Innehållsförteckning för December 2021 från Top Sante

How are you? I hope you’re really well, but if stress and anxiety are creeping up and you’re feeling a bit burnt out, our columnist Rosie Millen has some advice to help (page 23). You might also enjoy Laura Walton’s story (page 29); Laura had severe anxiety brought on by a number of events including a death in the family and painful endometriosis; she shares her recovery story and why she started making CBD products to help other women experiencing both stress and in pain. Speaking of pain, our special section in this issue is about arthritis. We’re looking at both osteoarthritis (page 50) the kind to which we’re all more susceptible as we get older, as well as rheumatoid arthritis (page 56), which affects some people at a much…

Trelonk Molecular Wellbeing essential oils (from £2.50, trelonkwellbeing.com) are new and from Cornwall. Each product targets specific conditions and ailments: Power Through helps ease everyday aches and pains, Lights Out encourages restful sleep and relaxes an overactive mind, while Head Strong helps improve mood, manage stress and diffuse tension. Enjoy through a nose inhaler or in a bath. See page 84 for more bathtime ideas! Karmacist (from £30, karmacist.com) are “nutrigenomic” supplements in four key blends: Relax, Mood, Immunity and Energy, each formulated by top scientists using high-quality herbal ingredients. Immune contains reishi mushroom, amla berries, black garlic, olive leaf, rosemary, ginger and green tea – perfect for this time of year. Tideford Organics Inspired Soups (from £1.79, tidefordorganics.com) now include three new flavours: Mexican Spicy Bean Butternut, Moroccan Spiced…

GET TOUGH ON GERMS – NATURALLY Arm yourself this cold and flu season with the Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser Spray (£2.90, biod.co.uk). This eco-friendly, antibacterial cleaning product is made from naturally derived plant-based ingredients, which are packaged in a bottle made from 100 per cent recycled plastic. It also features orange oil, which is great for tackling those greasy kitchen jobs. AT-HOME AROMATHERAPY Turn your home into a calming haven with the Spritz Wellness Aromatherapy Blends (from £12, spritzwellness.com). There are nine blends to choose from, each designed to stimulate the senses and promote wellness. We love the sleep one, which features lavender, chamomile, ravensara and mandarin. Heat your home sustainably this winter Energy-efficient, The Radiator Centre Livingstone Radiators (from £1,123, theradiatorcentre.com) provide fully automated, intelligent heating without wastage. They…

Cannabis has served as an effective treatment for millions of people worldwide for thousands of years, making it a vital part of human history and progression. Around 2700BCE, emperor Shen Nung, AKA “the Father of Chinese Medicine”, frequently prescribed marijuana tea for the treatment of rheumatism, malaria, poor memory, gout and many more ailments. In 207AD, Hua T’o became the first recorded physician to use cannabis to anaesthetise patients before surgery. By the early 18th century, most UK physicians prescribed cannabis and included it in their medical formulations. Today, cannabis is legal for medicinal purposes in 36 US states and medical use of cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018, though it remains a challenge for patients to gain access to it. It has also finally been recognised…

A IS FOR… ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATE This traditional Indian herb has been used for centuries to treat diseases and fight infection. Known as the king of bitters, andrographis has potent antibacterial properties and can fight most pathogens, especially chest infections and the flu. Find it in Equi London Immunity Edition (£33 for 30-day supply, equilondon.com). B IS FOR… BRUSSELS SPROUTS These Christmassy vegetables pack a punch when it comes to vitamin C, which is crucial for your immune system. Half a cup provides 81 per cent of your recommended daily intake of the vitamin. Get them on your plate now rather than just saving them for your Christmas roast dinner! TRY IT One way to cook sprouts to make them a little tastier is to fry them with thin strips of bacon…

