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Are you looking for something that satisfies your sweet tooth and yet is very good for the gut? You might want to try and make the below gummies. These have become by kids favourites and we make then weekly or bi-weekly basis and they have them as a starter snack before breakfast. I learnt about gelatine gummies from Sarah Wilson 'I Quit Sugar: Simplicious' book . Gummies are made of gelatine, which is a collagen powder made from the bones, skin and connective tissues of animals. Collagen makes up to almost one-third of all the protein in our bodies and if you don't get enough of it- it affects our gut, joints and our skin. Gelatine is also naturally occurring in bone broth. How should you buy and eat gelatine? It's important to buy gelatine from pasture-raised cows. The best gelatine comes as a powder and not sheets. Start with 1/2-1 tablespoon of gelatine a day and gradually increase to 3-4 tablespoons a day. As gelatine is a protein, it's important to consume it with fats to stimulate digestive juices and allow the body to use the protein properly. Get gelatine made from complete collagen, not collagen hydrolysate, to make the gummies. What are the health-benefits of gelatine? Helps with digestion, constipation and to heal gut lining by boosting acid production and restoring mucosal lining. Helps to lower joint pain and protects joints Reduces heartburn, ulcers and acid reflux by binding gut acids with the foods. Gelatine contains 8 amino acids, including (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, lysine). Helps your liver to detox and get rid of toxins by providing the amino acid glycine. Glycine can also help with anxiety. Improves your skin health Boosts metabolism and can therefore be used for weight loss. Reduces inflammation and can even help to heal small tears in the cartilage. Can also help with insomnia. If you take glycine before bed it can enhance your sleep quality, improve memory and reduce daytime sleepiness. How to make gelatine gummies? To make around 15 gummies, you can use the below basic recipe: 4 1/2 tablespoons of gelatine powder 1 1/2 cups chopped fruit or 1-1 1/2 cups (250-350 ml) of liquid You can sweeten the gummies with rice malt syrup or liquid stevia, but these are optional. Soak the gelatine in the 75ml (1/3 cups ) of cold water until dissolved. Let it stand for 5 minutes. Heat the liquid or fruit (and sweetener if added) in a saucepan almost till the boiling point and till the fruit has softened. Take the saucepan off the heat and add the 'bloomed' gelatine and stir until properly mixed. Use a blender to puree the mixture. You can then pour it into moulds (you can use any of your favourite moulds and even search for the gummy bears moulds if you like the shape of them) or a glass container. Cool a little bit and put in the fridge to set. If you used a glass container, then cut out squares. You can store the gummies in the airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I have also made the gummies, following the above recipe, with kiwi fruit and strawberries. But you can also make them using coconut milk and vanilla extract; with mango, coconut milk or cream, lime, and a pinch of cardamom; from peaches, kombucha and vanilla extract or with cherry juice, lemons and raw honey.

It must be ten years ago when I first read a book of essential oils. I learnt about the basics and used essential oils (lavender, tea tree, peppermint) here and there as natural remedies. Four years ago a friend of mine organised women's get-together and part of this event was for her friend in the US, an essential oil expert, to talk to us remotely about essential oils and how they had helped her and her family. Some of her stories, how essential oils can have powerful healing properties, were truly intriguing. I decided to buy myself a kit of good quality essential oils and a diffuser. I have never been the one who has wanted to take medicine for aches and antibiotics, unless I really have to and there is no other choice. My cures for pain have been rest, sleep, walking, drinking water and using essential oils. Until the late 1800s there was no division between plants and medicine - medicine only came from plants. It was only the early 1900s when synthetic chemicals were invented and where botanicals were divided off from pharmacology. Today the pharmaceutical industry is looking again towards botanicals and how can they use essential oil molecules as these oils are readily absorbed into the body and can quickly cross the blood-brain barrier. And because essential oils do not linger for long in the body, they are easy on the liver. Also inhaling aromatic molecules of essential oils elevates emotions and affects positively your nervous system. There is so much to talk and share about essential oils, but for most people the important first step is to do your homework before using any essential oil, as they need to be diluted, some of them are phototoxic and you really should know which ones can be ingested. Choose your essential oils carefully Not all essential oils are created equal. There are many companies out there who sell highly adulterated oils, which do not give you the expected and desired results and could even hurt you if they contain any chemicals or solvents that should not be added to essential oil. Don't fall in the trap of buying cheap essential oils. High-quality oils do cost quite a bit and there is a reason why the pure oils come in very small bottles (5-15ml bottles), you only need few drops to get the benefits of the oil. A 15ml bottle contains around 250 drops of essential oil. High-quality essential oil producers are paying a lot of attention to where the plants are grown from which they extract their oils. When you purchase the oils, know - where the oil is sourced by the company - is the harvesting done at peak times to ensure the best quality of the oil - is testing being done to ensure the purity and potency of the oil How to test the quality of an essential oil? Paper test- put a drop of essential oil on a piece of paper. Let it sit and evaporate for about one hour. If there is any residue or ring left behind on the piece of paper, you have an oil that's adulterated. Use this test for essential oils like Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon. This test won't work for essential oils like Patchouli, Rose, Vanilla, Jasmine as they need to be processed with solvents due to their delicate nature. Smell the oil for a clean scent, feel the oil, see if it absorbs quickly into your skin with carrier oil. What indicates that the company is producing high-quality essential oils? They display proper Latin names of the source plant on the bottle label. If carrier oil is used and if the oil is diluted, this should be listed. The bottle should have user guidelines, whether the oil is Aromatic (should only be used in a diffuser or inhaled), Topical (can be applied on the skin with a carrier oil), Internal (can be taken internally) Size of the bottle- as I wrote they come in 5-15ml bottles Bottle should be dark glass to protect from sun exposure, capped and fitted with a orifice reducer, that protects the oil from oxidation Essential oils from different plants are sold at different price levels as each oil requires different process of growing, harvesting and extracting as well as different amount of plant material to produce the oil Expiration date Potency of the oil- you shouldn't need to use more that a few drops to get the desired effect and result How to use Essential Oils? You can use essential oils aromatically, topically and internally. But do note, that not all oils can be used in all three ways- always check the label for usage. Aromatic usage This is the easiest way to use the oils- direct inhalation (from the bottle), indirect inhalation (applying few drops to a cotton ball or felt squares and putting them on a desired place to give aroma), diffusion (a small device that creates a fine airborne mist) or utilising steam (such as in the shower). Test whichever way works the best for you. Oils evaporate quickly and spread through an area, entering your lungs and your brain's olfactory system, where oils stimulate olfactory (smell) receptors. Mitral cells carry the output signals from the olfactory bulb to the limbic brain, which influences our emotions, hormonal balance, sleep, memory as well as to other areas of brain. Simple as that. Through smelling the oils, they also absorb into your bloodstream affecting the areas in need and also your endocrine system, which is responsible for our hormone production. Finally the oils are excreted from your body, through lungs, kidneys and skin pores after they have worked their magic on your body. Topical usage Applying essential oil mixed with a high quality carrier oil topically allows the chemical constituents to combine with the natural sebum of your skin and absorb quickly throughout your body from muscles, lymphatic system and bloodstream before being excreted. You also get the benefit of breathing the oils in while applying them. Internal usage Not all oils are recommended for internal consumption. And this should be done after careful homework and working with a healthcare provider. I have personally used internally only the oils that are clearly marked 'Used in the food' and these would be oils that come from fruits or spices, such as lemon, wild orange, lime, peppermint, clove, rosemary etc. I would put a few drops in the glass of water if I want a flavoured water or add a drop or two into my food when cooking.

Your intestines are lined with microvilli (small hairs), to increase the surface area for greater nutrient absorption. The space between the microvilli provide ideal environment for the gut bacteria to thrive. This bacteria in our gut secrete enzymes that we need for efficient digestion and for us to absorb the nutrients from the food we eat. These enzymes help us to break down proteins, fat, carbohydrates and greens. Bacteria extracts energy from undigested carbohydrates that ferment in the gut and some bacteria also produce vitamins and anti-inflammation compounds. There are more than 100 million neurons that weave between the muscle layers of our gut. It's roughly the same number of neurons in our brain. If you didn't know then almost 80 percent of the serotonin (feel-good hormone), which is involved in memory, learning, sleep, mood and other interactions in the body, is made my the neurons in your gut and transported to the brain. Your gut and your brain are in constant communication- sending and receiving information via vagus nerve (a communication channel that connects the brain to all organs in your body). The communication that travels between the gut and the brain is called the gut-brain axis. Gut-Brain Axis Over 90 percent of the nerve pulses in the vegas nerve that connects the brain with all your organs in the body, are communication from the gut to the brain. Bacteria in the gut uses the same vagus nerve to communicate with the brain. Gut neurons and gut bacteria actively interact between themselves and their interactions are very important for our health. Gut bacteria produce copies of important peptides that travel via the bloodstream to your brain. These peptides are responsible for altering our behaviour and our emotions. They make large quantities of molecular copies of serotonin, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and other neurotransmitters- our bodies rely on these bacteria and their secretions for our homeostasis. Low levels of GABA can result in anxiety, poor focus, issues with long-term memory. If you are severely short of GABA, it could add to ADHD and autism. Gut bacteria help to organise the human nervous system. A deficit can mean increase in stress hormones- which could contribute to onset of depression, addictive behaviours, seizures. In this article you can read how you can support your brain health through food as well as lower anxiety. Gut bacterial imbalance can affect many functions in our bodies and lead to chronic inflammation that can also lead to damage of the skin microbiome , which contributes to faster ageing.

I must confess, I am nuts about nuts and need to really hold myself back and not over-consume them. Sprouting nuts and seeds before eating is nothing new, it has been done in Europe and East Asia for thousands of years. Different forms of soaking, sprouting and also fermenting seeds has been done by almost every culture around the world. Nuts and seeds are very healthy and nutritious but only if your body absorbs those nutrients. We humans are not designed to break down anti-nutrients (phytic acid, lectins, tannins, polyphenols) from plant compounds that lock up or deplete minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. Phytic acid is present in nuts, seeds as well as in beans and grains- especially in the bran or the outer hull portion. Seeds and bran are the highest for phytates. Raw, unfermented cocoa beans and cocoa powder are also high in phytates. Research shows that you absorb around 60% more magnesium and 20% more zinc from your food when phytate is absent. In other words, if you remove phytates, you help increase vitamin and mineral absorption in your body. In a phytate rich diet, your body can suffer from the lack of calcium and phosphorus with poor bone growth, rickets, narrow jaws and tooth decay. You may also develop anemia and decreased mental functioning due to the lack of iron. It has also been shown that high amounts of phytic acid consumption decreases vitamin D stores. Phytase is the enzyme that neutralises phytic acid and liberates the phosphorus. This enzyme co-exists in plant foods that contain phytic acid. Unfortunately, most of us do not produce enough phytase to safely consume large quantities of high phytate foods on a regular basis. However, the probiotic lactobacilli, and other bacterial species of digestive microflora in your gut are able to produce phytase. People with healthy intestinal flora have an easier time digesting foods with phytic acid than those with unhealthy or unbalanced microflora. Another good reason why gut health is so important for your overall health. Soaking and sprouting seeds and nuts can significantly help to break down those anti-nutrients, making them more digestible and absorbable and so you get the nutrients from them such as protein, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, iron, B12. Nuts also have high amounts of enzyme inhibitors, which are useful to seeds and nuts because they prevent them from sprouting prematurely, but they can be very hard on your digestion. Soaking nuts will help neutralise these enzyme inhibitors, encourage the production of beneficial enzymes which also make nuts much easier to digest. Sprouting also activates phytase, therefore reducing phytic acid even more. Soaking Soaking is the process of putting nuts and seeds (or legumes) in warm water for a period of time. You must first soak before you can sprout. With all my nuts I buy them raw and in bulk (best if organic). I take big glass bowls for different nuts and soak them in warm water (where I also add a pinch of sea salt). Adding sea salt helps to neutralise the enzymes. After the soaking, I discard the water I soaked the nuts and seeds in and wash them once more, as that water contains anti-nutrients. I use the below guidelines in terms of time how long I soak the nuts. Macadamias- 2 hours Cashews- 2-4 hours Brazil nuts- 3 hours Walnuts- 4 hours Almonds- 8 hours Pecans- 6 hours Hazelnuts- 8 hours Pistachios (raw not salted)- 8 hours Pine nuts- 7 hours Pumpkin seeds- 7+ hours Sunflower seeds- 7 hours After soaking the nuts, I dry them with kitchen towel or kitchen paper and put in the oven to dry at max 65C (150F) for 6-8 hours. You can also use a dehydrator if you have one. Check if they are totally dry and crunchy. Beware that if nuts are not completely dry, they can develop mould. After they have cooled down, I put them in the freezer and take out a handful when needed. Sprouting Sprouting is used after soaking and it further enhances the digestibility of nuts, seeds and legumes. Sprouting makes them also more nutrient-dense. It's a matter of preference, but I prefer not to sprout my nuts and seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds (only soak and dehydrate them). Sprouts can be subject to contamination which can result in bacterial growth such as E. coli, leading to food-borne illnesses. You should always properly prepare the sprouts, properly store then and consume sprouts within a few days, fresh and straight out from your fridge. I do however sprout other seeds, such as broccoli and radish.

