Selenium, iodine and chromium – each of these essential minerals plays an important role in human nutrition.

Collectively, they support the immune system and thyroid function, regulate our metabolism to promote healthy weight and blood sugar levels, and play an important role in women’s reproductive health. New Zealand’s soil is lacking in all three. This means that locally-grown food is also low in these minerals.

The body only needs trace amounts, and an excess of any mineral in the body can result in toxicity, so you should only take supplements in consultation with your doctor. But because New Zealand’s soil is naturally low in these minerals, it’s not uncommon for Kiwis to be deficient in one or more of these nutrients.

This is why we developed Multiva, a multi-vitamin designed for kiwis, which includes ample amounts of selenium, iodine, and chromium.

Selenium

Selenium is especially important for healthy thyroid function

Deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, which can lead to abnormal weight gain and chronic fatigue. Research has also linked selenium deficiency to a higher risk of cancer and heart disease.

Selenium acts as an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. It works in combination with other antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, to support the immune system. Studies have indicated selenium’s antioxidant activity as a preventive against skin cancer and cataracts.

Fertility and healthy ovulation can also be affected by selenium deficiency, as the mineral helps to balance sex-hormones. Deficiency has been linked to pregnancy miscarriage.

Selenium can inhibit and help to reduce toxicity in the body caused by heavy metals such as mercury, aluminium, cadmium and lead. Foods containing selenium include brazil nuts, eggs, liver, tuna and poultry, but of course locally produced foods may contain less.

Iodine

Iodine, like selenium, is another trace mineral important for regulating thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones can have an effect on mood, metabolism and weight management. Symptoms of iodine deficiency include goiter (enlarged thyroid), unexplained weight gain, depression and anxiety.

Iodine also contributes to healthy ovulation and is thought to help ease premenstrual symptoms. In terms of its effect on the reproductive system, iodine is essential for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and women who are trying to become pregnant. There is evidence that iodine deficiency during pregnancy can affect the child’s brain development.

In New Zealand most table salt is iodised, to help balance the lack of this trace mineral in our soil. You probably get enough iodine from the salt you add to your food. The main whole food sources of iodine are fish, seaweed and eggs.

Chromium

Chromium supports the metabolism by helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and weight

It does this by enhancing the action of insulin and helping the body to turn carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy.

Chromium has also been linked to eye health, and research suggests a link between low chromium levels and glaucoma.

It also helps with the absorption of calcium and bone growth, so it may play a role in preserving bone density in post-menopausal women, who are more at risk of osteoporosis. Chromium levels seem to diminish with age, so deficiency is particularly a concern for the elderly, and for people with diabetes.

If you suspect you may be deficient in one or more of these minerals, check with your doctor before taking mineral supplements. It is possible to have too much of a good thing! All of these trace minerals can be toxic if taken in excess.

Looking for a natural supplement that addresses New Zealand’s soil deficiencies? Give Multiva a go. Developed especially for kiwi men and women.

The post New Zealand’s soil lacks 3 essential minerals – are you deficient? appeared first on Beacon Health Advice.

Vitamin C and other plant-derived vitamins are well known as an important part of our diets, but a group of lesser known compounds, known as flavonoids or bioflavonoids, have more recently received recognition for their central role in supporting human health. They are not only vital for the absorption of vitamin C but have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and slow the effects of aging, with their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

What are bioflavonoids?

Citrus bioflavonoids are part of a larger family of flavonoids. There are a dazzling number of different flavonoids, with various benefits to human health. What they all have in common is that they are potent antioxidants found in plants, which help protect the organism from damage from the sun and infection.

Flavonoids can be categorised into different types depending on their chemical structure – although there’s no universal agreement as to how they should be grouped. Common groupings are: isoflavones, neoflavonoids, flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavanonols, catechins, anthocyanins and chalcones. Within these categories are sub-categories, amounting to literally thousands of naturally occurring bioactive flavonoids.

A few of the most common bioflavonoids and their glucosides (molecules with a bonded sugar) found in citrus include quercetin (a flavonol), rutin (a glucoside of quercetin), the flavones tangeritin and diosmin, and the flavanone glucosides hesperidin and naringin.

You’ll find citrus bioflavonoids and more in Multiva, our multivitamin developed for kiwi men & women.

Enhance the effectiveness of vitamin C

An important role of citrus bioflavonoids is their ability to enhance vitamin C absorption and its antioxidant effects. Vitamin C supplements often contain synthesized ascorbic acid as their active ingredient. Without the bioflavonoids that are found in vitamin C-rich fruit and vegetables, this form of vitamin C is not well absorbed and can even be harmful, because it tends to oxidise in the body. The best vitamin C supplements also contain bioflavonoids.

