Monthly Archives: October 2016

MSM, Parfait Visage, Skin care, Women’s health

Look good and be healthy: why you should use organic skincare products

No question, going organic is firmly established as an approach to maintaining a good, balanced diet. The organic route to eating more healthily and more environmentally responsibly is scientifically proven and thus followed by millions around the world. However many are now increasingly going the organic route when it comes to something else – what they put on their bodies; that is, skincare and cosmetic products. Why? After all, it’s not like we’re putting ingredients of non-organic skin products inside us, is it? Well, actually; yes it is.

Skin absorption

You may not be aware of it, but your skin is one of your body’s organs – its biggest, in fact. And, like all other organs, it absorbs a great many things, such as the nutrients we need as well as unfortunately the harmful toxins we definitely don’t. The problem is then, in applying different skincare and cosmetic products to yourself all the time, you’re potentially forcing your skin to absorb even more toxins than it ordinarily would do so. Unless you can be sure the products you’re applying to your skin don’t contain toxins, of course.

Yet, naturally, many of us can’t be sure of that – or don’t check. Indeed, a good number of the established products many women apply to their skin contain phthalates (salts or esters derived from phthalatic acid) or parabens (preservatives) that disrupt the endocrine system (which oversees the creation, development and deployment of the body’s hormones)1. Unsurprisingly, studies suggest the more such products you use on your body, the higher the concentration of toxicity from them manages to make its way through the skin and into the body – plus, research also points to these toxins causing reproductive problems and increasing the levels of cancer risk2.

Go organic

The advantage of adopting an organic-derived skincare and cosmetic routine is pretty obvious then. You won’t be unnecessarily exposing your body to any of those unnatural, dangerous preservatives and other toxins that non-organic products harbour. Moreover, experts believe that, in relying on natural ingredients to make your face and skin look good, you might even help treat potential hyperpigmentation (patchy darkening of the skin) and inflammation, as well as photoaging (sun damage to the skin that reveals itself over time)3, 4.

Fundamentally, skincare products should surely not just ensure you look good on the outside but definitely not harm you on the inside – and if they can aid you living healthily and looking after your body too, then all the better. These are three pointers that you might try to follow when looking to buy cosmetics and skincare products:

  • Avoid ingredients such as potentially harmful chemicals, irritants or preservatives
  • Opt for on-allergenic, carefully formulated products containing natural, organic ingredients
  • Always try to buy items free of non-genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that haven’t been tested on animals.

Organic product examples

So, armed as you now are with the information, why not try out one or two organic skincare products – the following are all available through The Finchley Clinic:

msm-lotion-rose

MSM Lotion Rose (150ml) – a fine lotion for the hands, body and face containing methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), the organic sulphur compound that’s the fourth most prevalent mineral in the human body, and fragranced with rose geranium and palmarosa oils, rose extract, aloe vera and shea butter; ideal for dry and ‘problem’ skin

aqua-spirit

Aquaspirit (previously Oxy-Skin) (4floz) – thanks to its circulation-stimulating properties, bio-available oxygen and aromatherapuetic nutrients, this product oxygenates the blood in the face and skin, energising the cells and promoting healthier, more radiant skin

parfait-visage

Parfait Visage (1.7floz) – a 100% organic product that, owing to its ingredients including vegetable palm stearic acid, sweet almond oil, whole leaf aloe vera, hemp seed oil, MSM and essential oils, penetrates and moisturises seven-layers-deep in the skin, enhances new cell growth and stimulates new healthy tissue.

References

  1. Dodson R. E., Nishioka M., Standley L. J., Perovich L. J., Brody J. G. and Rudel R. A. ‘Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products’. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2012 Jul; 120 (7): 935–943. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1104052.
  2. Braun J. M., Just A. C., Williams P. L., Smith K. W., Calafat A. M. and Hauser R. ‘Personal care product use and urinary phthalate metabolite and paraben concentrations during pregnancy among women from a fertility clinic’. Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology. (2014)24.459–466
  3. Fowler J. F., Woolery-Lloyd H., Waldorf H. and Saini R. ‘Innovations in natural ingredients and their use in skin care’. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.2010 Jun; 9 (6 Suppl): S72-81; quiz s82-3.
  4. Bowe W. P. and Pugliese S. ‘Cosmetic benefits of natural ingredients’. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2014 Sep; 13 (9): 1021-5; quiz 26-7.
Colosan, Detoxification, Green Magma

Take on the toxins and win: how to detox – and why you should

The idea of a ‘detox’ is something many of us are familiar with, thanks to it having become trendy with celebrities and so a term that’s bandied about in the media all the time. But how many of us really know what it involves and, more importantly, why it can do us so much good?

