Your Healthy Living - August-September 2022 by JFN PRODUCTIONS

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

FREE MAGAZINE How to soothe the symptoms of eczema

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Your natural pregnancy wellness plan

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Back to school health tips for kids

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Bonnie Wright

“My passion for the environment” Special focus on Organic September, expert advice for joint pain, natural remedies for embarrassing health issues, plus news and research from the world of natural health and wellbeing

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YOUR HEALTH

August/September 2022

Health News: All the latest news and research from the world of natural health and wellbeing

Celebrity Health: Actress Bonnie Wright talks to Liz Parry about her work in the area of environmental activism and her new book on fighting climate change

Your Health: How to ensure that kids have a happy and healthy return to school

Your Look: Abigail James offers some natural tips for soothing eczema

Your Body: Your pregnancy health and wellness plan

Your Health: Pamela Spence offers some tips for dealing with embarrassing health conditions

48 Your Body: Paul Parker suggests some tips for looking after your joints naturally

YOURS FOR FREE 5

Giveaways: Want to be in with a chance of winning a great prize? Then enter our giveaways!

YOUR HEALTHY LIVING AWARDS 27

Get Voting: Your chance to vote in the Your Healthy Living Awards 2023!

YOUR FOOD 50 Your Food: YHL takes a look at the theme for this year’s Organic September campaign

YOUR EXPERTS

42 Images of Bonnie Wright © Kacie TomitaImages of Catherine Tyldesley © Tom Pitfield

Hello...

As I write this we are currently in the middle of a heatwave and experiencing the highest temperatures ever recorded in the UK. It’s hard not to worry about climate change when we are experiencing such extreme weather conditions. It’s apt therefore that our celebrity interview this issue is with actress and environmental campaigner Bonnie Wright who talks to us about her work with Greenpeace in the fight against climate change. Find out more on page 12. Also this issue we have part two of the Your Healthy Living annual product awards. This is where you, our readers, can vote for your favourite health and wellbeing products. We have seven categories for you to choose from ranging from best stress relief product to best free from food and drink. Turn to page 27 to find out how to vote. If you need an incentive to take part, remember that every reader who votes will be entered into a draw to win a spa break for two at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa near Durham. I hope you enjoy our other features this issue which include natural tips for soothing eczema, advice for a healthy pregnancy, a focus on joint health and much more. Wishing you good health

40 Health Q&A: Our experts answer your questions on burnout, neck pain and natural haircare 38 Y our In Store Advisor: Independent health store advice on natural sleep remedies from the Natural Health stores in Welwyn Garden City and Hertford

Liz Parry | Your Editor

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THE TEAM EDITOR Liz Parry liz@jfnproductions.co.uk • PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Cathy Norris cathy@jfnproductions.co.uk GROUP AD MANAGER Heidi Thoday heidi@jfnproductions.co.uk • PRODUCTION Leanne Bassett copy@jfnproductions.co.uk DESIGN Craig Gillespie craig@jfnproductions.co.uk • MANAGING DIRECTOR Stuart Jackson stuart@jfnproductions.co.uk

Official magazine of Tree of Life and the Health Store.

Your Healthy Living magazine is distributed through the largest wholesalers in the natural products industry, Tree of Life and the Health Store. Should retailers require more copies, simply use order code 0003 and these will be delivered subject to availability. Your Healthy Living, JFN Productions Ltd, Unit G2, Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Essex, CB9 7BN, UK. © 2020 Published by JFN Productions Ltd. Information in Your Healthy Living Magazine is for information only and no part of it is a substitute for health diagnosis, care or treatment. The publishers cannot accept any responsibility for the advertisements in this publication. Produced on environmentally friendly chlorine-free paper derived from sustained forests. Please recycle. Follow us on Twitter: @YHLMag

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Health News

Reduced meat consumption could avert millions of premature deaths Reducing meat consumption and eating more fruit and vegetables could avert millions of premature deaths each year, a study has found. Premature deaths from diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer – conditions that are also risk factors for Covid-19 patients – could be prevented by including measures to reduce global meat consumption in Covid-19 recovery plans, researchers say. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used a computer model to assess the impacts that different Covid-19 recovery plans could have between 2019 and 2060. They modelled

four post-pandemic scenarios and considered how the global food system would be affected by each of these. Their findings show plans that include dietary shifts toward less meat and more fruit and vegetables could prevent 2,600 premature deaths per million people by 2060. With the world’s population projected to be more than 10 billion by 2060, this could potentially avert 26 million deaths that year alone, the team said. Reducing the amount of meat eaten globally would make food more affordable – particularly in low- and middle-income countries – and be better

for the environment, the analysis shows. Cutting meat consumption would also reduce agricultural land use and the need for irrigation and fertiliser, which can affect water quality and harm biodiversity, the team said. The study was published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health

49%

Health

NEWS

of Brits feel more switched on about the issue of food waste than ever before. Source: HelloFresh Gardens

Read more health news at www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

Did you know?

“Reishi packs a powerful punch when it comes to anti-ageing,” explains medical herbalist Bergitte McGovern, BSc (Hons) MNIMH, (www.herbsbybee.co.uk). “It is traditionally known as ‘the mushroom of immortality’ due to its broad spectrum of benefits. Highly beneficial to the heart and circulation, it helps with high blood pressure and cholesterol control. Other benefits include support for healthy blood sugar, liver function, insomnia and anxiety, along with having neuroprotective and anti-tumour properties.”

Study to examine impact of sleep on stroke recovery A study is being launched which will examine how sleep can help with stroke recovery. Researchers from the University of East Anglia are looking for people in the region who have had a stroke to take part in this study.

moving your limbs and moving around in general. We want to better understand how the brain recovers after a stroke so we will be investigating how stroke survivors regain movement, and how this is influenced by sleep and time.”

Lead researcher Prof Valerie Pomeroy, from UEA’s School of Health Sciences, said: “A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Damage to the brain can affect how the body works – and weakness on one side of the body is the most common and wellknown effect of stroke. If your muscles are weak, you are likely to have some difficulty

Participants will undertake measures of daily activity, sleep and movement and will need to attend two visits at UEA. For further information or to take part, email v.pomeroy@uea.ac.uk or call 01603 591923.

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Your Giveaways 130 NUTRIENTS

Full spectrum multivitamin capsules Good Health Naturally is giving away Active Life™ capsules worth £39.95, to three lucky readers. ActiveLife™ is a full spectrum multivitamin/mineral formula making it a comprehensive all-in-one solution for all your nutritional needs. Each capsule contains an impressive 130 nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, trace minerals from fulvic acid, amino acids, antioxidants and much more. Ideal for the whole family and suitable for vegetarians. DRAW CODE: YHL-GHN-0822

MAXIMUM BENEFITS

Advanced vegan collagen Collagen is typically obtained from animal sources; however, these forms do not match the amino acid structure present in the human body. Vollagen® advanced vegan collagen from Time Health has overcome this issue by using the human collagen matrix as a basis for the amino acid profile for maximum benefits. Five lucky readers will each win a pouch of Vollagen® worth £15.99. DRAW CODE: YHL-COLLAGEN-0822

WIN! FREE PRIZE DRAWS

IMMUNE-BOOSTING

Natural support for kids’ health

Support your child’s sleep, focus, immunity and more! MAG365 Kids contains calming MAG365 ££££s worth of fantastic health Ionic Magnesium Citrate plus immune-boosting products to be given away this month. nutrients like zinc and vitamins C, D3 and K2 in Enter the free draws today! a bioavailable powder supplement. MAG365 Kids is formulated by mothers who ensure their supplements are pure and free of fillers and common allergens – just 100 per cent goodness for your little ones. Two readers will each win a 330g tub of MAG365 Kids, worth £36.50. DRAW CODE: YHL-KIDS-0822 VEGAN TREATS

Delicious liquorice coated in vegan chocolate

LIVE BACTERIA

Something to smile about! Find your inner smile and appreciate the good things in life with a two-month supply of Bio-Kult Brighten and a gratitude diary. Bio-Kult Brighten contains 14 strains of live bacteria, vitamins B6 and B12 which contribute to normal psychological function and the reduction or tiredness and fatigue. Three readers will win this prize worth almost £40.

Panda Liquorice is launching a new vegan product: Panda Soft Liquorice Coated in Creamy Choc. These tasty treats feature Panda’s famous soft black liquorice pieces which are made with all natural flavours and are coated in a smooth, creamy vegan chocolate made from rice milk. Three winners will receive five bags of liquorice chocolates worth a total of £14.95 per prize.

DRAW CODE: YHL-BRIGHT-0822

DRAW CODE: YHL-PANDA-0822

HOW TO ENTER CLOSING DATE: 31 October 2022 WEB

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with the Free Draw Code (eg YHL-GHN-0822) to: Reader Offers, Your Healthy Living, JFN Productions, Unit G2, Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Essex, CB9 7BN. (Entries on postcards or sealed envelopes only please.) Also, please note that you can enter multiple giveaways on one postcard.

Your Healthy Living Prize Draw Terms & Conditions You may enter more than one draw but there is a maximum of one entry per person per prize. Prizes can only be dispatched to residential addresses within the UK. Winners are selected at random from all entries received at the closing date. By entering a prize draw you agree to us keeping your details on our database and that these details may be utilised by companies connected to JFN Productions and companies involved in these offers. If you do not wish us to retain your details for contact about news and offers, please select ‘no offers’ online or write ‘no offers’ at the top of your email or postcard. Prizes are not for resale. For full terms and conditions visit www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

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Health News

Dogs can help to reduce stress in children, study finds Interacting with dogs can significantly reduce stress levels in children both with and without special needs, a new study has found. The University of Lincoln study involved 149 UK primary school children aged between eight and nine from both mainstream schools and special educational needs schools. The children were randomly assigned to three groups: a dog group, a relaxation group and a control group. In the dog group, the children interacted for 20 minutes with a trained dog and handler, while the relaxation group involved a 20-minute relaxation session. Sessions were carried out twice a week for four weeks. The control group attended school as normal. The researchers measured levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the saliva of the

children. Their findings showed that the children who interacted with the dog had significantly lower cortisol levels. These findings applied to the children in both the mainstream and special needs schools. In the mainstream schools, the children in the control and relaxation groups had increases in mean salivary cortisol over the course of the school term. In contrast, the children who participated in either group or individual sessions with dogs had no statistically significant increase in cortisol. In addition, their cortisol levels were, on average, lower immediately after a dog session. For children with special educational needs, similar patterns were seen, with decreases in cortisol after interacting with the dog. The findings were published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.

Study reveals confusion over healthy eating Findings from a new survey, conducted by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), have revealed widespread confusion about healthy eating among both adults and children. The survey was conducted as part of the BNF’s Healthy Eating Week campaign, which took place in June. This year’s campaign focused on healthy sources of fibre as well as getting your five-a-day. The survey suggests that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of children aged between seven and 11, and 17 per cent of children aged from 11 to 16 think that chicken counts towards your five-a-day. Nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of primary school children think that cheese can be one of your five-a-day. Only 38 per cent of all UK adults and 23 per cent of older children know that carrots contain fibre, while 60 per cent of secondary schoolchildren and 36 per cent of primary schoolchildren believe that wholemeal bread is a source of fibre. The survey also shows that many people do not currently eat, or have never tried, a range of plant foods, such as beans and lentils, which provide essential nutrients like protein and fibre. Sara Stanner, Science Director at British Nutrition Foundation said: “Government advice is for us all to eat more plant-based foods because they’re good for us and for the environment. It is concerning that there is confusion across the UK about the nutritional contents of some common foods, including plant-based foods. Lack of knowledge means people are less empowered to make informed choices, and achieving a healthy diet, with a good balance of the right types of foods, is more difficult if you don’t know which key nutrients the foods that we eat provide.” The campaign resources, which include information, recipes and activity ideas, can be found at www.nutrition.org.uk/healthy-eating-week

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Editor’s Choice This month’s Editor’s Choice product is Helios Sleep from Helios Homeopathy. It’s well worth checking out if you struggle to get a good night’s sleep. The product contains four homeopathic remedies: Avena sativa, Coffea, Passiflora and Valerian, all of which have a long history of traditional use for relieving all manner of sleep disturbances. Helios Sleep comes in organic sucrose pill form.

