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DOES STRESS RUIN YOUR LIFE

Right now you might not feel stressed at all, but there are a few tell-tale signs,
which draws attention that your body is not dealing with things as well as it normally does.

Are you experiencing more headaches, muscle pain heartburn (stress increases the production of stomach acid), increased insomnia, weakened immune system, high blood pressure, stomach, or lower gastric pain, lowered sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or missed period? You could be experiencing the effects of constant stress.

The very existence of pressure in our lives, minds and bodies, have the power to generate more stress.

Contrary to a common idea, stress is not always bad, to some extent we need it in our lives– otherwise might not get anything done. We (humans) have evolved to experience this physical reaction to tackle unexpected challenges head-on. A surge of stress enabled us to flee from danger when we were hunter-gatherers. Our bodies have been designed to deal with stress in short, bite-sized bursts.  There rises a problem, as there are not too many physical threats in our modern lives, however, the psychological stress (work deadlines, social pressures, family and financial struggles) can make us unwell.

Even without us perceiving that we feel overwhelmed to live under constant pressure, the more the pressure piles up, the less we can cope with it and as a result. We simply cannot manage our lives successfully. When the levels become too much, we might become overly reactive, emotional, wary, and eventually sick. Stressed people are more likely to fall out with others, binge on bad food and alcohol, and fill up ‘cupboards’ with problems – which have a habit of tumbling down on top of the person when you least expect it.

How much would you like to change the situation?

Dealing with stress is one of The Green Herbalist Clinics' treatments approaches
when helping you to motivate to make changes to reach better health.

Dealing with the underlying challenges normally brings a positive change in your health state.

Stress: what happens in your body

In a stressful situation, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol – hormones that cause both your heart rate and breathing to speed up temporarily. This activates the sympathetic nervous system and primes the body for ‘fight or flight. Being on constant high alert can have some pretty unpleasant effects: it can lead to chest pain, anxiety, rapid heart rate, palpitations, and even increase blood pressure – all of which strain the heart and other organs.

Stress – Health

Stress can have damaging, long-term effects on life – too much of it can contribute to the development of obesity, high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, just to name a few. Stress is also a key factor in insomnia, burnout and immune diseases and disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Despite the side-effects of the stress we seem not to worry about it – and carry on ‘burning the candle on both ends, until the body starts breaking down. Anxiety and stress can trigger the autonomic nervous system and releases stress hormones, which then cause physical symptoms.  Stress hormones are normal bodily functions, however, if the body is exposed to continuous stress, problems can start to arise

Here are some of the signs and symptoms you might be experiencing.

  • You have a low mood most of the day
  • you have reduced interest in most of the activities most of the day nearly every day
  • Your appetite might have decreased or increased from normal
  • You suffer either from insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).
  • You feel fatigued and or have a loss of energy
  • You might find that your self-confidence is affected – you might want to remember all the good things you have achieved.

What would you say if I said that you can change all of that?
Here are some approaches that have proved to be useful

Taking a problem-focused approach. Research has shown that people who are constantly in high-stress situations focus on problem-solving strategy
– try to identify the source of stress and then eliminate it safely – within the reason.

Don’t overthink it. While you might want to plan for emergencies, worrying about every possible outcome of an action or endlessly assessing your options can lead to unhealthy thinking patterns. Why not just list the pros and cons of your choices?

Avoid an emotion-focused approach, unless necessary.  It can be useful to try to focus on controlling negative emotions. How often are you overwhelmed by emotion and making ‘bad’ decisions in a stressful situation? It is useful to try to build up the ability to look at the situation from a different point of view as well as yourself and learn to know the difference between an emotional response and an informed one.

Try to shift your perspective in a stressful matter:
This is something you have full control over —
whether it’s through breathing techniques, running, or journaling.
As well as different techniques, apps like Headspace app  or similar can help you to manage the moments of being overwhelmed daily.

Getting high-quality sleep.  ‘Restorative, quality sleep’ typically means getting to sleep quickly and staying asleep and feeling rested upon awakening. Your body’s ability to heal increases during sleep. During dream time the mind often deals with the ‘stresses’ of the day, allows you to recall the important things and discards the unnecessary things of your thought process. If your unconscious mind feels ‘stressed or unsafe’ you are less likely to sleep well.

Do gentle exercise. Plan exercise to your daily routine, even if you are very busy – for example, 15-minute workout or 30-minute brisk walk is sufficient. Walk part of the work journey. Start a new routine such as yoga, outside swimming, and forest bathing. Increasing physical activity releases brain chemicals that improve mood called endorphins. Exercise is a great way to improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Try forest bathing and allow the phytochemicals of the plants and trees to ease the stress you are experiencing.

Postural stress. is an aspect of stress, you might not have focused on. Postural stress can become more apparent if you have conducted all our meetings via Zoom one day. The stress tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck, causing pain and stiffness. Stretching can improve circulation, gives relaxation time and is also brilliant for ironing out any muscular knots. Alternatively if enjoy having a bath, good old-fashioned Epsom salts (high in magnesium) and some essential oils (lavender, geranium, marjoram, ginger and rosemary) can give stress releasing effect.

Me-time. Part of self-care is to organise and allow time for yourself.  It is a good idea to have a  look at what your normal day looks like. Then assess which things cause you unnecessary stress and simply reorganise routines to allow yourself some stress-free time. Often the emotional, mental and physical well-being is overlooked.  So allow yourself that session in a spa, watching your favourite team play, workout session or walk in nature with a friend. Allowing ‘me-time’ is a gentle way of stress release can help with pain relief, enhanced mobility, reduction of symptoms in skin conditions, as well as improved psychological wellbeing.

A balanced diet, assessing your work-life balance and good sleep is the foundation of a healthy body and healthy mind.

Stress management can be a powerful tool for wellness, especially if you maintain a healthy diet, you are more likely to live a stress-free life. Healthy food choices can strengthen your immune system, provides you with more energy and is excellent stressbuster. It is quite an effortless task to talk to your herbalist and organise small dietary changes to build up better gut health and immunity, stronger body and bones – not to mention the benefit on your mood. The body always aims to get well, we are just giving it tools to work with. Comfort foods, like a bowl of warm oatmeal, boost levels of serotonin, a calming brain chemical. Other foods can cut levels of cortisol and adrenaline, stress hormones that take a toll on the body over time – these can include dark chocolate, bananas, pears, pre and probiotics – such as kimchi, kombucha, slippery elm and Gum Arabic, natural yogurt and kefir.

Herbal remedies

Herbal Remedies

This blog has addressed some of the possible causes, reducing strategies and nutritional approaches to counteract the effects of stress. Herbal medicine is widely used as a relief for stress-related issues.

As a qualified professional herbalist, my aim apart from above mentioned is to provide patients with an integrated and holistic approach to health and wellbeing with the help of herbs and supplements to anxiety and stress

Dietary/herbal remedy mushrooms such as Reishi, Lions mane and Cordyceps (just to name a few) are used to improve emotional balance, to modify the body’s ability to resist stress.

Herbal tea: At times, it is not the drink itself but the feeling that is attached to the beverage that makes you feel comfortable.

There’s nothing a warm cup of tea can’t fix? It simply makes you feel calm and soothes the Vagus nerve (cranial nerve IX and affects the whole of your body).

That soothing effect of sipping a cup tea of with infused herbs - brings a satisfying sense of joy and peace.

Nutritional supplementation
Dietary vitamins from a good varied healthy diet is imperative for good health, brain health, and normal cognitive function. Vitamins and micronutrients play a significant role in maintaining homeostasis whilst the body is exposed to stress.

Let food be your medicine – before starting supplementation, improving your diet can have an important effect on your health
– a qualified medical herbalist can help you

Vitamins and nutrients beneficial to combat stress

Vitamin B - Research has provided some preliminary support that vitamin B supplementation might be able to reduce levels of anxiety and stress, improving psychological well-being. Good food sources of vitamin B:   legumes, leafy greens, seeds and fortified foods, such as breakfast cereal and nutritional yeast, poultry dairy, eggs, meat, fish and shellfish.

Vitamin C – According to some studies good levels of vitamin C can reduce levels of stress hormones while strengthening the immune system. One study of people with high blood pressure and elevated levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) returned to normal more rapidly with vitamin C supplementation. Good sources of vitamin C:  Citrus fruits are rich sources of Vitamin C, as are broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, green and red chilis, strawberries, and kiwi.

