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In a world filled with fad diets and quick-fix solutions, detox programs have gained popularity as a means of jumpstarting weight loss and revitalising the body. But just how much weight can you expect to shed during a detox? Let’s explore this question and discover how the RejuvaDetox program can be a holistic solution to weight loss.

Understanding Detox and Weight Loss: Detoxification eliminates toxins and impurities from the body, often through dietary changes, fasting, or specialised cleansing programs. While detox diets vary in duration and approach, they typically aim to rid the body of harmful substances and promote overall wellness.

Regarding weight loss in detox programs, it’s essential to understand that much of the initial weight loss is often attributed to water weight and eliminating waste rather than fat loss. While some individuals may experience significant weight loss during a detox, the amount can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the program, metabolic rate, and starting weight.

Introducing RejuvaDetox: Enter RejuvaDetox, a comprehensive detoxification and weight loss program designed to rejuvenate your body from the inside out. Unlike crash diets or temporary fixes, RejuvaDetox+ takes a holistic approach to wellness, addressing the root causes of weight gain and promoting sustainable lifestyle changes.

Key Components of RejuvaDetox:

  1. Ultimate Detoxifier Machine Treatments: The RejuvaDetox+ program includes twelve sessions on the Ultimate Detoxifier Machine, a pain-free and relaxing treatment that targets toxic fat cells and promotes lymphatic drainage. By eliminating toxins and toning the skin’s elasticity, these treatments help kickstart your weight loss journey.
  2. 28-Day Healthy Food Plan: Participants follow a 28-day healthy eating regime emphasising nourishing, non-toxic foods without calorie restrictions. By fueling your body with nutrient-rich foods, you’ll cleanse your system and optimise nutrient absorption, improving energy levels and overall wellbeing.
  3. Organic Detox Box Supplementation: Participants receive organic cleansing supplements throughout the program to enhance detoxification. These supplements support the body’s natural detoxification pathways, leaving you feeling revitalised and rejuvenated.

Real Results with RejuvaDetox+: At RejuvaDetox+, we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of our program. Past clients have achieved significant weight loss and improved overall health and wellbeing. From shedding pounds to inches lost, RejuvaDetox+ offers actual results that last.

In conclusion, while the amount of weight lost during a detox can vary, RejuvaDetox+ stands out as a holistic solution to weight loss and rejuvenation. By addressing the root causes of weight gain and promoting healthy lifestyle changes, RejuvaDetox+ empowers you to achieve your wellness goals and live your best life. Say goodbye to toxins and excess weight and hello to a happier, healthier you with RejuvaDetox+.

Assessing your detox potential is essential before embarking on any detox regimen, whether it’s a juice cleanse, fasting or a specific dietary plan. This involves understanding your body’s ability to eliminate toxins and how well it can handle detox effectively.

Assessing your detox potential allows you to make informed decisions about the type and duration of detoxification that will be most beneficial for you. It helps you tailor your detox program to your individual needs and avoid potential complications or adverse effects.

One way to assess your detox potential is to evaluate your current health status and lifestyle habits. Factors such as diet, hydration, sleep quality, stress levels, and exposure to environmental toxins can all influence your body’s ability to detoxify efficiently. Reflecting on these aspects can give you insights into areas needing improvement before starting a detox program.

Complete the following questionnaire to discover whether you could benefit from following a gentle detox.

WHAT’S YOUR DETOX POTENTIAL?

5 or more questions: There’s scope for real improvement by following a gentle detox.

3 – 5 questions: You show signs of your body needing detoxification support.

0 – 3 questions: Even those who experience few (if any) signs of impaired detoxification will occasionally benefit from giving their body a health boost!

IF YOU ANSWERED ‘YES’ TO:

Do you often have a bitter taste or furry tongue in your mouth?

Do you suffer from acne or other skin conditions?

Do you have a solid reaction to alcohol?

Do you suffer from bloating?

Do you suffer from nausea or vomiting?

Do you sometimes have itchy ears, earaches, infections, drainage from the ears, or ringing?

Do you sometimes have watery, itchy eyes or swollen, red, sticky eyelids?

Do you sometimes have joint or muscle aches and pains?

Do you often have dark circles under your eyes?

Do you often sweat a lot or have a strong body odour?

Do you often suffer from headaches or migraines?

Do you suffer from excessive mucus, a stuffy nose or sinus problems?

Do the effects of coffee stay in your system for a long time?

Eating the right foods is one side of the coin, detoxification is the other, and whether a substance is harmful to you depends as much on your ability to detoxify it as on its inherent toxic properties.

IMPORTANT:

If you scored more than 8, please take advice from your GP before detoxing (even a gentle detox).

Another aspect of assessing detox potential is considering your readiness for change. Detoxification often requires commitment and discipline, especially if it involves significant dietary or lifestyle adjustments. Reflecting on your motivation, willingness to adhere to the program, and ability to manage potential detox symptoms can help you gauge your readiness and set realistic expectations.

Furthermore, considering your past experiences with detoxification, if any, can provide valuable insights. Reflecting on what has worked well for you in the past and any challenges you may have encountered can help you refine your approach and avoid repeating mistakes.

In summary, checking your detox potential before starting any detox regimen is a wise step to ensure a safe, effective, and beneficial experience. Consulting with holistic therapists or detox specialists can further enhance your understanding and guide you towards a successful detox journey. It would allow you to create a plan specific to your body’s needs and personal health and fitness goals. For more information on what this involves,  please do get in touch. Check out our website for wellness detox programs, from remote options to in-person experiences! Whether you prefer the convenience of at-home detoxification or the support of in-person sessions, we have something for everyone. Visit our website today to explore our offerings and start your journey towards better health and vitality!

In a world filled with the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget to prioritise our health and well-being. We often get caught up in the demands of work, family, and social commitments, leaving little time to rejuvenate our bodies and minds. That’s where the RejuvaDetox Program comes in—a comprehensive wellness journey designed to help you reset, recharge, and revitalise your life.

The RejuvaDetox+ Experience

The RejuvaDetox Program is more than just a detox—it’s a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses your body, mind, and spirit. It’s a journey that allows you to press the reset button on your health and embark on a path to lasting well-being.

Key Components

1. Nutritional Reset: The program begins with thoroughly assessing your current dietary habits. Our team of nutrition experts will work with you to create a personalised nutrition plan that detoxifies your body and provides you with the essential nutrients needed for optimal health.

2. Mindful Detox: Detoxification is not just about what you eat; it’s also about what you think.

3. Physical Rejuvenation: Regular, mild physical activity is essential for detoxification. Yoga, swimming and walking are great options during 28 days of RejuvaDetox+.

4. Relaxation: You would be linked up to the Ultimate Detoxifier machine a set of 32 pads, which are plugged into positive and negative electrodes. The primary function of the detoxification belt is to drill into the calcification of the toxic fat cell (with a blunt end drill), allowing fat toxins to be drawn from the compartment into the lymph system. It then switches to lymphatic dilation and drainage and rapidly eliminates these toxins from the body.

5. Holistic Support: Our wellness experts, including nutritionists and therapists, will be by your side throughout the program. We believe in holistic support, addressing not only physical health but also emotional and mental well-being.

The Benefits

  • Increased Energy: By eliminating toxins from your body and nourishing it with the proper nutrients, you’ll experience a significant boost in energy levels.
  • Weight Management: Many participants find that the RejuvaDetox Program helps with weight loss and provides them with the tools to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Improved Mental Clarity: A detoxed body often leads to a sharper mind. Experience improved focus, concentration, and mental clarity.
  • Stress Reduction: You’ll learn to manage stress more effectively through mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques.
  • Enhanced Immune System: A clean, well-nourished body is better equipped to avoid illnesses.

Is RejuvaDetox Right for You?

The RejuvaDetox Program is suitable for individuals looking to jumpstart their wellness journey, break free from unhealthy habits, and revitalize their body and mind. It’s not just about detoxification; it’s about adopting a healthier lifestyle that you can sustain long after the program ends.

Conclusion

The RejuvaDetox Program is your passport to renewed vitality, improved health, and a rejuvenated outlook on life. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, holistic well-being, and lasting transformation, then the RejuvaDetox Program is the perfect choice.

Don’t wait for the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Join us on the path to wellness and experience the transformative power of the RejuvaDetox Program today. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.

Read more about assessing your digestive system’s health here, learn how to cleanse and detox your gut here and book a free 30-minute telephone consultation on this link.

 

‘Hormones’. Oestrogen and testosterone are the two that most likely spring to mind, and their role in puberty, libido, and the reproductive system. 

Our bodies produce a whole host of other hormones which play a role in our health and how we function daily. Given its name as a ‘growth hormone releasing peptide’, Ghrelin controls hunger, food intake, and fat storage combined with growth hormone.  

Stimulated by the cells in our stomach, Ghrelin sends signals to the hypothalamus in the brain, telling our bodies it’s time to eat. The pancreas and the small intestine also release small amounts. The more Ghrelin in the bloodstream, the bigger the appetite and, likely, the more food you eat. After food, ghrelin levels are decreased as we’re satiated, and they don’t rise again until your body starts looking for more energy.  

You might wonder how to keep your levels low if you’re trying to lose weight. To be clear, Ghrelin is not bad. Our hormones are made for a reason – they have a specific job to do in the body. If we weren’t ever hungry, would we take as much joy from our food? How would we know when we’re low on nourishment? How would we function at our optimum?

We can run into trouble when they stop working as they should. And our diet and lifestyle choices have a significant impact on this. 

That doesn’t mean jumping to calorie restriction. Naturally, this will increase your ghrelin levels, potentially leading to overeating and fat storage. Interestingly, research has shown lower fasting levels of Ghrelin in individuals who are overweight, obese or morbidly obese, suggesting that over time, overeating can decrease sensitivity to the hormone, meaning we lose this essential control mechanism. 

However, it’s important to note that Ghrelin may be equally crucial for weight gain. It’s all about balance. So, we’ve highlighted a few tips here, which will help keep this specific hormone in check and doing its job correctly at both ends of the spectrum. 

Eat a fibre-rich diet of fruit and vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Fibre slows down digestion while keeping our gut bacteria diverse and healthy. 

Foods high in fibre also tend to be lower in calories and higher in nutrient density, meaning you get a better bang for your buck in calorie intake. 

Limit intake of high GI carbohydrates and processed foods high in sugar and artificial sweeteners. 

Refined and processed foods are high in calories and saturated fat and low in nutrients. As well as spiking your blood sugar for a short period, sending your hunger and energy levels on a rollercoaster, they trigger the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with reward. We start to associate that short-lived high with reward as opposed to the feeling of being nourished and satiated.   

Eat protein with every meal.

Incorporating a portion of lean or vegetable protein into each meal (eggs, oily fish, organic chicken or turkey, tofu, beans and pulses) will slow gastric emptying, keeping you fuller for longer. It will also blunt the insulin spike you get from eating a carbohydrate-based meal, preventing the sugar cravings which inevitably follow that initial sugar high.  

Reduce stress

Studies in animals have shown that exposure to chronic stress increases circulating ghrelin and growth hormone levels (Massachusettes Institute of Technology, 2013). It also interacts with the brain’s reward pathways to increase food intake, creating a vicious cycle where we see food as a comfort during stress and anxiety. Incorporate yoga, meditation or breathing into your daily routine, get out for a walk or run in nature, and find something that works for you to allow you to live (and eat) more mindfully. 

Sleep well

Sleep deprivation has been associated with increased ghrelin levels, appetite and hunger compared to sleeping for extended periods. Aim for 7-9 hours per night, practice good sleep hygiene by limiting screen time, avoiding heavy meals and alcohol before bed, and sticking to regular sleep and waking up times to regulate the circadian rhythm.  

Exercise

Research in recent years has indicated a link between High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), reduced Ghrelin and increased leptin levels. Incorporate high-intensity exercise into your weekly lifestyle – circuits, sprints, cycling. Get out and get a sweat on! 

Incorporating these diet and lifestyle changes would be a great place to start if you’re looking for weight loss or weight gain support. However, it’s important to remember that Ghrelin is only one of many interrelated factors that could impact your health and wellbeing. Working with a Holistic Therapist would allow you to create a plan specific to your body’s needs and personal health and fitness goals. For more information on what this involves,  please do get in touch.

Kinesiology is a holistic therapy that utilizes muscle testing to assess imbalances in the body’s energy systems. It combines elements of traditional Chinese medicine, Western anatomy and physiology, and principles of mind-body medicine. Kinesiology treatment aims to restore balance and promote overall well-being. Here are some key aspects of kinesiology treatment:

  1. Muscle Testing: Muscle testing is the primary tool used in kinesiology. It involves applying gentle pressure to specific muscles to assess their response, which is believed to provide information about the body’s energy flow and imbalances.
  2. Energy Balancing: Kinesiology treatment focuses on identifying and correcting imbalances in the body’s energy systems, such as meridians, chakras, and aura. The practitioner aims to restore harmony and balance to these systems through various techniques, such as acupressure, energy work, and emotional stress release.
  3. Emotional and Mental Well-being: Kinesiology recognizes the connection between emotional and mental states and physical health. It may involve techniques to address emotional stress, trauma, limiting beliefs, or negative thought patterns that may impact a person’s overall well-being.
  4. Nutritional Support: Kinesiology practitioners may guide nutrition and dietary changes based on the individual’s needs. They may use muscle testing to identify food sensitivities or deficiencies and recommend nutritional adjustments or supplements to support optimal health.
  5. Structural Alignment: Kinesiology treatment may include techniques to address structural imbalances in the body, such as misalignments, postural issues, or muscle tension. The practitioner may use gentle touch, mobilization, or exercises to promote proper alignment and movement.
  6. Goal Setting and Personal Development: Kinesiology treatment often involves exploring personal goals, aspirations, and life challenges. The practitioner may assist in setting goals, identifying obstacles, and developing strategies to overcome them, promoting personal growth and empowerment.

If you’re not sure where to start, take the first step today by booking your free 30-minute Health and Energy Review, so we can talk about your health concerns, and I can give you some energy-boosting strategies you can use straight away. If this sounds like what you need – link in here.

Buteyko breathing is a technique named after its developer, Dr Konstantin Buteyko. It focuses on reducing breathing volume and increasing carbon dioxide levels in the body. The method is based on the idea that many people breathe too much and exhale too much carbon dioxide, which can lead to various health problems.