BOOK SHELF We take a look at some of the newest natural health reads How to Find Stillness Within by Colin Dunsmuir (£14.99, Penguin Life) In this new title the author takes deep, spiritual yogic learnings and adapts them for a modern life and audience. With guided reflection, modern day examples and practical exercises to try at home, this book will show you the benefits of yoga as a mindset, not just a sequence of moves.

The Anxiety Workbook: Practical Tips and Guided Exercises to Help You Overcome Anxiety (£10.99, Vie) The Anxiety Workbook contains practical advice, effective tips and guided exercises to enable you to recognise and process your anxiety. Based on trusted techniques and mindfulness exercises, this guide will allow you to better understand your anxiety and provide the tools you need to work through it.

Beans, Peas & Everything in Between by Vicky Jones (£14.99, Ryland Peters and Small) Featuring information on the history and botany of pulses, numerous recipes, advice on buying, storing, soaking and cooking them and a summary of their nutritional benefits, this is the go-to cookbook for anyone who is ready to embrace these protein-rich and diverse ingredients.

Salads are More Than Leaves by Elena Silcock (£20, Hamlyn) Featuring sections on building your salad, maximising flavour and plating your salad to impress, this new book includes over 80 recipes for salads to get excited about. Each recipe includes substitutions for vegan and vegetarian variations, suggestions for pairing salads and ways to get ahead when you're short on time.

Health News

Vitamin D in pregnancy could reduce eczema in babies Mums-to-be who take vitamin D supplements during pregnancy could substantially reduce the chances of their babies experiencing eczema, a new study has revealed.

which supports recommendations for vitamin D supplements to be routine during pregnancy.” The effect was particularly seen in babies who were later breastfed for more than a month.

Researchers from the University of Southampton conducted the randomised controlled study of more than 700 pregnant women. Of that number, 352 took 1,000 IU of vitamin D a day from when they were 14 weeks pregnant until they gave birth, while 351 took a placebo.

Dr El-Heis added: “We found no effect at 24 and 48 months suggesting that other postnatal influences might become more important beyond infancy or that the babies themselves might also need to be supplemented during the postnatal period for a sustained effect.”

Dr Sarah El-Heis, who was first author of the paper, said: “Our results showed that babies of mothers who received supplements had a lower chance of having atopic eczema at 12 months,

33%

The research was published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

of schoolchildren arrive at school hungry because they have not yet eaten, according to a survey of primary school teachers. Source: Arla

Study highlights the link between sitting and cardio health Long periods of time spent sitting down have been linked with an increased risk of early death and cardiovascular disease. These were the findings of a study lead by researchers from Simon Fraser University in Canada and Beijing’s Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The international study surveyed more than 100,000 individuals in 21 countries for an average of 11 years. The results showed that people who sat for six to eight hours a day had a 12 to 13 per cent increased risk of early death and heart disease, while those who sat for more than eight hours a day had a 20 per cent increased risk. The findings were published in the journal Jama Cardiology. 8

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Health News

Higher salt intake linked to higher risk of premature death People who add extra salt to their food are at higher risk of dying prematurely from any cause, a new study has revealed. The study was carried out by researchers from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans. The team analysed data from 501,379 people who they followed for an average of nine years. Premature death was defined as death before the age of 75. Compared to those who never or rarely added salt, those who always added salt to their food had a 28 per cent increased risk of dying prematurely. Furthermore,

at the age of 50, 1.5 years and 2.28 years were taken off the life expectancy of women and men, respectively, who always added salt to their food compared to those who never, or rarely, did. As well as finding that always adding salt to foods was linked to a higher risk of premature death from all causes and a reduction in life expectancy, the researchers found that these risks tended to be reduced slightly in people who consumed the highest amounts of fruit and vegetables, although these results were not statistically significant. The findings were published in the European Heart Journal.

Alcohol intake may be linked to cognitive decline Drinking seven or more units of alcohol per week is linked with higher iron levels in the brain, a new study has found. Iron accumulation in the brain has been linked with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and is a potential mechanism for alcohol-related cognitive decline. Researchers from the University of Oxford carried out the study of 20,965 individuals. The participants reported their own alcohol consumption, and their brains were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Almost 7,000 also had their livers imaged using MRI to assess levels of systemic iron. All individuals completed a series of tests to assess cognitive and motor function. Although 2.7 per cent classed themselves as nondrinkers, average intake was around 18 units per week. The team found that alcohol consumption above seven units per week was associated with markers of higher iron in areas of the brain associated with control of motor movements, procedural learning, eye movement, cognition, emotion and more. Iron accumulation in some brain regions was associated with worse cognitive function. The findings were published in PLOS Medicine.

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Special focus on Organic September, expert advice for joint pain, natural remedies for embarrassing

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dining recipes, expert on men’s health, al fresco for heart health, focus health and wellbeing Retailer recommendations news and research from the world of natural plus tips for a healthy holiday,

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Subscribe now and receive a free gift! When you subscribe to Your Healthy Living for a year, for £19.95, you will receive a great free gift, Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter, priced at £19.75 for a 150ml jar. This NATRUE-certified vegan body butter provides intensive moisturisation and nourishment for dry skin. It contains organic cocoa butter and shea butter, fragranced with pure essential oils and packaged in recyclable (and recycled) glass. A real treat for your feet!. Subscribe today at www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk/subscribe

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Try this! The only iron

supplement formulated with delicious Nordic blueberries, BlueIron provides highly bioavailable and fastworking iron. Tell me more! With the benefit of a patented micro-encapsulated form of iron, it’s easily absorbed and gentle on the stomach. BlueIron provides the full recommended reference intake of iron for renewed energy*, focus and natural vitality. How much? £16 for 250ml. Available from? Independent health food stores. Visit www.blueiron.co.uk

For stronger joints and increased mobility ... it’s got

to be Collagen Plus. Tell me more! This awardwinning 3-in-1 collagen supplement offers an unrivalled level of collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin. These key ingredients combine to keep connective tissue flexible and enable bones and cartilage to bear weight. From the age of 25, collagen levels reduce around 1.5 per cent every year. Joints stiffen and, by 45, collagen can reduce by 30 per cent. Collagen Plus provides a natural route to better joint health. Available from? All good independent health food stores. Visit www.arthrovite.com or call a collagen expert on 0800 0181 282.

What’s new? Panda Soft Liquorice

Coated in Creamy Choc. Tell me more! Panda Liquorice is launching a new vegan product using the famous soft black liquorice pieces which the company has been producing since 1927. The liquorice pieces are made with all natural flavours and are coated in a smooth and creamy vegan chocolate which is made using rice milk. How much? £2.99 for 110g. Available from? Independent health food stores. Visit www.bravurafoods.com

*BlueIron contains naturally sourced Nordic blueberries for flavour plus iron which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

You`ll Great buys at your health store

Did you know? Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant – 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C – which has been shown to help protect both skin and eyes from UV rays and help repair sun damage. Tell me more! Time Health Astaxanthin has been formulated according to research, containing 7mg per capsule. All natural and additive-free. How much? £17.99 for 120 capsules. Available from? timehealth.co.uk

What’s this? OTC Beverages were created to provide the taste of the Caribbean in luxurious premium packaging. Tell me more! The products are made from high quality ingredients with a refreshing taste. OTC Beverages is a multiaward-nominated and award-winning brand of non-alcoholic drinks, bringing a difference to the drinks industry. How much? £3 per bottle. Available from? Please check the website for a list of suppliers: www.otcbeverages.com

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Celebrity Health

My passion for the

environment Images of Bonnie Wright © Kacie Tomita

Actress Bonnie Wright talks to Liz Parry about her work in the area of environmental activism and her new book on fighting climate change

www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk August/September 2022

Bonnie Wright

It can be quite overwhelming thinking that you need to overhaul your life in order to make change, but it doesn’t have to be like that.

ctress Bonnie Wright is famed for her portrayal of Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films. She is also passionate about environmental activism and is an ambassador for Greenpeace and the Rainforest Alliance. Bonnie’s debut book, Go Gently: Actionable steps to nurture you and the planet, provides an overview of climate-related issues along with practical tips, skills, healthy recipes and exercises.

something I was actively involved with. I felt really inspired by the solutions and ideas they have and felt like I could start doing things in my day-to-day life and not feel totally overwhelmed by the subject.

Q What inspired your passion for the environment? And what led to your involvement with the climate movement?

Bonnie: Yes. My grandparents and parents had those skills where they would mend something first before buying something new. My mum was always really good at sewing and mending things, and if something in the house broke, like the kettle, my dad would always fix it rather than buying a new one. So that’s always been very much a part of our lives. It’s always been about investing in fewer things that are of better quality, rather than lots of low value items. Like a jumper made from good materials that could last a long time rather than lots of cheaper ones.

Bonnie: I’ve always been someone who likes the beach and coastal environments and around 15 years ago I started to see single-use plastics and pollution appearing more on our beaches. I was confused about why that was happening and I wanted to learn more about it. When I started working with Greenpeace it changed from being something I was concerned about to

Q In the book you feature lots of tips and advice, and you focus on simple practices like making and mending, cooking and growing herbs. Is that an attitude that you grew up with?

Q You have lots of recipes in the book aimed at reducing waste. Do you get a sense of satisfaction from developing recipes that are nourishing for your body but also help to reduce your impact on the environment? Bonnie: Yes. I view cooking as an act of taking care of myself or taking care of friends and family by cooking for them. The idea of nourishment is not just the nutritional value, but it’s a form of self-care. I find the act of cooking or thinking about recipes to be quite soothing, like a meditative practice. I think people sometimes assume that cooking can be more complex or time consuming than it really is. I try to focus on recipes that don’t have really intricate processes in them and that are quite straightforward. Q What you would say to people who argue that they don’t have time to cook from scratch? Bonnie: I totally understand that for some people cooking isn’t the most fun practice. Continued on page 14

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Celebrity Health Continued from page 12

I’d suggest starting off by preparing something for your lunch to take to work, like a salad or sandwich, rather than trying to make a whole dinner. And choose recipes that have, say, five or seven ingredients in them. Start off simple and hopefully that will help to build up your confidence. Q Do you have any tips for how people can make changes in their own lives that will help to reduce their impact on the environment? Bonnie: It can be quite overwhelming thinking that you need to overhaul your life in order to make change, but it doesn’t have to be like that. For me, my entry into the issue was plastic pollution and ocean health. So rather than trying to limit the plastic in my entire house I initially focused on the food I was buying and how much plastic was used in the packaging and tried to limit that. Maybe start with an issue that you care about the most. For example, if you love gardening, you could make sure that you’re not using fertiliser and you’re trying to be as non-toxic as possible there. If you love being at home you could start to look at the kind of chemicals and ingredients that are in your cleaning products. Q Tell us about your work with Greenpeace and how you came to be an ambassador for them. Bonnie: I wrote an article about plastic-free shopping and Greenpeace reached out to me to ask if I’d like to do some work with them. I went on one of their ships, Arctic Sunrise, and we travelled down the coast of the Atlantic side of America. That trip was all about connecting with coastal communities and we did a lot of

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trawling for microplastics. This is when you put a net down to see what plastics you catch. Then I worked with them on the UK River Project which focused on the fact that waste and pollution runs off the land into riverways, estuaries and waterways and that’s how it often connects to the sea and the ocean. That was about educating people on that issue. I’ve also visited the Coca Cola headquarters in Atlanta to petition them to take bolder action with their plastic packaging. I’ve learnt that you need to do what you can in your own way, but also that pressure needs to be put on big brands to provide better options for us. Q Do you feel hopeful that change will come about and that we will be able to protect the planet from further damage? Bonnie: Yes, I definitely wouldn’t be in this work if I wasn’t hopeful. I think there are some amazing, creative and incredible solutions that exist. There are lots of small, local solutions as well as global solutions. I’m constantly inspired by so many grassroots charities and organisations doing really good things. I think like everyone you have good and bad days when you feel hopeful, or when you read a headline or hear a story and you feel frustrated and angry. But that just makes you want to keep going and keep trying to achieve change.