Magnesium - Low levels of magnesium may trigger headaches and fatigue, intensifying the effects of stress. One cup of spinach, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, almonds, avocado, salmon, apples, carrots, and bananas – just to name a few, helps you stock back up on magnesium.  Some of these foods are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids as well.
some oils include flaxseed and linseed, nuts - especially walnut, pecan and hazelnuts, soya, pumpkin, krill and algal oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids - Another dietary way to keep stress in check is to add naturally fatty fish to your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish such as salmon, herring, pilchards, sardines, mackerel and tuna, can prevent surges in stress hormones and may help protect against heart disease, depression, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For a healthy supply of feel-good omega-3s, aim to eat at least 3.5 ounces of fatty fish at least twice a week.  Purchase the seafood from licensed sources. This will ensure the seafood has been sourced, stored and inspected properly before it gets to the consumers. It is important to remember that the presence of toxic heavy metals in fish can invalidate their beneficial effects. Some heavy metals and their related chemical compounds dissolve easily in water, while others exist in particulate form. Hence, low amounts are present in water, soil and the seabed. At the clinic, we are also mindful of the sustainability of the fish. A good guide can be found here https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/

Other sources of omega 3s are soy, specifically walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts, however, all nuts are good sources of healthy fats and may help lower the cholesterol, help with the inflammation levels of your body; soya.

Potassium - Potassium may benefit stress levels by helping to regulate your blood pressure, amongst other things. Foods that are rich in potassium are important in managing high blood pressure (because potassium lessens the effects of sodium). The more potassium you eat, the more sodium you lose through urine – thus important not to overconsume at the same time.  Potassium also helps to ease tension in your blood vessel walls, which helps further lower blood pressure.
Foods high in potassium: apricots and apricot juice, avocados, low-fat milk, greens, halibut, some beans, molasses, mushrooms peas, prunes, raisins and dates as well as spinach.

Zinc – Research resources suggest that improved levels of zinc, possibly associated with concurrent oxidative stress, may cause lower levels of stress hormones and may help improve stress and anxiety symptoms. Zinc plays a part in modulating the brain and the body’s response to stress.

Food: Zinc is an essential mineral that may be lacking in modern processed and strict vegetarian diets, as major sources are meat, poultry, and oysters; dairy and eggs.
While beans and grains also contain zinc depending on the soils in which they are grown, phytates in grains, legumes, and nuts can interfere with its absorption.  Good vegetable sources of zinc include shiitake mushrooms, green peas, spinach, lima beans, lentil sprouts, asparagus, beet greens, broccoli, okra, and sweetcorn.

As a part of the treatment plan The Green Herbalist Clinic looks into your lifestyle, diet, and exercise levels; advises you on nutrition.
The clinic prescribes herbal remedies to be used alongside orthodox medicine, supplementation and other treatments.

 

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COLD HAND AND FEET?

Cold hands and feet?

How to get warm from the inside out? Try adding ginger to your diet!
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) is commonly used for nausea, digestive issues, cramping and bloating. It is also known to reduce the effects of colds, flu and coughs as well as fatigue.
However, this morning the effect that I was after was to warm up my fingers and toes during the early dog walk.
Ingested ginger gives you a warm glow in your stomach area and the warmth soon spread to the rest of the body including your hands and toes.
My preferred form is having ginger shots first thing in the morning after breakfast.
I simply liquidize an apple and 2.5cm (1in.) piece of ginger. I rinse the ginger and apple but do not take the skin off, as a lot of the nutrients are in the skin.
At times I cheat a little bit and use cloudy apple juice and a piece of shredded ginger. If you have circulatory issues, come and see a qualified medical herbalist (BSc Hons) and we can discuss how to improve the complaint.
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SUPPORT THE CHILD’S HEALTH THIS AUTUMN

BACK TO SCHOOL

The Green Herbalit Clinic Blog
Ideas for parents to help
their children keep healthy throughout the school year

Starting school (or going back to school) is a normally really exciting time and we want our children to enjoy starting school and to be ready to learn. Once you have sorted out the school uniform, got the correct rug sack (or a bag), all the necessary stationary and the all-important shoes – it is time to think about what the transition going back to school / going to a new school is like.

I am sure that we all remember being excited or a bit nervous about starting school in September.

Being “school ready” can be a mission in today’s terms; making sure that your child has strong social skills, individuality and independence of their own personal care and a desire to learn, are just some of the few characteristics needed to thrive in a school environment.

Here are some things that might be helpful


Hygiene

It’s no secret that washing little hands can help prevent the spread of bugs and germs. Good hand hygiene (washing your hands with soap) is one of your first defences against ‘bugs’ that cause health conditions. Remembering to talk about handwashing with soap and water, especially after a trip to the toilet goes a long way to preventing nasty tummy bugs. A great way to show how germs can linger and spread is by letting your little one cover their hands in paint (let’s pretend the paint is germs) and then try washing it all off… not as easy as it sounds!

Using a tissue to deal with sneezes, and runny noses (and there might be a lot of those) is good practice and in the absence of tissues – an excellent way to prevent a spread is sneezing into your elbow.


Diet and Nutrition

Your child’s diet is the foundation of health, well-being, and a strong immune system. A balanced and colourful plate full of all food groups provides all the macro and micronutrients necessary for optimal health

Although we are familiar with the food the children should eat, it is sometimes an uphill struggle with daily time limitations, intolerances and let’s not forget picky eaters! However, although your best efforts to ensure that they have a good foundation for health, it is easy to load up with saturated fats, sugars and carbohydrates and ignore the good groups. If after all your efforts, you feel that your child’s health is not in the best state; there are some good supplements that provide good body identical vitamin and mineral levels, in tablet, chewable or effervescent form. If the diet lack fish or good unsaturated fats – it is beneficial to supplement with Omega 3 fats. Good vitamin and mineral levels (in intermittent use) help nourish and support the growth, skin, eyes and immune system of your child, as well as support concentration and memory functions.

Digestive Upsets

Although digestive processes matured when your child reached 6-8 months their developing gut is still unfamiliar with various bacteria, viruses, food and environmental factors.
Some tips to mitigate any upset tummies would be to wash and cook food properly and to support their digestive functions with a healthy diet packed with fresh vegetables and fruit and yoghurt, some good lean protein and carbs.

The microbiome in the gut is a good balance of symbiotic microbial cells. They all contribute to successfully supporting our digestion and therefore our well-being. With gut-compromising elements and dehydration, it’s no wonder young children suffer from digestive upsets or constipation. To help maintain a healthy gastrointestinal population of the microbial cells in your child’s gut when faced with upsets, diet-based pre- and probiotics and adequate hydration are a must.

It is always important to remember that digestive upsets might be caused by bacterial infection and therefore warrant a visit to GPs.


Healthy Growing Bones

Bone health

Bones are the scaffolding that supports your child’s developing body. Far from being inert and idol, bones are living tissues that are constantly adapting to the demands of modern life, with old bone being removed and replaced in a process called ‘resorption’. It can be helpful to think of the skeletal system as a bank account. With your help and guidance, your child can make ‘deposits’ and ‘withdrawals’ of bone tissue. Nurturing your child’s ‘bone bank’ is similar to saving for their university education: the more they put away when they’re younger, the longer the nest egg will last as they get older.

Throughout childhood and adolescence, significantly more bone is deposited than withdrawn as the skeleton develops in both density and size. Bone mass (the amount of bone tissue in the skeleton) peaks in the late twenties. At this age, bones have reached their optimal density and strength. Approximately 90 per cent of peak bone mass is attained by the age of 18 in girls and 20 in boys, meaning childhood really is the best time to invest in bone health.

It’s possible that coughs, colds, and scraped knees will dominate the conversations you have about your child’s health – not bones. But, in truth, there’s no better time to start thinking about bone health than childhood. This stage of life will lay the foundation for your child’s skeletal system (in fact whole body including the immune system) in the coming years. You see, the lifestyle habits developed in youth can make, and literally break, bones as they age. Here’s everything you need to know about nourishing your child’s bones.

Factors that affect peak bone mass

Myriad factors will affect your child’s bone health as they grow – some you can influence, like nutrition and exercise, and others you can’t, like gender and hormones.

