Acid Reflux Supplements, Digestive Enzyme, Digestive Enzyme Supplements, Latero-Flora, Probiotics, Treat Acid Reflux, Vegan HCl, VeganZyme

Ease your digestion: tips to avoid acid reflux

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In some cultures, belching during or after consuming food is perfectly acceptable; a sign that you’ve enjoyed and are satisfied by a meal. The truth is that everybody’s liable to belch at some time or another, not least after eating. However, excessive belching isn’t good; not only isn’t it particularly endearing, socially speaking, but also if – in extreme cases – it’s accompanied by heartburn and even chest pain, it could signify you’re suffering from acid reflux.

A rather violent sounding disorder, acid reflux is a long-term condition that sees stomach contents (both food and gastric acids) splash back up into the oesophagus. If experienced regularly, it could irritate and even harm the oesophagus, potentially scarring this tube between the mouth and stomach and cause ulceration, swelling or haemorrhaging. Indeed, in the worst case scenario, it could put you on the road to developing oesophegael cancer.

So what measures can you take to put an end to acid reflux? In addition to seeing a health practitioner, here are some suggestions…

Balance your HCl levels

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) may sound a bit frightening, but it’s nothing to be worried about – it’s a mineral acid combing hydrogen, chlorine and water. In fact, your body naturally produces it and should you be successful in encouraging it to create more HCl, then it could prove an important step in reducing acid reflux symptoms. In order to balance your body’s HCl level you may consider switching ordinary table salt for high-quality sea salt; moreover, you may look to supplementation for help – see at the bottom of this article.

Switch up your diet

If you want to bring on acid reflux and exacerbate its symptoms, one of the best ways to go about it is to consume lots of processed foods and sugars – this, as much as (if not more than) anything else, helps to establish and maintain bacterial imbalance in the gastrointestinal system. So how instead can you generate bacterial balance? Well, obviously cut out a lot of those processed food and sugars and try to replace them with fresh, organic fruit and veg. Again, read to the end of this post for a specific probiotic supplement – available through The Finchley Clinic – that’ll augment the good work of those dietary adjustments.

Boost your enzyme intake

Enzymes are terrific for effective digestion and occur naturally in raw food; unfortunately the act of cooking these foods destroys them and all the health-providing goodness they offer – cooking anything above 47°C is enough to do so (to give you an idea, Gas Mark 3 is approximately four times as hot as that). Obviously, nobody would suggest you shouldn’t adequately cook the food you eat, but maybe you could introduce more fresh and/ or raw food into your diet (like fruit). Also, you might like to look at the supplement possibilities in this area – once more, check the bottom of this article for our suggestion.

Further tips to treat acid reflux

  • Organic apple cider vinegar – add raw organic apple cider vinegar with four ounces of purified water (resulting in a tablespoon’s worth) and consume it before each meal; it’s not idea for easing acid reflux symptoms, calming the stomach and aiding digestion in cases of low stomach acid
  • Organic aloe vera – another soother when it comes to acid reflux, aloe vera helps calm the stomach, ease diarrhoea and relieve the redness that comes not just with acid reflux, but also bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis
  • Cleanses – if you’re constantly suffering from acid reflux (and have the time and patience), it may be a good idea to try some body cleanses, such as a colon cleanse, a liver cleanse, a harmful organism cleanse and a chemical and toxic metal cleanse.

Supplements

As noted above, there are also some acid reflux supplements you might give a go to alleviate symptoms and tackle underlying digestive issues:

BioCarbonate (90 capsules) – an alkalising complex whose carbonates help to maintain the correct pH (acidity) for efficient enzymatic activity and digestion, thus may reduce hyper-acidity in the stomach.

Marshmallow Formula (60 capsules) – contains botanical marshmallow_formulaingredients which may help maintain normal intestinal permeability; it combines well with our products for candida balancing and may also be suitable for leaky gut, food intolerance and gut inflammation issues.

latero-flora-60-capsules

Latero-Flora (60 capsules) – a probiotic that helps balance the bowel with good bacteria; it nicely complements a well-balanced, natural diet thanks to safely assisting the maintenance of beneficial micro-organism colonies to improve gut health and digestive system function, thus may help to tackle the underlying causes of acid reflux.

