Thursday 31 January 2019

The World's Greatest Pick-Me Up!

"Its stood the test of time."

When you think about it, there's a reason we say "It's stood the test of time," isn't there? Uggs (1978), Dr Martins (1947), Canada Goose Jacket (1957), the Wonderbra (1955), Tampax Tampons (1931), Chanel No5 perfume (1921), Gucci Tennis Shoes (1921), Vaseline (1872) to name but a few cherished icons.

7o years in the health food trade, there's also BioStrath Elixir tonic, just called Strath now (1948) - It's an icon of health, a product still on a trajectory guaranteeing it's survival for decades to come. Strath isn't given much advertising, celebrity endorsements, public relations, sponsorship, etc., etc., like some of the blockbusters above, but what it does is successfully win the hearts of customers.

"When love's not love...Fade away."

Why's Strath so good? Let's forget the techie stuff (you can read it in our blog) and sum it up in one word:

NOURISHMENT


There's NO chemicals. it's all natural, a food tonic, good for everyone. You can take it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and is especially good for those recovering from chemo or radiotherapy (testimonials on that subject), or simply in need of a boost. It's easy to rave about Strath, to list all the benefits: how it helps to fight exhaustion, fatigue and exam stress, how it helps increase your appetite during recovery to build resistance to colds and infections, that it's good for the elderly or young, athletes, and so on, but why bother? It's not as if i'm trying to sell it. ðŸ™„.

For more information, navigate to our blog via our website - https://bit.ly/2RI46R7 or pop into Elixir and speak to one of our staff.Seriously, once you try it, you will find it sells itself. You'll be pleased you learnt about this healthfood gem and will spread the word. It might also just tick all the Brexit and Trump boxes or at least give some respite from the stress and the common cold abound at the moment.

Jason Henderson
Elixir Health Foods

Thursday 11 October 2018

THE ALTERNATIVE TO..DIGESTIVE DISCOMFORT


Good digestion is the cornerstone of optimal health. When the digestive system is not functioning well, the result can be detrimental to the whole body.
StomachThere are many times in life when your digestive system may need a bit of assistance. Stress, for example, can disrupt the digestive process by reducing digestive juices and slowing the movement of food through the system. Heartburn, indigestion and bloating can be very uncomfortable, not to mention embarrassing when accompanied by flatulence.

Digestive enzymes play a specific role in the process of supporting the different stages of digestion, absorption and elimination. At Elixir, we are particularly fond of Quest’s Enzyme Digest, which provides the finest herbal compounds and enzymes specially selected for their benefits to the digestive system.
So how does it work?
Enzyme Digest contains six active ingredients which work synergistically together as follows:
Papain, which comes from the papaya plant, helps with digestion and breakdown of dietary protein and tough meat fibres.
Amylase, an enzyme which helps with digestion of carbohydrates and reducing flatulence and diarrhoea.
Lipase, which performs a vital role in digestion by breaking down fat and aiding absorption of vitamins.
Bromelain is an enzyme produced from pineapples, which helps with digestion of protein. It is also renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Betaine HCl, which helps with the breakdown of food substances in the stomach, improving the pH value of stomach acid in the process.
Peppermint Oil, for its calming and antispasmodic properties, reducing intestinal cramping and build-up of gas.
In addition, there are things you can do to help yourself:
Chew, chew and chew some more! Digestion starts in the mouth. Food has to be well broken down to be properly absorbed and there are no teeth in your stomach (I hope!).
Don’t drink with meals as you’ll dilute your much-needed stomach acid and digestive enzymes.
Avoid using antacids. Heartburn is often a sign of low stomach acid, which will be reduced even further with antacids. Try taking Enzyme Digest with meals instead.
The easy to swallow tablets are vegan and gluten free. There are no known side effects, but speak to your practitioner first if you are on medication.
* You can buy the product mentioned in this article at Elixirhealth.co.uk – Click here.

Randi Henderson
Elixir Health Foods

Monday 12 February 2018

IS YOUR SKINCARE FIRE SAFE?