As I wrote in my previous post 'Which essential oils are calming and soothing for your body?' essential oils are divided into different groups, depending on their effect on the mind and body. If you are looking for essential oils that have grounding, balancing and renewing properties, then you should look at using any of the below (but not limited to only these). There are definitely many ways to blend essential oils, but will come back to it in the future post. Cedarwood Helps to ease tension, clear your mind and relax the body- so great to use at the end of intense working day or week. Enhances also concentration. For aromatic use diffuse 3-4 drops. You can also add other woody essential oil like Cypress or Clary Sage. For topical use mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and massage into tense areas in need on your body. Caution: Avoid using during pregnancy and breastfeeding Rosemary Improves focus and alertness, also aids with memory and concentration. Supports cognitive performance For aromatic use diffuse 3-4 drops. You can also inhale straight from the bottle if you want to get a quick brain boost. For topical use dilute 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and massage into your body. You can also take a bath, where you add Epsom salts along with 2 drops of Rosemary and 2 drops of Frankincense. Caution: Avoid using during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also if you are being treated for high blood pressure, bleeding disorders or epilepsy. Sandalwood Sandalwood is known to treat both physical and mental issues, including anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia, fatigue, liver problems, gallbladder problems, sore throat, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, diarrhoea, indigestion, low libido. It's often used also in spiritual practices as it maintains alertness and focus during meditation. For aromatic use diffuse 3-4 drops. For topical use dilute 1-2 drops with carrier oil of your choice. But please be weary as it is an intense oil. You can also add couple of drops to bath water for calming your mind and body. Caution: Sandalwood is safe when used for aromatherapy and occasional topical use. It can cause allergy in some people and prolonged excessive exposure to sandalwood fragrance can trigger high heart rate and blood pressure. Avoid using during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also if you are being treated for bleeding disorders or epilepsy. Thyme The terpenes that are found in thyme essential oil– thymol, carvacrol, cineol, linalool, camphor, and borneol - are known to have a wide variety of health benefits. When inhaling thyme essential oil or applying topically with carrier oil, it can help to lower your stress levels, balance hormones and improves overall energy. It boosts memory and increases concentration. It's antibacterial and can therefore used for coughs and respiratory infections. People, who have atopic dermatitis (eczema), this particular oil can relieve the symptoms (do not use it to treat eczema on kids). Thyme oil provide a purifying and cleansing effect on the skin and helps to heal surgical scars, acne, measles and sores. It can also help with hair loss, when massaged with a carrier oil into the scalp and also encourages new hair growth. Thyme oil is also a great mosquito repellent. The oil can be taken internally to support the immune system and can be added to food for flavour. For aromatic use diffuse 3-4 drops to increase blood circulation. For topical use dilute 1-2 drops with carrier oil and rub on your abdomen to relieve menstrual cramps. But please be weary as it is an intense oil. You can also add couple of drops to bath water for calming your mind and body. You can also add it to warm bath water or into hot water for steam inhalation. Safety and Caution: Dilute with carrier oil prior to topical application. If you are being treated for a blood-clotting disorder, then avoid this essential oil. Juniper Berry Grounds both the mind and the body, plus alleviates feelings of overwhelm and supports mind with focusing. Also helps with kidney and urinary tract healthy function. For aromatic use, diffuse 3-4 drops. Add couple of drops of Bergamot if you want to uplift your emotions. For topical use, dilute 1-2 drops with carrier oil, and massage on the tense muscles on your body. You can also then deeply inhale from your palms to get additional benefit. Vetiver Supports concentration and helps with mental performance. Helps to calm intense emotions and supports with immune system. For aromatic use, diffuse 3-4 drops. For topical use, dilute 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and massage into your body and good to also rub underneath your feet before bedtime.

Your body is smart and is all the time trying to find the balance and constantly healing itself where needed. Your role is to support it so it can do its job well. If your immune system is under-active, it can result in infections and tumours, and over-active immune system is linked to allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. So, what can you do boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in your body? Sleep It's important to prioritise sleep as it helps to fight the infections and restores the immune system and cellular structure. Aim to get 8h of sleep a night in a dark room and away from your electronic devices. Make sure you switch your phone on Airplane mode and ideally leave it out from your bedroom before going to bed- ideally this should be done couple of hours before actually going to bed to avoid exposure to blue light, which reduces the production of melatonin (hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle). I wear blue-light blocking glasses if I need to look at the screen after 9pm. Wash your hands regularly It is one of best ways to protect yourself from germs and pathogens. Use soap and water and wash your hands for 20-40 seconds at a time. Use alcohol based hand sanitiser if soap and water is not available. And avoid touching your face, especially nose, mouth and eyes with unwashed hands as these are the areas on your body, where the virus tends to sneak into your system. Eat immune-boosting nutrient-tense foods Eat all the colours of the rainbow- a variety of vegetables and fruits are key here. Include foods like garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potato, carrots, turmeric and berries that contain a lot of phytonutrients (blueberries, raspberries, sea buckthorn etc) . Consume organ meats, such as liver, as it is high in Vitamin A and C and known to support your immune system. Liver is also highest in iron from all the foods. Make sure you use different fresh or dried herbs that have strong immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory properties, like rosemary, thyme, cilantro, oregano and basil. Here is my blog post with a comprehensive list of immune boosting foods . Boost up your water intake and stay hydrated When you wake up in the morning, make sure you drink a big glass of water with a slice of lemon or a teaspoon of apple-cider vinegar. I also add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt into my morning water as well as during the night you loose water and minerals from your body and it's a great way to up those minerals in the morning. It's also great to drink in the morning freshly blended celery juice after you have had your morning water. Celery juice is known for cleansing the liver, lowering cholesterol, lowering blood-pressure, restores hydraulic acid in your gut, so you digest and absorb better nutrients from your food etc. Bone broth is one of the best foods to drink during the flu season and when your body needs to fight off viruses. It's great to use the home-made or store-bought broth as a basis for your soups. Drink dandelion tea or matcha green tea because of their high level of anti-oxidants. Avoid processed and added sugar Sugar as well as gluten and processed dairy are known to be inflammatory for your body. If you are looking to give your body the best tools to fight the virus, I advice you to stay away from sugar, gluten containing foods and processed dairy. But if you were to gut out anything and you know you are not gluten or dairy intolerant, I would advice to drop the sugar containing foods and any foods sweetened with artificial sweeteners. So which sugars and artificial sweeteners it's best to leave out from your diet: White and brown sugar (used in cookies, cakes, some breads) Syrups (corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, agave nectar, processed honey) Natural sweeteners (coconut sugar, maple sugar, corn sugar, cane juice crystals, beet sugar, concentrated fruit juice etc) Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, glucose, fructose, maltodextrin, maltose, dextrose, sucrose etc) So read your labels when you purchase packaged products . If there is more than 5g of sugar in a food product you buy, pass it on and you do your immune cells a favour. Supplements to consider to help your immune system preventively Vitamin C (helps to create white blood cells in your body). Vitamin D Zinc Selenium Magnesium Glycinate Methylated B-Vitamins Vitamin A Iron Echinacea Astralagus root Learn more about supplements here . Reduce your stress levels Stress suppresses your immune system. Lessen your worry and any panic where possible. Do whatever feels relaxing for you and that supports your body- a walk outside in the nature; a bath filled with Epson salts to increase magnesium and reduce muscle tension in your body; get a massage from your partner or from your children; a yoga or meditation session etc. Following essential oils also help to reduce stress levels: lavender, cedar-wood, clary sage, frankincense. In this article you can get more tips on how to support your body if you are experiencing high-stress levels . Essential oils for immune system Essential oils that help to boost your immunity include oregano, eucalyptus, frankincense, myrrh, peppermint, ginger, lemon and cinnamon. These essential oils effectively destroy different viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens. Because antibiotic resistance amongst humans is becoming such a major threat in our modern conventional health care, using these essential oils as a form of independent therapy can help to fight off bacterial infections in a more natural and safer way.  Exercise Make sure you get minimum half an hour walk in the fresh air outside to make sure your lymphatic system is flushing out all waste. Ideally you should do in addition a combination of strength training, cardio and yoga 3-4 times a week.