Foods that are high in flavonoids include fruits and vegetables (especially the skins), certain herbs, cocoa, red wine (grape skins), nuts and seeds, green tea.

Other benefits of citrus bioflavonoids

Vascular system – As antioxidants, flavonoids are important for oxygenating tissues and normalising blood pressure. The flavonoids found in high concentrations in citrus peel have been found to be particularly effective in strengthening veins and capillaries, which can help to treat varicose veins, haemorrhoids, and painful leg swelling and cramps. Citrus bioflavonoids reduce the risk of heart disease, due to improved circulation and reduced inflammation.

Allergies – Several studies of citrus bioflavonoids, particularly quercetin, have shown them to exert natural antihistamine, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects that can decrease the symptoms of seasonal allergies, food allergies and asthma. A Chinese herbal formula containing quercetin was shown to be as effective and safe as some anti-allergy prescription medications.

Protection from infection and injury

Flavonoids provide resistance to infection and injury, and enhance recovery from infection and joint and muscle injury.

Brain health

There is also evidence that citrus bioflavonoids help to protect your brain as it ages. Preliminary research suggests the flavonoid naringin may help counteract Alzheimer’s disease.

Skin protection

As a result of their proven antioxidant effects, bioflavonoids provide skin protection from UV damage from the sun.

Osteoporosis

A study of mice indicated that citrus bioflavonoids may reduce the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Metabolic system

Citrus bioflavonoids help to regulate metabolic processes and may help prevent Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity. Studies have observed a reduction of tryglycerides and cholesterol following treatment with bioflavonoids.

The post Citrus Bioflavonoids – How they help fight stress appeared first on Beacon Health Advice.

Withania (Withania somnifera), also commonly known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is part of the nightshade family. In Ayurvedic medicine it is known as ashwagandha, and traditionally used as a nerve soother and rejuvenator.

Its use in India can be traced back nearly 6000 years. The root of the plant has been used to treat a range of health issues, from rheumatism to digestive ailments, insomnia and anxiety, to memory loss, and as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. The name ‘ashwagandha’ means ‘smell of a horse’, because the plant itself smells like a horse, and it was considered something that would give you the strength of a horse.

Withania root extract is an adaptogen, which means it stabilises various physiological processes, including regulating hormone levels, and decreasing cellular sensitivity to stress. It is similar in this respect to Siberian ginseng and Chinese ginseng, which is why it is popularly known as ‘Indian ginseng’, although it belongs to a separate species.

Numerous clinical studies conducted over the last 30 years have shown withania root to be particularly effective in reducing anxiety and stress and promoting a feeling of wellbeing. Other research has found it to promote brain health, enhancing memory and cognition, and may be an effective anti-inflammatory for the treatment of arthritis.

You’ll find Withania root in our Multiva, a multi-vitamin developed for kiwi men & women.

Physical stamina and exercise tolerance

Withania root was shown to increase exercise stamina and decrease production of stress hormones relating to physical exertion, in a study involving rats.

A human study published in 2012 concluded withania root extract to be a safe and effective treatment for improving exercise endurance and muscle strength. Subjects took gradually increasing doses over 30 days. Other noted effects were lowered cholesterol levels, an improvement in breathing capacity during physical exertion, and even improved sleep quality in some cases. Further studies are planned to assess its viability in treating sarcopenia – the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass associated with aging.

Reducing mental stress and anxiety

A placebo-controlled human study published in 2012 deemed withania root extract to be safe and effective in improving resistance to stress and anxiety. Various stress-assessment scales were used, including questionnaires, and measuring serum cortisol (stress hormone) levels. There has also been some success in using withania root to treat serious anxiety disorders, such as agoraphobia (anxiety associated with being in public or open spaces).

A 2014 review of five separate human trials investigated the effect of withania root in treating stress and anxiety. Four of the five trials demonstrated significant “score improvements…on anxiety or stress scales”.

Memory and cognition

Cortisol is the hormone that is produced naturally by the body when we are under stress. Overproduction of cortisol in the long term can lead to chronic fatigue, memory loss and impaired cognitive ability. Withania root is associated with improved memory and cognition and has been used to treat memory deficit in children and elderly people. There are also indications that it is effective in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Arthritis

Withania root improves energy levels and mitochondrial health. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agent that has been used successfully in the treatment of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Sexual function in women

Another traditional use of withania root has been put to the test in modern trials. A placebo-controlled study found withania root extract to be effective for treating sexual dysfunction in women, with no adverse effects. The success of the study was attributed primarily to the ability of withania root to reduce stress hormones and increase testosterone.

