Natural ways to reduce a hangover and headaches

Natural ways to reduce a hangover and headaches

We are all guilty of over indulging at certain times of year, over eating, drinking too much or consuming too much sugar.

However, as you get older you may find that it is taking longer to bounce back and you may become intolerant to certain types of foods and alcohol.

If you suffer from headaches and migraines you may be reaching for painkillers such as Ibuprofen which, although an effective anti-inflammatory, has long term side effects including increasing cardiovascular risks and damaging the protective lining of the gut. Ibuprofen is only effective for up to 6 hours, so you may need to take repeated doses!

Did you know that Turmeric with the correct range and strength of 7 curcuminoids, has multiple anti-inflammatory benefits, works just as well as Ibuprofen or aspirin and actually improves gut health.

Scientific research (ref see below) has demonstrated that curcuminoinds, the active compounds in turmeric, are effective at removing both the cause and symptoms of a hangover.

Curcuminoids are potent antioxidants. Alcohol consumption can cause oxidative stress that damages your cells, so an effective antioxidant is vital before, during and after a heavy night.

So the perfect natural solution for hangovers should be taken before you go out and again when you wake up:

Natruflex Turmeric: We recommend that you take Natruflex Turmeric 1-2 capsules BEFORE you go out and when required during the next day. 

Gut Love: Containing, 21 probiotics and 2 organic prebiotics. take 1 capsule daily to settle the digestion and improve the excretion of toxins for a minimum of 14 days.

Marine Magnesium: Take 1 capsule at night to restore healthy nerve and muscle function for a minimum of 7 days.

Vitamin D3: Take 2 capsule daily for at least 30 days

How can Metabolic Gold help?

Metabolic Gold contains Bergamot fruit extract and Artichoke leaf extract. It is the perfect blend of naturally sourced, high strength ingredients that work together synergistically to help reduce sugar levels, improve insulin resistance, balance cholesterol, reduce fat around the waistline and reduce fatty liver.

In a recent trial of 60 patients who were overweight and had high cholesterol, subjects were treated with a combination of bergamot extract and artichoke leaf extract for 2 months and compared to a group that received a placebo for the same amount of time. The results showed a significant decrease in total and LDL cholesterol as well as a significant reduction in waist circumference.

When combined with lifestyle efforts focusing on diet, exercise, sleep and stress, the combination of bergamot fruit and artichoke leaf extracts can provide significant health benefits.

We recommend this supplement is taken for at least 3-4 months at a dose of one capsule twice a day with or after food.

 

PUBLISHED RESEARCH:

Dinkova-Kostova A. Relation of structure of curcumin analogs to their potencies as inducers of Phase 2 detoxification enzymes. Carcinogenesis. 1999;20(5):911-914.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35070194/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35668500/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30395947/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36370961/

Conquer menopause, the Naked way

Conquer menopause, the Naked way

Manage Menopause Naturally
How to enjoy great sleep, naturally

How to enjoy great sleep, naturally

I only appreciated the full value of sleep after my son was born and we experienced regular interrupted nights. After a few weeks my mind started playing tricks and my wife would often find items in our food cupboards which were obviously not supposed to be there!

It took us several months to resolve my son’s regular wake up calls - we mixed bananas with his formula which sustained nutrition beyond 2 hours. By that time, I felt I was functioning at 30% of my usual capacity. However, I then found it difficult to restore my sleep pattern back to the pre-parenthood 7-8 hours. My body and its sleep hormones had adapted to the new regime.

Sleep research demonstrates how long term sleep problems impact health. The health impact data for sleep problems is a wake up call in itself! Long term effects include a decline in cognitive function, increase in mental health problems, chronic fatigue, and lack of concentration / irritability.

Every person is unique. However, the National Sleep Foundation guidelines advise that healthy adults should sleep, on average, between seven and nine hours a night.


How to reset the sleep pattern with natural solutions.

Sleep disturbances can be caused mainly by lifestyle, environmental and health factors.

Understanding and treating the primary cause, should usually resolve the issue and improve the quality of sleep.