More and more people are suffering from allergies, whether they are seasonal or food allergies. This is quite a big topic, but I will try and summarise what I have learnt and what can you do today if you are suffering from any of these. What is an allergy and what are the symptoms? An allergy is your body's immune reaction where IgE antibodies get produced against a food or some substance in the environment, like pollen in the air. This triggers your body to release histamine from two immune cells, mast cells and basophils. This causes symptoms like: rashes hives itchy skin swelling (lips, eyes, ears, nasal tissues, face, tongue, throat) a burning or flushing sensation on the skin bloating and/or stomach pain diarrhoea sneezing ear pain coughing shortness of breath red, itchy, watery eyes runny nose or sinus congestion irritability fatigue In simple terms, allergies are disorders of the immune system, where your body over-reacts to harmless substances and produces antibodies to attack the substance. The reaction of allergy can be very dramatic (like anaphylaxis, where a person has difficulties breathing and the body can go into a complete shock) or they can be milder seasonal allergies. Nonetheless, people who suffer from any allergies, they know that it takes a toll on the body. What are common food allergies? Most common food allergies include wheat, dairy, peanut, tree nuts, eggs, shellfish and soybeans. Some of the other common allergies include allergies to: Citrus fruits Garlic Kiwi Yeast (fermented foods, wine, vinegar, cider, dried fruits, processed meat and fish, canned foods) Beef Some fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains are believed to promote common allergies, like allergies to latex, ragweed, birch, mugwort, grass, alder- as they carry similar proteins: Latex-allergy foods (apples, bananas, avocados, carrots, kiwi, celery, melons, papaya, strawberries, pineapple etc) Ragweed-pollen-allergy foods (bananas, melons, watermelons, cantaloupe, honeydew, cucumber, chamomile tea, pepper, squash, artichoke, zucchini, sunflower seeds) Birch-pollen-allergy foods (cherries, plums, peaches, pears, nectarines, apricots, bananas, figs, mango, avocado, strawberries, carrots, celery, parsley, till, tomato, cumin, pepper (green), cilantro, potato, fennel, hazelnuts, almond, walnut, peanut, wheat, soy, lentils, peas, beans) Mugwort-pollen allergy foods (carrots, celery, apples, kiwi, parsley, mango) Grass allergy foods (figs, kiwi, orange, melon, watermelon, potato, tomato, peanut) Alder allergy foods (strawberries, peaches, pears, cherries, apples, raspberries, parsley, celery, almond, walnut, hazelnut) How can you test for food allergy? You can have either blood test or skin test done to determine the allergic reactions. Most commonly known test, RAST, measures the presence of IgE antibodies in your blood against up to 160 different foods. Skin tests are considered more accurate, where small amounts of allergens are placed on the skin of your arms or back in a grid pattern after what skin is pricked with where allergens were placed. After some time skin is evaluated for different reactions like redness, hives, puffiness. If you have been diagnosed with food allergy to some food(s), you should avoid those foods completely from your diet. There are also food intolerances and food sensitivities but this I will cover in another post. What are seasonal allergies? Blooming trees in spring, grasses and weeds in summer all release pollen, which cause seasonal allergies in many people. And those seasonal allergies run from spring, through summer and to early autumn. Most common plants causing seasonal allergies in Europe include ragweed and mugwort. Certain foods can make your seasonal allergies worse and yearly pollen count increase due to climate change is not helping here either. Also if you have underlying medical conditions, like asthma, high-level of stress, these can put you at heightened risk for having seasonal allergies. A strong immune system is very important to fighting seasonal allergies. Is it possible for your allergies to diminish or even completely disappear over time? In children with food allergies, around 20% outgrow peanut allergy by age 8, 75% outgrow dairy allergy by age 3 , and 50% outgrow egg allergy by age 5. However if you develop allergies in your adulthood, the likelihood that they go away are lower, though there are no known studies done to prove this. With seasonal allergies, it could be that if you are suffering from allergy today but move to a different location with different type of flora, your allergy might go away. Learning from my closest family and friends experiences, in adults, with seasonal allergies, they don't really disappear. But you can do many things to keep your immune system strong and stress levels under control, so your reactions are not so severe. What is histamine sensitivity? Histamine sensitivity results when there is more histamine in your body than your body can handle. Histamine is a normal part of the diet in small amounts and a normal product of the bacteria in your gut. If you are healthy, histamine gets rapidly detoxified by your gut enzymes. But if you have histamine sensitivity, the production of histamine is either too high or the activity of the detoxifying enzymes in your gut too low. Histamine sensitivity can also be triggered if you have a thyroid condition or if you are taking thyroid hormone replacement drugs. There are also drugs that inhibit the activity of the main detoxifying enzyme, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, H2 blockers. Alcohol, especially red wine and beer contain a lot of histamine. Symptoms of histamine sensitivity are very similar those of allergies and the response is felt fairly quickly after consuming histamine-high foods. Here are just some of the foods that contain significant amounts of histamine: chocolate and cocoa, coffee, fermented dairy products, fermented cured meats, fish, alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, sherry, champagne), tomatoes, sauerkraut, kombucha, pork, fruits (avocados, bananas, grapes, oranges, pineapples, strawberries). How can you treat seasonal allergies naturally? It's important to note that over the counter pharmaceutical medications (anti-histamines, eye drops, skin creams) don't cure allergies- they only treat the symptoms and unfortunately cause many side-effects. What is important for you to understand is that when your immune system produces an allergic reaction to something, it’s because it senses that something is not right within your body. Instead of only addressing the symptoms of allergies, you need to uncover and understand the root cause for your allergy and build your own natural defence system. Your body needs to learn again to adapt to allergens. You can prepare yourself for the allergy season, by avoiding the below foods before and during the allergy season: Caffeine Alcohol Peanuts Sugar Deep dried foods Processed foods Wheat Soy Chocolate Conventional Dairy Artificial sweeteners Echinacea Shellfish Dried Fruits If you feel that you did much better with your seasonal allergy if you avoided the above foods, then why not extending it beyond the allergy season and see how you will be doing the next spring. People who know that they have ragweed allergy, should also avoid: Bananas Melons Sunflower Seeds Cucumbers Chamomile It's important to eat an anti-inflammatory, alkaline diet. What foods can help you during seasonal allergies (unless you are of course allergic to any of the below foods or you have histamine sensitivity): Raw local honey ( it relieves symptoms because it contains local pollen that is causing your allergies) Bone broth- rich in minerals and amino acids helping with healing the gut lining Probiotic rich foods - to help to repair your gut lining Hot and spicy foods (ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, wasabi) Pineapple (because of enzyme bromelaine and vitamin B and C) Apple cider vinegar Fresh green organic leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, romaine, rucola etc) Grass-fed meats Wild-caught fish Garlic ( a natural antibiotic that helps ward off viruses, infections, and allergies) Lemons and limes (for their detoxifying capabilities and vitamin C) Good hydration with clean water Green tea Supplements that help with seasonal allergies: Quercetin (stops the production and release of histamine). Great to start taking it before the allergy season starts. Foods such as broccoli and cauliflower, onions, green tea and citrus fruits also contain quercetin Spirulina (stops the release of histamine) Bromelain (helps to reduce swelling in your nose and sinuses) Zinc (helps to heal adrenal fatigue caused by high levels of stress, as stress worsens the symptoms of allergies) Stinging nettle (has both antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties Vitamin A (has antihistamine properties, boosts immune system and fights inflammation) Vitamin C (strengthens immune system) Vitamin D (to improve immune coordination in the body) Probiotics (for gut microbiome and immune function) A good tool to use during seasonal allergies is also a neti pot as it helps to clear your sinuses and to help to treat any upper respiratory conditions, including chronic and acute sinusitis, and also common cold. Make sure you use distilled water and not water from your tap in the neti pot. What essential oils work with seasonal allergies? There are two essential oils that are worth to try and incorporate in your daily life during seasonal allergies and these are eucalyptus and frankincense essential oils as they reduce inflammation and improve detoxification of bad bacteria, toxins and microorganism that can trigger allergy attack. You can diffuse them (one at a time), or mix them (one at a time) with a carrier oil and rub on your chest and behind your ears. There is definitely more to cover with this topic, but hopefully you find some help and guidance from above. If you ware looking to get support and guidance on how to improve your diet in order to lower inflammation in your body, to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms or allergic reactions to foods, don't hesitate to reach out to me for health coaching and nutrition counselling via e-mail at info@katrinpeo.com.

I have never been a coffee-drinker, though I like the smell of freshly grounded coffee. I have always preferred the flavour of teas and when I came across matcha tea (in Japanese 'ground tea') a few years ago, I really enjoyed it. Matcha tea is not your typical green tea- it has been used in Japan and China in tea ceremonies for many centuries and is also known for its cancer-fighting, fat-burning capabilities and as great enhancer of your body's detoxification systems. How is matcha tea grown? Matcha tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis,  an evergreen tea plant of the Theaceae plant family . All tea (except Rooibos and Honeybush (from South Africa) comes from this Camellia sinensis plant, but the different variations in colour and taste are the result of how it's being processed. The plants that are used to make matcha tea are kept in the shade for two weeks to increase the levels of chlorophyll before the leaves get picked. After harvesting, the tea leaves are steamed, dried and then ground into a fine powder. Unlike other types of teas, matcha contains the entire tea leaves, therefore providing a more concentrated source of nutrients. Matcha has also a strong and distinct flavour. Matcha’s strength is in its polyphenol compounds called catechins, a type of antioxidant which is also found in other superfoods like cocoa beans and other green tea. Catechins are thought to be even more powerful than both vitamins C and E in stopping oxidative damage to the cells. What makes matcha tea so beneficial for your health? The health benefits of matcha tea arrive for those who drink it regularly. Potential benefits range from increased weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, improved heart health and more. Helps with weight loss - s tudies have shown that matcha tea can help to i mprove metabolism and boost fat-burning to help enhance long-term weight loss. Reduces risk of heart disease and hypertension - because of its h igh levels of antioxidants and catechins, some research show that green tea may help reduce the risk of heart problems. Green tea consumption could help to lower your cholesterol levels and also reduce blood pressure to protect against heart disease. May help prevent cancer - studies have shown that matcha tea (and other green tea) consumption could potentially reduce the risk of cancer. Helps with exercise - matcha tea enhances endurance and can help to speed up muscle recovery in those athletes who focus on high-intensity workouts, like burst training. It also reverses cellular damage caused by oxidative stress (from too much exercise) and therefore preventing damage to the muscles and tissues. Relaxed alertness - thanks to the powerful combination of high levels of l -theanine ( an amino acid found naturally in teas from the Camellia sinensis plant) and caffeine. Due to the conditions in which it is grown, it’s estimated that matcha green tea may contain up to five times as much L-theanine than a regular green tea. By drinking matcha tea, you can increase levels of l-theanine and promote alpha waves, which lead to a state of relaxation but still allowing you to be alert. L-theanine also helps to increase levels of dopamine and GABA in the brain, which could benefit conditions like anxiety. Detoxifies the body - matcha’s rich green colour indicates that it's high in chlorophyll. As you know from biology lesson chlorophyll is a type of plant pigment responsible for the absorption of light in the process of photosynthesis, which creates energy. In addition to giving matcha its strong green colour, chlorophyll also helps in body detoxification promoting the elimination of unwanted toxins, chemicals and heavy metals. What should you look out for when purchasing matcha tea? Always check the ingredients label on the package and make sure it only contains matcha Although you may find matcha in tea bag form as well, keep in mind that then you won’t be consuming the whole leaf, so you lose out on benefits If possible opt for organic and non-GMO varieties Ceremonial-grade matcha is the best for making properly whisked tea while culinary-grade can be used to make tea, lattes, baked goods and also used in smoothies and ice cream Low price tag can often be a sign of a poor-quality product- so don't be cheap here. How to prepare your cup of matcha tea? Matcha tea is traditionally made in a very unique and specific fashion. Directions can vary, but here is one easy method for how to prepare matcha tea properly: Fill a kettle with fresh, filtered water and heat it to boiling point Fill a matcha bowl or a cup with hot water and then pour down the sink (this is to warm the bowl/cup) Add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to bowl or cup Add 60ml (2 ounces) of nearly boiled water Whisk (ideally with a bamboo brush which you can purchase often together with matcha tea) the powder and water briskly for a minute or two until it looks thick and frothy. Add 90 to 120ml (3 to 4 ounces) of water to the frothed tea and enjoy. Side effects of matcha tea Bear in mind that matcha green tea is higher in caffeine than other green teas due to the fact that it contains the entire leaf of the tea plant. However, it is still much lower in caffeine than coffee , with around 70 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Matcha green tea may not be the best choice if your body is sensitive to caffeine. It’s best to keep intake of the tea in moderation, consume it before 12am and definitely avoid around bedtime. Drinking green tea on an empty stomach can lead to stomach pain and nausea. Therefore it’s best to drink it after a meal, especially if you have any issues with acid reflux. If you have iron-deficiency, it’s important to know that green tea consumption can cause a decrease in the absorption of iron from the food you eat. Because of its caffeine content, it’s also not recommended for children or for those women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Finally, green tea can interact with some medications, so check with your health doctor before consuming matcha if you do take medications or have any ongoing health concerns. If you want to learn more about coffee, it's health benefits as well as why drinking too much of it is also not good from this article .