NOTE: Pregnant women should not take withania root extract, because it can lead to premature birth or termination of the pregnancy.

The post The Benefits of Withania Root appeared first on Beacon Health Advice.

A lot of people have trouble with trying to swallow capsules, so you’re not alone. Whether it is life-saving medication you have to administer to a child, or you just want to be able to take your daily supplements with ease, don’t give up! The following techniques have proved very effective.

Problems with swallowing capsules or tablets are usually caused by a negative association with medication or pill swallowing. This anxiety causes the throat to tense up and either the pill gets stuck in your throat, or it won’t go down at all.

You may be intimidated by the large size of some capsules. But the throat is designed to swallow things much larger than any pill or capsule. The oesophagus (food pipe) is flexible and can open up to accommodate quite large objects.

Though it seems easy and natural to swallow a large mouthful of food, a small pill can cause great anxiety and difficulty for many people. This is partly psychological, and partly because the process of chewing food produces saliva that helps it go down.

Swallowing with your head in different positions

The following techniques can be used with any kind of capsule or pill and are designed to relax the throat and open it up to allow easier swallowing.

This video demonstrates a series of techniques that can be practised over a few weeks with great results. For many people the results are much quicker. The main idea is learning swallow with your head in different positions or using different movements of the head. Which position works best varies from person to person and may even change for you over time.

If you don’t have time to watch the whole video (we recommend you do), the essential information on each position and the possible pitfalls is between 4:15–7:09 minutes.

Practise with sweets

It might take a bit of practice and experimentation, especially with children, and if there is trauma associated with swallowing medication. You can practice with sweets, for example tic tacs or M&Ms. Use hard, heavy sweets, not chewy or light ones. If you can find something that’s close to the shape and size of the pill you’re having trouble swallowing, even better.

Or you can start with something very small and work your way up.

How to practise the swalllowing capsules technique

It might seem that having your head centred is the most obvious and instinctive way to swallow tablets or capsules, but some people actually find that turning their head to one side to swallow helps open up the oesophagus. Other positions to try are tilting the head back, tilting the head down, or gently shaking the head from side to side while you swallow. This is called the ‘duck shake’, and can help relax your throat. The duck shake is especially helpful for small children, and turns it into a game (if eating sweets isn’t enough of an incentive!).

1. Start with a glass of water and practise swallowing just water.

Go through the five positions (straight, right, left, up, down) as many times as you like, until you have an idea which one might be most comfortable for you. It’s important to get the water into your mouth with your head in a central position, then assume the position you want to try before swallowing.

2. Then you can try it with your chosen sweets.

Practice swallowing in each position in turn, and note down on a scale of one to five how each one felt. Be sure to get some water into your mouth before placing the object on the back of your tongue.

3. Try all five positions each day for up to two weeks.

Note down which one was more comfortable each time. What feels the best at first may not be what feels most comfortable in the long run.

Possible problems

• Too much water? If you have a really big mouthful of water, this might make swallowing more of an effort and make it harder to control the pill.
• Dry throat – try swallowing a small mouthful of water before practising the technique.
• Posture is important – your shoulders should be square. It might be easier to do it standing up.
• Still not able to find a comfortable position? Try doing the ‘duck shake’ before assuming each position. This can help to relax the throat.

Even some people that haven’t previously had problems swallowing pills find this method makes it easier.

The post Find it hard swallow capsules? Try this new technique! appeared first on Beacon Health Advice.

A brief history of High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was first commercially produced in the late nineteenth century in the US. Deemed safe by the FDA in 1976, it nevertheless raised health concerns early on. HFCS became prevalent in the US as a sweetener from the 1970s, especially in soft drinks.

Corn growers have been subsidised in the US for about a century, making it significantly cheaper than cane sugar. It’s also attractive to producers because it’s easy to grow and is stable in acidic foods and drinks. HFCS can be found as a sweetener in lots of foods, from breakfast cereals to baked goods, juices and soft drinks, and especially highly processed foods.

Massive lobbying has kept the subsidies in place, despite the fact that HFCS has been pretty conclusively linked by numerous studies to the obesity epidemic in the US. Attempts to soften its reputation with the terms ‘corn sugar’ and ‘natural’ were finally clamped down on, and from 2008 US products containing HFCS are no longer allowed to use ‘natural’ in their labelling.