Gender

Typically, bone mass density is much greater in men than in women. Prior to puberty, boys and girls are on an equal playing field when it comes to bone mass. After puberty, however, boys will usually attain higher bone mass than their female counterparts.

Hormones

The sex hormones – oestrogen and testosterone – are vitally important in the development of bone mass. If a girl frequently misses her period, it may signal that she has lower bone density. On the other hand, those who start menstruating at an earlier age usually have higher bone density.

Promote exercise

Exercise is another powerful weapon to cultivate strong bones, providing the greatest benefits in the areas of the body that bear the most weight, such as the hips during running. Aerobic exercise will keep that bone density good. Children model themselves on us and that’s where we as adults can be role models by eating proper nutritious meals and having adequate exercise.

Just like muscles, bones get stronger the more work they do. And that’s why exercise needs to be a foundation of your child’s lifestyle. While any form of physical activity is great, such as  – dancing, tennis, running, walking, football, basketball, and hiking – is very beneficial for bone health. Ultimately, if you want to encourage your child to move more and sit less, a lifelong love of exercise is one of the best gifts you can give them. The NHS suggests children and young people (aged 5 to 18) should be active for at least 60 minutes every day

Running, jumping, cycling, kicking or throwing a ball are all great ways for your child to be active. The fact is that being physically active leads to strong muscles and bones, a healthy weight and normal cognitive function. An active lifestyle goes a long way in supporting mental well-being.

Motivating children to be energetic can be like pushing water up a hill, but there are fundamental rules you can follow to help engage your child. Choose age-appropriate activities. This might come in form of giving your child varied opportunities to be active; clubs, classes or playground visits, and above all focusing on FUN.

Ensure your child is eating enough

Eating too little can deprive the body of vitally important nutrients, wreak havoc with metabolism, and interfere with hormone production. Dropping into a calorie deficit can severely compromise bone health in childhood and adolescence.

Warn against smoking

Surprised to see this mentioned here. Don’t be. This very addictive habit often starts in adolescence. Beyond affecting heart and lung health, cigarette smoke threatens bone health, too. Data consistently reference links between smoking and an increased risk of fractures. One of the best things you can do as a parent is to warn your child against smoking. Don’t forget your lifestyle will also rub off on your children. Try to be expert role models and avoid smoking yourself – and certainly not in front of your kids.

Recipes - 

Recipe Ideas for even the fussiest of kids

It’s normal to be a little fussy about food when growing up, but that doesn’t make your life any easier. Getting the youngsters to choose their breakfast the night before could be the solution to those maddening mornings as you try to race out the door to get them to school on time. Starting the day with a nutritious and healthy meal will support concentration, mood and energy levels so don’t go half-hearted into this important chow time.


Overnight Oats Recipe

½ cup of oats
1 cup of milk

Then you can add any extra flavours you would like! One small cored and grated apple, 3 tablespoons of chia seeds, 1 tablespoon of nut butter, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Involve your little in the preparation and flavours.


Method

All you need to do is mix the oats and milk together and chill in the fridge overnight.
Serves 1 hungry child


Struggling with breakfast ideas?

Well, evidence suggests that a protein, fibre-rich start to the day will sustain your child’s morning right up to snack time. Try eggs on toast or homemade granola, adding dried fruits and nuts will add valuable fibre, porridge with a banana, and the occasional pancake will always put a smile on that cute little face. A trendy smoothie is also a fabulous way to ensure your child gets a nutritional power punch of goodness! You can even sneak in some of those dreaded green vegetables as they can be hidden by the taste of the fruit that kids love.


Homemade Granola Recipe

2 Cups of oats
½ cup of nuts / dried fruit
¼ cup of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
2-3 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of oil (whatever you have handy but preferably olive)

Optional Extras
½ teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon


Method

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Spread the mixture in a thin layer on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake until golden – This should have 15-20 mins. Check at regular intervals and mix to get even cooking.
Cool before serving and storing.
Keep in an airtight container and store in a dry, cool place for up to 2 weeks.


Chewy Energy Balls Recipe

50g oats
5 large pitted dates
3 Dried Apricots
4 tbsp smooth peanut butter (or any nut butter)
1 tbsp Chia Seeds
2 tbsp cacao/cocoa powder
1 tbsp sesame seeds


Method

Blitz all the ingredients to form a stiff dough (add a little more peanut butter if the mixture is too dry). Makes about 10 balls.
Place the mixture in the fridge to chill for 15-20 minutes.
Once chilled, divide the mixture into 10 portions using your hands or a scoop.
Roll each portion into a ball and set it aside. Scatter the sesame seeds on a large plate and roll each ball in them until covered.
The balls will keep in the fridge for up to a week (though don’t be surprised if they don’t last that long!).
 

Ideas to Liven up their lunchbox

Preparation is key to minimising stress levels (specifically yours) when it comes to the packed lunch. Variety is a challenge so planning the week’s lunch box in advance will take the pressure off. Make the lunch box up the night before, and perhaps include leftovers from the night’s meal. It’s key to remember to get all the food groups you can into their lunch box. Take a look at our Wholefoods range for some great lunchbox additions.

Focus on fresh vegetables, fruit and healthy fats like the ones found in nuts and seeds, and carbohydrates such as wholegrain bread. Whatever you decide goes into that box, colour, flavour and variety will gain you brownie points and most importantly a happy child.

Egg Muffins

2 eggs
A handful of chopped veggies, meats or cheese


Method

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
Whisk the eggs and add the veggies, meat and cheese – The options are endless.
Divide the mixture into a lined cupcake or muffin tin.
Bake for about 10-15 mins.

Nutrition (vitamins and minerals important to health)

The best way to ensure your child receives enough vitamins and minerals for healthy growth and development is to provide a wide variety of fresh foods from the five food groups including whole grain bread and cereals, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and legumes, and dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.

Cram in calcium

Yes, the well-worn cliché rings true: calcium is delicious bone food. Alongside being a building block of your child’s skeleton, this mineral is needed for nearly every biological function. Calcium’s movement and regulation of calcium ions (Ca2+) in (via the gut) and out (via the gut and kidneys) of the body, and between body compartments: the blood plasma, the extracellular and intracellular fluids, and bone, depending on dietary intake / and the level of the body’s needs of calcium. A long-term low intake can result in this can make the bones soft, brittle, porous, and prone to breakages. Good calcium source is dairy: milk, yoghurt, and cheese (side note: ripe cheese is a rich source of the bone-bolstering nutrient vitamin K, too). But if your child cannot or won’t eat dairy products, fear not. Dark leafy green veggies (kale, broccoli, and spinach), canned fish (salmon, sardines, and tuna), almonds, seeds, beans, and lentils also deliver a tasty amount of calcium. To ensure your child is getting enough of this bone-bolstering mineral, try serving a portion of calcium-rich food at every mealtime.

Vital vitamin D

Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body and without adequate levels of vitamin D, even a good calcium-rich diet. These bone-building nutrients work in tandem to keep bones strong and healthy: calcium strengthens bone, and vitamin D supports the proper absorption and utilisation of calcium. Ultimately, intake of calcium and vitamin D must be optimal to fully realise the impact of each nutrient on your bones. That’s why you need to encourage your child to get as much vitamin D as possible. From late April to September, it’s possible for your little one to get enough vitamin D from 15-minutes of direct sunlight each day (if they’re spending any more time in the sun, be sure to whip out the sun cream!). When natural sunlight isn’t so readily available in winter, encourage them to eat more vitamin-D-rich foods, such as oily fish (salmon, trout, mackerel, and herring), some pork products, eggs, mushrooms, and fortified foods like orange juice, bread, and milk. Alternatively, you could add a vitamin D supplement that packs 10mcg to your child’s diet.

Little is mentioned of the third nutrient hero in bone health; magnesium. What is for sure is that adequate levels of this mineral are essential for the absorption of vitamin D and calcium. Magnesium helps convert vitamin D into its active form which in turn assists the uplift of calcium. You can support your child’s active lifestyle beginnings by including leafy green vegetables, whole grains and nuts, to name a few, in their diet.

Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is a building block of happy, healthy bones. A well-balanced diet delivering optimal levels of magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, and omega-3 is essential, too.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E strengthens the body's immune system. It also helps keep blood vessels clear and flowing well and helps with the development of healthy skin and eyes. Vegetable oils such as sunflower and safflower oils, as well as nuts and seeds including almonds, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds, are excellent vitamin E sources.

Iron
Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.

You get Iron from eating red meats and other animal products that are high in iron. Non-meat sources of iron include dark green leafy veggies (spinach, collard greens, kale) and beans such as kidney, navy, lima, and soy.

Vitamin A
You need vitamin A for eyesight, healthy skin, growth, development and good immune function. You get vitamin A from the liver, meat, milk, eggs, and orange fruit and vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
You get vitamin B1 from fish, meat, yeast extracts (like Vegemite), wholegrain bread and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin B1 helps release energy from foods so that the nervous system and muscles work properly.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 helps release energy from food. You get vitamin B2 from milk, yoghurt, meat, cheese, yeast extracts, eggs, wholegrain bread and fortified breakfast cereals.

Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Vitamin B3 helps release energy from food. You get Vitamin B3 from meat, fish, chicken, nuts and yeast extracts.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 releases energy from protein and helps with red blood cell production and brain function. You get vitamin B6 from meat, fish, wholegrain foods, vegetables and nuts.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 helps with red blood cell production and promotes growth. You get vitamin B12 from animal foods including meat, fish, eggs and milk, and also from some fortified breakfast cereals.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C builds collagen and helps you fight infections and absorb iron from food. It also keeps teeth, bones and gums healthy. You can lose some vitamin C when you cook food. You get vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruit, kiwi fruit, capsicums and potatoes.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps maintain healthy skin and eyes and strengthens the body's natural defence against illness and infection (the immune system). You get vitamin E from sunflower and canola oils, margarine, seeds and nuts.

Vitamin K
The healthy bacteria in your gut also make vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for helping your blood clot. You get vitamin K from green leafy vegetables like broccoli and spinach, and also from eggs and beans.

Folate (folic acid)
Getting enough folate before and during pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects. Cooking and processing food – for example, as part of the tinning process – reduce the amount of folate in food.  You get folate from green leafy vegetables, liver, legumes and wholegrain bread and cereals. Folate helps you absorb protein and form new blood cells and DNA.

Minerals and how to get them

Here’s a list of the minerals you and your family need and how to get them.

Calcium
You get calcium from dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt, fish with edible bones, like sardines and salmon, tofu and some green leafy vegetables, like kale and Bok choy. Calcium builds strong bones and teeth.

Iodine
You get iodine from seafood, vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil, iodised salt and bread made with iodised salt. Most bakery and supermarket bread is made with iodised salt, which will give most people enough iodine. Iodine is essential for normal growth and tissue development and helps control the ways your cells make energy and use oxygen. Pregnant women need higher levels of iodine.

Iron
You get iron from meat, liver, chicken, seafood, dried beans, egg yolks and fortified breakfast cereal. Iron is especially important for brain function and red blood cell production, and it also helps carry oxygen around the body.

Zinc
You get zinc from meat, chicken, seafood, milk, seeds, tofu and wholegrain cereals. Zinc helps with growth, wound healing and immune system function.

Other essential minerals include phosphorus, magnesium, copper, manganese and chromium.

 

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STRONGER GUT AND IMMUNE SYSTEM

How your diet can aid your immune system 

The dark nights, lack of sleep, and ongoing stress cause the body to increase levels of cortisol and other hormones connected to hunger. There are many studies that support the fact that hormone tsunami due to various stressors increases appetite — along with your desire for sugary and fatty foods. 

Never before has grabbing an on-the-go sub, microwave meal or takeaway been more available. Although fast food or even supermarket readymade foods fill you up, sometimes the vitamins and minerals, nutrients your body needs to work properly and stay healthy are not as readily available as if you cook everything fresh.
The result: we are on our way to becoming an overfed yet undernourished nation. The highly processed, modern diets do lack nutrients, have high salt contents and sometimes hidden transfat can hijack the immune system.
Cleaning up your eating habits and following a mainly unprocessed, wholefood diet is one of the best interventions to support your immune function.  Good nutrition can help the sleep problems and also curb the side effects of stress.

The gut and the immune system aren’t separate entities operating in isolation as it is the whole body works interdependently. They have a multifaceted and deep-rooted relationship. I.E Each of our body systems are interconnected and dependent on each other. Our heart, which is part of our circulatory system, does not beat unless our brain, which is part of our nervous system, tells it to. Our skeletal system is dependent on our digestive system for an increase in size and strength. Remarkably, 70-80% of immune activity takes place in the gut (3). And so,  feeding the bugs that live in your gut – collectively known as the ‘microbiome’ – means you’ll be supporting your immune system. Nourishing your gut may prompt you to do a ‘spring clean’ of your life, re-evaluating your eating habits, stress levels and sleep hygiene.

What are ‘whole foods?

Whole foods educate the immune system to work better. The nutritional 'cooked from fresh' foods are minimally processed, in as close to their natural form as possible, and immediately identifiable (fruit looks like a fruit, for instance). Conversely, highly processed foods comprise refined carbs, unhealthy fats, free sugars, and salt. They’re also often woefully poor sources of dietary fibre, micronutrients and protein. As such, try to fix healthy meals using real, whole food ingredients: fish, meat, eggs, whole grains, legumes, plenty of vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and plenty of fresh herbs and spices. Eating this way ensures every calorie you consume is jam-packed with goodness.

Broccoli vs. biscuits

Unlike a refined biscuit, which offers some nutritional value, broccoli lives up to its superfood reputation. This crunchy cruciferous vegetable's route down to the digestive tract, not only feeds your gut bacteria, but also supports immune function, has a good amount of fibre, and micronutrients and bestows various health benefits along the way. it’s no contest, really.
The five-ingredient rule, although important it is a good idea not to become obsessed with counting calories. Instead, be an ingredient 'sleuth' and live by this rule: limit your intake of shop-bought food products that contain more than five ingredients.
By reducing your consumption of these foods, you’ll default to a healthier way of eating. Consider this: even though an avocado may have more calories than a fizzy drink, you can guess what’s healthier (…and which has more ingredients)?
Allow for the occasional treat. Of course, we understand you may still be tempted by the allure of processed food, especially if you’re tired, working late, or at a social event. That’s fine, on occasion. Whatever the reason, accept this is a one-off and simply enjoy the pleasure of indulging. Just acknowledge that tomorrow is another day to get back on track with healthy whole foods.
- Try to remove all highly processed food from your house. Out of sight, out of mind, right? If you’ve purged your kitchen of highly processed foods, you’ll be less likely to stray.

Write a meal planner. Old school, but extremely helpful. When doing your weekly shop, buy the ingredients you need according to the meal planner.
Have a protein-dense breakfast to promote satiety. Protein helps you stay fuller for longer and prevents those mid-morning energy dips that can 
leave you hankering for unhealthy treats. This is also useful in keeping the cost of food down, especially now that the cost of living has gone up a lot.
Keep an emergency snack pack with you at all times. Stash some nuts, dried fruit, oatcakes or homemade protein bars in your office, car and rucksack for when those food cravings beckon.
Keep frozen fruit and veggies in the house at all times. Perfect for smoothies, snacks, or bulking-out meals.
Develop a repertoire of five simple meals you can quickly whip up. Flick through your favourite recipe books, browse food blogs, and pinch ideas from social media. Find five healthy recipes to form your kitchen mainstays.
Keep pre-chopped garlic and onion in the fridge or freezer. An excellent base for soups, stews, curries and much more. Plus, another incentive is to cook healthy meals. Use Sunday roast vegetables to make delicious 'Bubble and Squeak.
Make your kitchen an appealing environment. Keep it tidy, play your favourite music, adorned it with flowers and plants, display colourful cookbooks, or organise your pantry with beautiful glass jars. Do whatever you need to make the prospect of cooking in your kitchen fun and desirable.

Essential nutrients for your immune system

Besides making an effort to un-process your diet, there are certain foods you should try to eat in abundance thanks to their unique role in immunity. Indeed, like any fighting force, your immune system needs proper nutrition and fuel. To supercharge your natural defences, pack more of these powerhouses into your daily regime.

