A Little Snotty

Like it or not, we are heading to cold/flu season accompanied by bunged up noses, drippy noses etc.  For your delectation here are some snotty facts;

Mucus Matters

The body produces 1-1.5 litres of mucus a day but we only really notice it when its consistency or colour changes when get ill.  Mucus plays an important role in the body so we need it really to maintain good health.

Mucus occurs naturally in the mouth, nose, sinuses, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.  It provides a moist protective layer in these sensitive areas and prevents them from drying out.  Some mucus is thick and gooey to prevent foreign, unwanted bodies from getting into the body.  It is therefore important as it contains antibodies to fight infection, enzymes that kill off some foreign substances trying to invade the body, and proteins that make mucus inhospitable to other sorts too.

Here is what the colour of your mucus means;
Clear - you're normal, the mucus is in a stable state consisting mainly of water and the substances mentioned above.  Mucus is constantly produced, being swallowed down the throat.

White - you may be congested.  Body is signalling you may be getting a cold, an allergy, nasal infection

Yellow - the infection is progressing, white blood cells are present to help kill it off, when they die they are cleared away by the mucus, hence their presence turns it yellow.

Green - the immune system is fighting back, more white blood cells are fighting the infection and more toxins are being removed.

Red - excessive blowing or picking the nose has caused a blood vessel to burst.

Brown - you've probably inhaled something dark rather than alot of dried blood being removed.

Black - you are a smoker or have a fungal infection.  Smoking and taking drugs can turn mucus black.  Also, a compromised immune system may result in a fungal infection being present in which case seeking medical help is advised.

Be healthy

Til next week
MB

Try coconut oil in the bathroom

Good morning, it's Sunday morning as I type this, and I'm staying indoors away from all the traffic chaos and road closures that is the Nottingham marathon.  Rather than attempt to go anywhere this morning, I'm catching up on stuff in preparation for a live stream of the final Soft Cell concert at Broadway this evening and overcoming the related feelings of anxiety and fear of going out.  I've mentioned this before over the years, and it doesn't get any easier.  I usually chicken out of doing stuff at the last minute, I've quite a few things lined up to see and do over the next few months and I can't afford to keep buying tickets and then not go to them, so I've got to push myself to get to them.  If you ever see me out and I look like I'm going to explode with anger or look like I'm off to the gallows, I'm just having a massive internal struggle to remain where I am and just need some space to just be and find a way of getting through the situation.

15 Reasons to keep coconut oil in the bathroom.

Now the jury may be out again on whether coconut oil is good or potentially really unhealthy for you,besides eating it, there are plenty of other uses for it around the home.

1.Smooth shave — If you've been plagued by red, irritated and razor-burned skin after shaving, coconut oil is both soothing and antibacterial.
2.Rash recovery — Other rash problems from nappy rash to mild allergic reactions can be remedied using coconut oil. Propylene glycol is one chemical found in commercial moisturisers that can cause skin irritation and dermatitis.
3.Lip balm — Use coconut oil to moisturise, nourish and hydrate chapped lips.
4.Facial cleanser — Effective as a face wash, mixing equal parts coconut oil and castor oil is known as oil cleansing. Massage it into your skin and remove gently with a warm flannel.
Ninety percent of the body washes and cleansers you buy contain harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, which, in combination with other chemicals, can form cancer-causing nitrosamines. Coconut oil can even improve acne.
5.Makeup remover — Not only can you cleanse your face, you can remove use it as a natural makeup remover — even stubborn mascara and eyeliner.
6.Night cream — While you may not want to use coconut oil under makeup, applying it lightly before bed will hydrate your skin because its fatty acids form a natural emollient. If the skin around your nails is hard and peeling, treat your cuticles to a soothing coconut oil rub to keep them soft.
7.Deodorant — A tiny dab of coconut mixed, if you desire, with an essential oil such as lavender is very effective — so much better than the antiperspirants containing aluminium, which is linked to Alzheimer's.
8.Foot fungus fighter — Because it's antimicrobial and antibacterial, coconut is very effective in combating athlete's foot. Rub it on the bottoms of your feet after every shower.
Antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal compounds in coconut oil have been shown to inactivate microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi.
9.Soothing bath — As an alternative to bubble baths that may induce urinary tract infections, especially in children, drop a dollop of coconut oil in your bath with a few essential oils. It's both moisturising and helps kill bacteria.
10.Body scrub — Combining equal parts coconut oil with sea salt, sugar or baking soda to make a homemade scrub softens, smooths and moisturises your skin.
11.Body lotion — Moisturisers you buy at the store typically contain harmful chemicals such as aluminium, phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde and propylene glycol. Coconut is a fragrant, moisturising alternative containing none of these.
12.Toothpaste — To combat tooth decay and even whiten teeth, make a DIY coconut oil toothpaste by mixing 1 teaspoon with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil. Just brush as usual.
13.Oil pulling — An oral rinse works much like a mouthwash, only you shouldn't gargle with it. As you swish vigorously for five to 15 minutes, it penetrates the soft tissue between your gums and "pulls out" bacteria that causes cavities, plaque and bad breath.
14.When applied to infected cuts or wounds, coconut oil develops a layer of naturally protective chemicals that also keep out dust, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Applied to bruises, it speeds up the healing process in damaged tissues.
15.Frizz fighter — People with hair that tends to frizz often turn to silicone- or alcohol-based gels and serums, which coat the hair, prevent it from absorbing moisture and dries out the hair shaft. Just a few drops of coconut oil are all you need for a natural hair conditioner for smooth, silky shine.

