Indholdsfortegnelse for April 2025 i Top Sante

…to the April issue, where we have a focus on gut health this month – a topic dear to my heart! I’ve been on a mission to improve my gut health for at least the time I’ve been editing this magazine (so 10 years now!), although I’ve not always done too well, especially when the sugar cravings kick in. Sugar makes me bloated like a balloon and I get way too gassy (my surname ought to be SunGassy!). But, touch wood, since January I’ve managed to kick my sugar habit to the curb and feel safe, eight weeks in, to talk about it (when starting new things, or giving them up, I always find it better NOT to tell anyone to begin with as for me it seems to spell…

Stay social Chatting with friends and family keeps you healthy by supporting immune function and reducing risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. But how? A study from University of Cambridge has uncovered the physical blood markers that indicate loneliness and tie it to poor health. Blood samples from 42,000 adults aged 40-69 years were examined to identify proteins present in socially isolated people. They found 175 proteins linked to social isolation and 26 connected to loneliness. Researcher Dr Chun Shen said: ‘Social isolation is linked to poorer health, but we never understood why. Our work highlights proteins that appear to play a key role, with some increasing as a direct consequence of loneliness.’ The takeaway is: stay connected to stave off disease! DON’T SCRATCH THAT ITCH! Your…

I HAD VAGUELY HEARD OF THIS mysterious supplement called creatine in “gym bros” social media posts. By the nature of the content, I assumed it was in the same ballpark as artificial, chemical-tasting protein substitutes and muscle building steroids – I couldn’t have been more wrong. It turns out that creatine is a completely naturally occurring compound found in muscle cells of all human beings. So, we all already have it. Even people who aren’t “gym bros”. It is also one of the most thoroughly researched supplements. So, with the optimistic hope that I’d find a magic potion that made me leap out of bed like said spaniel, I gave it a go. I committed to taking 5g of creatine every single day for a month. I was more than…

ON A RECENT TRIP TO DUBAI, I found myself in an unexpected yet thoroughly fascinating conversation about gut health. While attending the WHX Dubai health show, I struck up a conversation with renowned Australian cardiologist and chairman of the Australian Gut Foundation Dr Ross Walker, who was there representing Theronomic, a cutting-edge probiotic brand. What began as a friendly exchange quickly turned into a masterclass on the gut microbiome, weight management and – most intriguingly – akkermansia muciniphila, a next-generation probiotic that plays a pivotal role in metabolism, fat storage, and overall gut health. My curiosity was piqued. If there’s a secret weapon for maintaining a healthy weight naturally, I wanted in. ‘Without a healthy gut it is difficult to have a healthy body’ ‘More than 90 per cent of…

1 If you are vegetarian or vegan it is important to ensure you always combine meals with iron-rich foods. These can include broccoli, kale and spinach combined with a source of vitamin C as this is needed to activate the iron into the form the body can use (meat sources are already in the required form). 2 Ensure you have enough protein at mealtimes. It keeps you satisfied for longer and helps balance out the carbs in the meal to better balance blood sugar and control appetite. Most adults need at least 25g protein per meal. 3 Always sit at a table to eat food. This will give you better posture making it easier for food to travel through your digestive system whilst also making you more aware of how…

Firm me up! Designed to boost meno skin in oestrogen decline, MenoMY Smooth & Lift Serum (£29, menomy.com) is a lovely lightweight skin smoother that helps bolster collagen and elastin to smooth fine lines and restore volume. Match with MenoMY Brighten & Renew Eye Cream (£29) to reduce dark circles, under-eye bags and puffiness. TopSanté PROMOTION VITAL FOR WELLNESS! Boost your mood, improve your immune system and enhance your overall wellbeing with GSE Organic Supplements. GSE Iron Vital (£26.95, gse-organic.co.uk) is an organic liquid iron supplement that uses 100% natural iron from curry leaf, and with a combination of organic juices from red grape, sour cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry and elderberry, makes Iron Vital a tasty iron supplement without the metallic aftertaste. Iron Vital helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue, supports…

1 LUSCIOUS LASHES FOR INSTANT LIFT Longer and thicker lashes transform your eyes, adding an instant lift. For a more natural look, use cluster individual lashes. For a fuss-free application, opt for pre-bonded. Lightly rest the cluster on your natural lashes until you find the right position, then gently press to secure. Try: The Natural Lash, £25 (for 48 clusters), bonded-products.com. 2 SEXY EYES Add a soft chocolate smoulder to your eyes. Start with a warm, matte taupe on your eyelids and under your lower lash line, and intensify your sockets with a rich chocolate brown shade. Finish with shimmering peach and cream highlights to the inner corners of your eyes and the centre of your eyelids. Try: P. Louise Naked Ambition Pallette for Eye and Face, £17, plouise.co.uk. 3…