Multiple health risks

Studies into the health risks of HFCS have been conducted in many countries, and it’s widely agreed that it contributes to obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. But it’s not actually banned anywhere. In the EU its use is tightly regulated, and in New Zealand it’s not very widely available, except in some imported products. The widespread use of HFCS seems to correlate to whether it is subsidised, making it cheaper for manufacturers to use as a sweetener.

So the question, perhaps, is not whether it should be banned, but whether corn should be subsidised to give it an advantage over other sugar crops.

Broadly, health problems linked to HFCS include metabolic issues, weight gain, cancer, fatty liver and liver stress, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries leading to heart disease). It is also thought to contribute to leaky gut syndrome (because free fructose uses more energy to absorb), and even to mercury poisoning. There’s substantial research showing that products containing HFCS also contain significant amounts of mercury, presumably due to the manufacturing process.

The key to the problem is ‘free-floating’ fructose. To produce HFCS, corn starch is broken down into glucose to form corn syrup. It is then treated with enzymes, to turn some of the glucose into fructose. HFCS contains more fructose than normal table sugar, and this is a problem.

But fructose comes from fruit! How can it be bad?

The fructose in whole fruit comes packaged with nutrients that help with its absorption, but the fructose in HFCS is artificially synthesised and lacks these digestive aids. Whereas glucose can be metabolised by every cell in the body, fructose can only be processed by the liver. Among other things, this puts a load on the liver and the gut (exacerbating leaky gut syndrome), and poses problems for diabetics.

Heart disease

A study conducted at UC Davis found that after just two weeks of drinking sugary drinks sweetened with HFCS, participants’ blood samples showed an increase in lipoproteins, triglycerides and uric acid – all factors in the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study was placebo-controlled with a beverage containing aspartame, an artificial sweetener.

Obesity

A trial involving rats showed unusual weight gain after long-term HFCS consumption compared to other sweeteners. And it’s not about the calories. HFCS contains the same number of calories as white cane sugar, but cane sugar is roughly 50/50 fructose and glucose, whereas HFCS is up to 80% fructose.

Cancer cells love fructose

A study published in 2010 by the American Association for Cancer Research into the effect of fructose on pancreatic cancer found that cancer cells can metabolise fructose more quickly than glucose and therefore reproduce faster. This is because fructose and glucose are metabolised differently, which links in with the findings of other studies into the effect of fructose on diabetes and other metabolic conditions.

Diabetes

A study comparing the consumption of HFCS in Germany and the US found that the US consumed about 55 times more HFCS than Germany per capita, and that countries with high HFCS consumption had diabetes rates about 20 percent higher than HFCS-free countries.

Excessive fructose is also associated with fat accumulation in the liver, putting strain on the liver, which in turn can lead to increased insulin sensitivity and an inability to regulate fats in the blood. This has been linked with Type 2 diabetes.

What to look out for on labels

Products labelled ‘high fructose corn syrup’ and HFCS are easy to avoid, but don’t be fooled by ‘corn sugar’. This is not a natural sugar, it’s another name for HFCS, used to make it sound healthier. In some countries HFCS is referred to as ‘isoglucose’ or ‘glucose-fructose syrup’.

Sweeter alternatives

Processed white cane sugar is less dangerous that HFCS, so you could do worse than simply switching to ordinary white cane sugar. But here are also some healthier alternatives to look out for on product labelling, or for use in home cooking.

• Raw honey
• Dates
• Coconut sugar
• Bananas
• Molasses
• Maple syrup
• Brown rice syrup

Note: agave nectar/syrup is potentially worse than HFCS, though it’s often sold as a ‘natural’ sweetener, and should be avoided.

The post High Fructose Corn Syrup – why you should avoid it & healthy alternatives appeared first on Beacon Health Advice.

One of the world’s oldest cultivated plants, the olive has shaped the culture, landscape and economy of the Mediterranean region for over five thousand years. The olive has long been a symbol of long life, prosperity and peace, in many cultures and religions.

While the medicinal and culinary benefits of olive fruits and olive oil have long been enjoyed in Mediterranean countries, and the Mediterranean diet is recognised today as one of the healthiest on the planet, the olive leaf has also traditionally been used for thousands of years as an immune booster to fight fever and infection.

Other historic uses include using infusions of the leaves to reduce blood pressure, anxiety and regulate blood sugar. It’s also traditionally been used to treat gout, urinary tract infections, respiratory and eye infections and haemorrhoids.
The oleuropein extracted from the leaves of the olive tree (olea europaea) has recently garnered recognition as a compound with powerful immune-supporting qualities, which may even slow the growth of damaging cells.

