Make Your ADHD Christmas Fizz Not Fizzle  

We all want to avoid decking the halls with boughs of folly, let’s shine a special spotlight on the hidden struggles ADHD kids and their parents face during what can be the most frenzied time of year. 

Is an ADHD Grinch-free Christmas possible?  

ADHD in children means that anxiety and exhaustion can wrestle against enjoyment. While low dopamine might make the hunt for stimulation high, pushing that ‘annual magic’ too hard can mean it all unravels like a badly knitted Christmas stocking.

Alongside beautiful characteristics such as intelligence, imagination and empathy come other ADHD traits the NHS list as social anxiety, sight and noise sensitivities, emotional dysregulation and overwhelm that can really take the crackle out of Christmas.

Our ADHD-friendly 12-days of Christmas

While we can't promise your Yuletide will run without a hiccup, a few tweaks could make your ADHD Christmas much more of a cracker than a crash.

1. Dreaming of a bite-sized Christmas 

Protect their social battery – ADHD kids expend a lot of energy. They can also quickly become overwhelmed. 

Consider trimming the festivities: stick to immediate family on the big day and spread out the extended crew on different days, giving kids a chance to recharge in between. Who said Christmas can't be done in bite-sizes?

2. Good King Senses  

ADHD in kids often means being up against sensory nightmares – think loud TVs, clinking glasses, gaudy Christmas lights, paper hats that feel like a crown of thorns, being hugged when you hate touch. These can all be major ADHD sensory triggers. 

It’s a good idea to establish a code beforehand to use for a quick escape, set up a quiet space with soft lighting, and bring an iPad and noise-cancelling headphones with you. Sometimes, a strategic retreat is the best gift.

3. Managing expectations

Before the festive break, ask your kids what they really want – even if it’s as outrageous as a wishing well (trust me, I’ve been there) or a sleep fairy (actually, I asked for this). If their dreams are bigger than Santa can handle, be upfront about it. No child wants to discover the mega-Lego set they’ve set their heart on is off the table on Christmas morning, especially when emotional dysregulation is such a significant part of ADHD. 

Spare them the stress of unwrapping gifts in front of family. Here's what Lillia, 15, says: “You’re expected to have a positive reaction and that can be stressful especially as you’re already the centre of attention – that’s already socially draining. You must then react a certain way, regardless of how you feel, and force yourself to look happy even if you’re not. That’s a lot of pressure.”

4. Ditch Christmas shopping

Being trapped inside busy, stuffy, noisy, crowded stores with long queues can be the seventh circle of hell for any child. Ramp that up ten-fold for an ADHD child. 

Here’s some advice from Lillia: “If your child doesn’t show an interest in going shopping with you, don’t force them. Leave them with a relative, friend or parent as they’re likely to find it stressful.”

“If you can’t do this – or they want to go –take a friend with you. That way, if they find it too overstimulating, the friend can step out with them. If they’re old enough to be independent, they can go to a nearby café and wait there.”

The key thing is “to give them some options”.

5. Don’t force the fun

Asking an ADHD child to ‘join in’ when they’re already struggling to keep it together is likely to provoke a frosty withdrawal or a meltdown. Whether it’s time at pantos or fun with relatives, consider breaking visits into manageable chunks.

Lillia advises, “Don’t get mad at a child for wanting to sit out. Don’t nag them to return if you think they need more social interaction. If they’re not up for it, don’t force them.” She reminds us that socialising “shouldn’t feel like a chore”.

6. Do plan the fun 

It’s worth looking out for any Christmas-themed activities happening near you, like ice skating or Christmas markets. You can even make a den at home and watch Christmas films inside. Having something for your ADHD child to look forward to every day keeps their dopamine boosted the right way. If possible, get outside. ADHD and exercise have been shown to help with a reduction in their ADHD symptoms. 

7. Better fuel this Yule

With chocolate everywhere, our ADHDer’s dopamine-seeking brains will be partying without thinking of the crash. 

We know impulse control makes it hard for them to stop, so instead let them have a nibble and keep the rest somewhere safe especially for them. 