Microbiome diversity Historically, gut bugs were viewed as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Thankfully, we now understand this approach is far too binary and oversimplified. In truth, a healthy gut microbiome is diverse. Think of your gut bug community as a factory with specialist workers carrying out essential duties to keep you alive. For optimal health, you need to ensure all departments are sufficiently staffed. That’s why hiring a diverse workforce is so paramount.

Modern life’s attack on gut health Sadly, gut health and modern life are at odds with one another. Over the years, the trappings of modernity – highly processed food, psychological stress, over-exercising, a lack of sleep, and much more – have devastated our gut populations. Because the microbiome acts as a critical player in the body’s defence against the outside world, we need to repopulate our gut bacteria.

Eat the rainbow Eating a varied, colourful and fibre-rich diet is one of the simplest ways to transform your gut population. A diverse menu means a diverse microbiome. By increasing the number of foods you eat from all six plant-based groups – vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds – you can increase your intake of fibre. In turn, this may encourage the growth of happy and assorted bugs in your gut. Eating the rainbow can promote such diversity. The different colours in plant foods are known as phytonutrients. The more colours you eat, the more variety of these powerful nutrients you’ll be getting, and the healthier your gut will be.

Did you know? In a study on a Tanzanian hunter-gatherer tribe known as the Hadza, researchers found the Western gut microbiome is around 50% less diverse than theirs (4). amazingly, these tribespeople have access to over 8,000 different plant foods and, on average, eat 2,000 of these throughout their lifetimes.

The three k’s Fermented foods are all the rage these days. But don’t be so quick to pooh-pooh them as just ‘another wellness craze’. Traditionally, fermentation was used as a means of preserving food. But the benefits of fermentation extend far beyond this. Fermentation enhances the natural, beneficial bacteria in food. And these bacteria are widely touted to support gut health. For an extra dose of gut-loving goodness, try to increase your intake of fermented foods. The three k’s are a great place to start: kombucha (fermented tea), kefir (fermented milk), and kimchi (fermented cabbage). To further enhance the microbiome eat foods such as onions, garlic, leeks, artichokes, bananas, okra, cauliflower, broccoli and chicory root.

Many of my patients have started using these and now have a well-working gut and good microbiome to support it.

Chicory root Derived from the dandelion family, chicory root may play a particularly important role in maintaining normal intestinal health. Chicory root contains a specific type of soluble fibre called Fructo-oligosaccharide, otherwise known as FOS. Beyond feeding the healthy bacteria in your gut, soluble fibre also draws moisture into the gut and therefore, may support regularity.

Adequate rest and lowered stress levels are essential to fuel and care for the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

Don’t over-exercise. 

Does drinking water boost your immune system?

Water truly is the fountain of health. About 60% of the human body comprises water; no wonder we can only last a few days without it. Drinking enough each day helps to stave off dehydration, which is crucial for your overall well-being. Dehydration hinders physical performance, along with digestion, kidney, and heart function. And these complications can increase your susceptibility to infection (1).
Try to drink at least 1.5 litres or eight glasses of water every day – more if you’re active. A simple rule of thumb is to look at your urine: aim for a colour that resembles light yellow to transparent. 
Not all drinks are equal in keeping the body hydrated. Although fizzy drinks, juice, tea, and coffee are ostensibly hydrating, they don’t quite pack the nutritional punch water does. Juice and fizzy drinks are full of calories and high in sugar. And caffeinated beverages, like tea and coffee, are diuretics, which means they cause the body to lose fluids. Why not swap your third coffee for a hydrating and healing herbal tea?
Tips to guzzle more water Have two glasses of water as soon as you wake up in the morning. Set an alarm every hour to get up from your desk and drink a glass of water
Add lemon, orange slices, mint or cucumber for flavour Buy a 600ml reusable water bottle: have one finished by lunchtime and another by the end of work, then top yourself up by dinner.

 

 

References: Popkin. B, D’Anci. K, Rosenberg. I. Water, hydration, and health. Nutrition Reviews. 2010;68(8):439-458.

Kim HS. et al., Stimulatory Effect of ??-glucans on Immune Cells. Immune Netw. 2011 Aug;11(4):191-5.

Vighj, Allergy;153:3-6.

Schnorr S. et al., Gut microbiome of the Hadza hunter-gatherers. Nature Communications. 2014;5(1).

Nature’s Best

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IMMUNE BOOSTING SMOOTHIE

  • Handful of nuts
  • 1/4 avocado
  • 1 to 2 tbsp. chia seeds
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • handful of spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small piece of cucumber
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 2 cups unsweetened nut milk / plain yoghurt
  • 1cm piece of ginger
  • Tip of green chilli
  • Additionally ½ banana / or frozen berries

Directions: Add all the ingredients in a good quality blender (for smooth results).The essential oils in the mint leaves will cool your and help rehydrate you naturally when you’re feeling under the weather. Steep some peppermint tea and store it in the fridge.

GIFT YOURSELF A HERBAL MEDICINE CONSULTATION 

https://www.thegreenherbalistclinic.com/book-a-session

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Recipe for an immune-boosting bitters

 Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 1 oz. dried astragalus root
  • 1 oz. dried angelica root
  • 1/2 oz. dried chamomile
  • 1 tsp. dried ginger
  • 1 tsp. dried orange peel
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp. cardamom seeds
  • 10 oz. alcohol (recommended: 100 proof vodka)

Directions

1. Dissolve the honey in 2 teaspoons of boiling water. Let cool.

2. Combine the honey and the next 7 ingredients in a Mason jar and pour alcohol on top.

3. Seal tightly and store the bitters in a cool, dark place.

4. Let the bitters infuse until the desired strength is reached. It’ll take about 2–4 weeks. Shake the jars regularly (about once per day).

5. When ready, strain the bitters through a muslin cheesecloth or coffee filter. Store the strained bitters in an airtight container at room temperature.

How to use it: Mix this bitters into hot tea or take a few drops first thing when you wake up for protection during cold and flu season.

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DOES WATER INTAKE AND DIET BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM?

 Water truly is the fountain of health. About 60% of the human body comprises of water; no wonder we can only last a few days without it. Drinking enough each day helps to stave off dehydration, which is crucial for your overall wellbeing. Dehydration hinders physical performance, along with digestion, kidney, and heart function. And these complications can increase your susceptibility to infection (1).

Try to drink at least 1.5 litres or eight glasses of water every day – more if you’re active. A simple rule of thumb is to look at your urine: aim for a colour that resembles light yellow to transparent.

Not all drinks are created equal Nothing beats good old-fashioned water. Although fizzy drinks, juice, tea, and coffee are ostensibly hydrating, they don’t quite pack the nutritional punch water does. Juice and fizzy drinks are full of calories and high in sugar. And caffeinated beverages, like tea and coffee, are diuretics, which means they cause the body to lose fluids. Why not swap your third coffee for a hydrating herbal tea?

Tips to guzzle more water Have two glasses of water as soon as you wake up in the morning

Set an alarm every hour to get up from your desk and drink a glass of water

Add lemon, orange slices, mint or cucumber for flavour

Buy a 600ml reusable water bottle: have one finished by lunchtime and another by the end of work, then top yourself up by dinner.

Your diet and your immune system

Never before has grabbing an on-the-go sub, microwave meal or take-away been more appealing or available. The result: we’ve become an overfed yet undernourished nation. The truth is highly processed, modern diets conspire to hijack the immune system. Cleaning up your eating 

What are ‘wholefoods’? Wholefoods educate the immune system. These nutritional nuggets are minimally processed, in as close to their natural form as possible, and immediately identifiable (fruit looks like fruit, for instance). Conversely, highly processed foods comprise of refined carbs, unhealthy fats, free sugars, and salt. They’re also woefully poor sources of dietary fibre, micronutrients and protein. As such, try to fix healthy meals using real, wholefood ingredients: fish, meat, eggs, whole grains, legumes, plenty of vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and plenty of fresh herbs and spices. Eating this way ensures every calorie you consume is crammed with goodness.

Broccoli vs. biscuits Unlike a refined biscuit, which offers zilch nutritional value, broccoli lives up to its superfood reputation. This crunchy cruciferous veggie traverses down to the digestive tract, feeding your gut bugs, supporting immune function and bestowing various health benefits along the way. it’s no contest, really.