Which is why we’ve developed Oli-Resist, a natural olive leaf extract supplement to help you in times of stress.

Health Benefits of Oleuropein (Olive Leaf Extract)

Researchers have found that there are significant differences between the polyphenols from olive leaves and those from olive fruit, and that olive leaf extract may be many times more effective medicinally than extracts from the fruit.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, oleuropein has been found to be effective in treating a range of ailments and diseases, from bacterial and viral infections, to chronic inflammation and arthritis, to metabolic conditions such as diabetes. A Greek study in 2013 found that olive extract inhibits AGE formation, which is a contributing factor in the development of diabetes.

Oleuropein from olive leaves has been shown to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Because oleuropein is an antioxidant, it may help reduce the damage caused by free radicals, protecting the brain from age-related conditions.

Olive Leaf Extract May Be Effective in Treating High Blood Pressure

Multiple studies in the last 10 years indicate the use of olive leaf in preventing and treating high blood pressure.

A placebo-controlled study conducted in the UK from 2013 to 2016 investigated the effectiveness of oleuropein in reducing blood pressure. 350mg of olive leaf extract equivalent to 132mg of oleuropein was consumed daily for 12 weeks, and participants showed a significant reduction in blood pressure.

In Australia, a 2010 study showed improved liver and metabolic function in rats treated with olive leaf extract, and a reduction in cardiac stiffness and oxidative stress indicators. An Indonesian study compared olive leaf extract with Captopril, a blood pressure medication, and found that 500mg of olive leaf extract administered twice daily for eight weeks significantly reduced blood pressure in human participants.

Safety & side effects of Olive Leaf Extract

Reactions and side-effects are most none, however olive leaf is not suitable if you suffer from low blood pressure or are on blood pressure medication, as it can further lower your blood pressure.

There is not enough research to confirm its safety during pregnancy, so you should seek the advice of your doctor. For treating diabetes, start with a low dose under the supervision of your doctor.

The post Olive Leaf Extract – The Powerful Benefits appeared first on Beacon Health Advice.

Considering most people’s jobs take up about a third of their lives, anxiety at work can be a major problem. Not only does stress makes you less efficient at your job, it also has a negative impact on your mental and physical health and your ability to enjoy your time away from work.

• Do you wake up in the morning filled with a feeling of dread?
• Do you feel like you can never quite stay on top of everything at work?
• Is there someone who makes your life miserable at your job?

You can’t always choose the perfect job or the perfect colleagues, but you can change the effect they have on your anxiety levels. These tips are designed to help you learn to surf the waves of difficulty that life throws at you.

Not all of these suggestions will work for everyone, so take from them what fits and discard the rest!

1. Surroundings

Make your environment comfortable

Install some art or a plant in the space where you work. Music while you work (depending on the type of work you do and whether it will disturb others) can be a great stress reliever. Set up your workspace so that it is a pleasant place to be every day.

2. Planning

Make a list for the day

Put absolutely everything on it that you intend to do, down to the smallest thing. It may also help to create a calendar of what you want to achieve for the foreseeable future. Start with the broad strokes, then break tasks into smaller and smaller goals.

Work out ways to use your energy efficiently. This may mean saving the menial tasks for the end of the day when you have less creative energy (instead of trying to get them out of the way at the beginning so you can focus on the important stuff). Only you know how to make the best use of your energy and when your peak times of productivity are, so make a personalised plan.

3. Meditate

Take a few minutes to yourself

You don’t have to be a pro to meditate successfully, nor does it have to take up a lot of time. Next time you feel overwhelmed, take three minutes to gather your cool and ground yourself so you can carry on serenely while all around you is chaos.
For example, you could take two or three minutes to just think about the things in your life you are grateful for. You’ll be amazed at how much this lifts your mood. Or focus on your posture – this has a big impact on your mental state, as the latest fad of ‘power posing’ would suggest. Notice if your shoulders are hunched, whether your back is straight, are your feet planted firmly on the floor? Feel where your weight is centred and notice where your body is contacting the floor or a chair.

You can also google ‘three minute meditation’ and find dozens of simple prayers, affirmations and guided meditations that you can use as an aid. There are no rules – choose a practice that speaks to you. Go somewhere private if you can, but this is something you can do at your desk once you’ve had a little practice. Do your chosen meditation at least once a day, or whenever you need a moment to gather yourself and let go of anxiety.