Take a trip… With a massive nine-in-ten drinkers trying to reduce alcohol intake*, here’s a mood-booster alternative. TRIP (from £24 for 12, drink-trip.com) is a sparkling water drink with fruit juice flavourings. The Mindful Range has adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and lion’s mane for calm and focus, plus L-theanine and magnesium for relaxation. While the CBD Range is infused with cannabidiol, L-theanine, chamomile and other chill-out herbs. And relax! MIX &MATCH Fed up of meal planning, food waste and less-than-fresh ingredients? Whip up a personalised meal in minutes with Chefees (from £2, chefees.co.uk), a chef-inspired subscription service. Ingredients are flash-frozen to preserve peak freshness and delivered to your door in sustainable packaging. Choose your protein, flavouring, sides and sauces, then cook from frozen in a saucepan or an air fryer.…

“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.”…

I juggle a lot around parenting my two children. Aside from giving 100 per cent to my Made by Mammas podcast and presenting my Heart FM breakfast show on Sundays – I cover for other presenters like Amanda Holden when they go away – I also started making short films for the BBC’s Morning Live show last year on important subjects such as coercive control, missing people, and early menopause. I get a lot of fulfilment from everything I do but I felt like my workload ran me last year rather than the other way around. So, over Christmas I decided to be a bit more structured and in control of what I say yes to. It doesn’t come naturally to me but I’m trying! Recording two podcast episodes a…

Feel nourished by nature WHAT The Deià Retreat by Los Retiros WHERE Deià, Mallorca WHEN September 1-5 PRICE From £2,200 for private accommodation; from £1,295 for shared accommodation WEBSITE losretiros.com Staying in a peaceful and secluded finca, nestled in the Tramuntana mountains of Deià and surrounded by olive groves and raw wilderness, this holistic retreat combines mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and personalised treatments to help you reset, recharge and reconnect with yourself. Hosted by the team at Los Retiros, who specialise in crafting unforgettable wellness experiences in breathtaking locations, this nourishing escape is all about balance, wellbeing and reconnection. Enjoy daily restorative Pilates and dynamic yoga sessions along with creative workshops, a guided hike through the Tramuntana mountains, and a farm-to-table dining experience, crafted by an in-house chef using fresh, seasonal…

LOCATED OFF Croatia’s north Adriatic coast, the island of Lošinj is a hidden gem and wellness haven that’s just waiting to be discovered. A place to slow down and breathe deeply, the small and tranquil island is home to some of the cleanest air on the planet: alongside optimal humidity levels and annual temperatures, each breath is naturally infused with particles of cleansing seawater and essential oils from more than 1,000 healing plants growing naturally on the island. Studies have shown that simply taking a breath here calms the bronchial tree, helps reduce inflammation, dissolves mucus, and cleans the lungs. The island’s healing climate has been studied since the 1800s, when people suffering from tuberculosis were prescribed an island visit to enhance their recovery. Last May, I was lucky enough…

1 SKINCARE SUPPORTS THAT WELLBEING This year it’s all about finding skincare and beauty products that not only make you look good but feel good too and increase your overall vitality. Formulas that enhance your wellbeing, such as those containing adaptogens – think stress-modulating ashwagandha, calming reishi mushroom, or energising ginseng – will be popular. ‘Beauty routines will evolve to align with the fast-paced lifestyle many of us lead, with products that support healthy sleep patterns, daily energy levels, and overall wellness. Brands that can seamlessly combine beauty with wellness will capture the attention of a growing demographic that views health and beauty as interconnected,’ says Zoe Boikou, founder of Zoeva Cosmetics (zoevacosmetics.co.uk). ‘Adaptogens, known for their stress-relieving properties, are gaining popularity as they help the body cope with stress while…

