KATHRYN'S TOP TEN
The recommendations in this list are all items that I have found to be really helpful, both personally and in practice.
The list is in no particular order; in other words it does not mean that things at the top of the list are better than those at the end.
They are all excellent and have proved their worth in practice, which is why
I thought it might be helpful to share the information with my readers.
Consider this list as complementary to a healthy diet,
not as alternatives or substitutes for medical advice.
The list is in no particular order; in other words it does not mean that things at the top of the list are better than those at the end.
They are all excellent and have proved their worth in practice, which is why
I thought it might be helpful to share the information with my readers.
Consider this list as complementary to a healthy diet,
not as alternatives or substitutes for medical advice.
ALGAECAL
I would class AlgaeCal Plus and Strontium Boost as must-have products for anyone who has osteopenia (lower than normal bone density) or a family history of osteoporosis (brittle bone disease). Although there are some excellent mineral-based calcium products around, these are not always the best supplement option for such conditions, particularly where there is poor digestion, poor absorption and/or internal mishandling (where calcium can end up in tissues, especially arteries, rather than in the bone or is simply excreted and lost down the toilet). Calcium carbonate, for example, although often recommended by medics to patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis, is one of the absolute worst for absorption and is truly best avoided. The easily absorbed calcium (and very important magnesium, vitamin D and other supportive nutrients) in Algaecal comes from wholefood sources not from limestone. Studies show that Algaecal if used regularly actually increases bone density. For the best ways to reduce the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis, and to manage these conditions if you already have one or the other, read my article here Boning Up on Bone Health.
WATERFALL D-MANNOSE
I tell everyone about this amazing product. Patients who present with persistent and repeated bladder infections and for whom antibiotics just haven’t worked tell me that Waterfall D-Mannose is a life-saver. I’ve suffered myself in the past with a type of non-bacterial cystitis caused by inflammation and this particular brand of D-Mannose was the only thing that got rid of it.
Take with a good buffered (non-acidic) Vitamin C (see bottom of this page) and a best quality probiotic such as Sweet Cures Probiotic Blend, Bionutri Ecodophilus or Biocare Bio-Acidophilus. And if you’re a sufferer, I’d suggest carrying Waterfall D-Mannose tablets in your bag or pocket. |
Algaecal has a highly informative website stuffed full of seriously useful articles and great recipes. Get onto their mailing list and you'll receive genuinely helpful health info. The company ship for free, worldwide. Go to: www.algaecal.com
If an attack strikes, taking two tablets with a large glass of water can give relief in a couple of hours. You can find more information on this really helpful website:
www.waterfall-d-mannose.com |
For more information on the full range of products, CLICK HERE |
LEPICOL
A fantastic fibre provider, not just useful if you suffer from IBS or constipation but I think has great value as a natural ‘bowel protector’, helping to keep the system flowing. Most people know that dietary fibre is an essential part of our daily food intake but not everyone manages to eat as much fibre as they should. And by the way, wheat fibre is not always the healthiest or most comfortable choice! My Facts About Fibre on this website may be useful. One of the first things I check with new patients is their fibre intake, especially if they are suffering with constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic digestive complaints or weight problems (try Lepicol Lighter). The Lepicol range is based on gentle psyllium husk powder and probiotics, those beneficial bacteria that help to maintain and balance the microbiota in your intestines. Read more about Lepicol in my article Facts About Fibre and in Dietary Fibre On The Move.
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LINWOODS MILLED FLAXSEED
Here’s another fabulous fibre product that I’ve used for a very long while and recommended hundreds of times to other people. I never cease to be amazed at how much positive feedback I get from patients when they begin to use Linwoods Flaxseed. If you suffer with an irritable bowel, diverticular disease or just plain stubborn constipation, then do try this easy to take superfood, either in the plain version or one of the delicious mixes of milled and blended seeds, berries & nuts.
There's more on the importance of the right kind of dietary fibre in my book Good Gut Bugs. You might also like to read my article Facts About Fibre. Click here for:
How best to use Linwoods Milled Flax |
Good quality flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, nutrients we normally associate with fish and which most people know are good for heart and circulation. Flax is not only a great vegetarian source of Omega 3, it’s also rich in iron, calcium and some very special nutrients known as lignans.
