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Sports Nutrition
 Are you an athlete looking to enhance your performance? The secret might be on your plate! Proper sports nutrition is crucial for fueling workouts, enhancing recovery, and reaching your peak potential.
 
Hydration: Water is key to maintaining performance. Keep hydrated before, during, and after workouts.
 
Carbohydrates: They are your body’s primary energy source. Load up on whole grains, fruits, and veggies for sustained energy.
 
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth. Include lean meats, dairy, beans, and nuts in your diet.
 
Fats: Don’t shy away from avocados, nuts, and olive oil. They provide long-lasting energy and support cell function.
 
Timing is Everything: Eating the right foods at the right time can boost your energy levels and aid recovery. Aim for a balanced meal 2-3 hours before exercise and a protein-carb snack post-workout.
 
Remember, what you eat today impacts your performance tomorrow. Make smart nutrition choices and see the difference in your game!
Childhood stress
By admin
Blog
How Early Life Stress Shapes Your Microbiome

We often underestimate the profound impact our early life experiences can have on our overall health, including the intricate ecosystem of our gut microbiome. Recent research delved into the relationship between early life stress (ELS) and the composition of the human intestinal microbiome, shedding light on how our emotional well-being intertwines with our gut health.

The research uncovered intriguing insights into the intricate dance between early life stress and the gut microbiome:

  • Pregnant mothers experiencing psychological stress and lack of social support showed alterations in the abundance of beneficial Bifidobacterium.
  • Infants exposed to higher cumulative stress displayed distinct microbiome signatures, marked by an increased relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria and lower levels of beneficial Bifidobacterium.
  • Individuals with high microbiome diversity exhibited lower levels of depression and anxiety.

There is a need for further research to establish consistent microbiome signatures associated with pre-and postnatal stress. Nonetheless, these findings underscore the importance of nurturing our emotional well-being and gut health from the earliest stages of life.

Source: Agusti, A.et al. (2023). The Gut Microbiome in Early Life Stress: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 15(11), 2566.

Nutrients that alleviate Allergies
By admin
Blog
Nutrients that Help Alleviate Allergies

Living with allergies can be a constant struggle, impacting our daily lives and overall well-being. The good news is that nature provides us with a range of nutrients that can help alleviate allergies. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of allergy relief through nutrition. From vitamins to minerals and other essential compounds, we’ll explore how these nutrients can make a difference in your allergy management journey.

The Power of Nutrition

When it comes to battling allergies, a well-rounded diet rich in specific nutrients can play a significant role in mitigating symptoms. Let’s explore some of the essential nutrients and how they can help you find relief.

  1. Vitamin C: The Allergy Fighter Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can boost your immune system and help reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers are excellent sources of this vitamin.
  2. Vitamin D: The Sunshine Nutrient Vitamin D has been linked to a reduced risk of allergies. Spending time in the sun and consuming vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy products can be beneficial.
  3. Quercetin: Nature’s Antihistamine Quercetin is a flavonoid found in foods like apples, onions, and berries. It possesses natural antihistamine properties and can help stabilize immune responses.
  4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Inflammation Fighters Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate allergy symptoms.
  5. Probiotics: Gut Health and Allergies Maintaining a healthy gut flora with probiotics can potentially reduce the risk of allergies. Yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods are great sources.
  6. Zinc: Immune Support Zinc supports a healthy immune system. Foods like lean meats, nuts, and whole grains are rich in this essential mineral.
  7. Local Honey: Natural Allergy Relief Some people find relief from seasonal allergies by consuming local honey, as it may desensitize the body to pollen.
FAQs
Can changing my diet help alleviate allergies?

Absolutely! A well-balanced diet with the right nutrients can strengthen your immune system and reduce allergy symptoms.

How much vitamin C should I consume daily to help with allergies?

The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is around 65-90 milligrams. However, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Are there any foods that can worsen allergies?

Yes, some foods like dairy, peanuts, and shellfish can exacerbate allergies in certain individuals. Identifying trigger foods is essential.

Can probiotics cure allergies?

While probiotics can’t cure allergies, they can help regulate the immune system and reduce the severity of symptoms in some cases.

Is it safe to take supplements for these nutrients?

In most cases, getting nutrients from food is preferable. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

How long does it take to see improvements in allergy symptoms with dietary changes?

Individual responses vary, but some people notice improvements within a few weeks of making dietary changes.

Incorporating these allergy-fighting nutrients into your daily diet can significantly improve your quality of life. Remember that allergies are unique to each individual, so it may take some experimentation to find the right combination of nutrients that works for you. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on managing your allergies through nutrition.

 

Good Mood Food
By admin
Blog
Good Mood Food
We all know the hallmarks of depression: low mood, lack of motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. Most people experience these as a fleeting reaction to life’s trials and tribulations. The UK survey carried out by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition and involving 37,000 people in Britain found that as many as 1 in 3 people say they sometimes or frequently feel depressed and suffer from low moods.
There is a direct link between mood and blood sugar balance. All carbohydrate foods are broken down into glucose and your brain runs on glucose. The more uneven your blood sugar supply, the more uneven your mood. Sugar has been implicated in aggressive behaviour, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Lots of refined carbohydrates are linked with depression because these foods not only supply very little in the way of nutrients but also use up mood-enhancing B vitamins.