In simple terms, a detox – short for ‘detoxification’ – is a process where someone makes lifestyle choices and changes to remove toxins from their body. It often involves abstaining from things that tend to harm the body’s functions in order to optimise how they work.

Toxins

So what exactly are toxins? By and large, they’re all the chemicals and metals, artificial food ingredients, pesticides and pollutants that find their way into the body and cause it harm1. Indeed, it’s likely the health issues many people suffer from can be traced back to the toxins that have built up in their bodies over time2, 3, 4.

How so? Well, whether you like it or not, it’s pretty much impossible to protect yourself from every single toxin out there; that’s because they’re in all the water, food and air we consume. But, as much as it can, your body does counteract their harmful effects through its own natural detoxification processes. And through regular cleansing – or detoxification – you can aid these processes in their work.

How your body detoxes

Of all the body’s systems (for instance, the respiratory and digestive systems), it’s the excretory system that’s involved in detoxification the most – through, yes, defecation and urination. And the main organs involved in this system are the large intestine, the kidneys, the liver, the lungs and the skin5.

The skin? Yes, it eliminates toxins through sweat glands6. Meanwhile, the liver filters general waste, hormones, drugs and other foreign bodies7, the lungs are pivotal in removing carbon dioxide (through us breathing out)8, the kidneys filter the blood, aiding waste removal via urination9 and, finally, the large intestine (after absorbing water and nutrients from food) then converts the remaining waste into stool, which is expelled through the anus10. When it comes down to it, your body’s working to detoxify itself every second of every day – indeed, even your brain actively flushes out toxins during your hours spent in the land of nod11.

How you can detox

Surely then, understanding the importance of detoxification – and how the body does it – underlines the onus on us to help out our bodies in this process. So how exactly can we?

  • Exercise and relax – exercising makes you sweat, thus releasing toxins through the skin, while relaxation (and even meditation) combine with exercise to reduce stress, which just like harmful chemicals can be toxic to us
  • Purify the air – attempting to control the air in your home and work areas is far from a bad idea because good ventilation helps eradicate smoke, fumes, mould, pet dander and micro-organisms from getting into our lungs and harming us; if air-purification equipment’s a bit pricey for you (or not possible at work) then you could turn to house plants, which are great at filtering the air and removing toxins12
  • Drink water – good old H2O is a hugely powerful weapon in your detoxification arsenal, as much because your body’s most fundamental processes can’t take place without it13; moreover, water’s critical to the creation of saliva and sweat and ensuring waste removal takes place14
  • Healthy diet – be aware that genetically modified (GMO) foods, pesticides and processed foods may contain harmful toxins, so opt instead for the likes of fresh juices, garlic, raw nuts, seeds, broccoli, lemon, mung beans, sprouts and other organic fruit and veg, all of which are great for detoxing.

Supplementation

Finally, another option to help you detox is supplementation. Remember that, when turning to detox supplements, you’re looking to focus on products that’ll help remove harmful organisms, chemicals and toxic metals and, ideally, aid the cleansing of your colon, liver and kidneys. To that end, the following supplements are all recommended and available through The Finchley Clinic:

9-day-detox-pack9 Day Detox (capsules) – provides a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and liver digestive nutrients all in a handy blister strip

colosan-capsulesColosan (120 or 40 capsules/ powder) – a magnesium oxygen product that gently releases oxygen into the digestive tract to cleanse the bowel and ease constipation; may also help with candida and parasites

green-magmaGreen Magma (Barley Grass) (300g, 150g, 80g or 30g powder/ 250 tablets) – regular supplementation may improve digestion, increase energy and aid detoxification

ORËÁORËÁ (formerly ZNatural) (60ml and 30ml) – a natural toxin remover for the whole body, including the blood, organs, glands and cellular tissue.