Turkey, on the other hand, is loaded with tryptophan which boosts serotonin for better moods and less anxiety. For a science-backed mood enhancer, try saffron – nature’s way to feel better and tackle ADHD symptoms.

   8. No scary mystery dishes

If they’re already on a knife edge, a Christmas feast with too much food could be overwhelming. It’s a good idea to always have one comforting go-to dish for your ADHD child.

It’s worth knowing that 90% of serotonin is created in the gut. A lot of ADHD children have stomach issues, from cramps to constipation. If this is your child, it might be worth looking at Gut Love. 

9. Keep a routine 

Although that dopamine kick wants novelty, it doesn’t mean routine should be chucked out of the window.

Discuss plans and try not to spring surprises on them. That certainly doesn’t mean Christmas has to be dull. It just needs a bit of planning. ADHD loves stimulation, but also thanks you for putting some reassuring scaffolding in place. 

10. Emotional regulation check-in

Emotional dysregulation is a hallmark of ADHD, where kids experience emotions more intensely, longer and deeper than their neurotypical peers. It’s often the most hidden part of ADHD too.  

Dr Caroline Buzanko points out that when a child’s emotional brain is on overdrive, logic takes a back seat while the ‘emotional brain will overpower the cognitive brain every time’. 

Instead of using reason which taps into their already depleted executive function skills, Dr. Buzanko suggests harnessing emotional energy. “Emotions are stronger motivators than reason.” Use gratitude, pride, and compassion – and we’ll all see fewer meltdowns.

Stimulating the vagus nerve is also said to help: You can even do this by singing cheesy Christmas hits. 

And let’s not forget Saffron. This is Mother Nature’s gift for managing moods, ADHD, hormones, sleep and more.

11. Sleep fairy 

With brains buzzing like pinball machines, ADHD kids struggle to fall asleep or get enough of it. 

ADHD-related sleep problems come from issues with the regulation of brain activity that can mean anything from a  delayed circadian rhythm and later melatonin production, to insomnia.

The usual sleep hygiene rules apply, including getting outside in the earlier part of the day to try and set sleep cycles, as well as keeping to the same wake-up time each morning can help.

Another natural great way to help your ADHD child unwind is magnesium. It regulates neurotransmitters related to mental tension – learn more about it here.

And of course, Saffron is great for mood balance as it helps banish stress. Saffrosun Calm and Saffrosun for Children can help sooth away anxiety and make for a more restful night. 

12. Nature and Nutrition for ADHD

Thankfully Mother Nature has some pretty special gifts which can help with many of the challenging symptoms of ADHD. Look out for: 

Saffrosun Calm (and for Children)

Which helps alleviate nervousness, improves sleep and restores emotional balance. It also enhances dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline—ideal for ADHD.

Marine Magnesium

Supports nerve and muscle function, improves sleep and reduces stress and helps to decreases brain fog.

Immune Hero for Children

Contains Zinc to regulate dopamine and aids iron absorption, that’s essential for brain development and cognitive function

Gut Love (+14)

Enhances digestive health and alleviates gut issues in ADHD kids by improving the absorption of nutrients.

Foods that can help ADHD symptoms

 The nutrients in certain foods travel to the brain and contribute to dopamine production, for example lots of fruits and vegetables.

Protein, including lean meats like turkey is great, as are foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon. Research has shown that consuming the amino acid tyrosine found in milk and bananas and more can also increase dopamine availability.

Try to avoid sugar and artificial colourings.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our pharmacists on pharmacist@thenakedpharmacy.com or call us 01483 678 438.

Clearly, the world loves listening about sexual healing, then why are we so scared to talk about it?

Traditional treatments focus on just one system of the body, increased circulation.

In reality, libido is a delicate interplay of four key systems in the body. 

This four-fold chart represents our interconnected systems of libido, desire and sexual energy.

When you look at this chart, you can see why many of us don’t talk about it.

Female libido is complex, multi-layered and always evolving.

So, what affects libido in women?

