Latest news with #Holland&Barrett
Irish Examiner
40 minutes ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Natural Health: My nails keep breaking even though I have plenty of calcium in my diet
I'm in my 50s and have noticed my nails are breaking easily. I keep them cut short, which helps, but they still chip. I make sure to eat plenty of calcium in my diet — milk, yoghurt and cheese. Is there a supplement you could recommend? A. Changes to the nails can be for any number of reasons, from hormonal health through to the soap you use. Since you are in your 50s, there is a high probability that your hormones are a significant part of the equation. Autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, anaemia, nutrient deficiencies, and adrenal fatigue can also be factors in nails that break, flake, or chip easily. If you feel that any of these conditions might be at the root of your nail issues then it is a good idea to make an appointment with your health practitioner to assess and/or rule out these possibilities. Getting enough calcium in through your diet is a great start. Collagen is another useful nutritional boost that falls into the functional food category, providing your body with the building blocks it needs for strong and healthy nails. Marine collagen is the best choice for nail, hair, and skin health; whereas bovine collagen is typically recommended for joint, bone, and muscle repair. All you need to do is stir a heaped teaspoon into drinks, soups, casseroles, hot drinks, or smoothies. There is one supplement that I recommend to anybody dealing with brittle nails, and that is Biotin. All of the B-vitamins play a crucial role in nail strength and condition — but the water-soluble B-vitamin, biotin is my top choice when it comes to strengthening and repairing nails. A number of studies have been done using a daily biotin dose of 2.5mg over a period of around 5.5 months, resulting in a 25% increase in nail thickness and a consequential reduction of splitting and flaking. You can buy 1000ug (1mg) biotin supplements from Holland & Barrett, where 100 capsules cost €22.69. Take 2-3 tablets daily for 6 months for best results. Massage jojoba oil into your nails to nourish and repair from the outside. Getting healthy fats into your diet is also crucial, either by eating plenty of nuts, seeds, and oily fish or taking a good omega-3 supplement. The good news is that the side effect of any supplementation you use to help with your nails is that it will also improve the health of your skin and hair. Parts of my scalp have developed a thick, flaky crust. I've oily hair, which may be partly to blame. I've used anti-dandruff shampoo, but it hasn't made a difference. What would you suggest? A. This sounds very much like seborrheic dermatitis from your description. One of the most common forms of this dermatitis is the development of cradle cap in babies. Considered to be an eczema related condition, seborrheic dermatitis can also appear in patches around the face, eyes, and neck, as well as behind the ears. Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be associated with overproduction of the yeast, Pityrosporum ovale, which is naturally present on the scalp and linked with most dandruff and flaking or scaling scalp conditions. An overgrowth of Pityrosporum ovale leads to an imbalance in scalp flora, which can then trigger an overproduction of oil from the sebaceous glands. This often leads to washing your hair more frequently, making the flaking and itching even more pronounced. The skin also produces excess oils as a response to the skin being dried out, which is why it can be linked with a reaction to detergents and personal care products. Choose products that are as natural as possible, organic if you can, and opt for fragrance-free. Crusting and flaking scalp often means that you are low in essential fatty acids (EFAs). Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), borage, and hempseed are all wonderful sources of EFAs for both internal and external use. Use a small amount of oil and massage gently into your scalp every evening before bed. This might seem counter-intuitive when you are already dealing with excessive oil production, but it is more likely to signal that your skin no longer needs to do this. As a side note, you might want to have 'sacrificial' pillowslips as the oil will likely stain your linen.