The five-ingredient rule Don’t become obsessed with counting calories. Instead, be an ingredient sleuth and live by this rule: limit your intake of shop-bought food products that contain more than five ingredients. By reducing your consumption of these foods, you’ll default to a healthier way of eating. Consider this: even though an avocado may have more calories than a fizzy drink, you can guess what’s healthier (…and which has more ingredients)?

Allow for the occasional treat Of course, we understand you may still be tempted by the allure of processed food, especially if you’re tired, working late, or at a social event. That’s fine, on occasion. Whatever the reason, accept this is a one-off and simply enjoy the pleasure of indulging. Just acknowledge that tomorrow is another day to get back on track with healthy wholefoods.

Tips to eat more wholefoods Try to remove all highly processed food from your house. Out of sight, out of mind, right? If you’ve purged your kitchen of highly processed foods, you’ll be less likely to stray.

Write a meal planner. Old school, but extremely helpful. When doing your weekly shop, buy the ingredients you need according to the meal planner.

Have a protein-dense breakfast to promote satiety. Protein helps you stay fuller for longer and prevents those mid-morning energy dips that can leave you hankering for unhealthy treats.

Keep an emergency snack pack with you at all times. Stash some nuts, dried fruit, oatcakes or homemade protein bars in your office, car and rucksack for when those food cravings beckon.

Keep frozen fruit and veggies in the house at all times. Perfect for smoothies, snacks, or bulking out meals.

Develop a repertoire of five simple meals you can quickly whip up. Flick through your favourite recipe books, browse food blogs, and pinch ideas from social media. Find five healthy recipes to form your kitchen mainstays.

Keep pre-chopped garlic and onion in the fridge. An excellent base for soups, stews, curries and much more. Plus, another incentive to cook healthy meals. (Because the thought of chopping onions and garlic isn’t always the most exciting.)

Make your kitchen an appealing environment. Keep it tidy, play your favourite music, adorn with flowers and plants, display colourful cookbooks, or organise your pantry with beautiful glass jars. Do whatever you need to make the prospect of cooking in your kitchen fun and desirable.

Essential nutrients for your immune system

Besides making an effort to un-process your diet, there are certain foods you should try to eat in abundance thanks to their unique role in immunity. Indeed, like any fighting force, your immune system needs proper nutrition and fuel. To supercharge your natural defences, pack more of these powerhouses into your daily regime.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin C When you think immunity, you often think vitamin C. A, vitamin C is widely known for contributing to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin C is an essential vitamin. This means your body can’t produce it; you need to obtain it from your diet.

Eat it: Vitamin C-rich foods, such as broccoli, peppers, kiwi fruits and, of course, everyone’s sickbed essential: oranges. A word of caution: cooking can quickly destroy the nutritional credentials of this powerhouse; serving raw is always favourable.

Zinc Involved in hundreds of processes in the body, zinc is a critically important mineral for health. Crucially, zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Beyond this, zinc also contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, which is a physical barrier against infection.

Eat it: Shellfish, beans, whole grains and nuts and seeds are rich sources of zinc. Did you know oysters are unusually high in zinc, delivering a staggering 32mg in 6 medium oysters?

Beta-carotene/Vitamin A Hailed as one of the most extraordinary antioxidants, beta-carotene is a popular choice for many reasons. Once consumed, the body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A according to its needs. Amongst its credentials, vitamin A helps maintain the normal function of the immune system and the skin. As we’ve already mentioned, the skin is an important component of your body natural defences.

Eat it: Beta-carotene is responsible for the vibrant yellow, red and orange hues of some fruit and veggies. While carrots are often revered for their beta-carotene content, sweet potatoes, squash, cantaloupe melon, red and yellow peppers, and apricots are also good sources. Aside from foods rich in beta-carotene, you can also obtain vitamin A directly from animal sources, like oily fish, liver, cheese and butter.

Vitamin D Synthesised when sunlight directly hits the skin, vitamin D serves an array of vital functions in the body. Perhaps one of the most important is its role in immunity, as vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune and healthy inflammatory response. Indeed, low vitamin D levels are increasingly implicated in many health conditions. Worryingly, our modern ‘indoor’ lives and cloudy climate mean low levels of vitamin D are widespread amongst the UK population.

Eat it: Undoubtedly, the best way to obtain vitamin D is from sunlight. But you can also find small amounts of the ‘sunshine nutrient’ in salmon, sardines, egg yolks, prawns and fortified foods, like cereal, yoghurt, milk and orange juice. If you don’t get enough sun exposure and have a limited intake of these foods, then consider a supplement. The Department of Health recommends a 10μg (400iu) supplement of vitamin D for everyone during the winter months.

Iron Iron and immunity are intimately linked. As well as supporting the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, iron also contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Changes in your iron status can affect the body’s immune defences in various ways, and so it’s crucial to ensure a regular and plentiful intake of this mineral.

Eat it: Meat, liver, beans, nuts, whole grains, dried fruit and dark green leafy veggies are excellent sources of iron. Top tip: vegetarians should try to achieve more than the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) of 14mg per day, as plant-based (non-haem) iron is less readily absorbed than the form found in animal foods (haem iron). Women who lose a lot of blood during their monthly period are at a higher risk of iron deficiency and may need to consider supplementation.

Selenium Though a little under-the-radar, the trace mineral, selenium, deserves a mention in any discussions on immune health. Selenium forms an integral part of the free radical scavenging enzyme Glutathione Peroxidase, which serve a vital natural antioxidant function in the body. As such, selenium has become a popular choice for its role in contributing to the normal function of the immune system.

Eat it: Organ meats, seafood and Brazil nuts are some of the richest food sources of selenium. Did you know a single Brazil nut can deliver an impressive 68 to 91μg of selenium, depending on its place of origin? This means eating just one nut may pack the NRV of 60μg (women) 75μg (men)!

Vitamin K2 Vitamin K2 is a rising star with scientists, whose findings suggest this nutrient may play a critical role in immune health. Crucially, vitamin K2 is essential for optimal vitamin D intake, which – as we’ve established – is important for immunity. The problem is vitamin K2 isn’t widely available in our modern diets. Although less readily absorbed in the body, vitamin K1 is far easier to attain through dietary sources.

Eat it: You can find vitamin K2 in cheese, egg yolks, butter, liver and some fermented foods, like sauerkraut.

B vitamins This family of potent vitamins – niacin, vitamin B6, biotin, folic acid and vitamin B12 – all contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Often dubbed the ‘energy vitamins’, many of the B vitamins are central to normal energy metabolism, supporting a reduction in tiredness and fatigue, and thereby supporting immune health.

Eat it: Harness the power of B vitamins by increasing your intake of whole grains, dark leafy green vegetables, dairy and meat.

Best foods for your immune system

Ginger Famous for its zingy, spicy and warming properties, ginger is an excellent addition to your pantry. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, this herb is often recommended for the normal function of the immune system.

Eat it: You can destroy the active ingredients in ginger, zingerone and gingerol, through cooking and preservation. Where possible, enjoy this root raw. You could kick-start the day with a refreshing ginger juice shot or adding slices to herbal tea.

Garlic The base of any stew, soup and curry, garlic has long been used to support immune function. Whole garlic contains a compound called alliin; when it’s chewed or crushed, alliin transforms into allicin (with a ’c’), which is the main active ingredient in this nutritional powerhouse.

Eat it: Heat can deactivate the allicin content in garlic. But if you can’t stomach it raw, you can still maximise the benefits by crushing cloves and letting them stand for 10 minutes before cooking. Try to use garlic liberally in cooking too – certainly more than one clove per meal. (Yes, it’s worth the garlic breath!)

Echinacea A plant native to North American, echinacea is commonly found growing as a cultivated flower in UK gardens. Echinacea is a traditional herbal remedy used for the relief of common cold and influenza type symptoms.

Drink it: Why not attempt to grow echinacea in your garden or balcony? With its pink, daisy-esque flowers, this beautiful perennial will add a delightful pop of colour. Once in bloom, you can try your hand at making fresh echinacea tea.

Beta-Glucans Beta-Glucans are a type of fibre found in the cell walls of specific yeasts. Research purports this fibre may support immunity by activating particular immune responses and increasing the function of natural killer cells, which are powerful protective agents against pathogens (2).

