Natural relief from hay fever

By Simply SupplementsNatural relief from hay fever

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, affects many people in the UK each year. It can be a very frustrating condition, although there are some natural remedies that can provide relief from hay fever.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is a very common allergic condition that affects around 20% of the UK population.

It is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powdery substance released by plants during their reproductive cycle. The proteins in pollen can cause swelling, inflammation, and irritation of the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses. Continue reading

How acidic is your body?

By Simply SupplementsHow acidic is your body?

The alkaline diet is an increasingly popular nutrition plan that is thought to improve overall health. When the body is overly acidic or alkaline, it can present a number of health issues. The modern Western diet is highly acidic. Following a balanced diet that incorporates alkaline and acidic foods can help to balance the body, while nutritional supplements may also help to maintain alkali levels.

Many celebrities have endorsed ‘eating alkaline’, but what does this mean? And why is it in vogue? Continue reading

Spotlight on Selenium

Health benefits of seleniumBy Simply Supplements

What is selenium?

Selenium is one of the most essential trace minerals in the diet and has long been used by men and women to support good general health. Due to its importance in the diet, selenium has been the subject of many scientific studies, which suggest that selenium’s powerful antioxidant function is responsible for its many health benefits. Selenium supplements are often taken to protect cells from harmful free-radical damage, regulate thyroid function and strengthen the immune system. Continue reading

6 health tips for men over 30

By Simply SupplementsHealth tips for men over 30

This week (June 10th-16th) is Men’s Health Week. In recognition of this awareness campaign, here is a list of health tips for men over the age of 30 to follow.

1) Look after your heart

Heart diseases are the biggest cause of death in the UK, and account for 37% of all male deaths. Men are statistically more at risk than women of developing heart conditions; twice as many men have suffered heart attacks than women. Continue reading

Health benefits from the sea

By Simply SupplementsHealth benefits from the sea

Breathing in the sea air has long been recognised as a way of stimulating the senses and provoking a sense of freshness. In addition, we can gain many health benefits from the sea itself. Marine life has an important role to play in our wellbeing; it can provide a range of health-boosting qualities, such as supporting heart health, skin and hair nourishment, and weight control.

Fish

The most abundant food available from the sea is fish. Oily fish in particular are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for health. Examples of oily fish include salmon, tuna and sardines. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to contribute to lowering blood pressure, and also to controlling cholesterol levels. This may decrease the risk of heart disorders. Continue reading

Green Lipped Mussel extract & joint health

Green Lipped Mussel extract & joint healthBy Simply Supplements

Green lipped mussel extracts are rapidly gaining popularity around the world for their potential joint care benefits. Chronic joint pain seems to becoming more and more problematic in western societies. This may partly be due to changes in diet and lifestyle habits over the past 50 years. Many diets simply do not provide sufficient nutrients to maintain healthy and flexible joints. Plus, the growing use of anti-inflammatory drugs often only mask underlying joint problems. Although more commonly associated with the ageing process, joint pain can affect men and women of all ages.

Green lipped mussel supplements are showing promise in the treatment of chronic joint inflammation, such as pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Continue reading

Immunity boost for your holiday

By Simply SupplementsHoliday immunity

Summer is a time when many of us ditch the Great British weather and head for warmer climates. However, travelling abroad can present a number of possible health issues, so it is important to ensure that you pack the essentials to boost your immunity.

Travelling

When travelling by aircraft, it is worth remembering that the air within the cabin is recycled, meaning that there is an increased risk of breathing in other people’s germs.  The air in planes is also usually very dry. This can dry out the mucous membranes, making you more susceptible to picking up infections. Continue reading

5 ways to increase your sex drive

By Simply Supplements5 ways to increase your sex drive

Although sex is often seen as a taboo subject, loss of libido (sex drive) is a common problem. It is thought that around a fifth of men and an even higher proportion of women are affected at some stage in their lives.

Loss of libido is defined as a lack of sexual desire. There are a number of factors that may cause this, such as stress, anxiety and bodily functions. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken, such as lifestyle changes along with natural remedies, which may help to increase sex drive. Continue reading

Could B vitamins be a weapon against memory loss?

Could B vitamins be a weapon against memory loss?

By Simply Supplements

The extensive scientific support for B vitamins grew again this week, with the publication of new findings that suggest B vitamins can help to prevent the onset of age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.

The findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that supplementation with vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid can help to reduce brain shrinkage by up to 90% over a two year period.

A rapidly shrinking brain is often a key indicator of Alzheimer’s disease and these findings showed those taking vitamin B almost completely protected the brain from shrinkage, when compared to those taking the placebo. Continue reading

Spotlight on Alpha Lipoic Acid

The health benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

By Simply Supplements

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a fatty acid found in every cell of the human body where it helps to metabolise food for energy. When present in large quantities, ALA is thought to provide powerful antioxidant benefits that may help to defend the body against damage caused by free-radical particles. It may also increase the body’s absorption of antioxidant vitamins A and C.

ALA is both water and fat soluble, which means that it can provide antioxidant benefits in water-based substances, such as the blood, and fatty substances, such as body tissues. Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements are often taken alongside Acetyl L-Carnitine. Combined, these two nutrients have been called a ‘fountain of youth’ for their potential benefits towards memory, mood and response to stress.  Continue reading