Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2025 i Top Sante

We have two celebrity interviews in this issue: one with Dame Kelly Holmes, who talks candidly about the struggles of being an athlete and how she really had to believe in and back herself in the beginning, when others doubted her dreams to be an Olympian (page 36). She’s a great example of someone harnessing grit and determination to go for their dreams, and shares with us her advice on not giving up, as we don’t want to be looking back one day thinking, “What if…”. Our other interview is with cover star Gaby Roslin, who as ever is upbeat and optimistic, and encourages us all to find more joy in life. I interviewed Gaby a few years back and she inspired me to go dig out a pink sequin…

Fibremaxxing backlash TikTok is flooded with videos on gut health craze “fibremaxxing” – the trend of packing chia seeds and other high-fibre foods into daily diets. But it comes with hidden risks that could harm your gut. ‘Chia seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid. So, eaten in excess, they can swell in the digestive tract, causing painful blockages or cramping,’ says nutritionist Brenda Madole (myorthrive.com). Only nine per cent of adults have the recommended 30g of fibre a day – but suddenly eating loads can shock your digestive system. ‘If you jump from 10g to 40g of fibre overnight, you’re more likely to experience bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. Gradual increases are key,’ says Madole. INFECTIONS CAUSINGHEART ATTACKS? Cleaning up your diet and lifestyle helps ward off…

BIOHACKING HAS GONE mainstream. Everywhere you look, people are plunging into barrels of ice, skipping meals, turning down pasta with saintly conviction and bragging about drinking coffee so strong it could power a Tesla. But here’s the thing: a lot of the biohacks that work for men (or at least look fab on social media and sort of work) can backfire on women. We’ve got hormones that ebb and flow, nervous systems that don’t love being pushed to the brink, and a finely tuned radar for whether our bodies feel safe or under seige. So, let’s take a look at the big biohacks everyone’s talking about, and why they may not be serving you as well as a chai latte and a good night’s sleep. Firstly, we need to talk…

Q My hair is getting thinner, and I wondered whether it was due to too much testosterone. But then someone said it could be to do with my thyroid. What’s the best way to know? A Hair thinning is a common concern and can be influenced by multiple hormones, so it’s worth investigating thoroughly rather than assuming a single cause. Elevated testosterone or, more accurately, its by-product dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can contribute to what’s called pattern hair loss, particularly around the temples and crown (as often happens in men). However, thyroid health plays a major role too, as an underactive thyroid can slow hair growth and cause diffuse shedding, while an overactive thyroid may make hair brittle and fine. Low oestrogen levels, low ferritin (iron stores), vitamin D deficiency, andhigh stress…

‘Give the gift of health and wellbeing this Christmas with a subscription to TopSanté. We’ve gotafantastic offer for new subscribers, and giving the gift of a subscription to friends and family means they can enjoy Top Santé all year! I hope you’ll join us and prioritise your health, and theirs, for 2026. Santé!’ Katy x @thehealtheditor A MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION IS A GREAT GIFT! • Pay only £24.99 for the whole year – saving 76%!* • Personal and thoughtful – match their interest • Fuel their passion, with features to help them stay inspired and informed • Provide enjoyment all year round, delivered directly to their door monthly • Save money on the in-store price Buy for someone special, or treat yourself! SAVE UP TO 76%* EASY WAYS TO BUY YOUR…

‘The whole point of the campaign is that most women don’t know their normal. We are now accustomed to checking our breasts and that’s accepted and it’s not taboo anymore. Most women are regularly checking their breasts, at least on a monthly basis. But what they don’t do is examine their genitals. Ideally I want women to start from a young age,’ says Dr Lakhani. ‘Men are more likely to notice problems like lumps in their testes, whereas women don’t even look at their vulvas. They don’t know what it looks like and it’s very different from person to person. So, the idea is you start examining early on and know what normal looks like for you, so you can pick up on any changes. ‘As we get older, there’ll…

• The new fragrances to not only make you smell good but feel good! • REAL LIFE: ‘We used exercise to help us process grief.’ Two women share their stories • The power of micro-meditations to feel calm at Christmas • Health advice to stay well over winter …plus lots more! DON’T MISS IT! The December issue – on sale Nov 21! 4WAYSTOGET YOUR COPY… 1 Visit frontline-group.co.uk/store-finder. Select Top Santé from the drop-down menu, then input your postcode. 2 Ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy – they’d be happy to do so. 3 Subscribe so you never miss an issue! See page 62 for details. 4 Buy single issues at shop.kelsey.co.uk/TSA – scroll down to “Buy single issue”.…