Diet

    I concluded from this experience, that I should never underestimate the power of food or drink to affect my health including sleep. To reset my system, I cut out all products containing caffeine and sugar for 2 weeks and then reintroduced them carefully avoiding caffeine in the afternoon or evenings. I love a glass of red wine in the evenings but I noticed even one glass affected the quality of my sleep making me wake up during the night so I reduced my week day alcohol intake too.


    Smoking

      I’m not a smoker but the data shows that nicotine is a brain stimulant so, while it is advisable to quit smoking altogether, it is important to avoid smoking just before bedtime.


      Lifestyle

        Daily exercise is fundamental for physical and psychological health; however, exercising just before bedtime will increase the body’s adrenaline production and raise body temperature, making it more difficult to switch off. So, exercise earlier in the day and try to avoid more intense exercise 2 hours before bedtime if possible.

        The influence of daylight on the body’s sleep hormone melatonin is well documented. Exercising in daylight helps to restore melatonin levels in the evening. However, a glance at a mobile phone or laptop screen at night will quickly reduce the levels of this sleep hormone. Even opening a fridge door at night can have a negative effect.


        Physical Health

          Problems such as headaches, migraines or chronic pain will stop you from getting a good night sleep. Speak to your GP or Pharmacist about the appropriate medication or natural remedy to treat the relevant symptoms in order to resolve the issue.

          Stress and mental health problems like anxiety and depression contribute to a high percentage of sleep difficulties. In this case, a combined approach of psychological support, lifestyle changes and use of medication/natural remedies, tailored to the severity of symptoms, is often very helpful and can restore emotional balance and promote restful sleep. Also, relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness can help you to relax and unwind.

          Furthermore, sleep difficulties can be related to hormone imbalances; fluctuations in the levels of testosterone, thyroxin, cortisol, progesterone and melatonin (sleep hormone) can all disturb your sleep pattern.

          The production of melatonin naturally increases especially with evening darkness and it is a central part of the body’s sleep-wake cycle. The levels of melatonin are very important to induce and maintain sleep. Synthetic melatonin can be taken for the relief from short term sleep disturbances and can help adjust the body's internal clock. Consult your GP before starting melatonin therapy which is available on NHS prescription.


          Environment

            The bedroom should be somewhere that we associate with sleep. It is better to remove distractions from your bedroom and watch TV, play computer games and eat in another room. This will allow you to relax and unwind.

            Also the ‘blue light’ generated by computers, phones and tablets displays suppresses the production of melatonin, hence causing sleep disruption. It is recommended not using these devices at least two hours before you go to sleep in order to reduce the impact on the quality of your night rest.

            Other common factors that can affect sleep are light, temperature and noise. You should be able to control the intensity of light and noise in the room by using blackout curtains/ eye mask and ear plugs respectively. The temperature of the room is also very important; feeling too cold or hot can disrupt your sleep so always make sure you work out the best sleep environment for you. Keeping a sleep diary can be useful to record the conditions that helped you get a good night sleep.


            How can Nature help?


            At the Naked Pharmacy we believe in a holistic approach to health.

            While addressing the root cause of sleep difficulties should be the first point of action, the use of natural remedies can support the process leading to a better quality and quantity of sleep.


            How will Saffrosun help me?

             
            Saffrosun is great for mood balance and helps regulate the 'stress hormone', Cortisol and stimulates the 'happy hormone', Serotonin.
             
            We have 3 Saffrosun Products, two adult versions Saffrosun Calm and Saffrosun Energy alongside Saffrosun for Children, formulated for 6-14 year olds.
            All three products contain clinically proven saffron, food-sourced Vitamin D3 and the organic prebiotic baobab. Saffrosun Energy has added organic marine algae with iodine to boost the metabolism. Saffrosun Calm on the other hand contains food-sourced vitamin B12 to settle the overactive nervous system.
             
            Saffrosun is effective for low mood, hormonal imbalances, nervousness and sleep disturbances and can be safely taken alongside conventional medication.  We support an integrated approach to health.
             
            If you have any questions then please call and chat to our Pharmacists who can help you make the decision that is right for you.

             

            At The Naked Pharmacy, we ensure that all of our supplements are made with effective strength bioactives and are scientifically supported by clinical trials. You can read more about our research here.