The Buteyko breathing technique involves a series of exercises and principles that aim to restore balanced breathing patterns. The key principles include nasal breathing, reduced breathing volume, breath holds, and relaxation. Here’s a brief overview of these principles:

  1. Nasal breathing: Buteyko breathing emphasizes breathing through the nose rather than the mouth. Nasal breathing helps filter and warm the air and regulate the airflow.
  2. Reduced breathing volume: The technique promotes gentle, slow breathing, facilitating the importance of each breath. This helps maintain a higher level of carbon dioxide in the body, which can benefit overall health.
  3. Breath holds: Buteyko breathing incorporates controlled breath has after exhalation. These breaths are typically done briefly and gradually increase over time. They help to improve carbon dioxide tolerance and reduce the urge to breathe excessively.
  4. Relaxation: Relaxation techniques are often used in conjunction with Buteyko breathing. This includes releasing muscle tension, calming the mind, and practising mindfulness.

Buteyko breathing is a complementary therapy for asthma, allergies, anxiety, sleep apnea, and other respiratory or breathing-related disorders. It aims to improve symptoms and reduce reliance on medication by correcting breathing patterns.

It’s important to note that while many people have reported benefits from practising Buteyko breathing, it should not replace medical treatment or professional advice. If you’re interested in trying Buteyko breathing, it’s best to learn it from a qualified instructor who can guide you through the proper techniques and help tailor the practice to your needs.

Breathing retraining and Buteyko therapy programmes are designed to improve your overall health and breathing capacity.  Working with nutrition support, electropollution detoxing, emotional techniques and spiritual healing, my breathing retraining and Buteyko breathing therapy can help you achieve and maintain better mental health and sports performance.

Throughout your treatment, you’ll be taught habits to minimise your dysfunctional breathing; we’ll talk about nutrition so you eat food which nourishes you, and you’ll relearn how to sleep to support the prevention of breathing problems.  You’ll learn how to do wheeze-free exercise, will find out more about your blood pH level and how that affects your breathing, and how to breathe when you have a virus or while you have a panic attack.

To find out more about Breathing Retraining and Classical Buteyko Breathing, book a course, or learn about a bespoke programme tailored to your needs, please complete this short form, and we will contact you very soon.

May is National Walking Month.

Walking is an easy and accessible way to improve physical and mental health. A 20-minute walk can reduce the risk of several preventable health conditions, including, certain cancers, depression, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

By swapping a short drive for a short walk, you can also help reduce air pollution, congestion and road danger – whilst saving yourself some money and getting active in the process!
In the same way, walking can help you feel energised; it is also great for making you feel happy.

These are just some of the reasons you should try to work more walking into your daily routine. Whether you walk at lunchtime or start your day with a walk, why not try it and feel the benefits for yourself?

Walking can be a great way to improve mental health, as it has numerous benefits for the body and mind. Here are some ways that walking can help support mental health:

  1. Reduces stress and anxiety: Walking can help reduce stress and anxiety by increasing the production of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain.
  2. Improves mood: Walking can also improve mood by increasing the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
  3. Boosts self-esteem: Walking can boost self-esteem by giving a sense of accomplishment and promoting well-being.
  4. Reduces symptoms of depression: Walking is an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression by releasing endorphins and lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
  5. Enhances cognitive function: Walking can improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain, leading to better memory, attention, and concentration.
  6. Provides social interaction: Walking with others can provide social interaction, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Overall, walking is an easy and accessible way to support mental health. Whether it’s a stroll or a brisk walk, getting outside and moving your body can positively impact your mental well-being.

Holistic Health Assessment or Health MOT is an approach to evaluating an individual’s well-being that takes into consideration multiple aspects of their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It involves looking at the person as a whole rather than just focusing on isolated symptoms or conditions. A holistic health assessment typically involves gathering information about an individual’s medical history, lifestyle, diet, exercise routine, stress levels, sleep patterns, emotional state, social support, and other relevant factors. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the person’s overall health and identify any imbalances or areas that may require attention in order to achieve optimal well-being.

Here are some key components that may be included in a holistic health assessment:

  1. Medical history: Gathering information about the person’s past and current medical conditions, medications, surgeries, and allergies.
  2. Lifestyle and habits: Assessing the person’s lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, sleep patterns, tobacco and alcohol use, and other health-related behaviours.
  3. Emotional and mental health: Evaluating the person’s emotional well-being, stress levels, coping mechanisms, and mental health history, including any symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
  4. Social support: Assessing the quality of the person’s social relationships, including family, friends, and community connections, as social support plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being.
  5. Environmental factors: Evaluating the person’s living and working environment for potential health hazards, such as exposure to toxins, pollution, or other environmental factors that may impact health.
  6. Spiritual health: Considering the person’s beliefs, values, and practices related to spirituality or religion, as these can influence overall well-being.
  7. Body systems: Assessing the functioning of various body systems, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, immune, and others, to identify any potential imbalances or areas of concern.
  8. Prevention and health promotion: Identifying opportunities for health promotion and disease prevention through education, lifestyle changes, and other preventive measures.

Based on the findings of a holistic health assessment, a personalized plan may be developed to address any identified imbalances and promote optimal health and well-being. This may include recommendations for lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, dietary modifications, exercise routines, emotional support, and other interventions that address the person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It’s important to note that holistic health assessment should be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals trained in integrative or holistic approaches to care.

By tackling our health head-on and holistically, we can certainly be a more productive, happier and healthier nation – and it is the responsibility of all of us to ensure this, employers and employees alike. We don’t need to be filling our bodies with medication to survive and thrive. Preventative holistic healthcare is the medicine of the future. When you feel good, everything else benefits too. You’re more alert, engaged and energetic; you also feel more positive about yourself.

Healthcare isn’t just about looking at the symptoms and masking these with drugs as much as medicine can seem. Instead, it’s about getting to the root of the cause and finding ways of eradicating this holistically instead of understanding that every individual is different. So many areas of our life feed into our health, many of which we don’t fully recognise or understand until our health is properly broken down in this way.

To get started with servicing your body, just like you would your car, book your free 30-minute consultation.

As you get older, one of the things that can start to happen is that you experience aches and pains. If your aches and pains are a regular feature of your life, it’s definitely worth asking your doctor or physio for advice. Sometimes that regular twinge you are getting is something more serious, but don’t let the possibility of ‘something more serious’ prevent you from getting it checked out. If it’s nothing but creaking joints, that’s great. If it’s something else, well we can work on that, too.

You may have guessed that the ‘something else’ I am thinking about is arthritis. In aid of World Arthritis Week [9th October], I want to share some of my top tips for using food to help alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis.

There are 2 types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis associated with wear and tear of cartilage within joints. It is more commonly (but not exclusively) linked to the ageing process.

Under the age of 45, it’s more common in men, and over the age of 45, it’s more common in women. By the time they get to 50, 80% of people will have symptoms associated with this type of arthritis, which starts as stiffness in the hips, back, knees or other joints. The joints then become increasingly swollen and inflexible.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune problem, triggered by genetics, or a bacterial or viral component, and possibly also environmental or lifestyle factors. About 80% of sufferers are women. The body – for whatever reason – develops antibodies against its own tissue, and it attacks the cartilage and connective tissue. Over time, joints become inflamed and enlarged.

There are a number of factors that are important in managing arthritis:

  • How good your digestion and detoxification are
  • Blood sugar balance
  • Inflammation
  • Levels of essential fats
  • Allergies

The key to improving the symptoms of arthritis is to work on the underlying causes rather than just treating the symptoms.

Digestion + detoxification

The scene for inflammation – even if that inflammation is elsewhere in the body, e.g. the joints – is often set in the digestive tract. If the gut environment is disturbed (a disruption in the normal balance of bacteria), this can lead to bacterial infection, parasites, intestinal permeability  (aka ‘leaky gut’), and allergies and intolerances.

What then happens partially digested food proteins get into the bloodstream, along with other toxins and microbes, putting greater pressure on the body’s detoxification processes. Once the liver starts to become over-taxed, any dietary or environmental toxins may cause further inflammation.

A programme that works on creating a good gut environment is ideal. Probiotics and prebiotics can be very helpful, as can food intolerance testing (see below).

Blood sugar balance

There is a big link between inflammation and how well your body responds to insulin, the hormone produced in the pancreas to control blood sugar levels. If your body has a reduced sensitivity to insulin (or you are diabetic), sugar (glucose) or insulin stays in the blood, and too much of either is toxic, triggering inflammatory reactions.

Learning to balance your blood sugar levels plays a key role in managing the symptoms of arthritis. This is achieved through eating adequate amounts of protein at every meal and snack, increasing the amount of non-starchy vegetables, and considering the quality and quantity of the starchy carbohydrates you eat.

All my nutrition plans are based on a blood sugar balancing diet, also known as a low glycaemic load (low GL) diet. A low GL diet is easy to follow, focuses on real foods (not weird things you can only buy at health food shops), keeps you feeling full, and helps you manage your cravings.

Inflammation

In pretty much every circumstance, joint problems are linked to inflammation and sometimes also to problems with the immune system (autoimmunity).

The body produces chemical agents in the body to either switch on or reduce inflammation.

Prostaglandins are one of the main chemicals in this process, and these are the easiest to manipulate with diet. There are 3 different types. 1 and 3 are anti-inflammatory and 2 is pro-inflammatory (causes inflammation and promotes pain).

Omega-6 fats can convert into either type 1 or type 2 prostaglandins. Eating a diet high in omega-6 polyunsaturated animal fats (found in meats and dairy produce – particularly non-organic) has the body producing more of these less desirable type 2 prostaglandins. Sugar and insulin can also redirect the conversion of plant omega-6 fats down the pro-inflammatory pathway.

Omega-3 fats, on the other hand can only go down the route towards the anti-inflammatory type 3 prostaglandin. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats are found in foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, hemp, chia seeds, and oily fish. Monounsaturated fats, e.g. avocado and olive oil, are neutral and not involved in inflammatory processes.

Reducing animal proteins and dairy products can bring symptomatic relief.

There’s another group of chemicals called ‘free radicals’. These are highly reactive oxygen molecules that rely on other molecules in the body to stabilise them.

You might have heard of free radicals in skin care commercials. They are linked to accelerated ageing, cancer and other diseases. What helps keep these unstable molecules in check are antioxidants (again, something often talked about in skincare).

Antioxidants are found in large amounts in brightly coloured fruit and vegetables. The different colours tend to indicate the type of antioxidants produced – all are good.

What we know about antioxidants is that they have a synergistic effect – eating a variety of different ones (by eating a large range of different coloured fruit and veg) has a greater effect than eating the same volume of the same type.

Bottom line? Eat a LOT of vegetables and low-sugar fruits like berries (which have some of the highest antioxidant levels of all fruit).

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, talk to me about whether the more restrictive autoimmune paleo diet would work for you. This further cuts out all grains, nightshade foods (like potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and aubergines) and other foods thought to play a role in causing an inflammatory environment.

Levels of essential fats

Omega 3 fatty acids (found in oily fish, seeds like flax and chia, and walnuts) also have plenty of research to support their anti-inflammatory credentials.

Allergies

Many people with inflammatory conditions have allergies or intolerances, some of which may be due to leaky gut, where food proteins are able to get through the gut lining, triggering an allergic response. Common offenders are dairy products, yeast, wheat and gluten, other grains, eggs, beef, chilli, coffee and peanuts. If you experience arthritis – or in fact any other inflammatory condition, there may be mileage in having a food intolerance test. Ask me for details.

Remove

Gluten

Dairy products

 

Reduce

Animal protein

 

Increase

Vegetables of all kinds (eat a rainbow)

Sources of vegetable protein

Oily fish

Nuts

Seeds

Olive oil

 

Specific foods to increase

Celery

Chilli

Garlic

Ginger

Pineapple

Red peppers

Shiitake mushroom

Sweet potato

Turmeric

I warmly invite you to book a free health and energy review with me to discover the first steps you can take to get back on track.

It’s meant to be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ but the pressure of the holidays can often mean a stress overload. Here’s what to do about it.

Though you look forward to it all year, when Christmas arrives the experience can be pretty overwhelming. Trying to get everything ready in time can be incredibly stressful, especially for women – a third of whom feel more stressed in December than any other month, according to research. And small wonder.  Money worries, family tensions, pressure to socialise, and over-excited children on a sugar high is hardly a recipe for success. And, if you struggle to stay at your happy weight or often turn to food as a way of coping or rewarding yourself, being surrounded by treats and snacks over the holidays rarely has a happy ending.

Managing stress levels is important for your health in the long term because stress is implicated in so many different chronic diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal problems and asthma.

If you’re thinking you don’t fall into the ‘I’m stressed enough to be making myself ill’ category, don’t be fooled. The drip-drip-drip of everyday stress can be as damaging as major life incident-related stress (such as death and divorce), so don’t wait to take action. It’s also worth considering that stress makes it very hard to lose weight, and you’re much more likely to store it around the middle. This is because the human body hasn’t evolved much since caveman times when the extra energy was stored where it was most easily accessed, so it could be used to run away from the sabre-toothed tiger.

Here are my top 6 ways to keep stress under control in the run-up to the holidays:

  1. The 10-minute mind trick: Set aside 10 minutes a day for meditation. Simply sit down in a quiet room with your back supported and eyes closed. Try to clear your mind of all worries. Don’t worry if thoughts bubble to the surface, as this is completely normal! The more you resist the more it will persist. Simply bring your attention back to your breath and continue until the time is up. If you’re new to meditation or need more support, find a guided meditation app or CD to lead you through the process.
  2. Eat regularly: Erratic eating times and skipping meals can lead to a dip in blood sugar levels, which leads to the release of the stress hormone cortisol. It’s difficult when routines go out the window, but try to stick to three meals (with two optional snacks) a day and your digestion will thank you for it. Base all your meals and snacks on protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, beans and seeds), fruit and vegetables and smaller amounts of complex carbs (brown rice, wholemeal bread or pasta).
  3. Cut back on alcohol and caffeine: I know it’s hard, especially at Christmas when socialising revolves around drinking, but try ditching (or significantly reducing) your alcohol and caffeine intake. Caffeine causes a release of stress hormones from the adrenal glands – the last thing you want if you are already stressed! At first, alcohol might help to relax you when you’re stressed out (by promoting the release of GABA, the calming neurotransmitter), but it is quickly metabolised to sugar which can lead to a restless sleep, which leads me onto my next tip.
  4. Prioritise sleep: Get into a sleep routine that includes relaxing practices such as taking a warm bath with Epsom salts, light reading or stretching. Introduce a digital detox at least an hour before bed (that means no phones, no TV, no laptops or tablets), so as not to disrupt melatonin production (the sleepy hormone). A light snack such as an oatcake with almond butter or a banana may help to support undisturbed sleep.
  5. Eat magnesium-rich meals: Magnesium relaxes the nervous system and muscles so eating foods rich in this mineral, such as leafy greens, avocados, sesame seeds and spinach can help reduce stress.
  6. Get to the cause: Look at the root cause to any stress in your life, and think about how you respond to it. If the effect of stress or just general busyness gets in the way of your efforts to stay healthy and you’d like to do something about it, I warmly invite you to book a FREE 30-minute consultation, so we can talk about your health concerns.