LET ITROLL Love your underarms with Wild Refillable Roll-On Deodorant (from £12, wearewild.com). The invisible, ultra smooth formula cares for sensitive skin and comes in plastic-free refills (from £4.80 each) in uplifting nature-inspired scents: Honey and Cactus Flower, Fresh Cotton or Cherry Blossom – and no chemical nasties, of course. Slot your refill into a pretty case decorated with a choice of designs, including a bee print, florals and sleek aqua. Beauty prescription Get your glow on with beauty ingredients you eat – yes, really! Beauty Dropz Edible Skincare (£14.99 each, instagram.com/beauty_dropz) works on skin from the inside-out, providing nutrients directly into your body. We love the Marine Collagen to support skin elasticity, and the Hyaluronic for intense hydration from within. They’re available at Boots and Holland & Barrett. For…

BLUSH FOR ALL SKIN TONES Blush of Dreams by Ateh Jewel Beauty (£25, atehjewelbeauty.com), is here to glow up your cheeks. Created to pop on every skin tone, this clever formula doesn’t just deliver colour, it cares for your skin too. Each blush is enriched with a cocktail of nourishing botanicals: soothing aloe vera, softening cocoa butter, balancing jojoba, comforting marshmallow extract, plus plant oils and sustainably sourced squalane for lasting moisture and glow. BAG A BARGAIN LIPPY You really can’t go wrong with the MINISO Classic & Elegant Matte Lipstick in Shade 12(£4.99, minisoshop.co.uk). The formula is smooth, sleek and matte without drying – which is a rare find at this price point. Shade 12 is one of those easy, flattering colours that works just as well for daytime…

Skin Diligent Cel Retinal Serum (£70, skindiligent.com) New from clean beauty brand Skin Diligent, this serum contains slow-release encapsulated retinal and a new patented Cellular Epigenetic Longevity complex to target 10 fundamental mechanisms of ageing. It supercharges collagen by inhibiting collagenase (the enzymes that damage the collagen), boosts production of types I and III collagen, and boosts production of pro-collagen. The Skin Diary Age Defence Moisturising Day Cream (£92, theskindiary.com) This new SPF50 day cream helps prevent cellular senescence (when cells can no longer divide) and slows the breakdown of collagen and fibrillin. It contains two DNA repair enzymes: UV endonuclease, which scans DNA for errors caused by UV damage and then fixes them; plus photolyase, a light-activated DNA repair enzyme that finds abnormalities in DNA shapes and repairs them.…

OCTOBER 2025 COVER STORY Kelly Hoppen INSIDE The menopause issue! All you need to manage symptoms and thrive SEPTEMBER 2025 COVER STORY Julia Bradbury INSIDE Expert advice to reduce stress, banish migraines and live well for longer AUGUST 2025 COVER STORY Davinia Taylor INSIDE Manage your weight, boost your energy and improve your wellbeing SUMMER 2025 COVER STORY Tess Daly MBE INSIDE Midlife advice on sleeping better, eating well and boosting confidence JULY 2025 COVER STORY Kirsty Gallacher INSIDE Top tips to manage your blood sugar, lose weight and tone up JUNE 2025 COVER STORY Lisa Snowdon INSIDE Expert help to reduce stress, find more energy and get fit in a flash MAY 2025 COVER STORY Denise Lewis INSIDE Get a midlife upgrade with energy-boosting tips and health advice APRIL…

MORE THAN two decades ago, in the midst of what I now refer to as my quarter-life crisis, I read read a book called Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway, by Susan, Jeffers. At the time, I was living in Australia and spiralling out of control: living in a constant state of anxiety anxiety about what to to do, whether to move house, leave my job, try to travel round this vast country I’d come to despite not having enough savings. Each decision seemed to hinge on another, and I got caught in a negative mental feedback loop of fear, worrying about about the implications of everything and not, ultimately, knowing how to tune in to my intuition let alone follow it. I was reading Susan’s book in the…

We believe every woman has the ability to maximise her health and beauty at any age, regardless of health history. With a balanced diet, effective exercise and a positive mindset, you can stay younger for longer, inside and out. We’ll bring you the latest information on wellbeing, fitness, food and beauty, empowering you to make informed choices now and for your future health. What’s gone before can’t be undone or redone, so let’s leave it in the past and focus on what can be changed today! We’re here to help you, one small step at a time.…

