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Many of us have problems with our hair - whether it's lacklustre, skimpy, falling out or just simply doesn't have the - 'oomph!' - that we want. No need to fret though, because Hair Gain says all that could be a thing of the past .... read on for more  Backed by trichologists, Hair Gain hair care range combines the clinically-tested AnaGain™ ingredient . Derived from organic pea shoots, biotin, selenium and zinc all contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Yes, the pea shoot is small but jolly mighty when it comes to hair loss. Its super powerful phytonutrients are clinically proven to stimulate fuller and thicker hair at the root.  Why does our hair fall out or get thinner as we age? It isn't unusual and happens to lots of people. There are many reasons. It can happen when we are stressed and of course starting to lose our hair makes us more stressed. Bad situation. When stressed, different things happen to our bodies, not just the outward signs that you might be aware of like poor sleep and the familiar frazzled-brain feeling but it can affect your appetite which often has a knock-on effect on our hair health too. Calories, ie energy, are required for new hair follicle growth and if you experience extended periods of inadequate calorie intake, this can make horrid things happen to your hair. If you find yourself eating less, your body starts to conserve calories you eat for vital bodily functions - that's the brain, heart and liver. Not hair growth, that isn't at the top of the list. Some real life, 'before and after' stories are on site here > Hair Gain  Taking time to de-stress is important for mood, sleep and hair. Try to give yourself an hour every day to unwind and relax. This should help alleviate unnecessary adrenal strain and help keep your hormones balanced. Read a book, have a bath, practise mindfulness or yoga. Sleep can help improve hair health, too. Try to sleep in a cool, dark, well-ventilated room and add warm milk or herbal teas to your bedtime routine to help you relax.  And here's a thing. Did you know, water plays a key role in the health of your hair? Not only does water make up approximately 55% total blood volume, the key fluid for nourished hair; it is also necessary for hair follicles to grow optimally - new proteins can only occur in the presence of well-hydrated cells. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, experts say at least two litres daily.
Then there's tea or coffee, a different story. Try and keep a check on how much you’re drinking, because too much isn’t good. Tea and coffee act as diuretics and drinking more than three cups daily could be more dehydrating than hydrating. if it's a problem for you, swap your caffeinated cups for herbal teas and non-caffeinated brews. Hair Gain has lots of useful information about hair health on their site, do take a look. I'm giving some of their lovely goodies a try and will report my findings in a couple of months or so. #Advertisement Promotion  Brain fog, headaches, dizziness, dry throat, sore eyes – all may be clues that you are suffering from high levels of air pollution. 91 % of the population live in areas where air quality exceeds guideline limits, so it isn't surprising that many of us feel the physical effects of air pollution without even knowing about it.
With Earth Day approaching, it is the perfect time to protect against pollution with the BetterYou Air Defence Daily Oral Spray®. Specially designed to combat pollution's harmful effects, this blend of vitamins B6, B12 and D3, folic acid and selenium helps the body to defend against air pollution from the inside out. Some of the most harmful pollutants measure less than a strand of hair, virus or molecule; they invisibly infiltrate the body and damage cells. Building the body’s resilience to these pollutants and preserving long-term health is crucial. This pill-free health supplement helps protect cells, support the body’s natural immune system and contribute to normal red blood cell formation. Current rates of air pollution can have a huge impact on the body, specifically on the functioning of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, with other symptoms ranging from fatigue to brain fog and grey hair to wrinkles. BetterYou is also an example of a brand pushing the environmental agenda, going the extra mile to reduce its impact on our planet. BetterYou has partnered with Earthly – carbon-busting specialists – to support its trailblazing mangrove planting project run by Eden Reforestation in Madagascar. To support the removal of harmful CO2 from the atmosphere, BetterYou has pledged to plant a tree for every Air Defence® Oral Spray sold, to help sequester carbon, to improve air quality and create a climate positive world. [the company kindly sent me a Daily Oral Spray to try] Performance Meals worked with personal trainer, nutritionist and owner of Peak Health, Paul Crouch, to dispel a few classic myths around health, fitness and nutrition.... read on for more ....
