As commented in the review by Al-Naseem et al (2021), iron deficiency anaemia currently affects 1.2 billion people. However, iron deficiency without anaemia is at least twice as common. Signs and Symptoms of Anaemia Tiredness, pale skin, brain fog, hair loss, ridged or brittle nails, heavy menstrual loss, other blood loss, pregnant, achy and restless […]
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What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? As noted by Patel & Shackelford (2021), IBS is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, and disordered bowel habits. These typically present as constipation, diarrhoea, or a mix of constipation and diarrhoea, along with other complaints such as bloating, and distention brought on by […]
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Kefir for immunity & COVID protection What is kefir? Kefir is a probiotic drink, similar to a thin yoghurt. It is easily produced at home by milk fermentation with kefir grains; the starter culture is then used to produce kefir. Its nutritional composition can vary according to the milk composition, the microbiological composition of the […]
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History of honey Honey has been used by humans since Stone Age. Ancient populations, including the Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, Egyptians, Chinese and Mayans understood the medicinal use and nutritional properties of honey. They used honey for a variety of disease and conditions including infections, fatigue, constipation, worm infestation, ulcers, wounds, etc. Today, there are approximately […]
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The biological actions of vitamin D are carried out via the binding of vitamin D3 to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) (Ashcroft et al 2020). VDR is expressed in most cells, and may activate between 200 and 500 genes, many related to the immune system (Bergman 2021), including B and T lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and […]
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Historical use of Shiitake mushrooms Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are native to Asia where they have been cultivated for their culinary and medicinal value since the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), who developed methods for cultivating these mushrooms on logs (Jones 1995). In the countries of East Asia Shiitake mushrooms are still used as ‘Functional […]
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Historical use of olive leaf extract As noted by Şahin & Bilgin (2018), olive leaf was first used medicinally in ancient Egypt, and was the symbol of heavenly power. Egyptians used the oil extracted from olive leaf in mummification ceremonies. Olive tree leaves have been also widely used in traditional remedies in European and Mediterranean […]
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About propolis Propolis, or bee glue, is a mixture of substances used by bees to defend the hive. As noted in a review by Przybyłek & Karpiński (2019), propolis has significant antimicrobial properties against human pathogens; properties which have been known since antiquity. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians were aware of the healing properties […]
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Marvin is a 29-year old accountant with a very stressful job, working long hours and then commuting home on a train which is often packed with commuters. He suffers from chronic constipation which he manages by taking laxatives. He is aware that his constipation is exacerbated by his stress levels and lack of physical activity. […]
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Health benefits of eggs Eggs are an excellent food choice; they are a natural source of nutrients such as B vitamins (B2, B12, folic acid and choline), as well as fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and the mineral selenium. Eggs are also a good source of carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) which protect against […]
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