4. Hidden Opportunities

Use your lunch break to wind down

Breaks at work are important. Yes, eating is essential to avoid mood crashes caused by low blood sugar, but it’s also an excuse to take 15-30 minutes in the middle of the day to smooth your ruffled feathers, rather than cramming in bites while you work. If your workplace is hectic, find somewhere quiet to eat your lunch in peace.

5. Exercise

To relieve stress & re-energise

Exercise is a great stress reliever, and gives you more energy throughout the day. Physical fitness and energy levels have a huge impact on mental wellbeing and resistance to anxiety. Stress gets stored in our bodies, which turns into physical tension, pain, and sometimes even illness. Exercising regularly can help release some of the physical manifestations of anxiety.

6. Talk to Someone

Tell people what’s bugging you

But not in a reactive way. Think about what is actually at the root of your problem, and take a moment to experience calm, before approaching the person. Letting gripes fester means they usually burst out at inappropriate moments and in embarrassing ways. You may think no one’s noticed the resentment you’re secretly harbouring, but chances are it’s written all over your face. Everyone will feel better if you just come out with it.

The trick is to come at it from the point of view of making life easier for everyone, and avoid accusations and blame. Gossiping or venting aren’t helpful either – go straight to the person concerned.

7. Communicate Effectively

Keep the lines of communication open

Doing what you say you’ll do when you say you’ll do it is an important part of most relationships, and determines whether you are someone that others trust and rely on. But, if you realise you can’t do what you said you would do – let people know! Part of being effective and dependable is communicating as soon as you know you can’t keep a promise.

As soon as you realise you’ve taken on too much, communicate this and set a new goal.

8. Pace Yourself

Don’t try and be superwoman/man

The second part of having integrity and doing what you say you’ll do, is being honest with yourself about how much you can get done without sacrificing your own mental and physical health!

If you’re an anxious person, you are probably someone who tries hard to work productively and efficiently. Your boss recognises this in you (if they don’t, get a new boss) and will respect your being clear about your capacity and how much you are able to take on. This brings us back to tip #2. Having a plan will help you see whether you’re being realistic about how much you can humanly do.

9. Go Device-free

Turn off your phone

Unless your job specifically requires it, don’t be on call 24/7. Either turn off your phone outside work hours, or have a separate one for work that you switch off at weekends and evenings. Make sure you set aside time that is just for you, when you aren’t going to be interrupted.

Especially for those of us with children, that’s easier said than done, but for parents it’s even more important to have those precious hours just for you. Carve them out!

10. Re-evaluate

Maybe it’s time for a change

Last but not least, if your job is really stressing you out long-term, and you feel there’s not much you can do to change this, maybe it’s not a job you should be in. As something we spend roughly a third of our lives doing, work shouldn’t be something that makes you anxious and ruins your health.

The post 10 Tips for Dealing with Anxiety at Work appeared first on Beacon Health Advice.

I thought it was about time I do an update on resveratrol research. When About Health started, we were very likely the first in the world to see the potential of resveratrol and sell it as a supplement. That was back in 2005, New Zealand was the number one country per capita for resveratrol searches for years before the rest of the world caught up, and that was solely due to us as we were the only company selling it.

At the time there were many articles about resveratrol, and I thought I would demonstrate to you that while the ‘media hype’ has diminished, as it always does, the research has not. Recently I checked how many published papers referenced resveratrol and I found that in just 6 days there were 10 published studies, and thus far there are just under 10,000.

Here’s a quick summary of just a couple of areas of research you might have missed.

Blood Sugar: Several studies have demonstrated that it can support normal blood sugar, and a quote from a systematic review states “significant improvements in multiple cardio metabolic bio-markers and an excellent safety profile support resveratrol as a leading candidate as an adjunct to pharmacological management of T2DM (Types 2 Diabetes)”

Brain Health: Most people are not aware that Alzheimer’s has been described by many scientists as ‘diabetes type 3’ and that blood sugar control may be responsible for this and other brain diseases. I will stick to sources that are easy reads as most of us are not professional health experts or scientists. Time Magazine’s headline (September 2015) stated ‘New Evidence suggests resveratrol may slow Alzheimer’s’. A human trial of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s found that there was no progression of a protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients or in spinal cord fluid, and that it improved some patient’s ability to conduct basic daily tasks. This was a study of 119 men and women with Alzheimer’s, half received 1000 mg of resveratrol and half a placebo. For those of you getting older, this is tremendously exciting news. I think it’s a good bet for patients with the disease given that’s its cheap and has no real side effects. This study very much adds to the blood sugar research in my opinion.