 

 

What is it?

A non-invasive health screening tailored to you.

Who is it for?

Health MOTs are available for all. It is especially recommended for those who are concerned about their health and lifestyle.

How does it work?

Our Health Practitioner carries out a range of tests including non-invasive electrical bioresonance to analyse your current health and then make positive recommendations. We offer two different Health MOT options, as well as individual tests separately. Please click here for more information on what is involved in each option, as well as more information on prices.

Despite the obvious boom in interest in health and wellness over the past few years, as official statistics are showing, British people are not checking the status of their health enough. It’s becoming a serious concern; especially given that as a nation overall, our health is on the decline – and in some areas, quite dramatically.

How a Health MOT with Total Health Now can help you…

Our growing lack of responsibility towards our health and early prevention, plus the flood of junk foods and cheap alcohol upon the country, is having a suffocating effect on the health of our nation – and of future generations too. Yet it doesn’t have to be this way, and it doesn’t have to involve major lifestyle overhauls either. At the Total Health Now clinic (found in Belgravia, London), founders Kostas and Lana Kapelas have established an in-demand Health MOT to resolve this growing problem – and it’s one of the best holistic solutions available.

Whether you need to lose weight, detox, improve energy, or overcome allergies or chronic problems, the Health MOT service is the go-to option for many clients. As Kostas and Lana were finding, many people aren’t putting enough emphasis on preventative health care, only seeking guidance when a serious health issue actually occurs. By this time, the ability to reverse everything is much harder and takes a lot longer. The Health MOT is a service that can be taken at any time in your life, providing clients with a renewed sense of health and energy. It’s a health saviour.

By tackling our health head-on and holistically, we can certainly be a more productive, happier and healthier nation – and it is the responsibility of all of us to ensure this, employers and employees alike. We don’t need to be filling our bodies with medication in order to survive and thrive. Preventative holistic healthcare is the medicine of the future. When you feel good, everything else benefits too. You’re more alert, engaged and energetic; you also feel more positive about yourself.

Healthcare isn’t just about looking at the symptoms and masking these with drugs as much as medicine can seem. Instead, it’s about getting to the root of the cause and finding ways of eradicating this holistically instead, understanding that every individual is different. There are so many areas of our life that feed into our health, many of which we don’t fully recognise or understand until our health is properly broken down in this way.

Book Now

To book your Health MOT, please phone 0207 293 0440option 1 or email hello@totalhealthnow.co.uk . If you’re not sure where to start, take the first step today by booking your free 30-minute Health and Energy Review, so we can talk about your health concerns.

If you read magazines, watch TV, see a doctor occasionally or have ever been on a diet, you’ll have heard of the BMI or body mass index. It is a number used to assess whether a person is underweight (BMI <25), of a healthy weight (25-29), overweight (30-35) or obese (>30). It is calculated by dividing body weight (in kilograms) by height (in metres) squared.

Although widely used and known by all, BMI is not actually a very useful parameter to assess health or even weight. Why?

Take a chunky rugby player, six feet (183 cm) tall, weighing 16th (101kg). His BMI is 30.3, making him ‘overweight’. Yet he has a 32-inch waist, is all muscle and is fighting fit. Now compare him to an armchair rugby watcher, also six feet tall, weighing 16th, but with a beer belly and a largely sedentary lifestyle. He would have the same BMI, but it doesn’t take an expert to see that the two men couldn’t be more different. For this reason, the BMI alone has limited significance in assessing good health because being ‘overweight’ or not according to BMI means nothing without knowing one’s body composition.

The BMI does not account for a person’s muscle mass. In very muscular people, it suggests ‘overweight’ when they really are slim and healthy. In older people, a ‘healthy weight can be anything but, because muscle mass decreases with age, and their fat percentage is high for their weight. In addition, the BMI categories used in Western countries are less suitable for people of other ethnic backgrounds because they have a different stature than white people.

What is body composition, and why does it matter?

‘Body composition is the body’s ratio of water, muscle, bones and fat. A body fat percentage of 8-25% is considered normal for men and 20-35% for women. Knowing where the body fat is situated also gives clues about our health. Studies have shown that fat deposited in the abdomen is more problematic than fat elsewhere because it is metabolically active, upsetting hormone levels and causing or exacerbating inflammation. It can also surround and even penetrate vital organs, impairing their function.

Muscle mass, on the other hand, is ‘expensive’ tissue. That means it burns more calories than fat. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) describes the minimum number of calories a body needs to function. Most people’s BMR lies between 1,000 and 2,000 kcal/day, depending on height, weight, sex and age. If that strikes you as too little, you’d be right. This is just the absolute minimum of calories you need to lie down and breathe. Once you consider activity levels, the calorie requirement goes right up. A low BMR means your body doesn’t burn many calories in a rested state, and you are likely to put on weight quickly, finding it hard to shed. Building muscle increases the BMR because even when not in use, muscle tissue requires energy, i. e. it burns calories.

How can I measure my body composition?

Accurate body composition often reveals surprises. People with a favourable BMI may turn out to be TOFI: thin on the outside, fat on the inside.

Elaborate methods are used in research to determine body fat percentages as accurately as possible. In medical or nutritional practice, a so-called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can help to estimate the body fat percentage. It also usually calculates the BMR. BIA devices measure the resistance in the body and thereby evaluate the body’s water content. From this, in turn, the fat content can be roughly estimated. However, it is not necessary for most people to determine the exact body fat percentage. There are also commercially available scales that make it possible to estimate the body fat content using BIA.

Another measurement you can use is the waist-to-hip ratio. It is calculated by dividing the waist circumference in centimetres by the hip circumference in centimetres. A value of more than 1 for men or more than 0.85 for women is considered unfavourable.

Your body fat percentage is high. Now what?

Now that you know, you can do something about it. If your BMI is high, your doctor may already have advised you to lose weight. It may surprise you that cutting calories is not the answer.

If your body fat percentage is elevated, your BMR will likely be low. Many calories you eat are not burned, and any excess is deposited as – you guessed it – more fat. Eating less (fewer calories) seems to be the reasonable solution, but the body is not stupid. If less energy comes in, it will reduce energy expenditure (i. e. reduce its basal metabolic rate). You may feel cold and tired as a result. Muscle tissue may be burned for energy, with the added bonus that it is then gone and won’t cost the body any more of those precious calories. After a while, you’ll get fed up with being tired, cold and hungry all the time and start eating more again. But – surprise – you put any weight loss back on and then some because now that your body has turned down the dial, you are burning calories even less efficiently than you did to begin with. From now on, you are likely to put weight on even more quickly than before.

Increasing the BMR, however, is a lot more helpful; for this, you need to build muscle. More calories need to be burned to supply all this new muscle tissue with energy, and less gets deposited as fat. In fact, if you play your cards right, that pesky body fat can even be burned for energy. Your body composition improves as muscle tissue builds up and fatty tissue is reduced.

So, to improve your body composition, you must find a way to

  • reduce your caloric intake without going hungry
  • exercise to stimulate your muscles to build more lean body mass
  • supply protein to enable muscle growth

Here are my tips to improve your body composition.

Low-carb eating for fat loss

Decreasing your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates can have a beneficial effect on body composition. Numerous studies report improved body composition with a low-carb diet.

Every time we eat, our blood sugar – or rather blood glucose – level goes up. Whether that’s by a little or a lot depends on what the meal consisted of. If it was high in sugar or refined carbohydrates, the blood sugar level rises high. If it was a meal with few carbohydrates and most of those complex carbs, it might just go up a little.

High blood sugar is hugely damaging to body cells. Its ‘sugar coats cells, making them stiff and unresponsive. As that can be almost any kind of cell, the symptoms caused by long-term high blood sugar (aka diabetes) are highly varied and can affect the heart, the kidneys, the eyes, the nerves incl. the brain, and more. To avoid damage, if blood sugar (glucose) levels are high, insulin is released to bring them back down to a healthy level again as fast as possible.

Insulin works by moving glucose inside cells, where it can be used to create energy. However, the cells can only take up so much glucose at any given time. What can’t be squeezed in will continue to circulate, and that’s not an option? So, another thing insulin does is convert excess glucose into fat, which gets stored in fat cells. It can be converted back into glucose if needed, though it usually never is. Instead, more and more glucose from sugary and starchy foods adds to the build-up of fat every day.

Foods that are low in carbs but high in fat and/or protein do not have that effect. Yes, even fat does not make you as fat as sugar and carbs! The food we put into our mouths is more than the sum of its components. What really matters is what our metabolism makes of what we supply. Therefore, it is not as simple as: “Fat makes you fat”, no matter how logical that sounds.

If glucose levels rise fast and high (as they do after sugary or starchy foods), a lot of insulin is released at a time to deal with the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible. As a result, the blood sugar level drops again, now overshooting its mark and ending up too low. This, too, is a problem, as a certain amount of glucose is required at all times, not least to support the brain. At this point, you may feel tired, unable to concentrate, irritable and hungry. Willpower and reason go out of the window. We now need something fast, ideally something sweet as we know it will make us feel better.

Fatty foods do not affect blood sugar levels at all, and high-protein foods only minimally. Complex carbohydrates – the kind that releases glucose slowly – raise blood sugar levels gently and not as high. Less insulin is required to deal with it, and that, in turn, reduces blood sugar drops, too. You’re fuller for longer, and cravings become a thing of the past.

 

“It’s not fair,” my friend cried. “I’m the one on a diet, and he’s the one who loses weight!” Both my friend and her husband had put on some weight over the summer holidays. Two weeks later, my friend’s weight hadn’t budged, while her husband had lost six pounds without even trying.

If you are a woman and have ever tried to lose weight, you may have observed this phenomenon yourself – and you are not imagining it.

According to a House of Commons Briefing Paper from January 2021, almost two-thirds of adult women in the UK are overweight or obese.[i] Although the obesity epidemic affects both sexes, men and women gain, carry and lose weight very differently.

Thanks to differences in body composition, women are at a disadvantage right out of the gate because they naturally carry more fat than men. Men have more muscle mass, and muscle is metabolically “expensive” to keep. That means it uses up energy – and that’s calories to you and me – even when at rest while fat does not. Muscles burn considerably more calories than fat, making the male metabolism 3-10% faster than the female one. No surprise then that in studies, men are consistently found to do better on the exact same diet a woman might follow.

Moreover, nature has distributed body fat in different ways. In women, it mainly sits on the hips and bum, where it serves as a vital store, for example for pregnancy. In men, fat tends to accumulate around the belly. During menopause, women lose even more muscle and some bone mass, which increases their body fat percentage. On top of that, a redistribution takes place. The padding on hips and bum reduces, while belly fat increases. The female figure changes from “pear” to “apple” because male hormones such as testosterone, which are present in the female body also, become more dominant post-menopause.

If you are overweight, you are better off carrying your weight around the thighs and bum rather than the belly. Abdominal fat is a lot more metabolically active and produces not only hormones – which, among other things, further affect weight, weight distribution and hunger – but also inflammatory compounds. This visceral belly fat is unhealthier as it promotes inflammation, increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke, but we know from studies that it is lost more quickly than fat from the hips.

This puts overweight men at risk sooner than overweight women. Yet ironically, while doctors tend to advise overweight women to lose weight as soon as their BMI passes the ‘healthy’ 25 mark, they rarely ask men to lose weight until their blood pressure and cholesterol readings are already off the scale.[ii] This is despite the fact that 68% of British men are overweight or obese as opposed to 60% of women.

There’s clearly bias at work here. Our society’s pressure on women to look good means that their excess weight registers much sooner than that of men. Friends and family, too, are less likely to comment on a man’s weight than on that of a woman.

If that wasn’t enough, girls and women often dislike their figures. They wish for a slimmer waistline before they are even overweight. Most women have been on their first diet before an objective need because they perceived themselves as “too fat”. For many, this first diet – often at a very young age – sets them on a path to yo-yo dieting.

Low-calorie crash diets can lead to rapid weight loss at first, but the body reacts to this “famine” by downregulating energy expenditure. As a result, the rapid weight loss soon slows down and may even grind to a halt, even though the dieter eats less and less.

The minimum number of calories we need at rest is called “basal metabolic rate” (BMR). It is already higher for men due to their greater muscle mass. By following crash diet after crash diet, many women gradually decrease their BMR further and further, not losing or even gaining weight while eating fewer and fewer calories.

If a man goes on a diet at all, it is often much later in life. Their BMR is intact, and they have that extra muscle, making it relatively easy for them to lose weight.

For men, exercise is central to weight loss. Men often succeed by motivating themselves with challenges, such as a marathon, a triathlon or the three peaks. Also, they don’t mind lifting weights at the gym.

Women, on the other hand, tend to worry about accumulating too much bulk, going for endurance exercise instead. While that’s great for stamina, heart health and mood, it doesn’t do much for weight loss. Building muscle really is key here, and if you want to lose weight and increase your BMR, resistance exercise is crucial.

And there’s more injustice… According to a 2009 study, the “hunger hormone” ghrelin spikes after a workout in women, while leptin, which tells the brain that you’re full, plummets.

Not so in men. So post-workout, women tend to eat more, which puts them at risk of gaining weight – the exact opposite of what most women are trying to achieve!

Men don’t experience this same hormonal fluctuation.[iii] Researchers are not sure why that is. They can only speculate, and one theory is that it’s the female body’s way to avoid energy deficits to preserve fertility and perpetuate the species. In the female body, a lack of calories suppresses ovulation and hormones that make reproduction possible.

 

But physiology is not all. There are also mental elements that vary between men and women. Of course, there are some generalisations here, and there are always exceptions to the rule, but these are the findings of research papers looking into eating behaviours.

Men are more likely to overeat than women.[iv] They are less likely to cook, whether that’s due to time constraints or a lack of skill or interest. Unless home-cooked meals are provided for them, many men reach for junk foods. They are not just convenient but also highly palatable and easy to overeat – in fact, they are designed for us to overconsume them!

Women who eat too much tend to go for those foods as well, but for different reasons. In stressful situations, they reach for food that will activate the reward centre in the brain particularly well and fast. That means foods that contain a lot of fat and sugar.

In the short term, such foods provide satisfaction, but in the long run, they increase the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and dementia. It’s a kind of self-medication of the brain in an attempt to briefly dampen the constant firing of stress hormones.

Again, hormonal fluctuations play a significant role. You might beat yourself up about lacking willpower but body chemistry is near impossible to beat. It always wins!

