Clean Start

ENERGY BOMB

MEET OUR SUPPLIER

BIOBALANCE

Post work-out Banting smoothie

SWITCH TO

GREEN

BANISH THRUSH

Overhaul your kitchen

Soil Solution

MASTER

The key to life

ADZUKI BEANS

BALANCER Keep your colon healthy

Small but punchy

You have the power to

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

RYK NEETHLING

Still going strong

CLEAN START R15 (incl. VAT) FREE IN-STORE WITH PURCHASES SEPT 2015 Offers valid from Tuesday 1 September until Wednesday 30 September 2015 Selected items may not be available at certain stores.

We reserve the right to limit quantities. E.&O.E.

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PUBLISHER'S LETTER

Dear Wellness Readers

I

’ll be trying a new format in terms of the monthly publishers letter. Rather than introducing the content for the specific issue, I thought I would share some general thoughts on the topics of wellness and Wellness Warehouse’s purpose of helping you live life well.

Spring signifies new beginnings. With that in mind I am delighted to share the the opening of our first ‘store in store’ concept within Morningside Pharmacy in Sandton, Gauteng; the relocation of our Gardens store to bigger premises next to Pick and Pay; and the opening of the Wellness Caf at our V&A Waterfront store.

We have been hard at work developing a new range of juices, smoothies and meals - catering for the complete range of specialised diets and food intolerances. We’ve also included fermented ingredients into our new food offering. Not only do they give dishes a unique taste, they add to and helps maintain healthy gut flora and the body’s overall microbiota (the ecological community of microorganisms that share our body space).

Studies are revealing the importance of balance within this ecosystem and the effects that imbalance can have on our wellness. Try out my favourites, the Vegan Culture Sushi with Kimchi for lunch combined with a freshly squeezed “The Alkaliser” to go. The Alkaliser is awesome. We’ve added Watercress (considered the powerhouse of fruit and vegetables with the highest nutrient density of them all) and Wellness Warehouse Alkaline Powder with Aquamin, (from Red Algae found in the icy seas of Iceland), to a host of other tasty ingredients to help you achieve an optimal pH level in your body.

I could go on for pages and pages, but don’t want to take away from all the great content in this issue. My parting note… my newly discovered, favourite product of the month. Planet Organic Sweet and Salty Popcorn: popped corn, coconut oil, coconut sugar, Himalayan pink salt... yum!

Helping you live life well

helping you live life well EDITORIAL PUBLISHER: Dr. Sean Gomes EDITOR: Robyn Wilkinson robyn@wellnesswarehouse.com EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Catherine Hayden catherine@wellnesswarehouse.com DESIGN & ILLUSTRATIONS: Inge Smit, Lizanne Smit design@wellnesswarehouse.com DIETITIAN: Melissa Gomes

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING & DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES: Sue Dall, cell: 084 707 4477 wellmag@wellnesswarehouse.com PRINTED BY: Paarl Media Paarl

STORE LOCATIONS Wellness Warehouse Kloof & Wellness Café Kloof Lifestyles on Kloof, 50 Kloof Street, Cape Town. 021 487 5420, 021 487 5440 Wellness Warehouse Cavendish Cavendish Square, Cnr. Dreyer & Main Rd, Claremont, Cape Town. 021 673 7200 Wellness Warehouse Cape Quarter Cape Quarter, Somerset Road, De Waterkant, Cape Town. 021 425 7007 Wellness Warehouse Palmyra Palmyra Junction, Claremont, Cape Town. 021 671 2363 Wellness Warehouse Wembley Square & Wellness Café Wembley Wembley Square, Gardens, Cape Town. 021 461 3775, 021 462 1007

Dr. Sean Gomes Co-founder

EDITOR’S LETTER

magazine

Wellness Warehouse Seapoint Piazza Da Luz Mall, Seapoint, Cape Town. 021 434 0460 Wellness Warehouse Plattekloof Plattekloof Village, Plattekloof, Cape Town. 021 558 7106

Clean Start

I

t’s spring and we’re using the theme of new growth as our inspiration for this issue.

Energetically it’s a great time to clean out the old, to let go and invite in everything fresh and new.

Personally, I love getting rid of stuff. We seem to collect so much. Cleaning out and throwing out gives a great feeling of lightness. My rule for the house is to fix anything that’s broken and to give away anything that’s not being used. Being organized and uncluttered makes you feel light. So take advantage of spring energy and see what works for you. Use this issue to start new eating habits, go on a detox, flush out your colon and tackle any niggly health conditions. Overhaul your kitchen with green cleaning options, nurture the soil around you and plant something. Get super fit so you can feel amazing in your body and invite in a new lease on love. Spring is a proactive time filled with hope and joy. Our September issue will certainly set you on your way.

Wellness Warehouse Gardens Gardens Shopping Centre, Mill Street, Cape Town. 021 461 2661 Wellness Warehouse Paddocks The Paddocks, Corner of Race Course & Grand Boulevard, Milnerton, Cape Town.

021 551 6335 Wellness Warehouse Glengarry Cnr. De Bron & Fairtrees Road, Vredekloof, Cape Town. 021 981 2099 Wellness Warehouse Helderberg Shop 16, Helderberg Shopping Centre, Centenary Drive, Somerset West.

021 851 1949 Wellness Warehouse Waterfront Shop 6105, Ground Floor, V&A Waterfront, Breakwater Boulevard, Cape Town.

021 418 0175 Wellness Warehouse Flamingo Square Flamingo Square, Cnr Blaauwberg Road and Study Street, Table View, Cape Town.

021 556 8008 Wellness Warehouse Welgemoed Shop 5, Forum Shopping Centre, Welgemoed, Cape Town. 021 913 3000 Wellness Warehouse Village View Shop 18b, Village View Shopping Centre, Bedfordview. 011 450 0000 Wellness Warehouse Online Shop 261 Bree Street, Cape Town. 021 003 3552 For more information on trading hours visit wellnesswarehouse.com

In wellness and joy

Robyn

We are delighted to announce that the Wellness magazine is now on sale at Starke Ayres in Rosebank, Cape Town.

Wellness Support Office 261 Bree Street, Cape Town

021 003 3552 www.wellnesswarehouse.com

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WELLNESS magazine takes no responsibility for the content of the advertising material supplied directly by advertisers. We accept advertising in good faith and do not research advertising claims. Kindly consult a professional should you have any doubt as to the efficacy of any claims made.

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Collect your free booklet guide instore. For more assistance with products and conditions, call our healthline.

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contents SEPTEMBER 2015 EAT WELL 18

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TEAS ME PLEASE - There’s so much more to tea than Chamomile, Rooibos and English Breakfast! We unpack some deliciously refreshing and healing spring tea recipes for a fresh start to a new season.

SPICY THAI TOMATO SOUP - Masterchef Contestant Claire Allen shares some of her thoughts and a recipe for a spicy soup.

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ENERGY BOMB - Our Banting Blondes bring us the perfect post-exercise smoothie based on ingredients like coconut water, hemp seeds and banana.

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KNOW YOUR BEAN - In Japan Adzuki beans are traditionally used in sweet dishes, we look at the health benefits and applications of this versatile bean.

60

BE WELL 34

MASTER BALANCER - Keep digestive and eliminatory problems at bay with tips that keep your colon in working order.

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COLON HYDROTHERAPY - Learn more about the process of colonic irrigation and why it’s good for you.

38

THRUSH, THE LOWDOWN - From probiotics, supplements and hygiene to immune boosters we look at a wide range of options to control

LOOK WELL 44

and alleviate this challenging condition.

40

STRESS LESS - Until recently, managing stress has been something explored mostly in the realm of mysticism and psychotherapy. An integrative look at lifestyle interventions offers practical alternative solutions.

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BRUSH UP – Keep your beauty routine free from bacteria with innovative tips on how to clean and store your make up brushes, toothbrush, sponges, mascara wand and more.

20 LOVE WELL 60

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS - You have the power to choose your self-talk, perspective and response to life. Here are 6 empowering ways to experience life more positively.

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ONCE UPON A TIME - Nursery rhymes play a traditional role in most children’s upbringing. We tell you why reading to your children improves their language abilities and creative ability.

LIVE WELL 48

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SWITCH TO A GREENER CLEAN - Throw out all your chemical based cleaning agents and resolve to keep your kitchen earth-friendly.

Here’s how to mix up your very own eco-friendly cleaning products.

SOIL SOLUTION - Improve your diet by starting with the soil your veggies, fruit and herbs are grown in. From live worm tea, to fertilizers and soil conditions we show you how to create optimum soil quality.

MOVE WELL 58

FAST FIT - Use these 7 smart training tips to put your training routine onto a new level of motivation. Run faster, cycle further and train harder.

8 10 56 65 67

REGULARS

Events - head out in September Editor’s Choice - choose natural

Read Well - tidy up your thinking, attitude, body and home

Classified - lets you know what’s happening

in your wellness community with workshops, retreats, therapies and more

5 Quick Facts is all about coconuts

ON THE COVER MODEL: Ryk Neethling PHOTOGRAPHER: Eric Uys STYLIST: Rouxmia Bougas

www.wellnesswarehouse.com

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Out & About In September 2015

Air Yoga Training Course 3 September – 28 November 2015 This Cape Town based programme is geared for practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of yoga and integrate the philosophies and practices into their everyday lives. It’s also for teachers. For more information contact michelle@airyoga. co.za

Somatic Yoga Workshop 6 September 2015 Join Jennifer, Pramilla, Rene and Nina on a journey of Somatic Yoga. Discover the beauty of Somatic yoga and develop greater awareness of the specific parts of your body by using small, gentle, slow movements that bring the body back into alignment, release pain and tension. Contact Nina to book 083 424 3889 nina@yogaaa.co.za www. academyofyoga.co.za

funds to continue providing their essential services to the communities of Cape Town.