One: “The best time to work out is first thing in the morning, there is no point at any other time of day!” True or false? False. Paul says: “There is no right time to work out, as long as you’re consistent and regular, so fit in gym or home workout sessions at a time that works best for you.” Two: “Working out on an empty stomach helps you lose weight.” True or false? This one isn’t quite as simple. Paul explains: “Sometimes it is best to eat beforehand to maximise your workout. However, methods such as intermittent fasting mean that the body can adapt to burning fat as fuel.” Eating protein before a workout can help prevent muscle damage whilst promoting recovery. Anyone looking to try intermittent fasting is advised to seek guidance from a professional. Three: “You can target fat burn to a specific part of your body.” True or false? “Often referred to as ‘spot reducing’, this myth is false,” Paul confirms. When exercising, stored fats that the body may use for energy can come from anywhere in the body, rather than the specific area you’re working. Four: “Eating late in the evening makes it harder to lose weight.” True or false? “This depends on what you eat,” says Paul. “If your meal is more protein bias, this will not store as fat and will benefit recovery.” Five: “You need a low carb diet to lose weight.” True or false? False. Paul says: “Whilst simple carbs such white pasta and white bread often have added sugars, complex carbohydrates like potatoes and whole grains contain fibre and other nutrients that don’t cause the same spikes and dips. It is complex carbohydrates that should be eaten as part of a healthy, balanced diet.” Six: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” True or false? False. Paul confirms: “All meals are important, and timing is dependent on your goal. Intermitting fasting, for example, means that breakfast is skipped but results are still achieved.” Seven: “You can build muscle and lose fat at the same time.” True or false? Paul says: “Building muscle can increase metabolism which will help burn fat, however that’s a process which takes time to develop. You do not simply build muscle and burn fat!” Eight: “Keto is the best diet for fat loss.” True or false False. Paul confirms: “Following a controlled eating protocol and regular exercise are the most effective weight loss tool.” Nine: “If you’re not sore after a workout, you’re not trying hard enough.” Reality False! “Not feeling sore doesn’t mean you haven’t had a good workout. Feeling sore is a sign that you need a recovery day before your next session and ignoring these signs can lead to being over trained.”  Lizi’s granola is a fab option for breakfast. I love granola and when I eat breakfast - which isn't every day - naughty, I know! - that's what I opt for. However, up until last week I hadn't sampled Lizi's granola. I have tried most of the other granolas on the supermarket shelves; of course, some are better than others. I discard those which have lots of teeny tiny bits almost like hard granules of dust lounging around in the packet. Some just don't have any flavour. Some are too sweet. Others are hard - yes, I know granola is supposed to be crunchily hard - but, there's crunchy and there's tooth shatteringly crunchy. When I was asked if I would like a packet of Lizi's high protein granola to try out and review here, I said, yes please! I'll give it a go. So, here's my take on Lizi's Granola. Tasty. Good texture. It doesn't turn soggy as soon as I add my soya milk. Not too sweet. What surprised me, I suppose, was that I didn't feel peckish within an hour or two of eating it. This slow-release of energy is due to the low GL (glycaemic load) per serving, which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. So, to the nitty gritty. This granola delivers more than 27% of your daily protein needs per serving. Oats, pumpkin seeds, coconut and chopped nuts up your fibre intake and of course as you all know, that contributes to our general health, mental wellbeing and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Apple juice adds just the right amount natural sweetness so you have a super, tasty breakfast that is really good for you.  The low sugar mix - under 4% - is ideal for those who dislike sweet breakfast cereals. I've been eating this fabby granola with the addition of chopped apple or a satsuma or two, sometimes with fresh raspberries (Scottish, of course!) or a dollop of Greek style plain yogurt. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians. RRP £3. 70 for 350g. Lizi’s is available in lots of supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury, Waitrose, Asda, Morrisons, Ocado. from many independent health stores and of course, from Lizi's online shop at lizis.co.uk Why not try a packet or two? You'll like it, I promise! This product was sent to me free of charge by Lizi’s to be reviewed. Disclaimer : this review is my honest opinion of the product.  The clean waters around Wick in Scotland's far north provide perfect conditions for nutrient-dense seaweed to thrive. Seaweed is a source of prebiotic fibre, protein, magnesium, antioxidants and iodine, an often forgotten mineral which is essential for both minds and bodies. A superfood, in fact. Makes sense then to turn the local seaweed into delicious snacks and food. Win win situation - good for you and good for the planet. SHORE is the Scottish seaweed company who produce delicious snacks and food. They kindly sent me samples of their Seaweed Chips in Lightly Salted, Asian Peking and Sweet Sriracha flavours as well as a jar of Black Kale and Seaweed Pesto. Besides the taste, I love the fact that they are healthy - it's all down to that that seaweed again, packed with more minerals than almost any vegetable on earth, as well as macro and micro nutrients, antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals - all of which mean your diet is boosted whenever you eat it. SHORE tell me that because the abundant complex carbs in seaweed are slow to digest, you feel full for longer and of course, that helps cut your calorie intake. All natural flavourings complement a umami seaweed base, making these seaweed crisps deliciously crunchy and exceptionally more-ish.  SHORE's dedicated harvesteers live in some of Scotland's most remote communities. They are out in all weathers hand harvesting the best seaweed the shores have to offer.