Successful weight loss programmes for women, therefore, address the problem both from a physiological as well as a psychological point of view. On the one hand, it’s about providing the right nutrients to enable hormone balance. On the other, it’s about reducing stressors in everyday life and the negative emotions triggered by stress, which lead to eating binges.

In my programmes, self-care, stress relief and relaxation are important pillars. Eating is supposed to be fun. A simple plan is needed, not one that would make life even more complicated and stressful. My plans are created with that in mind. They are flexible, the recipes are quick and easy to make and popular with everyone in the family.

For a man who wants to lose weight, information and a pack of quick and easy recipes is often enough.

For women, it is not that simple. Often, they already know what a healthy diet should look like and don’t mind cooking. However, they need more support to combat emotional eating and manage stress. They enjoy the exchange with a group of like-minded people and benefit from coaching – whether that’s in a group or as an individual – even more than men. Although some men also require extra support, one study found that they consider weight loss groups ‘feminised’ and prefer to go it alone.[v] [If you want to work with men and don’t see many sign up for your weight loss groups, consider setting one up for men only.]

So, if you have had the suspicion that men are having an easier time with weight loss than women, you are absolutely right. By knowing this, you can tailor your weight loss journey according to your needs without being fazed by the results of the men around you.

My RejuvaDetox+ programmes are designed with women in mind. I don’t just provide quick and yummy recipes, but also the coaching support women need to change their relationship with food for good.

If you’re sick of feeling bloated, gassy, crampy or going to the loo too much (or too little), book in for a free 30-minute digestive health mini consultation. You can do that by clicking here.

 

[i] House of Commons Briefing Paper (2021): Obesity Statistics UK. https://bit.ly/2N4paQL

[ii] Boswella, RB, White MA (2015): Gender differences in weight bias internalisation and eating pathology in overweight individuals. Adv Eat Disord. 2015; 3(3): 259–268.

[iii] Hagobian TA, Sharoff CG, Stephens BR, et al (2009): Effects of exercise on energy-regulating hormones and appetite in men and women. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 Feb;296(2):R233-42.

[iv] Striegel RH, Rosselli F, Perrin N, et al (2009): Gender Difference in the Prevalence of Eating Disorder Symptoms. Int J Eat Disord. 2009 Jul; 42(5): 471–474.

[v] Elliott M, Gillison F, Barnett J (2020): Exploring the influences on men’s engagement with weight loss services: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 20, 249 (2020).

Bloating, gassy, cramps, heavy, uncomfortable? One minute you can’t go to the loo and the next minute you can’t get off it?

The likely cause is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It’s incredibly common. According to Guts UK, a charity set up to promote awareness of and funding for digestive problems, it affects up to a third of people at some stage or another and it is one of the main reasons people visit their doctor.

Unfortunately, according to the NHS, there’s not a lot you can do. The official view is that it’s a lifelong problem that no one really understands and that there’s no cure for (although over-the-counter medicines can help symptoms). So sorry, move along and deal with it yourself.

As holistic professionals will tell you, there IS hope. A consultation with a holistic professional specialising in digestive health will be able to, in the first instance, provide some natural solutions that are likely better than taking over-the-counter medication AND your nutritionist will be able to work with you to find the root cause. This will enable you to get to the bottom of what is causing the symptoms of IBS (excuse the pun), and then you can take steps to fix it.

One of the most common causes of IBS is SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), which accounts for 60+ of IBS cases. This describes a condition where bacteria manage to grow and thrive in the small intestine. It’s not a question of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ bacteria. There shouldn’t really be many there at all.

It might be that you have lactose intolerance. This is when your body is not able to tolerate lactose, a type of sugar found naturally in milk and other dairy products, leading to a host of ‘IBS symptoms’. It might similarly be fructose malabsorption. Again, some people are not able to absorb fructose and symptoms are very similar to lactose intolerance.

Dysbiosis is an imbalance in the levels of beneficial (good) and pathogenic (bad) bacteria in the large intestine or colon, potentially caused by the overuse of antibiotics or alcohol, an increase in high sugar diets, and stress.

Or you might have yeast overgrowth. Simply, the gut environment gets out of balance (due to dysbiosis) such that unwelcome yeast can thrive.

None of these is pressing issues for regular doctors because there is often no NHS testing or framework for the treatment of these problems. In some cases, digestive problems can be tricky to solve, and it almost always involves a lot of detective work. But if your symptoms are hampering your life in a significant way, I want you to know that there ARE things you can do. Although IBS might be very common, it is not normal to experience the symptoms you do.

What can I do about my IBS now?

There are some simple tricks you can put into practice today that might make enough of a difference to help you get your life back on track. I’m going to tell you what they are in a moment.

I also want you to consider the degree to which your symptoms bother you. Are you satisfied with just covering up the symptoms and hoping for the best? That might be enough for you. If it isn’t, please book yourself in for a free 30-minute digestive health call to get an idea of what you can do right away and what might be possible for you.

10 ways to improve your digestion

The following suggestions are very basic but surprisingly effective at improving symptoms of digestive distress.

DO

  • Try a cup of hot water or ginger tea before meals to stimulate digestion.
  • Apple cider vinegar (with the ‘mother’) also works – take 1tsp before a meal.
  • Think about your food before eating it – the thought and smell kickstart the digestive process.
  • Make sure you’re chewing properly. If you had to spit out a mouthful, no one should be able to tell what you’ve been eating.
  • Try a few cubes of pineapple or papaya before a meal. These contain enzymes that can boost your digestion. You might also consider taking a natural digestive enzyme supplement from a health food store to support your body’s natural digestion process.
  • Take a 15-minute walk after eating if you can. This lowers blood sugar levels and improves digestion (see, your granny was right).

 

DON’T

  • Eat at your desk at work. Getting up and out is important for so many reasons. In this case, checking emails while you are also eating may have you gulp down your food or not chewing properly. Neither are good for your digestive health.
  • Try to eat on the go or when you’re stressed out. You won’t digest your food properly or absorb the nutrients. This is the quickest way to get heartburn.
  • Don’t eat fruit after a meal. Fruit likes a quick passage through the digestive system. It can get stuck behind other foods that are digested more slowly and then ferment, causing gas.
  • Don’t drink too much water or other fluids with your meal as this dilutes the stomach acid needed to digest your food properly.

 

If you’re sick of feeling bloated, gassy, crampy or going to the loo too much (or too little), book in for a free 30-minute digestive health mini consultation. You can do that by clicking here.

 

Despite the obvious boom in interest for health and wellness over the past few years, as official statistics are showing, British people are not checking the status of their health enough. It’s becoming a serious concern; especially given that as a nation overall, our health is on the decline – and in some areas, quite dramatically.

THE POWER OF PREVENTION

Despite the obvious boom in interest in health and wellness over the past few years, as official statistics are showing, British people are not checking the status of their health enough. It’s becoming a serious concern; especially given that as a nation overall, our health is on the decline – and in some areas, quite dramatically.

How a Health MOT with Total Health Now can help you…

Our growing lack of responsibility towards our health and early prevention, plus the flood of junk foods and cheap alcohol upon the country, is having a suffocating effect on the health of our nation – and of future generations too. Yet it doesn’t have to be this way, and it doesn’t have to involve major lifestyle overhauls either. At the Total Health Now clinic (found in Belgravia, London), founders Kostas and Lana Kapelas have established an in-demand Health MOT to resolve this growing problem – and it’s one of the best holistic solutions available.

Whether you need to lose weight, detox, improve energy, or overcome allergies or chronic problems, the Health MOT service is the go-to option for many clients. As Kostas and Lana were finding, many people aren’t putting enough emphasis on preventative health care, only seeking guidance when a serious health issue actually occurs. By this time, the ability to reverse everything is much harder and takes a lot longer. The Health MOT is a service that can be taken at any time in your life, providing clients with a renewed sense of health and energy. It’s a health saviour.

Why does it matter?

We’re not doing enough to prevent the decline in our health from happening. In 2015, 58% of women and 68% of men were categorised as being overweight or obese. Likewise, between 2015/16, more than one in five children in Reception class, and over one in three children in year six were measured as being obese or overweight. During this same period, there were 525,000 admissions in NHS hospitals where obesity was a factor; and that’s not taking into account other preventable illnesses.

In addition, only 26% of adults were reported as eating five or more portions of fruit or vegetables per day in 2015; and, in 2014, only 52% of 15-year-olds were found to eat the recommended daily amount. That means almost half were eating an inadequate and often unhealthy diet – and they hadn’t even reached adulthood.

Although the odd fruit and vegetable being missed from dinner may not seem of grave concern, it has long-term health implications, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses. In 2015, of the 495,309 people who died in England that year, 129,147 died because of cardiovascular disease. Almost the same amount of those who died from cancer (138,509 people in England).

What a Health MOT involves…

At Total Health Now, the Health MOT is an effective way of determining your overall well-being and health status and identifying key ways for becoming fitter and healthier. The MOT check takes approximately three hours with a qualified health practitioner, who will give you expert support, guidance and advice throughout.

Using the latest medical screening systems and equipment, readings will be taken to ascertain your cardiovascular, respiratory, nutritional and digestive health. Other important measurements will be taken too, including your heart rate variability, your liver function, the effects of stress on your body, oxygenation and your hydration levels. These will all be analysed by a trained professional.

With all these results, Total Health Now can then quickly produce a personalised report for your current health status, which also outlines any future health risks and diet/lifestyle recommendations. It will show you ways of improving your health to prevent any problems from arising or escalating; and, in some cases, they may even be able to reverse symptoms that you are experiencing, depending on the concern.

During your Health MOT, you will have a:

  • A comprehensive questionnaire, so we understand more about your overall health and can advise you accordingly.
  • A Bioresonance Scan. This unique assessment and treatment tool can identify the current and chronic state of many organs and body systems arising from intolerances, vitamin and mineral shortfalls, toxicity and more. It’s a painless way for us to see which areas of your body are not functioning well
  • A body assessment to locate pain and inflammation so we understand the severity of the situation and consequently the appropriate remedial approach
  • An oxygenation levels assessment, breathing test and advice for calm, deep breathing

Managing the results of a Health MOT…

Once all these tests have been completed by Total Health Now, you will have a comprehensive and full picture of your health status, with a series of clear and detailed recommendations on what you need to do moving forwards. A series of bespoke treatments may be advised, depending on your needs.

Many clients who have attended Total Health Now have been thrilled with the results. As David B Robson comments, “My own health and energy have increased and I’m already seeing significant gains in my personal performance, which quickly translate into positive impact upon my business.”

Meanwhile, Ektoras Charalambides notes “I have stopped taking my asthma medication, which I started a few months ago. In addition to that, my general well-being has improved – I perform better at sports, I feel healthier and I have more mental clarity. I have also learnt how to make better food choices, as well as which supplements are best for my health and why. I would recommend Total Health Now without any hesitation for everyone, irrelevant of their age or state of health.”

Taking our health forwards…

By tackling our health head-on and holistically, we can certainly be a more productive, happier and healthier nation – and it is the responsibility of all of us to ensure this, employers and employees alike. We don’t need to be filling our bodies with medication in order to survive and thrive. Preventative holistic healthcare is the medicine of the future. When you feel good, everything else benefits too. You’re more alert, engaged and energetic; you also feel more positive about yourself.

Healthcare isn’t just about looking at the symptoms and masking these with drugs as much medicine can seem. Instead, it’s about getting to the root of the cause and finding ways of eradicating this holistically instead, understanding that every individual is different. There are so many areas of our life that feed into our health, many of which we don’t fully recognise or understand until our health is properly broken down in this way.

To get started with servicing your body, just like you would your car, book your free 30-minute consultation

Scientists now know that, if you are consistently surviving on too little sleep (that’s less than seven and a half hours of good sleep a night), you’re not going to be functioning at your best, focusing properly or thinking creatively. The cherry on top is that you are also sabotaging any attempts to take control of healthy eating and your weight.

Sleep and weight are intimately related. If you are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis, you are setting yourself up to be hungrier, eat more, weigh more, and have a harder time losing weight.

Sleep deprivation also causes hormone imbalance, and I’m not talking about PMT, but the hormones that directly affect your feelings of hunger. Ghrelin (the hunger hormone – that makes you feel more hungry) and leptin (the satiety hormone that tells you when you’ve had enough) are majorly disrupted when you are not sleeping enough.

Lack of sleep also messes with your levels of stress hormones and your body’s sensitivity to insulin, both of which contribute to weight gain.

So, after a night of bad sleep, if you feel ravenous, it’s not all in your head, but rather, in your hormones. And, it’s the carb-heavy, starchy foods that are going to be calling your name, not the lovely healthy ones.

If you’re trying to lose weight, not getting enough sleep can sabotage your efforts.

A lack of sleep is linked to poorer food choices, increased hunger and calorie intake, decreased physical activity, and ultimately, weight gain.

If your weight loss efforts are not producing results, it may be time to examine your sleep habits. Though individual needs vary, most adults need around 7–9 hours of sleep per night.

Getting some much-needed rest may make all the difference in helping you achieve your weight loss goals.

 

So many people we see in the clinic struggle with the effects of poor sleep. We want to talk to you about why good sleep is so important and how you can go about getting it!

A good night’s sleep is as important to health as eating the right things and exercising. Your physical and emotional well-being depends on getting enough. Yet we’re living in sleep-deprived times. Some people are even competitive about how little sleep they’re getting, like dragging yourself through the day on four hours’ rest is a badge of honour. Scientists even say we’re now getting an hour or two less sleep each night than we were 60 years ago. And the effect on our bodies is not good.

The amount of sleep each person needs varies. Waking up feeling refreshed in the morning is a good indicator and so is being able to wake without an alarm. If you need an alarm to wake up, you are not getting enough sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may not be able to concentrate properly and become irritable or agitated. You may also have blurred vision, be clumsy, become disorientated or slow to respond, and have decreased motivation. And, on top of that, if you’re tired and cranky, you are significantly less likely to make the best food choices.

You might be surprised to learn that, in a computer-simulated driving test, those who had had just a few hours of sleep were more dangerous on the (virtual) road than the people who had had a few drinks! In fact, the majority of road accidents are caused by tiredness.

The purpose of sleep is to rest and recover – and to allow the body to repair itself. These maintenance and repair processes take 7 to 9 hours. Adults need between 7 and 9 hours per night – regardless of what you think you have trained yourself to get by with.

But just how do you get a good night’s sleep?

The most common cause of insomnia is a change in your daily routine. For example, travelling, changes in work hours, disruption of other behaviours (eating, exercise, leisure, etc.), and relationship conflicts can all cause sleep problems. Establishing good sleep hygiene is the most important thing you can do to maintain good sleep. It might also be helpful to keep a sleep diary to help pinpoint any particular problems.

