Sunday 15 May 2016

Hay Fever: What you should know

While we enjoy the clean fresh air of Spring, spare a thought for those who dread this time of the year due to allergic reaction to pollen. The thought of summer may not be so sunny for them.

Our immune system is suppose to protect us from harmful substance. But sometimes our body thinks something harmless is harmful and react to it. An allergen causes this reaction.

Living with an allergy has a huge impact on one's health. There are many types of allergy, but hay fever is closely associated with Spring. It is recorded that more than 10 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever. According to Allergy UK.
This article provides information on common allergy triggers and how to control them.

Why We Suffer?

In spring flowers begin to bloom this is due to the pollination of trees, this pollination is a trigger for for those who are allergic to pollen.

Symptoms:

We experience symptoms such as, Itchy nose, Itchy and streaming eyes, sneezing and constant running nose as well as, lack of sleep which results in being tired all the time.

Triggers and Time

The Hay fever season can be as early as March and last throughout the summer .
The appearance of pollen on Birch trees in March,  can mark the beginning of the allergic reaction for some.
While for others, grass pollen which appears in May, will trigger their reaction.
However, Hay fever is not limited to spring and Summer, it is known that mould spores and pollen from mugwort and chrysanthemum can trigger the allergy for others during the autumn season. Emission from cars may also trigger an allergic reaction

If you are a sufferer of Hayfever, you may have tried several remedies which may have worked or not. Here are some simple steps you can take to help you fight back.

Refine your diet. According to Allergy UK, the immune system sees some proteins in some food as similar to proteins in pollen. E.g an allergy to Birch pollen may be made worse by eating apples.  WHAT TO DO? Get tested for your triggers to identify what causes your reaction, this will enable you follow an exclusion diet to avoid those food groups.

Limit Exercise Outside: During the pollen season we may be inhaling more pollen and airborne spores . when we exercise outdoors we breath in deeply and inhale more air than we normally do. WHAT TO DO? Do not exercise outdoors during the hay fever season. If you must, avoid going outside between 7.00am to 9.00am and 3.00pm to 7.00pm, these are peak pollen periods.

Pollens attach themselves to our bodies, hair, clothing and shoes. Change as soon as you get in and take a good shower. .

House plants: if you keep houseplants you may be amongst the 75% of hay fever sufferers who suffer as a result of houseplant. According to a Belgian study. Allergen in the plant sap diffuse into the air can trigger a reaction. WHAT TO DO? Get rid of any house plant during the hay fever season or reduce them and watch if there's any change in your symptoms.

Good Ventilation in cars and indoors is necessary to reduce indoor allergen. Open windows, to let in fresh air. This may not be a good idea early in the morning and evening when the pollen count are high.

Avoid Exposure to Pollen: the above suggestions all centres on avoiding pollen as much as possible. In summary Other suggested actions include:
  • wear wraparound sunglasses to protect the eyes, to reducing itching and tears
  • Stay away from parks, gardens and fields, difficult to do when the Weather is great, but this will help you greatly.
  • Using Alternate medicine: there are several other ways to control and reduce your symptoms. Below are a few suggestions:

Soothe it: it is widely known that Aloe Vera gel around the nostrils and eyelids helps soothes itchiness and reduces redness. This is because Aloe contains natural antihistamine.  Use the pure aloe Vera Gelly which you can get here:Aloe Vera Gelly

Have a spoonful of honey: Raw honey is removed from the hive when bottled directly, will contain trace amounts of yeast, wax and pollen. Consuming local raw honey is believed to help with seasonal allergies due to repeated exposure to the pollen in the area. You can get the forever living honey here, manufactured and bottled by forever living

Regularly splash cold water on your face to get rid of any pollen and allergen.

Use essential oils: put a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus in water to provide some relief from itchy nose, dap a little onto tissue and inhale to relieve stuffy nose.

Supplement it: vitamins places a great part in how we react to pollen, one of the recommended supplement according to Food Matters is Bee Pollen.
according to an article on their website Bee Pollen reduces the presence of histamine, ameliorating many allergies. Dr. Leo Conway, M.D of Denver Colorado, reported that 94 percent of his patients were completely free from allergy symptoms once treated with oral feeding of pollen. Everything from asthma to allergies to sinus problems were cleared, confirming that bee pollen is wonderfully effective against a wide range of respiratory diseases.


Hay Fever is not a friendly discomfort, but a dreaded inconvenience, making a few suggested changes above may be all you need to enjoy a tear free summer.

Have you found this helpful, let us know by commenting below.
Sources:
Allergy UK
Good Food Guide



Sunday 8 May 2016

Sunscreen Lotion That Protects

Everything seems better when the sun shines, today was a particularly beautiful day, everyone wore a cheerful expression, as well as sun hats and sun glasses. Both my 4 and 3 years old did well to make sure they had their glasses wherever we went, even inside the house. 