You can buy the goodies at various outlets listed here shoreseaweed.com/where-to-buy/ PURESSENTIEL – PRODUCTS FOR PURE AIR Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray : A fabulous combination of 41 essential oils including two species of lavender, eucalyptus, lemon and geranium. This reduces the risk of respiratory issues by tackling common triggers for symptoms: airborne bacteria and viruses, fungal spores and house-dust mites. RRP £19.99 (200ml) Available at Holland & Barrett, Wholefoods, Boots, Amazon Puressentiel Purifying Air Diffusion Blend: Diffusers deliver a steady, sustained release of aromatic essential oils and are ideal for bedrooms, poorly ventilated wet rooms and toilets. This blend contains 18 oils including lemon, pine and niaoulu, a close relation of eucalyptus and tea tree. Niaouli shares many of their properties and is the main ingredient in the branded medicine Gomenol, which is used to treat upper respiratory tract and bronchial congestion. RRP £9.99 (30ml) – Available at uk.puressentiel.com, Wholefoods, Amazon  PURESSENTIEL – RESPIRATORY RESCUES
Puressentiel Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray combines 100% natural sterile saline solution to soften blocked nasal mucosa with organic rosemary floral water and soothing, decongestant essential oils of eucalyptus radiata, rosat geranium, niaouli, ravintsara and propolis and echinacea extracts. RRP £9.99 (15ml) – Available at https://uk.puressentiel.com, Holland & Barrett, Wholefoods, Amazon Puressentiel Resp OK Chest Rub combines 19 essential oils including tea tree, two species of lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus to produce a clinically proven decongestant rub. RRP £12.50 (100ml) – Available at uk.puressentiel.com, Holland & Barrett, Amazon Puressentiel Resp OK Massage Balm combines 19 essential oils including two species of lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and clove to produce a clinically proven decongestant balm. RRP £9.99 (50ml) – Available at uk.puressentiel.com, Holland & Barrett, Wholefoods, Amazon New Puressentiel Respiratory Cough Syrup soothes sore throats and supports the body’s natural defences with three aromatic honeys, propolis, marshmallow and elderberry. RRP £10.99 (125ml) – Available at uk.puressentiel.com, Holland & Barrett, Amazon The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends the use of honey to treat coughs over antibiotics and other conventional medicines. Elderberry has antiviral activity and marshmallow can ease dry cough. New Puressentiel Respiratory Soothing Syrup combines plant extracts including propolis, marshmallow root and echinacea with seven essential oils and soothing ingredients such as honey and lemon, to deliver immediate proven relief. RRP £11.99 (125ml) – Available at uk.puressentiel.com, Holland & Barrett, Amazon New Puressentiel Respiratory Lozenges with three aromatic honeys provide relief when you’re on the move, the honey forms a barrier to soothe and protect the throat. RRP £9.99 (18 lozenges) – Available at uk.puressentiel.com, Holland & Barrett, Amazon New Puressentiel Respiratory Throat Drops use the natural sweetener stevia to provide a sugar-free solution for sore throats and dry coughs. Available in two flavours, Citrus or Mint/Eucalyptus. RRP £10.99 (45g) – Available at uk.puressentiel.com, Holland & Barrett, Amazon New Puressentiel Resp OK inhaler is the pocket solution for winter coughs and congestion containing 18 essential oils including eucalyptus, peppermint and oregano, enriched with menthol and camphor to ease breathing. RRP £5.99 (1ml) – Available at uk.puressentiel.com, Holland & Barrett, Amazon Puressentiel Respiratory Air Spray is a unique blend of essential oils to be used at the first signs of winter discomfort or seasonal sensitivities. It contains 19 essential oils to help soothe the airways and ease congestion: anise, St Thomas bay, cajeput, Atlas cedarwood, lemon, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, Lavandula angustifolia, lavandin grosso, peppermint, niaouli, oregano, Scot’s pine, ravintsara, rosemary, sage officinale, tea tree and thyme. RRP £9.99 (20ml) – Available at uk.puressentiel.com, Holland & Barrett, Wholefoods, Amazon Looking for foods to help banish joint pain and inflammation? Here is some advice from Clinical Nutritionist Suzie Sawyer from www.feelaliveuk.com