Eat it: You can find naturally occurring beta-glucans in cereal grains, like barley, wheat and oats. Some fungi – maitake, shiitake and reishi mushrooms, for instance – also contain concentrations of beta-glucans. those that have demonstrated promise in supporting immunity, however, are most commonly found in bakers yeast.

How do I strengthen my gut and immune system?

 The gut and the immune system aren’t separate entities operating in isolation. They have a multifaceted and deep-rooted relationship. Remarkably, 70-80% of immune activity takes place in the gut (3). And so, 

feeding the bugs that live in your gut – collectively known as the ‘microbiome’ – means you’ll be supporting your immune system. Nourishing your gut may prompt you to do a ‘spring clean’ of your life, re-evaluating your eating habits, stress levels and sleep hygiene.

Microbiome diversity Historically, gut bugs were viewed as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Thankfully, we now understand this approach is far too binary and oversimplified. In truth, a healthy gut microbiome is diverse. Think of your gut bug community as a factory with specialist workers carrying out essential duties to keep you alive. For optimal health, you need to ensure all departments are sufficiently staffed. That’s why hiring a diverse workforce is so paramount.

Modern life’s attack on gut health Sadly, gut health and modern life are at odds with one and other. Over the years, the trappings of modernity – highly processed food, psychological stress, over-exercising, a lack of sleep, and much more – have devastated our gut populations. Because the microbiome acts as a critical player in the body’s defence against the outside world, we need to repopulate our gut bacteria.

Eat the rainbow Eating a varied, colourful and fibre-rich diet is one of the simplest ways to transform your gut populations. A diverse menu means a diverse microbiome. By increasing the number of foods you eat from all six plant-based groups – vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds – you can increase your intake of fibre. In turn, this may encourage the growth of happy and assorted bugs in your gut. Eating the rainbow can promote such diversity. The different colours in plant foods are known as phytonutrients. The more colours you eat, the more variety of these powerful nutrients you’ll be getting, and the healthier your gut will be.

Did you know? In a study on a Tanzanian hunter-gatherer tribe known as the Hadza, researchers found the Western gut microbiome is around 50% less diverse than theirs (4). amazingly, these tribespeople have access to over 8,000 different plant foods and, on average, eat 2,000 of these throughout their lifetimes.

The three k’s Fermented foods are all the rage these days. But don’t be so quick to pooh-pooh them as just ‘another wellness craze’. Traditionally, fermentation was used as a means of preserving food. But the benefits of fermentation extend far beyond this. Fermentation enhances the natural, beneficial bacteria in food. And these bacteria are widely touted to support gut health. For an extra dose of gut-loving goodness, try to increase your intake of fermented foods. The three k’s are a great place to start: kombucha (fermented tea), kefir (fermented milk), and kimchi (fermented cabbage).

Feed your gut bugs To look after yourself, you need to look after your gut health. Microbiota-accessible carbohydrates (MACs) are complex carbohydrates your gut bugs enjoy feasting on. Once broken down and digested, your gut bugs create various by-products, including short-chain fatty acids, or SCFAs, which are vital for many healthy responses in the body. The problem is Western diets are relatively low in MACs. To feed your hungry gut bugs, increase your intake of these healthy foods: onions, garlic, leeks, artichokes, bananas, okra, cauliflower, broccoli and chicory root.
Chicory root Derived from the dandelion family, chicory root may play a particularly important role in maintaining normal intestinal health. Chicory root contains a specific type of soluble fibre called Fructo-oligosaccharide, otherwise known as FOS. Beyond feeding the healthy bacteria in your gut, soluble fibre also draws moisture into the gut and therefore, may support regularity.

Other gut-loving tips

Lower stress. As with many aspects of health, stress can also compromise your gut microbiome.

Get quality sleep every night.

Adequate rest is essential fuel for the bugs living in your gut. Start prioritising it!

Don’t over-exercise. 

Working out excessively can negatively impact your gut microbiome. Exercise most days a week moderately.

References: Popkin. B, D’Anci. K, Rosenberg. I. Water, hydration, and health. Nutrition Reviews. 2010;68(8):439-458.

Kim HS. et al., Stimulatory Effect of ??-glucans on Immune Cells. Immune Netw. 2011 Aug;11(4):191-5.

Vighj, Allergy;153:3-6.

Schnorr S. et al., Gut microbiome of the Hadza hunter-gatherers. Nature Communications. 2014;5(1).

Nature’s Best

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IMPROVE YOUR CIRCULATION

Hearthealth

Making an adjustment is an important part of living with heart disease or trying to prevent it.
A jump in blood pressure or cholesterol is a sign that some changes healthy lifestyle changes are needed.

Some people manage to change their exercise patterns, diet, and unhealthy habits with ease. The rest of us try to make changes but don't always succeed. Therefore, as an alternative to a total overhaul, it is a lot better to make a series of small changes. Once you get going, you may find that change isn't so hard.

Diet: The importance of eating a well-balanced, nutritionally complex diet is the main thing to keep the circulatory system (and the rest of the body) working and it does not ask for much in return. The body needs clean, colourful, circulatory-friendly food, making it also easier to maintain homeostasis.

Following a mainly whole food diet – with as few minimally processed ingredients as possible – is one of the best ways to support circulatory health. You can check the BBC's article about ultra-processed food. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/what_is_ultra-processed_food).

Fill up on fibre: Fibre is important for circulatory health; with a growing amount of scientific data suggesting regular consumption of high-fibre diet may support cardiovascular function. The recommended daily intake of fiber varies between 25 to 38 grams per day. Some experts estimate as much as 95 percent of the population is not getting enough fiber. In cases of illnesses such as IBS - high-fibre food might not be suitable. Part of the high fiber diet plans could include: Wholegrain low sugar/salt breakfast cereals, whole wheat pasta, wholegrain bread and oats, barley and rye; fruit such as berries, pears, apples melon and oranges; vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn; peas, beans and pulses, nuts and seeds and potatoes with skin.

Exercise: The body and especially blood circulation loves movement. A regular exercise regime makes the circulatory system more robust and flexible. Physical activity can help with improved muscle tone. Exercise can help to regulate blood pressure by lowering the resting heart rate and reducing visceral fat. The better and more resilient the circulatory system is, the it is to improve movement and increase the athletic performance.

Prepare to sweat: Cardiovascular (aerobic) activity is often held up as the heart-healthiest exercise. Research suggests pulse-raisers may reduce ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol, help lower blood pressure and maintain optimal weight. Remember that exercise does not have to look like a traditional exercise, yoga sessions, gardening, housework and dancing are also good forms of activity.

Aim for 10,000 steps: Deceptively simple, upping the step count to 10,000 a day is one of the best ways to get the blood pumping around the circulatory system. There are plenty of ways to increase the step count: walk to work, get off the bus three stops earlier or take a brisk walk during the lunch break.

Of course, steps are not the only important consideration here; the pace is important too. For the ultimate blood circulation workout, walk briskly at a rate that makes you feel slightly breathless. Recent research shows that high levels of exercise can lessen some cardiovascular risks. Yet even for people with high levels of activity, there seems to be a threshold of around 10 hours of sitting - inactivity, can hinder cardiovascular health.

Inactivity has consequences: The heart is a muscle; it needs regular physical exercise to make it bigger and stronger. When active (exercising), the lungs can better oxygenate the blood, and take the nutrients and other beneficial substances around the body enabling it to reach all the cells and tissues of the body. But when sedentary, fatty and toxic materials can begin to cause inflammation and clog the arteries and compromise circulatory health. Lack of oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause poor blood circulation, muscle pain, numbness in the legs, cramps, skin discoloration, muscular weakness, slower nail and hair growth and erectile dysfunction.

Lifestyle tips: While a healthy diet and robust exercise regime will undoubtedly work wonders for the circulatory system, admittedly, it can only do part of the work. The lifestyle factors such as smoking or overindulging in alcohol may undo all the hard work. But it is not just a case of cutting out bad habits; another beneficial way to help the mental health and body systems can come from adding new routines to the daily routine, like dry brushing or a cold morning shower. Aim to have a good 7-8 hours of sleep, enjoy the company of your friends, and laugh a lot. 

Water: Water makes up about 60 percent of the body weight. Every cell, tissue and organ in the body needs water to work properly. Water can help to clear out wastes through urination, perspiration and bowel movements. Water also helps to keep the temperature normal, and water lubricates and cushions the joints (including the disks in your spine); it is also critical for heart health. Staying hydrated – helps the heart do its job.