Hosted by Dr Darren Green and entertainment

by Stuart Taylor, Catherine Bowen, Ryan Stramrood, Dr Jenny Edge and Spectrum Band. For bookings, please contact Colleen Zaayman or Joy Booysen 021 761 1700; marketing@stlukes.co.za

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 19th – 20th September 2015 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon aims to deliver a prestigious, sustainable, all-inclusive city marathon event that brings together world runners from elite athletes to wheelchair racers, as well as social and first-time runners, for an exceptional, world-class marathon experience. For more information visit www. capetownmarathon.com

Open Book Festival 9-13 September “Open Book 2014 felt like a gigantic party in which writers and readers came together to celebrate the texts and the stories and the media they love. Across five days of brilliant programming, I immersed myself in writers I’d never come across, genres outside my comfort zone and conversations on a hundred topics with strangers who quickly became friends. It was a show well worth coming six thousand miles for” Mike Carey.

It’s held at the Athol Fugard Theatre in Cape Town and tickets are on sale through Webtickets. Please also book for free events through Webtickets.

Crazy Store Table Mountain Challenge 12 September 2015 This is one of the most sought after races on the trail running calendar. Take on the full 40km on your own, or be part of a stage team, with a whacky name to represent your spirit! There’s a kiddies dash as well.

All entries include a first Ascent performance t-shirt and cap valued at R500. For more information contact 021 424 4760 or visit www.crazystore.co.za

Old Fisherman’s Trail Challenge 26 September 2015 The Old Fisherman’s Trail Challenge is a spectacular trail that the fisherman followed across the mountains that separate the Atlantic and Indian Oceans from Hout Bay to Kalk Bay. The route alternates each year and is roughly 20km in distance. For the 2015 race they will run from Hout Bay to Fish Hoek. Email hello@fishermanschallenge. co.za or call 082 643 6186.

Rocking the Daisies 1-4 October 2015 This young, annual festival is where some of the country’s biggest rock, blues, pop and folk bands play alongside lesser-known artists. Make sure your camping gear is sorted. Pack warm clothes, and avoid blowup mattresses and open shoes as the area is full of devil thorns.

CRANIOSACRAL FACIAL THERAPY We sent our journalist Skye Forrester to try out a session of craniosacral therapy with Zoey Lapinsky in Cape Town.

OH GOODNESS, MY BRAIN JUST TOOK A DEEP BREATH… Having never heard of craniosacral therapy I had no idea what to expect. Crania means skull, right?

That’s about all I knew. When I arrived, Zoey asked me to remove my shoes and led me into a large gently-lit studio. After a brief but thorough consultation Zoey got me to lie on the bed – cranio sacral is something you do fully-clothed (but no shoes, of course).

First up, she explained that your brain compresses and releases, much like lungs. She gently pressed certain points on my skull and measured the time it took for my brain to completely contract – it took 70 seconds. This isn’t good nor bad; just a way to measure the results in the end. Listening to my breathing and Zoey’s voice made me so relaxed.

Starting with my head and working all the way down my spine, and to my legs and arms, Zoey very gently moved my whole body around. She explained how the body goes through all kinds of stresses and strains in daily living and sometimes when compensating for the strain it creates tension, distorting your craniosacral system that’s the brain and the spine. Cranio-sacral’s gentle manipulations restore the natural flow of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. I definitely relate to that, having had a ‘creaking out of bed, coffee on my shoes, woken up by the cat kind of day, I needed that. Some of the manipulations were as light as a butterfly landing.

I love the idea that the brain makes rhythmic movements, like the heart and lungs – I imagined my brain pulsing like a mini sea. I could feel all the tiny little muscles in my body slowly waking up.

Apparently after a session, your brain’s rhythmic movements take longer to complete, a lot like your lungs taking in a deeper breath of air. After the session my brain rhythms clocked in at 90 seconds! It was breathing slower, deeper. And I felt it.

Cranio-sacral is designed to correct an array of conditions for adults of all ages, kids and even new-borns…I wondered about my cat…

The sessions can range between one and two hours, depending on your purpose - though Zoey suggests a two hour session for a full body experience.

Enchanted Forest Spring Ball 19 September 2015 Be a part of this prestigious event, bid on extraordinary prizes in a live auction and help ST LUKE’S HOSPICE raise much-needed

Zoey can be contacted on zoey@resetmeforlife.co.za or www.resetmeforlife.co.za

If you have an event or happening you want to share with our readers email inge@wellnesswarehouse.com and let her know.

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WE TRIED IT

helping you live life well

Visit your pharmacy or retail store and ask for OsteoEze速.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE

Something so nice about natural…

“Choosing natural means no chemical or artificial ingredients. This kind of more mindful choice feels much more powerful, healthy, and beautiful. It’s kind of like how you feel after a delicious meal from your favorite farm-to-table restaurant using rich, local ingredients — instead of that fast-food drive-through.” Shirley Pinkson co-founder of W3ll People

BEE NATURAL

Propolis is an incredible healing ingredient filled with protective anti-inflammatory agents. It’s often called ‘bee glue’ as it’s formed from bees when they’re making hives. Over 50 Flavonoids and naturally rich Vitamin P, supports blood circulation and helps prevent skin aging and age spots. Simply Bee Serum has a high concentration of Propolis from West Coast Fynbos and is enriched with Neroli essential oil.

Sweet Almond oil is used as a base to help soften, smooth and condition the skin’s surfaces. I loved the amazing texture, the fragrance and the effect on my skin. It’s instantly softening and you can use it on all skin types. Simply Bee beeswax products are free from petroleum compounds and preservatives, and have not undergone any distillation, condensation, hydrolysis or pressure cooking. Their extensive range of products is natural, very pure and has a wonderful effect on the skin. This is a highly recommended range. . Simply Bee Serum R149

SOAP SO SPECIAL

Now we have fabulous Moringa in soap form with a high concentration of the anti-ageing compound Zeatin. It’s also scientifically proven to have anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. When making the soap fresh leaves are removed from the twigs and branches. They’re minced, juiced and sieved and the liquid is mixed in melted coconut butter. It’s a truly healthy, natural soap and feels soft and cleansing. Akan Moringa Soap R45

BIG ON BUCHU

You’ll notice Buchu used in more and more products as research continues to find additional benefits. From teas to supplements and cosmetics Buchu is having its day. We prefer to drink it straight – it’s a natural detoxifier, a great energizer and all round health booster. Look out for the Wellness Warehouse own brand and be sure to drink at least a tot a day. Wellness Buchu Water R29,99

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HAIR DO

Love My Hair is a range passionate about herbal hair colour. They’ve made it possible to dye your hair gently and effectively without damaging your health.

Choose from two ranges – the 100% herbal or the ultra low chemical. Both contain herbal extracts used for centuries in Ayurvedic treatments and are reputed not only to nourish and rejuvenate the hair and scalp, but also to balance and detoxify the whole body.

Plants used in Love My Hair are grown without chemical pesticides or fertilisers. The dyes are approved by Beauty without Cruelty and are completely vegan. Love my hair Hair Colour R159,99

CLEANING WITH BACTERIA

This might seem like a strange concept but cleaning using live bacteria is highly effective and much healthier for humans and the environment. PROBAC uses living bacteria (natural Probiotics) in massive concentrations, achieving a ‘force multiplier’ effect of accelerated biodegradation of surface and systems dirt and waste - during the process of cleaning. This means no traditional chemicals in the waste-water stream and offers a profoundly positive effect on human health and the environment in comparison to chemical cleaning.

Concentrated solutions ensure minimum packaging waste. By simply diluting these concentrated products with water and using them as described on the labels, the cost savings are also substantial.

Probac Bathroom Cleaner R69,99

Selected items not available at all stores. Items not listed at a particular store can be ordered for you or bought online at www.wellnesswarehouse.com

LIVE CLEAN

TM

WWW.SWITCHTONATURAL.COM

We believe in natural, and therefore simple – in everything we do.

Our products are natural, this means using natural ingredients with natural preservatives and natural fragrances.

We aim for our products to work as well as chemically derived products, but without the possible behaviours of chemically derived products such as stripping natural oil layers off your skin, or blocking lymph nodes.

We want to bring out your awareness for your body, and the environment.

.

Available at selected Wellness Warehouse stores.

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COMMUNITY

views & news

join the conversation!

EMAIL Get in touch and you might just feature on our community page. Don’t forget our Wellness Wednesday giveaways on Facebook and watch out for spot prizes on Twitter. community@wellnesswarehouse.com

WIN! Don’t forget our #WellnessWednesday Facebook giveaways

READER’S FEEDBACK July Thanks for a great joyed the en y magazine!!! Reall . Thank you. ed pir ins articles! Feel Sulani Louw

WIN WIN designer eyewear from Oculus COMPETITION WITH OCULUS EYEWEAR Amp up your personality in the Oculus ‘SPOT THE SPEC’ competition.

TWITTER Sarka Svoboda Love the fermented food range @wellnews when will you stock it in Gardens Centre branch?

We’re in Morningside Jozi Wellness community, we keep growing.

Next time you’re at the Morningside Shopping Centre visit us at Morningside Pharmacy.