 

References:

  1. ‘What You Know Can Help You – An Introduction to Toxic Substances’. New York Department of Health. New York State, Oct 2013.
  2. ‘Causes of Food Poisoning’. Foodsafety.gov. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.
  3. ‘National Biomonitoring Program: Toxins’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 Dec 2012.
  4. ‘Toxic Substances Portal: Asbestos’. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 Mar 2011.
  5. ‘Reference Terms: Excretory System’. ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, n.d. Web. 16 Mar 2016.
  6. Sears M. E., Kerr K. J. and Bray, R. I. ‘Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Sweat: A Systematic Review’. Journal of Environmental and Public Health 2012 (2012): 184745. PMC.
  7. ‘Normal Liver Physiology’. Brown University Division of Biology and Medicine. Brown University, n.d.
  8. ‘What Are the Lungs?’ National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Institutes of Health, 17 July 2012.
  9. ‘Large Intestine (colon)’. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 Dec. 2015.
  10. ‘Aging Changes in the Kidneys and Bladder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia’.MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Oct 2014.
  11. ‘Brain May Flush out Toxins during Sleep | National Institutes of Health (NIH)’.National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 17 Oct 2013.
  12. Luz C. ‘Planting Healthier Indoor Air’. Environmental Health Perspectives 119. 10 (2011): a426–a427. PMC.
  13. ‘Water – a Vital Nutrient’. Better Health Channel. Department of Health & Human Services, State Government of Victoria, May 2014.
  14. ‘Water in Diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia’. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 July 2015.
General Health & Nutrition

Oxy-Powder Price Rise

Customers always hate it and complain bitterly when we raise our prices. And believe it or not, we hate raising them too. Unfortunately though, as much we didn’t want to do it, we have had to raise the prices of many of our imported items over the last month, as existing stocks ran out, due to the terrible fall of the £ against the US$ and Euro.

There has already been an Oxy-Powder price rise to £42.99. Sadly, the ones that have NOT gone up in price, will too, and without notice. We do not tell people in advance to some degree because we don’t want panic buying to occur, but mostly because we only decide to raise them when we have no other choice, and when we get to the stage of having to, it is done with immediate effect. However I am willing to share with you that of the products where we have not already increased the price, it is almost inevitable that over the next few weeks, we will have to increase the cost of all the Oxygen based Colon Cleansers, (except Oxy-Powder, which has gone up already) as well as most products from Global Health Trax, and Global Healing Center (except Oxy-Powder).

The situation will not be any better if you go elsewhere, for example if you try to go straight to the suppliers, as by the time you have paid for shipping to the UK, VAT, import duty, customs brokerage charges, and further VAT on both the duty and the shipping costs, we can pretty much guarantee it will cost you a lot more. You will also get a very poor exchange rate compared with the mid-market rates that you see on the TV or currency web sites. Customers do sometimes try to bypass us, and they always come back to us the next time regretting doing so, after paying a lot more than they anticipated, and waiting up to a month to get the goods.

With the products we source from the UK, even there, many of the raw materials come from abroad, so we anticipate that the suppliers will soon increase their prices, which means we will then reluctantly have to raise our own.

All we can say about this is sorry, and we promise not to raise prices that don’t need to be raised.

From all of the team

Mark, Rachel, Sarah and Tony

(Yes we do only consist of four staff, and we don’t seek to be one of the countless organisations that just sell any old tat they can make a profit on, without knowing anything about the products. The reason we seem bigger to some people is partly because we outsource the social media, but mostly because we all work so hard!).

Antioxidant Supreme, Selenium, selenium supplements

Super selenium – a crucial nutrient for us

Back in the summer, you may have read an article on this blog about ‘heavy metals’ (e.g. mercury, lead and cadmium) and why they’re toxic to the human body. Well, all things being equal, there are also, of course, metals and similar nutrients that the human body can’t do without – the likes of iron, calcium and magnesium. One such nutrient that belongs in this group but isn’t talked about as much as the other three is selenium.

Derived from metal sulphide ores, selenium is a chemical element that can be found on the periodic table (symbol ‘Se’; atomic number ‘34’); its biggest commercial uses nowadays being in glassmaking and pigment creation. But what about selenium and the human body? Some experts may point out that it’s dangerous for us to consume too much selenium; yet, while that’s true (and the fact you’d have to consume it in huge amounts to do you serious harm), there’s no question it’s critically important for your body to function properly and effectively.

Role in the body

So what exactly does selenium do? Specifically, it plays a crucial role in:

  • Reproductive health1 – in the male body, the selenium level in the testes rises during puberty, while in the female body, low levels of selenium may help cause infertility2
  • Thyroid health – the nutrient combines with iodine to support the thyroid; together with iodine it helps produce the gland’s hormones3, 4, while it’s also found in enzymes that regulate these hormones5
  • DNA synthesis – studies suggest selenium can potentially enhance DNA’s capacity to repair itself6, owing to the nutrient’s natural association with antioxidants whose job it is to fight free radicals
  • Protect the body against oxidative damage – being a great support to antioxidants throughout the body, selenium aids in reducing oxidative damage and the major health problems this can lead to7
  • Combining with selenoprotein enzymes to help regulate important physiological processes8.

