How Do you Speak to Yourself?
A couple of incidents this week have reminded me how important it is to be aware of the words we say to ourselves. Arethey positive. Do we end up as lots of blue fishes, or a stand out rainbow coloured fish?
The first one occurred yesterday. Just to test out the idea, after we had completed a kinesiology test with muscle testing, I asked my client to say, “I can”; her arm tested strong or “switched on”.
What do you know about Allergies?
Allergies have been in the news lately because food producers must list every single ingredient, no matter how small. One unlisted ingredient caused a major reaction in a girl and she died. Another reaction might be a mild rash, itchy skin, even eczema. Do these reactions come from the same cause? No, probably not. (more…)
Vegan diets – good for you?
Yes, A vegan diet has many advantages, all of which are well known. However, there are some nutrients that may become deficient over time to the detriment of your health.
Of course many plant sources are full of necessary nutrients, but some supplementation would help to fill in the gaps, supporting your health and energy.
There are no vegan sources of bioactive EPA and DHA forms of Omega 3 essential fatty acids as they are found in fish and eggs. Omega 3 is found in flaxseeds, but in a form that is difficult to absorb. Take it alongside magnesium, zinc citrate, and B6 as P5P to be sure that the oil is converted to the bioactive EPA and DHA.
Vitamin B12 is not present in plant foods. It is essential for supporting cellular energy production, brain and nervous system health as well as the formation of red blood cells. Low dietary intake can result in fatigue and anaemia. It is not stored in the body so one needs to supplement some every day. Choose sublingual preparations as some gut conditions make it difficult to absorb this essential vitamin.
A zinc supplement may be helpful from time to time, especially in the form of Zinc citrate. Add magnesium citrate to enable effective absorption of other minerals.
Iron may be helpful particularly during menstruation, when demand is higher as replacement red blood are needed.
Vitamin D3 is vital for strong bones and robust immunity, particularly if your work keeps you indoors for much of the week. It is especially important to take some during the winter months from September to March when the sun is too low to stimulate Vit D3 production in the skin. A vegan form is available that is extracted from specific lichens.
Glucosamine hydrochloride (n-acetyl glucosamine) is a non-animal form of this supplement which is involved in healthy joints and tissues in the body.
Plant digestive enzymes will help digest the tougher plant fibres such as raffinose, cellulose and phytic acid in order for you to extract the maximum benefit from your plant-based diet and avoid bloating, which can occur if the undigested fibre is fermented in the lower intestine.
However, what works for one person may not suit another. Some people may actually need meat in their diet. If you feel this is you, avoid processed meat, eat less meat – 2 or 3 times a week for example and choose organic products if possible.
Whichever diet you like to follow always be tolerant of other points of view and always strive for fresh, rainbow coloured foods and reduce sugary or refined grains and “brown” foods like white bread, food fried in breadcrumbs, cakes and biscuits. Enjoy the huge variety we have available in this country.
Be well
Wendy Guilfoyle http://www.healthresolutions.co.uk
Are Plants and People Really that Similar? continued…
Well, yes they are!
Protection from disease
With plants as with people, prevention is better than dealing with the symptoms of disease. If plants have the water, nutrients, light and space they need, they can be more resilient and defend themselves against attack.
It is the same with people, (there are always exceptions!)
Gardening? What has that got to do with my health and well being?
After working for seven years as a gardener and taking care of gardens around the world as well as caring for an acre of garden here in the Forest, I realize that plants and people’s requirements for good health and well being are very similar. If I looked after myself as well as I look after my roses I would be very healthy!
Things to Ponder
I have just been reading an article by James Low1, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, who has studied this discipline since the 1960’s. He returned to London and has now retired from his work as a consultant psychologist. He teaches Dzogchen meditation. He writes about the mind and how illusory it is; how our perceptions change all the time.
Skin Care in the Winter
Cold weather, central heating, even hot showers – these things, plus others , can exacerbate dry skin. Therefore it may be worth just giving a moments thought to how you look after your skin when it is cold, and like today, snowy.
5 tips to boost immunity
Post Christmas – darker days for a short while, being indoors more, a richer, sweeter diet over the holiday, – all have a negative effect on our immune systems. Sugar depletes our defences. Stress depletes immunity. Just getting off the treadmill of can bring on a cold or worse. If you are getting through loads of tissues maybe take a look at these simple tips, to give yourself a boost before the year really ramps up to top gear. (Taken from an article by Healthspan technical team and other sources)** (more…)
Reflexology?
Often when I mention I offer reflexology treatments, people look a bit puzzled and may say something like “Um! That’s something to do with feet isn’t it?”. Ye-es, but actually it is more about your whole body, rather than sorting out corns or difficult toe nails. (more…)
Myths about Meditation
#1. First of all, I have to still my thoughts and/or empty my mind.
That is setting things up to fail. 70,000 to 80,000 thoughts arrive in your brain through the day with no effort on your part. Keep breathing and the thoughts slow down. (more…)