Bare Health

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Winter Wellness @ Bare Health


What steps are you taking this winter to help banish the sniffles, colds, bugs & flu?


Keeping your Immune System in tip top shape is vital to avoid the misery that the cold season can bring. This winter we will bring to you the best in Immune Support, from healthy eating tips, Immune boosting foods, natural remedies and Complementary Therapies to help you stay fighting fit over the winter months.

In this blog the focus is on Beta Glucans and their role in Immune Support

A relatively new supplement, Beta Glucans are a scientifically proven defence modifier (BDM) that nutritionally potentiates & modulates Immune response. They are derived from Yeast cell walls, various fungi, grains and medicinal mushrooms such as shiitake & maitake. Research has identified different types of Beta Glucans, however it is the Beta-glucans 1-3, 1-6 that are notable for for their abiltiy to modulate the Immune system.

So how do Beta Glucans work?

In the late 1980's Dr. Joyce Czop, at Harvard University, described the mode of action of this material in stimulating the immune system: there is a specific receptor for beta-1-3-glucan on the surface of certain cells, called macrophages, (macrophages engulf and then digest cellular debris and pathogens either as stationary or as mobile cells, and stimulate lymphocytes and other immune cells to respond to the pathogen) and when activated, these macrophages stimulate a cascade of events turning the body into "an arsenal of defense".

For many years now Beta-glucans have been the subject of numerous studies, particularly for their immune enhancing properties and their ability to activate macrophages. A recent clinical human trial (jan 2013) appeared in the European Journal of Nutrition proving that Beta-glucans 1-3, 1-6 help prevent colds, improves symptoms and increases the body's potential to invade against invading pathogens.


Support you Immunity, naturally with Beta-glucans from Bare Health

Help maintain your healthy immune balance this winter with Solgar Beta Glucan Immune Complex. A comprehensive formula of six key nutrients with a berry blend. The ideal supplement for times when your body requires that little extra support.

Get the benefits of Beta-glucans with the additional support of other key ingredients that aid your innate immunity

Key Ingredients: As well as Beta-glucans this formula also contains:

Vitamin C
Berry Blend (Standardised Elderberry, Blueberry & Acai)
Zinc
Selenium
Copper
Vitamin D3

Sugar, Salt & Starch free

Directions for use: Two per day with food



           

Natures Answer Maitake Bio-Beta-Glucan 60ml

A quality Beta-glucans supplement in liquid form.

A highly active fraction of the Maitake Beta-1,6-glucan chain with Beta-1,3 branches. Maitake Bio-Beta-Glucan has been shown to promote a healthy immune system.

Directions for use

As a dietary supplement take 1 ml (approx. 28 drops) 3 times a day in a small amount of water.
Each serving contains: Maitake mushroom fruiting body extract.

Guaranteed to contain a minimum of 14 mg. of Beta-1,6-glucan with Beta-1,3 branches 50 mg


If you would like more information on any of the products contained within this blog do pop into the store - we are always more than happy to help

References:
www.betaglucan.co.uk
http://betaglucan.org

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition, always consult your GP or Healthcare professional prior to taking any of the products mentioned in this article

Supplements should not be used in place of a balanced, varied diet.




Tuesday 22 October 2013

Raising Awareness - The Importance of Vitamin D


National Vitamin D Awareness week – a campaign to banish the ‘buts’


The second annual National Vitamin D Awareness Week starts on the 21st October, the last week of British Summer Time.
The campaign aims to spark a national debate and get the nation talking about how much vitamin D we really get from the sun and our diet, and the steps at risk groups should take to avoid deficiency.
Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director of awareness week supporters BetterYou, said: “Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most important lifestyle problems facing us today; people need access to the right information in order to take action. 
“There are so many misconceptions surrounding vitamin D. ‘But I eat well,’ ‘but I have just been on holiday’, ‘but I am often outdoors’, ‘but I wasn’t told I needed vitamin D’ and so on. This campaign seeks to change those attitudes through high impact visuals and honest debate, setting a new agenda for how we think about vitamin D in this country.”