We’re determined to add more uumph to eye care, and because there’s nothing nerdy about Oculus or their frames, we’re challenging you to add some visceral to your vision. Here’s how to stand a chance of winning a pair of their stylish frames.

1. Pop into Oculus, be bowled over by the rows of eye candy frames they have on offer, see if you can find the perfect frame to match your personality.

2. Snap a selfie of you in your dream frame and post it on their facebook page (The Oculus).

For the next 3 months we’re going to be posting pics of you in your favourite frames in this space. Then in September, we’re awarding a free pair of frames to a lucky winner.

They’re expecting you, just say you are entering the Wellness magazine competition and they’ll help you choose a frame and take a pic. The deadline for this competition is 30 September.The winner will be chosen on 1st October 2015. Find Oculus at the Mirage building, corner Strand and Chiappini street, Cape Quarter.

B E S P O K E

For more Wellness news and special offers sign up online for our newsletter at www.wellnesswarehouse.com/newsletters 12

E Y E C A R E

NOW OPEN

I N T RO D U C I N G

WELLNESS ON THE GO AT THE V&A Visit us for powerhouse foods, juices & smoothies on the go

Shop 6105, Ground Floor, V&A Waterfront | 021 418 0175

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ADVERTORIAL

LIGHT: the good & the bad A recent study by Bank of America shows that nearly half of U.S. consumers couldn’t last a day without their mobile devices. It makes sense. Think about the first thing that you do in the morning. If you’re like me, you’re catching up on email before you even get out of bed. Then, you head straight to your computer at work and spend a majority of the day on it or using one of the many other digital devices that are available in today’s increasingly-technological society.

But what if I told you that these electronics are emitting a dangerous blue light, which is negatively impacting not only your vision but also your overall health? It’s true, and it’s a major concern for eye doctors across the country.

L

ight is essential for various functions. It helps us to see better, it helps us with our visual acuity and contrast acuity, it helps us perceive colours, and it helps with various non-visual functions of the body. For example, light helps to regulate our sleep/wake cycle, which in turn helps to maintain and regulate memory, mood and hormonal balance.

The Retina - our light catcher The retina being the organ that transforms light into electrical signal consists of transparent layers of nerve cells.

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helping you live life well

ADVERTORIAL

The first Process of seeing is actually a Photo chemical process in the photoreceptor layer of the retina which in turn makes it susceptible to light toxicity which can lead to cell death. Sunlight contains UV and blue light. UV light is part of the non-visible light spectrum and we are exposed to it every day when we’re out in the sun. It can cause damage to our eyes, particularly the cornea and the lens. The cumulative effect of UV exposure can contribute to cataracts as well as the potential for pinguecula and pterygium.

Blue light, which is part of the visible light spectrum, reaches deeper into the eye and its cumulative effect can cause damage to the retina. Furthermore, in certain wavelengths, blue light is implicated in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The amount of exposure to blue light varies, depending on the time of day, the location and the season. The average proportion of blue light that’s found in sunlight during the day is between 25% to 30%.

The nitty gritty on UV light Nowadays, there’s an increase in the use of digital devices and modern lighting — such as LED lights and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)—most of which emit a high level of blue light - contain about 25% of harmful blue light and LEDs contain about 35% of harmful blue light. Interestingly, the cooler the white LED, the higher the blue proportion. And by 2020, 90% of all of our light sources are estimated to be LED lighting. So, our exposure to blue light is everywhere and only increasing. Visible light covers the range from 380 nm to 780 nm and UV light falls just beyond the shorter end of the visible spectrum, so it’s invisible to the human eye. It is divided into three zones: UVA, UVB and UVC. UV light can have an additive effect to damage the eye and can be a major risk factor for the formation of cataract cell life. It’s important to remember and to keep emphasizing the fact that not all blue light is bad. Furthermore, blue light also helps to regulate our pupil size around the wavelength of 480 nm.

The danger zone Many environmental factors such as location, season, time and lifestyle can affect UV risk. Contrary to what many

people believe, the time when maximum amounts of UV reaches the eye is not consistent throughout the year. Specifically, in the summer between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. is the highest level of UV exposure, but in the winter, this maximum exposure is going to be between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Just as UV light is dangerous to our skin, it’s also dangerous to our eyes. So it’s important that we protect them from UV damage.

Research on blue-violet light Blue light most harmful to the retina and to the RPE cells was identified to be at 415nm to 455nm. The blue-violet light that was discovered as part of this study is a 40 nm band of visible light that causes the maximum retinal cell death. Over time, our eyes are exposed to various sources that emit this blue-violet light (e.g., the sun, LED lighting, CFLs). Combine that with the use of tablets, TVs, computer screens and smart phones, and there’s no doubt our exposure to blue-violet light is on the increase. This cumulative and constant exposure to the blue-violet light is going to accumulate over time and has the potential to cause damage to the retinal cells, which is going to slowly lead to retinal cell death and can in turn lead to AMD. The level of light emitted by newer energy-saving lighting techniques (e.g., LED, CFLs) is very high. For example, CFLs, white LED light and even sunlight emit high levels of blue-violet light compared to the rest of the blue light spectrum. This underscores the need for us to protect our eyes from the harmful bands of blueviolet light.

The good side of blue light Not all blue light is bad. The labeled blueturquoise light range, which is from 465nm to 495 nm, is essential to our vision, the function of our pupillary reflex, and in general to human health. It also helps to regulate our Circadian sleep/wake cycle.

So blue light in general can have healthy affects on vision as well as the body, and it is this blue-turquoise light that tends to have these beneficial effects. Inadequate light exposure means inadequate blueturquoise light, which can throw off our Circadian biological clock and our sleep/ wake cycle. So this blue-turquoise light really plays a vital role in the general health of the individual. wellnesswarehouse.com

Protection from UV & blue-violet light First, you can take steps to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light.

If you’re not able to limit your digital device use, at least cut back on it before bed.

Studies show that exposure to blue light a couple of hours before bedtime actually suppresses melatonin and delays deep REM sleep significantly. So cutting back on tech use at night means getting better sleep, making people more productive at both work and school (and speaking from my own personal experience, it makes children more pleasant). How can we block the harmful blue rays of light but allow the helpful blue rays of light to penetrate through and get into the eye? A selective light filter or a lens to block out UV as well as the harmful blue-violet light and yet allow the blue-turquoise light and the longer wavelengths of light to continue to penetrate through it.

Lens without a blue blocker | Lens with a blue blocker

Who’s going to need the most protection?

Those who have high exposure to white LED or fluorescent light bulbs in offices and homes, frequent users of LED computer monitors, tablets, or smart phones, and those at risk for AMD, particularly those at high risk, (those with family history, smokers, etc.).

B E S P O K E

E Y E C A R E

Pieter Steyn Showroom 6, The Mirage, De Waterkant 021 421 0023

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livewell live life well

Are you planning to start your own family?

Yes, if I am blessed enough. Of course, I did things a little differently in my life than most people. I’m 38 years old and I haven’t yet got married or had children. I do have a fiancé but there’s still a lot to do. With the training pool and the business I anticipate that having children might only happen in my fourties.

What’s great though is that I’m incredibly healthy – I’m probably in as good a shape as a twenty year old so I’m absolutely fit for the challenge.

Being in business and having so much on your plate do you find it difficult to fit a training routine in?

It’s definitely harder especially when there’s so much to do. I’m very blessed to be at Val de Vie in the Winelands in the Cape.

We have an awesome gym here and there are lot’s of beautiful walking and hiking trails right on my doorstep. That means no excuses. Of course I don’t have the same amount of time as I did when I was a professional athlete but it’s important to me to fit it all in.

There’s so much conflicting dietary advice out there – what works for you?

When I was competing, special food was always prepared for me but basically everyone needs to experiment find out what works best for them. I eat a little bit of everything but what’s particularly good for me is to have lots of small meals throughout the day – huge lunches and dinners don’t work for me. I eat before 7 at night, so not too close to bedtime. High protein and low carb is a good guideline. I’m not Banting though; I definitely eat carbs. The only supplement I take is whey protein.

What do you feel challenged by?

MEET RYK NEETHLING

OUR SOUTH AFRICAN HERO

Who could be a better role model and inspiration than Ryk Neethling, our very own South African icon and athletic superstar? With an Olympic gold medal under his belt, the first South African to compete in four successive Olympic Games and numerous other accolades and achievements we were delighted to have the opportunity to ask him a few questions.

What advice would you give for someone who wants to achieve their fitness goals?

Who is your most inspiring mentor?

Planning and goal setting is extremely important but you need to make it fun. I’m probably not a normal human being. I’m very competitive – it’s part of who I am. But everyday I try and improve on something. This morning I went for a walk with my fiancé. I try and do something everyday. Sometimes it’s only a 20minute walk. Today I went for a 40minute walk. Being in the environment I am, it’s easy to hike or run, sometimes I swim in the lake. Basically, exercise everyday, even if it’s a small amount.

If I take a day off, the next day is just not fun.

At the risk of sounding clichéd, I have to say, my father. He’s a lawyer with a very demanding career, and just the way he put his family first and manages to always be there for us, is phenomenal.

My sister has had a battle with cancer and watching him being supportive to her, all the things he says and how he handles it is very inspiring to me.

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Alcohol is a hard one and a bit of a challenge, I’ve chosen to hardly drink, perhaps a glass once or twice a week is my quota.

There’s a big difference in metabolism when you’re not training competitively – the love handles that creep up during a break, they used to take 3 to 4 days to get rid of and now they take more like three weeks. Something else that challenges me is my sweet tooth. I like eating something sweet after dinner or lunch, so I do. You have to enjoy life – you can’t cut out all the vices.