Go Gently: Actionable steps to nurture you and the planet by Bonnie Wright is out now, priced at £20.

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RAISE THE BAR We’ve picked the best eco-friendly, natural and organic soap bars for all occasions Ben & Anna Lemongrass Soap www.benandanna.uk

The Ben & Anna Lemongrass LOVE Shampoo is an eco-friendly, lemongrass scented, solid soap bar that is designed to nourish and moisturise hair. This plastic free shampoo uses cocoa butter and curcuma to cleanse and replenish the natural oils in your hair and on your scalp, giving a lovely natural shine. Packaged in fully recyclable cardboard, this shampoo bar is zero waste, meaning it is great for the environment and avoiding clutter in your bathroom. Available from health stores and online.

lavera Shampoo Bar www.lavera.co.uk

When you would like your hair to be soft and smooth, choose the lavera Basis Sensitiv Shampoo Bar. This shampoo bar is enriched with soothing organic aloe vera and quinoa and is kind to sensitive scalps, while the foamy lather gently cleanses and provides intense moisture for your hair. The plant based vegan formula revitalises and adds shine to your hair. Certified organic by ECOCERT. Available from health stores and online.

Fair Squared Apricot Body Soap www.fairsquared.co.uk

Got sensitive skin? Gently cleanse and nurture with the Fair Squared Apricot Body Soap. Packed with Fairtrade apricot kernel oil, olive oil, shea butter, chamomile, and coconut oil, it is delicate yet effective. Your skin will receive the perfect care. The soap is handmade, palm oil and perfume free. Certified natural by NaTrue and registered vegan by The Vegan Society. Available from health stores and online.

Fair Squared Coffee Shaving Soap www.fairsquared.co.uk

Create a rich lather perfect for shaving with this Coffee Shaving Soap from Fair Squared. Enriched with skin soothing and nurturing shea butter which leaves a protective film on the skin during shaving while babassu and coconut oils hydrate and moisturise your skin during shaving. Certified natural by NaTrue and registered vegan with The Vegan Society. Available from health stores and online

ORGANii Cream Soap Bar www.organii.uk

ORGANii Verbena & Lemon Cream Soap Bar for soft, clean and wonderfully scented skin. Enriched with natural and organic ingredients to moisturise and hydrate during cleansing to leave the skin feeling soft, clean and fresh. Made with 100% natural ingredients, this cream soap bar is vegan and comes in eco-friendly packaging. Available from health stores and online.

Ben & Anna Very Berry Soap www.benandanna.uk

The Ben & Anna Very Berry LOVE Conditioner is an eco-friendly, berry scented, solid hair conditioner bar. This plastic-free conditioner will nourish and replenish, using natural cocoa butter to give your hair a lovely natural shine. It is vegan friendly and paraben-free. Each of the ingredients are 100% natural and the bar is packaged in fully recyclable cardboard, making it zero waste. This helps to protect the environment and ensure your bathroom is free of plastic bottle clutter. Available from health stores and online. August/September 2022 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

Your Health

l o o h c s o t k c ba

health tips

How to ensure that kids have a happy and healthy return to school

he school holidays are drawing to a close and a new term is on the horizon. It’s a busy time for both children and parents but it can also be a source of anxiety for some youngsters. Coughs and colds tend to raise their head at this time of year, so it’s important to ensure that your children are as healthy and prepared as possible. Here are our expert tips to ensure a happy and healthy return to school for everyone.

Start early

“Over the long summer break, many of us relax some of our normal rules, whether that be allowing more screen time than normal, or having flexible bedtimes,” says Jade McLellan, Deputy Head Pastoral at St Dunstan's College in Catford, south London. “If you need to tighten up the schedule, try starting this at least a week before term starts, to ease your children in gently and avoid Sunday night battles. For older children who no longer wake at dawn, you will want to accustom them to waking at a regular time as well. Children who are well-rested are less likely to have fragile nerves in those initial days.”

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Talk through scenarios in advance “Children joining new schools, for example starting secondary school, often have hypothetical worries,” says Jade McLellan. “They might feel anxious about where to sit at lunch, becoming lost or getting in trouble with teachers. Ask your child if they have any worries and then allow your child to discuss with you how and who they could ask for help if they need it. Reassure your child that these are common worries, but you have confidence they will be able to cope if they occur, as you have seen them cope with challenging situations in the past.”

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With fun animal shapes & delicious flavours, your kids won’t know Animal Parade is good for them! A child’s growth is one of nature’s greatest miracles. Between astonishing growth spurts, rapidly expanding vocabulary, and huge leaps forward in reasoning, each day brings new wonder and development that places nutritional demands on your child’s body. Animal Parade provides a fun and delicious way to give your child the natural, superior quality support they need for healthy growth and development through each of life’s stages.

NATURESPLUS.CO.UK

Your Health

Make breakfast a priority “Breakfast sets up your blood sugar levels for the day, and in turn this impacts the ability to pay attention and learn, so it’s vital for children going to school,” says Olga Preston, a registered nutritional therapy practitioner at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition’s Brain Bio Centre (www.ion.ac.uk). “Rather worryingly, most children in the UK have had more than half the recommended amount of sugar before getting to school and missing breakfast is associated with a 30 per cent shorter listening span. Too much sugar can lead the body to release high amounts of insulin and ultimately a crash of energy and a craving for more sugar. You should opt for breakfast options which are high in protein such as porridge oats with nut butter, eggs or baked beans, or some falafels with humous or chicken breast.”

Support their immune system

“When kids go back to school after the summer holidays there is usually a drop in temperature, and combined with being back to enclosed spaces with lots of other kids, there is usually a rise in infections,” explains Bee McGovern, Medical Herbalist, BSc (Hons) MNIMH (www.herbsbybee.co.uk). “When it comes to immune function I always think about gut health and the microbiome. There are also a number of key nutrients that support healthy immune function. The saying ‘You are what you eat’ is 100 per cent true; our diet provides the building blocks for everything. Think of a rainbow diet, with a broad variety of coloured vegetables and fruits, along with healthy fats (nuts, seeds, oily fish) and good quality protein and you will be ensuring the right building blocks.”

Consider a good quality supplement

“If your child doesn’t eat a healthy and varied diet, this is most definitely the time of year to consider topping up with a good quality children’s probiotic and certain key vitamins and minerals,” says Bee McGovern. “A good quality children’s multivitamin should contain appropriate levels of bioavailable zinc, vitamins A, D and E, along with selenium, all of which support healthy immune function. Vitamin C is often worth topping up on separately, as levels in multivitamins are usually low. If you have any concerns about your child’s health then do consider getting professional tailored treatment advice specific to your child and their needs. It really can make the world of difference!” 18

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Naturally sourced active

ingredients Rapid effective relief for dry, tickly coughs Soothing action Convenient Spray format

Suitable for ages 4+ A.Vogel Cough Spray for Kids is a medical device

that helps bring rapid and effective relief to dry and tickly coughs. The spray creates a layer of protective film in the throat, has an antitussive (cough-relieving) and soothing effect, and helps ensure that irritated mucous membranes are not further irritated.

Echinaforce® Chewable Colds & Flu tablets

Chewable orange flavour tablets Lactose & gluten free Suitable for ages 12+

Echinaforce® Chewable Cold & Flu tablets

Traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of the common cold and influenza type infections, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy. Always read the leaflet. *Contains Echinacea purpurea

Nature-C For Kids

Naturally occuring vitamin C Tasty chewable tablets Immune system support Suitable for ages 4+ Nature-C for Kids is a food supplement. Food

supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Suitable for ages 4+. 1) Nature-C is rich in vitamin C from natural fruit sources which contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.

Available from health food stores. For further information please visit www.avogel.co.uk or call our Product Advice Line on 0845 608 5858

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Your Health

Speak positively about school

“It is important for us to recognise that our own previous experiences can sometimes lead to bias in the way we speak with our children about school,” says Jade McLellan. “Remind your child of the positives of attending school, whether that be friendships, a favourite club, subject or teacher. Discuss the new opportunities they might have this year and what they are most looking forward to. Focus on looking forwards, not only looking back.”

Speak to your child’s form teacher if needed “At St Dunstan’s, we always remind our new parents that we are a team, seeking to raise children to adulthood together,” says Jade McLellan. “If your child seems more anxious than you think they should be, mention it to your child’s teacher so they can keep an eye out or schedule some check in time with your child. Generally, UK teachers return to school earlier than their pupils for INSET, so ask a member of your child’s pastoral team to give you a quick call if you are concerned that your child is not on track to have a successful return in September.”

Finally, try to relax!

“The first few days are often challenging as children adjust to new expectations and become reacquainted with full days of studying, socialising and attending extra-curricular activities,” says Jade McLellan. “For most children, a couple of weeks should be enough to resettle into their normal routine. Once settled in, you can then focus your efforts on trying to get a response when you ask, ‘How was school today?”

Try this! Helios ABC from Helios Homeopathy contains three homeopathic remedies: Aconite, Belladonna and Chamomilla. Tell me more! This combination has a long history of traditional use to relieve the pain and inflammation of teething, fevers, sore throats and earache naturally. ABC comes in organic sucrose pill form, in an easy-to-use, single-dose dispenser. Available from? Independent health food stores and www.helios.co.uk

You`ll Great buys at your health store

For back to school health

Try this! BetterYou Immune Health Kids’ Oral Spray offers a new

chapter in kids’ vitamins. Why should I try it? The product is an expert blend of five immunesupporting nutrients including vitamin D, selenium and zinc, delivered in a fuss-free, great-tasting raspberry, grape and orange flavour oral spray. Providing up to 64 daily doses, it is housed in planet-friendly packaging – all 100 per cent recyclable. How much? £11.95. Available from? Independent health food stores and www.betteryou.com 20

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Natural fertility boosters Vote in the Your Healthy Living awards 2023

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How to soothe the symptoms of eczema

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Natural tips to banish

Your natural pregnancy wellness plan

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Back to school health tips for kids

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Special focus on Organic September, expert advice for joint pain, natural remedies for embarrassing health issues, plus news and research from the world of natural health and wellbeing

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Your Look

Natural help for eczema Abigail James takes a look at some of the common triggers for eczema and offers some natural tips for soothing the symptoms

he impact skin issues can have on your mental wellbeing is huge. Acne and eczema might not be life-threatening conditions within themselves, however, bearing the physical marks of inflammation and breakouts has been shown to dramatically impact people’s self-esteem, leading to low moods, depression, social anxiety, days off work and even self-imposed isolation. The more our mental health suffers, the greater the impact on our skin’s health and the worse we feel about ourselves. Pollution and inflammation Pollution can activate our inflammatory processes, thereby exacerbating conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Living in a highly polluted environment is also linked to atopy – a genetic tendency toward having a heightened response to common allergens. This increased sensitivity shows up on our skin as redness and flaking and is why we often hear about atopic eczema. A study in America found that eczema rates were lower in parts of the country where people have increased sun exposure and live in a more humid environment. By contrast, anyone who suffers from eczema or dermatitis will know that flare-ups, itching and flaking tend to be worse in winter.