This flow chart helps explain this complexity:

Hormonal system

“Women produce three to four times as much testosterone than oestrogen before the menopause.”

What effect do our hormones have on our libido?

Oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all affect sexual desire and arousal.

Below is a study that explains how women need a specific balance between oestrogen and testosterone, which is unique to each individual.

Increasing women’s sexual desire: The comparative effectiveness of oestrogens and androgens.

Do women need testosterone?

While testosterone is more commonly associated with men, women need testosterone too.  In fact, women produce 3 times more testosterone than the female sex hormone oestrogen before menopause.

Testosterone is produced by ovaries, adrenal glands and the brain, but levels decline around the time of the perimenopause and menopause and stay low thereafter. This fall in testosterone can lead to a lack of energy, brain fog, reduced libido and a lack of purpose and confidence.

Many other factors can also influence testosterone levels regardless of age such as obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle factors.

What could we be doing naturally to promote or improve this balance between our hormones?

For many people, small and simple lifestyle changes can help support healthy hormone levels in the body and ensure that all our body systems are working at their optimal level. A well-balanced diet and healthy habits may improve your hormonal health and allow you to feel your best.

Here are 10 tips to naturally support your hormone balance:

1. Consume enough protein, aim for around 30-35 grams.

Proteins provide amino acids that your body cannot make on its own and are needed to produce peptide hormones. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating several physiological processes, including growth, energy metabolism, appetite, stress, and more. Current research is emerging showing that most of us are not consuming enough daily protein and should aim for around 30-35 grams per meal to maintain muscle strength, bone health, and other functions.

2. Exercise regularly and focus on strength building.

Physical activity and building muscle strength not only influences your hormonal health, but also is a healthy ageing strategy.

3. Maintain a healthy weight.

Weight gain is directly associated with hormonal imbalances. Obesity relates to a lack of ovulation in women. Do explore our Metabolic Gold supplement if you are concerned about insulin resistance, over health and weight gain.

4. Watch your gut health. 

The gut produces numerous metabolites that affect hormone health and processes of the vagus nerve. A healthy gut biome can support emotional health, hormonal health and all your body's systems. Do explore Gut Love our award winning supplement to support your gut with organic slippery elm, prebiotics and probiotics.

5.  Conscious intake of processed sugar.

Processed sugar (this also includes wine) promotes insulin resistance, and fructose intake is linked to disruptions in the gut microbiome, ultimately leading to hormonal imbalances. Minimising this intake can improve energy, skin and sleep.

6. Reduce stress in imaginative ways.

Stress can significantly harm the body’s hormones. Finding techniques that can help to decrease stress can really help your quality of life and relationships, be creative it could be painting by numbers, walking, breathing, rocking out to music whatever you can fit into your daily life, just schedule it in and prioritise it. You may find that Saffrosun Calm helps alleviate nervousness, maintain emotional balance and support good sleep as it addresses your cortisol levels. 

7. Get enough sleep. 

A good sleep routine is a really important habit one of the most important factors not just in hormonal imbalance, but also your quality of life.  It is worth exploring what works for you it maybe blackout blinds, or eye masks, magnesium or a hot bath and some lavender tea.

8. Eat healthy fats.

Healthy fat intake can work to maintain balanced hormones that are involved with appetite, metabolism, and feeling full and is so important for healthy body and brain function. We don't need to demonise all fats, because they are critical for our health, and low fat products are typically full of processed ingredients.

9 Eat plenty of fibre at least 30g a day *

Fibre plays a huge role in gut health, helping regulate hormones like insulin and keeping you full for longer. Eating plenty of fibre is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.

10. Hydration 6-8 glasses a day

Drink enough water so your urine is a pale yellow colour is the aim, however vegetables, fruit and soups etc also contribute to this target.  Fluids will support skin health, bone health and will help flush out toxins and producing healthy easy stools.

Ingredient focus for Ashwadisiac for Women:

Our potent supplement has been crafted to energise and restore the four vital systems of the body, promoting balance, vitality and overall well-being.