Til next week, stay healthy
MB

Get stronger bones

Good morning, warm enough for you?  I can't believe how long this weather is lasting.  Today I'm off to the funeral of one of my uncles, and as much as the inner goth in me still loves black clothing I was not looking forward having to wear it in 30 degree heat.  Thankfully the dress code has been altered to no black, lots of colour!  Think it'll be shorts for me too.  

Availability this week.  Appointments available all week

For my own mental and physical wellbeing, I've committed myself to doing at least 20 minutes  of Yoga a day.  I've quite a few niggly little injuries which I know are due  to lack of stretching and bad posture and the type of exercise I usually do.  The other day I found this article online from the  BBC which proved to be an  interesting read.

Give your bones a workout.
 

Too many of us are neglecting to do exercises for strong muscles and bones, says Public Health England (PHE).

It's launched a new report giving advice on how people can age better by doing the right workouts.

While the message about doing aerobic exercise for a healthy heart and lungs is getting through, people are less clear about the need to look after their overall strength too, it says.

We should all be doing strengthening exercises at least twice a week.

Lifting weights is one option, but taking up tennis or dancing also works, says PHE and the Centre for Ageing Better.

Activities offering the most benefit include:

• Ball games
• Racket sports
• Dance
• Nordic walking (walking with poles to give your upper body a workout as well as your legs)
• Resistance training (using weights or bands or your own body weight to push or pull against for a workout)

Yoga, Tai Chi and cycling are also somewhat good for bones, muscles and balance.

Only one in three men and one in four women is doing enough of the right types of exercise to keep both healthy and strong, say the experts.

Muscle and bone strengthening and balance activity can improve physical and wellbeing at any age and reduce the risk of an early death.

It can also help improve health during difficult or life-changing times like pregnancy, menopause, onset of or diagnosis of disease, retirement and recovery from hospitalisation.

Use it or lose it

The experts advise young people to build up muscle and bone mass, which tends to peak by the time we reach 30.

Older adults need exercises to maintain what they've hopefully already got and slow the natural decline that happens with age.

Those who are frail and/or at risk of fractures, including people with osteoporosis, should be especially careful, however, particularly with higher-impact activities such as tennis, and seek advice from their doctor.

Dr Zoe Williams from Public Health England said: "Being active isn't just about getting your heart pumping - although this is a good way to begin. Strength and balance activities work in conjunction with cardio activities like brisk walking, and come with a range of health benefits throughout your life - it's never too late to start."

Adults should do:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week AND
• Strength exercises on two or more days a week that will work all the major muscles

Turmeric vs Cancer

Good morning all, guess what?  I've actually had a massage myself within the last week and you'll be pleased to know that it killed!!!  In fact, it was that bad that a 45 minute session was just enough time to treat 1, yes 1 leg!!!  My body is that tensed up!!  So I need to stretch out more than I already do to counteract the effects of all the activity I do daily/weekly.  The motto of this story?  Don't leave massive gaps between massage sessions.  I shall need to get my other leg sorted soon as well as my shoulders which I know are seriously broken with tension.  Won't that be pain free session..not!!! 