Well, with my fiancé, it’s been interesting because she didn’t have a sporting background and pretty much grew up on her own so it’s been great fun introducing exercise to her. Goal setting is obviously key. One should have an overall clear goal and then daily goals – if you don’t have small goals in between you’re never going to get to the end goal. I always set myself a target and work towards that.

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For some of us, spring time means sniffing, sneezing and itchy eyes. In which case; roses are red, violets are healing.

Teas Me Please!

by Skye Forrrester

After water, tea is the most widely consumed drink in the world. Take that, coffee connoisseurs! The health effects of tea have been observed for nearly five thousand years and the variety of different teas are as vast as its complex history.

did you know?

The earliest recorded use of tea was in 350 AD, when a Chinese dictionary, Erh Ya, cited tea for the first time.

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T

ea has played a significant role in ancient culture for centuries as a staple beverage, a remedial drink, and a status symbol. There’s so much more to tea than Chamomile, Rooibos and English Breakfast! We’ll unpack some deliciously refreshing spring tea recipes for a fresh start to a new season, courtesy of Margaret Roberts 60 Teas to Revitalize and Restore (Struik Nature).

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Realitea While teas are known for their healing properties for an infinite number of ailments, it’s best to consult your doctor before replacing these magic elixirs with any medication you’re taking. It’s also important to remember; when in doubt, leave out. Don’t use any plant in your tea unless you’re absolutely certain you know what it is.

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Healing Properteas Lemon and honey are brilliant accompaniments to nearly any herbal tea. Both of these staple tea ingredients are important in building health; not to mention honey is simply the best natural sweetener! Lemon is a fabulous rejuvenator, cleansing the skin and detoxing the kidney and liver. You might even consider growing your own lemon tree so you’re never in short supply of this enchanted little fruit. You can keep a Meyer lemon tree in a big pot in full sun and it won’t take up too much space.

Honey is well known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It’s a brilliant remedy for diarrhoea, asthma and sore throats.

What a re-leaf Ah, spring-time; the season of love and blossoming new life. What a beautiful time of year. Though, for some of us, spring time means sniffing, sneezing and itchy eyes. In which case; roses are red, violets are healing! Violets have a long reputation for being a healing herb and a favourite through the centuries from Turkey to North Africa. The leaves, roots and flowers of the violet plant are a great decongestant for the lungs and throat and to open up blocked sinuses. The plant is also great for hay fever and headaches. To make a healing pot of violet tea, you’ll need the following key ingredients

VIOLET TEA Makes 2 cups

INGREDIENTS ¼ CUP FRESH VIOLET LEAVES & A FEW FLOWERS ¼ CUP SAGE LEAVES ¼ CUP BERGAMOT LEAVES ¼ CUP TEA TREE SPRIGS 2 TEASPOONS ANISEED SQUEEZE OF LEMON JUICE

1. Simmer the violet leaves and flowers, sage, bergamot and tea tree sprigs with aniseed in three cups of boiled water for 10 minutes.

2. Cool and then strain.

3. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like.

4. Sip on half a cup, warmed up, two or three times a day to relieve sinus congestion.

5. You can also steam with drop of tea tree and eucalyptus oil, using a towel as a tent over a steaming bowl of water.



Berry Divine Who would have thought this juicy little red berry (and a favourite summer-time snack) could be jam packed with so much healing goodness? For centuries, strawberry leaves have been used for digestive upsets, gout and arthritis, high blood pressure, to name just a few. We know strawberries contain a bounty of vitamins and minerals so it’s little wonder, when added to tea, that this amazing fruit can do so much good. Give your liver a fresh start with this anti-oxidant, strawberry leaf tea.

BIEDOUW VALLEY ROOIBOS TEA IS UNIQUE DUE TO: Growing in its original habitat Growing at highest altitude in the Cedarberg Mountains Growing in perfect sandstone soil A combination of knowledge, skill, love and passion

STRAWBERRY LEAF TEA Makes 1 cup

INGREDIENTS ¼ CUP FRESH STRAWBERRY LEAVES ¼ CUP GOLDENROD FLOWERS AND A FEW LEAVES 1 TEASPOON LEMON ZEST ¼ CUP MEALIE SILK (FRESH OR DRIED) JUICE OF 1 LEMON HONEY TO SWEETEN 2 OR 3 RIPE STRAWBERRIES

1. Pour two cups of water over the strawberry leaves, goldenrod flowers and leaves, lemon zest and mealie silk.

2. Simmer for 6-7 minutes.

3. Cool and then strain.

4. Add lemon juice, honey and strawberries.

5. Take ¼ cup 4-6 times throughout the day.

Biedouw Valley Rooibos was formed in 1997 to produce our estate rooibos tea. It is a small company run by the Van der Merwe family producing, marketing and distributing this unique product.

Stress-free Summer Nothing beats the heat of a sticky summer day quite like a refreshing cup of cool iced tea. This interesting next ingredient looks contrary to how it tastes. As the name suggests, pineapple sage is bursting with a pineapple flavour from root to tip, but is packaged as a tiny herb with vigorously bright red flowers. Like most in the sage family, this miracle herb is known for renewing energy, promoting vitality and leaving you feeling stress-free.

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Here’s what you’ll need to make this pineapple sage summer tonic:

PINEAPPLE SAGE SUMMER TONIC Makes 1 cup

INGREDIENTS ¼ CUP PINEAPPLE SAGE LEAVES 1 STICK CINNAMON 3 FRESH LUCERNE SPRIGS 2 SLICES OF FRESH PINEAPPLE PULP OF 2 PASSIONFRUIT

1. Pour a cup of boiling water over the pineapple sage leaves.

2. Add the cinnamon and lucerne sprigs and let it stand for five minutes.

3. Strain and cool.

4. Add the fresh pineapple and passionfruit.

5. Blend all in a liquidiser.

6. Serve chilled in a tall glass with lots of ice.

5 common herbs & THEIR HEALING PROPERTIES

1. Basil - This herb has antiinflammatory and detoxifying properties and is known to ease indigestion and tension.

2. Cardamom – This ancient spice is best served in tea as an after-dinner drink.

Cardamom seeds are great as a digestive, for easing colic and sweetening the breath.

3. Celery – this is one of the most misunderstood herbs!

Celery is a great way to clear the body of toxins, excess fluid and relieves arthritic aches and pains.

The herb is also great for treating chest ailments, lowering blood pressure and as a urinary antiseptic.

4. Mealie Silk – it’s a little known fact that mealie silk makes for an amazing tea ingredient. It’s extraordinarily high in potassium! Mealie silk flushes the kidneys and liver and is superb for any urinary infection.

5. Ginger – widely popular as a healing agent, ginger has been used for centuries for the treatment of a myriad ailments. Best known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, ginger is wonderful for settling nausea, soothing fevers, easing aching muscles and as an all ‘round flu fighter.

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ICED TEA DETOX If you’ve been drinking lemon water and loving the benefits, add three more power ingredients and you have a brilliant detox formula. It’s especially good if you’ve been entertaining a lot or if you’ve strayed from your normal healthy routine. It helps with bloatedness, any type of excess and is a wonderful general cleanse. It’s also a detox that tastes great. Be aware though, it’s flavourful and spicy.

INGREDIENTS MAKES 2 LITRES 2CM OF GINGER ROOT 3 LEMONS ½ TSP OF TURMERIC POWDER ½ TSP CAYENNE PEPPER ¼ TSP OF STEVIA (OR TO TASTE) 2 LITRES WATER

1. Juice the ginger root and lemons then add the turmeric and cayenne powder.

2. Measure your Stevia and mix thoroughly into the water.

3. Experiment with the amount of spicy to sweet until you get a mix that suits your taste buds.

4. Leave it to blend for at least ten minutes.

5. Before you serve, top it with a few slices of lemon.

6. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days.

HOLY BASIL HEALING BALM In India, Holy Basil or Tulsi is a revered and sacred herb used as a healing balm for body, mind and spirit. It’s also called the ‘Queen of Herbs’. It has a different taste to the basil we associate with pesto and there are a few varieties each with differing tastes: Rama, Krishna and Vana Tulsi are used in a proprietary blend of organic tea from the Organic India Tulsi Tea collection. Each variety contributes its own distinct and characteristic taste. Tulsi is an antioxidant with restorative powers and multiple benefits like an adaptogen and stress reliever; an immune bolster; stamina enhancer; metabolism balancer and cold and flu support.

Tulsi is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs and also regulates blood pressure and blood sugar. This is mostly because Tulsi has hundreds of phytochemicals that work together to provide strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, adaptogenic, and immune-enhancing properties. The tea is uniquely spiced, resembling a blend of mint, licorice and clove. It can be consumed warm or made into iced tea.

TEA – 60 teas to revitalize and restore by Margaret Roberts (Struik) Available at leading bookstores

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My life is a constant battle between my love for food and wanting abs

CONSCIOUS COOKING WITH CLAIRE

Masterchef Contestant Claire Allen has just launched her new venture ‘Conscious Cooking with Claire’ at Wellness Warehouse. She shares a recipe and some of her thoughts.

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hen I discussed the idea of ‘conscious cooking’ with the Wellness Team, I explained that, “My life is a constant battle between my love for food and wanting abs”. So many of us that feel that way but with small changes to our ingredient choices we can have the best of both.