Inflammation: This is a huge subject of research, inflammation is an important process that helps our bodies repair themselves after injury, but chronic low-level inflammation is a risk factor for a huge number of diseases. Such as many cancers, heart diseases and brain diseases. Its massive, so an anti-inflammatory diet is a great idea, and that means less sugars! Several supplements can help with this including resveratrol, curcumin (from turmeric) and, in fact, all the ingredients in Res-V have this property. Lester’s Oil also contains a superb quality omega 3 fish oil which is anti-inflammatory, and this is probably why so many people with arthritis have said our product have helped them greatly.

I am trying to keep this short so it fits in our upcoming newsletter… but there is a huge amount of information supporting the use of resveratrol. The drug companies and their friends in big media are constantly trying to knock it, but you can go to PubMed and check it out for yourself. As you can with all ingredients. And, you will find that the most useful ingredients of all are in just two of our products, Res-V Ultimate and Lester’s Oil. We combine the most useful ingredients in just a couple of products so you save money and so you don’t need to buy 10 bottles every month.

The post Resveratrol Latest Research appeared first on Beacon Health Advice.

Migraines affect an estimated 1 billion people each year worldwide. Medical professionals have not been able to isolate a single cause for migraines, but it has generally been thought to be a combination of genetic bad luck, hormonal fluctuations, diet and lifestyle. New research indicates that diet may play a more significant role than previously thought.

Migraines are not just bad headaches, they are a nervous system disorder that commonly manifests as disrupted vision and dizziness, severe headaches, nausea and photosensitivity. Other symptoms can be sensitivity to touch, sound and smell, and numbness in the extremities. Women experience migraines more commonly than men, probably because of hormonal fluctuations. Migraines are most common between the ages of 35 and 55.

Researchers have linked migraines to deficiencies in vitamin D, co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and magnesium. Vitamin D deficiency seems to be the big one, but co-enzyme Q10 also plays an important role. CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance, responsible for creating energy at a cellular level and is a powerful antioxidant. CoQ10 deficiency is pretty common, especially in women. Both of these nutrients can be obtained from supplements. Of course, you should always try to include them in your diet and lifestyle as much as possible. But if you find you’re not quite getting all you need, About Health’s Lester’s Oil contains concentrated amounts of vitamin D as well as your recommended daily dose of Co-enzyme Q10. Being a fish-oil based supplement, it’s also excellent for heart health.

In June 2016 a study into the link between vitamin deficiencies and migraines was presented by Dr. Susan Hagler at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society in San Diego. Hagler and her team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center measured levels of vitamin D, co-enzyme Q10, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and folic acid and found that 51% of participants had below average levels of one or more of these vitamins. The study involved over 7,400 participants (children, teens and young adults). These findings clearly justify further research to determine whether migraine sufferers would benefit from vitamin supplementation.

This research also complements an earlier (2002) study at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia into CoQ10 as a treatment for migraines. 32 patients with a history of migraines took part in the study, finding after four weeks that there was an improvement in symptoms, and after five to twelve weeks a reduction in symptoms of 50% or more. No adverse effects were experienced by any of the participants. 93.5% of patients had at least a 25% reduction in the number of days per month that they suffered from migraines, and only two patients showed no improvement.

Although the body produces CoQ10 naturally, this decreases with age, and deficiency is relatively common in all age groups, so taking a supplement could be the answer to migraines. It has also been linked to many other important functions, particularly heart health and eyesight. Although studies indicate there are no side effects to taking a CoQ10 supplement, it may react to certain medications, so check with your doctor. If you are diabetic you should also discuss with your doctor before taking a CoQ10 supplement, as the jury is still out on whether it is a good idea for diabetics.

A 2012 study found that around half of migraine sufferers are deficient in magnesium (although it is very difficult to precisely measure magnesium levels in the body). This is thought to be because they either have difficulty absorbing it due to a genetic predisposition or high levels stress, or because of low dietary intake.

Nutrients that can help to treat migraines:

Vitamin D
The best way to increase you vitamin D is to get some sunshine regularly in small doses (but take care not to get burnt). It’s almost impossible to get enough vitamin D from our diet alone, but food sources include fatty fish and egg yolks. Another source is Lester’s Oil, which contains a combination of vitamin D and CoQ10, as well as other essential nutrients.

CoQ10
Found in oily fish and organ meats, such as beef liver, organic chicken, whole grains, sesame seeds, broccoli, cauliflower.