This week's topic is on the benefits of consuming curcumin/tumeric internally.  Tablets are available from Little London Herbal Stores, Trinity Walk, Nott'm.

The Many Benefits of Curcumin

As the active ingredient in turmeric powder, curcumin is well-known for its broad range of curative properties. It has been used for thousands of years as a spice and beauty aid, and in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of maladies — from cancer to indigestion and heart disease to neurodegenerative conditions. Given its many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, below are a few of the conditions responsive to curcumin:
•Cancer prevention and treatment: Taking a curcumin supplement regularly may help prevent and treat cancer based on the fact it appears to block the blood supply to cancerous tumors, thereby suppressing the growth and replication of malignant cells.
•Heart health: Animal studies have shown curcumin can help regulate blood pressure and prevent heart disease. It may be particularly beneficial to reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. In other studies, curcumin has been found to lower LDL and total cholesterol and prevent your blood from clotting.
•Intestinal and bowel issues: Because curcumin stimulates your gallbladder to produce bile, it may help improve your digestion, reduce bloating and gas, and soothe digestive disorders. When combined with conventional treatments, curcumin may help promote the remission of ulcerative colitis.
•Neurodegenerative conditions: Curcumin may help prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, MS and Parkinson's.
Scientists investigating curcumin's biological activities had this to say about the extent to which it plays a vital role in supporting your health: "Modern science has shown that curcumin modulates various signaling molecules, including inflammatory molecules, transcription factors, enzymes, protein kinases, protein reductases, carrier proteins, cell survival proteins, drug resistance proteins, adhesion molecules, growth factors, receptors, cell-cycle regulatory proteins, chemokines, DNA, RNA and metal ions."

In animal-based lab research during the past 20 years, curcumin has been shown to have both cancer prevention and cancer treatment properties. Its usefulness in the treatment of colon cancer is particularly well established.  One group of scientists investigating curcumin's ability to suppress the proliferation of colon cancer cells by targeting a major cell cycle protein, said:

"Curcumin … is one of the most popular phytochemicals for cancer prevention. Numerous reports have demonstrated modulation of multiple cellular signaling pathways by curcumin and its molecular targets in various cancer cell lines. Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), a major cell cycle protein, was identified as a potential molecular target of curcumin. Indeed, in vitro and ex vivo kinase assay data revealed a dramatic suppressive effect of curcumin on CDK2 kinase activity."

Other cancers in which curcumin has shown protective effects in rodent models include breast, bladder, brain, esophageal, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, prostate and stomach, to name a few.  As noted by Dr. William LaValley — one of the leading clinical researchers and medical practitioners in the field of integrative cancer treatment,— curcumin appears to be universally beneficial for nearly every type of cancer treatment.
This is unusual considering cancer's many varied molecular pathologies. One reason for this universal anticancer proclivity is curcumin's ability to affect multiple molecular targets, via multiple pathways.
Once it gets into a cell, curcumin affects more than 100 different molecular pathways. And, as explained by LaValley, whether the curcumin molecule causes an increase in activity of a particular molecular target, or a decrease or inhibition of activity, studies repeatedly underscore its potent anticancer activity.
Notably, curcumin is nontoxic, and does not adversely affect healthy cells, suggesting it selectively targets cancer cells. In cases in which certain chemotherapy drugs are used, curcumin has been shown to work synergistically with the drugs to enhance the elimination of cancer cells.

Til next week
Michael B

Are moods contagious

As we approach the time of year when we end up spending more time with people than we normally would, we, hopefully, enter this thinking that World war 3 isn't going to kick off at any point especially if there is some family issues involved, if you get me.  That, or someone is generally in a rather pissed off mood.  I'm sure we all know someone who, on entering a room, instantly brightens it up.  Conversely the same could be said for the doom monger who walks in and sucks the life out of everything.  So are moods contagious?  I know we claim to think they are but in truth are they?

According to some Psychologists yes they are and it is called, in the case of bad moods, an emotional contagion and it happens in 3 stages.  The first involves you unknowingly copying the moody person's posture, behaviour, facial expressions.  If you catch yourself frowning, stage 2 makes you feel sad then you end up sharing bad experiences and feelings with the original person until you become "synched" into a dark pattern.  The good news is this can work in the opposite direction with a person in a good mood can "turn that frown upside" and cheer people up.  This synching of moods is called nonconscious mimicry (think of when someone yawns you end up doing it too) or the chameleon effect.  Stress too is one mood/emotion that can be passed around especially if there is a strong bond between people.  Studies on married couples have shown that women are less affected by their husband's stress whilst the husband's picked up on the negative emotions of their wives when the stressful situation was reversed.