 

Digestive Enzyme, Digestive Enzyme Supplements, Energy boosters

Shake off that wintry sluggishness through good diet, rest, exercise and probiotics

Let’s face it; it’s not unusual this time of year to feel a little lacking in energy; a wee bit done in; rather sluggish. But is it normal? Should you shrug your shoulders and put up with it? Scientifically speaking, there’s no reason why you should accept having less energy at one time of the year (when it’s colder and the days are shorter) compared to another (when it’s warmer and the days are longer) – and that’s not to mention it’s not healthy either.

Why might you feel sluggish? Well, maybe you’re working hard, not getting as satisfactory a work-life-rest balance as you might and perhaps you’re not eating as healthily or getting as much exercise as you could – the latter being very common this time of year. The following are all specific reasons you might feel sluggish – and alongside them are ideas to boost your energy.

Low hormone levels

Low levels of certain hormones can play a big role in keeping energy levels low. Why? Well, your ability to think clearly and act effectively is compromised when your body isn’t producing and, thus, not using enough testosterone, oestrogen, thyroid hormones and human-growth hormones1. To ensure your body’s creating a sufficient amount of hormones then to keep you full of beans, you should aim to live a healthy lifestyle. What does this mean? Steer clear of pesticide-affected fruit and vegetables, boost your Vitamin D intake and get exercise (yes, in the winter months), but remember to take the time to rest too.

The thyroid effect

Of all hormone deficiencies that can leave you feeling sluggish, an imbalanced thyroid may be most significant. The hormones this gland produces are necessary for almost every organ in the body. Moreover, one of the major hormones it creates and supplies is Triiodothyronine (or T3), which is directly responsible for metabolic rate and influences modest changes in energy levels and body weight. Getting enough iodine (either through diet or supplementation) is crucial to ensure the work your thyroid does is balanced effectively2, but again, so too is getting enough exercise and sleep.

Too little exercise

Wait a minute; the more we exercise the more tired we’ll get, right? Well, more physically tired for a brief time, yes; more sluggish, no. The reality is that throwing yourself into either vigorous or light exercise on a daily basis encourages body functions (not least digestion), increases the acceptance of glucose (food) by cells throughout the body and activates significant parts of the brain – those that enable us to feel better psychologically, especially when it comes to us feeling more or less energised3.

Not enough B12?

Speaking of glucose-conversion in cells, Vitamin B12 is of critical importance for this to take place in our bodies effectively. Also referred to as cobalamin, B12 plays a crucial role in the creation of red blood cells, which carry glucose (potential energy, if you will) and other nutrients to organs via the bloodstream. Unless they’re careful to manage an entirely balanced diet, vegans may find they’re not getting enough B12 from food alone (as the vitamin tends to be derived mostly from animals), thus energy supplements could prove a decisive option for sluggishness linked to B12 deficiency.

Gut matters

It’s not unusual to feel lethargic when you haven’t passed waste and feel like you need to but can’t (that is, when you’re suffering from constipation), yet if you haven’t properly digested the food you’ve eaten there’s a more specific biological reason why you might feel sluggish. Basically, it’s likely you aren’t absorbing as many energy-supplying nutrients as you need to. If your gastrointestinal system is deficient in the enzymes that help you digest food then you simply won’t get the vitamins, minerals and glucose your body requires to function as it should – inevitably then, you’ll experience low energy levels. Digestive enzyme supplements could help here4.

Reducing stress can also aid efficient digestion – when you’re in a stressed out, ‘flight or fight’ state, digestion automatically stops as your brain deems it a low priority. Rest and exercise can help lower stress levels and aid your body in reaching the opposite state, the parasympathetic (or relaxed) state that supports digestion.