A burning subject!

Have you read those disturbing articles about cosmetic creams which can cause instantaneous combustion? It's a horrible subject to go into but it could, quite frankly, save your life. Skin creams containing paraffin have been linked to dozens of fire deaths across England.

"The products for conditions like eczema and psoriasis can leave people at risk of setting themselves ablaze. If people use the creams regularly but do not often change clothes or bedding, paraffin residue can soak into the fabric, making it flammable." (BBC.)

Deaths in England
The problem is important enough for the medicines regulator (MHRA) to update its guidance and say "all creams containing paraffin should carry a warning." But despite warnings there have been 37 deaths in England since 2010 linked to the creams. It's sad, but true that many so-called top brands
with the power of marketing and advertising try to persuade us that their often not so cheap products are good for us. Bio-Oil is a classic example, one of the more popular ones. Unless you're a label reader you wouldn't read past their claims to see that paraffin is the first ingredient. And Bio Oil is safe during pregnancy! Now let's not get sidetracked because that's not the only unhealthy ingredient in Bio Oil, and far from the only suspect brand. For example, how many have used that favourite of many doctors and the NHS, E45?

You get what you pay for
You often hear 'you get what you pay for' but that's not always the case. There's nothing cheap about many of these skincare brands. What the customer is desperate to hear is these products are beneficial for their condition, whether it's a cream, oil, shampoo - basically any topical medication - and that it will make things better. When you've got a bad bout of eczema or psoriasis, you've got stretch marks, or you've ironically just burnt yourself, relief is what you want. The last thought in the real world of the consumer is, hang on, what's the ingredients in these products? Will it set me on fire? Maybe not, maybe you don't use them often enough anyway, to worry.

The UK health authority responsible for efficacy and safety, the medicines regulator, will only give guidance. All creams containing paraffin should carry a warning. Is that going far enough? The problem with many of these creams isn't that they are all that dangerous, although I personally wouldn't put them on my skin, it's the secondary effect. They may become dangerous when the paraffin ingredient soaks into the fabric (which isn't just your clothes but it could be bedding via pyjamas) and are then exposed to fire through any inflammatory source, cigarettes, lighters, fireplace, and so on. And washing your garment isn't always the answer, as London Fire Brigade says:

"...even regular washing of night clothes and bed linen might not eliminate the danger, unless it is washed at a high temperature, as paraffin is invisible and can accumulate over time."

Are you a label reader?
If you're aren't a label reader, then maybe reconsider. What you put on your skin they say absorbs into the bloodstream and becomes part of your body. You're not just what you eat!] As shocking as this subject is, it is in many cases, avoidable. Simply, avoid creams with paraffin. There are safer alternatives. Go into any health food store and pick the brains of the staff. Most of them are savvy and can advise; hopefully their products are okay. For example one good skincare range for dermatological problems is Moogoo. Their products are so pure (and effective) that some of them can actually be eaten (but don't try this at home.) And there's lots of other safe brands too. Use Moogoo instead of E45. Instead of Bio Oil, use Rio Rosa Mosqueta Oil.

* Recent reported incidents involving [paraffin] in skin emollient creams: *

'Sneaky cigarette'
Carol Hoe's husband Philip died after accidentally setting himself on fire at Doncaster Royal Infirmary in 2006 when sparks from a cigarette reacted with the emollient cream he was covered in.

"I got a phone call from the ward sister to say can you get to the hospital as soon as possible, Philip's had an accident," she said.

"Philip had caught fire. He had sneaked off onto a landing for a sneaky cigarette, a gust of wind must have caught the lighter, and it set fire to him."

'Engulfed in flames'
Within seconds Mr Hoe, who was receiving treatment for psoriasis, was engulfed in flames and he died shortly after being transferred to another hospital in Sheffield.

"When we got there, the staff came to me and told us he was covered with 90% burns," said Mrs Hoe.

"There was nothing they could do."