Dehydration can occur when the body loses more fluid through sweating, illness, fever or urination from the consumption of food and water. Dehydration can negatively affect the body's organs and bodily functions, including the heart and cardiovascular system.

When dehydrated the blood volume - or the amount of blood circulating through the body, decreases. To compensate, the heart beats faster, increasing the heart rate and blood pressure.  Also, dehydration can affect blood flow.  The blood retains more sodium, thickening the blood and making it harder for the blood to circulate through the body. 

Keeping the body hydrated helps the heart pump blood more easily and allows oxygen to reach the muscles, which helps the muscles work efficiently.

To support blood flow, aim to drink at least 1.5 litres of water each day – increase the amount when active.

Some of the fluid comes from other beverages and food. Why not keep a water bottle at the desk whilst working, have a glass of water next to the bed, and when you wake up in the morning have some before getting up? I personally add lemon, cucumber, or mint to the water to give it some flavour.

Stress less: An unexpected bill, relationship trouble, a strongly worded email from the boss – stress abounds in our modern-day life. Stress is our body’s response to pressures from challenging situations in life. It can be a feeling of being overwhelmed or under pressure.  Stress triggers the ‘flight or fight response in the body: the heart rate increases and the heart muscle might have to work harder. The stress hormones – cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline (from the adrenal glands) – perform as chemical messengers for these effects; it is important to remember that these hormones are important for the body’s health. Beyond this, the blood vessels transporting blood to the heart and major organs dilate, elevating blood pressure. Over time, chronic stress may compromise the circulatory system.

Studies suggest that the high levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure. These are common risk factors for heart disease.

Contact The Green Herbalist Clinic to make an appointment to discuss how herbal medicine can benefit circulatory health.

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WINTER HEALTH

This is a time of year for various ‘seasonal bugs’.
You might have already had a sore throat, blocked-up nose, relentless cough and aches and pains.
The following information might prove helpful in controlling the dreaded ‘lurgy’
– as always, prevention is as important as well as managing the symptoms.

Herbal remedies work remarkably well for winter ailments and you might want to plan a visit to a local medical herbalist (www.thegreenherbalistclinic.com) for health review and remedies.
The Clinic offers a 15 minutes initial free consultation to see if herbal medicine can help you.

Food is medicine!!

The flu can cause nausea, and rich foods may not be appealing. Bland foods, such as toast or brown rice, chicken soup or vegetable-based meals may be easier to eat. Not only are they easier to digest by an already stressed digestive tract but the meals can ensure that your body gets enough vitamins and minerals to repair and keep the body in optimum health.

 
Stay well hydrated: hot drinks are especially good as the steam can help loosen mucus -such as herbal teas. The ginger in this soothing drink may reduce nausea and lemon

 is a good source of vitamin C alongside having antibacterial components.

IMMUNITY

Live bacteria from non-flavoured (fermented) yoghurt can help with combatting cold and flu viruses. It is also a good source of protein – the repair material of the body.

Beta Glucans (whole grains, oats, bran, wheat, and barley): extraordinarily effective immune protectors of the body.
They are also found in fungi such as reishi, shitake and maitake mushrooms.

Eat lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system thus lowering the risk of getting unwell. To maximise the nutrients – especially antioxidants - eat an as wide range of colours of foods such as - red tomatoes and peppers, green leafy vegetables, dark blueberries, beetroot, grapes, aubergines and plums, yellow peaches and nectarines and so on.

Leafy greens contain a good amount of fibre and are excellent sources of Vitamin C, iron and folic acid are important to support the immune system and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Boost your vitamin C with lots of vegetables and fruit. Pineapple, apple, berries, citrus fruit, mango and kiwi fruit, are all high in vitamin C.

Boost your zinc. It’s a nutrient you want to keep within optimal range at this time of year. You’ll find high levels of zinc in meat, eggs and poultry, seafood, dairy products, chickpeas & lentils, Brazil nuts, pumpkin and sesame seeds. 

Boost your vitamin A, which is found in the diet in two forms: beta-carotene (found in red, yellow and orange plant foods) and retinol, or ‘active vitamin A’ (found in high-fat animal foods such as eggs, butter, liver and full-fat dairy products). 

Vitamin D: A large 2017 study published in the British Medical Journal found vitamin D to be effective for preventing colds and flu. Vitamin D is critical for immune health; unlike most essential nutrients, however, you can’t rely on food to replenish your stores. The main source of vitamin D is not food, but sunshine; your bare skin produces vitamin D when it comes into contact with the sun’s UV rays. 

Zinc: A severe deficiency of zinc is known to suppress immune function, and even mild to moderate deficiency can have a negative impact on the immune system’s ability to deal with the infection. Multiple studies have shown that low levels of zinc are associated with an increased risk of infections such as pneumonia in elderly adults and children in developing countries.

Increase your intake of Garlic – it has antiviral properties which may help reduce the number of colds you get. You can add garlic to soups, casseroles, stir-fries and pasta sauces as well as make your own whole-grain garlic bread. If you prefer not to eat garlic in your cuisine then, you can take garlic in the form of supplements. 

Things to avoid To facilitate the greatest way of getting better is to remember not to get overtired – thus remembering to get some rest / sleep. With festive stresses upon us - it is good to remember that the emotional stress is also taxing on the already stretched immune system.

Stress & sugar feed bad bacteria. Hormones secreted during the stress response and sugary drinks and snacks promote the growth of ‘bad’ bacteria, which are more likely to cause disease than promote health. Stress raises cortisol which over time can increase inflammation. Stress also decreases white blood cells (the body’s and immune system defence mechanism) making you further susceptible to infections.

Heavy meals - your body is at present under a lot of strain because of the illness and digestion is likely to not work at its optimum level to process foods. Dairy products, especially milk, can often increase mucus production in some people and make the phlegm thicker and more irritating. There are plenty of substitutes such as soya, oat and almond milk.

Here are some recipes that might be useful in managing winter illnesses

Recipe for chicken broth / immune system boost and vital for recuperation: 

 2 litre of water 1 large onion 2 peeled carrots 3 celery sticks 4 garlic cloves 1 cooked organic chicken carcass 2 handfuls of fresh young nettle leaves a handful of fresh thyme 4 bay leafs

Roughly chop ingredients and put them in a large saucepan with water. Bring to boil, reduce heat and cover – simmer gently for 3 hours – checking the water content. Once cooled, sieve the solid materials and serve in a mug. Broth keeps a month in a sealed container in a fridge

Cold hands and feet, chilblains (painful itchy blisters)

 Internal use: Tea: Yarrow, Elderberry / Elderflower, Hawthorn, Ginger, Chilli, Cinnamon and Rosemary in a 1 litre of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes.

External use: a soothing balm – use base of Marigold / Calendula oil – infused with Yarrow, Comfrey, Chilli, Ginger, Clove, Juniper and Rosemary. Your friendly herbalist (such as myself) can prescribe you herbal medicine in the form of tinctures, teas, capsules, syrups, oxymels, salves, ointments and 

It is important to keep the hands and feet warm during the winter months. My lovely mum has knitted socks and gloves for all the family to keep us nice and warm during winter.

 
Cold and flu tea 1tsp of each: Elderflower, peppermint, yarrow. Steep in hot water for 15 minutes and drink.

Coughs and colds – herbal syrup ( prepared by your herbalist) Thyme and liquorice syrup, marshmallow, echinacea, lobelia, elderberry, elecampane and wild cherry bark.

Sore throat gargle Make a tea of sage (normal garden sage is excellent), steep it for 15 minutes and then add lemon and ginger. Gargle with the cool mixture up to 3 times a day and keep in a fridge in a covered container for up to 3 days. 

Relaxing Herbal Bath 

150g Epsom salts 20g of fresh / dried Linden blossom (Tilia europea) 5 drops (gtt) of lavender oil 5 drops (gtt) of rose essential oil Pour oils and linden blossom into a blender and pulverise - add the mix in a muslin cloth and tie it in the hot tap and enjoy the bath (minimum of 15-20 min) allowing the salts to diffuse to the bathwater. Bliss!!!

 

Below you can see how to make a herbal bath bag

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