Lean protein is key for building healthy connective tissue. Inadequate intakes may lead to loss of muscle mass and diminished strength. Fish and plant-based proteins including beans and pulses are great options. For inspiration try this tasty tuna, fennel, and bean salad https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/tuna-fennel-bean-salad
Foods to avoid: Some arthritis sufferers report that omitting certain foods from their diet helps alleviate their symptoms. Foods commonly cited include oranges, tomatoes and peppers as well as dairy foods and wheat. Consider keeping a food diary to see what works for you. Don’t omit major food groups from your diet without seeking the advice of your GP or dietician first. 100% Olive Oil Mayonnaise from Hunter & Gather, perfect for dipping, dunking and dolloping!
 Hunter & Gather is the brand behind ‘clean’ condiments (100% Avocado Oil Mayo and Unsweetened Sauces) and winner of ‘Best of British’ at Ocado’s Rising Stars Awards 2021. Now they have launched a trio of 100% Olive Oil all natural mayonnaise , a UK first, packed with goodness and free from nasties. That's such good news for me as I LOVE mayonnaise. Let me tell you, I have an array of cookery books, many telling me 'how easy' it is to make my own mayonnaise. Okay, it's not that difficult, but it can be a bit of a palaver. I therefore opt for the shop bought versions, though they generally come laden with additives in the shape of salt, sugar and multiple preservatives. Hunter & Gather's mayonnaise on the other hand is made with only four ingredients : olive oil, free range egg yolk, apple cider vinegar and a pinch of pink Himalayan salt. The flavour? Creamy and fresh with a slightly sharp tang and what is REALLY wonderful is, you can taste every one of those four ingredients! Amy Moring, Co-founder of Hunter & Gather, says: “It’s about time mayo had a makeover. All too often, shop bought mayonnaise contains inflammatory seed oils or sunflower oil blends - poor fats with negative health impacts - plus powdered egg, chemical preservatives and added sugar. Our mayonnaise is made with 100% light tasting Olive Oil from ancient groves in the Cordoba region of Spain, pressed in the traditional way, meaning no chemical hexanes or solvents are used. The result is a product that’s pure, light and delicious, packed with healthful monosaturated fats and polyphenols and with absolutely no added nasties.” She continues, “At Hunter & Gather, our mission is to provide people with the tools to thrive through healthier food choices, education and recipes that are always free from refined sugars, chemical preservatives, grains and seed oils. Our new 100% Olive Oil mayonnaise is a huge step forward for real food products and marks an important milestone on our journey to improving the health of the nation.” Go on, give it a try, you won't be disappointed! It tastes so good you won't want to go back to ordinary-old mayo again. Hunter & Gather 100% Olive Oil Mayonnaise available in Classic, Olive & Lemon and Horseradish available to from hunterandgatherfoods.com. More stockists to follow. RRP £4.49 for 240g jar. About Hunter & Gather Launched in 2017 by dynamic entrepreneurs Jeff Webster and Amy Moring, to fulfil a lifelong mission to create a brand that proactively champions honest, tasty, real food, free from lazy sugars, grains and poor quality fats; shining a light on the nutritional shortcomings of taken-for-granted food categories: ketchups, mayonnaise, cooking oils and dressings. In a UK food landscape where 63% are overweight, the brand is re-writing the rule book for real food, changing the way people think about what it means to eat well and creating ‘tools to thrive’ to pave the way for optimal health & wellness. hunterandgatherfoods.com images (c) Sophie Harrington ad/ gifted product - honest review  |
