Women’s Health

We all know that folic acid is important for pregnancy, but did you know there are different forms of folic acid and that the form you choose can affect your fertility? The majority of women know that folic acid (B9), is essential for the normal development of a baby in utero. It is particularly important in the first trimester when the nervous system is developing, as it reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. But more recent research has uncovered a genetic defect that makes it extremely difficult for up to 1in 4 people to effectively absorb folic acid, which is the synthetic form contained in most supplements.

What are the implications of BPA and pregnancy?

Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is a chemical used to make hard plastic containers and the lining of metal food and beverage cans. According to the “Center for Disease Control and Prevention” - more than 90% of Americans have traces of it in their urine. We have all seen plastic containers with those bright stickers claiming “BPA FREE” so what does this mean? Most people are aware that the plastics containing BPA (Bisphenol A) are detrimental to health, but how do they affect us particularly in pregnancy?

How can I Manage my Anxiety with GABA?

What is GABA? How is GABA related to my Anxiety? Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter within the body that is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system. GABA acts as the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Relevance of GABA to Anxiety and Mental Health Low GABA levels are associated with a range of conditions affecting the nervous system, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, epilepsy, panic attacks and PTSD.

What is so special about Bone Broths?

You have probably heard people talking lately about bone broths and wondered just what all the fuss is about? Bone broths are a great way to get nutritious minerals into you, easily, efficiently and deliciously. They are high in Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, trace minerals, as well as being a fabulous source of amino acids such as GAGs (glycosaminoglycans), glucosamine, chondroitin, proline, glycine & hyaluronic acid.

A question that plagues many of us, do we diet to lose weight and gain health or do we exercise?

This is a question that also troubles many of the government health departments around the world as they try to find a solution to the obesity epidemic. Many studies have focused on this question and have produced great results to support both arguments. The problem lies in that obesity is an accumulation of fat tissue that is excessive however this comes along with a host of metabolic problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. Not to mention an increase in many inflammatory chemicals which increase the risk of infertility and cancer. So let’s look at the question.

When was the Last Time you Rested and Renewed?

I am 2 days shy of 45 years and yet I am still learning the age old law of trying to reap more than I can sow. It was an all too familiar scene - last Sunday afternoon lying on the bed in tears (hoping the kids wouldn't find me) lamenting to my husband about my endless "to do list"; my anger at not being able to say "no" to many seemingly urgent yet unimportant priorities that I had inevitably responded "yes" to (I often think it is my way of procrastinating about the really important things that I REALLY need to do); and my inevitable feelings of being overwhelmed and exhausted.

Do you find it hard to portion control your meals?

Struggle to control portioning of your food to keep digestive problems at bay or control your weight? Well some people have some food habits or behaviors that make it hard to control food intake and others may have poor signals to say they are full. Here are two scenarios to offer some assistance with:

What does Wellness mean to you?

Wellness is a term we hear frequently, but what does wellness mean to you? It can mean a range of different things to people. Is it good health? The ability to carry out your daily activities? A feeling of contentment? Pause for a moment and think, what does Wellness mean to you, jot down some thoughts that come to you, and if for some reason, something happened to your health, how would your lifestyle change?.......

Do you use Electrolyte drinks during your Exercise Activity?

If you’re training beyond the hour in your given activity or sport, you're most likely encouraged to drink carbohydrate and or electrolyte drinks. As these will enhance your performance and intensity, you should also drink one before training, during and after, correct?

How can I get prebiotics in my diet?

Prebiotics are substances in food that selectively feed good bacteria and not bad microbes in your intestine and bowel. They feed these bacteria that protect us against infection, allergy, inflammation, cancer and they also help make vitamins such as vitamin K. So where do we get them from supplements or food? Well food should be your predominant source for most people but there are specific ones and some people do not tolerate some. So read the following guidelines and get more in your diet!