These studies emphasise the importance of choosing wisely the company you keep so you get the good moods over Xmas and not the bad ones.

Til next week
MB

Calming Christmas Strategies

Morning, hope your xmas preparations are progressing smoothly and you're not too stressed out by it all.  If you're struggling then this week take advantage of 10 stress busting tips to get through it all and out the other side with a modicum of sanity in tack.
 

If you're aiming to simplify Christmas, take time to ponder ways to cut stress, save money and tame over-the-top traditions. Setting simplicity strategies in place early will keep you from being swept up in holiday madness.

Get armed! Try these simple strategies to calm holiday chaos and rein in the seasonal overkill this year.

1/ Trim the back the to do list, is something really really necessary? Be brutal
2/Trim back the gift buying list to just immediate family, close friends and gift exchanges at work.
3/Wrap presents as you get them instead of ding it all in one go.  Ideally get it wrapped in store.
4/Just this once, buy and don't bake, especially if you're having a lot of folk round.  Use the oven to warm things through if you must.
5/Instead of sending a card, call them instead.  Not only is this more personal it will stay in the persons mind longer than a card plonked on the mantle piece.
6/Stream line the great house clean to public areas such as kitchen, dining room, lounge, toilet.  Everywhere else can wait and have a deep clean after it is all over.
7/Downsize your dish washing.  Do you really want to be washing that delicate expensive tea service that can't go in the dish washer just to show off?  Use everyday stuff that can go in the machine or better still use paper plates!
8/go for finger food buffets rather than the full on dinner experience.  Get guests to contribute a plate of something, less work for you.
9/Scale back the decor.  Concentrate on the areas you'll be using the most, dining room, lounge and a welcoming front door.

Til next week
Take care
MB

Banish Bingo Wings

Morning, so, we're into the final month, Xmas only round the corner, New Year after that, I'm looking at planning stuff for early next year as well as booking clients in for January already.  Phew!  The next week or so I'll be able to announce the first block of Fitness Pilates for 2018, but are you already planning in your mind a new exercise regime for the new year?  Banish those bingo wings? If you are then read on for something that many people don't do and that I don't do enough of. Research confirms that exercise is the best "preventive drug" for many common ailments and chronic diseases, from psychiatric disorders and pain to heart disease, cancer and diabetes.   Unfortunately, many make the mistake of focusing on cardiovascular exercise to the exclusion of everything else. Strength training is overlooked by many for a number of different reasons. Women may think they'll bulk up and look manly, the elderly might worry about it being too strenuous or dangerous, and parents might think weight training is too risky for their children for these same reasons. The truth is, nearly everyone, regardless of age or gender, will benefit from strength training. Working your muscles will help you shed excess fat, maintain healthy bone mass and prevent age-related muscle loss, the latter of which can start as early as your 30s if you do not actively counteract it.  Load-bearing exercises help counteract bone loss and postural deficits that occur with each passing year. During your youth, bone resorption is well-balanced, ensuring healthy bone growth and sustained strength. However, as bone loss accelerates, it starts to outpace your body's ability to create new bone. The more sedentary you are, the weaker your bones get as a result. The same can be said about muscle, without good muscle tone mobility begins to suffer,and muscle weakness coupled with brittle bones is a disaster waiting to happen if you slip or fall. Resistance training can improve your chance of getting diabetes as muscle fibres uses blood sugar for energy.  This in turn reduces your waist size, cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Doing weights also helps with menopausal symptoms, depression, weight gain, irregular periods and brain fog by just increasingly slightly testosterone levels.  We're not talking becoming built like Brigitte Nielson here folks :) Also, lifting a bit of iron can lower inflammation in the body that can result in chronic illnesses and promotes a sense of wellbeing. In addition, doing this type of exercise can improve cardiovascular health too. Of course, don't just think you can begin doing weights like an olympian and hey presto you're Superman or Wonder Woman, ease into it, get help and advice from trained professionals who can show you the best exercises and correct technique to avoid ending up in traction from injuring yourself.  Need any advice?  Get in touch, and if I can't help I'm bound to know someone who can. Til next week MB

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