Here is a recipe for Spicy Thai Tomato soup that Denise Levy from Ginger & Lime in Sea Point shared with me at my first cooking demo. I loved the addition of avocado (a healthy fat) and fresh coriander to bring a simple bowl of soup into a fresh zinging meal. Be warned though, we like a lot of zing so be sure to moderate the chili to suit your taste buds.

This is a quick and easy soup that can be enjoyed hot or cold – it’s a great light dinner or perfect lunch.

SPICY THAI TOMATO SOUP Serves 6 - 8

INGREDIENTS ROMA, VINE AND COCKTAIL TOMATOES HALVED (ABOUT 1KG) 2-3 RED ONIONS QUARTERED 2-3 SWEET POTATOES IN BLOCKS (SKIN ON) HALF A BUTTERNUT, SKINNED & CHOPPED INTO SMALL BLOCKS 6 GARLIC CLOVES SQUASHED 2 INCHES OF GINGER SLICED

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3 RED PEPPERS, HALVED & SEEDED 4 – 6 CHILIES DEPENDING ON TASTE BLACK PEPPER & MALDON SALT OLIVE OIL 2 CUPS OF GOOD CHICKEN STOCK (OR IF YOU CAN USE THAI SPICY STOCK CUBES) FOR A VEGETARIAN OPTION USE WATER OR VEGETABLE STOCK. COCONUT MILK (1–2 TINS, DEPENDING HOW CREAMY YOU WANT IT) 1 - 2 TSP FRESHLY GRATED GINGER (OR THE JUICE FROM THIS) FINELY SLICED SEEDED CHILI (TO TASTE) JUICE OF 2 LIMES HANDFUL OF TORN FRESH CORIANDER & THAI BASIL 1 ROUGHLY SLICED LEMONGRASS & SOME ROUGHLY SLICED GINGER PIECES (THESE CAN BE REMOVED JUST BEFORE SERVING, BUT ALLOW TO INFUSE THE FLAVOUR) TO SERVE TOP WITH FRESH CUBED AVO & CORIANDER

1. Put the first eight ingredients into a baking tray; add a generous glug of Olive Oil, season with the salt and pepper and roast on medium heat for an hour. When done, remove skins from tomatoes, potatoes and red peppers.

2. Transfer the veggies into a large pot and blend them using a hand held blender. Keep the heat low.

TIP: Add extra flavour to your soup by pouring your stock over the vegetable skins. Do this by holding a colander over your pot with all the skins in and pour.

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3. Then add the rest of the ingredients except the avocado and coriander.

Allow all the flavours to infuse for about twenty minutes before removing from heat. Serve with fresh cubed avocado and chopped coriander. Serve hot or cold

CONSCIOUS COOKING WITH CLAIRE Over the next few months join me at the Kloof Street Store for live demos, cooking tips and tastings.

3rd October 11h00-13h00

Summer Cooking

24th October 11h00-13h00

Desserts

28th November 11h00-13h00

Picnics

4th December 11h00-13h00

Christmas Favourites

Wellness Warehouse, Lifestyle Centre, Kloof Street, Gardens Seats are limited so make sure you book bookings@claireallen.co.za Follow me: Facebook: MasterChef Sa Claire Allen Twitter & Instagram: Claireallen_sa www.foodislove.co.za

#CookingWithClaire #FoodIsLove

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Exercise is king.

Nutrition is queen. Put them together and you’ve got a fitness kingdom.

Jack LaLanne

Spring into Action

By Roxanne Haywood

With summer around the corner, now is the time to get your summer body ready. A funfilled, productive workout regime will help you get there more quickly. Here are some tips on how to eat before and after exercising.

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ne of our favourite workout drinks (add it before, during or after) is coconut water. Not only is coconut water utterly delicious, but it’s packed with nutrients and essential substances to help sustain your body when working out.

ENERGY BOMB Packed with superfoods, this is a fabulous post-workout snack.

It’s extremely easy to make and will replenish your body after a strenuous workout.

BANTING-FRIENDLY Makes one serving

INGREDIENTS • 250ML COCO FINA COCONUT WATER (RESTORES ELECTROLYTES AND MINERALS THAT HAVE BEEN LOST THROUGH SWEATING)

• 2 TBSP HEMP SEEDS (HIGH PLANT BASED PROTEIN SOURCE TO HELP REPAIR MUSCLES) • 1 SMALL BANANA (WILL HELP PREVENT CRAMPS AS IS HIGH IN POTASSIUM WHICH HELPS THE REPAIR PROCESS) • 1 PINCH PINK HIMALAYAN SALT (HELPS REHYDRATE THE BODY AFTER SWEATING OUT IMPORTANT MINERALS AND SALTS) • 1 TBSP COCONUT OIL (GREAT FOR AN EXTRA ENERGY BOOST AND FOR IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT) • 1 TBSP MACADAMIA/ALMOND NUT BUTTER (HIGH IN HEALTHY FATS ESSENTIAL FOR ENERGY AND VITAMIN ABSORPTION) • 2 TBSP COCONUT SHAVINGS (HIGH IN FIBRE AND HEALTHY FAT) • 2 TSP RAW ORGANIC COCOA POWDER (HIGH IN IRON, MAGNESIUM AND CALCIUM)

1. Place all ingredients into a blender, food processor or smoothie maker and combine.

2. Pour into a tall long glass and serve.

This recipe was supplied by The Banting Blondes www.thebantingblondes.com

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3 GREAT TIPS •

include superfoods daily to boost your energy

•

do some form of exercise every day no matter how mild

•

add coconut water to your workout routine; before, during or after

did you know?

Coconut water is naturally sugar-free and low in carbohydrates. It’s extremely high in electrolytes (minerals your body loses when sweating).

An endless list of health benefits includes improving circulation; regulating blood pressure; anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties; helping balance insulin and blood glucose levels; and promoting good digestion.

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Most people think of beans as savoury, but adzuki beans are traditionally used in sweet dishes.

KNOW YOUR BEAN

It may be small but the Adzuki bean has a lot to offer. Firstly, it’s highly versatile. Many sweet dishes made in Asia use red bean paste from Adzuki beans to make desserts and cakes. It can also be used to make ice cream or as a topping on waffles, biscuits or bread. As a savoury option you can use Adzuki beans in a green salad or rice salad, in a Pilaf styled dish with couscous or quinoa, in soup or added to lentil dahl. The bean has a unique flavour and an abundance of nutrients excellent for heart health.

A

high dietary fibre content means excellent digestive support and good peristaltic movement. Dietary fiber also regulates the activity of insulin receptors in the body to help keep blood sugar levels normal.

Adzuki is native to East Asia and the Himalayan region. It’s popular in Japan, China and Korea, Mostly you will come across red beans but they do come in white, black, and mottled varieties too.

Here are 3 recipes using the Adzuki bean.

did you know?

Adzuki beans are pronounced Ah-zoo-key and they have amazing benefits like helping with weight loss, managing diabetes, optimizing digestion, increasing energy, lowering blood pressure and detoxing.

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN To cook beans, they need to be soaked for about two hours beforehand or overnight is even better. Once you’ve finished soaking them throw the soak water away, add fresh water to cover, and boil them for about an hour. If it’s bean paste you need, it’s a good idea to soak your Adzukis overnight.

Cook them for an hour and blend until smooth. You can also fry them in olive or coconut oil once they’ve been blended to give an extra taste or if you want a sweet bean taste – add a sweetener before you blend them. Bean paste will keep in a jar in the fridge for up to a week.

ADZUKI SMOOTHIE Makes one

INGREDIENTS 2 LARGE FROZEN BANANAS PEELED AND CHOPPED 1 DRIED FIG ½ CUP COOKED ADZUKI BEANS 2 CUPS COCONUT OR ALMOND MILK

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Blend everything together into a smooth liquid. Drink and enjoy.

ADZUKI BEAN BURGER PATTIES Makes 7-8 patties

INGREDIENTS 1 CUP OF COOKED MASHED SWEET POTATO 1 CUP COOKED ADZUKI BEANS ½ TSP SALT ½ TSP CAJUN SPICE OR GARAM MASALA ¼ TSP CHILLI CHOPPED VERY FINELY 2 TBSP VERY FNELY CHOPPED RED ONION 1 TBSP NUTRITIONAL YEAST 2-4 TBSP FLOUR – USE WHEAT OR ANY GLUTEN-FREE VARIETY 2 TBSP ROLLED OATS 1 TBSP EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL ¼ CUP OATS TO COAT PATTIES

1. Mix all the ingredients (except the last one) together thoroughly until you have a sticky mixture.

2. Flour your hands so the mixture doesn’t stick and form into pattie shapes. Roll them in oats.

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3. Bake for about 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 160 degrees Celsius.

RED BEAN ICE CREAM Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 1/2 CUP SUGAR OR XYLITOL 3 EGG YOLKS 1 CUP DAIRY MILK OR COCONUT MILK 1 CUP RED BEAN PASTE ½ CUP COOKED RED BEANS 1½ CUPS THICK CREAM

1. Beat the sugar and egg yolks together in a medium bowl.

2. Heat your choice of milk until just before boiling, remove from heat and whisk quickly into the egg mixture.

3. Pour back into the pot on low heat and keep stirring for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Watch out that the bottom of the pan doesn’t burn your mixture.

4. Spoon in the bean paste and mix together well. Then add the whole beans.

5. Stir in the cream and do a final thorough mix.

6. Let it cool and then freeze until set.

4. Add the baking powder to the cacao powder.

5. Then, in a separate bowl cream the coconut oil and honey together, once that’s done add the last of the eggs.

6. Add the bean mixture and then the cacao powder. Mix on high for a few minutes. You may need to add a bit of water if it seems too dry.