DO

  • Try to go to bed at the same time every day. Your body thrives on routine.
  • Keep the temperature in your bedroom comfortable; not too hot, nor too cold.
  • Use your bed only for sleep and sex. This may help you completely switch off.
  • Keep the bedroom completely dark, so you’re not disturbed by light, which your brain detects even when your eyes are closed. Eye masks can be useful.
  • Spend time outdoors to soak up the sun.
  • Try to take some gentle exercise every There is evidence that regular exercise improves restful sleep. This includes stretching and aerobic exercise. A brisk walk ticks both boxes.
  • Make an effort to relax for at least 5 minutes before going to bed – a warm bath, massage, meditation.
  • Keep your feet and hands Wear warm socks and/or mittens or gloves to bed.
  • Consider getting a traditional alarm clock so your smartphone can stay out of the bedroom (see below). Better still, work out how much sleep you need by going to bed 15 minutes earlier until you find that you wake up naturally before your alarm. That’s your personal sleep requirement.

DON’T…

  • Engage in stimulating activities – like playing a competitive game, watching an edge-of-the-seat film, or having an important conversation with a loved Even using smartphones and tablets can interfere with sleep, because they emit the same kind of light as the morning sun.
  • Eat a heavy meal within four hours of going to bed.
  • Drink caffeine after lunch – like coffee, ‘normal’ and green tea, and
  • Use alcohol to help you Alcohol can make sleep more disturbed.
  • Go to bed too hungry. Have a snack before bed – a glass of milk or banana is ideal.
  • Try to avoid daytime naps.
  • Try not to get frustrated if you can’t sleep. Go to bed in a positive mood – “I will sleep tonight”.

 

If you’re not sure where to start, take the first step today by booking your free 30-minute Health and Energy Review, so we can talk about your health concerns and I
can give you some energy-boosting strategies you can use straight away. If this sounds like what you need – link here.

You can consider BioResonance Therapy if:

  • You are having difficulties falling asleep
  • You wake up tired in the morning
  • You are sensitive to specific food types
  • You are having issues with your digestive tract
  • You are plagued by allergies
  • You have experienced problems with your hearing
  • You feel as if things just “aren’t quite right.”
  • You would like to try a complementary medicine but are unwilling to commit to a long series of treatments

Total Health Now Clinic employs highly experienced professionals, well-versed in the usage of modern BRT testing devices. For the purpose of testing, Total Health Now Clinic utilises highly acclaimed and clinically tested tools based on Russian, German and US technologies.

Our BioResonance Therapy (BRT) provides you with an entirely painless and risk-free alternative method of testing for a large number of problems. After undergoing our BRT procedure, you will be presented with an objective overview of your current situation, without any obligations for long-term commitment or treatments. If you would like to explore further options, however, our experts will be more than happy to advise you on the best course of action. Our facilities are equipped to perform a variety of BioResonance Treatments and other biofeedback methodologies aimed at promoting health and wellbeing.

If you’re not sure where to start, take the first step today by booking your free 30-minute Health and Energy Review, so we can talk about your health concerns and I
can give you some energy-boosting strategies you can use straight away. If this sounds like what you need – link here.

Did you know that 150 million Europeans suffer from chronic allergic diseases, and 48% of them have more than one allergy?  Sounds like a lot doesn’t it? So, you’d be surprised to learn that only 2% of people who come to us with suspected food allergies actually have them.

Every day we discover more people who have been misdiagnosed.  They do NOT have allergies but are living with the following issues instead:

  • They are intolerant to foods
  • They are living with environmental toxins
  • They are allergic to chemicals or dust particles
  • They have a weak immune system
  • They have poor digestion

Food allergy or intolerance?

Allergic responses to food can range from experiencing minor symptoms to having a critical immune reaction which requires immediate medical attention.  Some symptoms of intolerance can replicate those of a cold, or even asthma, so it can be tricky to tell the difference between an allergy, a cold, food intolerance or a true food allergy. But there are stark differences – especially between food intolerances and true food allergies – which we cover below.

Research has shown that some factors mean that you are slightly more likely to have a food allergy or intolerance.   These include:

·      Being born by C-section delivery

·      Using antibiotics

·      Not being exposed to microbes in your early childhood

·      Having a high fat/low carb diet

·      Having a low immune system

·      Too much stress or exercise

What happens to your body when you are allergic to something you eat?

When you’re allergic to something you eat, your immune system thinks it is a threat to you so produces immunoglobulin antibodies to neutralise it.  It also releases chemicals including histamine to your bloodstream which may give you a range of symptoms immediately or within a few hours. The most severe symptom is an anaphylactic shock which can lead to death unless an EpiPen is used as soon as the symptoms arise.

What happens to your body if you are intolerant to something you eat?

A food intolerance is an abnormal but not allergic response to a food.

With intolerance, the immune system does not get involved and there are no antibodies or histamines released. Instead, your body has a tough time breaking down or digesting that food, ingredient or additive.  Reactions include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating, constipation, cramping, and nausea.

If you are intolerant to something you eat, this could be as you are:

  • Allergic to food additives, colours or sulphites
  • Lacking the correct enzyme for breaking down specific foods – e.g. lactose intolerance
  • Sensitive to chemicals like caffeine
  • Sensitive to toxins in some raw legumes
  • Experiencing psychological influences including stress and aversion to foods
  • Living with irritable bowel syndrome
  • Living with Coeliac disease

How to tell the difference between a food intolerance and a true allergy

With an allergy, you won’t have a fever and your symptoms will go on for far longer.  You may also just have allergic reactions at some times during the day, or while you’re doing certain activities. If you wake up feeling congested, you may be allergic to dust mites. Feeling allergic during your morning wake up walk? That may be due to pollen.  Clear watery mucus production is also likely to be allergies rather than a cold.

If you have a true food allergy, your body will produce an immune response.  A food intolerance will produce symptoms, but your immune system will not be involved.

The most common foods related to allergies and intolerances

  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Milk
  • Eggs

You cannot have “just a taste” of something to which you are truly allergic.  In fact, 1/250th of a peanut is enough to trigger a reaction in some people.

The foods which people are most likely to be intolerant to are:

  • Lactose
  • Gluten
  • Preservatives
  • Additives
  • Tyramine (common in cured meats, aged cheeses and smoked fish)

Food intolerances are significantly more common than allergies.

Could it be allergic asthma or a cold?

Colds can cause a fever, but your symptoms – runny nose, sore throat, watering eyes, sneezing and coughing – will clear up in 14 days or fewer.   Colds cause symptoms 24/7 and are likely to come with a thick green mucus.

With allergic asthma, the triggers which provoke your allergies (like pollen or cats) may also set off asthma.  Sometimes food allergies can also have the same effect.

With allergic asthma, you get the typical food allergy symptoms (which may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, a rash, hives etc) followed by wheezing and coughing. At this stage, you can have anaphylaxis – a swelling of the throat, and an inability to breathe.

Did you know that eating junk food can make it more likely that you’ll get asthma and allergies?  Some preservatives can also trigger asthma attacks – including sulphites which you can find in food including wine, dried fruits and shrimp.

What can offer short and long term relief from food allergies and intolerances?

  • Use a neti pot
  • Avoid sugars and grains
  • Increase intake of animal-based omega-3 fats
  • Reduce your intake of omega-6 fats
  • Increase your intake of Vitamin C and Vitamin D
  • Eat more fermented vegetables or probiotics
  • Avoid pasteurised milk products
  • Use hot peppers as natural decongestant
  • Try so-called natural antihistamines including apples, berries, red grapes, red onions and capers
  • Apply eucalyptus oil to a cotton ball and sniff it, or put some in your bath
  • Increase your body’s oxygenation with techniques like Breathing Retraining

Long term results can only be achieved by strengthening the immune system through lifestyle changes, increased body oxygenation, detoxing and rebuilding the gut under the supervision of a health professional.

Can improving your gut health help your allergies and intolerances?

Did you know that your gut microflora will be different if you have a food allergy?

People with food allergies seem to have interaction between bacteria in their intestinal system, including Bacteroides, Enterobacteria, Bifidobacterial and Lactobacilli. These somehow seem to train the body to tolerate food triggers.  It therefore stands to reason that if you don’t have these bacteria, you’ll be less likely to be able to tolerate these triggers.

Improving your gut health can help your allergies and intolerances. Check out this blog to find out more.

Nadezhda had a severe skin condition (eczema) that she had suffered from for the past few years. Her energy levels and general mood were not the best, either. After working with Kostas and being familiar with his Kapelas Health System™, her life changed completely. Within ten days, her chronic skin conditions completely reversed. “I feel so amazing, so different, bright and light,” said Nadezhda.  The clinic worked with Nadezhda for over a year, using bioresonance technology, diet and lifestyle improvements as well as breathing therapies.

Nadezhda Chupik, mother of two young children

Find out more

There are many food allergies and food intolerances as well as environmental allergies and intolerances.  Thanks to our help, all your intolerances can disappear, and all your allergies can be reduced if we support you on a journey to detox and repair your gut and increase the oxygenation of your body.

Read more about our allergy and intolerance testing here and book a free 20-minute telephone consultation on this link.

With April comes IBS awareness month and allergy awareness week.  What do both these issues have in common? You may be surprised – so read on to find out more.

First of all, do you have any of the following?

  • Chronic inflammatory disease such as autism spectrum disorder, chronic fatigue and major depressive disorder
  • Migraine
  • An autoimmune disorder such as Coeliac, Crohn’s disease or MS
  • A metabolic disorder such as obesity, gestational diabetes or Type 2 diabetes
  • An intestinal disease or IBS
  • A neuroinflammatory disease
  • Food sensitivity
  • Bloating
  • Skin problems
  • Fatigue
  • Digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhoea
  • Allergies of any type?

If you are living with one of these conditions or issues, did you know that your gut may be the cause?

Now this blog may help you start your journey to managing your most troublesome health issue once and for all.

Confused? Let’s start from the beginning.

Your gut and how it works:

Inside the bowel there is a single layer of cells which make up the mucosal barrier (the barrier between the inside of the gut and the rest of the body).

This barrier can absorb nutrients, but it doesn’t let most larger molecules or germs pass through the bowel and into to the bloodstream.

Sometimes, this barrier can become less effective and “leakier”.  Some things make this more likely, and we’ll cover that later.

Part of your immune system includes the gut bacteria which live in your gastrointestinal tract and ward off viral invaders.  It’s thought that nearly 100 trillion bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms live inside your gut.  These include bad bacteria which, in turn, are flushed out by a protein called zonulin.

It’s possible that people with more zonulin have a more permeable intestine, and then this “leaky” gut (which doctors call intestinal permeability) enables germs, bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream contributing to the issues in the bulleted list above.  Bacterial overgrowth and gluten can also be behind overproduction of zonulin.

Over recent years the microorganisms in our gut have been linked to a range of diseases and conditions, from diabetes to autism and anxiety to obesity. They have also been associated with how we respond to certain drugs, including chemotherapy, and even how we sleep.

What’s stopping your microorganisms from doing their job?

The microorganisms in our bodies exist to support the immune system, give nutrients to our cells and stop harmful bacteria and viruses attacking us.  They find it harder to do their jobs when we are:

  • Taking antibiotics frequently and when it’s not 100% necessary
  • Eating excessive sugar through processed food (the sugar feeds the bacteria)
  • Drinking chlorinated or fluoride-added water
  • Drinking too much, too often
  • Eating lots of processed food
  • Using antibacterial soup and products containing triclosan
  • Eating non-organic meat and animal products as they are fed low-dose antibiotics and GE grains

Some things we can take or use every day are also very well known to be irritants of the bowel lining.  This includes ibuprofen, aspirin, alcohol and anti-inflammatory drugs.   They can allow some substances to pass through the gaps and into the blood stream as they damage the seals between cells.  Sometimes, this can lead to you having ulcers in your bowel lining.

What about food intolerances and allergies?

‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” – Hippocrates

An allergic response to food ranges from slight irritation to anaphylaxis- a life-threatening immune reaction that needs immediate medical attention.

Over the years, increasing research has shown that there are some factors which make food allergies more likely.  These include c-section delivery, antibiotic use, lack of exposure to microbes in early childhood and a high fat/low carb diet.

There also appear to be huge differences in the gut microflora with people living with food allergies compared to those living without.  Interaction between bacteria such as Bacteroides, Enterobacteria, Bifidobacterial and Lactobacilli within the intestinal system seems to somehow train the body to tolerate food triggers. Where the gut flora contains fewer of these key bacteria, there seems more chance of allergies developing.

On the other hand, intolerances are caused by inflammation in the gut, and once that has been resolved small amounts of the offending food can be reintroduced gradually until you build full tolerance to them again.

What about seasonal allergies?

It’s likely that our gut health also affects other allergy related health issues – in particular, asthma.  One reason for this may be that we are too clean! These days, the plethora of antibacterial soaps, sanitisers and powerful germ-killing products we use in our homes are changing the microbes in our gut.  This means that our immune systems are no longer frequently challenged, so we’re more likely to get allergic to our environment.

It may also be possible that as temperatures rise across the globe, the pollen allergy season is becoming longer and more intense.  The Lancet Planetary Health reported that there’s an important link between global warming and public health which could be exacerbated as temperatures continue to rise.

Whether you’re living with laboured breathing, a blocked up nose, weeping eyes or any other allergy symptoms, you’d be wise to keep your gut microbes as healthy as possible.

“One month on and I’m a different person! I’ve had no hay fever symptoms so far this spring and my dust allergy is a thing of the past! I still get the odd headache, but I’ve learned how to reduce them using the breathing techniques and I’ve still had no migraines at all! The tinnitus has gone, and the digestive problems are well under control. I’m also about 7lbs lighter and much slimmer.” – Claudia

For maximum wellness and Total Health Now Clinic, we can help:

What can you be doing to support good gut health? What small changes can you make to your life to improve your general wellness? How can you manage your gut health, diet and lifestyle if you’re living with any of the issues mentioned in this article?  We are here to help.

Read more about assessing the health of your digestive system here, learn more about how to cleanse and detox your gut here and book a free 20 minute telephone consultation on this link.

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” —Buddha

If you were to study your immune system – the way your body defends itself from attack – you would see proteins, cells and organs working together to fight off unwanted intruders.

In the main, people are with born intact immune systems and develop a stronger immune system as we grow older and gain greater exposure to toxins, viruses, bacteria and fungi.

However, sometimes our immune systems are not as robust as we’d like. There are many things you may be experiencing which indicate that your immune system is not working as well as it can.