My son turned 13 today and one of his birthday wishes was to get blueberry muffins for breakfast. And since it's sometimes a struggle to get kids to eat the same food us as parents, I decided to create two versions of it- a healthy version and more child-friendly version. It took in total 45 minutes to bake the muffins. Almost all the muffins were eaten and since my sister asked if I can share a recipe, I thought I will share in the blog. You never know when any of you need an idea what to bake for your child's birthday or for any other occasion. Interestingly, children who ate also the healthier version of the muffin said it was very tasty. Blueberry muffins with wholewheat flour Makes 12 Ingredients 1 3/4 cups of wholewheat flour 1/2 tsp of baking soda 1 tsp if baking powder 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt 1/2 tsp of cinnamon (I use Ceylon) 1/3 cups of coconut oil 1/2 cup of raw honey or maple syrup or palm sugar 2 room temperature eggs 1 cup of plain Greek yoghurt 2 tsp of vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups of blueberries 1 tbsp of raw cane sugar for sprinkling on top Instructions Preheat the oven to 215C (400F). In one bowl whisk together first all the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon). In another bowl mix first together melted coconut oil and honey (or if you use maple syrup or palm sugar). Then beat in eggs and finally add Greek yoghurt and vanilla. Mix the wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Before you add blueberries into the mixture, put 1tsp of flour and mix into blueberries in a separate bowl. Very gently fold the blueberries into the batter. Grease the muffin tray and put the paper muffin liners into the tray. Then scoop the batter into the liners. Sprinkle the top of the muffins with raw cane sugar. Put in the oven and bake for 19 minutes until the muffins are golden brown. Cool them slightly before eating. You can also freeze the muffins. Blueberry muffins with almond flour and cassava flour Makes 12 Ingredients 1 cup of almond flour 1 cup of cassava flour 1/2 tsp of baking soda 1 tsp if baking powder 1tsp of fine sea salt 1tsp of cinnamon 2 tsp of cacao nibs 2 tsp of vanilla extract 4 tbsp of honey or maple syrup or palm sugar 1 cup of coconut milk (full-fat) 4 tbsp melted coconut oil 2 room temperature eggs 1 1/2 cups of blue berries Instructions Preheat the oven to 215C (400F). In one bigger bowl whisk first together all the dry ingredients (almond flour, cassava flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon). In another smaller bowl mix first together melted coconut oil and honey (or if you use maple syrup or palm sugar). Then beat in eggs and finally add coconut milk and vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix in the cacao nibs. Before you add blueberries into the mixture, put 1tsp of almond flour and mix into blueberries in a separate bowl. Fold the blueberries very gently into the batter. Grease the muffin tray and put the paper muffin liners into the muffin tray. Then scoop the batter into the muffin liners. Put muffins in the oven and bake for 19 minutes until they are golden brown. Cool them slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been a popular home remedy for various health issues. While some studies suggest potential benefits, it's important to approach these claims with caution due to limited scientific evidence.​ Potential Health Benefits: Blood Sugar Control :  Some research indicates that ACV may help lower blood sugar levels by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates. However, these effects are generally modest, and more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm these findings. If you do consume apple cider vinegar prior to a meal, put 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar into a big glass of water, drink with a straw and rinse your mouth with water after drinking to lower the acidity level in your mouth. Weight Management:  ACV has been associated with increased feelings of fullness, which might lead to reduced calorie intake. Nonetheless, the evidence supporting ACV's role in significant weight loss is not strong, and it should not be considered a primary weight loss strategy. ​ Antimicrobial Properties:  ACV possesses antimicrobial properties, which can help kill harmful bacteria. However, its effectiveness as a disinfectant or treatment for infections requires more research. ​ Uses and Considerations: Culinary Uses:  ACV is commonly used in salad dressings, marinades, and pickling due to its tangy flavour.​ This is how I like to use apple cider vinegar. Topical Applications:  Some people apply diluted ACV to the skin for conditions like acne or dandruff. However, undiluted ACV can cause skin irritation, so caution is advised. Safety and Side Effects: Digestive Issues:  Consuming ACV may cause or worsen indigestion in some individuals.​ Tooth Enamel Erosion:  The acetic acid in vinegar can erode tooth enamel over time. It's advisable to dilute ACV with water and rinse your mouth after consumption. ​ Medication Interactions:  ACV can interact with certain medications, including insulin and diuretics. Individuals on these medications should consult their healthcare provider before incorporating ACV into their routine.  How to make apple cider vinegar at home? It's very easy, but does require time, attention and patience. Take a 1.5L or 3L glass bottle. Cut the apples in half or quarters and remove the core, but keep the skin on. Then, chop them into 2-3cm thick pieces. Fill the bottle with apple pieces up to the neck. It's best to use organic, locally grown apples when they are in season. Next, fill the jar with filtered water. For a 1L jar, mix in 1 heaped tbsp of raw cane sugar, or 3 heaped tbsp of sugar for a 3L jar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar in the water with the apples. Cover the jar with a tea towel and secure it with a rubber band, or use a paper coffee filter with a rubber band. Place the jar on the counter, out of direct sunlight, and keep it at a temperature of 21-23°C. Every day for 2 weeks remove the cover and mix the apples in the water with a wooden stick or spoon. Stirring prevents mould. During this period, you'll observe the apples becoming more brown and the liquid turning cloudy. Small bubbles should form, and it will begin to have a slight smell of hard apple cider. A yellowish-white sediment may settle at the bottom, which is completely normal. However, any visible fuzzy green or white mould on the surface is not normal and should be discarded. After two weeks of daily stirring, it’s time to strain the apples from the liquid. To do this, place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl and slowly pour the contents of the crock through it. Cheesecloth or any suitable alternative will work as well. The strained apples can be composted. Transfer the liquid to a clean glass container of the appropriate size and cover it just as you did before. Store your covered crock in a cool, dark place for at least one month, or longer if desired. During this time, the bacteria will continue converting sugar or alcohol into acetic acid, gradually turning your apple cider into vinegar. The fermentation speed depends on the storage conditions and the type of apples used. You can let it ferment for 2 to 3 months before bottling. After the first month, taste your vinegar. If it’s tangy enough for your preference, proceed to the next step. If not, allow it to ferment longer. You can also use pH test strips to check acidity; finished apple cider vinegar should have a pH between 2 and 3. Note: During fermentation, a layer of SCOBY (similar to kombucha ) may form on top. This thin, smooth, off-white membrane is a combination of beneficial bacteria and yeast. It’s completely normal and harmless. You can discard it when you're ready to bottle the vinegar. Once your vinegar reaches the perfect fermentation level, transfer it to bottles with tight-fitting lids for storage. You can reuse old ACV bottles or opt for swing-top bottles. Since apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic, it doesn’t need to be refrigerated for safety. Store it in a cool, dark place. If you prefer, refrigerating some of your vinegar can help preserve its flavour by slowing down bacterial activity and preventing further fermentation. Many people enjoy their ACV chilled. Homemade apple cider vinegar will stay good for up to five years when stored at room temperature, though its best quality and flavour are usually within the first two years. I used apple cores left from chopping the apples and put them in a smaller jar to see how the vinegar comes out different. What to look out for when purchasing apple cider vinegar from a grocery store? When you purchase apple cider vinegar make sure you look for organic, raw (unprocessed and unheated) and unfiltered. The liquid should look murky as it should contain the 'mother' so you get the full benefits- it states on the product label 'with mother'. Conclusion: While apple cider vinegar may offer some health benefits, the current scientific evidence does not support many of the widespread claims. It's best used as a culinary ingredient rather than a health supplement. If you consider using ACV for health purposes, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your situation. If you want to embark on your own better health journey, if you want to improve your diet, do reach out to me for nutrition counselling and health coaching at info@katrinpeo.com . Resources: Vinegar supplementation lowers glucose and insulin responses and increases satiety after a bread meal in healthy subjects Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese Japanese subjects Effect of apple cider vinegar on delayed gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study Evidence That Daily Vinegar Ingestion May Contribute to Erosive Tooth Wear in Adults Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression Examination of the antiglycemic properties of vinegar in healthy adults Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study 6 Health benefits of apple cider vinegar