7. Bake for 40 minutes, then cool. It’s best to let it sit for a few hours before eating.

BEAN BOOST • Folate, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fibre all combine into a powerful cardiovascular boost in adzuki beans.

Dietary fibre helps balance cholesterol and potassium relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow reducing blood pressure and strain on the heart.

INGREDIENTS

• Protein in adzuki beans gives the body essential amino acids needed by the body to create new cells, tissues and organs.

This source of protein is especially important for vegans and vegetarians.

INGREDIENTS 1 ¼ CUPS OF COOKED ADZUKI BEANS 6 LARGE EGGS 1 TBSP PURE VANILLA EXTRACT ½ TSP SEA SALT 2 TSP BAKING POWDER 6 TBSP RAW CACAO POWDER 6 TBSP COCONUT OIL ½ CUP HONEY

• Combined dietary fibre and protein will make you feel full without too many kilojoules. Half a cup of beans equals 150 calories. This means lots of nutrition for less kilojoules.

1. Heat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius.

2. Grease a standard size cake pan with coconut oil, then dust it with raw cacao.

3. Blend on high, the beans, 3 of the eggs, vanilla and salt until the beans are completely broken down and your mixture is lump free.

• Molybdenum is a fairly uncommon trace mineral, but found in in quite high concentrations in the adzuki. It’s a perfect liver detoxification agent.

CHOCOLATE BEAN CAKE Makes one cake

introducing Nairn’s organic oatcakes, now enriched with oatbran Here at Nairn’s we have added oat bran to our organic oatcakes. Oat bran is the part of the oat which is richest in fibre, particularly beta-glucans, a soluble fibre. This helps release energy slowly which makes you feel fuller for longer. It also helps aid digestion and lower cholesterol. They are utterly delicious too!

Available in all Wellness Warehouse stores and online.

Wheat free recipe High in fibre More than 80% wholegrain oats Enriched with organic oatbran No artificial colouring, flavouring or preservatives No trans / hydrogenated fat Packed in pouches Distributed by Health Connection Wholefoods Tel (021) 705 5883; orders@health-connection.co.za

For further information visit www.wellnesswarehouse.com

www.nairns-oatcakes.com

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N E XC E W

TO W L U S I ELLN VE ESS

NOT ALL SUPERFOODS ARE CREATED EQUAL Experience the Organic Traditions difference and discover the true power of superfoods.

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EX

CLU TO W SIVE ELLN ESS

Nature’s sports drink • • • •

100% pure coconut water Natural source of electrolytes No added sugar No preservatives

Refresh. Rehydrate. Faster.

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MEET OUR SUPPLIER

BIOBALANCE

BIOBALANCE is a product range developed with passion and conviction by a family owned business called Atka Pharma in 2007. In November 2013 Ascendis Health purchsed Biobalance and expanded the range which now includes supplements in liquid and capsule form as well as creams to support the skin with applications for both adults and children.

BIOBALANCE & CHD-FA The success of the BioBalance range of products is due to carbohydrate derived fulvic acid that offers support for various body systems, like the immune system, digestive, urinary and respiratory. It’s also included in a range of topicals to support skin health.

EAT DIRT! There was a time when telling someone to ‘eat dirt’ was an insult. But what if eating dirt was actually a suggestion for better health?

A tip for improved digestion, reduced risk of colds and flu, or reducing the likelihood of infections. Would you do it?

What if it was proven that eating dirt could boost your health and vitality, thanks to a rich mixture of special compounds found deep within the soil?

Well, it’s time to get dirty…

An Acid By Any Name…

For decades, gardeners and farmers across the country have used compost to boost the health of their flowerbeds and crops.

But they may not have known that the very nutrients found in that soil could also boost their own health.

Enter Fulvic acid.

Fulvic acid is one of the main components of humus—the dark, nutrient-rich organic soil layer. It is considered organic because it consists of partially decomposed plant and animal matter. It ranges in colour from yellow to nearly black.

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A Natural Immunity Booster…

Given that fulvic acid is found in some of the most unsanitary places, it is quite ironic that one of its key benefits is boosting immune function.

Whether it is due to its detox benefits, super-hydration, or more, it appears that fulvic acid benefits your body inside and out.

A study from 2000 found that fulvic acid has potent anti-microbial as well as antiinflammatory properties.

Researchers concluded that it may prove to be an ‘effective and safe treatment for skin infections’.

A randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled study looked at the use of fulvic acid for the treatment of eczema.

Researchers divided 36 participants with eczema into two groups.

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The first group received a topical ointment that contained fulvic acid. The second group was given a placebo ointment. Both groups used the treatments twice a day for four weeks.

At the end of the study period, there was a significant improvement in the fulvic acid group, compared to the control. And when it came to the visual appearance of the eczema, there was a statistically significant difference in the fulvic acid group versus the placebo group.

A reason that people using fulvic acid report such great skin results is likely because of its anti-inflammatory benefits. And that’s because of its great mineral makeup.

So, when used topically, fulvic acid appears to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits. And when taken internally, this mineral-rich water attractor helps boost immunity.

Fulvic acid has several benefits: •

•

•

• •

It is an antioxidant that helps flush toxins and heavy metals from the body It is a powerful electrolyte that provides the body with energy – giving a general feeling of wellbeing It helps with the transportation of nutrients to the cells of the body, which allows them to be absorbed and used better It helps improve the immune system Fulvic acid can also be applied externally for the treatment of athlete’s foot, burns, minor open wounds, skin conditions (i.e. eczema and acne) and insect bites.

It acts as: • An anti-inflammatory • An antiseptic

The Challenge and the opportunity… a local invention

its use in human medicinal products.

Carbohydrate derived fulvic acid or CHDFA is a highly effective plant acid proven to be free from heavy metals, toxins and environmental pollutants, making it suitable for medicinal use. It has the SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) certification that it is organic and is clinically proven to be a safe and effective alternative to naturally occurring fulvic acid.

CHD-FA is pure, concentrated and consistent and is manufactured from a carbohydrate source in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Process) standard factory outside Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.

The CHD-FA manufacturing process, as well as the product CHD-FA, is patented and the stringent quality controls result in a product that conforms to the quality control standards from batch to batch.

The BioBalance range of products contains CHD-FA which is produced in a bioreactor using a wet oxidative process, see picture below.

PRODUCT RANGE BioBalance Immunova Ready to Take – for immune health. A diluted liquid for daily maintenance.

BioBalance Immunova Effervescent – for immune health.

Effervescent tablets for daily, maintenance.

BioBalance Immunova Tablets – for immune health. Tablets for daily, maintenance.

BioBalance Immunova Throat Spray – a convenient spray to assist with sore throats and minor mouth ailments.

BioBalance Immunova Junior – for immune health. A syrup for children from the ages of 4 to 12 years.

BioBalance Immunova Toddler – for immune health. A syrup for toddlers from the age of 7 months to 4 years.

BioBalance - Immo-Gut – for gut health. It contains a unique combination of CHD-FA, hydrated alluminosilicates and the probiotic, s.boulardii.

BioBalance Immunova Cold & Flu Vitamin C – for colds and flu symptoms. Effervescent tablets with extra Vitamin C, Zinc and Selenium.

Balancing our Health

BioBalance Cough Syrup with Ivy Leaf extract– for respiratory health.

Contains a combination of hedera helix and CHD-FA which acts as an expectorant, mucolytic and reduce bronchial inflammation.

BioBalance products are produced at the same manufacturing plant where CHDFA is made and follows the same quality control process. It’s available in selected stores in the Western Cape and Gauteng.

Contact Details: Ascendis Health 011 036 9423 • healthinfo@ascendis.co.za www.biobalance.co.za (currently undergoing a revamp) For more information visit www.naturalsherpa.com

Many of the sources of naturally occurring fulvic acid have high levels of harmful heavy metals and toxins which has limited

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livewell grow your own

The benefits of healthy soil include a healthy planet, beautiful landscapes, diverse habitats, bounteous crops, strong bodies and an exciting future.

SOIL SOLUTION

Without healthy soil and its legions of microbes, there would be no life. Soil is the critical link between our health and the very future of life as we know on earth. By improving the quality of our soil and its fertility we can grow quality food. Few people realise that it’s only 20cm of topsoil that separates mankind from starvation.

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ere’s what you need to know to improve your soil. Firstly, you need to see which type of soil you have - clay or sand. Understanding their respective challenges will determine your gardening success. Clay soils are easily recognised, squeeze a handful of moist soil and it forms a sticky, gummy mass which won’t easily break apart. It is dense with little air space for roots. It takes a long time to dry out, but when it does, it becomes cement-like and fine roots find it very difficult to grow.

Sandy soils present other challenges. Water drains through very quickly and roots barely have time to uptake moisture. Nutrients leach out the sand when watered, this can leave them dry, and depleted. If the spaces between the sand particles are too big roots cannot establish good contact with the soil and can be nutrient starved. Adding organic compost is the best way of improving the soil structure. Compost fills the open spaces between sandy particles. This increases water and nutrient retention.

HOW TO MAKE COMPOST

did you know?

Healthy soil is not only teeming with life but gives life too. Without healthy soil there would be no dense forests, no fertile grasslands. Without these habitats, there would be no wildlife. There would be no life at all. Just miles and miles of nothing.

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1. Collect garden waste like fallen leaves, soft hedge trimmings and grass cuttings. Collect kitchen waste like uncooked vegetable peels, eggshells, teabags, potato peels and coffee grounds.