Metro
a day ago
- Health
- Metro
Why women are way more tired than men right now
Link is copied Comments We've heard of the gender pay gap. But did you know there's an energy gap, too? That's according to new research by Holland & Barrett, which revealed that 52% of women feel too tired to complete household chores, compared to just 35% of men. In addition, the study also found that the UK as a whole is pretty much exhausted: 72% of us don't have the energy to get through the day, while 42% of us admit to eating our way through tiredness for a quick sugar lift (Picture: Getty Images) To understand this energy gap — and why it exists — Metro spoke to Emily Foster, Holland & Barrett sport nutritionist. She explains that a complex mix of biology, lifestyle, and social expectations can be attributed to why women report feeling more tired than men. Foster also shares symptoms of energy loss and tips on how to close this gap once and for all (Picture: Getty Images) 'Biologically, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle play a significant role in energy levels,' says Foster. For example, lower hormone levels during menstruation can cause fatigue and disrupt sleep. Oestrogen dips, especially in the luteal phase, often bring PMS symptoms, including low energy. 'Pregnancy and postpartum are also physically demanding periods marked by significant hormonal shifts, while menopause brings further fatigue due to hormone changes, poor sleep, and mood changes,' the expert adds. On top of this, Foster says that, comparably with men, many women face underdiagnosed health issues such as anaemia, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune conditions like lupus and fibromyalgia. All of these can cause chronic fatigue (Picture: Getty Images) 'Low energy can manifest in multiple ways — physically, mentally, and socially,' notes Foster. In terms of the former, this can manifest as constant tiredness despite adequate sleep, heavy limbs, and reduced stamina for everyday activities. Mentally, she says you might notice slower reactions, from difficulty focusing to forgetfulness. 'These are all signs that your brain isn't functioning at its optimal energy level.' Feeling irritable or emotionally overwhelmed during social situations? Or, feel like you want to withdraw from interactions completely? Foster says that while we can all relate to cancelling social plans and skipping the gym when tired, a consistent lack of energy, which impacts general wellbeing and lifestyle, does need addressing (Picture: Getty Images) 'Feeling chronically tired is your body's way of asking for better support,' Foster says, adding that better hydration, regular movement and enough quality sleep are crucial, but nutrition also plays a central role in sustaining energy throughout the day.' Case in point: Further Holland & Barrett research found that 29% of people rely on coffee for energy. 'While caffeine offers a quick boost, sustainable energy comes from nutrient-dense, balanced meals,' stresses the expert. Here are Foster's top tips on how to close the energy gap... (Picture: Getty Images) 'Even mild dehydration can sap your energy,' says Foster. If you're planning a workout, she advises drinking water before, during, and after workouts. 'For sessions over an hour or in hot weather, consider adding electrolytes to replace minerals lost through sweat,' she adds. Similarly, if you're not planning on exercising, drinking enough water is key for sustaining energy levels. The NHS says 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day is enough (Picture: Getty Images) 'Food provides energy through molecules like glucose, which are primarily sourced from macronutrients.' Foster says these usually come from carbohydrates, a small amount from fats, and protein. 'But micronutrients — like B vitamins and amino acids — also contribute to energy production,' she adds. Additionally, the amount of energy in food is measured in calories (kcal); however, it's not as simple as eating lots of high-calorie foods to boost energy levels, she explains. 'Instead, we need to consider if we're eating sustainable sources of energy — including foods like fibre, healthy fats, protein and unrefined carbohydrates to give the body a steady source of energy over a longer period' (Picture: Getty Images) Foster also states that regularly eating small meals and snacks may help to keep your energy up. Some research suggests that eating four to six small meals daily, including healthy snacks, can help to keep your blood glucose steady. But, if you prefer to have fewer meals, she recommends incorporating more healthy snacks into your day for an energy boost. And, rather than loading up on sugary snacks, focus on slow-release energy from whole foods. Examples of these include... (Picture: Getty Images) • Chia seeds: 'High in protein, healthy fats, and fibre, they support stable energy levels,' Foster says. She adds that because seeds contain protein and fibre, they're key for slower digestion and 'crucially' a slower release of energy. Foster recommends mixing chia seeds with fruit and yoghurt to make a balanced, energy-boosting snack. • Almonds: These are rich in B2 (riboflavin), copper, and manganese, which are vital for energy production. • Fruits: Bananas are highly advised for boosting energy levels, as they're packed full of energy-rich carbohydrates. Apples and strawberries are great too, as they contain natural sugars and are high in fibre. 'This means the energy that apples provide is of the longer-lasting sort, therefore you won't experience a crash,' Foster concludes (Picture: Getty Images) Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I had a spoon of Manuka Honey every day to help with hayfever - the results shocked me'