Magnesium deficiency is one of the main deficiencies in many adults, yet it's one of the top most important mineral for the body as its being used by more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. In this blog post I will cover, what are magnesium benefits for the body, how do you know you are deficient from it, from what foods can you get it and what type of magnesium supplement to choose depending on what you need bodily part or function needs more support. Why do you need magnesium? Magnesium is an essential mineral and an electrolyte and it's needed for: supporting function of your muscles, nerves and body tissue helping you to fall asleep and also treating insomnia regulating your blood pressure keeping your bones strong and helps to prevent osteoporosis neutralising your stomach acid helping to move stools through the intestine to prevent constipation increasing your energy levels and making sure you get enough oxygen into your body when exercising calming nerves and anxiety as not enough magnesium in the body can raise your cortisol levels managing depression supporting treatment of asthma symptoms regulating levels of potassium and calcium, where magnesium transports calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes (important for bones) prevention of migraine headaches libido and fertility protecting your body from onslaught of toxins and free radicals Your kidneys control the levels of magnesium and excrete it into the urine. As the body uses magnesium every day for normal functions like muscle movement, heartbeat, hormone production, we can easily become depleted if we don't focus on making sure we receive it from the food we eat. Magnesium is naturally present in several foods, synthetically added to some food products, and available in supplement form. It’s also found in some of the over-the-counter medicines, such as laxatives and antacids. Why do we get depleted of magnesium? Digestive disorders that cause malabsorption of magnesium and other types of minerals in your gut Depleted soil (less minerals) High rates of antibiotic use and use of other prescription drugs If you have issues with liver, kidneys, experience frequent vomiting or have had heart failure Eating highly processed foods Certain medications like proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux (Nexium, Zantac, Prilosec etc), statins, blood pressure medications, diuretics etc. How do you know you are deficient of magnesium? Some of the symptoms that occur when you are deficient: Muscle, weakness, aches and spasms Anxiety and mood swings Poor digestion Sleep problems and insomnia Restless leg syndrome High blood pressure and heart palpitations Kidney and liver issues Eclampsia and pre-eclampsia Tooth cavities Fungal infections and recurrent bacterial infections due to suppressed immune system Worsened PMS symptoms Nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin K2, calcium, potassium, vitamin B, as magnesium level of absorption is connected to the levels of these vitamins. Also high levels of vitamin D could lower magnesium stores in the body. How can you detect your current magnesium levels? It's difficult to assess your magnesium levels as most magnesium is inside your bones and cells and not in your blood. That's why hoping to get the a good understanding of your actual magnesium levels in your body from your blood does not work. There is no way of getting 100% accurate results, but th e most common method is by measuring serum magnesium concentrations in your blood or by measuring concentrations in your saliva and urine. How much magnesium do we need ? Even though compared to other nutrients we need magnesium in small amounts, we must replenish our magnesium stores on a regular basis- mainly from food, but also supplementing if and where needed (older adults, people under a lot of stress, athletes, people with previously mentioned health issues). The amount that's needed, really depends on the person, current state of health. It's not really possible to consume too much magnesium from food as what the body doesn’t need is flushed out in the urine. It is possible to overdose with supplements though it's rare- best to talk to your healthcare provider and to follow the guideline on the supplement bottle. Pull back by reducing the dose if you experience diarrhoea. Foods that contain magnesium I list here magnesium rich foods, sorting them from highest to lowest depending on the amount of magnesium you get from the specific food. A good guideline is that if a food contains dietary fibre, it also probably contains magnesium. Wheat bran Amaranth Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard) Sunflower seeds Legumes (black beans, mung beans) Mackerel Almonds Cashews Flaxseeds Dark chocolate Potatoes Pumpkin seeds Avocado Bananas Broccoli Brussels sprouts Magnesium supplements Magnesium supplements are available in different forms and their absorption rate and bioavailability differs. When purchasing magnesium supplements, make sure you choose the right one depending what your body needs at what stage or day of your life. Usually the ones that need to be dissolved in water are better absorbed in the gut. For constipation For constipation you need magnesium that does not absorb well in the body, which include: Magnesium Oxide- most poorly absorbed magnesium and therefore not good to use for magnesium deficiencies, but can be used for short-term of relief of heartburn, indigestion and constipation Magnesium Citrate- contains magnesium and citric acid (for short term use), easily absorbed by the body and good for constipation Magnesium Hydroxide The above magnesium supplements are great to take along when you travel and have long-haul flights to aid with digestion due to long hours of sitting. All of these can have laxative effect when taken in high doses so pull back when this occurs. For increasing your magnesium levels in the body and calming your nerves, plus have less laxative effects on the body Magnesium Glycinate (also called Magnesium Biglycinate, Magnesium Diglycinate)- easily absorbed, aids with sleep, leaky gut and great for nerve pain. Best for anyone with deficiency. Magnesium Chelate- found in the foods naturally and highly absorbable. It bounds to multiple amino acids. Magnesium Lactate- easily absorbed by the body and gentler on the digestive system that other types of magnesium, so good for those people who need to take larger doses. For muscle aches, spasms and pains, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia symptoms Magnesium Chloride- most bioavailable form of magnesium, typically found in sea water. You can get it in a capsule or tablet form, but also in oil form and apply on skin to relieve muscle soreness Magnesium Malate- contains magnesium and malic acid, which is a key component in energy production in the body. For brain health, memory, learning, sleep, brain injuries and ADD Magnesium L- Threonate (Magtein) or Magnesium Glycinate For cardiovascular health and energy production in the heart Magnesium Taurate and Magnesium Orotate- great to use with heart palpitations, high blood pressure, high blood sugar Epsom salt (also known as Magnesium Sulfate) A good way to get your magnesium levels up is to enjoy a bath with Epsom salt. Helps with sore and aching muscles and good for general detox of the body. The best time to take mineral supplements like magnesium is right before bed or have half a dose in the morning and half a dose in the evening. Here are a few magnesium supplements I have been recommended, have tried or what medicine practitioners, nutritionists, health experts recommend: - BioOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough - Biocare magnesium supplements - Puhtistamo Tripla magnesium - AvalonX Magnesium 8 If you are having digestive issues, health goals you want to reach, you want to improve your nutrition and you are looking for someone who can support and guide, don't hesitate to reach out to me for nutrition counselling and health coaching at info@katrinpeo.com .

I got my scoby from my mother three years ago and I have managed to keep it alive till today. I am consuming Kombucha on a regular basis, but more like once or twice a week not on a daily basis. I am sure majority of the people out there already know what is Kombucha, have tried it- some of them love it, some of them don't. It is a matter of taste, truly. In this blog, I will try and cover as much as possible all about Kombucha- it's health benefits, why you should be mindful not over-consuming it and how to make it. What is Kombucha? Known for over 2,000 years Kombucha is a fermented and cultured health drink. It's made from a bacterial culture, called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), that creates probiotics and enzymes , black tea and sugar. Chinese call it Immortal Health Elixir. Following the fermentation process, Kombucha turns into carbonated drink, which contains probiotics, enzymes, vinegar, B-vitamins and acid. The fermentation process also produces lactic acid, which gives Kombucha its distinctly sour taste What are the health benefits of Kombucha? Promotes digestive health- it has detoxification and cleansing properties as it contains glucaric acid, probiotics, enzymes and amino acids , which all help to increase your energy levels, help with both cleanse within the body and support your body's detoxification processes. As you hopefully have learnt from my other posts, probiotics are involved in everything from immune function, nutrient absorption to mental health. Great source of antioxidants as Kombucha is typically made with black tea (high in flavonoids) to promote immune support and fat loss. Glucaric acid is actually created during the process of fermentation. Good of your body's ph balance and joint health as it contains glucosamines and hyaluronic acid Supports mental health due to its content of B-vitamins (pyridoxine (B6), riboflavin (B2) , folate (B9), thiamine (B1), cobalamin (B12)) Fights bad bacteria as the live cultures in Kombucha can destroy bad bacteria that are responsible for infections in your body Supports the management of diabetes, liver and kidneys if you are consuming low-sugar varieties. How to make Kombucha at home? It's very easy to make it. On the photo I have a 3l jar, which typically lasts for me over a month. What you need: A glass jar A piece of cloth or coffee filter Rubber band 1 SCOBY disk- best source if you don't know if any of your friends have it, is to ask from your yoga teacher. It is possible to divide the SCOBY into smaller parts as it is layered and it produces baby SCOBY'S. But make sure it is given to you in a kombucha liquid as SCOBY requires it for fermentation (same as you make kefir over and over again, using a little bit from the previous batch to start the new kefir process again) 3l of filtered or distilled water 1/3 or 1/2 a cup of of organic raw cane sugar or raw honey 1 1/2 tsp of black tea (people do make it from green tea as well, but it's a matter of preference. I like it more with black tea than with green tea). 1 cup of pre-made kombucha Instructions: Bring water to boil and add sugar. Dissolve the sugar in the water Then add the black tea in a tea diffuser (make sure you use something you can close so the tea leaves don't leak into the liquid. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes. Remove the tea diffuser Let the liquid cool down to room temperature. Pour it into the jar Add the pre-made kombucha to the liquid Drop in thee SCOBY Cover it with a cloth or coffee filter and use a rubber band to close it. It's important that the air can pass through, therefore, don't use any thick cloth. Allow the final liquid to sit for 7-10 days in a warmer dark place. Depending whether you want more or less acid, you can start to consume it after 3-4 days or wait longer as then Kombucha becomes more acidy and develops also more taste. How much should you be drinking Kombucha to see the health benefits? Kombucha is fantastic for health if you consume it in moderation. Drinking it regularly is a great way of supporting your immune system on top of other things you do to keep your health strong. You don't need a lot to reap the benefits of Kombucha. If you haven't tried it before, I would start with couple of tablespoons every other day. I would not drink it more than half a glass a day and leave couple of days in between. It's best if you incorporate it as one of your sources of probiotics and opt for variety you get from different foods and drinks. Side Effects There are some kombucha precautions that you may want to consider. Be sure to use sterile equipment when making Kombucha at home and opt for high quality ingredients. Some people do experience allergic reactions, bloating, nausea when drinking Kombucha. Because Kombucha can be highly acidic, people with stomach ulcers, heartburn or generally sensitive to acidic foods should be cautious when consuming it. People who are histamine intolerant should be mindful when drinking Kombucha, as it is fermented and fermented foods in general are increasing the histamine release in the body. If you are suffering from candida overgrowth or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, it is better to avoid drinking Kombucha as the Kombucha does contain several strains of yeast. While some yeast are good for the body, others are not. And you don't know what yeast a particular Kombucha you are planning to drink contains. Note: If you are buying Kombucha from a store, do check the sugar content in the nutrition facts. Remember 4g is 1tsp of sugar.

Since I have been following a gluten, sugar and lactose free diet for years, I also tried to find banana bread recipe that worked for me. For me banana bread is something you don't need great baking skills, as it's pretty forgiving for bakers like me, who like to be be creative in the kitchen. I use different flours- almond, coconut, plantain, gluten-free oats blended fine depending on what's available at home and might also switch between different nuts, like walnuts, pecan nuts and sometimes add dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs of additional flavour. Below is the basic recipe I use. Gluten-free, refined sugar-free, lactose-free banana bread Ingredients 3 bananas (when typically I choose greener bananas when purchasing bananas due to their higher pre-biotic fibre, then for banana bread make sure you use the yellow and ripe ones as they give more juiciness to the bread). I smash 2 and keep one sliced for decoration. 3/4 cups (3oz) of almond flour 1/4 cups (3/4oz) of coconut flour 3/4 tsp of baking soda 1/2 tsp of cinnamon (I use Ceylon cinnamon) 2 tbsp of melted extra virgin coconut oil 3 eggs 1/4 cup (2 1/2oz) of honey or maple syrup (you can also do without as bananas give quite a bit of sweet taste to the bread 2 tsp of vanilla extract 1/2 cup (1 1/2oz) of walnuts Instructions Pre-heat your oven to 180C (350F) and use either a loaf tin lined with parchment paper or silicone loaf pan. Mix together all the dry ingredients: flour, soda, cinnamon. In another bowl mix together wet ingredients: mashed banana, eggs, coconut oil, vanilla and maple syrup or honey. Mix the wet ingredients into dry ingredients until a batter is formed. Lastly fold in slightly chopped walnuts Put the mixture into the lined baking tin or silicone loaf pan. Put the sliced bananas on top on the mixture, laid out. Bake the bread in the oven for 50 minutes. You can test with a toothpick at the end- if it comes out clean when inserted in the middle of the bread, it's ready. Cool down slightly and enjoy its own or with normal butter, cinnamon butter, smooth goat's cheese spread. You can also try this chocolate banana bread recipe .

Dry-brushing is something I had for the first time done to me now some years ago in a spa in Estonia. The therapist brushed through the whole body and then brushed chocolate mask allover me. I truly enjoyed the whole treatment and it left me feeling energised yet calm and with a soft and youthful skin. Dry-brushing has now turned into my daily 3 minute morning habit. Why dry-brushing is good for your health? It stimulates the lymphatic system As you know we have a lymphatic system (a network of delicate tubes) running throughout our body. Its main role is to manage fluid levels in your body, deal with cancel cells and other cells that could result in a disease, react to bacteria and absorb some of the fats in your diet from the intestine. In summary, lymphatic system role is to remove toxins from your body and prevent you from getting sick. If your skin has too many dead skin cells or toxins, it may not be able to eliminate waste from the body that easily. So one of the ways you can keep your lymphatic system working properly, is to practice dry-brushing. If your skin is healthy, it's easier for the body to release toxins. Removes dead skin When you are young, your skin renews itself. When you get older, it's good to support the process of removing the dead skin to have a healthier skin and fresher appearance. As skin is our largest organ, it's also one of the main area where we excrete toxins. Reduces cellulite on your body Dry-brushing helps to stimulate the cells underneath the skin and break down toxins. As you know cellulite is often caused by the fluid retention, lack of circulation in addition to increased body fat and by any hormonal imbalances. So brushing the skin will help to get the fluids moving. Unclogs clogged pores Your pores on your skin can get clogged fro all the different cosmetics, dead skin cells and pollutants from the air. Dry brushing will help to unclog the pores, so your skin can absorb more nutrients and is able to release the toxins more easily. Relives stress and rejuvenates nervous system As from my own experience, having the dry-brushing done on the body, it truly helps with lowering stress or any anxiety you might have. How to do dry-brushing? First of all get yourself a natural bristle brush (don't use anything synthetic). If you have the brush with a long handle, that will help you reach all areas on your body. Take off clothes and stand in the shower or in the bath so you won't dirty floors with dead dry falling skin. Always start at the bottom of your feet and move with soft motions towards your heart. Go over the whole body dry-brushing towards your heart. But don't also overdo it and press too hard so you don't end up damaging your skin. Be extra gentle on the sensitive areas of your body. Shower after dry-brushing. Wash your dry-brush regularly as well to remove any dead skin or essential oils if you use them (read below). If you want, you can also use essential oils when dry-brushing. Add a drop or two of the preferred essential oil on the brush before dry-brushing. Below are some suggestions, depending what you want to achieve. To support detox- melaleuca, lemon (with lemon, since it's photo-toxic, avoid sun-exposure 12-24h after using it on skin) For extra energy- cedar-wood, black pepper For stress and calmness- lavender, patchouli, wild orange For tones skin- rosemary, cypress, grapefruit (same as with lemon, avoid sun-exposure) You can also add a drop I hope that dry-brushing ends up on your daily self-care activity list, giving you that extra me time and time to care for your body. If you haven't tried tongue-scraping and oil pulling yet to improve your oral health, it's definitely worth trying it. Read more here about tongue scraping and oil pulling . If you want to explore more how you can support your health with good health habits or how to improve your nutrition, reach out to me for health and nutrition coaching at info@katrinpeo.com .