Energy-boosting tips

So to reiterate, there are many things you can do to boost your energy and reduce the opportunity for you to become overly sluggish; even exhausted:

  • Diet – introduce into your daily intake organic raw vegetables, organic berries and nuts, herbs and seeds; aim to reduce the sugars you eat, but don’t cut down on calories altogether as you’ll need enough of them to burn to provide you energy
  • Exercise and sleep – try to exercise vigorously or lightly every day and look to get least 7-8 hours of sleep a night
  • Vitamin D – in addition to getting your fill of Vitamin B12, try to boost your levels of the  all-important Vitamin D by getting out in the sun (but not too much in the summer), the point being that sunlight provides Vitamin D, which can help to balance the serotonin and melatonin levels in your body, thus stabilising its circadian rhythms; in turn ensuring your energy levels are in tune with your sleep-wake cycle
  • Supplements – as noted above, supplements may help a great deal to banish that sluggish feeling; in their different ways the following (all available through The Finchley Clinic) are highly advised to augment the other lifestyle adjustments suggested:

detoxadine

Detoxadine (Iodine) (1floz) – a high-quality nascent iodine supplement (made ​​from dietary transformative iodine) that helps balance the body’s iodine levels and thus supports thyroid health.

Sublingual Unique B12 (90 veg tablets and powder) – provides an infusion of B vitamins directly into the bloodstream to nutritionally support the nervous system and aid cardiovascular function; also contains folic acid and Vitamins B6 and B7 (biotin).

veganzyme-180-capsules

VeganZyme (120 capsules) – a popular digestive enzymes supplement that can help enhance the body’s digestive process and increase the nutritional value of your food.

References

1. Tuin J., Sanders J. S., Buhl B. M., van Beek A. P. and Stegeman C. A. ‘Androgen deficiency in male patients diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis: a cause of fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life?’. Arthritis Res Ther. 2013; 15 (5): R117.

2. Laurberg P., Cerqueira C. and Ovesen L. ‘Iodine intake as a determinant of thyroid disorders in populations’. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Feb; 24 (1): 13-27. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2009.08.013.

3. Sharma A., Madaan V., and Petty F. D. ‘Exercise for Mental Health’. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006; 8 (2): 106.

4. Balakrishnan M. and Floch M. H. ‘Prebiotics, probiotics and digestive health’. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2012 Nov; 15 (6): 580-5. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e328359684f.

Eye Health, Omega Fish Oil, VisualEyes

Foresight for your eyesight: nutrition and supplement ideas for eye health

It may come as no surprise to you, but research suggests sight is the sense we’re afraid of losing most. For many of us, the idea of only being able to connect with the world through speech, hearing, touch, smell and taste is a fearful one indeed – and for very good reason. Perhaps preventing sight loss should be something we’re more concerned with then. Regular sight tests play a crucial role in keeping tabs on our eye health, obviously, but we can take other, simple steps to help out our peelers.

The vast majority of us are aware of how good regular exercise is for our bodies – aiding weight control and heart health, among many other things – but, because it also helps prevent high blood pressure and thus hardening of the arteries, exercise ultimately too plays a role in keeping our eyes healthy. Better known, though, is the benefit of sun protective eyewear, of course, which can guard eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light rays. However, a too rarely considered contributor to good eye health is a sensible diet – in fact fewer than 60% of people in the UK are aware of the positive effects good nutrition has on their eyesight1. So, more specifically, what don’t they know?

Sugar bad; whole foods good

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is very bad news for eyes; basically, it causes them to degenerate in later life. And it’s aided by unnecessary, excess fat in your blood, which affects the optic nerve, lens and delicate tissues of your eyes. Yet a diet that avoids such fats, cutting out then refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice and high-sugar sweets, can help2. Adopting such a diet that focuses on low-glycemic index (GI) foods is highly advisable to prevent sight loss, such as whole grain foods, whole fruits, high fibre beans and vegetables and proteins. Obviously, over consumption of sugar-rich foods also leaves one open to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a result of which can be that high blood sugar impacts on the eyes’ blood vessels, potentially causing blurred vision and, yes, eventual sight loss.

Awesome Omega-3

To be fair, Omega-3 has been long promoted as a terrific source to support eye health – and for good reason. Indeed, it’s been discovered that just one portion of Omega-3-rich, oily fish a week may reduce the chance of developing AMD by 40%3. While you let that fact settle in, consider why these polyunsaturated fatty acids are so good for the eye – they reduce glaucoma risk, aid effective drainage of intraocular fluid and support the physical strength of cell membranes. Food-wise, you’re best opting for oily fish like sardines, salmon and rainbow trout to get your Omega-3 fix.