               

            Marine Magnesium

            Pure Marine Magnesium is a natural remedy which helps to support optimum nerve and muscle function, while promoting relaxation. It is sourced from sea algae and is one of the seven essential minerals we need for our bodies to function healthily. Magnesium helps relax muscles and induce sleep.

            You can read more about clinical trials on the effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia here.

             


            It is recommended to consult your Pharmacist or GP before taking any new supplement to make sure it is suitable for you, do call us on 01483 685 630.


            Final thoughts


            After the birth of my son I realised why sleep is a vital component of overall health and well-being to help my body repair and re-set, ready for a new day. Taking a step by step approach to treat my sleep disturbance eventually resolved the issue. Eventually, I realised that my pre-bed routines and environment had a significant influence on the quality of my sleep. Small, incremental changes made a big difference.

            Natural remedies proved effective for me and still form part of my approach, whenever I am troubled with poor sleep. At The Naked Pharmacy, we are always very happy when we help solve customer sleep problems because we know how much this will improve overall health and happiness.

            We all know about junk food, but what about junk supplements?

            We all know about junk food, but what about junk supplements?

            HOW NAKED ARE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS? 

            We all know about junk food, but what about junk supplements? Have you ever considered the quality and transparency of the supplements you choose?

            In a world where health and well-being have taken centre stage, many of us are turning to supplements to support our overall vitality. With an abundance of choice available, it's essential to navigate the world of dietary supplements wisely. 

             

            We aren’t what we eat... We are what we digest, absorb and utilise!

            Naturally sourced supplements harness the complex synergy of bioactive compounds found in whole foods and botanical sources. These supplements provide a holistic approach to nourishing the body, delivering a comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. 

            Supplements sourced from nature are easily recognised by the body leading to high nutrient absorption and utilisation whilst minimising any side effects or potential medication interactions.

             

              

            CAN SYNTHETIC SUPPLEMENTS MIMIC NATURE'S DESIGN?

            The truth is, synthetic supplements attempt to replicate the benefits of their natural counterparts through laboratory processes. However, they often fall short in capturing the full spectrum of compounds present in nature. 

            Synthetic supplements also behave differently to naturally occurring nutrients and therefore, they are not recognised by our bodies in the same way. This inevitably leads to reduced absorption rates and bioavailability, potentially making them ineffective.  

             

             

             

            WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?

            The potential for long-term risks to health far outweighs any health benefits or cost savings associated with consuming synthetic vitamins.   

            Synthetic supplements are often made using industrial petrochemicals and solvents, which can increase the toxic load on the body. Worse yet, the body may not recognise the isolated nutrient, consider it a foreign body, and target it for removal!

            These supplements often contain very high amounts of nutrients to make up for the body's inability to absorb them; these high dosages could lead to health issues due to overdosing.

            So Choose Naked safe in the knowledge that we have formulated a supplement that is the best in its class.

            Metabolic Gold for liver health

            Metabolic Gold for liver health

            "It's estimated that up to 1 in every 3 people in the UK has early stages of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease"

            SOURCE: NHSINFORM

             

            When our fat cells can’t cope anymore with storing fat – the liver takes the burden and becomes the “overflow” storage organ for fat. This sets the stage for a vicious cycle and metabolic dysfunction.

            As the fats in blood increase, gene function in the liver is inhibited causing more fat to be dumped there. At the same time, levels of leptin are increased – causing a corresponding fall in the fat-burning hormone known as adiponectin. Low adiponectin levels lead to insulin resistance in the liver – which then causes blood sugar to rise – and this sugar is then converted to more fat.

            Early symptoms of NAFLD (Non Fatty Liver Disease) may be mild:

            • Extreme Fatigue
            • Discomfort in upper right abdomen
            • Difficulty losing weight
            • Weakness

            Losing weight can help to slowly unclog the liver, reduce the amount of stored fat, thereby speeding up the metabolism as well as to help to reduce blood sugar, harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

             

            Dietary suggestions to unclog the liver and support its optimal function:

            1. A Mediterranean diet (vegetables, fruits, antioxidant spices and herbs, whole grains, oily fish, nuts and olive oil) have been shown to benefit liver health. 

