NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!

The New Year – a time for looking forward and making resolutions. Often the simplest ones are the easiest to keep. Here are a few ideas on a healthy lifestyle.

Eat Well
Have a good look at your diet. Are you living on sugar, alcohol, caffeine and bread? If so, you are providing an internal paradise for the unfriendly bacteria. Overindulgence on rich, fatty foods can put a real strain on the liver. Try adding a little more fresh fruit, vegetables and wholefoods to your weekly shop. Five a day really does help keep the body in tip top condition.

Drink Wisely
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of still water. 1.5 litres daily enables your kidneys to flush toxins through effectively and reduces the likelihood of fluid retention. Avoid drinking alcohol, fizzy pop or caffeine filled drinks like coffee. Try one of the wide variety of herbal teas if you enjoy hot drinks.

Relax
So many factors can contribute to the build-up of modern day stress and somehow the winter months seem to add to our woes.The central nervous system takes a great deal of the strain both physically and emotionally when pressures are building. Nature provides many herbs that work gently with your body to restore balance and do not have addictive qualities or unwanted side effects, herbs like Oats (Avena sativa), long known as a nerve tonic. When combined with Passiflora the complex offers a calming effect for those feeling nervy and wound-up.

Step Out
Exercise is of paramount importance these days as many people spend their working day sitting at a desk or in the car. Simple exercise will both improve your lung capacity and increase levels of 'happy chemicals' in your body. Exercise helps the flow of blood in the body – enhancing any detox programme.

Sleep Sound
Sleep is essential for mind and body. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person but one thing is certain – no matter what the age, poor quality or lack of sleep can result in emotional and physical problems. Valerian-Hops with its mild sedative action, helps to reduce restlessness, excitability and tension. It has been used for many years to help relieve stress and insomnia and works without the side effects of conventional medicine.