These include:

  • You’ve been diagnosed with cancer, particularly blood cancers like leukaemia, and are having chemotherapy
  • You have a chronic disease such as diabetes, hepatitis or kidney disease
  • You have a congenital disorder such as Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy or cystic fibrosis
  • You’re living with an autoimmune disease which often mean your immune system is overactive
  • You’re taking some medications, including corticosteroids
  • Being unwell frequently
  • Ailments such as frequent headaches or migraines

Other factors also come in to play in affecting your immune system:

  • Spending too little time in the sun, and not having enough Vitamin D (this is definitely an issue in the UK)
  • Having a sedentary lifestyle – not moving around enough every day
  • Aging, being pregnant or being obese
  • Using antibiotics
  • Feeling isolated and lonely
  • Poor nutrition, smoking and drinking too much
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • Overtraining and the wrong types of training
  • Environmental pollutants
  • Lack of emotional resilience

But what can you do if you feel like your immune system is weaker than you’d like? We think the answer is simple: start by being kind to yourself and others.

Be kind to yourself

  • You are what you eat so make sure you’re supporting your immune system with everything you put in your mouth. Please be kind to yourself and eat whole foods and a nutrient dense diet.
  • Up your intake of protein, especially plant based proteins like nuts, seeds and legumes. You can also try tempeh and tofu from non GMO soy as that has extremely high protein concentrations
  • Refined sugars supress your immune system for hours after you eat them so avoid sugar and refined starches and watch your overall health improve
  • Remember to eat colourful fruits and vegetables – particularly leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, peppers, sweet potatoes and squashes.  These are packed with nutrients which support your immune system.  When you’re making soups, sauces, dips and vegetable dishes, cook with onions, ginger, garlic and loads of spices.  These have great properties and taste delicious too
  • Put probiotics on your shopping list as they will support your immunity. Look out for sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, kimchi, miso and unsweetened yogurt as well as prebiotic food like asparagus, plantains, flax seeds, seaweed, bananas and apples
  • Drink plenty of pure water and other fluids, especially soups and broths. Cook from scratch if you can. Choose ginger and turmeric tea but avoid concentrated fruit juices and other sugary drinks
  • Make sure you’re getting enough sleep – ideally seven or eight hours a night. If you find it hard to destress, try mindfulness, yoga, active relaxation and breathing techniques throughout the day
  • Exercise when you are feeling well but avoid if you feel run down. Try for 30 – 45 minutes per day
  • Create a toxic and electropollution- free house environment as much as possible!
  • Build emotional resilience through meditation and other heart-based techniques
  • Spend time in nature every day
  • Stay connected with the people you love
  • Learn to breath and oxygenate your body properly by retraining your respiratory centre
Be kind to others

The ultimate source of a happy life is warm-heartedness. This means extending to others the kind of concern we have for ourselves. On a simple level we find that if we have a compassionate heart we naturally have more friends. And scientists today are discovering that while anger and hatred eat into our immune system, warm-heartedness and compassion are good for our health.” – Dalai Lama

We’ve long known that you receive when you give, and that wonderful feeling of love, affection, warmth and connection produces so-called kindness hormones.

Research has shown that oxytocin (a kindness hormone) is tied to making us more friendly, trusting and generous as well as lowering our blood pressure and giving our hormone levels a boost.

Scientists have found that when you’re doing more kindnesses, you’ll be less stressed.  Even experiencing stress in these times kindness helps build resilience and takes the edge off.

So, as a starting step, be kind to yourself and be kind to others and watch your immune system get stronger every day.

If you found this article useful and would like to find out how to incorporate some of the advice in your daily life, you can book a FREE 20 minute telephone consultation on this link.

 

Good health is something that’s important to us all. But how do we reach this elusive goal?

Our bodies are like a chain of independently linked organs and systems. Like a chain, our overall health is only as good as the weakest link. Our approach to natural health is really quite simple: firstly, find the weakest link and strengthen it before it snaps and, secondly, identify and support the rest of your body’s imbalances so that your body can heal itself from within.

Primarily, we recommend gradually changing your habits and start with few simple below steps on how to transform and accelerate your health….

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1. Shop organic

Using organic products in the process of healing the body is essential. Reducing the toxic load in all forms is a primary aim. Yes, it is all about practicing a Complete Detoxification Programme  in order to reduce the load on one’s immune system and allowing it to activate the body’s own healing mechanism. It should go without saying, but eat less processed foods and more wholesome foods. This means reading the labels. The fewer ingredients the better, and if you see chemical additives, preservatives, artificial colours or flavours (usually represented by numbers) leave the product on the shelf.

2. Eat more superfoods and rely on detox diet menu

Of course superfoods  are a special category of foods found in nature. By definition, they are calorie sparse and nutrient dense, meaning that they pack a lot of punch for their weight as far as goodness goes. They are superior sources of anti-oxidants and essential nutrients – nutrients that we need but cannot make ourselves. Incorporating such nutrition for health into your daily diet makes perfect sense for optimal healthy lifestyle.

3. Drink and bath with clean alkalise water

Good hydration is vitally important if you are to enjoy optimum healthy lifestyle.  We believe that drinking alkaline ionised water is beneficial for everyone.

4. Protect yourself from electromagnetic fields (EMF) pollution and from the effects electromagnetic radiation

Each and every day, your body is exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Cell phones, satellites, radio stations, hair dryers, microwaves, music players, computers, power grids, gaming consoles, and body-worn electronics are all sources of EMF and, over time, we are exposed to a vast amount of these signals. Protect yourself from the effects of electromagnetic radiation and  electro-smog by using EMF protection devices. These devices can help limit your body’s exposure to EMF and its associated risks. As a result, you may feel more energised, focused, or even have a greater sense of well-being.

5. Detoxify your body

Of course detoxing your body is important to remove unwanted toxins from the system. Face this, unwanted toxins in most of the cases interfere with the natural pathways of the brain and vital organs. Your body is programmed to get rid of wastes and toxins through any channel it can (bowel, sweat, tears, lungs, kidneys…), whenever it can.

6. Take Natural Supplements

Supplementing your diet with essential immune-boosting nutrients is an essential part of any healing program. Apart from supporting your weakest link, you go on a maintenance programme to ensure natural healthy lifestyle and also to make sure that  your health and vitality is constant.

7. Learn how to control your emotional responses

How do you deal with your challenges in life? Our physical, emotional and mental vitality are intrinsically linked…. 

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” ? Lao Tzu

8. Use earthing / grounding

Earthing  or grounding refers to contact with the Earth’s surface electrons by walking barefoot outside or sitting, working or sleeping indoors connected to conductive systems, transferring the energy from the ground into the body. Emerging research supports that this may result in reduced pain, better sleep and less inflammation. The logical explanation for the reduction in inflammation is that the Earth’s negatively charged antioxidant electrons enter the body and neutralise positively-charged free radicals in the body.

9. Pay attention to your Breathing patterns

The average depth and volume of our breathing has a profound effect on the uptake of oxygen, metabolism and, in fact, all the major systems of the organism. Oxygen is an essential food for the organism; it does not regulate the breathing. The breathing is, in fact, regulated by carbon dioxide, and the sensitivity to it of the respiratory centre.

The perfect man breathes as if he does not breathe. – Lao Tzu

Focus on these few simple things, and watch your miraculous life unfold in unprecedented ways.

 

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.” ? Thich Nhat Hanh

We tend to take breathing for granted. However, the way we do it can affect our health and lifestyle…

 

  1. Many people believe that deep breathing oxygenates the body.  Actually, oxygen only has a small part to play; it is more about carbon dioxide (CO2).
  2. The balance of CO2 in the body can be affected by breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Holding your breath will help to counter this, by increasing the CO2 and re-balancing the acidity level in your body.
  3. As the frequency of your breathing increases, your body will become more acidic and you will feel more hungry.
  4. The filtration system in your nose has four stages.  Three of these are missed when you breathe through your mouth, leading to the development of ailments such as sore throats, ear infections and tonsillitis.
  5. The exercise that you take should never be so intense that you can’t keep your mouth closed.
  6. Over a long period of time, breathing through the mouth can result in the jaw shrinking and teeth becoming crooked, e.g. after a brace has been removed.
  7. In the majority of cases, children with a lisp when they talk have breathing through the mouth as its cause.
  8. Breathing through the mouth shrinks the bladder and often causes the feeling of needing the toilet during the night.
  9. The symptoms of chronic diseases can be substantially reduced, or completely eliminated, by correcting your breathing (reducing hyperventilation).
  10. A breathing programme and different external factors can help asthma sufferers.  There is the potential, in fact, of living the rest of your life free of steroids and inhalers!

 

Interesting Facts…

The life span of the animal depends on the number of breathe they breathing per minute. For example, a tortoise breath once in three minute, its life span is around 300 years, a rabbit breath 45 times in a minute, it lives up to fifteen years, Like this the breathing rate of the living species decides its life span, By reducing the number of breathing one can extend healthy life, this one can achieve only by regular practise of breathing exercise

During normal breathing we are using only half of the lungs for breathing, this one can easily understand by taking a deep breath.

During the practise of breathing method we are using at least Eighty percent of our lungs. As utilisation of lungs more the pure oxygen entering to blood immediately increases, so the each blood cell increases their efficiency, so the whole body get benefitted. Normally our thoughts and breathing have direct relations, when we are angry or restless, the number of breathing per minute is increases rapidly, this every one is experiencing in day today life. By controlling the breathing one can control the emotions and unnecessary thoughts.

 

Professor Buteyko developed a simple way to measure the breathing that can be done by nearly anyone, anywhere and at anytime. To accurately measure lung ventilation with conventional equipment is a laborious and extremely complex task. Any form of resistance, like a breathing tube to the apparatus for example, will distort the measurement and have an influence over the breathing, which is supposed to be measured without interference.

Professor Buteyko developed a better and easier system, that is a more indicative and precise measure of overall health, than any other test known to medical science.

Professor Buteyko developed what is called the Control Pause, and it only takes a few minutes, and the only equipment you need is a watch with a second’s hand. The idea is based on the fact that our breathing is driven by the Respiratory Centre, located in the Medulla Oblongata part of the brain; which provides the involuntary stimulus to breathe, due to its sensitivity to carbon dioxide.

By measuring the time it takes for it to respond to the accumulation of carbon dioxide, (due to a breath hold), will tell us the amount a person ventilates on average per minute.

 

Email us on info@totalhealthnow.co.uk  to receive full instructions on how to measure your Control Pause……

 

“Over the oxygen supply of the body, carbon dioxide spreads its protecting wings”

lao tsu

The Bohr Effect is named after the Danish physiologist Christian Bohr. In 1904 he discovered how carbon dioxide – CO2 – helps cells, tissue, and organs get the oyxgen they need.

Before you can grasp the Bohr Effect you must forget what you think you know about breathing and oxygenation. Normally we think of breathing as

• inhaling oxygen – the “good stuff”

• exhaling carbon dioxide – the “bad stuff”

But this is too simple. Because it ignores the real reason we breathe. And it ignores how we get oxygen from the blood to where it is needed in the kidneys, liver, brain, etc.

So what is breathing, and what do we need from the air?

The air we breathe is a mixture of

• nitrogen – 78%

• oxygen O2 – 21%. Ample.

• carbon dioxide CO2 – 0.034% – Not nearly enough.

• traces of water vapor, argon, and various other components.

We need 200 times more CO2 than is in the air. Our lungs need 6.5% CO2 in order to absorb oxygen properly. We contain more CO2 than our environment. So if we over-breathe we will lose CO2. This would be OK if CO2 was just a waste gas. But far from it, we need CO2 for a whole host of vital body processes.

Why your body needs carbon dioxide – CO2

1. Helps absorb oxygen – CO2 helps separate oxygen from the hemoglobin in the blood. Our hemoglobin is already packed with oxygen – it’s 98% saturated. But without the proper level of CO2 this oxygen gets stuck in the red blood cells. It sounds strange. But the more you breathe, the less oxygen your tissues get.The role of the respiratory system is to maintain the proper ratio of oxygen to CO2. When this ratio is disturbed, a whole range of illnesses and defense mechanisms kick in.

2. Regulates the body’s pH – in the form of carbonic acid, CO2, shifts the pH towards acidic. If you’re deficient in CO2 this will weaken your immune system, making you vulnerable to allergies and viruses.

3. Relaxes smooth muscles – CO2 keeps the muscles in your gut, lungs and blood vessels dilated. Relaxed blood vessels help your brain and other organs get enough blood. Conversely a drop in CO2 constricts the blood vessels making the heart pump harder.

o Spasming blood vessels – cause migraine, angina, heart attack or stroke.

o Spasming lung tubes – cause wheezing, breathlessnesses, and tight chest.

4. Sedates and stabilises the nervous system. CO2 is a natural tranquiliser. So breathing too much literally gets on your nerves – giving you anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and even paranoia and other disorders that can blight lives and relationships.

The Breathing Retraining Method corrects dysfunctional breathing to bring the carbon dioxide to oxygen ratio into balance.

 

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Our aim is to help you with your daily “Healthy” food choices. Avoid cooking or frying any of the fruits & vegetables below. They need to be eaten raw or very lightly steamed, as cooking destroys the enzymes and chlorophyll (if applicable) in them.

Vegetables!

Asparagus?- Broccoli?- Chilli -Capsicum/Pepper- Basil?- Brussels Sprouts Courgette/Zucchini- Dandelion – Snowpeas –Green/String/Runner Beans – Spinach – Kale – Wakame – Kelp?- Collards – Chives – Endive -?Chard- Cabbage- Sweet Potato – Coriander – – Cauliflower –Carrot – Beetroot -Eggplant/Aubergine – Garlic?- Onion?-Parsley?- Celery -?Cucumber – Watercress?- Lettuce?-Peas?- Broad Beans?- New Potato -Pumpkin?Radish

Fruit!

Avocado – Tomato – Lemon?- Grapefruit – Fresh Coconut

Grains & Beans!

Amaranth – Buckwheat – Brown Rice   – Chia – Kamut – Millet – Quinoa – Spelt

Lentils? -Lima Beans- Mung Beans – Navy Beans – Pinto Beans -Red Beans – Soy Beans -White Beans

 Other!

Alkaline Water?- Tofu? – Goat & Almond Milk – Herbal Tea

 

Nuts & Seeds!

Almonds – Coconut -?Flax / Pumpkin / Sesame / Sunflower Seeds

Oils!

Avocado Oil Coconut Oil Flax Oil Udo’s Oil Olive O

Sprouts!

Soy – ?Alfalfa –  Amaranth –  Broccoli –  Fenugreek – Kamut – Mung Bean – Quinoa – Radish – Spelt

Breads!

