Free hack helps boost plant growth in your garden – all you need is a popular pet item
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.
An expert has revealed the bizarre way your pet could boost plant growth
GROWING UP Free hack helps boost plant growth in your garden – all you need is a popular pet item
THIS bizarre trick involving a free pet item could be used to boost your garden's growth, according to an expert.
Using leftover aquarium water could help your garden health and boost plant growth.
Advertisement
6
Aquarium water contains bacteria beneficial to plants
Credit: Getty
6
Using leftover aquarium water on plants could improve their overall health
Credit: Getty
An expert revealed the bizarre trick among a list of fifteen other ways to boost your garden health.
Leftover waste bacteria in aquarium water is harmful to fish but very beneficial to plants.
Experts recommend using only leftover fresh aquarium water with saltwater presenting a danger to your plants.
Pouring the aquarium water out onto plants can give them a boost in nutrients and health.
Advertisement
But experts have warned to only use the trick on ornamental plants, not edible ones.
Using old aquarium water rather than fresh tap water will help improve overall plant health.
6
Experts warned only to use fresh water
Credit: Getty
6
The bacteria can be harmful for fish
Credit: Getty
Advertisement
The bacteria leftover and nutrients leftover in the water can provide a boost in vitality for your greenery.
Other bizarre tricks to help boost plant health were recommended by the expert.
Using Club Soda instead of water can allegedly improve plant health with the beverage boasting macronutrients that are beneficial for greenery.
Wood ash, with its high alkaline content, has also been recommended.
Advertisement
Spreading the ash could help to neutralise acidic soil making a friendlier environment for your plants to thrive in.
6
6
Other bizarre tricks to boost plant health were recommended by experts
Credit: Getty
Old coffee grounds and egg shells could also be used to boost soil and plant health.
Advertisement
Both waste products contain high amounts of vital nutrients like calcium that can help to boost your plants vibrancy.
Vegetable water, compost tea, dead leaves and aged cow manure all made the list as well.
They can each be used on soil to boost the nutrients that your plants get and improve their health.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Do vitamin gummies actually work and should you give them to your kids? We grilled experts and tested them to find out
Two thirds of us take some kind of daily supplement, many of them the chewy kind - and celebs like Kourtney Kardashian have their own brands - but do vitamin gummies really do anything to boost our health? CHEW IT OVER Do vitamin gummies actually work and should you give them to your kids? We grilled experts and tested them to find out THEY'RE sweet, brightly-coloured and come in every shape going - from teddy bears to stars and berries. But do vitamin gummies really do anything? Or are they just another gimmicky wellness product? Advertisement 10 Two thirds of people in the UK take some kind of daily supplement - but are they a waste of time? Credit: Getty 10 Celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian have released their own lines of vitamin gummies Credit: Lemme 10 Wellness queen Gwyneth Paltrow also sells supplements through Goop Credit: Getty Vitamin supplements have been around for decades, and the chewable kinds have been on pharmacy and supermarket shelves since the 1990s. They promise to give us more energy, better sleep, thicker hair, healthier skin, stronger nails, improved digestion and boosted immunity. Thanks to TikTok trends and influencer shoutouts, these daily chews have become must-have accessories. And brands are seriously cashing in - the UK vitamins and supplements market is said to be worth £520million. Advertisement READ MORE ON HEALTH HEART OF IT Lacking key vitamin in childhood may raise risk of heart disease in later life Celebs are also jumping on the gummy train, with many coming out with their own lines. Kourtney Kardashian, for example, created lemme gummies, which are advertised as doing everything from reducing stress to promoting vaginal freshness. And obviously you can't talk about supplements without naming wellness queen Gwyneth Paltrow, who has her own gummies through Goop. With such big-name backing, it's easy to forget boring old pills and assume gummies are the glam way to stay healthy - but is this backed by science? Advertisement Do we really need to take vitamin supplements? TWO thirds of people in the UK take some kind of vitamin, mineral or supplement every day, according to Mintel. 'But a lot of people take these, especially multivitamins, when they don't actually need to,' Bahee Van de Bor, registered paediatric dietitian, tells Sun Health. To supplement or not- The top 10 vitamins and minerals that are vital for health - and the best sources for each one 'The only exception is vitamin D, which is recommended for most people in the UK. 'If you're concerned there might be gaps in you or your child's diet, it's always worth looking at how your food choices could be improved first, ideally with the support of a registered dietitian.' Advertisement Dr Rachel Ward, NHS GP (@drrachelwardGP), adds: 'The best way to get the vitamins we need is through a healthy, balanced diet and this would always be the way I would advise people to stay well. 'However, if you feel this is not possible - if you're excluding certain foods, for example - then supplements can be helpful. 'An exception is vitamin D. We get very little of it in our diets and we produce most of it in our skin when it is exposed to sunlight. 