                     Liver nourishing foods include : cruciferous veg (Brussels sprouts,                                                   cauliflower, kale, cabbage, broccoli, rocket (arugula), watercress)

                    Bitter foods: rocket, radicchio, dandelion greens

            1. Practising some intermittent fasting can also help un-clog the liver, even if you can only manage a 12 hour overnight fast, as it allows the body to rest and regenerate.
            1. Ensure you are eating enough protein. If you are not consuming enough protein this can impair your liver’s ability to carry out it’s detoxifying and metabolic functions. 
            1. Drink plenty of pure water to help flush out excess toxins.

             

             

            The great news is that we can support our hard working liver with specific nutrients which have been supported by scientific research:

               

              • AGED GARLIC can help shift unwanted fat from being dumped in the liver.
              • VITAMIN D deficiencies are linked to NAFLD (Non Alcohol Fatty Liver Disease) : Vitamin D deficiency leads to the release of pro-inflammatory agents that can contribute to fatty liver disease
              • BERGAMOT & ARTICHOKE EXTRACTS - Bergamot fruit extract has been shown to lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel activity and artichoke boosts your production of bile.
            If you have any questions about how our products can help improve your health please call our Pharmacists on 01483 685 630 or email pharmacist@thenakedpharmacy.com.
             
            Metabolic Gold for insulin resistance

            Metabolic Gold for insulin resistance

            Insulin resistance causes fat storage

            How your body regulates blood sugar is one of the most important processes that affects general health and wellbeing. 
             
            When our diet is carbohydrate heavy (and to a lesser extent protein) it causes a rise in blood sugar levels and triggers a corresponding increase in insulin production.

            Insulin is known as “the fat storer” hormone and is strongly influenced by carbohydrate intake and overconsumption of food, causing a detrimental increase in your blood sugar.
             
            If you also lead a mainly sedentary lifestyle, your insulin levels will remain high. Long term high insulin levels will eventually cause your body to become insulin resistant….ie. your body loses its sensitivity to insulin.
             
            As we get older our metabolism naturally slows down which will change how we process foods and also how our body reacts to excercise, many of us experience weight gain, brain fog and resistance to excercise - a viscious and frustrating cycle. Therefore our body may need metabolic booster.

            When insulin resistance occurs, sugar can’t get into your cells the way it normally would and the result is that this sugar gets stored as fat.

            How can you reduce insulin resistance?

            • Diet (Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting)
            • Increased physical activity such as HIT
            • Supplement regularly with Metabolic Gold

            How can Metabolic Gold help with insulin resistance?

            Metabolic Gold has taken over 2 years to formulate in line with current groundbreaking research.
             
            It can improve sugar metabolism and reduce insulin resistance as key polyphenols in the bergamot and artichoke extracts work synergistically to improve sugar processing in the liver and pancreas. 
             
            These bioactives are scientifically proven to improve sugar control, balance cholesterol and optimise liver function.

            Metabolic Gold is a unique, safe and effective natural supplement that contains the highest strength bergamot fruit extract and artichoke leaf extract to improve sugar metabolism, balance blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance.
             
            Metabolic Gold - Metabolism Booster

            Metabolic Gold for managing weight and sugar naturally


            Introducing our new formula containing pharmaceutical strength bergamot and artichoke extracts. Metabolic Gold has been over two years in research and developement.

            Bergamot may sound familiar as the peel of this unique citrus fruit is used for teas, perfumes and essential oils.

            However, we only utilise the fruit sourced from trees found in the coastal areas of Calabria, Southern Italy as it's unique combination of five polyphenol bioactives reduce the levels of unhealthy fats in a similar manner to statin medications, without the side effects.

            Bergamot fruit polyphenols have been scientifically proven to improve levels of good cholesterol, reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel elasticity.

            Bergamot fruit extract

            Each bottle contains over 250 bergamots which bind to unhealthy dietary fats and prevent them from accumulating in the body, particularly inside and around the liver (a condition called fatty liver which increases cardiovascular risks)

            Bergamot polyphenols improve the way fats are processed in the liver thereby balancing cholesterol and protecting cardiovascular health.