Sprouted Bread S- prouted Wraps – Gluten/Yeast  Free Breads & Wraps

Supplemments & Grassess!

These must be organic, food state and with all the nutrients in them, as certain processing methods kill all the nutrients in t them.

Chlorella – Green powders / Wheatgrass / Barley Grass  diluted in water or mixed into juices/smoothies

For more alkaline products and solutions please click here

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A herbal syrup is simply a maceration, infusion, decoction or tincture where maple syrup, vegetable glycerine or honey has been added to give it a sweeter thicker taste and texture. This form is ideal for children. It is also perfect for making a sore throat or cough mixture where you want to coat the throat. This form is not suitable for diabetics.

Onion & Garlic Syrup (for coughs, colds and general immunity):

 

1. Add to food processor, blender or hand blend: raw – onions, garlic, horseradish, chilli and ginger root.

2. Cover with vegetable glycerine, honey or maple syrup.

3. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

4. Store in jar in the fridge and use by the spoon!

Red Elderberry Syrup (anti-viral ‘winter’ family tonic)

These are the red-wine coloured berries of elderberry that can be found all over Britain in September and October.

1. Collect when fully ripe and do not use mouldy berries – remove these.

2. Place elderberries in a jar and gently push down with a spoon.

3. Cover the berries with vegetable glycerine one inch above and keep covered. Inspect each day to see if it needs topping up with glycerine. Do not let the glycerine levels go down as toxins can develop on the surface.

4. Keep in direct sunlight for 3 weeks then strain. Keep refrigerated and use by the spoon!

Why are tinctures kept in the dark but macerations in the light?

Tinctures do better in the dark due to alcohol content. Alcohol is very stripping in itself. Macerations do better in the light because the sun is an extracting method and not as harsh as alcohol. The alcohol is used because it can strip all the active content from the plant/herb.

For more information visit us on www.totalhealthnow.co.uk

Siberian Ginseng

(Eleutheroccus Senticosus)

Introduction:

Not to be confused with other ginsengs such as American ginseng or Korean Ginseng – this is quite a different plant – indeed it is not really a ‘true’ ginseng but something even more special and extremely safe and can be taken all the time (unlike other ginsengs). Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogen (see later) – while other ginsengs are not. A ‘tonic’ herb – it is a tall shrub that grows to 5-7ft, with leaves that look like horse chestnut. The flowers appear in July – the colour of these varying from cream, pale yellow, lilac or violet. It needs plenty of water all year round to flourish. It has been used in China and Asia for 2,000 years or more and was commonly used in ancient healing rituals for energy, fertility and all round healing. In 1959 the Ministry of Health in the former USSR (Russia now) authorised clinical tests, which sparked scientific interest. The Soviet government then officially approved the herb’s use as a tonic and in Russia still today is used by athletes, astronauts, climbers, miners, mountain rescuers and soldiers – to give then strength, endurance, energy, recovery from exhaustion and to calm the adrenals/nervous system after stress/intensive physical labour. 4,00 plants were screened by the government and they picked Siberian Ginseng to be the best as an all round super tonic.

Where can you find it? It grows abundantly in the wild in Siberia, Mongolia, Korea, China and Japan. A tough plant, it adapts to its surroundings; prefers sunlight but can tolerate extremely cold winters and sub-zero temperatures. You can grow it in Scotland and the USA however more successful plants for medicinal use have come from the countries listed previously.

Medicinal Uses:

What is an Adaptogen?

Adaptogenic herbs help the body ‘adapt’ and heal all systems/organs for men, women and children. Energy, recovery, rebalancing, rejuvenation for the kidneys, liver, heart, spleen, lungs, bowels, brain, immune system, adrenal system, endocrine system (hormones/thyroid), lymphatic system, nervous system, digestive system. Its is uplifting while calming – giving it a unique and sophisticated chemical action – meaning if you take it you are not made to feel sleepy or drowsy or indeed hyper and over-awake. It creates a great equilibrium in the body.

• Extreme fatigue, chronic fatigue, tiredness from physical exertion – though work or exercise.

• Recovery from long term illness and infections – particularly where someone has had to have bed rest because they found moving around very tiring. Can be used for post-cancer treatment recovery – e.g chemotherapy.

• Acute conditions that have worsened and become chronic – e.g common cough that has turned into a chest infection.

• Sexual health, low libido and fertility – for both sexes. Increases semen output.

• Poor neurological function – helps to normalise brain function.

• Excellent for stress, low moods, anxiety – balancing the nervous system. Good for dyslexia, autism and memory.

• Improves cerebral corticoid (steroid hormone) function and speed of brain.

• Increases oxygen consumption and improves respiratory effectiveness.

• Enhances liver protection and lessens liver cell regeneration.

• Lots of research on neo-natal brain development. Very safe in pregnancy and breast feeding. Helps to alleviate fatigue in pregnancy and recovery from giving birth or dealing with reduced sleep with a new baby.

• Good for managing low or high thyroid function – safe with thyroxin under practitioner supervision.

• Good for recovery from injury/enhances healing time. Has anti-inflammatory properties.

• Good for all ages from foetus to the very elderly.

• Can be taken long term, with no less effect. Accompanies herbs like Echinacea and Hawthorn well.

• Helps the body to resist infection.

• Improves hearing and sight.

• Very good also for someone who ‘over functions’ – always running around, fasting talking, unlikely to want to rest/calm down. This herb helps to settle a character like that.

Energetic Uses:

Those who lack emotional energy. In naturopathic terms excellent for those that have weak kidney and spleen energy/meridians. Totally revitalising for the mind. Improving happiness and zest for life. Good for calming an anxious person and bolstering an unconfident/fearful character.

Parts used:

Root.

Applications:

Tincture, capsules, herbal powder, tea or decoction made from the root.

Contraindications:

None. Safe in pregnancy, breastfeeding and infants onwards.

Other adaptogens:

Ligustrum, Astragalus, Rhodiola, Withania (in India called Ashwaganda), Schisandra. You could use these all in combination with Siberian Ginseng. Although Siberian Ginseng remains the King!

 

 

 “Can you control your mind so that it never strays from the way of Tao? Can you control your breathing so that it is soft and gentle like a new-born babe?”
The connection between the mind and the way we breathe has been asserted by Eastern sages for centuries. For obvious reasons, they have not emphasized the physiological connection that would make sense from a Western scientific point of view.

But modern science has recently arrived at the same conclusions as the ancient yogi and meditator. Recent research is clear; the functional chemistry of the brain is largely determined by a delicate balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen – which is directly regulated by the depth and frequency of our breath.

There is no person who breathes within the optimal physiological norms and who suffers with mental problems – to the contrary, their disposition is invariably relaxed, clear and deeply content. They control their mind instinctively and without effort. Anyone can observe how the mind can excite the breathing – but few realize how the breathing can also influence the mind.

A vast and growing number of people are suffering from so called psychological or psychiatric problems such as uncontrolled anger, anxiety, panic, depression, stress and all kinds of behavioral problems – these are breathing related problems.

Less than optimal breathing will result in a less than an optimally functioning mind. The quality and function of the mind are tightly bound to the way in which we breathe, as the latest scientific research shows:

“The brain, by regulating breathing, controls its own excitability” Balestrino & Somjen, 1988.

 

“Hyperventilation leads to spontaneous and asynchronous firing of cortical neurons”. Huttunen et. Al, 1999.

And this is what certain transcendentalists, meditators and yogis have been asserting for centuries.

“Mind and breath have the same source. Hence breath is controlled when mind is controlled and mind, when breath is controlled. Breath is the gross form of the mind.” Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, 1965.

 

“The perfect man breathes as though he is not breathing.” Lau Tzu, 604-521 BC

 

”The removal of outside stimuli and the suspension of the breath within the nostrils controls the mind, and the transcendentalist becomes free from desire, fear and anger, and the one who is always in this state is certainly liberated.” Bhagavad-Gita

 

“There is no person who breathes within the optimal physiological norms and who suffers with mental problems – to the contrary, their disposition is invariably relaxed, clear and deeply content. They control their mind instinctively and without effort.

 

“Anyone can observe how the mind can excite the breathing – but few realize how the breathing can also influence the mind.”

LearnButeyko.info

 

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The latest news reports are illustrating the high level of Vitamin D deficiency in the UK today.  We acquire 90% of our Vitamin D from sunshine, yet 77% cent of adults spend most of their day indoors, seldom seeing the sunshine.

Vitamin D is best known for its roles in preventing rickets and maintaining proper levels of calcium in the blood. It is an important factor in the maintenance of good health, that also helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth, and the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus. Studies also suggest that Vitamin D may play a part in slowing the ageing process and the onset of age-related diseases.

Vitamin D3 is an ideal supplement for the months when many of us don’t see the sun on a daily basis, so why not share the benefits of Vitamin D with your friends and colleagues.

 

Get your daily dose of sunshine throughout the winter months!!!!

To check our vitamin D3 range please go to www.totalhealthnowshop.co.uk

What is Earthing?

Have you ever noticed that you feel a lot better when you walk barefoot on the Earth? Recent research has been able to explain the reason behind this.

Research has proved that the effects of electromagnetic radiation can be largely neutralized as well as your immune system can function optimally only when your body has an adequate supply of electrons. Needless to say, adequate amount of electrons can be obtained by barefoot contact with the Earth.Health: earthing

Many people have noticed that they feel better when they spend time barefoot in the outdoors. Now we know why! Earthing™ (re-connecting with the earth) is a recent idea. It is based on scientific evidence confirming the long-suspected necessity for barefoot contact with the earth. Modern science has determined that standing barefoot on the earth (or otherwise connecting to the natural frequencies of the earth) has a wide variety of effects on the human body. Standing barefoot on the earth (or otherwise connecting to the natural frequencies of the earth) connects the human body with an unlimited supply of free electrons resident in and on the surface of the earth. Standing barefoot on the earth also connects the human body with rhythmic cycles of the earth’s energy field.

These appear important for synchronizing biological clocks, hormonal cycles and physiological rhythms. The cells in your body constantly draw energy from the brain and the Earth’s electromagnetic field in an effort to achieve what is called “magnetic resonance”. Magnetic resonance occurs when the magnetic frequency in your brain matches a harmonic of the frequencies of the other organs and body tissues. This normally occurs for only brief periods during sleep. During these periods, your body’s ability to heal, create enzymes and boost immunity is enhanced. Other vital functions related to magnetic resonance are being discovered almost daily by those working in the emerging field of quantum medicine.

The bottom-line is simple, living in direct contact with the earth thus helps in grounding your body, induces favorable physiological and electrophysiological changes that promote optimum health and natural healthy lifestyle.

For our Grounding / Earthing product full range visit online health store here…

 

What a surprise! When the human organism functions within established normal physiological parameters (in medical text books), there is no incidence of chronic disease. Why then are established physiological “norms” being ignored?

Healthy breathing is simple. Firstly it complies with the physiological norms for ventilation i.e. 3 – 4 liters per minute at rest. Above this amount is called hyperventilation and has a poisonous effect on the organism – below this amount is called hypoventilation, an occurrence so rare to be insignificant for the purposes of this discussion.

The person who breathes optimally will have, by average standards, some apparently strange tendencies. Firstly, they don’t suffer with any of the “diseases of civilization”. Physically they tend to be lean and muscular, regardless of their level of activity. They eat sparingly and prefer simple food. They sleep less, around four hours a day – they can relax easily. Their level of energy is consistent and their stamina significantly above average. They enjoy physical activity. Their posture is naturally elongated.

Their physical attributes are only one aspect. From a mental and philosophical perspective, they tend to be logical and calm – they are not given to paranoia, deep smoldering anger, or greed. They can happily sustain intensive concentration with little effort and do not oscillate between depression and unrealistic or false enthusiasm. Their natural demeanor reflects ease.

It should be noted that an adult, who breathes optimally is very rare in modern Western society. But throughout history there have been sages of all traditions that reflect the principles of optimal breathing.

Healthy or optimal breathing is at the heart of the Buteyko Method. What we routinely see in those who practice the method diligently, is clear incremental improvement in health, starting with the liquidation of chronic disease along with sublime shifts in mentality.

There can be the temporary absence of obvious disease, there can be excuses for disease – but there cannot be health without a corresponding healthy breathing pattern. This is just a simple law of nature.

 

Russian scientist and medical doctor Konstantin Buteyko, in 1952, discovered that the real cause of asthma and other related diseases is a radical depletion of CO2 – carbon dioxide – in the lungs. This isn’t so strange when we learn that oxygen cannot be assimilated by cells without adequate amounts of CO2. There is only 0.03% carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today. Yet to absorb oxygen a healthy body requires about 6.5% carbon dioxide in the alveoli of the lungs. Therefore your lungs act to trap in some of the carbon dioxide produced by your body. Should the level of carbon dioxide in human lungs fall to 3%, it is fatal.

“Carbon dioxide is the basic nutrition of every life form of earth.

It acts as the main regulator of all functions in the organism;

it is the main internal environment of the organism; it is the vitamin of all vitamins.”

  • – KP Buteyko

According to Buteyko’s research, asthmatics and sufferers of other related conditions have adopted a breathing pattern which causes them to release more carbon dioxide than they produce. To prevent the level from dropping to far, the body has developed certain defence mechanisms. These include constriction of the bronchial muscles and increased production of mucus in the membranes of the breathing passages.

Signs of overbreathing are lightheadedness, dizziness, poor concentration, shortness of breath, over sensitivity of the airways, excessive production of mucus, blocked or runny nose, mouth breathing, palpitations, skipped heart beats, muscular spasms, different degrees of anxiety, tension, apprehension, fatigue, insomnia, abdominal bloating, loss of consciousness, and the list goes on!

 

 

The spleen is located on the left side of the abdomen. The spleen can be considered as two organs in one; it filters the blood and removes abnormal cells (such as old and defective red blood cells), and it makes disease-fighting components of the immune system (including antibodies and lymphocytes/white cells).

The body of the spleen appears red and pulpy, surrounded by a tough capsule. The red pulp consists of blood vessels (splenic sinusoids) interwoven with connective tissue (splenic cords). The red pulp filters the blood and removes old and defective blood cells. The white pulp is inside the red pulp, and consists of little lumps of lymphoid tissue. Antibodies are made inside the white pulp. Similarly to other organs of the lymphatic system, particular immune cells (B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes) and blood cells are either made or matured inside the spleen. Blood enters the spleen via the splenic artery, which subdivides into many tiny branches. Each branch is encased in a clump of lymphocytes, which means every drop of blood is filtered for foreign particles as it enters the spleen.