Deficiency

Quite clearly then, selenium’s a nutrient that our bodies just can’t do without. Indeed, if the selenium levels in your body drop too low then there’s a chance you could develop disorders affecting your muscular, cardiovascular, immunity, neurological or endocrine systems. Obviously that’s a worrying thought. But what signs should you look out for…?

  • Memory issues – short-term (or even long-term) memory difficulties may not merely be a sign of ageing; low levels of selenium could interfere with your cognitive function, which includes concentration and analytical skills, as well as memory9
  • Tiredness – without adequate selenium in your body, you risk developing hypothyroidism, which brings symptoms such as lethargy, depression and weight gain10
  • Viruses and infections – as selenium supports the immune system, it plays a role in helping to build up the body’s natural defence against colds, flu and other viruses and infections; moreover, hypothyroidism can jeopardise the efficacy of the immune system, not least because (thanks to its antioxidant nature) selenium supports communication between the immune system and the body’s cells11
  • Wound healing issues – if you’ve got a cut or bruise and it seems to be taking forever to heal, yes, it could be because your selenium levels are particularly low; being an antioxidant, the nutrient aids cell-tissue-repair, which is why studies point to selenium helping to reduce the time it takes for wounds to heal12

Diet

Obviously then, as selenium performs such a crucial role in our bodies, it’s important we make sure it’s genuinely present in our individual diets. Selenium can be found in many different foods – both seafoods and organ meats (or offal) are both particularly rich in the nutrient, while dairy products, cereals/ grain foods and muscle meats (essentially lean meats) also contain their fair share.

However, it should be recognised that not everyone does – or is able to – get enough selenium through their diet on its own. So, if you’re not getting enough through food, you may want to consider trying selenium supplements.

Supplements

The following supplements are available through The Finchley Clinic – needless to say we highly recommend them all:

nutrisorb-selenium

Nutrisorb Selenium (15ml) – ideal for helping to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage

 

selenium

Selenium 200mcg (60 capsules) – supports the immune system and provides the body with important antioxidants

selenium-complex

 

Selenium Complex (60 tablets) – contains two different forms of yeast free selenium for antioxidant support and vitamins B2 and B6 for additional nutritional value.

References:

1 Mistry, H. D., Broughton-Pipkin, F., Redman, C. W. G. and Poston, L. ‘Selenium in Reproductive Health’. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 206.1 (2012): 21-30. PubMed.

2 Bedwal, R. S. and Bahuguna, A. ‘Zinc, Copper and Selenium in Reproduction’. Experientia 50.7 (1994): 626-40. PubMed.

3 Drutel, A., Archambeaud, F. and Caron, P. ‘Selenium and the Thyroid Gland: More Good News for Clinicians’. Clin Endocrinol Clinical Endocrinology 78.2 (2013): 155-64. PubMed.

4 Nussey, S. and Whitehead S. ‘Endocrinology: An Integrated Approach’. Oxford: BIOS Scientific Publishers; 2001. Chapter 3, The thyroid gland.

5 ‘Iodine’. Micronutrient Information Center. Oregon State, 2001.

6 Soumen, B. et al. ‘Does a Role for Selenium in DNA Damage Repair Explain Apparent Controversies in Its Use in Chemoprevention?’ Mutagenesis 28.2 (2013): 127–134. PMC.

7 Battin E. E. and Brumaghim J. L. ‘Antioxidant activity of sulfur and selenium: a review of reactive oxygen species scavenging, glutathione peroxidase, and metal-binding antioxidant mechanisms’. Cell Biochem Biophys. 2009; 55 (1): 1-23. doi: 10.1007/s12013-009-9054-7.

8 Bellinger, F. P., Raman, A. V., Reeves, A. M. and Berry, M. J. ‘Regulation and function of selenoproteins in human disease’. Biochem J. Jul 29 2009; 422 (1): 11-22.

9 Pillai R., Uyehara-Lock J. H. and Bellinger F. P. ‘Selenium and selenoprotein function in brain disorders’. IUBMB Life. 25 Mar 2014. doi: 10.1002/iub.1262.

10 Moreno-Reyes, R., Suetens, C., Mathieu, F., Begaux, F., Zhu, D., Rivera, M. T., Boelaert, M., Nève, J., Perlmutter, N. and Vanderpas, J. ‘Kashin-Beck Osteoarthropathy in Rural Tibet in Relation to Selenium and Iodine Status’. New England Journal of Medicine. 1998; 339:1112-1120. DOI: 10.1056/NEJM199810153391604

11 Arthur, J. R., McKenzie, R. C., and Beckett, G. J. ‘Selenium in the Immune System’. The Journal of Nutrition. May 1 2003. vol. 133 no. 5 14575-14595.