The four ingredients of our supplement are Fenugreek for hormonal health, Gingko Biloba for circulatory health, Ashwagandha for the nervous system and Saffron for emotional health.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum greacum) has been used in traditional medicine and many of us are familiar with using this Indian spice in cooking.

However, Fenugreek extract has many health benefits the seed powder is rich in the bioactive saponin glycosides and ours is at the high strength of 60%.

Clinical trials have shown Fenugreek extract helps balance hormone levels, such as oestrogen and testosterone improving symptoms of low libido as well as enhancing energy levels and exercise endurance.

Fenugreek is also particularly beneficial for managing hormonal symptoms such as hot flushes, low mood, night sweats, and poor sleep.

Below is a study highlighting how fenugreek can help with sexual desire in women.

It specifically highlights the health benefits of fenugreek including the regulation of sex hormones.

Properties of Fenugreek: A Review (openbiologyjournal.com)

Circulatory System

What effect does our circulation have on our libido?

Women may suffer from low sex drive, because of reduced blood flow which may prevent sexual arousal and cause vaginal dryness discomfort.

Growing older, being under severe or chronic stress, or having certain medical conditions such as diabetes and atherosclerosis might also contribute to inhibited blood flow.

To address this problem, urologists may recommend topical applications to dilate the blood vessels, increase blood flow, and improve sensitivity and arousal, or prescribe HRT or vaginal pessaries.

What could we be doing naturally to promote or improve our circulation, with regards to libido?

Exercising can help improve blood flow as it also helps to increase testosterone and muscle strength is critical to overall health and quality of life as we get older.

Medications can affect libido, in particular antidepressants. According to the *American Journal of Psychiatry "70% of women taking antidepressants** (especially SSRIs) report experiencing sexual side effects, including low libido"
   

Ingredient focus for circulatory system: Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is an ancient tree native to China estimated to have existed for over 270 million years.

The leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and have become a focus of research in recent years for their active compounds, terpene lactones and flavone glycosides.

Ginkgo Biloba contains powerful antioxidants that promote blood flow, circulation, cognitive function, reduce stress, and anxiety, help focus and improve sex drive and desire.

Ginkgo Biloba contains bioactives that improve levels of nitric oxide, a compound responsible for dilating blood vessels. This in turn improves circulation making Ginkgo an effective ingredient for symptoms of sexual dysfunction caused by poor circulation.

The study below explains that when combined with sex therapy, long-term Gingko Biloba treatment significantly increased sexual desire and contentment beyond placebo.

Short- and long-term effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on sexual dysfunction in women

Nervous System

What role does our nervous system play in our libido?

Much of the hormone regulation in our bodies is regulated by the nervous system. Even hormones like oxytocin, aka “the love hormone” are under the whim of the nervous system, and its ability to function effectively.

Given that the nervous system controls so much of how our bodies work, it makes sense that it also has a huge impact on sexual desire, energy levels and connection.

The limbic system helps regulate parts of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating autonomic bodily responses like breathing, blood pressure, and pulse. Thought of as the “primitive” area of the brain, the limbic system, also plays a role in physical drives and emotional processing – and is activated during intimacy.

Sometimes our nervous system becomes dysregulated. Whether that be through trauma, physical or mental stress, injury, medication or hormonal fluctuations.

When the nervous system isn’t working optimally, it can affect how and when we become aroused, our sexual responses, our comfort levels in intimacy with others, and so much more. 

Adrenaline, the stress hormone, actually inhibits oxytocin. Given that oxytocin helps facilitate trust, sexual activity, and orgasm, high amounts of stress hormones from a dysregulated nervous system, can make it difficult to feel connected.

What could we be doing naturally to promote or improve our circulation, with regards to libido?

The ability to relax into the moment, allows us to experience more pleasure throughout life .

Knowing what puts you in a state of stress, and what brings you ease, helps you to relax and be comfortable with your self and this in turn makes you wish to perhaps find the opportunities to connect with others in both a social setting and then perhaps a romantic one.