'We know that, especially in winter, many people in the UK become deficient in vitamin D and the NHS recommends that everyone takes supplements during autumn and winter and those at risk take them all year round.' Advertisement 10 Kourtney's products claim to reduce stress and promote to vaginal freshness Credit: Instagram/@kourtneykardash 10 Experts say pills are better than gummies as they don't contain sugar or sweeteners Credit: Getty Do vitamin gummies work? 'AS long as the gummies provide the correct dose and the manufacturer routinely tests their levels, they can be just as effective as a vitamin or mineral supplement in powder, spray or liquid form,' Bahee says. 'Gummies are often developed for children with sensory feeding difficulties or picky eaters, who may be more likely to accept them over other formats. Advertisement 'If a supplement is genuinely needed, tablets or capsules are often preferable as they tend to contain fewer flavourings and other extras. 'Gummies, by design, usually require more ingredients like sugars, flavourings, gelling agents, and sometimes emulsifiers to achieve their chewy texture and appealing taste. 'I don't take gummies myself — I prefer a tablet or spray that I can swallow. 'These formats often contain fewer added ingredients, though checking the label for specifics is always important.' Advertisement How to choose a healthy supplement ONE of the biggest questions you might have is about sugar and artificial sweeteners. These gummies must contain more sugar than a pill, but is it something to be worried about? According to Bahee, context is everything. It's not just about what's in the gummy, but how often you're taking it and what your overall diet looks like. 'That said, if a gummy is the only form you or your child will consistently take, the good news is that the amount of additives, like emulsifiers, is generally very small,' she says. Advertisement 'There have been some studies in animals suggesting that high, repeated intake of certain emulsifiers, such as polysorbate 80 and carboxymethylcellulose, may alter gut bacteria or trigger inflammation in the gut. 'But these were at much higher doses than you'd find in a typical supplement, and we don't yet have strong evidence that this is a concern for humans at normal intake levels.' I did notice some health benefits. I slept like a baby and definitely had more energy! Lily Ruaah Dr Ward adds: 'Vitamin gummies are very varied in the supplements they contain and the added sugar and colourings and so on. 'Therefore buy them from a reputable pharmacy, who can advise which is best for your needs. Advertisement 'Always opt for the low sugar version, especially for children.' The top 10 vitamins and minerals Vitamin A - for vision and immune health in children and adults over 50+. B vitamins - for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Vitamin C - for the immune system, collagen production, and antioxidant function. Vitamin D - for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption. Vitamin E - to protect cells from damage and support immune function. Calcium - for bone health and muscle contraction. Zinc - for immune function, supports wound healing and DNA synthesis. Iron - for red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body. Magnesium - for muscle function, bone health, and energy production. Potassium - to regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. My test I'VE always been a die hard vitamin pill taker. Even when I was a kid, my parents would give me the edible teddy bear vitamins which, let's be honest, tasted like chalk. So I was keen to try something a bit tastier — enter gummies. Advertisement Vitamin gummies are all over my 'for you' page, as I'm sure they are for everyone on #WellnessTok, and I've been dying to try them. When I was thinking about what vitamin gummies to choose from, there were a number of key factors. I wanted something that would: Taste great Benefit my needs as a woman And not break the bank! Because of course, we'd all love to try the Kardashian gummies, but at $30 per bottle it's not the right option for everyone! After a little web browsing, I chose the Nutriburst Women's Multivitamin - a seemingly good all-rounder. Advertisement They're vegan, sugar free, gluten free, halal certified, kosher permitted, and have no artificial flavours or colours - so basically tick all the boxes! These gummies promise to boost energy, fight fatigue, support a woman's hormonal balance, strengthen bones and boost immunity. A lot of promises for a tiny little chew! Once I got my hands on a bottle (for £12.99 on Amazon), I could see exactly what's inside. 10 Sun writer Lily Ruaah tried taking a gummy multivitamin every day Credit: Lily Ruaah Advertisement 10 She chose one that was sugar-free, with no artificial flavours or colours Credit: Lily Ruaah 10 Lily had more energy and slept better as a result Credit: Lily Ruaah Stand out qualities for me? Alongside the usual vitamins and minerals, the gummies contain biotin and vitamin B12, both of which I usually have to take separately, even when using a multivitamin pill so that was a major win for me. However, I did notice they didn't contain any vitamin D - as experts suggest - so it meant I still had to buy vitamin D tablets, which was a shame. Advertisement Other than the absolutely aesthetic bottle, my first thoughts were: these taste great! I've had candy gummies in the past (not vitamin ones) and these taste even better than those. Move over Haribo, I'll have a Nutriburst gummy. The texture is good and they're not too sweet. You need to have two per day, and I'd happily have more. 10 Advertisement My verdict PERHAPS surprisingly, I did notice some health benefits. The best for me was sleeping better. I slept like a baby and definitely had more energy! I definitely fell asleep faster, which is something I usually struggle with. I also had more energy to exercise during the day. It was easier to get myself up and about - for swimming in particular - which can sometimes feel like a chore. Advertisement But I can't promise that wouldn't have happened with a vitamin pill, which feels like it can be better value for money — and like I'm having unnecessary sweets all day (sorry, teeth). Either way though, I think I'm going to stick with taking some kind of vitamin, especially vitamin D! 10 Advertisement