What is not evident is what we applied underneath our skin. The gaiety brought om by the sun "this ‘silver lining’ brings its own cloud! With today’s knowledge of the dangers of over-exposure to the sun, we should seek only the highest quality sun protection products available.

Aloe Sunscreen provides just that! Combining modern science with natural ingredients, this effective sunscreen helps to soothe, lubricate, moisturize and protect the skin against sun damage.

 With an SPF of 30, Aloe Sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays, this silky, smooth lotion made with pure stabilized Aloe Vera Gel, rich moisturizers and humectants, maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance. 

• Sun Protection Measures. 

Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.
  • To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF of 15 or higher 
  • Limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses
  • Also Works as an after sun lotion - dual action

  • The Aloe Sunscreen Lotion Has:
  • High SPF for more sun protection
  • Water resistant formula which retains its SPF up to 80 minutes after water activity 
  • Moisturizes skin to prolong your tan
  • Safe and gentle for children, but for children under 6 months: Ask a doctor
DIRECTIONS


Apply liberally to all exposed areas 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel 

drying, at least every 2 hours. 

Please contact us with if you would like more information about this and other Aloe Vera products: You can order your Aloe Sunscreen Lotion here Aloe Sunscreen Lotion




Saturday 7 May 2016

Spring clean your health


Happy days are here again, as spring finally decides to show up. 
It hasn’t been the greatest start to the spring season. We have had rain, dusting of snow, hail stones, thunderous storms, and icy blast in one week. This makes one wonders what we ever did to nature, to deserve a weather like what we have had.

The sun is finally here, today was a very mild day, I had short sleeves on and for the first time had no jacket. I noticed a few people clearing out their garden, and washing the patio.
Spring cleaning is a term we are familiar with, getting the hoover out, airing the cupboards, and cutting the grass. How about going a step further and spring clean your healthy habits?

today's article provides tips on how we can get ready for spring without feeling the strain of too much pina colada and ice lollies. Personally I have increased my activity levels because I know that I cannot always say no to that extra helping of BBQ chicken. 

Here are 9 sure ways to ensure that your body keeps working throughout Spring and well into summer.

1. Embark on a mini detox:
By doing this, I am able to clean out my gut, and bowels to  ensure that my body is in the right shape. I am easily bolted, so detoxing takes care of that. I completed my 9 days detox last, See the article here: How I lost 5kg in 9 days.

2. Take up a dance class: 
It may be too warm to be stuck indoors on gym treadmill, why not make your work out exciting by joining a dance class. A recent research from the University of Brighton suggests that as well as being great at burning calories, dancing can help to improve emotional wellbeing and reduce fatigue. Choose whatever works for you, street dance, ballet, contemporary, etc. You will be amazed how much lighter and happier you become from dancing. 

3. Explore with seasonal Vegetables:
I am sure you have heard it a 1000 time, having 5 potions of     fruits and vegetables helps fights diseases. Now is a good time to whizzed up some yummy salads, use seasonal vegetables from your local famers. Local vegetables are fresher and taste better as they have not travelled thousands of miles to get to you.

4. Venture Outside:
Take your exercise outdoor, make the most of the lighter evenings and avoid sitting in front of the TV after supper. Boost your fitness level by walking briskly, jogging, running,  cycling or swimming. 

5. Boost your mood:
If you have been suffering from low mood and depression brought on by the winter weather, boost your level of feel good hormones by eating oily  fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon. This is because they contain the feel good hormones serotonin. If you do not like fish get a good omega 3 supplement. Why not try the Artic Sea Omega 3 supplement

6. Improve your skin's health: 
Having the heating on during winter, leaves the skin dry and dehydrated. this leaves the skin looking dull.  To bring back your skin's natural glow, begin a cleansing routine.  Deep cleanse daily before bed and finished up with a light moisturiser. This restores the radiance lost from dryness.    Moisturiser stimulates skin growth. Choose a  vitamins E base moisturiser. The Sonya Skin Care Range of anti - aging moisturiser is packed with anti-inflammatory agents and white tea extracts which protects the skin from the early spring sunshine.

7. Avoid crack lips:
Long period of exposure to the cold often results cracked and sore lips . Get a good lip balm rich in moisture which both conditions and stops cracking. I will recommend the Aloe Lip Balm which also doubles as a soothing balm from insect bites. 

8. Spring clear out:
Make some space in your house. Clear out old letters, bills, wardrobe, which is overflowing. Clutter created energy, after the harsh winter months decluttering may revive your spirit.

9. Take a Daily Supplement:
The article "should we, should we not?", gives details on how taking a daily supplement helps the body fights up diseases, With the on set of spring comes allergies. the bee Pollen is known to help fight allergies.