Ingredient focus for hormonal balance: Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a popular herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties meaning it uses its natural intelligence to allow the body to absorb or excrete just the right amount of herb on any given day.  

It supports the nervous system to cope with stress, by reducing our body’s natural cortisol levels (the stress hormone). It also has aphrodisiac qualities that can enhance libido and overall sexual wellness.

Ashwagandha influences the balance of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are crucial for mood, relaxation, ability to experience pleasure and cognitive function.

It also reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which help to protect the nervous system from inflammation-related damage.

Below is a study highlighting that after 8 weeks of continuous use of Ashwagandha produced a statistically significant improvement in patients as compared to placebo.

Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Ingredient focus for sensory and nervous system: Saffron

Saffron is a spice from the Crocus Sativus flower and is derived from the stigma - called threads - within the flower itself.

The harvesting process is very labour intensive, each crocus sativus flower contains 3-4 stigmas which are hand-picked and dried under controlled conditions.

There are three key bioactives associated with saffron. Crocin, a water-soluble carotenoid, picrocrocin and thirdly, safranal which is formed as a result of the drying process of picrocrocin.

Most saffron supplements on the market contain only one bioactive safranal.

However, we have incorporated the powerhouse of all three bioactives (crocin, picrocrocin and safranal) at a much higher concentration than in our other saffron products.

Untreated anxiety or depression can contribute to sexual dysfunction, as can long-term stress. Our saffron extract supports emotional balance and the formula is targetted to reduce stress-related sexual health problems.

Saffron harnesses adaptogenic properties, supporting our bodies to better cope with stress and regulate neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.

Saffron has been shown to have particularly aphrodisiac properties for people taking antidepressant medication.

In addition, Saffron helps reduce the reactivity of the nervous system to stress, because it helps the body to cope better and react better to nervousness and mood imbalance.

Below is a study that included thirty-eight women with major depression who were stabilised on fluoxetine 40mg/day for a minimum of 6 weeks and had experienced subjective feelings of sexual dysfunction entered the study. The patients were randomly assigned to saffron or placebo for 4 weeks.

Results showed that the patients receiving saffron experienced statistically significant improvements in sexual problems.

Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

There is no quick fix, but we can help

Ashwadisiac for Women is our product to help improve low libido, hormone balance and energy.

100% natural it contains the most potent mix of ingredients at a strength and formulation that you can trust, always tested to make sure there are no nasties just strong naturally powerful content.

The bioactives contained in the ingredients for Ashwadisiac for Women ensure that consistent intake will support the four key systems in the body that will have the greatest impact.

Our Ashwagandha Root & Leaf Extract contains 35% of the bioactives, Withanolides (this is 7 times stronger than any standard ashwagandha supplement).

The Fenugreek contained in our Ashwadisac for women contains 60% of the bioactives, saponins and is a unique, standardised fenugreek supplement on the market.

The Saffron used in our Ashwadisiac for Women contains the highest concentration of the three bioactives mentioned above at 10.5%.

Finally, our Gingko Biloba contains 24% glycosides and 6 % terpene lactones and again like our fenugreek contains a unique, standardised dose.

Women deserve more!

Women deserve to feel more confident, feel more energy,  more passion, and more desire.

Speak to our expert pharmacists today

Our registered pharmacists are available for free expert advice and to answer all your questions about your health and your current medications, so that you can feel fully supported on your health journey.

Our pharmacists are on hand Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm. Book your free consultation today! Book Now!

What is hay fever?

Spring is here, and along with blooming flowers and the much-anticipated warmer weather comes the seasonal antagonist for many: hay fever.

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms. These may include a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus, it is caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance the body identifies as harmful (allergen).

Allergens can be inhaled, ingested, or enter through the skin and trigger an immune response causing symptoms of hay fever.

Common allergens that can trigger hay fever symptoms include pollen and dust mites. Tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander) also can be allergens.

Pollen is a fine particle released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. It contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.

You can have an allergy to:

• Tree pollen, released during spring.
• Grass pollen, released during the end of spring and beginning of summer.
• Weed pollen, released in late autumn.