Also in 2015, an inquest into the death of 84-year-old John Hills heard he died in a nursing home in Worthing, West Sussex, after setting himself on fire with his pipe.

A paraffin-based cream called Cetraben had soaked into his clothes and was found to have played a part in his death.

The problem has become sadly familiar to Darren Munro, borough commander for London's Wandsworth Fire Station, who has been campaigning to raise awareness...

Christopher Holyoake sat in his living room
Christopher Holyoake died after his bedding, which was covered in paraffin residue, caught fire
"In four out of the last six fatalities that I've personally attended, I would say the emollient cream has had a direct result in the flame spread and the speed at which the fire took hold," he said.

* You can buy human friendly skincare at Elixirhealth.co.uk, as well as those nice ones mentioned in this article – Click here.

Tuesday 23 January 2018

The Use and Benefits of Cannabis Food Supplement Products in the UK - Cannabidiol (CBD)

View our range of cannabis oil products - Click here.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana or pot, among other names, has a long history for medical, recreational and religious use. Most ancient cultures didn’t grow the plant to get high, but as herbal medicine, likely starting in Asia around 500 BC. The main psychoactive part of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is one of 483 known compounds in the plant. 'THC', the bit which gives  the "high" or "stoned" feeling - in other words the 'psychoactive effect' - is taken out of the products now appearing for sale in UK shops under different brand names.
PC150570Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most prevalent chemical compounds found inside the resin glands (trichomes) of the female cannabis plant. These chemical compounds are known as cannabinoids. 
Although cannabis use is not recent, the call to legalise it, beginning in the 1970s has grown in popularity. For a long time it has been subject to legal restrictions. However, to date several U.S. states have legalised it for recreational or medical use and in the UK the organisation responsible for health legislation, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has supposedly made a decision. Recently the  MHRA has found that Cannabidiol (CBD) has a “restoring, correcting or modifying” effect on “physiological functions” when administered to humans. This is a major step forward in a potential move to legalise cannabis and bring about evidence-based laws regarding drugs. However the MHRA only allows the sale of cannabidiol products because they are consumed as a food. As long as suppliers retail them as a food supplement based on the hemp plant, make no medical claims suggesting they have physiological effects, then they can be legally sold.
Cannabidiol taps into the body’s own endocannabinoid system that many consider the master controller for many functions in the body - including nerve, immune, hormone and metabolism.These products contains all the vital cannabinoids and compounds of the plant.
CBD-Poster-on-BenefitsIn fact, if the MHRA were to act on its powers, whether to permit or ban sales of cannabidiol products they would have to consider each product on a case by case basis, and all the characteristics of the product, in particular its composition, its pharmacological properties (to the extent scientifically known), the manner in which it is used, the extent of distribution, its familiarity to consumers and the risks which its use may entail. In other words they would have to review each product in terms of its efficacy and safety within the framework of the Medicines Act. As yet, they have not announced any decision to do so. They may do in the future as they have done with many safe herbal products, such as St John's Wort and Black Cohosh, previously sold as food supplements.

CBD is the major non psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa. According to a 2013 study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, CBD's benefits include acting in some experimental models as an anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antiemetic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic agent, and is therefore a potential medicine for the treatment of neuroinflammation, epilepsy, oxidative injury, vomiting and nausea, anxiety and schizophrenia.

The claims made about CBD oil, in practice, cannot be proven in the UK until the MHRA issues a license for each and every product sold on the UK market, despite the fact they have said it has medical benefits. The license would define the benefits associated with the CBD products as part of traditional use. However, in theory, in the absence of this official piece of paper, there are many anecdotal claims we read about every day. Accepting that CBD products are safe, it is left to each user to make their own minds up whether to try them or not, and to hope for the best they experience similar improvements to their health and wellbeing as others say they have.

View our range of cannabis oil products - Click here.