So what is Vitamin D and why do I need it?
Vitamin D, often referred to as the sunshine vitamin is essential for healthy teeth and bones and an efficient immune system. Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D by synthesizing ultraviolet light from sunlight. However, people not sufficiently exposed to the sun may not synthesise sufficient vitamin D to meet physiological requirements. And as the dark nights draw in and we catch fewer glimpses of the sun, the chances of our developing a deficiency increases. In fact, some researchers suggest that one reason that we are more prone to colds, flu and infection in winter is due to reduced vitamin D production as a result of darker days.

Think, how much Sun exposure do you receive each day?
Our national state of health with regards Vitamin D is a growing cause for concern. Requiring 2-3 hours of unprotected sun exposure every week to produce the essential levels of Vitamin D. Many of us are not achieving this. The problem is exacerbated by the use of sun screens which further hinders Vitamin D production.

So why are we at risk and who falls into the most vulnerable groups?
Firstly, we live in a northern climate and unfortunately the UK is one of the cloudiest countries in the industrialised world – cloud cover and sun dramatically reduce our ability to produce vitamin D. Air pollution further hinders our ability to produce vitamin D. Polluted air soaks up UVB or reflects it back into space. Secondly, due to the demands of modern life we spend more time indoors – children playing computer games, internet browsing, work pressures lead to a lack of leisure time and thirdly we cover up to protect ourselves from the sun and lather on the sun cream.
Simon Pearce, Professor of Endocrinology at Newcastle University says “Kids tend to stay indoors more these days instead of enjoying fresh air. This means their vitamin D levels are worse than in previous years”
Certain groups of the population have been identified as being more vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency – Pregnant and breastfeeding women, People over the age of 50, Children Under 5, The housebound and those who cover up when they go outside, vegetarians and people who have darker skin
In a recent survey by BetterYou it emerged that 90% of mums were not advised to take vitamin D during pregnancy and many of those questioned did not realise they were an at risk group and recognition of at-risk groups for deficiency was also worryingly low. This only highlights the necessity for a national campaign to raise awareness of the importance of Vitamin D.


Debunking the misconceptions
Together we can help raise awareness of this crucial campaign and banish the buts! This year’s key messages are:
But I have a healthy diet –
You’d still need to drink 80 glasses of milk a day to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D. Banish the buts…only 10% of our essential vitamin D comes from our diet, mainly from oily fish and eggs.
But I’m often outdoors –
The UK is one of the cloudiest countries in the industrialised world.
Banish the buts…cloud cover and low sun dramatically reduce our ability to produce vitamin D.
But I wasn’t told I needed vitamin D –
90% of mums have not been advised about the importance of vitamin D.*
Banish the buts…the Department of Health identify those pregnant and breastfeeding as ‘at risk’ groups requiring supplementation

How to boost your Vitamin D levels

With only 10% of our vitamin D levels coming from food our Vitamin D requirements cannot be met through diet alone. So this leaves us to make up the other 90% through increasing our exposure to sunlight (which is easier to do during the summer months but becomes increasingly difficult as winter sets in) or by supplementation. According to a recent update from the prestigious Harvard Medical School, to ensure an adequate intake of this vital nutrient supplementation is advised. It is important to make sure you are taking a good quality vitamin D supplement in the form of D3 (Cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is the type of vitamin D your body produces in response to sun exposure.

Your local health store can advise you on the best form of vitamin D to take and how to take it. It is available to buy in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid or an oral (sublingual) spray.

Most people can take vitamin D supplements with no problems. However, care is needed in a few situations. It is always advisable to check with your GP if taking prescribed medication or have a diagnosed medical condition as there are certain situations where Vitamin D supplementation may not be advised or certain conditions may warrant higher doses to be administered.

For more information on Vitamin D and how it may help you please call into Bare Health, Congleton or call us on 01260 408413. We are always happy to help.

 To find out how Bare Health is getting involved with Vitamin D awareness week check out our facebook page ‘Bare Health’ page or follow us on twitter @barehealth1


You can also get involved with the campaign via Facebook (facebook.com/NationalVitaminDAwarenessweek) or Twitter (@NVDAW_UK), share what you are doing and join the debate. 