Symptoms of hay fever 

• Sneezing and coughing
• A runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
• Loss of smell
• Pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
• Rash
• Headache
• Feeling tired

When does hay fever season start and end?

Symptoms are usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.

You can check the latest pollen count here 

How do you know if it's hay fever or a cold?

As allergies and colds share many of the same symptoms, it can often be difficult to determine which you are suffering from. 

Hay fever can last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after 1 to 2 weeks.  Symptoms of a cold may include a sore throat or fever whereas these are uncommon if you are suffering from hay fever.

Hay fever and the immune system

Symptoms of hay fever occur because the immune system perceives the allergens as harmful invaders and goes into defence mode.

1. Immune system trigger: When someone with hay fever comes into contact with an allergen (like pollen), their immune system responds by recognising these particles as potential threats. In individuals sensitive to these allergens, the body's immune system treats them as if they were harmful pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria.

2. Production of antibodies: The immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to the allergen. These antibodies are part of the body's adaptive immune response, designed to recognise and bind to the allergen upon future exposure. Each IgE antibody can be very specific, reacting against certain pollens and allergens. This means that a person can be allergic to one type of pollen, but not another. 

3. Activation of mast cells: The IgE antibodies attach to mast cells, which are a type of white blood cell found in great numbers in surfaces exposed to the external environment, such as the skin and mucous membranes in the nose. Mast cells are loaded with granules containing histamine and other chemicals.

4. Release of histamine: When the allergen enters the body again and binds to the IgE antibodies on mast cells, it triggers the cells to release their contents, including histamine, into the surrounding tissues and bloodstream.

5. Symptoms of hay fever: Histamine binds to receptors on nearby blood vessels and other cells. This binding causes the blood vessels to become more permeable, leading to leakage of fluid into the tissues, which causes swelling and contributes to typical hay fever symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. Histamine can also irritate nerve endings, leading to itchiness. 

Who is most at risk of hay fever? 

Research has found that 49% of the UK has had hay fever symptoms, affecting millions of individuals and making it one of the most common allergies.

Certain factors can make some individuals more susceptible to hay fever than others. Understanding who is at higher risk can help in prevention and management strategies. Here are key groups and factors that influence susceptibility to hay fever:

• Having asthma
• Having other allergies
• Having atopic dermatitis or eczema.
• Having a genetic predisposition to asthma or eczema.
• Younger children and adults are more likely to suffer from asthma and often symptoms improve with age.
• Living or working in an environment that constantly exposes you to allergens — such as pollen, animal dander or dust mites.
• Being exposed to smoke and strong odours that irritate the lining of the nose.
• Some alcoholic drinks, particularly beer and wine, contain histamine which can exacerbate allergy symptoms.

How to manage hay fever? 

There is an increasing number of adults and children suffering from hay fever and its symptoms. Symptoms can sometimes be mild however some individuals can find it has a substantial impact on their day-to-day life – interfering with how well you perform at work or school.

Here’s what you can do to help make the most of spring and summer and minimise your symptoms.

Limit exposure to allergens

Stay indoors on high pollen days: Check daily pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high, typically on dry, windy days.

Close windows: To prevent pollen from entering your home or car, keep windows closed during pollen season and use air conditioning, if possible, which helps filter out pollen.

Use air purifiers: Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters in your home, especially in bedrooms, to remove pollen, dust, and other allergens from the air.

Personal hygiene and clothing

Pollen can accumulate on your clothing and hair, so it’s advisable to change clothes and take a shower after returning indoors to remove any allergens.

Wear sunglasses and a hat to help keep pollen out of your eyes and off your hair.

Wash bedding regularly using hot water weekly to remove allergens.

Manage indoor air quality  

Regularly vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner and dust with a damp cloth to reduce indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander, which can exacerbate hay fever symptoms.

Control humidity using dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity below 50% to help prevent the growth of mould, which can trigger symptoms.

Diet and medications

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin nasal secretions, making it easier to breathe, and relieve a stuffy nose and irritated throat. 