12 Gumustekin, K., Seven, B., Karabulut, N., Aktas, O., Gursan, N., Aslan, S., Keles, M., Varoglu, E. and Dane S. ‘Effects of sleep deprivation, nicotine, and selenium on wound healing in rats’. International Journal of Neuroscience. Nov 2004; 114 (11): 1433-42.

Black Cohosh Menopause Relief, Female Fuzion, Femforte Balance, Menopause Help, Menophase, Women’s health

Hot flushes and supplements: how to treat the effects of the menopause

Few women look forward to it, some dread it and many find it a challenging interference in living their everyday lives – it’s ‘the change’ or the menopause. And it’s worth talking about here because, while it inevitably affects the majority of woman in middle-age, the individual experience can vary a great deal and there are things you can do to alleviate its most dramatic symptoms – including looking to supplementation.

Also referred to as ‘the change of life’, the menopause is the biological alteration that happens in a woman’s body so she no longer has periods. The average age at which it occurs is 51 years-old – for most women, it occurs between 45 and 55 years-old1.

What happens is there’s change in the balance of the female body’s sex hormones, ensuring periods no longer occur. This is because the ovaries stop producing enough of the hormone oestrogen to release an egg each month.

Premature menopause

Now, when they reach middle-age, many women are only too aware they’ll soon enter menopause and so are also aware of what’s likely to happen to their bodies and many of the effects they’ll experience. However, there are occasions when menopause happens to women younger than the average age (or age range) mentioned above. Indeed, about one in 100 women under the age of 40 experiences it1.

In many cases, there’s no clear cause for premature menopause – or premature ovarian insufficiency, as it’s sometimes called. Although, it may happen as a result of surgery to remove ovaries (oophorectomy), specific breast cancer treatments or the general cancer treatments that are chemotherapy and radiotherapy1. Moreover, underlying medical conditions like Down’s syndrome or Addison’s disease may be ultimately responsible1.

Symptoms

So what symptoms should either middle-aged or younger women expect when their menopause occurs? Well, sometimes starting months (or even years) before your periods cease and possibly continuing up to four years (or more) following your final period, the following symptoms can vary a great deal in severity, depending on individual experience:

  • Hot flushes – possibly caused by hormone changes affecting the body’s temperature control, they’re experienced by three in four menopausal women2
  • Night sweats – alternatively referred to as nocturnal hyperhidrosis, night sweating can potentially (and embarrassingly) drench bedclothes1
  • Mood swings and anxiety1
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)1
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering things1
  • Vaginal dryness and irritability – otherwise known as atrophic vaginitis, it can lead to a burning sensation, reduced sex drive and possibly repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs)3.

Health problems

The loss of oestrogen associated with menopause has been linked to a number of health problems that become more common as women age. After menopause, women are more likely to develop:

  • Osteoporosis1
  • Heart disease1
  • Bladder and bowel issues1
  • Increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease1
  • Increased wrinkling of the skin and less elasticity 1
  • Reduced muscle tone/ power1
  • Vision deterioration – and possibly cataracts (clouding of the eye lens)1

It should be pointed out, however, that just because a woman has been through menopause, she won’t definitely develop any (or certainly all) of the above disorders – so there’s no need for concern here; it’s just more likely a woman might develop them than before menopause.

Easing symptoms

The reality is that, happily, a lot of women go through their menopause experiencing little discomfort, but for others that’s not the case. Indeed, in some cases, menopause-related symptoms can be so severe that sufferers seek treatment to help ease their effects on everyday life. Such treatments include:

  • Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet and getting regular exercise – remaining fit and strong and keeping a sensible weight can help alleviate some symptoms1
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – replaces the oestrogen lost via tablets, gels, skin patches and implants1
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a form of talking therapy that helps some who suffer from low mood and anxiety1
  • Vaginal oestrogen treatment – usually in the form of creams, lubricants and moisturisers to treat vaginal dryness1

Supplements

Alternatively, you may find supplementation an easier and more suitable way to treat the effects of menopause. All of the following menopause supplements are available through The Finchley Clinic:

black-cohosh-menopause-relief

Black Cohosh Menopause Relief (30 tablets) – derived from a plant used for traditional medicinal use by indigenous American people, it can be taken to relieve hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, nervous irritability and restlessness

menophase-90-capsules

Menophase (90 and 30 capsules) – great for health, wellbeing, vitality, relaxation and energy production during the menopausal years; blends vitamins and minerals with added botanicals, as well as additional Vitamin E to protect against age-accelerating free radical damage

femguard

FemGuard (Multinutrient for Menopause) (90 capsules) – a comprehensive, high-power product containing high ratios of nutrients to support female hormonal balance, bone density and cardiovascular health

femforte-balance

Femforte Balance (60 capsules) – a combination of botanical extracts to help balance oestrogen levels and detoxify potent oestrogens associated with illness; ideal for menopause, PMS and menstrual irregularity

female-fuzion

Female Fuzion (2floz) – assists the female body in regulating proper hormone balance for superior vitality, energy, sex drive and general wellness.