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Your Look Central heating (just like air conditioning) reduces the moisture levels in the air. The fall in humidity draws moisture from our skin, causing it to become dry and tight. It might even become rough in texture, scaly and prone to flaking. Low humidity also compromises our skin’s barrier function, so it becomes more reactive to irritants and allergens. It’s not only having the thermostat turned up to tropical that impacts our skin. The sharp contrast in temperature as we move from indoors to outdoors also causes our blood vessels to dilate, making redness, acne and rosacea appear worse. Even the most robust skins can suffer from dryness, with lines and wrinkles becoming more visible in the colder months. Don’t forget, this is also the time of the year when many of us are also lacking in vitamin D. Feeding your skin cells to age well As our largest organ, the skin acts as a mirror for what’s going on inside our body. Eat well, and our skin looks healthy, plump and glowing. When too much sugar, dairy, gluten, processed foods and alcohol creep in, our skin can often send us a message in the form of breakouts, dry patches, eczema, inflammation and redness. Our complexion becomes dull and lacklustre with more and more tell-tale lines. The health of our skin is intricately bound with the balance and diversity of bacteria in our gut, our microbiome. Researchers refer to the “gut–skin axis” to describe the complex relationship between the two. It’s thought that when the gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can trigger an inflammatory response that affects the skin, resulting in anything and everything – from acne and eczema to increased sensitivity, collagen breakdown and accelerated ageing. Those prone to acne and dry skin conditions like eczema may want to try replacing dairy foods with other good sources of calcium. Likewise, gluten is often a trigger for digestive disorders. In which case, you might want to avoid foods such as bread, pasta, couscous, pizza and cooking sauces.

Natural help for eczema Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) is an ingredient that has been around for decades but has recently stolen the spotlight among beauty journalists and skin experts. A 2015 study showed that it may be helpful in the prevention of skin cancer. Others demonstrated its ability to limit oil production and reduce inflammation, making it a great all-round supplement for age prevention, acne, dry skin, rosacea and those with eczema. Omegas 3 and 6 help maintain the skin barrier, reduce inflammation (helping to soothe dry skin, eczema and acne) and promote the all-important wound-healing processes. Silica (look for bamboo extract and horsetail on labels). While this important mineral can get overlooked, it remains essential for healthy skin. Silica forms the building blocks of collagen and helps the skin retain water, helping to relieve dryness and conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Lastly – a word on fragrance Of course, skincare isn’t just about what it does – it’s about how it makes you feel. Yet, while a beautifully scented moisturiser might feel like a treat, fragrances (such as eugenol, geraniol, citronellol, farnesol and cinnamyl alcohol) can rob your skin of skin barrierrepairing ingredients, making it more sensitive. Even if you’re not someone who typically sees a reaction to fragranced products, they could be causing harm deep down (much like UV damage). Over time, this “invisible” damage can accumulate and compromise your skin’s health and radiance. If you have eczema or sensitivity, avoid fragrance like the plague.

Extracted from The Glow Plan by Abigail James, published by Watkins Publishing, available from Amazon. Abigail James is an award-winning aesthetician and author, known for her combined approach to skin health focusing on efficacious skincare, results-driven technology, facial massage, nutrition, and mental health. The Glow Plan is dedicated to addressing what your mind and body need to feel radiant, vibrant and youthful – at every age.

Try this! Hope’s Relief Intensive Dry Skin Rescue

You`ll Great buys at your health store

For eczema

Cream is Australia’s No.1 natural eczema cream and helps to soothe and heal itchy, dry skin prone to eczema, psoriasis dermatitis and dry skin. Tell me more! Clinically proven to hydrate for up to 24 hours after a single application, it is an effective, natural alternative to cortisone and other medicated treatments and suitable for babies, children and adults for long-term use. How much? £18.49 for 60g. Available from? Independent health food stores, pharmacies, Wholefoods, Planet Organic and Revital. Visit www.hopes-relief.com

Your Body

Your guide to

pregnancy wellness Expert tips for keeping fit and healthy during pregnancy

regnancy is an exciting time, but it’s also a time when taking care of your health is more important than ever. Knowing what foods are beneficial for your baby’s health and development is important, but it’s also useful to know which supplements may help during pregnancy. Exercise and how much to do is another important element. Here, we cover all these points and more.

Diet and nutrition

“It is important to eat as well as possible from the moment you discover you are pregnant,” says Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD, the UK’s leading nutritionist specialising in women’s health (www.glenvillenutrition. com). “A healthy, varied diet, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, 24

www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk August/September 2022

nuts, seeds, beans and pulses, eggs and fish is important and to buy organic where possible. Organic food does not contain chemicals in the form of pesticides, herbicides or other toxic substances. When you are pregnant it is important to try and reduce your exposure to all types of chemicals where possible in order to protect the developing baby.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids from oily fish, nuts and seeds are crucial for brain, eyes and central nervous system development in a growing baby and they are even more vital in the last trimester, when the intellectual development is as its most critical point. Research shows that these essential fatty acids are important not only for the brain development of the baby, but they can also help prevent low birthweight and decrease the risk of a premature birth.”

Make sure that you are drinking enough fluids (water, herbal teas) and it is best to avoid caffeine which can have diuretic effects and so deplete you of vital vitamins and minerals and of course to avoid alcohol. Facebook “f ” Logo

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BlueIron is an iron supplement unlike any other. Made with Nordic blueberries picked in the wild, just one dose provides your full recommended daily reference intake of iron, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and the normal function of the immune system.

NATURAL NORDIC ENERGY

blueiron.co.uk *BlueIron contains naturally-sourced Nordic blueberries for flavour plus Iron which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle.

Your Body your recovery afterwards. You can do your exercises for a few minutes every day.

Supplements

FOODS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD outlines some of the foods that mums-to-be should avoid during pregnancy. • Liver and cod liver oil which can provide too much vitamin A in the animal form: retinol. • Meat pâtés which can contain foodborne illnesses, and which are normally made of liver; see above. • Soft ripened cheese and unpasteurised milk products. There is a risk of food-borne illnesses, such as listeria. • Raw eggs, including mayonnaise which can contain salmonella. • Raw meat and raw fish which can contain food-borne illnesses. • Ready-to-eat-salads in bags because of the risk of listeria. • Sweets, chocolates and fizzy drinks which can increase blood glucose levels and increase the risk of gestational diabetes. • Too much undiluted fruit juice which can cause blood sugar swings and unnecessary weight gain. • Shark, swordfish and marlin and no more than two portions of oily fish a week because of higher levels of mercury.

“Take a good multivitamin and mineral designed for pregnancy,” says Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD. “This should contain all the B vitamins (including folic acid with at least 400mcg), vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium and chromium. A good omega-3 supplement should be included or use an algae omega-3 if you are vegetarian or vegan. A supplement of vitamin C is important as it can help prevent premature labour and helps in the manufacture of collagen which is important for avoiding stretch marks. Also, pregnant women are advised to start taking a vitamin D supplement as soon as they know they are expecting – and to continue while breast feeding.”

Cardio, running and weights are fine as long as you feel good doing them. When you’re running, notice the breath and any pressure on your pelvis. When lifting weights, make sure you’re within a comfortable range. Maybe you’ll lift less heavy, but could instead focus on endurance with more reps and a lighter weight. Some types of exercise are especially adapted for pregnancy such as antenatal yoga, which will help the body find good positions and breathing strategies for labour. But I’d recommend choosing an exercise programme especially designed for pregnancy if you think you need a bit more guidance.”

Exercise during pregnancy

“Exercise will keep your muscles strong, provide cardiovascular fitness, reduce the risk of aches and pains, help regulate hormones and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, as well as possibly help with a quicker birth and recovery,” says Rosie Stockley, women’s fitness specialist and founder of Mamawell (www.mamawell.org). “There are just a few things to be aware of, as exercise on the whole is positive for both mother and baby. Make sure you’re able to breathe well in all your movements as the oxygen goes to both mother and baby. You should always be able to hold a conversation and avoid straining in the movements. Notice when you’re extra tried, extremely out of breath, dizzy or really hot, and take that as a sign your body needs a rest or to stop that type of exercise completely. Not every day will feel the same, so notice that too. Strengthen your pelvic floor throughout pregnancy, and this will help

Trying to conceive? Try Advanced Fertility Support

You`ll Great buys at your health store

For a Healthy Pregnancy

www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk August/September 2022

for Women from The Natural Health Practice.

Why should I try it? The product contains the

highest quality and most bio-available essential vitamins and minerals, formulated in the most effective amounts which are scientifically proven to help promote conception and staying pregnant. It has an improved formulation in light of recent research and now contains higher amounts of vitamin D as well as good levels of co-enzyme Q10 for healthy eggs. It also contains vitamin B6 which can contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. How much? £35.77 for 30 capsules. Available from? All good independent health stores.

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2023 Awards

It’s time to get voting!

Voting is open for the Your Healthy Living Awards 2023! Everyone who votes will be entered into a draw to win a fantastic prize of a spa break!

n this, our bumper August/September issue, we are showcasing some of the very best natural and organic health products around and asking you to vote for your favourites. Just have a read through all the products on the following pages and decide on your favourite in each category. Then register your votes either online at www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk/ awards or by post to the address below. Voting closes on 14 October 2022 and the winners will be announced in the December issue of Your Healthy Living.

WIN!

A fantastic spa break for two

RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL, GOLF AND SPA

Win a spa break worth £550!

One lucky reader who takes part in the voting for the Your Healthy Living Awards 2023 will win an overnight spa break for two at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa near Durham. This great prize is worth £550 and includes breakfast, dinner, complete use of the spa throughout the stay and a treatment for each guest. The Spa at Ramside is one of the very best luxury spas in Durham. Waiting to be discovered on the outskirts of Durham City, the state-of-the-art Spa at Ramside is an oasis of calm and wellbeing, part of the Ramside Hall Hotel, which boasts 127 sumptuous bedrooms with stunning views across 350 acres of beautiful private grounds. It’s a spa experience like no other, where every care and attention is taken to ensure that guests are looked after as soon as they step through the door. Let the stresses of modern life float away at one of the spa’s five pools, including one of the UK’s largest hydrotherapy pools and an outdoor infinity pool, where enjoying some down time on the private balcony is a must. There’s a state-of-the-art gym and a thermal suite featuring a steam room and an invigorating rain shower. A highly skilled team offers a wide range of therapeutic beauty treatment rituals in the spa’s luxury treatments rooms, using only the finest Natura Bisse and Elemis products to ensure that you feel renewed and re-energised afterwards. A huge range of specialist treatments are on offer at the spa with choice ranging from facials to massages to hairdressing. With unrivalled facilities and the most luxurious of treatments on offer, there is no other spa in County Durham to compare to Ramside for delivering a truly unforgettable spa experience. For more details, visit www.ramsidespa.co.uk

How to vote

Simply visit www. yourhealthyliving.co.uk/awards then register your details to vote and click on your favourite products. Alternatively you can register your vote by post. Write the names of your favourite products, along with your name, address and daytime phone number on a postcard or sealed envelope and post to: Your Healthy Living Awards 2023, JFN Productions, Unit G2, Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead CB9 7BN.