            Artichoke leaf extract


            Artichoke leaf is one of the world's oldest natural remedies to improve digestion and blood sugar balance.

            It boosts your liver’s production of bile. Bile is a natural compound that digests and uses fats so they don’t accumulate in your liver or in your body.
             
            At pharmaceutical strength, the bioactives in Artichoke inhibit alpha-glucosidase which in turn reduces sugar levels and insulin resistance.  

            How do you take Metabolic Gold? 

            Each capsule contains 500mg bergamot and 100mg artichoke leaf extract, in a tapioca capsule.
             
            Take ONE capsule twice a day, ideally with your largest daily meals.

            A randomized placebo-controlled study with 60 overweight adults showed that supplementing with 600mg bergamot and 100mg artichoke leaf resulted in a reduction in LDL cholesterol, significant reduction in waist circumference and visceral adipose tissue in 2 months – even in participants who did not follow a low-calorie diet.

            Concerned about side effects?

            Metabolic Gold has no harsh side effects and does not block co Q10 production.
             
            Statins can block coenzyme Q10 – a nutrient that’s needed for our cells to make energy.
             
            If you have taken statins, you may be familiar with their side effects such as fatigue and muscle weakness…..that’s because they can block healthy bile flow which is needed by your liver to digest fats and fat soluble vitamins A, D and E.

            The natural formulation of Metabolic Gold means that you can take it alongside most medications, however we recommend that you take a few minutes to call us, or write to us and get some friendly pharmacist advice if you have any questions about your current regime.
            A
            Kevin Leivers
            A
            "Metabolic Gold is effective because of the botanical sources, strength of the bioactives, scientific research and pharmaceutical quality of the formulation. The unique combination of the artichoke plus bergamot extracts will help so many people who have a sluggish metabolism, and fatty liver alongside problems of sugar and cholesterol balance."

            Kevin Leivers,
            Founder of The Naked Pharmacy
            Chief Pharmacist and Formulator
            Upgrade your muscle recovery with Natruflex Turmeric

            Upgrade your muscle recovery with Natruflex Turmeric

            Whether you are a novice or competitive athlete, when you undertake any exercise, you want to take preventative measures to reduce muscle damage.  

            During exercise the two leading causes of muscle damage are inflammation and oxidative stress.

            The natural bioactive polyphenols of the spice turmeric called curcuminoids have been shown to counteract both inflammation and oxidative stress caused by exercise.

            Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) leads to the onset of an inflammatory response that is associated with a decrease in the ability to generate muscle strength, decreased range of motion, localised swelling, delayed onset muscle soreness and increased muscle proteins in the blood (such as creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and myoglobin).

            Inflammatory responses are always linked to oxidative stress and both are directly involved in EIMD.

            The Science Bit

            A 2020 review showed that supplementing with turmeric extract at a dose between 150mg – 1500mg per day before and during exercise and up to 72 hrs post exercise improved performance by reducing exercise-induced muscle damage and reducing inflammation caused by physical activity. Read PubMed Article 

            Another review showed that participants who supplemented with a turmeric extract demonstrated reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, decreased pain and muscle damage, superior recovery and muscle performance and improved gastrointestinal function. The review concluded that curcumin supplementation appears to be safe and beneficial for sport and exercise in humans. Read Review

            Natruflex Turmeric 

            Our supplement Natruflex Turmeric contains 800mg turmeric extract (curcuminoids) per 2 capsules.

            It is combined with black pepper for better absorption and naturally sourced marine magnesium, which further supports nerve function.

            Taking curcumin is much gentler on the body than taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, which can cause adverse effects such as heartburn and stomach ulcers.

             

             

            If you’re looking to further enhance your stamina and exercise performance:

            • Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds to your daily diet. These tiny seeds are super packed with protein, omega 3 and omega 6 oils, calcium, iron, zinc and rich in antioxidants. When mixed with water and allowed to soak, these seeds release a form of gelled water that hydrates more slowly and effectively than just drinking liquid alone.