GUT GOODNESS The Kilner® Sourdough Starter Set (£20.50, kilnerjar.co.uk) contains everything you need to make a successful sourdough starter, which you can use to create delicious sourdough loaves as well as pancakes, pizza, naan breads and more. Alongside two classic Kilner glass jars, the set includes a stainless-steel measuring lid for precisely measuring flour and water, and a recipe booklet with full step-by-step instructions. If you’re looking to create more probiotic-rich fermented foods at home, Kilner also has a Kefir Set (£15) and a Fermentation Set (£19). Ethical slumber Naturally hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating, the Ethical Kind Organic Peace Silk Pillowcase (£89, ethicalkind.com) helps to protect your hair and skin while you sleep, preventing split ends, dryness and wrinkles. Unlike traditional silk harvesting, which requires the silkworm to be killed in…

‘Subscribing to Top Santé is a great way to receive regular reminders to make healthy changes. Every four weeks the magazine will be delivered directly to you, packed with health, fitness, nutrition, skincare, haircare and mental wellbeing advice from experts, helping you stay on the path of health and longevity.’ @thehealtheditor REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE: • Pixi welcome gift worth £36 • Enjoy home delivery of each issue • Pay just £28.99 for your first 6 issues • Never miss an issue • Receive our newsletter for free The Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil is a game-changer for nighttime skincare, combining the power of retinol with nourishing plant-based oils to visibly rejuvenate and treat skin while you sleep. Paired with the iconic Glow Tonic, infused with aloe, ginseng and 5% glycolic acid,…

1. THE HAVENING TECHNIQUE Havening is a simple yet effective self-soothing technique that involves gentle touch on your arms, hands or face while thinking positive thoughts. This helps to calm your nervous system, reducing your brain’s emotional response to stress. When you feel anxious, gently stroke your arms, palms or face and repeat a comforting phrase such as, ‘Calm, relax, safe’. 2. CONTROLLED CALMING BREATHING The 7/11 breathing technique is a simple yet powerful way to calm your nervous system and regain control. It helps lower stress by engaging your body’s natural relaxation response. To try it: 1. Find a comfortable position and sit or stand with your back straight but relaxed. 2. Breathe in slowly through your nose for seven seconds, filling your lungs gently. Breathe deeply from your…

MY SISTER ANGELA WAS seven years younger than me, and we couldn’t be any more different. She was the fearless, live-in-the-moment one, and I was the serious, quiet one. I have had just six permanent jobs in my 36 years of working life, and Angela had more than I could count. She once started work at 9am on a Monday morning and was fired by lunchtime, but then had another job the very next day. She did not care what anyone thought of her and never let anything stand in her way. I paid for us to go on holiday together after I qualified as a pharmacist in 1995, and there were no dull moments. After one night out, where Angela had drunk too much, she was unwell in the…

• Banish your low mood • How to recover from PTSD • Get stronger from top-to-toe • Try an active wellness escape …Plus lots more! DON’T MISS IT! The May issue – on sale April 11! 4 WAYS TO GET YOUR COPY… 1 Head to frontline-group.co.uk/store-finder and select Top Santé from the drop-down menu. Input your postcode to find your nearest stockist. 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 30 for details or visit shop.kelsey.co.uk/TSA. 4 Buy single issues at shop.kelsey.co.uk/TSA – scroll down to “Buy single issue”.…

MARCH 2025 COVER STORY Davinia Taylor INSIDE Special sleep section, plus veg-packed meals and a toning workout FEBRUARY 2025 COVER STORY Kate Ferdinand INSIDE Expert tips for a healthy heart, better brain and boosted libido JANUARY 2025 COVER STORY Lorraine Kelly INSIDE Thrive in 2025 with expert health, fitness, food and beauty advice CHRISTMAS 2024 COVER STORY Lisa Faulkner INSIDE Have a healthy, happy Christmas with recipes, wellness and beauty tips DECEMBER 2024 COVER STORY Anthea Turner INSIDE Immune-boosting advice, plus how to get stronger and quit sugar NOVEMBER 2024 COVER STORY Cherry Healey INSIDE Midlife health hacks, high-protein recipes and 5 steps to declutter OCTOBER 2024 COVER STORY Tessa Sanderson CBE INSIDE The Olympian on inspiring women, plus a brain health special SEPTEMBER 2024 COVER STORY Dianne Buswell INSIDE…

EI confess I’ve never I’ve never really connected with the issue or the advice given, as I never really had a problem with a lack of energy… until now. I’d read about perimenopause and how energy could be one of the things to take a knock, but I’d merrily plough on and keep pushing through even if I was tired. I’d overload my schedule and and more often think “I can do it!”. But last year I had a persistent cough that lasted months. I never went to never to the doctor and just carried on. Then it, or another one, returned early this February and just completely took it out of me. I try everything before going to the doctor, and when I did go, she dismissed me saying…