For me, autumn has always been the time when I draw my attention more to forest and to mushrooms- searching and picking them, then savouring them in a hearty mushroom soup, just frying mushrooms in a pan with butter, adding them to a shabu-shabu or pickling them for winter months. Over the years I have also discovered a wonderful world of medicinal mushrooms. What are medicinal mushrooms? Medicinal mushrooms are a specific type of fungi that are scientifically proven to have a wide range of health benefits in your body. While there are couple of thousands species of edible mushrooms in our forests, only a few have notable properties that categorise those mushrooms as 'medicinal'. Best known medicinal mushrooms Below are the most studied and potent medicinal mushrooms. Chaga mushroom Chaga mushrooms are known as 'The Gift from Heaven' by shamans in Siberia and they are growing on birch trees. Chaga has the ability to stimulate the immune response, thanks to its high melanin and betulinic acid content. It’s highly regarded by natural healers and is considered to be one of the most sacred medicinal substances there is. photo: Wikimedia Commons Chaga mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants- all good for heart health and longevity. One cup of Chaga mushrooms equals 0.4kg of carrots when it comes to antioxidants. Chaga mushrooms help to: reduce inflammation in the body and speed up recovery support health in a stressful times prevent skin, hair, eyes from ageing prematurely Chaga mushroom can be consumed as a tea where you simply add a teaspoon of Chaga mushroom powder to a cup of boiled water and mix it thoroughly. But you can also add it to your morning coffee. Cordyceps mushroom Cordyseps are considered as one of the superheroes in thee fungi world as they really help with many health challenges- energy, appetite, libido, stamina, sleeping. photo: Wikimedia Commons Cordyceps mushrooms increase endurance and cellular performance, which is why they are great for athletes- they also help to lower recovery times. They promote healthy adrenal glands and help with brain performance Lower LDL cholesterol Protect against premature ageing and illnesses as they neutralise free radicals Add Cordyseps mushrooms powder to a cup of boiled water to make a nutritious tea or add it to your morning coffee. Lion's Mane mushroom Lion's Mane mushrooms have been used several centuries by monks as they help with focus during meditation and improve general health. They also used to increase cognitive abilities and brain function in general. photo: Wikimedia Commons Lion's Mane mushroom: Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety Restores damage nerves and improves nerve health Protects stomach lining from damage and lowering your chance of developing stomach ulcers For consumption, it's best to add lion's mane to soups and stews and also make a cup of mushroom tea following the same principles as with the other medicinal mushrooms. Reishi mushroom Reishi mushroom, also known as the mushroom of immortality, is believed to nourish our spiritual essence of being. Reishi was originally used for its anti-aging properties and for its benefits on immune system. photo: Pixabay Reishi mushroom: Eases anxiety , reduces stress and calms the mind Improves your sleep, especially deep-sleep Improves skin appearance and health Lowers blood pressure Boosts immune health as is anti-inflammatory Fights allergies and asthma I drink Reishi tea in the evening before going to sleep, mixing it either into water or almond milk and adding some spices, such as cinnamon, cardamon, nutmeg, clove, ground ginger. But you can also add it to soups and broths. Shiitake mushroom Shiitake mushrooms, also known as 'Elixir of Life', are used often in Asian cuisine. They are full of beneficial vitamins, minerals and amino acids. photo: Pixabay Shiitake mushroom: Offers protection against inflammation in the body Helps with blood circulation and blood pressure Improves immune response Boosts brain function and overall energy Supports heart health Helps with liver detoxification You can use Shiitake mushrooms in a wide variety of ways in your kitchen to get the instant umami flavour for your food- in sauces, with scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables. But of course you can mix it into boiling water for a nice and earthy tea. Turkey Tail mushroom Known for being able to combat powerful pathogens, turkey tail has been used to cultivate a strong immune system. Turkey tail is also believed to enhance body's energy, improve bone health, boost digestive health. photo: Pixabay Turkey Tail mushroom: Decreases your chances of coming down with cold or flu Helps to grow healthy bacteria in your gut Assists in recovery from various types of cancers, such as breast cancer As with the other medicinal mushrooms, mix turkey tail with boiling water and enjoy as a tea. When to consume what medicinal mushroom for increased benefit for the body? Morning : take Lion's Mane or Chaga Afternoon : take Cordyceps for a boost in energy Evening : Reishi and Turkey Tail to calm the mind and the body Majority of the mushrooms are not meant to be eaten raw as us people don't have the enzymes necessary to digest them, so it's best if you fry them in a pan or cook them in a soup. Medicinal mushrooms are sold in powder, tincture or supplement form. Powders and tinctures are more concentrated, which means you need to use less to get the health benefits. I you are looking to improve your nutrition, or have any health goals you want to reach, don't hesitate to reach out to me for health and nutrition coaching at info@katrinpeo.com .

Stress is something that we all experience throughout our lives. Stress can be beneficial for the body, if it's 'good stress' meaning we are excited, our pulse quickens and hormones surge. Short-term stress is nothing to be concerned about. It's when the stress levels are high for a longer period of time- this is when it starts to affect your body. And when you do nothing about it, the stress can turn truly detrimental for your health, like contributing towards anxiety, heart disease, insomnia, leaky gut , adrenal fatigue and different autoimmune conditions . There are very crucial steps to take to lower your stress levels and below are most commonly gone wrong areas to start from (I know it's easier said than done, but take one step at a time): re-evaluate, reduce or eliminate the stressors in life (work, relationships with others and yourself, environment where you live) prioritise good sleep - a minimum 8 hours per night exercise as regular bodily movement is known to reduce stress re-look at your daily menu- eating clean and well-balanced meals has profound benefits for your health. If your body is inflamed because what you feed it ( high-sugar , artificial colours, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, too much gluten and dairy, alcohol etc), it will have a great impact on how you feel and also how capable you are handling stress There is a lot more that can be written about the different factors in life that affect the stress levels ( you can read more here ), but in this blog I want to focus on what are the best adaptogens to use for combating stress. What are adaptogens? They are plants and herbs that have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for helping the body react better to stress. Adaptogens help to balance both your body and support your adrenals, managing different kinds of stressors, such as physical, biological and chemical. Some adaptogens are used for enhancing mental performance, plus stimulating the body, while others are used for calming your body. Adaptogens can boost vitality and strength, help with adrenal fatigue , promote better sleep, but also treat other issues in the body. Adaptogenic herbs promote a more balanced response to on-going stress. They regulate the production of stress hormones in your body, which protects you against adrenal fatigue and HPA axis dysfunction.    Below are some of the best adaptogens to use as they have been studied for their positive effects on stress relief and adrenal balance. Ashwagandha (also known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry) calms the mind reduces inflammation lower blood pressure enhances the activity of immune cells relieves arthritis protects nerves improves thyroid function supports cancer treatment lowers cholesterol increases stamina and endurance source: Wikipedia Commons How to consume Ashwagandha? The taste of Ashwagandha is quite bitter, therefore many people prefer to take Ashawagandha in a supplement form. I have been consuming it in a powder form- adding it to warm drinks ( almond milk or coconut milk, with different spices) and adding a half a teaspoon of honey. But you can also add it to foods, like when you are making energy balls, smoothies etc. In order for Ashwagandha to have an effect, consume it for for 2 weeks or so. It's recommended to take breaks and not using Ashwagandha for long periods of time. Don't consume it, when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also don't consume it when you are taking any diabetes and blood pressure medications or if you have a surgery ahead that requires anaesthesia ( stop taking Ashwagandha at least 2 weeks before). Rhodiola lowers the secretion of cortisol during stressful periods increases energy increases concentration protects your heart lowers depression helps to burn fat fights insomnia cleans body source: Wikipedia Commons How to consume Rhodiola? Rhodiola is typically taken in a capsule or tincture form. You can also consume it in a powder form, by mixing it in the glass of water. Take Rhodiola around 15 minutes before your meal once a day. You can also add Rhodiola powder to a hot (not boiling) water and consume it as a tea. Liquorice Root helps with acid reflux and heartburn helps with leaky gut fights adrenal fatigue improves immunity as it's anti-viral helps with sore throat and cough relieves bodily pains, both stomach and muscle helps with PMS and reduces menopause symptoms source: Wikipedia Commons How to consume Liquorice Root? You can consume it as a tea, supplement or tincture. Do not take more than 100g a day. Do not consume liquorice root when you are pregnant, also when you fight with any of the following cancers (uterine, ovarian, breast). Also do not take liquorice root at least two weeks before any surgery. Ginseng reduces stress and improves mood boosts immune system improves brain function helps with weight loss lowers blood sugar is anti-inflammatory improves your lungs treats sexual dysfunction source: Wikipedia Commons How to consume Ginseng? There are different types of ginseng: Asian (look for Korean, red of Penax ginseng), American (look for Panex quinquefolius), Indian, Siberian, Brazilian. Most common way to consume ginseng is as a tea. Of course the best option would be if you could get the fresh root, but powdered root works as well. But do not consume it in high amounts, as it is a stimulant, so could could cause nervousness and insomnia. As with the other adaptogens, pregnant, breastfeeding women should not consume ginseng. Also women with breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids because ginseng has estrogen-like effects. People with diabetes, some autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis should avoid ginseng. Those who have had bodily organ transplants may not want to take ginseng as it could increase the risk of organ rejection. Echinacea boosts the immune system helps with anxiety and depression fights with cancer reduces pain associated with headaches, stomach, measles, herpes pain reliever for snake bites, toothache, tonsillitis, sore throat helps with common cold, asthma, flu is a natural laxative alleviates inflammation in the body improves problems with skin fights infections, such as urinary tract infections , bloodstream infections, vaginal yeast infections, malaria, gum disease, typhoid etc. source: Pixabay How to consume Echinacea? Echinacea can be taken in a tincture, capsule or a tea form. It's recommended to consume Echinacea after the meal and not on an empty stomach. I would actually want to challenge myself and plant Echinacea in my garden next spring, so I can make my own tincture from it. Maca boosts energy improves sexual health improves memory and mood rich in antioxidants boosts male fertility balances hormones - increases hormone production when your body is under-producing, and brings down hormone production when your body is over-producing hormones source: Gaia Herbs How to consume Maca? You can consume it in a powder, capsule, liquid or extract form. Powder for example can be easily added to your favourite drink or smoothies or mixed into recipes (but don't over-heat your food where you have added Maca, as it may damage some of the nutrients. Holy Basil (Tulsi) naturally decreases anxiety and balances stress hormones manages adrenal fatigue helps with unbalanced blood sugar and protects against diabetes fights acne and skin infections supports oral health supports eye health helps fight cancer fights fever helps with respiratory disorders relieves headaches source: Pixabay How to consume Holy Basil? It is mostly consumed in a supplement form, as a holy basil tea or as an essential oil. You can also add chopped tulsi leaves and add it your favourite soup. As with the other above adaptogens, avoid consuming holy basil when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Holy Basil can only slow blood clotting, therefore best not to use it for couple of weeks prior, if you plan to have a surgery. As you have read above, adaptogens help to balance, restore and protect your whole body. They don't have just one specific action, they help to respond to any stressor or influence and bringing your physiological functions to balance. If you want to understand more how you can support your health, have health or nutrition goals you want to reach and are looking for support and guidance, do reach out to me for health and nutrition coaching at info@katrinpeo.com .