References

1 http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/Pages/Introduction.aspx

2 http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/menopause/Pages/hot-flushes.aspx

3 http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/dry-vagina/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Colosan, Digestive Enzyme, Oxy-Powder, Threelac and Fivelac

Mind over gut matters? How mental and gastrointestinal health are linked

Have you ever found yourself feeling low when suffering from diarrhoea? Or down in the dumps following a bout of abdominal pain or stomach cramps? Or has it struck you that you may feel more depressed than you’d expect along with a bit of digestive trouble? Well, research suggests this wouldn’t actually be surprising – and is probably very normal – because there are strong links between digestive and mental health.

Indeed, by studying gut microbiota (the community of micro-organisms found in the gut), experts have established significant connections between bacterial imbalance in this part of the body and mood and behavioural issues.

From the brain to the gut – and vice versa

There are three specific ways in which the brain connects directly with the gastrointestinal part of our bodies:

• The vagus nerve – this travels from the brain stem, via the neck and thorax, straight to the abdomen; it helps regulate heart rate, speech, sweating, and various gut functions via the supply of motor parasympathetic fibres to all organs apart from adrenal glands1

• The enteric nervous system – often called a ‘second brain’, owing to its capacity to autonomously communicate and connect with the central nervous system via the vagus nerve, this system can feature up to 600 million neurons2 that influence muscle activity in the gut wall and gland secretions of the likes of stomach acid, digestive enzymes and mucus3

• The gut-brain axis – by linking the brain’s emotional and cognitive centres with the intestine’s peripheral functions, this enables bidirectional communication between the central and the enteric nervous systems4.

Gut bacteria influencing mental health

So, owing to these direct links between the gastrointestinal part of the body and the brain, it’s been found that gut microbiota can – and does – influence brain chemistry, moods and behaviour5. How? Well, animal studies have shown there’s strong proof that micro-organisms in the gut activate the vagus nerve, thus have the ability to influence how the brain sets behaviour6. Could this be why sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – thus sufferers of symptoms like gas, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and cramping – often experience depression and anxiety? Quite possibly.

On a more positive note, the microbiota of the gut play a significant role in influencing the generation and application of serotonin and dopamine – serotonin being a ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter that (along with dopamine) is important in establishing happiness and well-being. Indeed, you may be surprised to learn that 90% of serotonin in the body is in the gut, ensuring it’s a key regulator of gastrointestinal motility7.

Improving gut flora through diet – and more

Owing to all the evidence then – and, frankly, just plain common sense – it’s in the interest of all of us to look after our gut as much as we can; a healthy digestive system results in a healthy mind – and vice versa. Indeed, the condition of gut microbiota and a healthy gastrointestinal tract can be positively enhanced by a good diet8. And that means plenty of fruits and vegetables, plus fermented foods like yoghurt and kefir. Gut microbiota (the sort that’s good for us) love probiotics.

In fact, a study conducted in 2014 found that, by receiving a strain of probiotics, a group of rats enjoyed something of a therapeutic effect on the depressive and anxious symptoms they were suffering from, as well as a ‘normalisation of their immune response’9.

And if, for any reason, you may struggle to imbed the above suggested food types into your diet then you can follow the example of the aforementioned rats by getting your gut-friendly nutrients via supplementation. You might find one or more of the following gut health supplements available through The Finchley Clinic suit you perfectly – they do for many of our customers:

oxy-powder-120-capsules

Oxy-Powder (120 capsules) – a great colon cleansing product, it offers a slow release of mono-atomic oxygen to ensure an inhospitable environment for harmful bacteria and other toxic matter, enabling free rein for the friendly bacteria needed for proper digestive and intestinal health

threelac-caps

Threelac (60 sachets or 120 capsules) – contains Bacillus coagulans (a probiotic organism that may help solve occasional digestion and stomach issues), Bacillus subtilis (may aid removal of bad flora from the intestines) and Enterococcus faecalis (a major lactic acid bacteria group genus that’s extremely good for the gut); Threelac works very well with other supplements we sell

Colosan (120 and 40 capsules and in powder form) – a magnesium oxide powder that doesn’t just cleanse the colon but oxygenates it too

active-digestive-enzymes

Active Digestive Enzymes (90 capsules) – aids general good nutrient uptake and could help someone looking to cleanse their colon of candida to improve food absorption; great for sufferers of lactose intolerance, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and gas, IBS and heart burn, and nicely complements Threelac.