Thursday 10 October 2013

Tuesday 8 October 2013

Bare Health Skincare Favourites




Right now we're all loving the Natural & Organic Skincare products from Herbfarmacy & Antipodes at Bare Health.

Over the last few weeks I've been testing out Herbfarmacy Mallow Beauty Balm and Antipodes Juliet Skin Brightening Cleanser and WOW what a difference they have made. Recently customers have commented how healthy my skin is looking and have been asking me what I've been using - so I thought id share it in our blog


At this time of year I often change my facial moisturiser from a light day cream to something a little more nourishing & protective for when the cold winter weather starts to set in.


Herbfarmacy's Award Winning Mallow Beauty Balm is just the thing! You only need to use it sparingly, a little, does indeed go a long way which makes this product great value for money. Oh! And did I forget to say its 100% organic! 


The soothing and deeply moisturising properties of the oil extract of Herbfarmacy's signature herb Marshmallow is the basis for this lush facial balm, and is combined with Mullein flowers which have mucilages that boost the softening effect on lines and wrinkles.This is a great alternative to a serum and can double up as moisturiser and night cream. It has certainly left my skin feeling deeply nourised and much softer - I think I may have a few less creases around my eyes too:)




Even though i'm aware of the importance of following a daily beauty routine that involves cleansing, toning & moisturising the skin, I have in the past found myself skipping the cleansing part. Why? I just hadn't found a facial cleansing product that didn't leave my skin feeling irritated & dry. That is until now :) As soon as I opened the bottle the scent of green apple & cardamon in the Antipodes Juliet Skin Brightening gel enticed me in and I just had to give it a go. And I was thrilled with the results! At last, a cleanser that's kind on my skin, gently exfoliates and it hasn't caused reddening or irritation it! In fact, My skin is all a glow. Now don't even get me started on the Antipodes Body Moisturiser........... 





SUITED TO NORMAL, OILY & BLEMISHED SKIN CONDITIONS, UK Vegetarian Society Approved and comes in Recyclabe Packaging


Bare Health Skincare Rating: 5/5


GIFT IDEAS

And here's a little tempter of our Antipodes Christmas Gift pack coming soon..... together these products usually retail at £71 but you can buy them in this beautiful gift set for just £49.99 A Huge saving of over £20!! 

OR how about a gift voucher for one of our 'Signature Antipodes Skincare Facials'? Gift Vouchers now available in store at Bare Health.


KRILL OIL and its benefits



Krill Oil 


For many years now, Fish Oils have held their place high among the list of favourites when it comes to choosing an Omega 3 Supplement. Getting an adequate intake and the right balance of Omega Oils is essential in order to maintain our healthy balance. Research has shown Omega Oils to have positive roles in maintaining the health of our cells, hormone balance, heart health, Brain function & concentration, energy levels, weight loss, healthy skin, healthy joints - the list goes, an extensive list indeed. We can certainly obtain a certain amount of Omega 3 in our diet through the consumption of oily fish, nuts & seeds, however, its not always possible to get sufficient amounts through diet alone and supplementation with a quality omega 3 supplement can often be of benefit.


And although Fish Oils remain a best seller, there's now a new Omega 3 source emerging on the market that is rapidly increasing in popularity with studies revealing that its benefits are more pronounced and wider reaching than those we know of Fish Oil. It also addresses consumers distaste with large capsule size and fishy burps whilst delivering all the positive health benefits associated with Omega-3 - Cleanmarine® Krill Oil.

Krill are a shrimp like crustacean and form the largest biomass on the planet.  They are fished in the Antarctic where the waters are pure, so do not have the PCB and toxin concerns that arise with some fish oils.  Apart from the purity krill oil has certain other advantages over fish oils

Better absorption and no fishy burps

Omega 3 from Cleanmarine® Kirll Oil has been shown to absorb better than fish oils – up to 59% better in fact.  This allows one small capsule a day to have the same or superior effect as larger or a greater quantity of fish oil capsules.  This is due to the Omega 3 in krill oil being in phospholipid form rather than the triglyceride form found in fish oil.  Phospholipids are not dependent on bile for digestion and they disperse in water. This means they are utilised by the body more effectively so allowing a smaller dose than fish oil and dissolve in the small intestine not the stomach so there is no fishy burp or reflux.