I grew up with bees during summers in my childhood, meaning my grandparents had 30 or so beehives, so I was very well aware of where the honey came from and this was one of our childhood snacks- either fresh honey on freshly home-baked bread or sucking on a piece of honeycomb. Bees have always been the insects I have admired and adored- for how they look, what they do and what they produce. One of the nature's wonders in my opinion. I am trying to get them to come to our garden during summer by planting more and more lavender pushes- both because I love these plants and bees love them for their nectar. Many of us know that bees produce honey, but did you know that bees also produce bee pollen, bee bread, propolis, royal jelly and all of them have their own purpose in the bee hive and also their own health benefits for us. I will briefly write about all them. Honey In the bee hive, honey is bees' food (their carbohydrate), their main source for energy. For humans honey is a great source for antioxidants, which help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals. Raw honey can also kill unwanted bacteria and fungus. You can take a teaspoon of honey before bed (before brushing your teeth :)) or put honey in a chamomile tea to calm the body and wind down before bed. You can also use honey topically on your skin as it helps to protect the moisture barrier. Honey is highly enzymatic, so it's great for digestion and only food on the planet that does not really expire. Manuka honey is a specific strain of honey. It comes from a Manuka plant (native to New Zealand), which is similar to Eucalyptus plant. Manuka honey is famous for its anti-viral capabilities, but so is all good quality raw honey. What makes Manuka honey different, is that it contains enzyme called methylglyoxal, which is unique to only Manuka honey and has because of that the honey has very high antibacterial properties, used for example to heal wounds. Buckwheat honey is something that I personally have not tried yet, but which is said to be one of the highest in antioxidants and can be used instead of cough syrups. People with seasonal allergies could try and consume local raw honey, since then they are ingesting local pollen which over time might help the person to become less sensitive to this particular pollen. It is important to note, that though honey has many great benefits, it's still a form of sugar (a combination of fructose, glycose and sucrose). It should be used sparingly as it does effect your blood sugar levels and liver. Always purchase a good quality raw honey, which means, it's minimally processed and not heated nor filtered. Pure honey is thick and creamy and not runny (should have less than 18% of water), plus contains pollen (therefore should not look clear). Bee pollen Bee pollen is so called a raw material from which bees produce bee bread. Bees collect the pollen dust from the wide variety of flowers to make sure the pollen has all the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats in the right ratios for optimum honey bee health. It's a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, bee secretions, enzymes, honey and wax. When the bee pollen is not consumed by the bees, it gets fermented and turned into bee bread. Bee pollen has a very nutrient-rich profile, containing vitamins B1, B3, B7, B9, vitamin E, carotenoid pigments, polyphenols and enzymes. When consumed by humans, bee pollen: helps to restore your liver function increases appetite and physical capacity lowers blood cholesterol sharpens memory is an effective remedy for anemia strengthens sexual function reduces blood clotting strengthens capillaries stimulates bile and urine secretion reduces the risk of prostate enlargement slows ageing process I take 0.5tsp of bee pollen 15 minutes before my breakfast, but also add it now and again to my smoothie, smoothie bowls or pancakes. Bee bread Bee bread is an additional source of food for bees, what they produce from bee pollen. First bees collect the pollen from the plants, then they bring it to the hive and compress it into a thick lump in a honeycomb, which they then moisten with their digestive fluids fill with honey and finally cap with wax. As there is no oxygen reaching the bee bread, it starts a 2 week fermentation process, which results in an increase in acid and sugar content and also the production of vitamin K. During the ripening of the pod, the outer skin of the pollen grain gets damaged and as a result, the nutrients found in the pollen become better absorbed by the bees. Bees use the bee bread to feed larvae and young bees. Bee bread contains around 55% carbohydrates, 35% proteins, 3% vitamins and minerals, 2% fatty acids and 5% of other substances. It has been for centuries in medicine and for healing for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Bee bread is considered as a concentrated form of pollen, so should be consumed less than pollen. As a guideline for consumption a day, 3-4 pieces for children over 1 year and 6-12 pieces for adults. Unlike pure pollen, bee bread rarely causes allergic reaction. However, if you are allergic to bee's venom, I would be cautious consuming both pollen and bee bread. Propolis Propolis is a bee glue that bees produce by mixing beeswax and saliva. It's an immune system of the hive- bees medicine. The base ingredient of propolis is plant and tree sap, which bees collect and take back to the hive where they then put it through an enzymatic process. Bees use propolis to line the entire beehive to keep it germ free- all walls, including inside of the cell walls of new baby bees to keep the environment sterile. They also have a 'propolis mat' in front of the entrance of the beehive to protect the hive from germs and bacteria. For people, propolis is a great immune supporter as it's anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and high in flavonoids. It's also used for cold sores, diabetes, sores inside the mouth, for burns, for certain cancers and for upper respiratory tract infections. Propolis can be taken in different forms- through oral sprays, as capsules, in a liquid forms. You can also make your own propolis tincture by mixing two parts of propolis and nine parts of high quality vodka in a dark glass bottle. Mix it well and store in a dark place. Shake it once or twice a day. It should be ready for consumption after two weeks. Royal jelly Royal jelly is a honey bee milky secretion used as a food for bee larvae and as only foods source for queen bees throughout their lives. It contains water, protein, sugar, fats and A, B, C and E-vitamins, 20 amino acids, folic acid, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium, gelatine and several other great nutrients. Royal jelly is known for its wide range of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant benefits as well for its use in beauty. Royal jelly is believed to help with: healing wounds treat diabetes manage the symptoms of menopause improving red blood cell count promoting fertility reducing PMS symptoms asthma energy and vitality cognitive support skin issues In Estonia I have purchased bee bread, bee pollen and propolis from Sangaste Mesi . Also Beekeeper's Naturals products are highly recommended by health professionals.

One of the healthy breakfast options I prepare every 3 to 4 weeks or so is our homemade muesli. It's easy to make, it's healthy and it keeps you full for hours. Here is a list of ingredients I add to my muesli, but really it's a food where you can use your creativity and vary the ingredients based on how you feel and want to eat. To highlight the healthiness of muesli, I also add some health benefits these different ingredients contain. I mix the below ingredients together in a big pan and bake in a pre-heated oven (160C or 320F) for 35 minutes or so. I stir the mixture on the pan from time to time so all the ingredients are evenly baked. Oats - I make sure I buy gluten-free oats (steel cut or rolled). Steel cut are the best as they are the least processed and are higher in fibre. However, rolled oats do have the same amount of protein, carbohydrate and fat content as rolled oats. Both steel cut and rolled oats are better than instant oats, as they have more fibre, therefore are slower to digest and also have higher nutritional value. Oats are one of the top foods in the world to keep you full for hours. They contain carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibre. They are high in resistant starch, which helps to slow the digestion. Protein found in oats is similar to protein found in legumes. Oats contain many vitamins (B) and minerals (manganese, phosphorus, copper, iron, selenium, magnesium). Nuts and seeds - I soak and sprout my nuts and seeds before using them to increase their digestibility and bioavailability for the body. I tend to use a mix of nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, brazil nuts, cashew nuts). You can also add raw pistachio nuts, macadamia nuts. I add soaked and sprouted pumpkin seeds to my muesli and don't tend to add really other seeds. But you can add also seeds like sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Nuts and seeds are high in protein, fat, carbohydrates and fibre, plus they include different vitamins (B, E) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, calcium). Coconut meat - I like to add coconut flakes or shredded coconut to my muesli depending what I have at home. I don't add a lot, maybe a tablespoon and a half to the whole patch I make. Coconuts are large seeds (yes seeds) of coconut palms. Coconut meat is high in fat, but also contains protein, carbs and fibre. It also contains minerals like manganese, selenium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc. Spices - you don't need to add spices to your muesli, but I feel they give a nice additional flavour. My favourites are cinnamon (Ceylon and not Cassia) and cardamom. A teaspoon of cinnamon and a half a teaspoon of cardamom is enough. You can also add vanilla beans. It's also about what smells you want to have lingering around your house when you make muesli. Cinnamon has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Cinnamon helps to lower blood-sugar levels and blood pressure. Cinnamon (as well as peppermint) are good for treating infected wounds. Cinnamon contains carbohydrates, vitamin A and minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium). It also contains some traces of vitamin K and B and the antioxidants like beta-carotene, choline, lycopene, lutein, alphacarotene, beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin. Cardamom is also known for its anti-oxidant and health promoting properties. It is a great source for potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese and contain vitamins like B and C. Honey or maple syrup and coconut oil I like to sweeten my muesli a little bit, whether it's by adding a tablespoon of honey or a tablespoon of maple syrup for the whole patch. As I want to also add a little bit of crunchiness to the muesli, I add three tablespoons of coconut oil to honey and just warm it up on a very low heat, so I am able to mix it into the oats and nuts mixture. I use my hands for this. Honey has several great benefits for your health, but when used in moderation. Maple syrup is less healthier option than honey, but it also contains some vitamins and minerals (calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, manganese) Additional ingredients to upgrade your muesli You can further 'upgrade' your muesli, by adding goji berries, bee pollen, cocoa nibs, hemp seeds before you serve your muesli. I don't tend to add dried fruits to my muesli due to their high content of sugar. We either sprinkle our muesli on top of our regular smoothie bowls or we eat it in a bowl with almond milk. You can also top your muesli bowl with some fresh berries like blue berries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries.

