We love the Mooncup® – a reusable menstrual cup that provides women with a great way to reduce waste during their time of the month. Read on to find out why!
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Vitality Expo 2019: Our Top Picks
We visited the amazing Vitality Expo last weekend, and we loved it – did you catch our live video of the event over on Facebook? If not, go and check it out! We also have a number of top picks that we loved from the show. Read on to learn all about them…
Friend or foe? This article by Raymond B. Cadwell, PhD, which appears in our Summer 2019 issue, delves into the positive role that our microbes play in regulating our overall health. To read the magazine in full, pick up a copy in your local stockist or subscribe to receive a copy direct to your door.
In this extract from our Spring 2019 magazine, we heard from a number of CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) students, who told us how their decision to enrol in CNM’s Naturopathic Nutrition course changed their lives and their careers.
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Health Boosting Nutrients: Revolutionary Study Gives Hope for Heart Health
In this extract from our Autumn 2018 issue, we spoke to Sinead Mitchell of the renowned nutritional supplement and research company Pharma Nord. She had some exciting news to share about heart health, based on a revolutionary Swedish study! If you haven’t had a chance to pick up our Autumn 2018 issue yet, click here to find your local stockist, or here to subscribe to the magazine.
Health Boosting Nutrients
Revolutionary study gives hope for heart health
by Aisling Cronin
Pharma Nord is a Nutritional Supplement Brand renowned for its revolutionary approach to nutritional support. Its high grade supplements are backed by rigorous scientific research, which documents their products’ safety and superior bio-availability (which, in laymen’s terms, refers to how easily absorbed they are). Pharma Nord’s research database contains over 9,000 scientific studies which serve to inform their impressive product development program. To date, more than 300 scientific studies involving Pharma Nord products have been published, one of the most striking being the KiSel-10 study, carried out in Sweden.
I spoke to Sinead Mitchell, Product Trainer for Healthcare Professionals at Pharma Nord to learn more.
‘The KiSel-10 study was a five-year, placebo-controlled, randomised double-blind study,’ Sinéad explained. ‘Two Pharma Nord products were used in the study: Q10 and Selenium. While there has been a lot of research done about the benefits of selenium for heart health, and the benefits of Q10 for heart health – when taken separately – there wasn’t a lot of research out there investigating the relationship between them, or the potential impact of their combination, which was the primary focus of the KiSel-10 research. The KiSel-10 trial was carried out in a small town in Sweden, with Swedish citizens who were aged 70 to 88. 443 participants took part, making it a very rigorous trial.’
The aim of the study was to observe how Selenium and Q10, when taken together, would affect participants’ heart health. Participants were divided into two groups. One group were administered 200 milligrams of BioActive Q10 Gold every morning, combined with 200 micrograms of BioActive Selenium, while another placebo group did not receive either supplement. Once the five-year study was complete, the results amazed researchers: those receiving the Q10 and Selenium combination were shown to have a 54% reduced risk of mortality through cardiovascular disease.
‘In addition to the reduced risk of mortality measured by the KiSel-10 study over the five years, positive effects could also be seen in all of the inflammatory markers, which are used to measure heart health,’ Sinéad revealed. ‘In fact, in many cases, the supplementation eased the inflammatory markers to a point lower than would be considered ‘normal’ for the participants’ age group, which is fantastically encouraging.’
The KiSel-10 study is now referenced extensively in a number of leading health and scientific journals, including the European Journal For Clinical Nutrition. An additional fourteen further studies have since been pulled from the original KiSel-10 data, as health professionals seek to gather even more insight into the heart-protecting effects of long-term Selenium and Q10 supplementation.
It has been known for decades that Q10 – particularly when consumed in the high grade form, ubiquinol – is a very powerful nutrient, so the KiSel-10 study results, demonstrating the immense impact of both Q10 and Selenium on heart health, are not all that surprising.