T&Cs: The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. One vote per category per person (your vote is registered to avoid multiple votes). No correspondence can be entered into. The overall winner will be notified within 28 days of 14 October 2022. When entering online you will have the option to agree to being contacted on occasion by JFN Productions Ltd, publishers of Your Healthy Living, and companies connected to JFN only. To opt out, leave that box unticked online or write ‘No Offers’ on postal votes if you don’t want to be contacted in future with any promotions. For full terms and conditions, visit: www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk/winterms

August/September 2022 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

2023 Awards

Best for stress relief

Put a stop to stress

Homeopathic help for stress

Magnesium deficiency and stress go hand-in-hand. The body quickly burns through its magnesium supply when stressed, and low magnesium leads to higher stress levels. MAG365 was formulated to stop this stress-cycle in its tracks: its ionic formula is incredibly easy for the body to absorb, enhancing the calming, sleep-promoting benefits of magnesium. www.itlhealth.co.uk

Helios Stress Relief combines three homeopathic remedies: Aconite, Arg nit and Arsenicum. This combination has a long history of traditional use to relieve symptoms associated with all forms of mild stress and anxiety, including fear of flying. Stress Relief comes in organic sucrose pill form, in a single-dose dispenser. www.helios.co.uk

Cold pressed full spectrum CBD

Natural support for stress

Hemp Heros CBD Drops in lemon is cold pressed full spectrum CBD. It is organic, novel food exempt, fully compliant and free from chemicals or preservatives. Hemp Heros contains the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids to maximise effectiveness. The product is involved in university-level research, is third party lab tested and includes QR codes for traceability on each box. www.hempheros.co.uk

The Stress Support Formula from Nu Mind Wellness consists of 23 ingredients scientifically backed to support the anxious body and mind. Each of the 30 sachets in the tube contains five daily capsules that are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, adaptogenic ancient herbs and flower remedies. www.numindwellness.com

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Your Nutrition

Best for stress relief

2023 Awards

De-stressing oil blend

Natural help for stress and anxiety

The Uplifting Pure Essential Oil Blend from Natural by Nature Oils is their best-selling product. This beautiful blend of geranium, patchouli, grapefruit, lime, ylang ylang and frankincense essential oils creates a bright, cheerful fragrance that will de-stress, calm and lift the mood. Use in a diffuser, oil burner or even a couple of drops in a bath. www.naturalbynature.co.uk

Formulated by nutritionists, Bee calm from Unbeelievable Health blends therapeutic amounts of eight plant-based ingredients which are shown to help ease stress, anxiety, agitation and low moods including lemon balm, passion flower, royal jelly, rhodiola, magnesium, l-theanine and more. Highest quality ingredients with no fillers or excipients. British brand. www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk

Natural help for stress

Wellness-in-a-bottle CBD capsules

The body’s response to stress can lead to nervous restlessness and sleep disturbance. Neurexan is a welltolerated, non-drowsy, non-addictive natural remedy with fast onset of action designed to help break the stress cycle by reducing nervous tension and anxiety during the day and improving the quality of sleep at night. www.neurexan.biz

Amma Life 600mg CBD Capsules offer a convenient daily way to consume the super hemp plant extract CBD. Offering precise daily dosing, these vegetarian and vegan-friendly easy-to-swallow flavourless capsules contain 10mg of CBD per capsule. They offer an effective solution to support your wellbeing and replenish your CBD requirements throughout the day. www.ammalife.co.uk

Vote

for your favourite product online at www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

August/September 2022 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

2023 Awards

Best for gut health

For a happier, healthier gut

Gut-friendly nutrients Naturya’s Gut Feel Flaxseed Blend Mixed Berry is a delicious way to get your daily boost of gut-friendly nutrients. Making the most of the power of a tiny yet mighty seed – flax – it’s high in omega-3s, to support cholesterol, and calcium to contribute to the normal function of the digestive enzymes. naturya.com

A healthier, happier quality of life starts with your unique microbiome. The UK’s number one live bacteria product – Bio-Kult Everyday Gut* with 14 unique bacteria strains – has over 10,000 positive reviews, giving you the confidence to take care of you, and that’s something to be celebrated. www.bio-kult.co.uk *NielsenIQlatest,MATwe280122

For immune support Udo’s Choice Super 8 Immune is now available with vitamin C for immune support. It is refrigerated and packed in amber glass bottles to guarantee a minimum count of 31 billion cells on expiry. The product contains human adapted strains of Lactobacillus (91 per cent) and Bifidobacterium designed to reach the gut alive. www.savant-health.com

A highly concentrated polybiotic VSL#3 is one of the world’s most concentrated polybiotics, with 450 billion CFU of live bacteria across eight strains. Each specially selected strain has been freeze-dried so that they can reach the gut alive. No soy, gluten, lactose, colourings, flavourings or milk products. It’s simple to take and perfect for a busy lifestyle. www.vsl3.co.uk

Goodness from greens

A next generation probiotic formula

Lifeplan’s Daily Green Complex is concentrated with goodness from greens including wheatgrass, spirulina, chlorella and barley grass. It also includes a broad spectrum of enzymes blended with live cultures, vitamin C and zinc. This daily supplement forms part of an ongoing digestive regime with caring artichoke for intestinal comfort and digestive support. www.lifeplan.co.uk

www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk August/September 2022

Improve an unhealthy gut within 30 days with Cura Sporebiotics, a next generation, pharmaceuticalgrade, spore-based, probiotic formula. Specifically formulated to survive, colonise and recondition the gut, Cura Sporebiotics delivers potent and fast-acting long-term relief to problems such as wind, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, skin, immunity, mood, overall health and vitality. www.curanutrition.com

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Your Nutrition

Best for gut health Gut-loving probiotics Get your daily dose of gutloving probiotics with Simone Thomas Wellness Everyday Wellness Supplements. A super-strength probiotic packed with the finest organic ingredients to help support friendly bacteria levels and promote a healthy gut, Everyday Wellness enables the body to function at its optimal level. simonethomaswellness.com

2023 Awards

Take control of your health Enjoy great gut health with Synbiotic 7 from Link Nutrition. This unique combination of prebiotics and probiotics contains 40 billion live cultures per dose. Delivered in gastric acid resistant capsules to ensure effective delivery, it’s designed to strengthen a healthy microbial community. Synbiotic 7 is for anyone looking to take control of their health. linknutrition.com

Support for a healthy gut Chia Bia Gut Health is a blend of milled chia seeds, sprouted seeds and grains to help support a healthy gut. It’s high in fibre and omega-3 (ALA), plus it’s a source of protein and calcium. It contains bio cultures (bacillus coagulans) and a prebiotic (chicory root). Add 30g daily to breakfast, cereal, porridge, fruit, yogurt and smoothies. chiabia.com

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2023 Awards

Best beauty supplement Get the glow

Support for collagen formation

Activated by the sun, Natural Glow from Wild Nutrition is an antioxidantrich formula that nourishes your skin from within. Melaline®, the exclusive ingredient at the heart of the formula, supports your body’s collagen, keratin and melanin production for a hydrated, sun-kissed glow. Protecting against antiageing and pollutants, it’s sunshine in a jar. wildnutrition.com

Sourced from nature’s most powerful foods and high in fibre, protein, manganese and vitamin C, this great tasting drink supports the normal formation of collagen. Naturya’s Under the Skin contains key amino acids and is enriched with resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extract and a blend of superfoods. Suitable for vegans. www.naturya.com

Nutrition for beauty Beautiful Hair, Skin & Nail from Together Health will feed your hair, skin and nails from within. It contains the benefits of whole food vitamins and minerals with the added benefits of enriching natural nutrients. With collagen boosting vitamin C and silica, natural hyaluronic acid for hydration and the richest source of natural silica from bamboo extract. www.togetherhealth.co.uk

For beauty and wellness Simone Thomas Wellness’ Ginkgo Wellness Plan combines three expertly formulated vegan supplements to stop hair loss in its tracks and encourage healthy hair regrowth, all while boosting your immune system and improving gut health. The plan includes multi-award-winning Ginkgo Biloba B+, Super Greens and Everyday Wellness capsules. simonethomaswellness.com

Liposomal vitamin C

Look good, feel great with pure collagen

If it’s a premium quality advanced formula that you are looking for then look no further than Altrient C. Altrient’s patented technology cleverly protects vitamin C from being broken down in the digestive system, delivering maximised absorption to your cells. Altrient C is clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 61 per cent in three months. www.altrient.com

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beautivite provides 100 per cent pure collagen and a natural route to smoother skin, stronger nails and healthier hair. Increases hydration and elasticity to help offset the early signs of ageing. Contains 6,000mg of pure collagen (per serving) to supply the amino acids which support the building blocks of skin, hair and nails. www.arthrovite.com

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Your Nutrition

Best CBD product

2023 Awards

Great-tasting CBD oil

Award-winning CBD

CBD by BRITISH CANNABIS™ 2,000mg refined CBD Oil is a greattasting and best-selling CBD oil supplement. Its highly refined formula meets the exacting standards required by pharmacists and healthcare professionals. Perfect for experienced users. Consisting of 100 per cent cannabis, this award-winning cannabis oil is the champagne of CBD. canabidol.com

Award-winning Bud & Tender® CBD Cannabis Oil encompasses a natural fruityfloral taste and is made from 100 per cent cannabis. This premium CBD oil is the first CBD oil to be approved by the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society and the only CBD oil recommended to UKCSC patients. Voted as the UK’s best CBD oil by industry experts. www.budandtender.com

Sustainable and pure CBD Premium CBD is a high-quality, bio-effective CBD gel capsule created by market-leading supplement brand Cytoplan. Delivering a sustainable and pure source of CBD in a convenient and easy-to-take soft capsule made with organically grown 100 per cent natural hemp; it is suitable for vegans, and contained within Cytoplan’s plastic-free pots. www.cytoplan.co.uk

An innovative CBD drink Common Water champions CBD, utilising organic and sustainably grown hemp extract alongside B vitamins, vitamin C and fresh spring water, to create an effective and functional drink. Common Water is free from sugar and is third-party lab tested, all in a revolutionary fully recyclable and resealable aluminium bottle. Innovative. Premium. Functional. www.drinkcommon.com

Natural lubricant with CBD Oomf by Quanna is an awardwinning 100 per cent natural water-based formula enriched with prebiotics and CBD, which is free from all nasties, parabens, alcohol, and glycerine. Consciously made in the UK, it is backed by UK gynaecologists to keep infections at bay and maximise pleasure. www.byquanna.com

August/September 2022 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

2023 Awards

Best free-from food & drink

Super fluffy marshmallows

All-natural fruit bars That’s it. Apple + Strawberry Fruit Bars contain two ingredients: apple and strawberries. Just 100 per cent real fruit. That’s it. These all-natural fruit bars are made from simple, recognisable ingredients and contain absolutely no juices, purées, concentrates, or added sugars. They are non-GMO, preservative-free and made in a dedicated allergy-free facility. www.thatsitfruit.com

Free From Fellows™ has extended its line-up of the nation’s favourite sweets by adding three super fluffy marshmallow lines. They’re available in Strawberry, Vanilla and Mini Pink and White Vanilla Mallows. They are free from the top 14 allergens and are suitable for everyone including vegans and vegetarians. www.freefromfellows.com

Perfect meat-free bangers!