Even as a child, I was a very joyful person. While I was unbelievably shy, I knew I wanted to be a TV presenter from the age of three because television brought me so much joy, and I just wanted to make people smile. I never planned on being a standup comedian, but I would be that person who would do a slapstick fall just to make people laugh. Both my parents used to say laughter is the best medicine, and I quickly worked out how to make people happy. Despite being so shy, I would often talk to total strangers on the bus. Everyone used to tell me about their lives, and when I got home and told my parents about the things I’d heard, my mum would say,…

Olverum Bath Oil, (£82, uk.olverum.com) This may not have the wild factor of an ice bath, but I promise you that it is the best smelling bath oil in the history of all time. If you’re looking for a dopamine hit while you’re cleaning yourself, this is the one. Biotiful Kefir Original Drink 1L (£3.50, asda.com) If you’re missing the substance and kick of a mid-afternoon latte, I find Kefir is a great alternative – it has a kick and gives my gut a joyful treat. And seeing as we make 90 per cent of serotonin in our gut, it’s worth looking after it. Rebel Kitchen Raw Coconut Water, (£2.80, ocado.com) If you’re trying to avoid coffee but want something tasty plus benefits such as potassium and electrolytes, this is…

A magazine subscription is the perfect gift: • Personal, thoughtful and fuels their passion • Provides enjoyment all year round • And saves you money on the shop price! GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM £22.99 OVER 45 TITLES TO CHOOSE FROM VISIT SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/XMAS25P OR CALL 01959 543 747 AND QUOTE ‘XMAS25P’ Lines are open Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5pm. Calls are charged at your standard network rate UK customers only. Offers end 31st January 2026…

TO REPEAT THE headline of this piece: I need more oil and love, apparently! At least that was the conclusion of Dr Parth, who heads up the medical team and oversees the treatment plans for all guests at Engel Ayurpura in Italy. The hotel opened in November 2023 and is a haven of tranquillity set in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, where the 5,000-year-old-practise of Ayurveda infuses each and every corner of this impressive building – an ode to both the Indian health system itself and to the beautiful landscape beyond. The hotel also sits adjacent to the original Engel & Gourmet Spa Hotel: a family-run institution that’s been part of the local landscape in some form since the mid-1800s. The village of Nova Levante sits at about 1,200…

Spa Ceylon Island Rose, £45, spaceylon.co.uk. Exotic rose paired with sultry amber and musk base notes make for a romantic, uplifting, dreamy vibe. Miller Harris Legato Eau de Parfum, £180, millerharris.com. A spritz of sparkling allure thanks to the heady bourbon vanilla absolute, matched with dark cherry, sandalwood and musk – intensely seductive. Ethical perfumery at its best. Electimuss Vesper Reverie £260, electimuss.com. Switch on your senses with this intoxicating blend of opulent fruits on a warm woody base of amber, oud and sandalwood. A hypnotic addition to a brilliant British perfume collection. Luxury, but completely worth it.…

1 EAT CELL-BOOSTING FOODS Supporting NAD+ levels begins with what you put on your plate. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals can help preserve NAD+ by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Be sure to cut back on excessive alcohol, smoking and an inflammatory diet, which can massively deplete your NAD+ levels. 2 MOVE YOUR BODY Exercise delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to cells, while also flushing out toxins. Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce inflammation and enhance the function of mitochondria. I recommend exercise that puts the mitochondria under a bit of stress, like high-intensity interval training or strength training, to activate NAD+. 3 TRY INTERMITTENT FASTING Eating within a restricted window can help boost NAD+ levels. When the body experiences a fasting period, cells…

BRAVETHE ELEMENTS Run at your best in unpredictable conditions this autumn with the Dare 2b Torrek Collection (from £60, dare2b.com). From water-repellent jackets that keep you dry without overheating to breathable mid-layers that regulate body temperature on long climbs, the lightweight, durable and protective range is engineered for endurance, movement and comfort. TRENDING TRAINERS Gymshark’s first foray into footwear features two super limited-edition R.A.D® shoe models in the activewear brand’s trademark muted colour palette. Choose between the Gymshark x R.A.D® ONE V2(£130, gymshark.com) – an all-round training shoe delivering grip, flexibility and 360-degree stability while lifting – or the lightweight Gymshark x R.A.D® R-1 Hybrid Conditioning Shoe (£130, pictured), which provides responsive energy return during gym, HIIT and running workouts. Comfort first Designed to flex with your body and provide support where…

THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST ROW, which is a 3,000-mile race from La Gomera to Antigua, pushes you to your limits both physically and mentally. If you’re fond of creature comforts, it may push you over the edge. Adapting to life on an ocean rowing boat is essential, especially when it comes to the basic “bucket and chuck it” toilet facilities. I mastered this with surprising ease: chatting to my crewmates while balancing on a sliding bucket became as routine as brushing my teeth. That ability to adapt would soon prove invaluable. About halfway through the race, after three relentless weeks at sea, I noticed I needed the bucket more and more during night shifts. It became a running joke among the crew, earning me the “Mother most likely to need an…

Star letter ‘You’ve outdone yourselves!’ ‘Dear Top Santé, I always love your issues, as I am am a bit of a “wellness addict” and you always have great articles on this topic. This time you outdid yourself (Sept issue), from the zesty-looking Top Picks, to the awards and product advice, I lapped it all up! I also really enjoyed the Amanda Holden interview. I never used to be a fan of hers until I saw her in The Holden Girls and realised how funny and self-deprecating she is. Hilarious! Keep up the great work and here’s to a long life with Top Santé – both me and the magazine! All the best.’ Anita, via email ‘Dear Anita, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m pleased to hear you…

When I was a kid, dreams were like fluffy clouds; nice ideas but not really something most people think will happen. But deep down, I did believe in mine. From about 14, I knew I wanted to be in the army as a physical training instructor and to be an Olympic champion. Those dreams only started to feel real when I saw what was possible, like watching Seb Coe win the 1,500 meters, which I already ran at school. First, it was seeing that it was possible and then thinking, okay what is the reality of making that happen? I was not academic, but I had fire in my belly and sport gave me purpose. For me, it always starts with passion – that is what drives everything. If you just…

WHEN WE PICTURE abuse in a relationship, many people still imagine bruises, shouting or physical violence. But some of the most harmful forms of abuse leave no visible bruises at all. They don’t show up in photographs or hospital records. Instead, they show up in the nervous system, in a person’s shrinking sense of self and in the slow erosion of safety, autonomy and emotional stability. Coercive control is a form of psychological abuse that operates through manipulation, domination, isolation and fear. It doesn’t rely on physical force to cause harm. Instead, it works through control so subtle and sustained that the victim often doesn’t even realise what’s happening until they are completely entangled. Coercive control usually begins in disguise because it starts with what looks like love. It can…

Nuchido TIME+ (£65 per tub, nuchido.com) This scientifically proven supplement helps your body ramp up its own production of NAD+, which, says its founder Dr Conlon, is more effective than taking actual NAD+ supplements, or having IV infusions. ‘Supplements containing only NAD+ precursor ingredients do not address the root cause of NAD+ decline, whereas Nuchido TIME+ uses a unique whole-systems approach that does,’ says Dr Conlon. The supplement contains green tea leaf and parsley extracts, nicotinamide, Sophora japonica, and alpha lipoic acid. New Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Cream (£98, murad.co.uk) This contains encapsulated retinal and two NAD+ precursors – sunflower sprout extract and niacinamide – to help tighten loose skin, smooth marionette lines and revolumise facial contours. Next-gen encapsulated retinal delivers vitamin A two-and-a-half times more effectively than free retinal,…

EXCLUSIVE 20% OFF FOR TOP SANTE READERS Whether it’s seasonal colds and flu, a course of antibiotics, or changes that affect your intimate health, winter can put your wellbeing to the test. The secret to staying resilient? Your gut. With around 70% of your immune system living there, it plays a crucial role in keeping you fighting fit. That’s where SMART STRAINS® comes in. Created by The Gut Health Doctor®, Dr Megan Rossi (PhD, RD, APD) – a leading gut health scientist and registered dietitian with a PhD in probiotics – this live bacterial range delivers targeted support when you need it most. Each product delivers the right strain, at the right time, in the right way – with scientifically proven formulations recommended by international health bodies and probiotic guidelines…

CHICKEN & PEANUT STEW A one-pot wonder that’s ready in an hour, packed with flavour and a rich, creamy sauce from the deep roast peanut butter. It can be served with rice, noodles or stir-fried vegetables. Peanut butter contains salt, so taste as you go when seasoning this dish. Cook 55 mins Serves 4 ■ 1 white onion■ 2 medium sweet potatoes■ 1 red pepper■ 3 garlic cloves, crushed■ 5cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated■ 450g skinless and boneless chicken thighs■ 2 tbsp olive oil■ 80g peanut butter■ 648g (2 pouches) Borough Broth Organic Chicken Bone Broth■ ½ tbsp ground coriander■ ½ tbsp ground cumin■ 1 tsp chilli flakes■ 1 handful of fresh coriander, leaves picked■ 30g blanched peanuts, toasted and roughly chopped■ 100g basmati rice 1 Start by…