Coenzyme Q10 (as it is formally known) is a natural, vitamin-like compound that all cells require in order to produce energy. Levels of this nutrient peak in our twenties and decline from that point onward. However, the discovery of coenzyme Q10 by American scientists in 1957, and the array of scientific studies done in the interim, has empowered us with a tool to potentially prevent this ‘energy drop’ from taking place. Selenium, too, has long been known for its incredible immune-boosting qualities. However it appears that these two nutrients have an even more powerful potential when used in combination.
Based on the promising results of the KiSel-10 study, it seems that long-term consumption of these vital nutrients could have the power to unlock new potential for longevity and improved health.
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Spring Vibes 2018: Products, Events and Getaways to Get Your Soul Singing
As winter slowly but surely begins to release its grip, what better way to celebrate than by checking out some of the most enlivening products, events and getaways the new season has to offer? We have picked out some of the best and brightest below. This Spring Vibes section is featured in our just-released Spring issue, available now at stockists around the country. You can also subscribe to have this magazine – and the next three for the year ahead – delivered straight to your door.
Delphi Adventure Resort
__________________
‘Is the spring coming?’ he said. ‘What is it like?’
‘It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…’
Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
EATS N’ TREATS
Delectable Delights
If you’re in the mood for indulgence, check out the adorable Cake Room, located on 19A Main Street, Blackrock, Dublin. This popular café serves breakfast, lunch, drinks, coffee … and of course, a dazzling array of cakes. Their reputation for high quality service has earned them a well-deserved place in customers’ hearts.
facebook.com/TheCakeRoomBlackrock
All Shouk Up
For a dining experience with a difference, we highly recommend Shouk, an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in Drumcondra, north Dublin. Shouk is tucked away in a beautiful redbrick Victorian building that just oozes character. Our advice? Try the mezze platter. You won’t regret it.
CARING COSMETICS
YOPE’s New Hope
Polish cosmetics brand YOPE is releasing three gorgeous new hand creams: ginger and sandalwood, tea and mint, and salvia and green caviar. ‘They contain 98% natural or low-processed ingredients, most of which are valuable oils and plant extracts,’ explains YOPE creator Karolina Kuklinska-Kosowicz. You can’t say nope to these beauties.
Naturally Cleaner Teeth
Irish brand Happy Humphry is fully committed to delivering great dental care products with excellent customer service. Their 100% Natural Activated Charcoal Powder is derived from coconuts – one of nature’s most powerful healing sources – and their activated charcoal is 100% natural with no chemicals and no fluoride. Happy days!
Authentically Irish
The Ría Organics Energising Day Cream provides essential all-day hydration. Certified COSMOS-Organic, this unique rosehip blend is packed with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Ría Organics is planting its own organic roses this spring to produce rosehip oil for its products.
ENTICING ESCAPES
Dazzling Domes
For a break with a difference, check out the beautiful Forest Domes of Finn Lough in Northern Ireland. These domes feature 180º transparent walls that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of the surrounding countryside. Ensconced in the comfort of these domes, you can enjoy a night of stargazing like no other.
Soul Rejuvenation
SaolBeo has created an inspirational retreat this May in the beautiful Inistioge, Co.Kilkenny. This will include accommodation, freshly prepared vegan meals, guided yoga, meditation, Feng Shui classes, a Beauty Ritual workshop and of course, plenty of time to explore the breathtaking surroundings of Inistioge. For further information please contact Tara at hello@saolbeo.ie.
Unlock Life’s Magic
Jody Mountain’s new online course – The Body Consciousness Training – is aimed at awakening our bodies’ cellular wisdom. She will also offer a transformational retreat at The Boghill Centre in Co. Clare from May 26 to June 1. Here, mystical movement, music, breath and Ancient Bodywork will reignite our essential wisdom.
Davidji’s Wisdom
While training under Deepak Chopra, Siobhan McKenna of PerfectHealth.ie met Deepak’s then lead educator, Davidji. She is now thrilled to bring Davidji to the Velvet Strand, Co. Dublin, for a unique meditation workshop from April 13–15. Positive Life readers can avail of a €50 discount off a standard price ticket. Visit perfecthealth.ie and use the discount code PHPLDJI.