Monday 4 December 2017

Why Taking Vitamin D in An Oral Form Is Good - Review of BetterYou Vitamin D & K2 Oral Spray

Many of you may have noticed the increasing attention being given to the importance of vitamin D3 in the media in the last couple of year. According to the government Chief Medical Officer, it is known that a significant proportion of people in the UK have inadequate levels of vitamin D3 in their blood. Our hospitals are now seeing regular cases of rickets among children, a disease we thought had been eradicated nearly 100 years ago.
Sun

See our full range of Vitamin D3 products: Click here:  Elixirhealth.co.uk.

So what’s the problem? We all have a healthy, balanced diet, haven’t we? No one is exactly sure why this is happening apart from the fact that we spend too much time indoors and when we go out into the sun, we lather sunscreen on ourselves due to fear of skin cancer. I think it must be more than that. But whatever the reason, the reality is we have a potential epidemic on our hands.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN D3 DEFICIENCY? There is no clear pattern of symptoms. Although vitamin D3 deficiency is classically associated with bone health, low levels have more recently been associated with increased risk of common cancers (especially breast, prostate and colon cancer), Type 2 diabetes, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure and psoriasis. Vitamin D3 may help protect people, especially those with asthma and other chronic lung conditions, from colds and other respiratory tract infections, according to the largest study to date to look at the link. Here are some of the more common symptoms of deficiency:

Sun• Fatigue • Depression • General muscle pain and cramps • Poor bone density • Joint pain and other chronic pain • High blood pressure • Restless sleep • Headaches and poor concentration • Bladder problems • Constipation or diarrhoea
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT? An adult would need to eat 2-4 serving of wild salmon per day or spend about an hour in bright sunshine every day – naked, no sunscreen allowed - in order to get enough vitamin D3. Well, that’s not going to happen, is it? An easier way to ensure adequate intake for you and your family is simply to take a good quality supplement. That is where we can help: at Elixir we have a product called BetterYou Vitamin D+K2 Oral Spray. Vitamin K2 works synergistically with D3 to ensure that calcium is directed out of the arteries into the bones where it helps improve bone density. This action also helps minimise the risk of heart disease, so it is a particularly nice combination.

BetterYou Vitamin D+K2 Oral Spray is specially formulated to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. The tiny droplets absorb quickly into your mouth providing faster nutrient absorption than tablets or capsules, and three sprays per day is all you need.

This is a vitamin you should be taking when pregnant, as it has been shown to dramatically reduce premature births and infection rates, and is also important when breast feeding. There are no contraindications or drug interactions when used according to instructions, but consult your healthcare professional before taking if you are concerned.

See our full range of Vitamin D3 products: Click here:  Elixirhealth.co.uk.

Tuesday 21 November 2017

The Ankarsrum Original Assistent Food Mixer - Best Bread Kneader!

The Assistent makes light work of baking and with its powerful engine it allows you to mix even the heaviest dough with ease. Its 7-litre dough container means you can bake really big, heavy dough without more effort than pushing a button. The Assistent comes with a variety of accessories, and you can also buy anything from pasta to meat grinders.

See this product at Elixirhealth.co.uk. and get a great price!

ASSISTENT

The Assistent Original, sometimes known as the Electrolux Ankarsrum Assistent, has a 1500W motor and is available in a range of colours. It features a large 7 litre stainless steel bowl that can hold up to 5kg of dough. The mixer has a unique roller and scraper design that mimics the action of kneading by hand. Those of us that enjoy making bread can avoid the aches and pains of kneading by hand. With its unique action of rotating the bowl, rather than the hook, the Assistent really does thoroughly mix the dough. For heavier doughs, a large dough hook can be used.

BENEFITS OF BUYING THE ASSISTENT Baking, mixing, squeezing, grinding, piping, straining, the very design of the Assistent Original concept is to meet as many of your kitchen needs as possible with the help of a single machine. Over the years Ankarsrum have produced twelve different accessories available to purchase, with more due in the future, so that we can continue to make your life in the kitchen simpler and more pleasurable.