A decadent vegan product

HECK meat-free chipolatas have a meaty, slightly peppery flavour. HECK has added a little bit of soya to its secret pea protein blend to create the perfect meat-free banger. These sausages are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Plus, they are high protein, a good source of fibre and gluten free! www.heckfood.co.uk

Violife’s Le Rond Camembert Flavour is a revolutionary vegan camembert flavour alternative-to-cheese product which is 100 per cent vegan and completely free from dairy, soya, gluten, lactose, nuts, preservatives and emulsifiers. Le Rond Camembert Flavour is a decadent vegan product with a melt-in-the-middle gooey centre and delicious creamy taste. violifefoods.com

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Your Nutrition

Best for babies / children Homeopathic help for kids Helios ABC from Helios Homeopathy contains three homeopathic remedies: Aconite, Belladonna and Chamomilla. This combination has a long history of traditional use to relieve the pain and inflammation of teething, fevers, sore throats and earache naturally. ABC comes in organic sucrose pill form, in an easy-touse, single-dose dispenser. www.helios.co.uk

2023 Awards

A unique and balanced formulation Equazen® Capsules provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (EPA: DHA: GLA= 9:3:1) in a unique and balanced formulation to support brain function. The clinically researched Equazen® omega formulation contains high-quality ingredients that are controlled from sourcing to manufacturing to shipping. Equazen® is tailored to meet the changing needs of each life stage. www.equazen.co.uk

Bone support for children

Delightfully delicious

Super Stars Bone Support from Natures Aid are delicious, strawberry milkshake-flavoured chewable daily tablets, carefully developed for children aged 4 to 12 years. They contain calcium and vitamin D3 to support healthy bones, bone growth and development in children. No added sugar and no artificial sweeteners. Delicious flavours. With in-pack games and education. www.naturesaid.co.uk

This delightfully delicious For Aisha Moroccan Chicken Tagine Pouch is suitable for children aged seven months+. It combines vegetables with the finest halal chicken, sumptuous apricots and aromatic spices to create a super tasty, traditional North African dish. Made without dairy ingredients, nutritionist approved, Sugarwise-certified and one of your five a day! www.foraisha.com

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2023 Awards

Best for heart / cholesterol

For a hearty breakfast A hearty, energising and immune-supporting breakfast choice, Naturya’s Coconana Chia Organic Overnight Oats contains complex carbohydrates, up to 12g of protein, healthy fats, beta-glucans, vitamin C and several other minerals to support a healthy body. Make it overnight to serve cold or instantly for a warm bowl of goodness. naturya.com

A small change for a big difference Oat beta-glucan is clinically proven to lower cholesterol and is an important step toward heart disease prevention. The beneficial effect is shown when 3g of oat beta-glucan is consumed daily. This is the exact amount found in OatWell™ Crispy Hearts, which can be enjoyed as a complete cholesterol lowering breakfast or as a tasty on-the-go snack. oatwell.co.uk

A superfood cupboard staple

Fabulous flaxseed If you look closely you will see the glistening omega-3 oil on this Organic Cold Milled Flaxseed from Linwoods Health Foods. This oil contains ALA (alpha linolenic acid), an essential fatty acid that is hugely beneficial to our health as it helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. Flaxseed can naturally enhance the fibre content of any meal. Fibre-tastic! linwoodshealthfoods.com

Naturya’s Organic Chia+ Strawberry is a superfood cupboard staple– delicious, full of goodness and super easy to make into a pudding – the perfect quick breakfast option! It’s a source of copper to help support immunity, manganese and phosphorus to energise the body and omega-3 fatty acids to help balance cholesterol levels. naturya.com

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Get ENERGY

• Patented formulation for exceptional absorption & effectiveness

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Coenzyme Q10 (also known as Q10 or ubiquinone) is a vitamin-like substance that plays a key role in the body’s energy supply mechanism. Without Q10, it is impossible to extract energy from nutrients and our bodies would be unable to function.

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– The Natural Way

Your Instore Advisor

Independent health store advice on

natural sleep remedies

Looking for advice on natural health and wellbeing? Your local independent health store can offer a wealth of expertise. This month we talk to Julie Goodwin, owner of the Natural Health stores in Welwyn Garden City and Hertford

leep problems are a very common issue that we deal with every day in our shops. So many customers come to us seeking advice on how to get a better night’s sleep and we are always happy to recommend various natural remedies. Initially we will try to find out why the customer is having problems sleeping and how long the problem has been going on for. There are so many reasons why people struggle to sleep, from hot sweats to restless legs or simply not being able to switch off at night. We are finding that a lot of customers are coming to the store asking for advice about anxiety, which can be linked with sleep problems. Digestive problems can be part of the picture too, with some people experiencing reflux at night. The key is often to calm the anxiety and then the other problems such as reflux and lack of sleep will resolve themselves.

Mighty magnesium

Our number one remedy for sleep problems is magnesium. This can either be taken in supplement form, at night, or in the form of

flakes that you add to a bath or an oil that you apply to the skin. One of my favourite remedies is NaturesPlus KalmAssure Magnesium NightTime which contains ingredients like chamomile, ashwagandha and lemon balm, in addition to magnesium.

Calming meditation

Valerian is a very good natural remedy for sleep. We often recommend A.Vogel Dormeasan which contains valerian and hops in a liquid herbal tincture. Another good product is Living Nutrition’s Organic Fermented Night Time capsules. This is a fermented product which contains valerian, passionflower and hops, all of which are very good for promoting sleep.

Another product I recommend is Natures Aid Passiflora Complex as it helps to calm the mind if you find it difficult to switch off the mental chatter that can stop you getting to sleep. I’ve had some really good feedback from customers on that particular product. Something that works well in combination with it is Ainsworths Dr Bach Fast Asleep Spray. It’s a Bach Flower Remedy that helps with relaxation. Those two products work very well together.

In terms of general advice, I recommend that anyone who is struggling to sleep tries meditation. I started meditating during lockdown and it’s been absolutely incredible for me. It gives me a little bit of time out and really helps to calm my mind. I use the Calm app, which works well for me. Insight Timer is another good app.

I recently had a customer who was experiencing problems with cramp and restless legs at night. She was already taking magnesium but was quite dehydrated, so one of the things I recommended to her was the Viridian Sports Electrolyte Fix Liquid. Sports electrolyte drinks help to rehydrate the body and can help to alleviate cramping and restless legs.

I recommend switching off your phone before you go to bed and staying away from social media as this can provoke anxiety and disrupt sleep. I also try to encourage people to go out for a walk in nature. This can really help you to switch off and calm any anxious thoughts.

Natural Health There are two Natural Health stores in Hertford and Welwyn Garden City. Both stores have their own therapy centres offering various treatments from acupuncture to yoga massage. The health stores stock a range of natural, healthy and organic foods as well as supplements and eco and vegan products. Welwyn Garden City 36 Wigmores North Welwyn Garden City, AL86PH. 01707 39 20 20 Hertford 4 Old Cross, Hertford Hertfordshire SG14 1RB. 01992 55 01 01 Visit naturaltherapycentre.co.uk or follow the stores on social media: @NaturalHealthStoreUK

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You`ll

What’s this? Award winning Helios Sleep

combines four homeopathic remedies: Avena sativa, Coffea, Passiflora and Valerian. Why should I try it? These four remedies have a long history of traditional use to relieve all manner of sleep disturbances from difficulty getting off to sleep to frequent waking. Helios Sleep comes in organic sucrose pill form. Available from? Independent health food stores and www.helios.co.uk

Great buys at your health store

For sleep

What’s new? Active Edge has taken

WiseWisebuy! buy!Thompson’s Thompson’sSlippery SlipperyElm ElmFood hasFood beenhas available for over 100 years. been available for over 100 years. WhyWhyshould shouldI try I tryit?it?It isIt isa unique, a unique,easilydigested beverage or food and is ideal easily digested beverage or food and for is those with a delicate digestive system as it ideal for those with a delicate digestive lines and protects intestinal system as it linesthe and protectswalls. the Tellintestinal me more! Slippery Elm Food should walls. be Tell tolerated by the Slippery most sensitive stomach me more! Elm Food andshould may even help aid sleep. Available in be tolerated by the most sensitive Unmalted and Malted, retailing at £5.99 stomach and may even help aid sleep.for a 454g box. in Unmalted and Malted, Available Available health retailingfrom? at £6.49Independent for a 454g box. food stores. Call 01453 751395 or Available from? Independentvisit health sunshinehealthshop.co.uk food stores. Call 01453 751395 or visit sunshinehealthshop.co.uk

its award-winning Montmorency cherry powder and combined it with lavender and chamomile powders plus magnesium, to create CherryActive Sleep Formula capsules. Tell me more! The capsules are plant-based with no fillers or anti-caking agents. Research studies show how the ingredients in this formula can aid sleep and relaxation. It is recommended to take two capsules, half an hour before bed, with a sip of water. How much? £12.99 for 30 capsules. Available from? Independent health stores.

What is it? Herbal-zZZs helps you cope with stress

and anxiety, also soothes nerves and calms the digestive system so you get the best night’s sleep ever. Tell me more! This innovative formula promotes a peaceful night’s sleep through a healthy REM response so you awake without grogginess in the morning. Perfect for daily use. How does it work? With ingredients directly from nature, just one small non-habit-forming capsule containing ashwagandha, hops, black seed oil, magnolia bark and chamomile, taken at bedtime promotes a good night’s rest. Priced at £27.50 for 60 soft gels. Available from? Independent health stores and www.oliveleaf.co.uk

August/September 2022 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

Your Experts

Your health

You asked: “I’ve been experiencing neck pain whilst sleeping. What can I do to help this?”

CHRISTIAN CASWELL ANSWERS: “According to research, 30 to 50 per cent of the general population have experienced neck pain in any given year. With search terms like ‘best sleeping position for neck pain’ having over 5,100 searches it’s clear that the population are searching for ways to improve their night’s sleep. Firstly, you need to get a pillow that has a balance between support for your natural cervical curve and comfort for your neck. Find a lower pillow, as higher pillows flex the neck forward creating more cranio-cervical pressure, which puts stress on joints of your neck and skull. Your pillow shouldn’t be too rigid because your neck will not be able to relax during your sleep. We also recommend sleeping on your back, and if sleeping on your back is not possible, adopt a side sleeping position keeping the neck and spine in neutral. We try to discourage front sleeping as sleeping on your front means that your neck is twisted for the duration of your sleep and your spine is in a compromised position. If sleeping on your side, your pillow should be wide enough to maintain a neutral position and not leave your head pushed up (laterally flexed) or unsupported.” n Christian Caswell is an expert chiropractor from Top Chiropractic. For more information, visit www.topchiropractic.co.uk

You asked: “Why should I consider using a natural shampoo?” INGRID JAMIESON ANSWERS: “Most conventional shampoos on the market contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which is a known eye and skin irritant. There are many natural and organic alternatives for shampoo which work very well on the hair and scalp. Natural shampoos do not include toxic and irritating chemicals such as sulfates, mineral oils and parabens. These chemicals can be challenging for people who suffer with sensitive skin and scalp conditions. Natural shampoos use plant extracts to effectively cleanse the hair and scalp and nourish the hair from root to tip. Here are some ingredients to look out for when choosing a natural shampoo. Aloe vera is a moisturising, conditioning and soothing ingredient for the hair which can help to strengthen it and make your scalp healthier. Quinoa is also an excellent ingredient to look out for in your haircare products as it is full of essential amino acids and helps to repair damaged hair. Bamboo helps the hair to grow stronger, while pomegranate helps to protect against harsh environmental factors. Pomegranate also stimulates circulation to the scalp, eliminates dandruff and encourages hair to become healthier and stronger.” n Ingrid Jamieson is the marketing manager with Pravera Ltd. For more information, visit www.pravera.co.uk

You asked: “I’m exhausted and feel completely burnt out. What can I do naturally to help my body recover?” MICHELLE SANCHEZ ANSWERS: “Firstly, and most importantly, you need to identify what has caused you to become stressed and burnt out. Address these issues and start making changes, no matter how small. Each change is a step in the right direction. Set boundaries and realistic expectations – you are the only person who can create balance in your life. Take time out to recover and focus on self-care. Go for a walk or massage, take a bath or read your favourite book. Regular time outside in nature also recharges the body and mind. Get plenty of sleep. Limiting screen time and having a digital detox can be very therapeutic. Avoid toxic people and situations that may zap your energy further. Cut out caffeine and alcohol; these lifestyle habits negatively impact sleep and trigger the stress response. Eat a nourishing, nutrient-rich diet. Ensure each meal includes plenty of fresh organic vegetables and fruit, quality protein (organic eggs, seeds, nuts, legumes) and healthy fats (avocado, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds). Avoid depleting foods like sugar, refined grains, fried foods, and processed and packaged foods. Sugar crashes blood sugar levels and can contribute to anxiety and low mood. Low-impact exercises like walking and swimming can help improve wellbeing, boost mood and reduce stress. Ashwagandha, liquorice, Siberian ginseng and rhodiola are excellent herbs to nourish your adrenals, reduce stress and improve energy. You can take them as a tea, capsule or liquid tincture. Increase your vitamin C, magnesium and B vitamins to help balance the stress response, boost energy and support your nervous system." n Michelle Sanchez is a naturopath, nutritionist and medical herbalist. CNM is the no 1 training provider for natural therapies. Visit www.cnmcourses.com or call 01342 777 747.