Excellent antioxidants

Antioxidants are critical to our body’s gastrointestinal system because they help ensure stored food doesn’t deteriorate before all its goodness is removed. To that end, it’s maybe unsurprising, when you think about it, that eating foods containing antioxidant nutrients appears to lower AMD rates4. In particular, two plant-based cartenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin possess potent antioxidant properties and are commonly believed to greatly aid eye health – research suggests following a diet that features foods rich in them both cuts the risk of AMD development by 35%5. Indeed, experts suspect that lutein and zeaxanthin not only aid eyes in filtering UV light but also help defend the retina from any damage. For foods specifically rich in both nutrients, turn to green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, collards, lettuce and broccoli.

Supplements

Finally, if the prospect of basing your diet around whole foods and high-fibre foods, green vegetables or oily fish is either not practical or fills you with dread (for whatever reason), then there is another option to help ensure good eye health via nutrition – supplementation. The following eye health supplements are available through The Finchley Clinic and, naturally, we highly recommend them all:

omega-3-fish-oil-180-caps

Omega 3 Fish Oil (180, 90 and 30 capsules) – contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); together they promote normal heart function, while DHA supports eye and brain health.

 

Complete Omegas 3:6:7:9 (240, 180, 90 and 30 capsules) – a product packed with Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 oils derived from fish, starflower, sea buckthorn and virgin olive oils (thus providing EPA, DHA and gamma-linolenic acid or GLA).

visualeyes-30-capsules

VisualEyes (30 capsules) – this supplement is rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, selenium, zinc and Vitamins A, B2, C and E.

 

References

1. Eyecare Trust ‘Healthy Eyes Report’.

2. Mares J.A. and Moeller S.M. ‘Diet and age-related macular degeneration: expanding our view’. Am J Clin Nutr. 83:4 pp. 733-734.

3. van Leeuwen R., Boekhoorn S., Vingerling J.R., et al. ‘Dietary intake of antioxidants and risk of age-related macular degeneration’. JAMA. 2005; 294:3101–7.

4. SanGiovanni J. P. ‘The Relationship of Dietary Carotenoid and Vitamin A, E, and C Intake With Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Case-Control Study’. Archives of Ophthalmology. September 2007, Vol. 125 No. 9.

5. Seddon J.M., Cote J. and Rosner B. ‘Progression of age-related macular degeneration: association with dietary fat, transunsaturated fat, nuts, and fish intake’. Arch Ophthalmol. 2003; 121:1728–37.

Detoxification, Immune health, Immune products, Kidney Health, Saponin supplements, Vitamins & Minerals

Don’t Get In A Lather – Turn To Super Saponins

We are – all of us, surely – aware of the wonderful benefit of soap. It plays a pivotal role in keeping our bodies clean. But few of us are aware that some of the chief ingredients in soap are of huge benefit to our bodies when consumed – namely, helping maintain our cholesterol levels, aiding immunity and supporting the gastrointestinal system1.

These ingredients are the plant-based chemicals known as saponins. As they generate a lather when put together with water2, saponins have proved crucial in ensuring saponaria (or soapwort) – one of the many flora they occur in – has been used as a traditional soap for many centuries2. Specifically, when mixed with water, saponins – thanks to their very individual chemical structure – create a foam as well as fatty oils, in the manner of a detergent.

Health benefits

Indeed, it’s this foam-inducing, very individual chemical structure that enables saponins to provide a number of significant health benefits:

  • Cholesterol – when its levels aren’t too high, cholesterol actually plays an important role in ensuring digestion takes place because, in the digestive tract, it’s responsible for fat-soluble molecules mixing together or, in other words, it binds with bile acids, causing the latter’s excretion from the body so they’re not absorbed back into the bloodstream; research conducted on rats suggests a specific type of high cholesterol-packed saponin extract may work to decrease ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol levels, but not beneficial ‘good’ (HDL) cholesterol levels3
  • Immunity – in order to fight off the harmful effects of parasites, plants readily call on their saponins and humans can do so too; a study suggests they can be effective at combating candida4, while a specific type of saponin is a good antimicrobial for the mouth5
  • Kidneys – research evidence points to saponins sourced from Terminalia arjuna (an arjun tree) providing therapeutic effects for urinary stone issues6, thus aiding good kidney health
  • Liver – it’s believed by experts that saponins also support Kupffer cells in the liver, thus helping to encourage successful detoxification
  • Blood sugar and bone density – animal studies indicate saponins aid balanced blood sugar levels and contribute to normal bone density7, 8
  • Depression – a number of preclinical reports suggest that saponins may positively contribute to treating depression9.