** THE UNIQUE FEATURE OF THE ASSISTENT IS ITS ROTATION OF THE BOWL RATHER THAN THE DOUGH HOOK (SEE VIDEO) **

Built with renowned Swedish quality every Assistent comes with a 7 year warranty for added peace of mind. The motor, aluminium castings and plastic mouldings are all manufactured locally in Sweden. PLEASE NOTE: DELIVERY ONLY IN THE U.K BASIC KIT INCLUDES: - 7 litre Stainless Steel Bowl - Dough Knife, Stainless Steel - Dough Roller - Spatula - Rise Cover/Bowl - Dough Hook, Stainless Steel - 2 x Double Beater, Stainless Steel Whisk + 2 x Single Wire

BEST IN TEST
The Assistent has consistently come top in consumer tests in Sweden, beating other well known brands including Bosch, Kenwood and KitchenAid. "The Assistent is very quick to process both dough and whipping cream in the approved time. The large stainless steel bowl is ideal for large quantities of baking dough which comes away easily from the edges during the process. The model is robust in its design but it weighs even less than most other models tested. Practical features like a timer and overload protection are an added bonus."

HISTORY OF THE ASSISTENT - A SWEDISH SUCCESS STORY First designed and manufactured in 1939 (with some original models still in use), the Assistent has been brought into the 21st century with remarkable results. Boasting sturdy Swedish Craftsmanship, combined with sleek, functional styling, this processor matches the quality of professional catering mixers yet is compact enough to fit into the home kitchen. Built to last a lifetime and beyond, it's the last food prcoessor you'll ever need to buy, and will no doubt be passed down through the generations.

PLEASE NOTE: DELIVERY ONLY IN THE U.K

FEATURES
  • 7 litre Stainless Steel Bowl
  • Dough Knife, Stainless Steel
  • Dough Roller
  • Spatula
  • Rise Cover/Bowl
  • Dough Hook, Stainless Steel
  • Double Beater, Stainless Steel Whisk
See this product at Elixirhealth.co.uk.

Monday 6 November 2017

A Review of Viridian Saffron Extract | For Mood & Anxiety | Elixir Health Foods


Click here: Viridian Saffron Extract to view and buy.
The nights are getting longer and with less daylight this can bring on a condition known as SAD, seasonal affective disorder. Although the exact cause of SAD isn't fully understood, experts theorise that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, affecting the production of the key mood and sleep hormones, melatonin and serotonin.
It’s also considered that lack of vitamin D synthesis, normally a process of the sun on the skin, can affect mood, and the Government recommends that everyone in the UK supplements with appropriate vitamin D from October to March to protect against deficiency.
 Another supplement which is gaining a significant reputation for its anti-depression qualities is saffron. That’s right, the herb you probably know best from your granny’s saffron buns and the paella you had on your holiday in Spain. However, saffron also has a long history in traditional healing.

In modern times, saffron’s health properties have attracted considerable scientific interest. Chief among them are studies on its uplifting and antidepressant activity, and research into enhancing cognitive ability. Studies also show that saffron is just as effective against other conditions for which antidepressant drugs are commonly prescribed, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Saffron has also been studied as a potential treatment for stress related over-eating. In a group of overweight women it was found that saffron supplementation for eight weeks resulted in a significant decrease in snacking frequency and body weight. Remarkably, newly published evidence demonstrates that saffron also works as adjunct therapy to reverse some of the unwanted side effects frequently experienced when taking conventional antidepressants. 

At Elixir, we particularly like Viridian Nutrition’s Saffron Extract with Marigold as it is a totally pure product and one capsule gives you the correct daily amount of saffron. After reviewing a vast array of nutrition and herbal research, and speaking with leading experts, Viridian Nutrition has duly recognised saffron, naming it the ‘Viridian Ingredient of the Year 2018’ in further anticipation of its positive influence on health. Saffron extract together with vitamin D could prove to be the right programme to help you banish those winter blues.
This is a great time to try it for yourself. There are no known side effects but as always, if you are on other medication, speak to your medical practitioner before taking any supplements.
Click here: Viridian Saffron Extract to view and buy. By: Randi Henderson