There are claims that Manuka honey and its antimicrobial MGO can help ease the symptoms of hayfever, but does it work? Editor Harriet Morphy-Morris tested it for 11 days A blocked nose, headache and itchy eyes that swell in the morning - like millions of people in the UK - I struggle with these hayfever symptoms in the spring and summer. To see if it was possible to ease my symptoms, I tested out the Manuka honey theory. Dubbed a solution to 'help fight allergies and hay fever', Manuka honey is being explored as a potential relief for symptoms. Although not a straight cure, the natural product is filled with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are said to help sufferers with their symptoms. But how much relief does it give? Intrigued by the growing attention, I tried it out for myself. Taking a teaspoon of Manuka Doctor MGO honey every morning for 11 days - and I've been left shocked by some of the relief I've felt. Currently offering a discount in its 'summer wellness sale', Manuka Doctor has cut its honey price by as much as 65%. For those like me looking to try and relieve their symptoms this is a chance to get it for less. I tried three different strengths of honey - a simple multifloral of 70 MGO, a premium quality 540 MGO one and a 1000 MGO Max Strength one. On sale as we speak, the 55 MGO honey is reduced from £34 to £11.60. For a max strength and boosted chance to help with symptoms, the higher 640 MGO manuka honey is now £40.60 instead of its usual £116 price. It's not only honey, Manuka Doctor also offers Allergy Relief Supplements for a much cheaper price - £6.30 for 30 capsules. Now, I haven't tried these out for myself, but they could be an alternative for those who don't like the taste of honey but still want the benefits. The honey brand I used: Manuka Doctor Harvested in New Zealand, their bee hives are lab-checked to meet standards and certified for hive-to-home use. The brand is reportedly backed by experts, including health professionals and doctors, including ITV 's Dr Hilary Jones MBE. The key part of this is MGO—or methylglyoxal. Without going into too much scientific waffle, the molecule is vital in helping the body's natural healing process and regulating its immune response. Of course, it's not the only brand around. Holland & Barrett offers 70 MGO honey for £22.49. LookFantastic also offers a 'Manuka Honey Blend' with 30+ MGO for £9.50. Four ways I added Manuka Honey to my daily diet I took a teaspoon of the strongest 1000 MGO honey each morning, this way I kept it consistent and made sure I was having the same strength each day. But I did add in other doses with my meals. My next favourite way of having it was for breakfast, drizzled over a yoghurt bowl or blitzed up in a smoothie. The latter was a simple way to mask the taste for those not keen on the flavour. It was also simple to do during my lunches and dinners. Three or four times, I added a teaspoon of honey to homemade salad dressings. Keen cooks out there could also use it in a meat marinade. One of my favourite dishes was halloumi hot honey, to which I just added some chilli flakes. How long did it take to feel hayfever relief? At time of writing I've been having helpings of Manuka honey for 11 days straight. I started on July 13 and have consistently taken a spoonful of honey each morning (some neat, others added into my breakfast or morning cuppa). By day eight, I could confidently say that I'd felt some relief in my hayfever symptoms, my itchy eyes had reduced, and I was sneezing less. The most improvement, which I started to feel on day three, was with my throat. Dry and inflamed, hay fever has always given me a sore throat, but trialling the manuka honey has definitely helped. As well as the high MGO contents - I think that this is likely down to the simple fact that honey is soothing, and even shop-bought honey is a popular remedy for colds - like hot honey and lemon tea. Is Manuka Honey enough to help ease Hayfever symptoms? After 11 days, I have felt a huge lift in my symptoms. Mainly, the lack of blocked nose, itchy eyes, and sore throat. All of which have nearly disappeared. However, it has not helped the skin symptoms I get with hayfever at all - which is puffiness around the eyes and rash. Another thing I noticed is the taste of stronger MGO honey is so different to the sickly sweet supermarket honey I am used to - the taste took getting used to. This is where I agree that Manuka honey shouldn't be seen as a cure but rather something to try to help ease the symtoms. And going forward I will start taking an antihistamine daily to help - like Allevia which is available at Amazon for £7.59 (please consult with your doctor first).