2. Choose a spot in the garden where earthworms and other organisms have access. Start with a 15-20 cm layer of dry ‘brown’ material like dry leaves and alternate with ‘green’ material and compost activators.

3. To activate the composting process, add kraal manure or comfrey leaves (a natural compost activator), between the layers or visit your local garden centre and purchase a ‘Compost Activator’.

4. Air is also needed to break down the organic waste into humus. Put a stake helping you live life well

in the pile to create a hole. Build the heap to about 1.2 meters ending with soil or grass clippings to keep the heat in.

5. Keep it moist. This helps transform organic waste through the action of bacteria, fungus and yeasts.

Decomposition can take anything from 3 – 6 months depending on the heat generated inside your heap.

6. If necessary turn your compost heap every 6 – 8 weeks. Poking holes in it will aerate it and accelerate the process.

The hotter it is, the faster it matures.

7. Your compost is ready when it’s dark brown or black in colour, free of heavy odours and it is clear that the organic waste has broken down.

Composting tips: •

• • •

Put your compost heap near the garden, the less distance you have to haul it the more you will use it.

Leave an ‘easy to empty’ container near the kitchen for house scraps.

Have a water source nearby, it will make wetting it a lot easier.

Build your heap under a tree or natural shelter to protect it from drying out and from heavy rains that may wash out the nutrients.

Compost can also be produced from methods like worm farming and Bokashi Indoor composting.

livewell grow your own

HOW TO MAKE A WORM FARM •

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Choose a container to house your worms. Put it in a shaded, sheltered spot. Worms don’t like to be hot.

Elevate your container above the ground so you can harvest the liquid manure or ‘worm tea’.Place a can of water under the legs to prevent ants from invading your worm farm.

Cover the bottom of your bin with hessian or a liner that stops worms escaping through the holes and keeps the worm casting in.

Prepare a bedding material like moist shredded cardboard or shredded newspaper.

Do not use glossy magazine pages.

Soak newspaper overnight to get rid of the chlorine used to bleach the paper white.

Add a layer about 5 – 10 cm deep of vegetable waste chopped into small pieces.

Add the worms and cover them and their food with a layer of damp mulch like, moist newspaper or Palm Peat.

Put the lid on so that the worms aren’t eaten by birds.

Worms can be fed vegetables including peels and tops, fruit, coffee grounds, tea leaves, bread, rice, crushed egg shells, paper and egg boxes. The following foods must not be used, Citrus fruits, meat and bones, garlic, onion, wood ashes, salts, dairy products and shiny paper.

A healthy bin will have a fresh food layer of up to 2.5cm added daily and uneaten food should never be deeper than 5cm. Rotting food is anaerobic or oxygen deprived. Worms breathe through their skin and anaerobic conditions prevent the worms from breathing and cause them to die.

Get all your garden essentials from

Start out by feeding the worms a small amount of food each day. Slowly increase the amount as the population mulitplies. Harvest the worm tea in a container placed below your worm bin. Worm castings will be ready for harvesting when at least ¾ of the bin is filled with castings.

BENEFITS OF THE BOKHASI The Bokhasi is an indoor composter perfect for disposing kitchen food scraps. Bokashi is wheat bran that has been inoculated with probiotic microbes, and when sprinkled over organic waste, it causes a fermentation process that produces incredibly nutrientrich compost. It’s easy to use. Position your composter and lightly dust the bottom with a layer of Bokhasi making sure you don’t block the holes. Then add your kitchen waste like (small) bones, meat, vegetables, fruit, cheese and coffee grounds. Food scraps should be added in layers up to 9 cm. Dust each layer with bokhasi. For ‘hard to decompose’ materials add more bokhasi than usual.

Use a wooden spoon to mix the layers and add a little bokashi on top. Minimize oxygen exposure by putting a plastic bag or plate on top. Repeat this process 4 – 7 times with food scraps until the composter is full. It will produce a liquid compost tea which can be drained every 2 – 3 days and diluted with water to feed indoor or outdoor plants. Dilute in a ratio of 15ml of tea to a litre of water.

When the container is full, dig a hole and bury the compost. This will break down in about 2 weeks if it’s summer and 4 weeks in winter.

After the fermentation process the treated food waste can be layered into the soil or fed to earthworms to maintain a natural cycle of good, natural soil health. As the microbial count increases in the soil, this process speeds up, and the result is long term nutrient-rich, fertile soil.

Composting takes care of most of our garden and kitchen waste. This reduces the amount of waste going to landfills. When sending organic matter to landfills it creates harmful greenhouse gasses like methane, which contributes to global warming and as a result can damage our earth’s fragile atmosphere.

TRY THIS GARDENERS GOLD DUST • • • • • • • •

Breaks down compacted heavy clay soils.

Improves water retention in sandy soils.

Prolongs the wilting point of plants in summer.

Better seed emergence.

Reduces excess salinity in coastal soils.

Prevents water runoff and erosion.

Helps to remove excess Boron from soils.

Assists plants in absorbing more nutrients.

LIVE WORM TEA Starke Ayres Garden Centre in Rosebank is the first garden centre in the Western Cape to have live worm tea on tap.

By using worm tea, you can expect: • Greater root depth and extension • Healthier, hardier plants • Better resistance to disease and pests • Larger vegetables, fruit and flowers • Increased crop production • Worm tea continues to work, conditioning and restoring your soil after each application.

Starke Ayres Garden Centre supply plants, gardening products and landscaping services. They have a range of flowers and seed, and expert advice to help you with growing.

WIN WIN WIN

Both the Rosebank and West Coast branch of Starke Ayres Garden Centre will be issuing a prize of a Bokhasi Composter starter kit. All you have to do is attach your purchase slip with your name, phone number and email address into the in-store competition box. Note that this applies to all purchases over R250 and is valid for the month of September 2015. Starke Ayres Garden Centre will contact the winner telephonically.

Starke Ayres Rosebank, 21 Liesbeek Parkway, Rosebank, Cape Town Tel: 021 685 4120 Starke Ayres West Coast Garden Centre, West Coast Village Shopping Centre, Sunningdale, Cape Town Tel: 021 554 8450

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Within its folds the colon holds trillions of micro-organisms that outnumber your human cells 10 to 1 - you are more micro-organism than human!

Master Balancer

by Dr Yesheen Singh

The colon is one of the most over-looked organs in the body, with many people not paying much attention to it until something goes wrong. It’s one of the most hard-working and sensitive organs in the body, key to the creation and maintenance of good health.

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lthough the colon is shorter than the small intestine it’s wider and that’s why it’s secondary name is the large intestine. It’s found between the small intestine on one end and the rectum and anus on the other. In the body it forms a kind of rectangle starting at the lower corner of the abdomen (cecum) on the right, goes up

did you know?

A rumbling stomach is the result of peristalsis in the stomach and small intestines that happens when food, fluid and gases pass through your gastrointestinal tract.

When the tract is empty, the rumblings are louder as there’s nothing to muffle the sound.

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towards the rib cage (ascending colon), across the diaphragm to the the left (transverse colon), down the left side of the abdomen (descending colon) and finally curves (sigmoid colon) down into the rectum. The appendix is attached to the cecum.

It has a myriad of functions, many are only beginning to be understood by western science today. Where the small intestine is there mainly to absorb nutrients from your food, your colon is responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium within the gut, the immune system and the body as a whole. The organ itself balances water and mineral content in the body, helps keep a healthy ratio of good fats to bad fats, plays a role in oestrogen and testosterone balance, partners with the liver in cleansing and detoxification, and eventually acts as a storage organ of biological waste, helping maintain healthy bowel movements.

Within its folds the colon holds trillions of micro-organisms that outnumber your human cells 10 to 1 - you are more microorganism than human! These microhelping you live life well

organisms form a symbiotic relationship with your body and rely on the healthy environment inside a healthy colon to live and produce nutrients that your body in turn relies on to maintain a resilient immune system and general health. Without a healthy colon to host these microorganisms you end up with higher levels of inflammation, a weaker immune system that’s more susceptible to the attacks of unfriendly bacteria parasites and viruses, and a host of other diseases.

Imbalances in the colon or the microorganism population lead to a range of conditions. Symptoms include bloating, cramping, fatigue, food intolerances, pain in the abdomen, stool irregularities such as diarrhoea or constipation, and unintended weight gain or weight loss. These may eventually progress to serious diseases of inflammation like inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer.

Other diseases affected by an unhealthy colon include acne, allergies, arthritis, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, mood disorders, autism and dementia.

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Now you understand why a healthy colon leads to a healthy body, here are some things you can do to support this important organ: 1. Remove offending toxins and foods from your life that kill your colon and cause imbalance: • •

•

Smoking, Caffeine and Alcohol are the three major culprits.

Also cut out Processed foods - these contain harmful chemicals used to flavour, sweeten and preserve, and bad fats used to prepare these foods.

Other dietary triggers include Dairy and Gluten

2. Add foods that benefit the colon and the microorganisms in it. These include: •

•

Foods high in fibre, like fruit (raspberries, bananas, prunes), vegetables (peas, broccoli, beans, celery), nuts (almonds, walnuts) and rice.

Foods high in prebiotics (nutrients that feed the microorganisms in the colon), like asparagus, burdock, chicory, dandelion root, Jerusalem artichoke, leeks and onions.

Also include fermented foods like cabbage and kimchi.

Renew your health this spring

3. Drink lots of clean water - 2 litres a day for a person weighing 60-70kg.

4. Sweat more regularly - exercising regularly will flush the walls of the colon with fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients.

These help create a healthier organ and a healthier environment for the micro-organisms.

