Wisdom

Ageing is a hot topic, with 1960’s baby boomers predicted to outnumber children aged under five years by 2050. But whilst the population is ageing, healthy life expectancy in the UK is only 64 years for women and 63 years for men.

Retaining our youthful glow is something we all hope to achieve as we head into our middle years and beyond. Learning to embrace fine lines and wrinkles is a vital part of a well-balanced approach to the aging process, but healthy choices at any life stage can help to minimise premature skin ageing.

If you are a natural health newshound you may have seen astaxanthin mentioned in the press recently. So, what is all the fuss about?

There are some excellent seasonal fruits and vegetables in the winter packed absolutely full of antioxidants. It’s easy to overindulge over the festive period but with a little careful planning and simple substitutions, you can add a healthy kick to every meal.

Not sleeping? You are not alone! Sleep problems are the scourge of our times, with stress and anxiety, use of mobile phones and tablets late at night, as well as caffeine and alcohol all taking their toll on our “shut-eye”. But don’t worry - deep restorative sleep is within your grasp, if you take the time to develop good practices.

Whether your New Year’s resolution is to stop smoking, lose a few pounds and hit the gym, or cut down on your favourite tipple, studies show that it’s all about the brain.

Q: My colleagues might be wrapping up warm but I suffer terribly with hot flushes and am forever taking layers off. What do you recommend?

Q: Is it true that carrots are good for eye health?

A delicious and tasty accompaniment to eggs. Egg yolks are a good natural source of vitamin D and other vitamins as well as lecithin which contains phosphatidyl choline, a nutrient particularly important for the brain. This easy aromatic and spicy combination will stimulate your taste buds.

Our immune system can be vulnerable to attack at any time of the year, but the majority of colds and flu-related illnesses are caught during the colder months, and the classroom or place of work are ideal breeding grounds for the nasty bugs that cause them.

Too much food, larger portions and excessive alcohol can play havoc with your digestive system, causing acid reflux, bloating and digestive upset.

The menopause is a natural progression for every woman and typically begins between the ages of 40 and 50. Each woman will experience the menopause in a different way. The symptoms women experience during menopausal changes can vary with some women experiencing intense symptoms that affect their day to day lives, while others progress through the menopause with relative ease.