            The Aztecs so treasured chia that they used to gift it to their king in homage and Aztec runners used to chew on the seeds as they went into battle. 

            Chris McDougall’s book “Born to Run” describes how the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s Copper Canyons – known to be ultra-runners, running hundreds of miles without rest and enjoying every mile of it, fuelled themselves with a beverage containing chia seeds called ‘Iskiate’ and you can add a Natruflex Turmeric opened capsule an you have the perfect natural drink for recovery and fuel.

            Jeff Schmidt - Heart Attack

            Heart attack by Jeff Schmidt

            It turns out that we really are ‘the sum total of our experiences.’ Had I known then the impact of many of my decisions, I may have made changes earlier, but it turns out that we must live life to truly understand it.  

             

             

            I was definitely living life. Perceived invincibility provided me with the tunnel vision which enabled me to dash from one task to another, ticking off one more achievement, adventure and accolade.

            Of course you can’t sustain this symphonic level of intensity without topping up the tank with quick access fuel, mine came in the form of sugar- packets of delicious sweets and finely baked biscuits.

            I also gradually began to neglect my regular exercise regimen in exchange for a membership in the weekend warrior club. Gut irritation and a little extra weight accumulated, but, as far as I was concerned, I felt normal for a 40-something professional.

            ‘That’ evening, the one that irreversibly shook up my life, Thursday 3 December, I found myself staring eternity squarely in the face. I had returned home from work with my two girls. It had been a stressful day capped by a suitably heated, hard-hitting quarrel that left me trembling. 

             I did not generally consider my life stressful, and yet I knew that I ran at a pretty high-octane pace. But that was OK, because, despite warnings from others, I was, or believed I was, bulletproof.  

            I wore my intensity like a shiny badge of honour. On that evening, however, the engine said ‘no more’; you can’t drive even the most brilliantly engineered sports cars at 5000 RPM indefinitely. 

             It took my mum, who spotted me bent over, clutching my chest, rubbing my arms on FaceTime and my daughter's subsequent fear-filled plea to get help for me to make the medical call. Reluctantly, in a haze of pain, I did make the call. In minutes an ambulance was there. 

             

            Pride masking the danger, I couldn’t help, but feel that all this commotion was quite unnecessary. The seasoned paramedics quickly assessed my traumatised frame, blood pressure surging through my veins like a blocked firehose. They looked me straight in the eyes, piercing my vanity, and said, “We are taking you to hospital. Now.” 

            Jeff Schmidt - a loose wire

             

            ‘That’ evening marked the beginning of a myriad of changes.  Naturally, and most significantly was that of my health, but also, running neatly alongside, compelling me, almost without choice, was my desire to capture the goodness in life around me. 

            Being in hospital forced me to slow down and rest, my senses sharpened and my eyes opened to the subtleties in the world around me, to things I had not previously noticed before. 

            I became acutely aware of nuances in conversation, of the sacrifices of those around me and of the delicacy of relationships. I was also painfully cognizant, in increasing measure, of the compounding effects of the bad choices I had made for my body- sugar addiction, stress, exercise withdrawal and sleep deprivation.

            Buckminster Fuller once said, “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” So, that is what I did (and am doing), engineering a new, more tantalising model for life. 

            My diet, for instance, has been transformed. The once glutinous intake has been replaced with cleaner foods, nutrition straight from the earth and, perhaps more importantly, I expunged sweets. 

            Implored by the immediacy of the situation, I also instilled radical changes to my work routine and introduced regular, gentler exercises in the great outdoors. The list goes on, but I feel that, if indeed we are ‘the sum total of our experiences,’ I have been gifted a lifeline with which to significantly alter the outcome of my time here on earth. And, I must say, my heart feels good, very good indeed.