References:

1. ‘The Vagus Nerve’. Loyola University Chicago Health Sciences Division. Stritch School of Medicine.
2. Furness J. B., Callaghan B. P., Rivera L. R. and Cho H. J. ‘The enteric nervous system and gastrointestinal innervation: integrated local and central control’. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2014; 817:39-71.
3. Purves D., Augustine G. J., Fitzpatrick D. et al. ‘The Enteric Nervous System’. Neuroscience, 2nd Edition, Sinauer Associates; 2001.
4. Carabotti M., Scirocco A., Maselli M. A. and Severi C. ‘The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems’. Ann Gastroenerology. Apr-Jun 2015.
5. Dinan T. G. and Cryan J. F. ‘Melancholic microbes: a link between gut microbiota and depression?’ Neurogastroenterology and Motility. Sept 2013.
6. Forsythe P., Bienenstock J. and Kunze W. A. ‘Vagal pathways for microbiome-brain-gut-axis communication’. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2014.
7. Reigstad C. S., Salmonson C. E., Rainey J. F., Szurszewski J. H., Linden D. R., Sonnenburg J. L., Farrugia G. and Kashyap P. C. ‘Gut microbes promote colonic serotonin production through an effect of short-chain fatty acids on enterochromaffin cells’. FASEB J. Apr 2015.
8. Dash S., Clarke G., Berk M. and Jacka F. N. ‘The gut microbiome and diet in psychiatry: focus on depression’. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. Jan 2015: 28(1):1-6.
9. Slyepchenko A., Carvalho A. F., Cha D. S., Kasper S. and McIntyre R. S. ‘Gut emotions – mechanisms of action of probiotics as novel therapeutic targets for depression and anxiety disorders’. CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug Targets. 2014:13.

Detoxification

Why nutrition’s key to keeping your thyroid fit and healthy

Did you know that you – in fact, every one of us – wear a bow-tie on the inside of our necks? It’s not a real bow-tie, of course, it’s a critically important, hormone-producing gland that sits in front of the throat and is butterfly-shaped. It’s called the thyroid.

Like other glands that generate hormones, the thyroid is part of the body’s endocrine system – and, in particular, its work is overseen by the pituitary gland to be found at the base of the brain. It’s the endocrine system that’s responsible for the overall creation and secretion of hormones into the bloodstream, so they’re transported to the body’s organs. As such, it could be said then to act as a kind of messaging system (with hormones as its chemical messengers), helping to direct and regulate growth, development and reproduction processes.

For its part, the thyroid produces and secretes the hormones triiodothyronine (or T3) and thyroxine (or T4), which together are essential for the body to effectively regulate growth, development and metabolism1. T3 is, in fact, a rarer, refined version of T4; the latter accounting for 80% of the thyroid’s hormone production2.

More specifically, T3 and T4 are relied on to signal when cells should convert the oxygen and calories in them into energy. Although the thyroid releases both hormones constantly, it will allow for extra spurts of them when cells especially need them – for instance, if you’re pregnant, the thyroid will regularly boost T3 and T4 production and distribution to meet your and your baby’s energy demands.

Thyroid disorders

Evidently then, the thyroid plays a crucially important role in maintaining our everyday health and shaping that of our future. In which case, thyroid disorders can be very bad news. The trouble is, though, diagnosing one isn’t easy – quite different disorders can possess very similar symptoms. Nonetheless, if you feel you may be suffering from a thyroid disorder, you should see a healthcare professional immediately. Such disorders include:

  • Hypothyroidism – basically an underactive thyroid, thus resulting in low levels of T3 and T4 and causing symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, weight gain, unnatural cold sensibility, fatigue, weakness, slowed heart rate, constipation, heavy/ irregular menstruation and potential hair loss and depression3; young children and fetuses can be especially susceptible to this disorder
  • Hyperthyroidism – it may sound very similar to hypothyroidism, but it couldn’t be more different, as it’s the opposite, an overactive thyroid that creates too much T3 and T4; thus its symptoms can include diarrhoea, tremors, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, irregular menstruation, insomnia and potential hair loss3
  • Graves’ Disease – most common in women over 20-years-old4, it’s an autoimmune condition that sees the immune system mistakenly attack the thyroid, inflame it and cause it to overproduce hormones, thus potentially bringing on hyperthyroidism
  • Thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid that may have come about through viral infection, drug reaction, trauma or an immune disorder5
  • Goitre – usually caused by iodine deficiency, this is a swollen enlargement of the thyroid that’s often visible from the outside of the neck6
  • Thyroid nodule – a small growth or lump in the thyroid; few are cancerous7.