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
TRNSMT goers urged to pack one item this weekend to stay hydrated in 29C heatwave
This weekend is set to be scorcher and enjoying music is thirsty work Scots are set to sweat this weekend at TRNSMT, as 150,000 revellers descend on Glasgow Green in a 29C heatwave hotter than Tenerife. But although many festival-goers will be glad of the sun, it's important to stay safe throughout the festival that lasts from July 11 until July 13. Drinking alcohol dehydrates your body, and boozing combined with searing heat can be a dangerous combination that could lead to heat stroke. So, while you're watching 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro or Snow Patrol this weekend with a few drinks, you need to be keeping yourself hydrated as well. With this in mind, Nick Hird, hydration expert at Vidrate, has shared his advice on how to stay hydrated when drinking alcohol during TRNSMT. Here is his expert advice. How to stay hydrated at TRNSMT Drink electrolytes Nick says: 'One way you can help to lessen the effects of dehydration from drinking alcohol is to supplement your consumption of alcohol with electrolyte powders. "When you lose fluids from drinking alcohol, you also lose electrolytes so replenishing them helps your body retain water more effectively." The expert recommends drinking an electrolyte sachet in water before having alcohol to pre-hydrate and help mitigate the dehydrating effects of alcohol. He also advises having one before bed after boozing, or the next morning, to help replenish lost fluids and minerals such as potassium and sodium. Those shopping for affordable electrolyte powders ahead of this weekend may opt for this discounted pack of 16 sachets in lemon and lime flavour, currently £13.99 on Amazon for Prime Day. Alternatively, Holland & Barrett offers a handy tube of zero sugar dissolving electrolyte tablets in lemon flavour for just a fiver. Alternate your drinks Nick explains: 'When drinking alcoholic drinks, there is a hack that can help prevent you from becoming dehydrated known as 'Zebra striping'. 'Zebra striping refers to drinking one glass of water, or another non-alcoholic drink, for every alcoholic drink that you consume. "This means that whilst the alcohol is having dehydrating effects, the water helps to prevent this from being too severe, helping you to remain hydrated and hopefully help with the hangover the next day too.' Sip water, but don't chug Nick shares: 'If you feel dehydrated, you likely just want to drink large volumes of water really quickly to help you stop feeling the effect of dehydration. "However, drinking large volumes of water in a short amount of time can actually be detrimental and cause you other problems, such as inducing nausea and even vomiting in some cases, due to the levels of sodium in your system diluting down to dangerous levels. 'Alternatively, it is best to sip on water over a longer period of time to prevent your sodium levels from diluting.' While metal or hard plastic bottles are on the list of forbidden items for TRNSMT, festival goers are allowed to bring in a collapsible bottle that hold 500ml of water or less. If you don't already have one, some cheap options are available, such as this one from Amazon, which currently retails at a discounted £8.39 Alternatively, this Decathlon option from Argos is available for £12. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
South Wales Argus
01-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Should I take Vitamin D in the summer? All you need to know
However, some people might wonder if they may need to take supplements during the summer months. The vitamin helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. In the winter months, when there is less sunlight, people are encouraged to take Vitamin D supplements so that they can continue to get a healthy dose. During the summer months, there is usually more sunlight for people to absorb, but the question about supplements might still be in the minds of some. Do I need to take Vitamin D in the summer? The health food chain Holland & Barrett explains that Vitamin D supplements may be needed in the summer, depending on what a person's lifestyle is like. They said: "If you spend time outside in the sun every day without SPF or covering up too much of your skin, you'll probably be ok. "The same goes for people who eat a lot of vitamin D-rich foods like red meat, whole eggs, oily fish and fortified juice/plant milk or breakfast cereals." Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body (Image: Getty Images) People need a daily dose of Vitamin D, so it can be necessary if you haven't been out in the sun during the day. Holland & Barrett added: "It's all too easy to go a day here and there without getting some decent sunlight or eating foods with vitamin D during our delightful British summers, so a supplement can be considered a 'fail-safe' option." How much sunlight do you need to create Vitamin D? The NHS does not know exactly how long you need to spend in sunlight to make enough Vitamin D. Holland & Barrett said: "During April all the way up to the end of September, they recommend going out in the sun for short periods (around 5-30 minutes) with no sunscreen on, and forearms, hands and lower legs exposed.6 "The optimum time for good sunlight is considered somewhere between 11am and 3pm – or whenever the sun starts to shine through your window, begging you to get outside for a break!" Recommended reading: What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency? Symptoms that people need to look out for that could indicate Vitamin D deficiency include: Fatigue Bone pain or achiness Hair loss Muscle weakness Loss of appetite Getting sick more easily Pale skin To help recover from this, take a daily Vitamin D supplement, eat foods rich in the nutrient or spend some time in direct sunlight.