More effective than fish oil

Krill Oil has been directly compared to fish oil in a number of clinical trials and in all cases has outperformed fish oil in terms of efficacy. Cleanmarine® Krill Oil has been shown to have the same clinical benefits as fish oil for Heart Health and Brain Function but  in much smaller doses and, in addition, superior benefits for Joint Health, PMS and vision

Contains a powerful Anti-oxidant

Astaxanthin, a powerful anti-oxidant that gives krill their reddish colour provides a healthy anti-oxidant boost and keeps Cleanmarine® Krill Oil fresh, preserving its delicate Essential Fatty Acids.  Fish Oils do not contain astaxanthin and anti-oxidants have to be added separately later in the processing stages.

 Sustainability

Cleanmarine® Krill Oil is the first marine Omega 3 Oil in Europe to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as being sourced from a sustainable and well managed fishery.

Many people think of Krill as whale food and this is true for some species of whale.  However, the quantity of krill in the Antarctic far outweighs the consumption by whales and other predators.  Total biomass of krill is estimated to be 133 million tonnes, almost twice that of the human population, but the ‘Total Allowable Limit’ set by CCAMLR (the inter-governmental body that oversees marine resources in Antarctica) for the fishing of krill is just 8.6 million tonnes and the actual fished tonnage of krill is 40 times lower than this allowable level.

Zero By-catch

A large concern of many consumers of fish derived products is the unwanted by-catch of marine life and birds that are killed whilst trawlers ply their routes.  Cleanmarine® allows independent observers on board the trawlers to monitor this and the unique eco-harvesting method used for catching krill ensures that there is zero by-catch.  


Krill Oil offers superior Joint Health benefits to Fish Oil at smaller doses!

In clinical trials just one capsule a day has been proven to help keep joints healthy.

One randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study evaluated the effect of Krill oil on symptoms of arthritis in 90 patients who received either Krill oil (one capsule daily) or placebo for 30 days. All anti-inflammatory medications were discontinued one week prior to the start of the study and for its duration.  Patients treated with Krill oil showed a highly significant reduction in pain scores, reduction in joint stiffness and functional impairment.  The researchers concluded that Krill oil is “safe and effective in reducing inflammation and arthritic symptoms within 7 to 14 days.” (1)  
Krill Oil was also included in a review of all trials examining the analgesic effects of omega 3 supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. The krill oil trial outperformed all of the fish oil trials by delivering the highest level of reduction of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs consumption (NSAID’s are typically used to treat the condition but often with major side effects) and delivering the best results in patient assessments after 3-4 months (2)

References
1.         Deutsch. J Am Clin Nut 2007; 26, 39-48
2.         Goldberg et al. Pain. 2007; 129, 210-223


For more information please pop in Bare Health or call us on 01260 408413 or alternatively email: mel@barehealth.co.uk



The information in the newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your GP if taking prescribed medication.

Guided Relaxation for Health and Wellbeing


Coming Soon to Bare Health: 
Guided Relaxation Classes for Health & Wellbeing





Modern life is fast paced, full of hustle and bustle.  Images, sights, sounds, work, friends and family all vying for our attention; telling us what to buy/eat/play with/watch.....leaving little room for us to just be.

Guided relaxation is a kind of directed daydreaming, a way of using the imagination very specifically to help mind and body relax, heal and stay strong.  Gentle suggestions of soothing images are given in a very relaxed atmosphere.  Although initially directed, over time, and sometimes even right away, the imagery becomes more and more spontaneous.  The mind automatically starts to edit, consciously or unconsciously, adding meaningful associations and rich metaphors of its own.  During the scripted imagery, you may find that the images that have meaning to you will come to the fore, while those that are irrelevant fade into the background.  When practiced regularly, at some point the content starts to shift and change, almost of its own accord.  As the unconscious mind recognises what is needed and spontaneously provides it.