1 CARRY ON WASHING. Not washing or brushing your hair is the worst thing you can do. When people experience hair loss, they often don’t want to wash their hair too much or brush it for fear of it coming out, but hair needs to be nurtured; your scalp needs to be stimulated. 2 BRUSH 100 TIMES! I went to boarding school and every day we had to tip our heads upside down and brush our hair 100 times – and it worked! So, blood flow is really important. An Indian head massage is great, too. Either get someone to do it or massage your scalp yourself. 3 USE SERUMS. With clients, I use hair serums and tonics to improve growth. I go for ones from the likes of Davines…

SWEET POTATO, FETA & CARAMELISED RED ONION FRITTATA Heavenly caramel-like sweet potatoes with creamy feta and sweetened red onions – this frittata is epic in flavour! So simple to make with easy-to-buy ingredients, yep, it’s a stress-free night of deliciousness. Serve it hot, warm or cold, and a slice is fantastic the next day, too. One word of advice: don’t overcook the frittata, otherwise it will be dry. ■ 300g sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes■ 1 tbsp butter■ 1 tbsp olive oil■ 2 red onions, thinly sliced■ 1 garlic clove■ 1 tsp thyme leaves, plus small sprigs to serve■ 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar■ 1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus extra to serve■ 6 eggs, large, beaten and seasoned liberally■ 125g feta cheese 1 Bring a large saucepan…

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, _ tness, 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.…

The healing one Wake Up to Sleep: 5 Powerful Practices to Transform Stress and Trauma for Peaceful Sleep and Mindful Dreams, by Charlie Morley (£10.99, Hay House) This is a practical, five-part book that looks at how you can combat the harmful effects of stress and trauma to achieve restful sleep and healing dreams. Charlie Morley has spent the past five years developing a mindfulness-based approach to stress or trauma-affected sleep that combines breathwork, lucid dreaming and yoga nidra to help regulate the nervous system, relax deeply and achieve the best possible sleep. The mindfulness one 365 Days of Mindful Meditations: Daily Guidance for a Calmer, Happier You by Karen Edwards (£7.99, Summersdale Publishers) Keen to try meditation, but can’t find the time? This little book of mindful meditations is…

Picualia Exclusive Reserve (£29.95, harveynichols.com) is a medium fruity oil with complex green nuances and a silky-smooth aromatic spiciness. Picual olives are grown in Andalusia and the region is the largest olive-growing area in the world thanks to its perfect climate, altitude and soil. The bottle is fully recyclable and has a unique mechanism for precise pouring. SEGGIANO Organic Limited Edition Extra Virgin Olive Oil (£8.20, seggiano.com) is a creamy and delicate cold-pressed olive oil with a dense consistency. Made in Tuscany, this stone-milled, single estate olive oil maintains its flavour and antioxidants thanks to a unique filtration system. The Governor Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils (from £39.50, thegovernorevoo.co.uk) are made in small batches in Corfu and are the first olive oils to be given EU health claim status, thanks…

DID YOU KNOW THAT emotional stress has a greater impact on your adrenal glands than physical stress? If you are constantly worrying about something or having negative thoughts, it is going to make you tired. Try the following… 1 WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS Get really clear on your thought triggers. Ask yourself, for each thought, ‘if that negative thought became a reality, what would happen?’ Then write down 1) The worst-case scenario, 2) the best-case scenario, 3) what is most likely to actually happen? By doing this, you’re likely to realise you’ll be able to deal with each outcome, whatever the case. 2 TALK ABOUT IT A problem shared is a problem halved. Just talking to someone, be it a friend or family member, about your worries reduces the intensity.…

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that brings with it severe pain during sex, periods, bowel movements and urination, as well as pelvic pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Yet despite suffering with the condition, which so far has led to 15 operations, I was always an upbeat person. I was career-driven, had great friends and family, and pretty much nothing phased me as I did my best to live every day to the fullest, regardless of the pain. The first symptom I had was severe constipation. No matter what I took, nothing worked, so I went to see a doctor when I was 18 years old. I saw several doctors and was referred to a bowel specialist initially. Over many months, they tried lots of different medicines, did lots of investigations…