Delve into Delphi
In need of revitalisation? Look no further than Delphi Adventure Resort’s fantastic Spring Cleanse Retreat, a yoga weekend designed to de-stress and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. This retreat runs from April 13 – 15. If you can’t make it, don’t worry: Delphi will hold another retreat in September!
SAVE THE DATE
An Evening With Anamarta
If you want to learn more about how the ancient healing practices of the Tao can help you to feel more revitalised and balanced in your everyday life – and the powerful role that sexual energy has to play in this process – then come along to our evening with the much-loved Tao teacher Anamarta. She will be visiting us at Positive Nights for a special evening on Thursday March 22nd, from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. More details are available here.
Our Mantak Moment
Grandmaster Mantak Chia will teach in Dublin for the first time in May 2018, leading two fascinating workshops: ‘Foundation/Basic Practices’ and ‘Sexual Alchemy: Healing Love Practices’. We are thrilled to be welcoming him to Positive Nights on Thursday May 17th. This unique opportunity to learn from a living Tao Master is not to be missed.
positivelife.ie/positivenights
Mind-Body Unity
Join world-leading health expert and best-selling author Dr. Gabor Maté for a very special two-day workshop in Cork, starting on June 30th. Dr. Maté will share his insights and wisdom on mental health, stress, addiction, trauma, health, ADHD and childhood development disorders. Register here: bookwhen.com/gabormate.
Erase Your Ennui
Fans of the classic synthpop band Erasure will be thrilled to hear that they have rescheduled their Dublin gigs in the Olympia Theatre, Dublin, after being forced to bow out in January due to illness. The new shows will take place on Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th of March. Tickets that were purchased for the January gigs will be eligible for the new dates. You can book tickets and find more information via this link. The support act on the night will be Ekkoes.
HEALTH IN FOCUS
Full Blooded
Linda O’Connor founded the private blood testing company Bloodworks in 2013 after undertaking years of research into phlebotomy. Bloodworks now offer over 3000 tests, ranging from basic health screenings to genetics testing, with no consultant request required. The services of a holistic doctor and counsellor are also available to all clients.
Heal with Dheai
Dheai Ilsaaid is a general Oriental practitioner and author with extensive training in acupuncture, Reiki, massage, iridology and more. He addresses health issues from every aspect: emotionally, physically, structurally, and functionally. Dheai treats children under the age of fifteen for free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact him on 086 077 7700 to arrange an appointment.
Improving You
Cannabis CBD Oil or CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a nutrient compound found in the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Hemp is a source of nutrients unlike any other, containing all the families of essential fatty acids. ImproveMe CBD Oil is filled to the brim with nutritional and health promoting properties.
Chaga Cheers
For a healthy brew with a difference, try Chaga tea. It has a deliciously rich earthy flavour similar to coffee, but those who try it report feeling energised yet calm. Chaga Tea Ireland’s founder Philip says, “Chaga mushroom is known as the ‘King of Mushrooms’, and with good reason. I haven’t had a cold or flu in four years.”
Mooji’s Invitation
The renowned spiritual teacher Mooji recently released a new book called An Invitation to Freedom. If you are longing for a profoundly clear and direct guide to Self-realisation, Mooji’s Invitation is for you. In this radiantly alive pocketbook, he will lead you into the recognition of your own infinite Self.
This is a CNM excerpt from our Winter 2017 issue. Read the rest of the article by subscribing soon so we can post you a copy or picking up a magazine from one of our lovely stockists all over Ireland. Tell them we said hello!
By Nutritionist Jacqueline Ryan
Our immune systems can be supported in many ways throughout the cold winter months, such as with supplementation, exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, proper hydration, managing our stress levels and avoiding alcohol and smoking. The food we feed our bodies daily is the most important way to keep the immune system functioning to its optimum.
Choosing the right foods isn’t that difficult. Basically, stick to the essentials by avoiding all processed and sugarladen foods. Instead, eat a wide range of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, fish and meat. Introduce fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha or sauerkraut which maintain a healthy gut, to ensure your immune system runs well. Increase immune boosting foods and herbs such as garlic, mushrooms (shiitake/ maitake/ reishi), vitamin C and zinc-rich foods, ginger, turmeric, elderberry and echinacea.