Stimulants, such as caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and nicotine, will throw your brain chemistry awry. Alcohol in particular acts as a depressant. Food sensitivities will also impact brain chemistry. The brain communicates via chemical neurotransmitters (e.g. dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and GABA). A deficiency or imbalance is likely to have a negative effect on your moods, thoughts, and behaviors.

These neurotransmitters are made from the food we eat. For example, serotonin is made from tryptophan, which is found in chicken, eggs, bananas, dairy, and dates. Dopamine (the brain’s amphetamine) is made from phenylalanine, which is found in grains, eggs, meat, almonds, and soybeans. GABA (the brain’s natural Valium) is made from glutamine and is found in meat and cabbage. A diet that does not take in varied or adequate amounts of these foods will not promote optimal brain functioning in relation to stabilizing mood.

The majority of the brain is made of fat and requires essential fatty acids (EFAs) from your diet to maintain optimal functioning. EFAs help improve mood as they are the main constituent of the neuroreceptors that receive the messages delivered by the neurotransmitters

Nutrition Action Plan 

Make sure you eat protein from beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, and meat, which are all high in tryptophan, the precursor for serotonin. 

If your motivation is low, ensure you get the amino acids you need from pulses, wheatgerm, yogurt, poultry, almonds, sunflower, and sesame seeds. 

Test your homocysteine levels (doctor or home test). If your level is above 9mmol/l you may want to consider taking a combined homocysteine supplement of B2, B6, B12, folic acid, zinc, and TMG (trimethylglycine). Speak to your doctor or health practitioner first. Ensuring homocysteine stays low means that your brain will methylate well, keeping its chemistry ticking over and in balance. The ideal level is below 6 and the average level is 10. The risk of depression doubles with levels above 15. Also, eat whole foods rich in B vitamins: whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Folic acid is particularly abundant in green vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. 

Ensure you are getting enough omega-3s through food and supplementation. Eat a serving of either sardines, mackerel, herring, or wild/organic salmon, three times a week. Very little of the omega-3 fats in flax, pumpkin seeds or walnuts convert into EPA – one of the ‘brain fats’ – so, while these are good to eat, they don’t have the same anti-depressant effect. 

Keep your fuel supply stable. Eat a diet that will stabilise your blood sugar.

In addition to essential fatty acid deficiencies, depression has been linked to B vitamin, magnesium, and zinc deficiencies. See above for foods rich in B vitamins. Zinc-rich foods are fish, crab, oysters, dark meat on poultry, nuts, seeds, and pulses. Magnesium is found in oat bran, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. 

Dehydration will cause headaches and sufficient water is essential for mood health, so drink plenty of water. 

Reduce alcohol intake. After the initial sugar rush has subsided, it acts as a depressant. It also depletes the body of EFAs and B vitamins (crucial for neurotransmitter production). 

• WARNING: If you are taking prescription anti-depressants, do not take supplements without your doctor’s advice. Do not wean yourself off prescription anti-depressants without the guidance of your doctor. Always seek personal advice from your health practitioner before supplementing any nutrients, including chromium.

Daily good mood food checklist

Eat at least 5 servings of veg and no more than 2 servings of fruit. 

Eat a handful of mixed nuts. 

Eat 1 spoonful of mixed seeds. 

Include whole grains in your meals – brown rice, whole oats, quinoa, barley, rye, etc. 

Drink 2 liters of pure, filtered water.

These guidelines contain generalised supplementation information that is publicly available and supplements can be purchased at natural health stores. It is your responsibility to discuss any supplementation with your health professional or doctor, particularly if you are on medication. 

 

butter bean mash
By admin
Recipes
Butter Bean Mash

Are you ready for a culinary adventure that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones? If you’re a fan of beans, you’re in for a treat! We stumbled upon a fantastic recipe for butter bean mash, and it’s quickly become our family’s favorite.

The Bean-Lover’s Dream

My son is an ardent bean lover. From kidney beans to black beans, he loves them all. His enthusiasm for beans led us to explore the world of butter beans. If you’re unfamiliar with these little treasures, they are a type of legume that’s not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Let’s take a closer look at what makes butter beans so special.

The Nutritional Powerhouse

100 grams of butter beans contain a whopping 21 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of protein, and 7 grams of dietary fiber. These numbers alone make butter beans a nutritious choice for your meals. But the goodness doesn’t stop there. Butter beans are also rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, making them a wholesome addition to your diet.