If you are a health-nut like me, then you know that 70-80% of your immune system resides in your gut, which means that in order for you to take better control over what's happening with your body is a lot determined by what you put at the end of your fork and also how your good nutritional habits are supported by other healthy lifestyle choices. If you didn't know this yet, then in this article I will cover what a leaky gut means and how can you help your gut to heal if you are experiencing health issues. I was quite a lot sick before I started my wellness journey in 2017 January. Don't get me wrong- I have always been physically active, ate relatively healthy, have never been fond of sugary foods. But still once the autumn came, I was sick for 3-4 times before proper spring was in the air. And there were couple of years in a row, where I fell sick in December with seasonal viruses or cold and ended up developing bronchitis in the new year, so complete healing took really 1.5 months or so. But since I really started to pay attention what I eat, I have been noticeably less ill with seasonal flus, viruses or general cold. What is leaky gut? Your intestines are protected by a single layer of epithelial cells that are linked together by tight junction proteins, which are the gateway between your intestines and your bloodstream. These tight junction proteins control what is allowed to pass into your bloodstream from your digestion system, which should only be vital nutrients your body needs. If your gut is leaky (it has cracks and holes), partly digested food molecules, bacteria, yeast, parasites, toxins that should never be able to get into your bloodstream start to make their way through the gut lining. The first reaction your body has to these foreign bodies in your bloodstream, is to fight against them. Your immune system gets into action, where its job is to neutralise, get rid off and also let the rest of the body know about these foreign invaders (by producing antibodies). Your immune system increases inflammation around your gut wall, but at the same time it also raises the inflammation levels in the rest of the body. And if there is too much inflammation happening around your gut and you don't do anything to help to fix it, it gets worse and worse and results in chronic inflammation. This can lead your body starting to fight against itself and leading to different autoimmune illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, Hashimoto's etc. It also increases the changes you developing IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), histamine intolerance (causing allergies, seasonal allergies). If your gut is leaky, this also puts more burden on your liver and the whole detoxification system. What causes leaky gut? Your diet Food allergens are one of the biggest route causes for leaky gut (like allergies to grains, dairy, legumes, nightshades, nuts etc). But also too much added sugars and people, who consume regularly alcohol, tend to have weaker guts as well. Another reason that can cause leaky gut is toxins overload in the body, like having mercury and heavy metals. Your health condition You can also develop leaky gut if you don't have enough stomach acid, enough enzymes to break down your food or have bacterial imbalance in the gut (having taken too many medications (like anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics in the past). You can also develop leaky gut as a result of candida, H.pylori etc. If you have had in the past traumatic brain injuries, chemo or radiation treatments, hormonal imbalance- these could be additional reasons for you to develop leaky gut. Your lifestyle Chronic stress is something that not many people think about when it comes to your gut health, but it can have a big impact on the condition of your gut- both mental and physical stress. One of the things I did not know in the past, is that also over-exercising is a stressor on your body (since exercise increases cortisol, also known as 'stress hormone') and can contribute to causing leaky gut. It's because exercise pulls the blood away from your intestines when you are stressed. You should also check for any environmental toxins, such as mould in your house. And last but not least, sleep deprivation- focusing on getting more than 7 hours sleep a night can help your body to heal much better. What are the signs you might be having a leaky gut? Skin - your gut and skin are very tightly connected. If you have issues with your gut, they very often reflect on your skin (rashes or itchy skin, rosacea, psoriasis, acne, hives) Immune system - food allergies, autoimmune conditions (some mentioned above), high inflammation, asthma, thyroid disorders Brain - anxiety, headaches, brain fog, depression, memory loss Gut - chronic diarrhoea, bloating, gas, constipation, burping, nutritional deficiencies in the body I have listed more signs for leaky gut in this article . What are the nutrients that can help to heal your gut? Though as you can see above there are many things that can cause leaky gut, there are also things you can do to fix it. I would say the first thing to do is to try and eliminate most common inflammatory foods from your diet- foods containing gluten, lactose (conventional dairy products) and added sugar . All at once or one at a time. I would also remove processed oils and foods with additives and artificial sweeteners. Some people might also need to go off nightshades (eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers) and eggs for a short period of time until gut heals as these are also common inflammation triggers in people whose gut is already inflamed. In addition to taking out foods from your diet that cause inflammation, add in the following gut-friendly foods to help with the healing process: Apple cider vinegar Bone broth Coconut products Foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, sardines and other wild caught fish that has no mercury) Kefir (coconut kefir or yoghurt; or if you can tolerate dairy products, raw cultured goat's dairy kefir or yoghurt is ok as well) Fermented vegetables Sprouted seeds (chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds) Ginger Turmeric Slippery elm Fermented vegetables and other probiotic rich foods Fruit- 1-2 servings a day (good to focus more on those fruits that are naturally high in digestive enzymes- pineapple, papaya, mango, bananas, avocados, kiwi) Raw honey - should be consumed sparingly but contains variety of digestive enzymes) As a next step I would use dietary supplements to help repairing the gut lining. Zinc - a deficiency in zinc can lead to the mucosal lining losing strength and therefore becoming more permeable. Zinc helps to also decrease inflammation in the gut. You can get zinc from Meats, seafood products. But if your gut is already compromised, then consider supplementing (zinc carnosine for example a well absorbable form of zinc in the gut) L-glutamine - it's a primary fuel source for cells that make up the gut lining, acts as a repellent for irritants and is very important for the growth and repair of the gut walls. Digestive enzymes - take 1 or 2 capsules before every meal which help to ensure that foods get fully digested in your body. Make sure that the digestive enzyme supplements are containing proteases (help to break down protein), lipases (help to break down fats) and amylases (help to break down carbs). Do consult with your healthcare provider as digestive enzymes are to be taken if you really need them for your digestion and helping breaking down food and they should not be taken for long periods of time. Aloe vera gel or concentrated extract of aloe - make sure it's pure Liquorice root - balances cortisol levels and improves acid production in your stomach. Especially good for those, who are experiencing chronic stress, as liquorice can help to improve the way your body produces and metabolises cortisol Marshmallow root - it has antioxidant and antihistamine properties Collagen- can help to produce production of new smooth muscle cells that then help to heal intestinal lining Colostrum supplements Peppermint MSM powder L-carnitine And as a last step I would add in good quality probiotics that help to rebalance the gut, as they promote resistance to the forming of harmful bacteria and also regulate the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food, plus provide your epithelial cells energy. As said above, it's not only about what you eat, but also how you are able to manage your stress levels, sleep adequately and exercise regularly but moderately. Putting more focus on these areas on top of food and supplements, will get you to a good state with your gut sooner. If you are experiencing digestive issues, skin issues, brain fog, aching joints, and want to understand how you can support your body's natural healing, don't hesitate to contact me for health coaching at info@katrinpeo.com.

Though the 2020 is coming soon to an end, we are still deep in the pandemic, plus we are also in Europe in a cold and flu season, I thought I would touch upon a topic, what you can do to be more resilient, so your body is able to fight off the viruses if you contract them. I have written on how to strengthen your immune system and on immunity boosting foods already in my blog in the past, but in this article I want to focus on specific vitamins, plant pigments, hormones etc, that have been studied to help people to combat viruses, such as corona virus. We all have a risk to contract the corona virus- in some shape or form. We can take the preventative measures- wear a mask, wash our hands, respect physical distancing, but there is more you can do. I like to use the functional medicine approach to COVID-19 as towards to any other illness, which looks at the body as one system and has a food first approach to start to treat the illness. By avoiding sugary drinks and foods, highly processed foods, and other inflammatory food groups (foods containing trans fats, gluten (especially of you are celiac or experiencing gluten sensitivity), lactose) and instead eating wide variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, wild caught fish, occasional grass-fed meat, you are already helping your body to better combat the outside stressors and viruses. What are some of the things that help you to be the healthiest you during the pandemic and strengthen your immune system? Having diabetes, weak metabolic health, obesity, auto-immune illnesses, fighting with cancer- they all often don’t result in good outcomes when it comes to being diagnosed with COVID-19. But being fearful and just hoping all will go well if we do get the virus, is definitely not the best strategy. I believe in taking matters into your own hands and focusing on what you can do to support to be the healthiest you. Below are the vitamins, minerals and supplements that I know of from my own research and listening to health experts that are essential for the strong immune system. Vitamin D It's known that during the dark autumn and winter months our bodies get depleted of vitamin D. And since there is hardly any sun during this time of the year, we need to supplement with a good quality vitamin D. I would always suggest to test yourself as well to understand where your levels are at, but supplementing with 4000ui to 5000ui vitamin D daily would be a good start. Also, it's recommended to take vitamin D with vitamin K2, as while D vitamin helps to get the calcium into the body, K2 helps to transport the calcium into your bones. Vitamin C Eating vitamin C rich foods is very important to help your body fight with viruses. Some of the foods highest in vitamin C (starting with the highest containing): Acerola cherries, sea buckthorn, rose hips, chilli peppers, guavas, Camu Camu, bell peppers, blackcurrants, thyme, parsley, kale, kiwis, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lemons, lychees, papayas, strawberries, oranges. You can also supplement with vitamin C, but it's important that you check the ingredients list and that it does not contain any sweeteners. The best absorbable form of C-vitamin supplement is ascorbic acid. Quercetin Quercetin is a flavonoid important for reducing inflammation, blood sugar levels, blood pressure and also helps with allergies, is anti-cancerous and brain-protective. Foods that contain highest level of quercetin include onions, asparagus, green peppers, green tea, tomatoes, cilantro, watercress, radicchio, Serrano peppers, Kale, elderberries, cranberries, blueberries, black berries, figs, apples, mulberries I have bought Quercetin Plus supplement from Biocare, but there are other brands out there as well to use. NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) NAC is a supplement form of cysteine. Cysteine is important for your body as it helps to replenish the most powerful antioxidant in your body, gluthathione (along with the other amino acids glutamine and glycine. You can find cystein from many protein-rich foods, like turkey, chicken, fish, oatmeal, eggs, yoghurt, sunflower seeds, legumes. People do supplement with NAC, especially if they are suffering from chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, flu, diabetes, osteoarthritis. But if you are taking any medication, it's best to check with your healthcare provider about NAC. Vitamin A Vitamin A has many health benefits, including supporting a healthy immune system, protecting eyes, lowering risk of certain cancers, supporting bone health etc. Foods highest in vitamin A include carrots, tuna (be mindful of its mercury levels), butternut squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, cantaloupe, red bell peppers, pink grapefruit, broccoli, liver, meat, fish, dairy. Curcumin Curcumin is a bioactive chemical in turmeric. It reduces the inflammation in the body and helps to increase the levels of endogenous antioxidants. It can also help with anxiety and depression, reduce LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glycose. I have added both turmeric and curcumin to foods while cooking, such as into scrambled eggs, frittatas, while frying chicken or roasting vegetables. But I also add it into warm drinks with almond and coconut milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom. I make sure that when I eat curcumin, that there is also fat in the food (coconut oil, butter, olive oil) and that I have also added some freshly grounded black pepper as it helps with the absorption of curcumin. I personally have never supplemented with curcumin or turmeric, but as with any supplement it's important to pick the best one recommended and always check the ingredients list. Zinc Zinc is an important mineral as its present in every cell of your body. Zinc helps with digestion, metabolism, nerve function, brain function and is paramount for healthy immune system. As our bodies don't store zinc, it's important to get it through the food. In order to get adequate amount of zinc through your food, consume the following regularly: raw oysters (highest in zinc), beef, chicken, beans, crab, lobster, wild rice, peas, yoghurt (plain), pecans, hemp seeds, oatmeal, shiitake mushrooms, pumpkin seeds. Of course there are other foods and supplements to add in to further help and support your immune system, such as Chinese Skullcap, medicinal mushrooms , adaptogens , but the above is a good start. Other things that help to support the healthy immune system: time restricted feeding (intermittent fasting), where you eat your healthy meals within for example 8 hours (let's say between 7am and 5pm) and fast for 16 hours. This allows your body to rest, repair and recover. regular restful sleep with 7+ hours a night regular exercise with focus on HIT and strength workouts and yoga and pilates in between daily outdoor walks in the park, in the nature practicing mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress It's never too late to critically look through your weekly shopping list for food, optimising your lifestyle, so that if and when you do get infected with the virus, your immune system is strong to fight it and you are able to have just a mild case of the coronavirus- not developing pneumonia, requiring oxygen etc.