             

            NOTE FROM THE NAKED PHARMACY

            Jeff’s story highlights the importance of regular heart health checks for both men and women above the age of 30. The good news is many heart and circulatory diseases are caused by risk factors that can be controlled, treated or modified

            Key risk factors as identified by The British Heart Foundation are cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, physical inactivity, smoking and having high blood pressure. As well as a family history of heart issues

            As a pharmacist, I believe that relatively simple diet and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of heart disease

            Our targeted high strength supplements can help and the general rule for these supplements is to start as early as possible to help prevent problems rather than have to treat later, especially if you recognise the risk factors

            My two supplements of choice are Metabolic Gold to reduce the build-up of bad fats in the body and improve the metabolism. Research is now showing that the four specific polyphenols in high strength organic bergamot fruit extract provide effective support for managing weight and cholesterol, by binding to bad fats in the gut.

            Alongside Black Garlic an organic compound that is produced when white garlic is fermented over several months. It helps to maintain healthy blood pressure, as well as protecting the cardiovascular system.

             

            Jeff Schmidt is the Author/illustrator of the bestselling book: 

             HEART ATTACK- Finding hope, joy and inspiration through adversity. 

            How to avoid the two main deficiencies  in a vegan diet?

            How to avoid the two main deficiencies in a vegan diet?

            The number of vegans has been growing rapidly over recent years and the concept of vegetarianism is not new dating back as early as 500 BC, first mentioned by Pythagoras.

            In Great Britain, the number of vegans is estimated to have quadrupled between 2014 and 2019. 

            Famous vegans

            Novak Djokovic, Venus and Serena Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Mike Tyson, Martina Navratilova, David Haye are great examples that veganism offers one the potential to not only be healthy, but also for elite athletes to thrive.

            Some key nutrients vegans should be aware of

            Although there are health benefits to a vegan lifestyle, it is also important to recognise that, as with any diet, if not appropriately planned then it is easy to become nutritionally deficient as there are certain nutrients that are not available from plants.

            Below are some of the 2 key nutrients that vegans need to be aware of to avoid deficiencies or imbalances.

            Vitamin B12

            Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient, which does not originate in plants, but from bacteria. 

            In fact, B12 supplements are (for the most part) also given to farm animals, meaning even those on non-vegan diets are supplementing, but indirectly.

            Symptoms of B12 deficiency may include:

            • A pale yellow tinge to your skin
            • A sore and red tongue (glossitis)
            • Mouth ulcers
            • Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
            • Disturbed vision
            • Irritability
            • Unexplained sadness 
            • A decline in your mental abilities, such as memory, understanding and judgement 

            Due to B12 not being readily present in a vegan diet it’s recommended to supplement this, especially for strict vegans. 

            Two tablets daily of our Saffrosun Calm offers 100% of the Nutritional Reference Value (NRV).

             

            Saffrosun Calm

             

             

            Vitamin D

            Vitamin D is the “sunshine vitamin”, and although it is possible to obtain this through certain plant foods such as mushrooms, in general it is not broadly consumed on a vegan diet.

            In fact, the NHS advises that "everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter” [Source [9]].

            Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency may include:

            • Fatigue
            • Not sleeping well
            • Bone pain or achiness
            • Feelings of sadness
            • Hair loss
            • Muscle weakness
            • Loss of appetite
            • Getting sick more easily

            Again, it is good practice to use a supplement to ensure you are getting the recommend intake of Vitamin D, particularly in colder seasons with having less sun exposure. One capsule of our Vitamin D3 contains 100% NRV.

            Vitamin D3

             

             

            Probiotics

            Probiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, and studies suggest that taking probiotics are linked to a range of health benefits. These include benefits for gut function, immune function, respiratory tract infections, and duration of illness. 

            Although vegans generally consume a diet rich in fibre, which is a key gut nutrient and it is possible to acquire probiotics from plant-based sources such as fermented foods (e.g. sourdough bread and tempeh), vegans don’t consume the most common probiotic rich foods such as yogurt and kefir.

            Our Gut Love supplement contains 21 probiotics and prebiotics, and 19 billion good bacteria to support overall gut health including one probiotic which originates from soil. 

             

            The Naked Pharmacy Supplements

            All of The Naked Pharmacy’s own brand of supplements are entirely vegan and contain natural ingredients, meaning higher absorption and bioavailability than synthetic supplements.

            Bergamot - Natural protection for cardiovascular health

            Bergamot - Natural protection for cardiovascular health

            Bergamot - Small, Simple, Strong