Saponin sources

Although saponins seem to be rarely talked about, they can be derived from more than a hundred different plants and foods, for instance:

  • Foods – beans, chickpeas, peanuts, quinoa, soy and tomatoes, among many others
  • Herbs – bupleurum root, collinsonia, ginseng, jiaogulan, osha and Tribulus terrestris.

Saponins (extracted from quillaja and yucca) are even used in fizzy drinks like root beer to ensure they have a foamy head.

Supplements

In addition to the above food and drink-based sources, you might consider any of the following saponin supplements – all available from The Finchley Clinic. Not only do they contain the chemicals, they’re also packed full of many more essential nutrients:

cumanda

Cumanda (1 floz/ 30 ml) – typically used for candida management and microbial defence, cumanda bark may support the immune system; contains anthocyanins, cyanogenic glucosides, heterosides, saponins and tannins.

suma-120-vegicaps

Suma (Brazilian Ginseng) (120 and 60 vegicaps) – features 19 amino acids, cobalt, germanium (an antioxidant), iron, magnesium, saponins, silica, zinc and the Vitamins A, B-1, B-2, E and K.

yerba-mate-90-vegicaps

Yerba Mate (90 vegicaps, 100g powder and 40 and 90 teabags) – derived from the yerba mate tree in South America, this product contains magnesium, Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, 15 amino acids, antioxidants (polyphenols), plant sterols and saponins.

 

References

  1. Shi J., Arunasalam K., Yeung D., Kakuda Y., Mittal G. and Jiang Y. ‘Saponins from edible legumes: chemistry, processing, and health benefits’. J Med Food. 2004 Spring; 7(1): 67-78.
  2. Cornell University. Department of Animal Science – Plants Poisonous to Livestock.Updated 09/10/2015 14:58:48.
  3. Malinow M. R., McLaughlin P., Papworth L., Stafford C., Kohler G. O., Livingston A. L. and Cheeke P. R. ‘Effect of alfalfa saponins on intestinal cholesterol absorption in rats’. Am J Clin Nutr. 1977 Dec; 30(12): 2061-7.
  4. Coleman J. J., Okoli I., Tegos G. P., Holson E. B., Wagner F. F., Hamblin M. R. and Mylonakis E. ‘Characterization of Plant-Derived Saponin Natural Products against Candida albicans’. ACS Chem. Biol., 2010, 5 (3), pp 321–332. doi: 10.1021/cb900243b.
  5. Jyothi K. S. M. and Seshagiri M. ‘In-Vitro Activity of Saponins of Bauhinia Purpurea, Madhuca Longifolia, Celastrus Paniculatus and Semecarpus Anacardium on Selected Oral Pathogens’. J Dent (Tehran). 2012 Autumn; 9(4): 216–223.
  6. Chaudhary A., Singla S. K. and Tandon C. ‘In vitro Evaluation of Terminalia arjuna on Calcium Phosphate and Calcium Oxalate Crystallization’. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010 May-Jun; 72(3): 340–345.
  7. Ojewole J. A. and Adewole S. O. ‘Hypoglycaemic effect of mollic acid glucoside, a 1alpha-hydroxycycloartenoid saponin extractive from Combretum molle R. Br. ex G. Don (Combretaceae) leaf, in rodents’. J Nat Med. 2009 Apr; 63(2): 117-23. doi: 10.1007/s11418-008-0298-0. Epub 2008 Dec 3.
  8. Abbas G., Rauf K. and Mahmood W. ‘Saponins: the phytochemical with an emerging potential for curing clinical depression’. Nat Prod Res. 2015; 29(4): 302-7. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2014.942661. Epub 2014 Jul 30.
  9. Meliani N., El Amine Dib M., Allali H. and Tabti B. ‘Hypoglycaemic effect of Berberis vulgaris L. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats’. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011 Dec; 1(6): 468–471.
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.

Supplier of Natural Health Supplements for candida management and colon cleansing