It is a bit mind-blowing to think about, but we all have trillions of microorganisms from thousands of different species living inside our bodies and their collective term is microbiome.1 You’ll know that a strong immune system is vital to help us ward off common illnesses such as colds and flu, as well as reducing our chances of developing more serious diseases and autoimmune disorders. But did you know how important the microbiome is in overall health? Around 70-80% of our immune system can be found in our gut, where our...
Has the seasonal influx of pollen got you wondering if your sneezing and runny nose are signs of hay fever? Or could it be a summer cold About 10 million people in England experience hay fever. Although an allergy to pollen is common, recognising hay fever symptoms isn’t necessarily straightforward. Sneezing, a runny nose, sore eyes, coughing – hay fever shares many symptoms with the common cold. But by not spotting the signs of hay fever, the allergy thrives unchecked, causing many to suffer for weeks unnecessarily. In this article,...
It’s early spring or summer, your nose is stuffed up and your eyes are itching and streaming. Pretty sure it’s not a cold? It’s more likely to be hay fever. And unlike a cold, the symptoms can go on for months! Here’s what to do if you regularly get hit by hay fever. What is hay fever? Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen.2 It happens when pollen enters your system and, instead of ignoring it, your body sees it as an invader and mounts a reaction to attack it....
Hay fever can be debilitating, especially during the peak summer months. But what can you do to stop it ruining your summer? What hay fever remedies are there? Itchy eyes, persistent sneezing, and a blocked nose – there’s nothing fun about hay fever. Especially if you love spending time outdoors. Can diet changes make a difference to hay fever symptoms? Do alternative inventions for hay fever actually work? What immune system-supporting supplements could help your body cope better with allergies? In this article, we’ll explore how alternative support for...
It’s thought that four in ten of us are experiencing a digestive problem at any one time.1 From stomach aches to indigestion, gut troubles can be incredibly uncomfortable and unpleasant. With this in mind, it’s unsurprising that we often see new diets, products, or lifestyles that promise a healthier gut. Probiotics are possibly the most well-known treatment to improve gastrointestinal health. Probiotics are also reasonably well-researched, with some clinical trials suggesting that adding more probiotics to our diets could have a positive benefit.2 Still, results are mixed, so it’s always worth proceeding...
Did you know that there are trillions of microorganisms living inside your gut? They’re collectively known as your microbiome and each person’s is unique – a bit like your genes. The microbiome is formed from the moment you’re born, but microbes in your gut help to shape it as you go through life. The potential effects your microbiome can have on your wellbeing shouldn’t be underestimated, which is why it’s so important to have a healthy gut. For example, your gut may affect your weight. Studies on twins have shown that...
Fibre doesn’t have a glamorous reputation. But it does more than keep your bowels moving: it can lower your risk of developing serious diseases like stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.1 Yet over 90% of us don’t get enough...2,3 What is fibre? It’s a complex carbohydrate found in the plants we eat, that can’t be digested by the small intestine. Instead, it’s broken down inside the large intestine by bacteria for food.4 The NHS says we should aim for 30g of fibre per day. But most adults only eat about 20g.1 Read on,...
You’ve probably heard of probiotics, but what are postbiotics? Picking up momentum in the world of gut health, both prebiotics and postbiotics have been shown to provide a range of different health benefits. Interested in finding out what they are? Learn all about the benefits of postbiotics and a selection of different food sources in our article below. What are postbiotics? First things first, let’s define what postbiotics actually are. While probiotics are gut-friendly bacteria, postbiotics are bioactive compounds created by probiotic bacteria when they have consumed fibre or...
Knowing your personal BMR can help you understand your body and the way it burns energy. But what is BMR? What does BMR stand for? Our bodies are complex. Right now, your body is carrying out thousands of intricate functions. There are the obvious things like breathing and your heartbeat pumping blood around your body. And behind the scenes, your cells are repairing and rebuilding, your food is digesting, and your temperature is being regulated. All these physical functions demand energy from your body, which is where the BMR comes...