JACK DORSEY, THE CEO OF Twitter, eats only one meal a day. In the late afternoon, he consumes one large feast. Dorsey also goes multiple days without eating, believing it provides him with a productivity edge. Is skipping breakfast really giving Dorsey a competitive edge? Or is it setting him up for major problems down the road? There are some key nuances to explore and meal timing is one of the most influential external cues that impacts your physiology and, indirectly, your ability to maintain a healthy weight. TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT? More and more people are skipping breakfast. Time restricted eating (TRE) is the term used to describe shrinking the “window” of time during which you eat. For example, you might delay your breakfast or first meal…

GO EXPLORING The cool air, crisp leaves underfoot, colours all around… autumn is a great time to reconnect with nature. If you’ve got exploring on your radar, do it in style with the new adidas by Stella McCartney EARTH EXPLORER collection (from £18, stellamccartney.com). Featuring multifunctional pieces made in part with recycled materials, the technical range is for those who want to hit the great outdoors. There are four hero garments including a multipurpose puffer jacket made with WIND.RDY fabric to keep out the breeze, and the stylish COLD.RDY Winter Boots (£160), which keep feet warm thanks to the insulated COLD.RDY technology. RIDE ON Want to work out for your mind? Then join Apex Rides (apexrides.com) on one of its 15-minute Ride Remedies sessions. The British smart bike and app…

Revive and restore As we transition into the winter months, stay feeling good with a SOiL Organic Aromatherapy Revive Remedy Roller (£4.70 soilorganics.co.uk). The roller contains a blend of comforting geranium, rosemary and uplifting grapefruit organic essential oils to help boost your mood and lift your spirits. It is so easy to use; simply apply to your pressure points to stimulate and energise the body and mind. The roller is also available in Relief and Relax scents. The aromatherapy remedy rollers are certified natural and organic by ECOCERT and are vegan.…

This is a hearty meal for a chilly evening. The dish is packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate and fibre. The flageolet beans boost the protein content and can be substituted with chickpeas or any other type of canned beans. Serves 4 ■ 1 red onion, thinly sliced■ 2 red peppers, deseeded and sliced■ 2 courgettes, thinly sliced■ 1 aubergine, sliced into half moons■ 2 x 400g cans flageolet beans, drained and rinsed■ 2 garlic cloves, crushed■ 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil■ 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar■ 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes■ Handful basil leaves, torn■ Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste To serve: ■ Focaccia bread or couscous 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6. 2 Place the onion, peppers, courgettes, aubergine, flageolet beans…

ANDHRA CHINTAKAYA CHAAP Tamarind & ginger lamb chop curry Sometimes, it’s the simpler dishes that bring out the very best flavours in Indian cooking. For me, this lamb chop curry is a true representation of Andhra cooking and, once again, shows a varied style from the region beyond the fiery hot curries. Tamarind paste varies in strength, so adjust the quantity accordingly to get the required tart, sour flavour in the curry. Serves 4 ■ 10 lamb chops■ 5cm ginger root, blended to a paste (about 2 tbsp)■ 4 tbsp vegetable oil■ 450g white onions, thinly sliced■ 1 tsp English mustard powder■ ½ tsp mild chilli powder■ 150ml water■ 125g potatoes, sliced■ 1 heaped tsp tamarind paste, or to taste■ Coriander, chopped, to garnish 1 Put the chops in a…

Your immune system most likely hasn’t really been tested for the past 18 months, so it’s important to show it some love through what you eat, says our ‘Mindful Eater’ Sam Rice. Find her on Instagram.com/midlifekitchen. WHILE THE pandemic is far from over, people are getting used to the virus being in general circulation and guards are slowly coming down. As a result, your rusty immune system is more susceptible to the usual cough and cold bugs that abound at this time of year. Keeping yourself fit and healthy should be your first line of defence in boosting your immunity, and eating a well-balanced diet is key. Include plenty of lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates and be sure to eat the rainbow when it comes to fruit and…