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Scotland to be hit with rare weather phenomenon ‘thunder fever' – and it's bad news for hay fever sufferers
Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg says this weekend's weather could be particularly bad for those with hay fever HIGH ALERT Scotland to be hit with rare weather phenomenon 'thunder fever' – and it's bad news for hay fever sufferers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS are bracing for thunderstorms this weekend but hayfever sufferers are in for a tough time as experts warn of a phenomenon called "thunder fever". Thunder, lightning and heavy downpours are forecast for tomorrow - with a yellow weather warning covering most of the country from midnight tonight until 6pm on Saturday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 This weekend's thunderstorms could cause a rare phenomenon called 'thunder fever' Credit: Getty And Scots should look out the antihistamines in advance as it can trigger "thunder fever". Scientists believe that during a thunderstorm, pollen grains absorb moisture and split into smaller fragments and create a "super pollen". Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg says this weekend's weather could be particularly bad for those with hay fever. He said: "Warm, sunny weather in June means higher pollen counts. Which is what we are seeing this week, with high pollen counts currently in south and central Scotland. "So there is more pollen in the air for hay fever sufferers to deal with. Everyone can tolerate a certain amount of pollen, known as the 'trigger level', but once this is reached symptoms start to occur. "So more pollen means that more people's hay fever will be triggered and symptoms will be worse for some.' While rain usually clears the air of pollen, thunderstorms can ironically exacerbate hay fever. Wiseberg says that no one is completely sure of how "thunder fever" works, but research suggests that the humidity breaks pollen into more allergenic particles. Storms can also bring pollen down from higher altitudes and whip up ground-level pollen. Wiseberg said: "There has been quite a lot of research and according to a report in The European Respiratory review, humidity breaks pollen grains into smaller allergenic particles. So one pollen grain becomes two, which instantly raises the pollen count. But these new pollen grains also turn into a kind of 'super pollen' which appears to be more allergenic than normal pollen, causing more severe reactions in sufferers. hayfever recommendations from a boots pharmacist 'Storms cause great movements in the air, both bringing pollen grains down which might have otherwise risen above head height out of harm's way, and whipping up pollen grains near the ground. "And don't think that living in the city will spare you from this either; the thunderstorm can pick all this pollen up and carry it for miles before dumping it at head height in the city." What is the best way of combating this? Wiseberg recommends preventing pollen entry by creating a physical barrier with an organic barrier. He said: "One of the best ways of dealing with the pollen is to prevent it getting into your body in the first place. "Creating a physical barrier to the pollen with an organic allergen barrier balm such as HayMax, around the nostrils and bones of the eyes, helps keep pollen out. "HayMax has been proven to trap over a third of pollen particles before they enter the body." Don't double up the dose of your antihistamines Wiseberg advises against taking two antihistaminesor two steroid nassal sprays together. He said: "There are rules: never take two antihistamines together, never take two steroid nasal sprays together, and consult your pharmacist or doctor about it if you are already taking another medication. "I suggest that your ideal Hay Fever First Aid Kit will consist of one or more natural products such as an allergen barrier balm to help keep the pollen out, only one antihistamine to help deal with symptoms, only one steroid nasal spray to help clear nasal symptoms and eye drops, to help reduce itchy, watering, swollen eyes.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
The truth about why weight loss jabs are failing to work for thousands of Brits
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WEIGHT loss jabs have been a godsend for people in the UK living with obesity. But despite 1.5 million people using the weight loss medication in a single month, many users say they haven't seen the expected results from GLP-1 treatments. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 While weight loss plateaus are common, there are reasons weight loss jabs may not be working, with fixable solutions Credit: Getty Weight loss plateaus are common, but in many cases, the reasons are identifiable and fixable. To help those facing this challenge, experts at ZAVA have broken down the most common reasons the weight loss injection Mounjaro may not be working as expected - and what you can do to get back on track. 