Most people who practice yoga will say how good it makes them feel. A recent study has reported that yoga does indeed improve mood, reduces anxiety and positively effects levels of the neurotransmitter GABA (often the target of anti-anxiety medications) compared to walking at the same energy-burning level.So, while all exercise is good for mood, yoga may give you that little bit more!
Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine Vol 16, No 11, 2010, pp. 1145–1152.
Vitamin D supplements are currently hot sellers. Let me tell you why.
Many people are being diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency measured by blood sample.The main cause is reduced exposure to sunlight due to sunburn/cancer protection behaviours, being housebound or always wearing clothing that fully covers the body.Rather than roasting in the sun, supplementation is a safer way to increase those Vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D has long been known to play a role in bone health but it has also been found to be potentially beneficial in improving immune function (specifically in autoimmune diseases), cardiovascular health, may reduce rates of some cancers, improves activity of insulin, reduces psoriasis symptoms, and may reduce chronic pain and depression.
So if you associate with any of the factors above, speak to your healthcare practitioner about checking your vitamin D levels.
This season's focus is simple tips for detoxing - always a hot topic in Spring and Summer.
Simple Detox Tips
Spring is traditionally considered the best time to revitalise ourselves with a cleansing detoxification program. Conveniently, it is also the time when many of us start to feel inspired to clean up our insides as well as our outsides. To get you started try these ten easy to follow spring detox ideas for a short one to two week program.
If you would like to do a professionally supervised individualised detox program over a longer period, or have recurrent headaches, allergies, poor digestion or tiredness make an appointment for a professional Naturopathic consultation. It is recommended that people with long term health concerns, chronic illness or on prescription medication seek the advice of a health professional before undertaking a detox program.
Eat a variety of fresh, unprocessed foods with an emphasis on vegetables (juiced, steamed, stir fried, salads, baked) along with lean animal protein or plant protein. Avoid preservatives, additives, colours, flavours and limit wheat and dairy especially if you normally eat these foods a lot. Include whole grains, vegetables, lean meats, fish, legumes, pulses, raw almonds, seeds, vegetables, unflavoured yoghurt, vegetables, herbs, spices etc etc.
Eat three meals and two snacks daily leaving no more than three to four hours between eating.
Limit fruit to two serves a day.
Reduce your portion sizes - especially at dinner.
Drink 1.5-2 litres of water a day. Don't drink with meals.
Aim for eight hours sleep every night.
Exercise at least four times a week.
See the light - walk in the sunlight for 15-30 minutes a day.
Reduce exposure to chemical based cleaning products, cosmetics, etc.
And yes, you knew this was coming - NO (or at least REDUCE substantially) alcohol, smoking, recreational drugs, over the counter drugs (of course, continue all prescription medication), coffee, caffeine containing foods or drinks, soft drinks, cordials, lollies, chocolate, snackfoods.