Magnesium
Found in dark leafy greens, black beans, salmon, avocado, pumpkin seeds, yoghurt, almonds, banana, figs. You could also try About Health’s special magnesium formula, Element 12, which also contains vitamin B2.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Found in spinach, beets, eggs, asparagus, almonds.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/09/08/migraines-nutrient-deficiencies.aspx
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160610140645.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11972582
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22426836

The post Studies link migraines to Vitamin D and CoQ10 deficiency appeared first on Beacon Health Advice.

The story of About Health is different to most other companies. While most businesses start with an entrepreneur who has an idea for a product or service, About Health is really the result of two stories, what happened to my mother and what happened to my father.

Watch this short video about the story of Lester’s Oil or continue reading:

In 2009 my father passed away. Dad died of one of the worst cancers you can get, pancreatic cancer. The thing that makes this cancer so deadly is that by the time you are diagnosed, it has usually spread to other organs, like your liver. This means that from the point of diagnosis, you generally live just months.

Dad didn’t live a faultless life as far as his health was concerned, he was a builder, and a big part of being a builder (and life in general) in the 1970’s, was smoking. There is quite a bit of evidence that smoking increases your chances of getting certain cancers later on in life, even years after you have stopped. The unfair aspect to this is that Dad did stop, he had not smoked for many years, but the damage was likely to be already done.

Dad was old-school and somewhat stubborn. He put his faith in doctors and did what they told him. I wasn’t there when he received the news from his specialist that he had pancreatic cancer, but his oncologist later told my mother that he could see the fear in his eyes, a fear that he successfully hid from his family until the end.

Most of the times I saw him in a hospital he was in pain, and he was very yellow (due to pancreatitis), and permanently on morphine. The constant pancreatitis was (apparently) caused because of a miscommunication between the surgeons who operated on him. The first surgeon installed two ‘stents’ (drains, not the ones for heart patients) and these were meant to be a temporary solution. The second surgeon whose job it was to remove them did not know there was a second stent inside him. The one that was left became dislodged and caused constant pancreatitis, and that meant he was simply too sick to undergo any further treatment.

Putting on a brave face

He never recovered and was on palliative care for most of his last week. I recall his strength while he was in a hospital, at least around me anyway. Around six days before he died, I was in hospital visiting and we had a conversation. He was trying to be light-hearted with me about his chances. Even to the end, he tried to prevent his family from feeling the pain of loss, and he told me things that he did not say to my sister or my mother. He said to me, almost exactly one week before he died, ‘Dan, I think there’s a better than even chance that I am not getting out of here’. I realized in that moment that this was his way of telling me he knew he was dying. As a scientist, I also knew that nothing short of a miracle would save him, and he was simply waiting to die. He hated being in a hospital, he was always the kind of person who relied on himself. I recall saying to him ‘you know, when you are born Dad you get a number, don’t you…’ and he chuckled. He knew exactly what I meant. Dad knew I was the only one he could talk to about such things. He gave me some instructions and told me to look after my mother and to make sure she went on holidays.

Dad was only 67 when he died, and I think that’s far too young. I also know that his story is mirrored across the country countless times every year.

A tribute to my father

During his illness, I often thought to myself; What could I have given my father, Lester, that could have reduced his chances of getting sick in the first place?’ and from that question came Lester’s Oil.

I will discuss the complete formulation of Lester’s Oil in another article, but one feature of the formulation is Vitamin D, a vitamin that normally forms when sunlight falls on our skin. Unfortunately, due to recent campaigns painting the sun as the great enemy, we have not been getting enough sunlight and because of this we have not been making enough vitamin D.  As one recent study demonstrated, sunlight nearly halved the chance of getting pancreatic cancer; this is further supported by a Harvard study demonstrating that people with the most Vitamin D had around a 30 percent reduction in risk of getting the same cancer. I wish I had known that a few years before Dad got sick. For this reason, we included the maximum amount of Vitamin D in Lester’s Oil that we are legally allowed to in New Zealand.

Interestingly, the vitamin D protective effect may not be present for smokers, if you needed another reason to quit.

Lester’s Oil is also backed by science. A 2014 human study conducted by a major University in NZ, showed an increase in Omega-3 fatty acid levels by an average of 59% in just four weeks.

Read the article here: http://www.beaconhealthadvice.com/lesters-oil-human-trial-results-hdl-cholesterol/

Daniel King MSc (Hons)

The post For my Father appeared first on Beacon Health Advice.