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ECODOPHILUS from BIONUTRI
I think this is one of the very best probiotics on the market. See my article on Why Do We Need Good Gut Bugs and on Probiotics. Bionutri Ecodophilus is one of a handful of my very favourite probiotic products. I've found it to be a particularly helpful formula for patients who have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and also diverticular disease. This could be due to the fact that it contains a special type of friendly bacteria known as Lactobacillus kefir which is not only helpful to an irritable bowel but valuable if you have food sensitivities or just suffer with a grouchy gut. Check out the Biounutri Ecodophilus page on this website. For more information: www.bionutri.co.uk/ecodophilus
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VIRIDIAN SCANDINAVIAN ORGANIC RAINBOW TROUT OIL
If, like me, you find most fish oil supplements repeat on you, try this yummy Scandinavian Rainbow Trout Oil (which comes as a liquid or as softgels). Super rich in Omega 3 essential fatty acids (DHA and EPA), Viridian tells me that this is the world’s first certified organic fish oil. The product is extracted within hours and produces a fresh, non-oxidised oil with a full spectrum of naturally-occurring fatty acids. It comes from a completely sustainable and socially-responsible fish source and the eco methods involved ensure zero waste and a low carbon footprint. And if that wasn't enough, it's a great supplement, too! If you DON’T eat at least two servings of oily fish each week, and/or especially if you suffer with high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides (blood fats), family history of heart disease, any dry skin condition, depression or anxiety, then this could be helpful. Highly recommended.
www.viridian-nutrition.com/shop/Scandinavian-Rainbow-Trout-Oil Softgels
www.viridian-nutrition.com/Shop/Scandinavian-Rainbow-Trout-Oil Liquid
www.viridian-nutrition.com/shop/Scandinavian-Rainbow-Trout-Oil Softgels
www.viridian-nutrition.com/Shop/Scandinavian-Rainbow-Trout-Oil Liquid
DR VOGEL ECHINAFORCE
I've been recommending Dr Vogel Echinaforce (tincture and tablets) for more years than I can remember. Personally, I like the tincture best and there is always a bottle in my first aid cupboard. Think of it as a ‘can’t do without it’ supplement that helps to ease (and in my experience, prevent) cold symptoms and reduce the symptoms of hayfever. I think that taking it regularly throughout the winter, especially with a good Vitamin C (see Vitamin C box below) really can reduce the risk of getting a cough, cold or throat infection. If one strikes, taking Echinaforce quickly and regularly can certainly reduce duration and severity of symptoms, and many is the time I've seen it stop an infection in its tracks.
www.avogel.co.uk/echinaforce |
COULD IT BE B12
This is not a food supplement. It’s actually the title of a VERY IMPORTANT book and I think everyone should read it but especially anyone who knows anyone who suffers from, or has a family history of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, any kind of neuropathy, heart disease or high cholesterol. For more information see my article that talks about Sally Pacholok’s book Could It Be B12.
For more information, go to: b12awareness.org/b12-deficiency And check out this really interesting interview with the author on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4hzhdREDng |
WATERMANS GROW ME SHAMPOO
I found this shampoo only last year but already rate it highly. Thinning hair can be just as much a problem for women as it is for men and especially as we age or when we're not so well and health is under par. Watermans Grow Me shampoo really does do everything it claims on the bottle. It stimulates and strengthens hair growth, improves scalp condition, and improves thickness. I love that it conditions hair fabulously, too. The formula contains argan oil, caffeine, and the nutrient biotin (also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H). Biotin is an essential nutrient for the hair (and also for skin and nails, by the way). Use the shampoo four or five times a week. Leave on the hair for 3-5 minutes but for at least 2 minutes. I use it without a follow-up conditioner but there is a great conditioner in the same range if you need it. For more information go to: watermanshair.com
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I like to use BioNutri Vitamin C Complex, Biocare Vitamin C 1000mg or Viridian Ester-C 950mg. And just in case you were wondering whether or not it's worth bothering with a supplement, remember that hardly anyone gets enough vitamin C from diet alone.
Check out my article here on Vitamin C. |
VITAMIN C
A health essential: Choose the best quality brand you can afford. My many years as a nutrition practitioner has taught me that taking extra Vitamin C is one of the best things you can do for your long term health; helping to reduce the risk of infections, and especially good for the heart and circulation. I've also learned that cheap Vitamin C simply isn’t worth the money. Certainly I would always suggest that you avoid the over-the-counter plain ascorbic acid tablets that fizz in water. Instead choose a quality buffered non-acidic product.
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