Wheatgrass juice boost for energy slump

Wheatgrass juice is pure green power

After a month in Nepal eating rice, I returned to the UK and gorged on fresh baked bread.

Consequently, the gluten ground my digestive system to a halt and my energy levels, having been Himalayan high, stooped to all time low.

Does dairy free ice-cream taste good?

I scream for ice-cream
image by Michael Chambers

Dairy free foods are on the increase. Not just for vegans, but for those of us who experience acne, bloating, high cholesterol, hormone imbalances, are lactose intolerant and for those who wish for healthier foods.

But often, our real measure of food  is in the taste. So I put a few dairy free products to the test, because let's face it - who wants a life without ice-cream.

Natural remedies for the menopause

the menopause can be a rediscovery of self

This transition from one stage of womanhood to another, brings a series of emotional and physical changes - largely hot flushes and night sweats. But for some women, the menopause is a time of celebration! A time to be free of cultural constraints!

Top 5 raw chocolate treats

I've always had a sweet tooth, but as this is a health blog I thought I'd eat my way through a load of raw chocolate as it's full of goodness, or so the makers claim.

To know about the health benefits,  click here .for a previous article, or read to discover what I found on my raw chocolate binge.

Raw chocolate for the weight conscious

Globally, Britons come second to the Swiss with regard to annual chocolate consumption - something in the region of 17.5 lbs per person each year (the Swiss eat 19lbs per person).

But this brings problems with dental care and obesity - serious health issues! So how do we satiate our sweet teeth without adding to the NHS burden of disorders and addictions? The answer lies in raw chocolate.

Healing properties of lemons & how to use them

Lemons may not be your favourite fruit to suck on, but our alkalising little friend has a lot to offer by way of health care. there's no better start to the day than hot water and fresh lemon juice to kick start your liver in the morning.

Lemon juice
Lemon juice prompts the liver into making bile, thereby stimulating organ function. Some people swear by it as a cure for hiccups, although I've never tried that, but it does a great job of flushing out my digestion.

Krill oil v Fish oil - which is best for Omega 3?

The debate between whether krill oil or fish oil provides the best source of Omega 3 in quantities the body best absorbs, continues. Expert nutritionist, Dr Mercola has come out on the side of Krill oil, but whichever side of the fence you're on, one thing is certain - Krill oil is a superb antioxidant supplement and packs a powerful punch of Omega 3.

Acai berry for weight loss

The Acai berry (ah-sigh-ee) is an Amazonian superfood with high nutritious properties and an ability to support weight loss.

However beware as some 'scam' miracle diet products linked to the berry have led to a misunderstanding of the super food and caused consumer concern over legitimate trading and health claims.

In this article, I'll explain what the berry is, what are the nutritional benefits and how it can help the ongoing management of weight loss.

Natural cures for digestion problems

Indigestion and its related complaints of heartburn, flatulence and constipation are common conditions around Christmas, even for the most healthy of people.

But if you are a regular sufferer of digestive disorders, occasions such as parties & family gatherings can be a time of silent anxiety - all those polite nibbles and pastries may taste good at first, but play havoc with your insides for hours afterwards.

3 healthy snacks for winter fuel

We get hungrier than ever when it's cold outside, and we want to reach for breads, pastas and pies - but spare a thought for your mind and body as you wolf down carbohydrates. We do need more fat in the winter, but it can be good fat!

I've discovered some snacks that fight fatigue, keep the body's fuel gauge high and lower the risk of heart disease.

Fight flu & signs of aging with cranberries

Not just the fodder for a winter fruity sauce, the little red cranberry is packed with antioxidants and anthocyanidins which help to maintain your skin's elasticity so you look young and fresh.

They are a rich source of vitamin C, so a daily dose will keep colds and runny noses at bay. And the cranberry is an invaluable source of fibre.

Green tea - eat it or drink it? Either way it's good for you!

Green tea, the favourite drink in Aisa, has made a deep imprint in the western health psyche. It seems researchers and scientists can't get enough of this antioxidant, immune boosting, fat burning tea leaf, which when picked transforms into a light, delicate drink suitable for most occasions.

Is alkaline water better than tap water?

Water water everywhere but not  a drop to drink. Or so it may seem as facts and figures about the toxicity of tap water are frequently dripped into the media. Which can be a problem when you want to drink your 2 litres a day

Which type of water for me?
We have plenty to choose from - straight from the tap, bottled, filtered, alkaline, carbonated, room temperature, cold, flavoured etc - the list is endless

However, scientists and health professionals do concur that the acid alkaline balance of the body is essential for good health.

Natural remedies for bad breath

Halitosis or bad breath is never pleasant but it can be incredibly embarrassing. We all get it occasionally, but it affects one in four adults regularly, and this can also lead to anxiety and low self esteem.

Luckily, there are plenty of natural cures for bad breath, once the cause is established.

Boost your stamina with powerful Tulsi

If you've not yet heard of Tulsi, you will now.  This sacred herb is gaining in popularity. Renowned for its healing properties, this herb has been use in Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine for thousands of years as a means of:

• Improving stamina
• Reducing stress
• Boosting the immune system
• Supporting the metabolism - thus making this purple herb popular in the battle of the bulge.

How? What is it exaclty?

IBS or digestive trouble? Cut out wheat, eat spelt insead!

There's little in life more tempting then the smell of fresh baked bread. Crusty edges and soft floury dough adds warmth to a cold breakfast and complements homemade soup.

Alas, for many of us, wheat causes havoc with our digestion, energy levels, moods and constipation.

Top tip on getting your greens

Every child is told to eat their greens, but adults need them too. But if you don't have time to chew through a bowl of broccoli, kale and sprouts every day you can get everything you need in a healthy green drink, even from a ready made blended sachet.

Vital Greens, Green Magma and Kean's Supreme Greens Alkaliser are just three of the super healthy drinks and foods containing essential vitamins, nutrients, minerals, probiotics, antioxodants, akalines, enzymes... meaning your body will never be without what is needed, and your health will benefit.

Trouble sleeping? Try this 5-step natural plan

Not having enough sleep is a serious concern and has huge consequences on our health.

Our bodies don't rest, recover or regenerate properly and our mind continues its incessant chatter. So whether it's due to illness, aches & pains, stress, depression, exam nerves, insomnia or you simply don't feel tired, here's 5 natural steps to a better night's sleep.

Treat head lice with coconut oil

Coconut oil has been used to treat hair and scalp conditions for centuries. Rich in saturated fatty acids (capric acids / lauric acids) the oil contains antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties and is both antioxidant and soothing making it an excellent conditioner.

As a natural oil it does not require the addition of synthetic ingredients to produce results. Massaging coconut oil onto the scalp provides relief from dandruff, flaky or itchy scalp, lice and their eggs. 

Magnesium deficiency linked to cancer, insomnia, muscle ache

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, with 50% of it found in our bones. It is essential for us to function healthily, but many of us lack this basic of ingredients without realising it.

If you go into your local health food shop you will see a plethora of brands selling magnesium products - gels, oils, salts and tablets. Why? Because many common disorders result from magnesium deficiency.