STANDING MAY PREVENT CHRONIC DISEASES Standing more throughout the day is commonly known to burn more calories and helps protect against back pain, but a new study reveals it can offer so much more. Scientists from the University of Turku have observed a link between standing and improved insulin sensitivity, which suggests that increasing your daily standing time may lower your risk of chronic illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The even better news is that increased standing was still associated with better insulin sensitivity, regardless of other factors such as the amount of daily activity, fitness levels or being overweight (although for maximum health benefits, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight are recommended). Swap an hour of sitting for standing each day and your future self…

It can be extremely soul destroying when you just can’t seem to lose excess weight, no matter what you do. If you have reached the stage where putting on any more weight is simply not an option for you, then read on! Improving your health Being overweight is no laughing matter when the physical strain on your body is starting to take its toll on your health. Your GP or your family may have expressed their concern and urged you to slim down – all very well if only you knew how to! Help is at hand to resolve your weight problem. Rachel and her team have helped over 8,000 clients of all ages and from all walks of life to slim down successfully. Many come to see her as…

I suddenly felt old when I turned 60. It wasn’t because I looked any different to the day before and I didn’t feel like I had changed, but I noticed that the world had changed towards me. Overnight, I was aware of people in their 60s being categorised in a negative way. For instance, my dad, who is still going strong at the age of 90, sent me a picture of my mum and we were trying to work out what birthday she was celebrating. He said, ‘It was an old one, she must have been in her 60s’. When you age, you do start to feel invisible because you’re categorised. It’s as though you’ve parted from the crowd, from young people, and are now in the “autumn” of your…

AROUND 150 NEW breast cancer cases are diagnosed in Britain every day, according to Cancer Research UK, making it the most common cancer that accounts for the highest number of cancer deaths worldwide. Currently, NHS treatments include surgery to remove the tumour, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Aside from being invasive with a raft of unpleasant side effects, all of these treatments are expensive and require solid infrastructure, which leaves many patients around the world unable to access these options. However, results from a recent trial offers new hope for breast cancer victims, in the form of a natural and affordable treatment that has been shown to kill nearly 100 per cent of HER2-positive cancer cells. In a pre-clinical study performed by BIOENSIS, an independent pharmaceutical testing laboratory, results showed that the…

1 Try an autoimmune paleo diet Similar to the paleo diet but designed to reduce symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as inflammation, fatigue and joint pain, this diet can be beneficial for many with RA. You eliminate foods thought to increase gut permeability (leaky gut), replacing them with gut-friendly foods. Then, you re-introduce some foods to see whether you have sensitivity to a particular one, permanently cutting it out if you do. It’s best to do this under guidance of a nutritional therapist. 2 Keep your gut healthy Protect against RA by eating 6-8 portions a day of varied vegetables, plus good sources of protein (meat, fish, eggs, tofu, quinoa) and healthy fats (olive/coconut oil, fatty fish, nuts). If you’ve been exposed to gut infections, bacterial overgrowths, or have taken…

ECCO Solice (from £150, gb.ecco.com) have you covered with their warmth and comfort. Made from premium leathers fit to handle wintry conditions, they are the perfect pair or shoes for cool weather walks. 361 Weegie (£119.99, 361europe.com) combine the comfort of a running trainer with the protection of walking footwear. They’re a great option for walks to work and everyday strolls for leisure. Hike Women’s Waterproof Recycled Boots (£79.99, mountainwarehouse.com) are great, grippy hikers that will soothe your soul while walking and safeguard the Earth as they’re made from recycled fabrics. The bright colour will boost your mood, too.…

Freedm Street Christmas Express (£185, freedmstreet.co.uk) contains vegan, environmentally friendly products, has plastic-free packaging and a donation is made to a charity with each purchase. Last year, they sold out superfast! Dr Hauschka Christmas Advent Calendar (£85, drhauschka.co.uk) is packaged within a luxurious gift box with each gift wrapped in a reusable cotton bag, which you can keep to make your own calendar next year. The Body Shop Share the Joy Advent Calendar (£55, thebodyshop.com) has 24 treats hiding inside its pop-up construction. Expect fragrant bath bubbles, body butters and sheet masks. Clarins 12 Days of Christmas (£65, clarins.co.uk) is filled with mini versions of the brand’s most loved products including the cult Beauty Flash Balm.…