1. Incorrect medicine Mounjaro's effectiveness often increases as you move up the dosage ladder. The medication is introduced to the body slowly (titration) to reduce side effects, eventually reaching maintenance doses of up to 15mg per week. If you're still on a lower dose or haven't advanced as recommended, your weight loss may be limited. Consistency is crucial. Skipping doses, delaying titration, or not following your provider's schedule can reduce the medication's impact. Many people don't feel the full effect until eight to 12 weeks in, so patience and adherence are key. You should give Mounjaro at least three months before judging its effectiveness. If you're experiencing side effects, it's absolutely fine to remain at a lower dose for longer. The experts advise stepping up more slowly if you're not tolerating side effects well - there's no need to push through discomfort. Women taking fat jabs need 'effective contraception' - as health chiefs warn of serious harm to unborn babies You can always increase the dose later once your body has adjusted. Comfort and tolerability are just as important as consistency for long-term success. Poor diet and lack of exercise While Mounjaro helps reduce appetite, it doesn't override the fundamental rule of weight loss: you must burn more calories than you consume. Even with a smaller appetite, eating more than your body needs will still cause progress to stall. To maintain an effective calorie deficit for weight loss, men are generally advised to consume around 1,900 calories per day (down from the typical 2,500), while women should aim for about 1,400 calories per day (down from around 2,000). Healthy diet tips: Be strict with calorie tracking until portion control becomes second nature Aim for a 600-calorie daily deficit to lose weight steadily Prioritise whole foods over high-sugar, high-fat processed options Follow a diet plan tailored to your needs, and explore healthy recipe ideas to stay on track The experts say to also remember that initial weight loss may come from water, especially if you've reduced salt or started exercising. As your body adjusts, weight loss may temporarily plateau or appear to reverse. Finally, stay hydrated and limit alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with your metabolism and reduce the effectiveness of Mounjaro. 3. Stress and sleep issues 3 Not getting enough sleep could act as a major weight loss blocker Credit: Getty Chronic stress and poor sleep are major weight loss blockers. Stress increases cortisol, a hormone linked to fat retention, especially around the abdomen. Sleep deprivation increases ghrelin (hunger hormone) and decreases leptin (fullness hormone), making you more likely to overeat and less likely to move. You're also more impulsive and less motivated when sleep-deprived, making it harder to stick to your diet and exercise routine. As a solution, the experts say to prioritise stress management techniques (like mindfulness or journaling), and aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. 4. Health conditions and medications Medical issues such as PCOS, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or insulin resistance can all interfere with weight loss. Similarly, certain medications (like antidepressants or steroids) may cause weight gain or inhibit fat loss. If weight loss stalls despite doing everything right, consult your GP to rule out or address any underlying conditions. If you have a known medical condition, it's important to stay up to date with your routine reviews and inform your GP or specialist about any weight loss treatments you're using. The experts advise regular follow-up helps ensure your treatment plan remains safe and effective. 5. Unrealistic expectations 3 It's important to remember weight is a long-term process Credit: Getty It's natural to hope for rapid results, especially with a promising medication like Mounjaro. But weight loss is a long-term process. Initial drops (often water weight) can be misleading. Progress will slow, and that's okay. Avoid comparing yourself to others or obsessively checking the scale, say the experts. Focus on consistency, not speed. Your journey is unique, and sustainable weight loss takes time. 6. Lack of support Motivation by itself often isn't enough. Without support from those who understand your goals, the journey can feel lonely and overwhelming. The experts recommend: Lean on friends and family who encourage you Join online communities or local support groups, including NHS-recommended programs Consider working with a dietitian or coach for personalised guidance and accountability How to boost weight loss on Mounjaro, according to a doctor Dr Crystal Wyllie, a qualified and UK registered doctor who is part of the clinical team at Asda Online Doctor by ZAVA, says while Mounjaro is an effective medication for weight loss, it's normal to encounter a plateau at some point. She advises: "To enhance your results, it's important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and aim to reach the appropriate maintenance dose, as higher doses are generally associated with greater benefits. "However, if you're experiencing side effects, it's perfectly acceptable to step up more slowly. "Your GP may recommend staying on a lower dose for longer until your body adjusts, comfort and tolerability should always guide the pace of titration." Beyond medication, factors like maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, managing stress, and getting enough sleep play a vital role in supporting your weight loss journey, says Dr Wyllie. She adds: "If progress stalls despite these efforts, consulting your healthcare provider is essential to evaluate your plan and make necessary adjustments." For individuals who find Mounjaro less effective or unsuitable, there are several other weight loss medications to consider. Dr Wyllie recommends: "Injectable options like Wegovy and Nevolat work similarly by curbing appetite, while oral medications such as Orlistat, Xenical, and the over-the-counter Alli provide different mechanisms to support weight loss. "Each treatment has unique advantages and considerations, so working closely with your doctor ensures you receive the safest and most personalised approach to achieve your goals.' Before beginning any weight loss treatment, please consult your GP or healthcare professional. These treatments may not be suitable for everyone.