10. Dental check up:
it is recommended that we have a check up at least every two years, that is if your teeth are healthy. there is no one size fits all. Your Dentist will tell you when to have your next check up. Our dental hygiene plays a major part in early diagnosis of oral cancer. Oral cancer currently kills more people in the UK than cervical and testicular cancer combined. Get checked up and always use a good tooth paste, I recommend The Forever Bright Tooth Gel 
11. Drink up: Health experts recommends that we should drink 6-8 glasses of water. This is because water helps keeps us  hydrated. 

Spring cleaning is necessary, incorporating these tips into your life may just be the boost you need to bring back the spring into your health.

As always, we will love to hear from you. if you have found this article of any benefit to you, leave us a comment, share with your circle.









Sources: NHS Choice.

Monday 2 May 2016

Fat Nation; 10 Reasons Obesity Is On The Increase

This is the headline in Friday’s times newspaper 

According to the article, in 2014-15 there were 440,288 admissions to hospital with obesity as the main or secondary factor. 

It is reported that this is the highest figure on record, more than previous decade. 
What is going on? How have we allowed ourselves to become a fat nation? I am sorry, but let's call it what it is. I know that some issues are health related but the majority are lifestyle habits. 

Tam Fry who is a spokesperson for the national obesity forum has this to say “this is just the thin end of a very worrying wedge”. 
With health campaigners warning that obesity will break the NHS. Unless the government takes action. 
I’d like to think that we have a part to play in ensuring that we do not end up obese.  First we have to become aware of the reasons why obesity is on the increase.

So here are 10 reasons for increase in Obesity; 

1. Eating too much and doing too little: According to the NHS, If We consuming high amounts of fat and sugars, and do not burn off the energy through exercise and physical activity, the surplus energy is stored by the body as fat. 

2. Unhealthy diet. The unhealthy daily habits which goes unchecked over time results in obesity. It is not an overnight habit, but one which develops over time. Consistent poor choices such as eating a portion of processed or fast food which is high in fat and sugar, consuming excessive alcohol high in calories all contributes to obesity.

3. Eating Out a Lot –often we eat out to Celebrate special occasions, we begin with a starter, main course and dessert. Food of certain origin contains high amount of fat and sugar. When we eat out,  we end up eating too much. Especially if those we are with are having 3 course meal, we often are guilty by association. We also end up having too much sugary drinks – like fruit juice and soft drinks which are high in calories. 

4. Comfort Eating – during the winter months, it takes more motivation to get up and move about, it is far easier to wrap up warm and sit in front of the TV, which leads to comfort eating. depression and low self-esteem, is another reason why you may eat to make yourself feel better.

5. Genetics
Some people claim there is no point in trying to lose weight because "it runs in my family" or "it's in my genes".
While there are some rare genetic conditions that can cause obesity, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, there is no reason why most people cannot lose weight.
you may have inherited certain genetic traits from your parents – such as having a large appetite – which may make losing weight more difficult, but it certainly doesn't make it impossible.
In many cases, obesity is more to do with environmental factors, such as poor eating habits learned during childhood.

6. Medical Conditions: .
In some cases, underlying medical conditions may contribute to weight gain. These include:
an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) – where your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones Cushing's syndrome – a rare disorder that causes the overproduction of steroid hormones.
However, if conditions such as these are properly diagnosed and treated they should pose less of a barrier to weight loss.
Certain medicines, including some corticosteroids, medications for epilepsy and diabetes, and some medications used to treat mental illness – including antidepressants and medicines for schizophrenia – can contribute to weight gain. Weight gain can also sometimes be a side effect of stopping
smoking.

8. Affluence: it is generally known that the wealthier we become the more we feel the need to treat ourselves. We don’t have to be mega rich, just a slight increase in our pay check is enough for us to afford to dine out. Let's face it food gives us pleasure, a rich chocolate cake with cream is to die for. We are suddenly able to afford several sweet treats. Consistently indulging can lead to obesity. 

9. Busyness Of Life; who has time anymore to cook? With so many ready made food services available, it's so easy to order take away. The high street is littered with so many food shop. For every non food store which closes down, a food shop pops up in its place, we are spoil for choice now. Fast food are full of salt, saturated fat and sugars.  Cooking from scratch is a good way to control the quantity of these unhealthy items in our food. 

10. Lack of Awareness: despite the government's drive to educate us on the  dangers of unhealthy lifestyle, majority of the population are still unaware of how to eat healthy. Education is power. This why I wrote this article 7 Steps to achieve a healthy looking plate


This headline scares me. The problem of obesity is not just limited to adults, even our children are now fighting the same problem. 
 The number of overweight children in Britain has also reached alarming levels.  With one in five  aged two to four classed as obese do, increasing to one in three aged 10-11.

The report continued, every month 300,000 people moved from a healthy weight to unhealthy. 

Enough of the scaremongering, there is hope for you. Check out my article How I lost 5kg in 9 days and “Forever Living Weight Management Program”. These articles provide information on how you can lose weight and keep it off, by following simple daily habits.

Is this article helpful? Let us know







Reference: NHS, The Times Newspaper