January at the best of times can be a struggle and this year certainly has been no exception. The big freeze provided us with a difficult and challenging start to the New Year. Now that that has passed the focus appears to be back on surviving another year of recession. Life for many has become stressful and pressurised enough without concerning ourselves too far with the added pressure of New Year Resolutions.
AVENA SATIVA
Avena Sativa, also known as oats, is a tonic for the nervous system and is very useful for times of stress in our lives. It helps restore good mental balance in states of anxiety, exhaustion and depression. It supports a tired and overused brain and will help relax and calm an anxious mind. It has earned the nickname "a hug in a bottle". Avena Sativa can be used alongside all other medication and can be used by all ages. It has no side effects and does not cause drowsiness or a morning after hangover. It may also be beneficial for those trying to overcome the symptoms of withdrawal from cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
VITAMIN D
Recent research has demonstrated an exciting new role for vitamin D in helping protect against a feeling of low mood, especially Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which many people suffer from during the winter months. Since our main source of vitamin D is derived from the action of direct sunlight on our skin, it makes sense that we may run into short supply during the dark winter months. Scientists are now investigating the correlation between the occurrence of SAD and low vitamin D levels. Moreover there are suggestions that vitamin D may help slow the aging process of the brain and be of use in protecting against memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. Many people have experienced for themselves the beneficial effect on their mood of supplementing with this vitamin. Moreover vitamin D is beneficial in protecting against osteoporosis and provides our immune system with added support against viral attack. It was one of the popular supplements of choice in helping protect against the recent swine flu threat.
COQ10 - ENERGY IN A BOTTLE
CoQ10 is a nutrient that plays a vital role in the production of energy in every cell in our body. CoQ10 exists in practically every cell in the body where it helps break down the carbohydrates and fats of our diet for energy. We obtain CoQ10 from our diet and a particularly good source is oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Meat, eggs, nuts, spinach, and broccoli are also rich in this nutrient. The liver also makes CoQ10 but this declines with age. CoQ10 deficiency is common as we grow older and particularly when the diet is not rich in the foods which provide it.
Due to its huge beneficial influence on the oxygenation and energy production of every single cell in our body CoQ10 supplementation is highly recommended for everyone and anyone.
COQ10 AND SLIMMING
If your New Year resolutions include weight loss this year you may wish to try supplementing with CoQ10 and the amino acid carnitine. Carnitine helps transport fat to the burning houses of the cells where under the influence of CoQ10 the fat is metabolised or burned.
Using these two supplements in conjunction with a calorie controlled diet and increased exercise provides a very safe and effective weight loss programme.