Regular use of a saline nasal spray can help rinse allergens out of your nasal passages and relieve congestion.

Antihistamines: These can help relieve sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and watery eyes by blocking histamine, the substance your body makes during an allergic reaction. 

Decongestants: These can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness but should not be used for more than a few days without consulting a doctor.

Nasal corticosteroids: These sprays help reduce nasal inflammation and are most effective when used before symptoms start and regularly during the allergy season.

Over the counter or prescribed medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays can help alleviate hay fever symptoms. Some possible side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.

While there are numerous over-the-counter options to help manage symptoms of hay fever, an increasing number of people are turning to natural remedies to avoid side effects and potential medication interactions.

Natruflex Turmeric

Natruflex Turmeric contains high-strength turmeric. It is the presence of the bioactive compounds known as curcuminoids which have been proven to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. 

Symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing, nasal congestions and sinus pressure are largely driven by inflammation caused by the immune system's response to allergens. Turmeric will help to mitigate this response by inhibiting certain pathways and enzymes in the body that lead to inflammation.

Natruflex Turmeric can be taken as a preventative therapy to stop the onset of symptoms as well as taken when symptoms are present to reduce their severity.

Adults and children (12+) can take ONE to TWO capsules daily depending on their symptoms. 

For optimal results, our pharmacists recommend taking 1 capsule of Natruflex Turmeric daily before hay fever season starts (March) and continue throughout spring/summer to keep symptoms well controlled. 

Gut Love

The gut microbiome, which is the ecosystem of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the digestive tract, plays a critical role in the development and function of the immune system.

As we now know, 70% of our immune system is located in the gut. It is therefore no surprise that a healthy gut microbiome will promote a balanced immune response, which can prevent overly aggressive reactions to non-harmful substances like pollen, thereby potentially reducing allergic responses.

Many factors can damage the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut such as stress, medications and illness. Gut Love contains 19 strains of healthy bacteria and will help to restore the balance of the gut microbiome.

Gut Love is our award-winning symbiotic supplement (containing pre and probiotics) that will help to support the gut microbiome and modulate our body’s immune responses by promoting tolerance to allergens and reducing the inflammatory response associated with hay fever.

Some studies have suggested that certain probiotics can reduce the symptoms of hay fever. For example, strains such as Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus fermentum, and others have shown potential in clinical trials to reduce eye and nasal symptoms of hay fever. Both of these strains can be found in Gut Love.

Our pharmacists recommend taking TWO capsules of Gut Love each morning with breakfast.

Rhinodoron 

Rhinodoron is a natural nasal spray by Weleda designed to help provide relief from symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion.

The organic aloe vera and natural saline solution perfectly match the body's balance of sodium and potassium salts. So being 100% natural means Rhinodoron can be used safely over protracted periods for daily nasal hygiene and symptom relief.

It is suitable to use from the age of 3 months +.

Be prepared this spring/summer and be proactive to help significantly reduce the impact of hay fever on your daily life, helping you to enjoy the outdoors more comfortably during allergy season.

Call our pharmacist if you have concerns

Our expert pharmacists are always on hand to answer any questions you might have and to make tailored recommendations based on your individual needs. Please contact us for free health advice on:

@: pharmacist@thenakedpharmacy.com
T: 01483 678 438

Dimple Varu

Dimple is a pharmacist with 12 years of experience working in retail and general practice and now specialises in providing education and advice on natural supplements.

She believes in the power of nature and using natural existing compounds to enhance our health, whether that’s treating pain or helping to prevent long-term conditions. Mum of 1, living a busy life, loves reading and baking when she has the time.

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/

An increase in fat around the waistline during our 40's is common even if there has been no change in your diet or lifestyle and can lead you to feeling frustrated that your previously successful weight-loss tactics are no longer effective.

However the good news is that our bodies undergo changes in hormone levels, muscle mass, etc. that require us to rethink our relationship with our diet, lifestyle, exercise and levels of stress.

Why does this happen in women? 

Oestrogen and Insulin