GOING INTO AND coming out of winter are natural times to shed hair. It’s also normal to lose around 50-100 hairs a day. But when it’s coming out more than that, it could be telogen effluvium. If the hair loss goes on for more than 4-6 weeks, I’d suggest seeing an expert. Also, it’s not just about your current state of health, but what you’ve been through over the past six years. Menopause and the change in hormones can also affect hair growth. Additionally, long periods of stress can lead to hair loss. SCALP AWARENESS Your scalp is a living, breathing ecosystem. It’s very delicate and many aren’t aware that things like medicated scalp treatments can get absorbed into the bloodstream. There are some people who want to go down…

DIP INTO IT There’s something about a smoky flavour that really gives a savoury dish some oomph, and the new Holy Moly Smoky Red Pepper & Tomato Salsa (£2, sainsburys.co.uk) is perfect for dipping or dolloping on a burger. It’s made with fresh, natural ingredients including black garlic, lime and fire-roasted red pepper, and it’s spiced with chipotle, smoked paprika and cinnamon.…

Enjoy beers without booze in the run-up to Christmas with The Dry Drinker Alcohol Free Beer Advent Calendar (£54.99, drydrinker.com). It includes 12 bottles and 12 cans of surprise beers and there is even a Dry Drinker glass hidden in there, too. Lovers of a good cuppa will delight in this Mariage Frères Noël Haute Couture Christmas Calendar (£45, mariagefreres.com). Inside you will find 25 premium teas from the French teahouse. The luxurious Pierre Marcolini Advent Calendar (£46.22, eu.marcolini.com) has a charming illustration of a frosty ski resort in the Italian mountains – complete with bears! It contains 24 chocolate creations including a raspberry heart and a salted butter caramel. Available in boutiques and online from November 5. Also on the chocolate front, this Happi Free From Advent Calendar (£7.50,…

IF YOU’VE NEVER TRIED Brussel sprouts raw, I urge you to; they’re nothing like their – often unpopular – cooked counterparts. Here, they’re shredded on a mandolin and combined with sweet apple, crunchy celery, dried cranberries, and nuts and seeds. This is a delicious side dish, or would make a healthy lunch all on its own. Sprouts are packed with vitamins and rich in a compound called glucobrassicin, which is thought to help prevent cancer, while the sunflower seeds contain zinc, which plays an important role in your immune system.…

Hot Stuff – the perfect gift for gadget fans Stuff magazine is packed full of news, reviews, and all the best deals on the hottest new gadgets. Treat a friend to 13 issues of Stuff and receive a Nacon PS4 stereo gaming headset, worth £25.50. Visit Shop.kelsey.co.uk/STUGIFT The perfect subscription for photography lovers. Amateur Photographer Premium is the perfect gift for photography lovers. Gift a subscription today and they will receive 13 issues across the year, that’s 13 deliveries of tips and tutorials, all from you! We’ll also include three Special Editions as an extra gift that will get them off to a flying start. Visit Shop.kelsey.co.uk/APGIFT Stocking filler idea Boxing News Presents Special Editions Pack of three (get 3 editions for the price of 2) Visit Shop.kelsey.co.uk/BNPGIFT Get your…

MENOPAUSE EXPERT Dr Anne Henderson is a gynaecologist and author of Natural Menopause (gynae-expert.co.uk). Q I am 65 years old and no longer get invited for cervical screening. Why is this? A The current NHS cervical screening programme ends at age 65. Women are called every three years during their adult life until they turn 50, when the screening intervals increase to five years. The screening interval and end date are based on a large body of scientific and epidemiological data indicating that the incidence of new cases of cervical pathology in women in their 50s and beyond is extremely low, and significantly less than pathology found in younger women. The safety of the screening programme has been further enhanced by the introduction of primary HPV testing, which was introduced…