To many people imagery means something visual, but during guided relaxation the imagery is any sensory impression: sights, sounds, smells, taste or touch.  For some, sound may be the most evocative sense they possess; for others it may be touch or sight.  To the body these sensory ‘images’ can be as real as actual events.

This use of imagery helps a lot of people in various ways.  It can help to combat fear, isolation, depression, and anxiety.  It can engender hope, optimism and peace of mind.  Many people use imagery to help them to relax, maintain their good health and reduce the effects of stress.

So whether you want to re-discover the realms of your imagination, de-stress or just escape for some ‘me’ time, why not join us for an evening of relaxation and tranquillity. 

The first Guided Relaxation for Health and Wellbeing evening will be on Wednesday 20th November 2013, 7pm, at Bare Health, Congleton.  For more information or to book your place please contact Bare Health on 01260 408413 or Sarah on 07881 816439.  Individual appointments are also available.

Find out more about events at Bare Health by clicking 'here'

Hypnotherapy,
Personal Exploration & Self Development

Tuesday 1 October 2013

The Benefits of Mindfulness




The Benefits of Mindfulness
By Lisa Barlow







Mindfulness is defined by some as being attentive and aware, non-judgmentally.  For me it is about absorbing yourself fully in the present moment with all your senses. It’s about paying attention, giving full attention to the here and now. This means neither worrying about the future nor playing over and over mental tapes from the past. Having come from a place where this kind of thinking was the norm I find concentrating on my breathing, the basic inhale and exhale helps me to get into a more relaxed, mindful state.  Accepted, it is easier to do when you are not in a stressful situation and are alone so it’s perhaps best to practice first where you won’t be disturbed. Breathing deep into the belly also helps. Lying on your back, place your hand gently on your belly and feel your stomach move out with the inhale and in with the exhale.  Try and breathe through your nose only.  Yoga and meditation groups can help you with this if you are struggling.


Becoming more mindful helps us to start exploring our thoughts in more detail and uncover unconscious tapes we play over and over.  Some are helpful for our lives, some aren’t.  It’s up to us to uncover them and then decide whether they are still fit for purpose and useful for our lives as they stand today. 

Often, we have developed strategies and responses that may have helped us as a child or young adult but could be causing us problems now! Before we respond to triggers (what people say or do, or situations that remind us of things from the past) it is helpful to become mindful of our thoughts to the trigger before responding with words and actions. 

Through understanding and clarity of our own minds we can start to have more compassion with ourselves and others.  Whatever comes from another person is their stuff, as our stuff is ours.We’re just trying to interact with each other the best way we can, bearing in mind we will all have different perceptions on the ‘truth’ based on what we have heard or seen.  Communication is complex!!  

Becoming aware of the words you use in your conversations, the intent behind them (your hidden motivations, if any), the tone you use and the body language you display can help to avoid misunderstandings that can lead to arguments and conflict. Becoming more mindful of thoughts, words and actions requires effort but I know from personal experience that all your relationships will benefit from some self exploration and taking the time to SLOW DOWN.  Please take the time to truly smell the roses, this time will come just once, experience it fully. I have learned that our inner worlds can be whatever we want them to be, regardless of what is going on around us.


Reading I have found useful relating to this topic:


Anthony De Mello – Awareness


The Dance – Oriah Mountain Dreamer (Useful meditation practices)


The Art of Happiness – The Dalai Lama


Happiness: A Guide to developing life’s most important skill – Matthieu Ricard


Joyful Wisdom – Sogyal Rinpoche


Mindful Manifesto:  How doing less and noticing more can help us thrive in a stressed-out world - Dr Jonty Heaversedge, Ed Halliwell


Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle


The Tibetan Art of Serenity – Christopher Hansard

For more information on Mindfulness and how you can incorporate it into your daily lives contact Lisa Barlow, Bare Health Personal Development Coach on 01260 408413