Let’s Get Cooking

Now that you’re enticed by the nutritional benefits and the potential deliciousness of butter beans, it’s time to try this scrumptious butter bean mash recipe. This is a simple yet elegant dish that can be whipped up in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need:
  • 2 Cans of butter beans
  • 2 Cloves of garlic
  • Half an onion
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh chives or parsley
  • Half a cup of vegetable stock
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
Step-By-Step Preparation:
  1. Start by sautéing the finely chopped onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil. This will infuse the dish with a delightful aroma and flavor.
  2. Rinse the canned butter beans thoroughly. Then, add them to the sautéed onions and garlic.
  3. Pour in half a cup of vegetable stock to enhance the overall richness and depth of flavor. The stock adds a savory note to the dish.
  4. Squeeze in a tablespoon of lemon juice for a zesty kick. It’s a secret ingredient that brightens up the entire dish.
  5. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt; the vegetable stock already contains some, so adjust accordingly.
  6. Allow the beans and other ingredients to simmer for about five minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and creates a savory amalgamation.
  7. Once the mixture is heated through, it’s time to mash the beans. This step can be as smooth or as chunky as you like, depending on your personal preference.
  8. For a creamier consistency, add a little more boiled water and continue to mash until you achieve the desired texture.
  9. Just before serving, garnish the butter bean mash with fresh chives or parsley. These herbs add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
A Culinary Delight Awaits

As you take your first bite of this creamy and flavorful butter bean mash, you’ll understand why it’s our new favorite. It’s a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and zesty notes that dance on your palate. The dish is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for your family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a comforting meal for one.

 

weaning baby
By admin
Blog
Healthy way to wean your baby
Breast milk is a remarkable gift from a mother to her baby, offering far more than just nourishment and comfort. As it flows from you to your little one, it unfolds a carefully orchestrated sequence of nutrients, each playing a vital role in your baby’s growth and well-being.

Amino Acids: The Building Blocks

The first to flow from breast milk are predigested proteins in the form of amino acids. These amino acids serve as the building blocks for your baby’s rapidly growing body. They are essential for various physiological processes, including tissue repair and muscle development.

Fats: Nourishing the Brain

Following amino acids, breast milk releases fats. These fats are crucial for brain and nerve development. The fatty acids in breast milk support the growth of your baby’s rapidly developing nervous system. This makes breast milk a perfect source of essential nutrients for your baby’s cognitive development.

Sugars: Fueling Growth

Last but not least, breast milk provides sugars. These sugars serve as an energy source for the rapid growth and development your baby is experiencing. They offer the necessary fuel to help your baby thrive and maintain vitality.

Weaning Your Baby: A Gradual Transition

As your baby grows, there comes a time when you’ll need to introduce solid foods into their diet. Weaning typically begins around 4-6 months of age. A good indicator that your baby is ready for their first taste of food is when they can sit up on their own, demonstrating increased neck and head control.

The Mighty Avocado: A Perfect Start

One of the best foods to kickstart your baby’s culinary journey is avocado. It is a nutrient-dense superfood, almost like a complete meal in itself. Avocado’s composition is remarkably close to breast milk, making it an excellent choice for the transition to solid foods. Packed with healthy fats, it boasts 20 different vitamins and minerals essential for your baby’s growth and overall health.

Veggies First, Then Grains

When introducing solid foods, opt for vegetables before fruits. Vegetables are often more nutrient-dense and a healthier choice. Start with single-vegetable purees such as butternut, sweet potato, baby marrows, and carrots. After a couple of weeks, you can explore combined vegetable purees for a more diverse taste.

Protein on the Menu

After a month or so, you can begin introducing finger-sized portions of protein. Start with white fish pureed with vegetables, then gradually include chicken, and finally red meat. These protein sources will provide the necessary nutrients for your baby’s growth.

Allergen Awareness

In the first year of a baby’s life, their digestive system is still developing. To minimize the risk of food allergies and eczema, it’s advisable to limit the introduction of potential allergens. Avoid gluten and wheat, and opt for gluten-free grains such as millet, sorghum, chia, rice, and corn.

Additionally, be cautious with citrus fruits and nightshade foods like tomatoes, eggplants, mushrooms, and peppers. These foods may be challenging for your baby’s developing digestive system.

Gradual Introduction of Other Foods

Pulses, dairy, and eggs can be introduced towards the end of the first year. Take this transition gradually, and always monitor your baby’s reaction to new foods.

A Journey to Enjoy

This is an exciting time for both you and your baby. Keep in mind that it’s not meant to be stressful. These guidelines are here to serve as a general framework but feel free to adjust them according to your baby’s unique needs.

Exploring Tastes and Textures

Allow your baby to get accustomed to one flavor at a time. Let them explore the texture and smell of each food. Don’t be afraid to let them get messy; it’s all part of the learning process.

Baby-Led Weaning: A Unique Approach

Consider exploring “baby-led weaning” to give your baby more control over their eating experience. This approach encourages them to discover and enjoy food at their own pace.

Share the Joy of Meals

Lastly, make mealtime a joyful family experience. Eat with your baby and let them observe and learn from your actions. Meals are more enjoyable when shared, fostering a sense of togetherness and delight in the journey of food discovery.

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