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Delicious vitamin gummies Wellkid Marvel gummies are packed with ideal nutritional support for kids 7-14 years. Expertly formulated, vegan and delicious, for young heroes who are ready to take on the universe. Available from , Holland & Barrett, Superdrug & vitabiotics.com

Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Value and Unit Retail Sales 52 w/e 23 April 2022. To verify contact Vitabiotics Ltd, 1 Apsley Way, London, NW2 7HF. All Wellkid Marvel soft jellies include Vitamin D which contributes to children’s normal immune system function.

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Your Health

No need to

blush! Medical herbalist Pamela Spence offers some tips for dealing with some embarrassing health conditions

rom bad breath to body odour, some health issues can be quite embarrassing. Fear not though, as here are some natural tips and tricks that may help.

IBS

IBS is worse for stress, so keep a check on your levels. Make sure that you take breaks, learn some breathing techniques and try tapping to reduce anxiety when it gets out of hand. Herbs like chamomile have a dual action, working on both the nervous system and calming the digestion directly. Chamomile is best for cramping and lemon balm helps where an anxious tummy means that you struggle to eat. Peppermint is great for nausea, while fennel can banish the bloat and ginger reduces inflammation. Herbal blends with names like ‘Digest’ will support your digestion with a mix of herbs. Try to get to know your trigger foods and reduce them as much as you can if an outright ban isn’t possible. Remember that your body may be able to cope with a trigger food once or twice a week, but more than that will cause symptoms, so know your tolerance levels too.

Thrush Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria candida albicans. It mainly affects the vagina, labia and occasionally the mouth, leaving skin red, sore and itchy. Some people have a systemic overgrowth leading to many complex symptoms. It commonly arises after taking a course of antibiotics, which wipe out our ‘good bacteria’ – the ones that keep candida in check. Luckily it is mostly easy to treat. First of all, get yourself a good quality probiotic to replenish your own supply. If you’ve been on antibiotics then you will need a capsule because top ups with yogurt, ker or other goods, won’t be enough. To soothe your skin, make a strong cup of tea with marigold petals ( Calendula ofcinalis), cool and use as a wash or a sitz bath. The antifungal properties of marigold will help reduce the candida overgrowth and its anti-inammatory effect will help you feel more comfortable.

Bad breath

Bad breath is a sign that something is up – either with your dental health or with your digestion. While you work on getting rid of it, a trip to the dentist is a must to check for cavities or gum disease. If all is clear but your digestion is a bit off, speak to your GP for advice. Meanwhile, plenty of herbs have been used to freshen the breath while the cause can be found. Peppermint is familiar to most of us and the menthol in it gives a fresh mouth-feel. In fact, any mint will help – and many people prefer spearmint for the cooling sensation it delivers. You can also use fennel seeds; just keep some with you to chew when needed and it also helps to banish bloat. Chewing cardamom pods is helpful because they contain cineole, which kills the bacteria that causes bad breath.

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Your Health Piles

Piles are veins in the anus that can become enlarged and protrude making them painful and itchy; they might also bleed. They are caused by straining when you pass a bowel movement – so if you often get constipated this is often why they occur. Pregnancy is another time when they are common when there is just more pressure on the system and constipation is common as ligaments relax. Increasing fibre in your diet and ensuring you are well hydrated will help to take care of the constipation. Switch to moist toilet paper to reduce irritation. For the piles themselves, make a strong mug of chamomile tea, cool and refrigerate. Use a facecloth soaked in the tea to hold against the piles to reduce pain and itching. Aloe vera gel is also soothing – simply dab on each time you go to the toilet or use coconut oil as a simple alternative.

Body odour

Sometimes bodies smell more than usual and it can be disconcerting, particularly when we don’t know why. In the Ayurvedic tradition it is the Pitta, or fiery constitutional type, that has this problem most commonly. Think about whether you have other fiery symptoms like heartburn, itchy skin or irritable moods. If so, take things that are cooling and try to avoid foods and activities that cause more heat in the body like spicy foods and hard training sessions. Herbs that cool the body include coriander, mint and cucumber. All of these can be added fresh to a water jug and kept overnight to drink the next day. Sage may also be helpful to reduce sweating which can help reduce body odour. Drink a cup of cooled tea daily or simply buy a tincture and take the recommended dose. Neem can also control odour and is often found in natural deodorant.

Vaginal dryness

As women age, oestrogen levels drop and vaginal dryness can occur. It can make intercourse painful and sometimes even walking causes the vaginal walls to stick, causing discomfort or small tears. Luckily natural remedies can help. A dab of coconut oil inserted into the vagina will melt with body heat and allow the tissues to slide past each other as they would with normal levels of lubrication. Herbal lubricants, when applied daily, can really help to soothe the situation. Increasing oestrogen levels may also help and taking plant oestrogen is a simple way to do this. Soya is rich in phytoestrogens and can easily be incorporated into your diet via soya milk or yogurt. Red clover in a tincture or tablet form and sage taken as a tea, tincture or tablet are also helpful.

Medical herbalist Pamela Spence MNIMH, is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists: www.nimh.org.uk You can contact Pamela via her website: www.pamelaspence.co.uk

August/September 2022 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

You`ll Great buys at your health store

For Personal Health

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• Top health tips and expert advice • Inspirational recipes to follow each month • Summer giveaways

Try this! Agnus Castus Premium

Support features a unique combination blend of Agnus Castus, Skull Cap, Milk Thistle and Lemon Balm, which complement each other and work most effectively together to help maintain female monthly hormone balance. Tell me more! The product also contains vitamin B6 and magnesium, which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of metabolism. How much? £20.97 for 60 vegan capsules (a one-month supply). Available from? All good independent stores. Visit www.naturalhealthpractice.com

• #YourHealthyLivingLoves product recommendations • Daily inspiration to keep you feeling happy and healthy

What’s this?

Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is an advanced triple action formulation from the UK’s number 1 live bacteria brand*.

Tell me more!

It contains cranberry extract, two specifically selected strains of live bacteria and vitamin A, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of mucous membranes which can be found lining the urinary tract. Available from? Independent health food stores. Visit www.bio-kult.com *NeilsenIQTotalMarketWE090422.

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Your Drinks

Is the Q10 you take reaching your cells? By Bjørn Madsen, health and science writer

10 is essential for the energy-producing mitochondria in our cells that enable our muscles to function properly. In order to get inside the cells, Q10 must be in a form that is bioavailable to the body. That poses a challenge because all Q10 raw materials – regardless of their quality – are difficult for the digestive system to absorb. Even If you look at the Q10 raw material in a microscope, you will see it as large crystal shapes formed by aggregated Q10 molecules. It is very difficult for the digestion to dissolve these crystals. If the Q10 inside your supplement is in the form of such crystals, you will be wasting most of your money, simply because the effect is quite limited. By dispersing the Q10 in soy oils with different melting points and exposing it to a heating process, however, you can convert the crystals into snowflake-like structures that are easily assimilated in the body once the capsules have dissolved and their content is released. That way, each Q10 molecule is free to penetrate the intestinal wall so it can enter the bloodstream and eventually reach the cells that depend on the compound. 46

www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk August/September 2022

The right oil gives the perfect result

Bioavailability is highly important in research

A very significant detail that was confirmed by this study was the vital importance of the heating process. Even if you use the exact same Q10 raw material in different products, a preparation that has not undergone the heat treatment will not deliver the same level of bioavailability as one that has been subjected to heating. Pharma Nord’s Q10 preparations have been scientifically tested in over 75 human studies, a third of which were carried out in accordance with the highest scientific standards..

This special manufacturing method with the accompanying heating process is what gives Pharma Nord’s Bio-Quinone Q10 its unequalled bioavailability. For that reason, the Danish manufacturer has taken out a patent on the unique production method.

Bjørn Madsen is a Danish-American health and science writer with a keen interest in micronutrients, disease prevention and lifestyle management. He writes articles, news bulletins and health notes for various magazines and websites.

The bioavailability has been tested in a study that is published in the science journal Nutrition. The study that pitches Pharma Nord’s soy oil against several other oils was designed to see which Q10 formula delivered the highest level of bioavailability. Surprisingly, none of the other oils turned out to be as useful as vehicles for the Q10 molecules as the soy oil used by Pharma Nord. Facebook “f ” Logo

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Targeting head discomfort, cognitive function and your inner smile.* Bio-Kult Migréa contains vitamin B6 and magnesium which contributes to the normal function of the nervous function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Bio-Kult Mind contains zinc which contributes to normal cognitive function. Bio-Kult Brighten contains vitamin B6 and B12 which contribute to normal psychological.

Ask your wholesaler, or contact Bio-Kult for more information. bio-kult.com /biokultprobiotics @bio_kult @biokult_ _uk

Your Body

JOINT venture

Paul Parker suggests some tips for looking after your joints naturally

oint pain can occur for a number of reasons. The most common is called osteoarthritis, when the cartilage between bones wears away, causing the joints to become stiff and sore. It typically (but not always) happens from middle age onwards. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition where uncontrolled inflammation can damage the cartilage. There are other conditions that can cause joint pain; more recently joint pain is the third most common symptom of long Covid. If you suffer from joint pain, the first step is always to find out what’s causing your pain, so that you can make plans which help you to manage it.

Break the spiral

Joint pain can be triggered by lots of factors such as poor diet, obesity, poor sleep hygiene, too little or too much exercise, stress and injuries. As symptoms become causes, your pain can spiral. Overexertion on one day can lead to a poor night’s sleep, increased pain the next day, lower mood, poor diet choices and so the spiral begins. Harnessing positive wellbeing choices is a great way

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to break the spiral and it can start with something as simple as a healthy food swap or meal to kickstart an uptick in your mood. Trying to eat more whole foods instead of processed foods is a good first step. For example, swapping breakfast cereal for a bowl of porridge. Also increasing the amount of water is a simple way to improve your nutrition. On their own these changes will be unlikely to make a noticeable difference, but if they are the start of introducing more positive habits then you’re on the pathway to improving your pain symptoms. One of the other key factors which worsens joint pain is obesity. So if you struggle with your weight then reducing your calorie intake in a sustainable way is a really positive step too.

