and soups, as it is full of nourishing substances. So why is bone broth so good for us ? 

Bone broth, which is easily digestible, essential, anti-inflammatory, gut healing nutrients such as amino acids the building blocks of protein, easily absorbable forms of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sulphur, silicon, phosphorus and chondroitin, glucosamine & gelatin which have been released into the water as the bones have been simmered.

Can how this stock be so nutritious?

• A healthy gut and healthy digestion; the amino acid glycine stimulates the production of stomach acid and glutamine, another important amino acid which helps to maintain and restore the integrity of the gut lining. There is a strong link between gut health and overall health.
• Joint Health from the strengthening nutrients including chondroitin, glucosamine, magnesium and calcium, together with proteins (including gelatine

Relaxation, just like a healthy diet with regular exercise, is the essential factor for our physical and emotional well – being and also disease prevention. Practising relaxation techniques can help reduce everyday stress and boost energy and mood.

Making relaxation techniques a part of your life

A variety of different relaxation techniques can help you bring your nervous system back into balance by producing the relaxation response. The relaxation response is a mentally active process that leaves the body relaxed, calm, and focused.

Learning the basics of these relaxation techniques isn’t difficult, but it does take practice. It is recommended setting aside at least 10 to 20 minutes a day for your relaxation practice. If you’d like to get even more stress relief, aim for 30 minutes to an hour.

The best way to start and maintain a relaxation practice is to incorporate it into your daily routine. Between work, family, school, and other commitments, though, it can be tough for many people

The skin is the largest organ of the body but its is also the last place to receive nutrients.  So, if your skin is supple, and looks all dewy and glowing, it generally means that your insides are in pretty good shape. However it is common for your skin to go through phases where it may not look as good, due to dietary changes, hormonal changes and even environmental changes. 

One of the things we know for sure is that, what you put in your body matters, so does what you put on your body. Beauty products promising to rehydrate your skin are often laden with toxic ingredients that you probably can't even pronounce.

One of the functions of the skin is to eliminate toxic waste products through sweating. As toxins escape through the skin, the skin’s health integrity is disrupted. This is a key factor behind many skin disorders. The skin also breathes, If pores become blocked, microbes that are involved in causing skin conditions such as acne, flourish. Dirt , dust, oils and grime from pollution

Soaking in a warm bath can encourage time to relax, rest & refresh.  By adding some specific ingredients to the water, baths can also allow you to replenish low minerals, support detoxification, aid relaxation & boost energy levels.  

Magnesium baths many people have low levels of magnesium which is a mineral that supports many of the body’s functions including sustaining heart health, energy production, muscle control & the elimination of harmful toxins. Add 2 cups of magnesium flakes to a warm bath & soak for 20 minutes, up to 3 times a week.

Epsom Salts while also replenishing magnesium & sulphate, Epsom salt may also help to detoxify the body by removing chemicals & pollutants, help reduce migraines, relax sore muscles (especially after physical activity or exercise), & exfoliate & often the skin encouraging better circulation. Add 2 cups to a warm bath & soak for at least 12 minutes to gain the benefits. As Epsom salts can be slightly drying to the skin it is especially recommended

Lack of sleep can lead to many health issues. In the short term, a lack of adequate sleep can affect judgement, mood, ability to learn & retain information, and may increase the risk of serious accidents and injury. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation may lead to a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Find out how you can improve your sleep hygiene for improved wellness....

Avoid Stimulants

• Limit the amount of stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, cola drinks, dark chocolate, even some cold and flu remedies) consumed during the day and especially close to bedtime. If sensitive to caffeine avoid it after 12 noon.
• Stimulants make it harder for the brain to achieve a state of relaxation needed for sleep and consumption can impair sleep for many hours. Whilst most people think that alcohol is a sedative, it actually has a stimulating effect.

Minimise Tension and Anxiety 

• Avoid anxiety-provoking activities close to bedtime, such as paying

Sprouted seeds are easy to grow, are cheap and produce nutritionally dense food. They are perfect for salads, nori rolls, sandwich fillings and can be added to smoothies, soups and so on. So read on to find out more and easy they are to grow..

Why sprout?

Sprouted seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients – naturally vitamin and mineral rich, high in phto-chemicals, colon-healthy fibre, detoxifying chlorophyll, moisture, enzymes and amino acids that your body needs to build complete proteins.

Eating sprouted seeds on a regular basis has been used by many civilisations for centuries as a means of improving digestion, combating tiredness and stress and promoting health.

What is sprouting?

Sprouting is another name for germinating – essentially the sprouting process results in a partially grown or young plants. The seeds are the most nutrient dense part of a plant and therefore a sprouted seed is an entire plant packed into a suitcase!

Seeds themselves are well protected as they are covered in enzyme

Dry skin brushing has been practiced for thousands of years and involves using a natural bristled brush and running it over the body.  The skin is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for one-fourth of the body's detoxification each day making it one of the most important elimination organs.   Find out how to skin brush and its benefits. 

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing

Removes Dead Skin: One of the most beneficial aspects of dry brushing the skin is that the process helps the body slough off dead skin cells, which can clog pores and also to stimulate new skin growth. If this is not done impurities and toxins can remain in the body. Skin brushing therefore helps create a healthy glow and a smoother skin surface.

Improves Circulation: As the brush strokes the skin to remove dead skin cells, the brush motion against the skin massages it and helps increase circulation. Improved circulation enhances the flow of lymph and hormones through the skin, maintaining a healthy