The Naturopathic or Chinese view of the spleen is very important when it comes to immunity, as you can see from the information above. Therefore ‘strong’ spleen energy keeps the body vibrant and with a strong immune system/defence system. The spleen like the kidneys does not like cold/damp weather or too much cold or raw food – as this energetically saps strength from the spleen.

Those with a removed spleen; may find their immunity compromised although conventional medicine does not recognise this and commonly removes.

 

 

Hippocrates is considered the father of Western Medicine and lived from 460 BC to 377 BC. Some of his sage advice included, “Let food be thy medicine & let thy medicine be food.”

Picture of our healthy food table, from a recent video shoot!

The Immune System

The Lymphatic System

About the Immune System

The immune system, which is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs, defends people against germs and microorganisms every day. In most cases, the immune system does a great job of keeping people healthy and preventing infections. But sometimes problems with the immune system can lead to illness and infection.

The immune system is the body’s defence against infectious organisms and other invaders. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade body systems and cause disease.

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The cells involved are white blood cells, or leukocytes, which come in two basic types that combine to seek out and destroy disease-causing organisms or substances.

Leukocytes (white blood cells) are produced or stored in many locations in the body, including the thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. For this reason, they’re called the lymphoid organs. There are also clumps of lymphoid tissue throughout the body, primarily as lymph nodes, that house the leukocytes (white blood cells).

The leukocytes (white blood cells) circulate through the body between the organs and nodes via lymphatic vessels and blood vessels. In this way, the immune system works in a coordinated manner to monitor the body for germs or substances that might cause problems.

The two basic types of leukocytes are:

  1. phagocytes, cells that chew up invading organisms
  2. lymphocytes, cells that allow the body to remember and recognize previous invaders and help the body destroy them

A number of different cells are considered phagocytes. The most common type is the neutrophil, which primarily fights bacteria. If doctors are worried about a bacterial infection, they might order a blood test to see if a patient has an increased number of neutrophils triggered by the infection. Other types of phagocytes have their own jobs to make sure that the body responds appropriately to a specific type of invader.

The two kinds of lymphocytes are B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. Lymphocytes start out in the bone marrow and either stay there and mature into B cells, or they leave for the thymus gland, where they mature into T cells. B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes have separate functions: B lymphocytes are like the body’s military intelligence system, seeking out their targets and sending defences to lock onto them. T cells are like the soldiers, destroying the invaders that the intelligence system has identified.

= T Cell                                 = B Cell

N. B

T- cells = A type of white blood cell that is of key importance to the immune system and is at the core of adaptive immunity and the system that tailors the body’s immune response to specific pathogens.

Immature T cells (termed T-stem cells) migrate to the thymus gland in the neck, where they mature and differentiate into various types of mature T cells and become active in the immune system. There are several different types of mature T cells. Not all of their functions are known. T cells can produce substances called cytokines such as the interleukins which further stimulate the immune response. T-cell activation is measured as a way to assess the health of patients with HIV/AIDS and less frequently in other disorders.

T cell are also known as T lymphocytes (white blood cells). The “T” stands for “thymus” — the organ in which these cells mature. As opposed to B cells which mature in the bone marrow.

Here’s how it works:

When antigens (foreign substances that invade the body) are detected, several types of cells work together to recognize them and respond. These cells trigger the B lymphocytes to produce antibodies, specialized proteins that lock onto specific antigens.

Once produced, these antibodies continue to exist in a person’s body, so that if the same antigen is presented to the immune system again, the antibodies are already there to do their job. So if someone gets ill with a certain disease, like chickenpox, that person typically does not get ill from it again.

Although antibodies can recognize an antigen and lock onto it, they are not capable of destroying it without help. That is the job of the T cells, which are part of the system that destroys antigens that have been tagged by antibodies or cells that have been infected or somehow changed. (Some T cells are actually called “killer cells.”) T cells also are involved in helping signal other cells (like phagocytes) to do their jobs.

Antibodies also can neutralize toxins (poisonous or damaging substances) produced by different organisms. Lastly, antibodies can activate a group of proteins called complement that are also part of the immune system. Complement assists in killing bacteria, viruses, or infected cells.

All of these specialized cells and parts of the immune system offer the body protection against disease. This protection is called immunity.

 

What is Systematic Kinesiology?

Systematic Kinesiology (pronounced kin-easy-ology ) is a way of identifying any imbalances a person has by monitoring their ability to hold their muscles against light pressure.

Each muscle is related to an organ, and also to an energy pathway called a meridian. Together the muscle, organ and meridian form a circuit. If there are chemical, emotional, structural or energetic stresses affecting the circuit, the muscle tested will feel ‘spongy’, indicating an imbalance.

Once an imbalance is found the Kinesiologist uses the muscle test again to get feedback from the person’s body about what factors are aggravating the imbalance, and what will help to rebalance it. Here’s how it works …

Each time a relevant factor is introduced the muscle’s response changes, a bit like a switch. So imagine a spongy muscle as being ‘off’; if the person then thinks of an emotional stress and the muscle is suddenly able to hold against the pressure, i.e. it switches ‘on’, that indicates that that emotional stress in involved in that imbalance.

Similarly, if a particular nutrient, when placed in the mouth, causes the muscle to switch ‘on’, we know it will be helpful. The same process can be used to find related structural problems and energetic factors.

Based on this feedback the Kinesiologist and client can discover exactly what is involved in the imbalance and devise a treatment plan. It may include nutritional supplements, various emotional stress release techniques, Bach Flower remedies, acupressure, gentle structural realignment, chakra balancing, light touch, firm reflex massage, suggested lifestyle changes and more. The exact treatment you receive depends on the feedback your body gives through the muscle test about what it needs to return to health.

There is no guess work with Systematic Kinesiology.

History of Kinesiology

Dr George Goodheart, an American chiropractor, the acknowledged founder of kinesiology in 1964, used the model of muscle testing to evaluate what he was doing chiropractically. The model of muscle testing he used was developed in the 1930s by the husband and wife team of Kendal and Kendal (See ref 1).

Stanley Hoppenfeld MD who was assistant clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (U.S.) used muscle testing to evaluate the neurological function of the muscle (See ref 2).

In neurology textbooks muscle testing is defined as “a means of testing the motor function of limbs”. Therefore muscle testing was already accepted as a valid technique and used extensively in orthopaedic medicine by physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths.

As interest grew in utilising this technique Dr Goodheart drew together a group of doctors who were also interested in developing this further and the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) was formed. As part of the foundation of expanding the application of muscle testing the team took on board work done by Bennet and Chapman with regard to the lymphatic system. They also looked at the subtle energy system as used within acupuncture.

This then was the basis of muscle testing that was to develop and become known as Applied Kinesiology (AK).

Dr John Thie, one of the original members of this research team, led by Dr Goodheart, recognised the need to educate the public in many of the self-help techniques within AK and this educational programme then became known as Touch For Health (TFH), a programme for the lay person and is taught and used throughout the world.

Today, Applied Kinesiology is regularly utilised by osteopaths, chiropractors and dentists. A pre-requisite for membership to ICAK both in the United States and in the United Kingdom is that the person can write medical prescriptions.

Systematic Kinesiology has expanded further from the concepts of TFH, but still uses and teaches techniques researched by the physicians of ICAK.

For the past 20 years Dr Sheldon Deal has given an annual seminar in London to kinesiologists on the new information and research accepted by ICAK. International Applied Kinesiology members meet twice a year and present research papers. Dr Deal was President of the college from 1978 – 1983 and after completing that term of office went on to the examining board and today holds the position of being the President of the examining board.

Dr Deal is also the technical advisor to the Association of Systematic Kinesiology.

What happens in Kinesiology treatment?

You can read all you like about Kinesiology but there is no substitute for trying it yourself. You’ll be amazed to see how it works. And, of course, you’ll begin to feel the benefits.

Your kinesiologist will first take a medical and lifestyle history. You can remain fully clothed in a Kinesiology session. The Kinesiologist will places your arms, legs or head into specific positions and then apply a light pressure. The quality of response to this pressure determines whether or not there is an imbalance in the muscle-organ-meridian circuit. A muscle test, as used by Kinesiologists, does not measure the raw physical strength. Imbalances even show up on body builders.

Muscle testing gives the Kinesiologist information and feedback from your body about its condition. Since our bodies accumulate imbalances in a certain order (see How illnesses develop), they will return to health quicker if the imbalances are treated in a certain order. Through muscle testing, a Kinesiologist can assess the order in which to treat the imbalances. Usually, once a priority imbalance has been treated, you will see that other related imbalances disappear immediately.

Based on feedback from the muscle test, you and the Kinesiologist can discover exactly what is involved in your imbalances and devise a treatment plan. It may include nutritional supplements, various emotional stress release techniques, Bach Flower remedies, acupressure, gentle structural realignment, chakra balancing, light touch, firm reflex massage, suggested lifestyle changes and more. The exact treatment you receive depends on the feedback your body gives through the muscle test about what it needs to return to health.

How many treatments?

This depends very much on your complaint, how long you’ve had it, and how fully you participate in your own treatment, i.e. making the recommended lifestyle and dietary changes that often form part of the treatment plan. Usually, however, most people experience an improvement in three to six visits. It is then recommended that you have routine balances two to three times a year

What can Systematic Kinesiology help?

Every health problem will have at least one imbalance. And every imbalance will have at least one component to it (chemical, mental, physical and energetic). Finding imbalances and treating holistically is what Systematic Kinesiology is all about, so it can help with just about anything :-

  • Accident trauma
  • Allergies
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Back ache
  • Breast pain and congestion
  • Depression
  • Digestive problems
  • Dyslexia
  • Fatigue
  • Food sensitivities
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Learning difficulties
  • Muscular aches and pains
  • Osteoporosis
  • P.M.S., P.M.T.
  • Phobias
  • Post-operative pain
  • Postural problems
  • Rheumatism
  • Skin disorders

Kinesiology Facts

  • Kinesiology is a safe, natural, effective and complete complementary therapy.
  • It is a way of detecting imbalances in the body through muscle monitoring.
  • Kinesiology was devised by an American Chiropractor, Dr George Goodheart in 1964.
  • Brian Butler who set up the first school, The Academy of Systematic Kinesiology, brought it to the UK in 1975.
  • Through muscle monitoring you can quickly identify precisely what is involved in any imbalance found e.g. Nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, emotional upset, food sensitivities, structural misalignments, poor energy flow or negative beliefs.
  • Treatment is then given according to the feedback the person’s body gives via muscle monitoring.
  • It may include acupressure, light touch, nutrition, gentle manipulation (no clicking) Bach (or other) flower remedies, and/or energy balancing.
  • This holistic approach of simultaneously treating all the aspects of a person (emotional, nutritional, structural, and energetic) ensures a quicker, more thorough return to health.

Kinesiology Fallacies

  • Kinesiologists do not just use one muscle to test for imbalances. Each muscle is related to an organ or a gland, and so using one muscle would not give accurate results.
  • Systematic Kinesiology is not about asking the body verbal questions.
  • Kinesiologists do not diagnose. They find imbalances, and find out what will bring the body back into balance.

 

What is Scenar?

Scenar Treatment

Scenar treatment is conducted with an electronic device; the Scenar weighs approximately 300grams, is 200mm in length, with an electrical contact at one end and runs off a 9V battery. This is run over the spine and abdomen or the infected area, recording the resistive response to its signals and using its sophisticated software to return a fresh signal. A gentle tingling/stroking sensation will be felt. The practitioner is looking for anomalies on the skin surface, which may be highlighted by redness, numbness, stickiness or a change in numerical display or sound. Although these areas may not seem to directly relate to the obvious symptom, by treating these ‘asymmetries’, (as the Russians call them), the healing process will commence.

Patients having Scenar treatment need to take responsibility for their health and are advised to participate actively in the treatment and recovery process. The chemical compounds, released by the nerves, affect not only the problem areas, but also circulate in the blood treating other areas of the body. This goes some way to explaining how old and often forgotten problems are brought to the surface for treatment.
The Russians state that a chronic problem that the patient has may take up to 6 weeks treatment, with long-lasting effectiveness. Acute problems may just take one or two treatments. They say that the Scenar proves effective in 80% of all cases, of which full recovery occurs in 2/3rds of them and significant healing in the remainder.

What conditions can Scenar treat?

In the UK, the devices are licensed by the British Standards Institute for pain relief only. However, because of the nature of the device, viz., stimulating the nervous system, the Russian experience is that Scenar affects all the body systems.
The Russian experience suggests that it can be effective for a very broad range of diseases, including diseases of the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculo-skeletal, urinary, reproductive and nervous systems.
It is also useful for managing ENT diseases, eye diseases, skin conditions and dental problems. It has also been found beneficial in burns, fractures, insect bites, allergic reactions, diseases of the blood and disorders involving immune mechanisms; endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disorders; stress and mental depression, etc.
It is known to give real relief from many types of pain.

How often will I need a treatment?

In order to create a continuous flow of circulating regulative peptides Scenar action must be given quite often. For any fresh injury or any acute inflammatory process treatment needs to be intensive, ideally once or even twice daily. For chronic conditions, treatments are ideally given three or four times a week initially. As things improve the frequency can be reduced.
A course of treatments will vary from individual to individual, and takes into account such factors as the stage of the pathological process, the person’s age, state of health, and so on.

Is it safe?

As the Scenar impulse is similar to endogenous nerve impulses, it is non-damaging and safe. Only people with cardiac pacemakers are not allowed to have Scenar treatment. see contra-indications. Children and pregnant women can be treated, and even animals enjoy it!

What about my conventional treatment?

If you are receiving treatment from your doctor it makes sense to inform him about Scenar therapy. Treatment with Scenar may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some medication, and this can be done under the supervision of your doctor.

What else do I need to know?

During the treatment of chronic conditions, occasionally a healing crisis may occur (experienced as a complete lack of energy and malaise). This arises if the body is getting rid of toxic energy too rapidly. There are techniques that can be used with the Scenar to manage this.
For best results it is advisable not to bathe or shower for two hours before and after treatment. It may be necessary to shave an area of skin to ensure good communication between the device and the nervous system.
Patients generally experience an increase in energy, more refreshing sleep and an improved well-being.

How does it differ from other therapies?

There are several ways in which it differs from other electrical therapies.
Unlike TENS machines, each impulse is different from the previous one so the body is unable to adapt to the signal.
The Scenar impulses change according to the response from the body at the exact moment of treatment. This allows a true bio-feedback dialogue to take place between the scenar device and the nervous system, resulting in stimulation of the A,B and C fibres – creating a cascade of neuropeptides amongst other healing entities of the bodies internal pharmacy. This massive response helps explain the effectiveness of Scenar therapy on the whole body.