Manage your symptoms

Finding the right level of movement for you is a great way to manage your pain symptoms. Called ‘pacing’, working out how much activity your joint pain is comfortable with will help you to manage your pain symptoms. It’s a little like Goldilocks: too much or too little exercise will worsen your symptoms, whilst somewhere in the middle will help. If you struggle with joint pain then exercise can feel really daunting – literally the last thing you

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Your Body Track your progress

Along with walking, other forms of movement that clients find beneficial are swimming, where the water takes the load from your joints, and also chair-based activities. Stretching is often overlooked as a form of exercise in itself; however, if you are starting from a no, or little activity level, stretching your muscles can help. With any exercise, start slowly and increase gradually at your own pace that feels comfortable to you.

want to do. That’s why we always focus on movement rather than exercise. Depending on your pain symptoms, start with simple activities which you know you can do safely; walking is a common starting point. Find a level that you can do without worsening your symptoms and try to repeat daily. Gradually build this up and you’ll likely feel your pain symptoms improve. Daily movement outside is a great way to boost mood and help you make positive wellbeing choices elsewhere in your day.

We’re huge advocates of journalling. By tracking your pain symptoms, alongside changes you make to your diet, movement patterns and sleep habits, you can identify the progress you’re making. You can also start to recognise what helps and what worsens your symptoms. If you don’t journal, take five minutes at the start and end of each day to record your symptoms and the key parts of your day. It will really help to build your understanding of your pain. Paul Parker is the co-founder of Joint Pain Coach. For more information, visit www.jointpaincoach.com

Lead an active life? Joint cartilage and bone

You`ll Great buys at your health store

For joints and bones

A herbal choice for aches and pains. Made from

extracts of freshly harvested arnica, A.Vogel Atrogel® Muscle Aches & Pains Arnica Gel is a traditional herbal medicinal product for use in the symptomatic relief of muscular aches, pains and stiffness, sprains, bruises and swelling after contusions, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy. Tell me more! Atrogel is an easy-to-apply non-greasy gel which has the pleasant scent of arnica flowers. It is ideal for sporting injuries, or simply for those niggly aches and pains. Always read the leaflet. Priced at £7.50 for 50ml. Available from? Independent health stores nationwide. Visit www.avogel.co.uk

health is important for maintaining an active lifestyle. Tell me more! Free to Move tablets from New Nordic contain passion fruit, black pepper, turmeric and pine bark. The content of copper and manganese contribute to the normal formation of connective tissue. Tell me more! The tablet also contains vitamin D and magnesium, which help to maintain normal muscle function and normal bones. Available from? Your local independent health food store. Visit www.newnordic.co.uk

If you are interested in studying with CNM, the number one training provider for natural therapies, visit www.cnmcourses.com or call 01342 777 747.

What’s this? Weleda Arnica Massage Balm is a traditional herbal

medicinal product made with aromatic plant oils and extracts. It is formulated for the symptomatic relief of muscular and rheumatic pain, stiffness, as well as backache, fibrositis, bruising, cramp, sprains and minor sports injuries. Tell me more! It’s suitable for vegans, and ideal before or after sport or other strenuous activity – simply massage into the affected area. It’s your perfect recovery partner. How much? £9.50, £13.50 and £20.75 for 50ml, 100ml and 200ml. Available from? Independent health food stores and weleda.co.uk

August/September 2022 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk

Your Food

What would

nature choose? YHL takes a look at the theme for this year’s Organic September campaign

ature would choose organic – that’s the theme behind this year’s Organic September campaign. Organic September is a month-long UK-wide celebration of organic food, textiles, beauty and wellbeing products. The mission behind it is to encourage shoppers to reconnect with nature, share facts about organic farming, or make a small swap towards a more organic lifestyle. The campaign is run by the Organic Trade Board (OTB) in collaboration with Soil Association Certification. This year’s message illustrates the fact that if wildlife such as bees, earthworms and ladybirds had a voice, they would want all farming to be organic to help keep the delicate ecosystem in balance. The news comes at a pertinent time as the Soil Association Organic Market Report 2022 valued the total organic market at £3bn. Cristina Dimetto, General Manager of the Organic Trade Board (OTB), said: “The organic market keeps growing, but this year we want to encourage people to swap to organic not only in September – we want to make it a lifestyle choice. We’re on a mission to drive home the message that ‘nature would choose organic’ to convey that organic farming methods are the most beneficial to soil, wildlife and nature, crucially paving the way for a sustainable future.” 50

Better for wildlife Organic farms are havens for wildlife and provide homes for bees, birds and butterflies. On average, plant, insect and bird life is 50 per cent more abundant on organic farms. What’s more, organic farming is better for bees. For every 10 per cent increase in bee friendly habitats – like that found on organic farms – bee numbers and diversity increase by over a third. Organic farming can improve the numbers of bees found in habitats surrounding the farm. If pesticides were substituted for more sustainable farming practices (like organic), this could slow or reverse the decline in insects.

Choosing organic means: Better for the planet Organic takes a “whole system” approach to farming and food production. This means farming in a way that aims to support our whole food system, from soils and farm animals to the health of people, nature and the planet. Organic farmers are encouraged to “close the loop” on their farms, making use of what’s to hand and limiting the use of imported resources. It’s this respect for the natural world and ability to work with natural relationships and cycles that makes organic farming a solution that is better for the planet. Better for soil Organic farming is based on nourishing the soil – keeping soils fertile and preventing soil erosion is a challenge for all farmers. Instead of using artificial fertilisers, organic farmers look after their soils using manure, compost, “cover crops” and crop rotations. Around the world, we are losing soil much faster than it’s formed, alarmingly between 10 and 40 times faster. One UN official stated that we may have fewer than 60 harvests left. 95 per cent of our food production relies on soil, so it has never been more crucial to farm in a way that protects and preserves the soil.

www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk August/September 2021

Better for animals Animal welfare is one of the most important aspects of organic farming. Organic standards insist that animals are given plenty of space and fresh air, and that they are raised in conditions that suit their natural behaviours. Smaller flocks and herds, and more access to the outdoors mean that organic animals don’t have to be routinely treated with antibiotics and wormers. Mutilations like beak-trimming to prevent the aggressive side effects of stress are also not needed or allowed. For more information visit www.GoOrganicUK.com or follow the hashtags #OrganicSeptember #chooseorganic on social media. Facebook “f ” Logo

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Making, baking, and cleaning up shouldn’t cost the earth

Our range of kitchen and household products are made with their environmental impact in mind. We make choices, from the materials we use, to where they will end up when their work is done. So you can care for your home without making a mess for the planet. Doing the little things better for a healthy home, healthy planet, healthy you. www.ifyoucare.co.uk

Your Food

Eat

organic

Need some inspiration to go organic? Try these recipes from the Organic Trade Board

GLAZED ORGANIC CARROT, FETA AND RED ONION TART INGREDIENTS All to be sourced organic where possible • 300 g British organic carrots, peeled and cut into batons • 2 red onions, sliced • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 sprigs rosemary • 500 g pack puff pastry • A little flour, for dusting • 1 small egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 4 tbsp pesto sauce • 100 g feta cheese • Rosemary or thyme sprigs, to garnish METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan oven 200°C, gas mark 7. 2. Put the organic carrots and onions into a roasting tin and add the olive oil, tossing to coat. Add the herb sprigs and roast for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. 3. Meanwhile, roll out the pastry into a rectangle measuring approximately 35x25cm. Transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a border about 3cm from the edges of the pastry, without cutting right through. Brush this border with the beaten egg mixture. 4. Allow the organic carrots and onions to cool, removing the herb sprigs. Stir in the balsamic vinegar with a little salt and pepper and toss together. While the organic carrots are cooling, bake the pastry for 20-25 minutes until risen and golden. 5. Gently press down the pastry within the border. Spread the pesto sauce over this area, then arrange the roasted organic carrots and onion on top. Crumble over the feta cheese and bake for a further 5 minutes. Serve, garnished with rosemary or thyme sprigs. Recipe courtesy of British Organic Carrots and GoOrganicUK.com. Photo by Kerstin Rodgers.

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C E L E B R AT I N G

30 YEAR S OF BIONA ORGANIC SHOP OUR NEW & BEST SELLING RANGES

family-run since 1992

100% organic & vegetarian

over 400 products

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Your Food

AUBERGINE AND LENTIL LASAGNE

METHOD 1. In a large pan, fry the onion in the oil until soft and caramelising. Add the garlic and fry for a further minute. Now add the diced aubergine and peppers and fry until soft. Add the lentils, tomatoes, soy sauce, paprika, stock and sundried tomatoes. Cover and simmer on a low-medium heat for 30 minutes. 2. Dry toast the walnuts in a pan. Crush a little and add into the mix. 3. Fry the aubergine slices with a little oil. Flip the slices regularly until cooked and a little charred in each side. Set aside. 4. In a separate pan, boil the lasagne sheets as per instructions on pack. Approx. 2-3 minutes. Set aside. 5. For the sauce, add the butter to a frying pan and melt on a low heat then add the flour. Stir to combine well. Next add the almond milk, and nutritional yeast. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure no lumps form. Season well and remove from the heat. 6. To build the lasagne, add a layer of lentils, then lasagne sheets and some sauce. Now add the aubergine slices, more lentils, lasagne sheets and sauce. 7. Finally, top with pesto and bake for 20 minutes on 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. 8. To make the salad, toss all the ingredients together.

This aubergine and lentil lasagne is packed full of tasty veg and wholesome ingredients. Served with a pepper and watercress salad, you're bound to want a second helping! INGREDIENTS All to be sourced organic where possible • 6-8 lasagne sheets • 2 onions, roughly chopped • 2 tbsp olive oil • 4 cloves garlic, sliced • 1 aubergine, diced • 2 aubergines, sliced (1cm thick) • 2 yellow peppers, diced • 450g tomatoes, chopped • 200g green lentils, rinsed • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 8 sundried tomatoes, chopped • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 500ml veg stock • 100g toasted walnuts • 1 tsp sea salt • 2 tbsp olive oil • Pinch of sea salt

FOR THE BÉCHAMEL SAUCE: • 2 tbsp butter or vegan spread • 2 tbsp plain flour • 2 cups your preferred milk • ¾ tbsp nutritional yeast • Pinch of sea salt • Twist of black pepper OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: • Pesto • Basil • Toasted pine nuts SALAD: • Handful of watercress • 1/2 cucumber, shaved • 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 tbsp lemon juice • Pinch of salt flakes

Try these! It’s Soya

You`ll Great buys at your health store

For Organic September

Good Soya Kebabs from Organico are the perfect vegan alternative to meaty kebabs.

Tell me more!

They are made with soya TVP which is guaranteed of EU origin, organic and with no GM ingredients. Try serving with pitta bread, shredded cabbage, fried onions and a dash of chilli sauce. Delicious! Available from? Independent health food stores. Visit www.organicorealfoods.com

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Recipe courtesy of Niki from Rebel Recipes and GoOrganicUK.com. Visit www.rebelrecipes.com

What’s this? Just T Apple

Moringa Affair combines classic apple and quince with the superfood Moringa leaf. Tell me more! These teabags are full of antioxidants and taste of apple picking and late summer days. They are UTZ-certified, 100 per cent certified organic, 100 per cent bio-degradable, with FSC certified packaging and 100 per cent plastic-free. Priced at £3.29 for 20 double chamber teabags. A journey of sustainability, responsibility, enjoyment – are you in? Available from? Independent health food shops, speciality shops and online. Visit www.foodsellers.co.uk Facebook “f ” Logo

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