Diet and nutrition

Like everything in your body, for your thyroid to operate as it should it needs feeding – it needs nutrition. Quite simply, if it’s malnourished, it will malfunction. Again, as with most other parts of the body, your thyroid requires specific nutrients to remain healthy, but you should be able to glean most of them through a good, sensible, balanced diet – note: vegetarians and vegans may wish to make careful provision here, as most thyroid-friendly nutrients are derived through animal (and animal-related) consumption. The nutrients in question are:

  • Iodine – the most essential thyroid nutrient, as T4 and T3 are literally made from it, indeed our development, growth and metabolism can be devastated by iodine deficiency8; perhaps the best sources for it are seafood and seaweed
  • Selenium – another very important micronutrient, it features highly in many seafoods, meats, dairy products and brazil nuts, as well as beans, spinach and brown rice9
  • Curcumin – the yellow chemical that gives ginger-related plant turmeric its colour, curcumin, so studies suggest, may help prevent cancer cells growing in the thyroid10, 11, while turmeric itself may aid in reducing the chance of goitres forming12
  • Iron and zinc – two highly important nutrients for the body in general, these two – for the thyroid specifically – help the gland process iodine (iron) and help receptors identify hormonal signals (zinc).

Supplements

Unfortunately, for one reason or another, not all of us are capable of adjusting our diets to get the above nutrients – for instance, some people have unavoidable issues with marine-sourced food owing to allergies. In which case, you can always turn to supplementation to boost your diet with thyroid-aiding nutrients. All the following thyroid health supplements can be purchased through us at The Finchley Clinic:

detoxadine

Detoxadine (1 fl oz bottle) – a diet-transformative version of iodine in the form of a daily supplement that’s gentle on the stomach; helps balance iodine levels and supports thyroid health

 

kelp-formula

Kelp Formula (60 capsules) – designed specifically to aid thyroid maintenance, this supplement’s key ingredient kelp (a type of seaweed) is a fine source of iodine; also contains six other herbs

TH Intensive (powder/ 28, 14 and single sachets) – a high-potency combination of iodine and selenium to support normal thyroid function, as well as high-potency amino acids, nutrients and antioxidants; great taste

thyroid-support-formula

Thyroid Support Formula (60 capsules) – comprises tyrosine and other key vitamins and minerals to help enable thyroid hormone production and conversion of T3 and T4; combines very well with Kelp Formula.

References:

  1. ‘How Does the Thyroid Work?’. PubMed Health. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 Jan 2015.
  2. Sapin, R. and Schlienger, J. L. ‘Thyroxine (T4) and Tri-Iodothyronine (T3) Determinations: Techniques and Value in the Assessment of Thyroid Function’. Annales de Biologie Clinique, vol. 61, no. 4, 14 Aug. 2003, pp. 411–20.
  3. ‘Hypothyroidism’. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 Apr 2015.
  4. ‘Grave’s Disease’. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Feb 2016.
  5. ‘Thyroiditis’. University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 Mar 2014.
  6. ‘Goiter – simple’. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 Apr 2015.
  7. ‘Thyroid nodule’. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 19 Apr 2016.
  8. Kapil, U. ‘Health Consequences of Iodine Deficiency’. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal 7.3 (2007): 267–272. Print.
  9. ‘Office of Dietary Supplements – Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Selenium’. National Institute of Health, USA.gov, 11 Feb 2016.
  10. Zhang, C. Y. et al. ‘Curcumin Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis in K1 Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells’. Food Chemistry, vol. 139, 9 Apr 2013, pp. 1021–8.
  11. Hutchins-Wolfbrandt, A. and Mistry, A. M. ‘Dietary Turmeric Potentially Reduces the Risk of Cancer’. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention: APJCP, vol. 12, no. 12, 1 Jan 2011, pp. 3169–73.
  12. Jawa, A. et al. ‘Turmeric Use Is Associated with Reduced Goitrogenesis: Thyroid Disorder Prevalence in Pakistan (THYPAK) Study’. Indian Journal of Endocrinology.