As the cold, dark days of winter appear, our cravings often turn to comfort foods – so a hearty stew may be
the ultimate meal to warm you inside and out. Stews are an ideal winter dinner as they are a comforting, soothing meal, which is easy to digest and packed full of nutrition to help support the immune system. Beef stew is an excellent source of protein, iron, fibre, antioxidants, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, vitamins A and K. One of the main ways to really boost the immune properties of your stew is by making it with a homemade bone both.
This is a CNM excerpt from our Winter 2017 issue. Read the rest of the article by subscribing soon so we can post you a copy or picking up a magazine from one of our lovely stockists all over Ireland. Tell them we said hello!
By Orla Bass
Kim Lee’s holistic journey began in the 1990s with the birth of her youngest son. He spent the first few years of his life constantly ill, depleted, and on antibiotics. Deciding there must be a better way to help him, Kim began researching alternatives. Her wake up call came when she stumbled across a book by Harvey Diamond, which explained how certain foods create an inflammatory response in the body. Through trial and error, she discovered that her baby suffered from dairy intolerance. Her son’s dramatic transformation from ill health to vitality was enough evidence for Kim to begin her studies in the field of nutrition and health.
Currently a master medical herbalist with a background in nutrition and living foods, Kim practices from her own health food store, Nature’s Cure, in Skerries. She believes that setting up in Skerries was so easy, it was meant to be, and is grateful for the incredible loyalty of her customers. Her core philosophy is simple: “Let your body do the talking, as no one knows how you feel better than you.” Kim has noticed that in the last five years, Irish people have become more and more conscious of their health, and are beginning to embrace healthy choices that work for them. She maintains that good health is about listening to your body and taking control of how you feel by putting balance back into your life, through a holistic approach.
naturescures.ie
Sneak Peek: Donna Eden puts wellbeing in the best possible hands – your own.
Interviewed by Dr. Anthony Sharkey
Ken wilber recently described Donna Eden’s book ‘Energy Medicine’ as “The most definitive and comprehensive” book on self-healing he has ever read. She has taught over 80,000 people the energy medicine philosophies, skills and steps they need to heal themselves as quickly and as completely as possible from just about every physical and mental disease known to western man. I caught up with Donna about where her journey started and her upcoming trip to Ireland.
How did you get into Energy Medicine in the first place?
In my late twenties I was dying. I had allergies, Multiple Sclerosis, had a heart attack, had been in a coma and my organs were shutting down. Doctors said that there was nothing more that they could do for me. I realised that I would have to heal myself if I was to survive. As it happened, I had the ability to see and feel energies. So I decided instinctively to start to work on my body on an energetic level. I went home and put my hand on my knee and thigh and to my amazement it only took three minutes for me to see and feel my energies begin to connect up and flow and for my body to feel a bit better.
I continued working in this way and figured out for myself how to get my energies flowing in the way they were meant to flow. Over the next seven weeks, all my allergies dropped away. My organs started working again. The strength in my legs came back and I gradually came back to full and complete health with no sign of the M.S.
How do you explain your recovery, it seems miraculous, at least from a traditional Western medical perspective?
I realised that the reason I was so sick was because the inbuilt healing energies in my body were confused. It was like I was trying to figure out where the switches and fuse box were in my house so that I could get the power flowing.
Would you say that the energies of the body are like electricity then? Absolutely, your body has an electrical circuitry just like your house or your car. If the electrics in your body aren’t working properly, your body won’t work properly.
Read the rest of the interview in the winter issue. Subscribe here or pick up a copy in one of our stockists.
Donna is visiting Ireland in 2015 with an introductory energy medicine talk on february 6th followed by a workshop running on 7th february. visionforliving.co.uk
Dr. Anthony Sharkey mb bch bAO DCH is one of the few doctors in Ireland with a dedicated Energy medicine practice. Facebook.com/dranthonysharkey