5. Pay attention to your stress levels because of the links between your colon and your brain, any level of mental or emotional stress impacts the colon and your microorganism population through acidity and inflammation.

6. Check with your health care practitioner if your colon would benefit from one of the following nutraceuticals: • • • • • • •

Vitamin D - shown to benefit all stages of inflammatory colon conditions.

Prebiotics - to supplement or top-up the population of healthy micro-organisms in your colon Omega 3 fatty acids - these healthy fats cool inflammation in the gut Zinc - to help manufacture digestive enzymes and hormones in the body Herbals like turmeric, cinnamon or mint - to help regulate colon physiology Supplemental fibre such as psyllium - to top-up your dietary fibre L-Glutamine - an amino acid that helps to heal the colon

DAILY CLEANSER

PICK ME UP & DIGESTIVE AID

PRE-SUMMER TOTAL BODY DETOX

wall Dr Yesheen Singh MBChB (UFS), MBA (UCT) is a qualified medical doctor, registered with the Health Profession’s Council of South Africa. He is passionate about health and practices holistic wellness that respects the biological, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. Yesheen believes strongly in empowerment through education and uses seminars, articles, TV and radio to help people learn more about how their bodies work and how to correct imbalances that may have arisen through the stresses of a modern life. Find out more at www.healthnation.co.za

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Please note complimentary health products do not replace a healthy lifestyle or claim to cure or treat any disease(s).

Add these products to your overall healthy lifestyle for optimal benefits.

Products exclusive to Wellness Warehouse, health stores and pharmacies.

For more information contact: 021 701 5000 or ghpoffice@iafrica.com www.goodhealthsa.co.za

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THE COLONIC PROCEDURE: Small amounts of filtered water, at a carefully regulated temperature are introduced under gentle gravitational pressure through the rectum into the colon. This is done by a trained therapist who uses specific massage techniques on the abdomen to help the water soften and cleanse the colon of faecal matter and old deposits. These are piped away with the waste water directly into the sewerage system. During the process the client lies on his or her back. The therapist allows water to flow in and release out a number of times during a 30-45 minute session.

Even though the gentle flow of water almost never reaches or passes the ileocecal valve – a sphincter muscle valve that seperates the small intestine and the large intestine, the colon is not the only organ that gets a toxic load removed during this process.

Both the liver and small intestine benefit from the detoxification process.

COLON

HYDROTHERAPY Although it may seem like an overly intrusive process, colonic irrigation has become a popular form of detoxification and cleansing. We speak to Ray Milller, co-owner of ozone colonics about some of the details and benefits. He reports.

Firstly, it’s useful to know that changes in the delicate balanced micro enviroment of the bowel have been linked to a number of diseases both inside and outside the intestines. Colonic hydrotherapy is known to reduce the risk of bowel disease; improve health and vitality, and facilitate the elimination of parasites, fungi and gallstones. Often the body loses the ability to digest fats optimally. One of the reasons is poor bile secretion.

The bile in the gall bladder becomes thick and sticky, the gall bladder tries to squeeze it it out, but it cant. In a vicious cycle, toxins and old hormones are reabsorbed because the bile isn’t leaving the body. A colonic is a great way of helping the body release toxic, piled up, sticky bile.

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The gut is the only organ with its own intrinsic nervous system.

It’s called the enteric nervous system and can mediate reflexes independently from brain or spinal cord input. When the water enters the colon, the nerves in the colon get stimulated and send signals to the rest of the upper digestive tract. These signals stimulate stronger peristaltic movement in both small and large intestine. This results in a better bile flow from the gallbladder and better enzymatic flow from the pancreas.

For a colonic treatment you can expect to pay anything between R450 and R900.

Ray Milller is a consultant to Wellness Warehouse and co-owner of Ozone Colonics. For further information contact Cell: 074 501 9630 or log onto ozonecolonics@gmail.com

did you know?

Colon cleansing was documented as early as 1500 BCE. In a document called Ebers Papyrus, covering the practice of medicine in Egypt, it describes enemas as the infusion of aqueous substances into the large intestine through the anus.

helping you live life well

vi ief tality l e r pain liv matory er hea m a fl in ti lth an metaboli circu s l m a tio anti-ageing n e c n la a b l ro e st chole ure press detoxi d o o fying bl h digestive healt

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A pre-biotic is a digestible food ingredient that promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines

The lowdown on THRUSH

by Nicole Bast

Thrush is a fungal infection caused by candida, a yeast. Typically it affects the skin including scalp and nails, or the mucous membranes in the mouth, intestinal area, and anal and vaginal body tissue. It can be itchy, painful and odious, it can entail distressing discharges or a white coating on the tongue.

There are 3 main types of infections: 1. Skin or nail fungus 2. Vaginal thrush 3. Oral thrush Candida Albicans is responsible for these discomforts and, usually, we co-exist peacefully. But, given the right conditions - warmth, moisture and lack of light, compromised immune system, antibiotic treatment protocol, HIV+ etc. - it flourishes.

In babies thrush appears as a white coated tongue, the red flush of nappy rash, and in acute cases, an inflamed mouth with little white-scabbed sores.

Many women suffer in silence due to the intimate nature of the affected parts. Nail fungus is often blamed on pedi or manicure treatments but long distance running, visits to the gym and even trying on shoes without an appropriate shoe covering can present symptoms like discoloured and, or deformed nails.

The body is more susceptible when taking antibiotics, or having treatments like chemo and corticosteroids; with high consumption of simple carbohydrates; vaginal doucheing, de-odourising or wearing synthetic ‘lacies’, pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives and diabetes. Prevention is better than cure’, and it’s usually more cost effective. With a little regular attention and self-care, it’s entirely preventable.

Follow these basic principles for preventative (and curative) support:

did you know?

Full fat natural yogurt offers great relief from the symptoms of vaginal thrush, particularly for itching and inflammation. For best effect it should both be eaten and used topically. It works remarkably quickly and soothing for vaginal thrush, especially when lumped onto a clean face cloth, or muslin padding, and placed onto affected area. Repeat 2-4 hourly for 1-3 days.

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•

•

•

Personal hygiene • •

• • • •

Diet •

•

This should exclude carbohydrates that are simple - like sugar, fructose, corn syrup etc., and refined - for example, pasta, bread, sweets, cool drinks etc.

High water and high fibre diets support intestinal health by sweeping past the villa in the mucosal lining.

Bulk from fibre also absorbs toxins, collects debris and flushes out undesirables.

Keep fruit intake to a minimum as fruit contains fructose. Grapes are especially high in sugars.

Increase consumption of pre-biotic foods like fermented produce, bananas, buttermilk etc. Pre-biotics helping you live life well

are digestible foods that promote beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.

Garlic inhibits yeast growth and provides anti-oxidant benefits, particularly to the cardiovascular system; and allicin, one of the active ingredients, works wonderfully as a winter flu-fighter. Use with caution if you have low blood pressure.

Wear cotton panties.

Do not use ‘personal’ cleansers or perfumes as the vagina is a selfcleaning organ with a perfectly balanced biome. Cleanse with water and chemical free, pH neutral soap.

Avoid very hot and/or soapy baths.

Always wipe from front to back.

Avoid wearing wet or damp clothing for extended periods of time.

Avoid cleaning products with laureate sulphates that disrupt the natural pH balance of body tissue. Soap nuts have limited negative impact and are a good option.

Oral hygiene • • •

•

Don’t share a toothbrush.

Floss daily.

Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months Try a bamboo toothbrush, it’s sustainable and biodegradable.

Try ‘oil pulling’. That’s using coconut oil to swish through the teeth and around the mouth. You can also use it as toothpaste. Reports show coconut oil can whiten teeth, prevent plaque build-up and combat gingivitis.

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If you are struggling to keep candida at bay, here are some additional tried and tested protocols:

Don’t be the poster girl for chronic thrush

Pro-biotics Evidence suggests that probiotics suppress the growth of candida. Encourage oral and intestinal flora with lactobacillus – look for probiotics with reuteri to balance vaginal flora.

Caprylic Acid Caprylic acid or octanoic acid is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It’s present in milk, coconut oil and palm oil.

Neem Neem, a natural derivative from the Neem tree is used extensively in therapeutic preparations as well as in toothpaste and hair and nail formulas. It has good results with Candida although has some cautions that need to be observed.

Get long-term relief 1 with Kolorex® Advanced Care • Scientifically proven efficacy1 • Longer lasting relief from

Oregano Oil This is considered effective against some bacteria, viruses, fungi, intestinal worms, and other parasites. It is popular and readily available as vegicaps from leading brands e.g. Solgar.

chronic candida1 • Effective relief from thrush for at least six months1* • Easy softgel capsule2 with

Resveratrol Resveratrol is sourced from red wine or red grape extracts. It has potent anti-fungal properties and research shows it stops Candida albicans from converting into its more infectious form. Be aware it has possible interaction with blood thinners like Warfarin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen and aspirin.

no aftertaste3 Available in Wellness Warehouse stores without prescription

Goldenseal Berberine is an active ingredient in goldenseal. It has shown strong antifungal effects against candida by stopping the fungus from penetrating and adhering to host cells. Refrain from long term use as current trials are investigating the potential harm to cell metabolism from long term use.

Essential Oils Essential oils should be used externally and diluted with a carrier oil. Tea tree oil shows great results especially with conditions like athlete’s foot, nail infections and skin conditions. Moroccan thyme, oregano, lemon verbena, geranium and clove are also useful plant oils.

CHD-FA Fulvic acid is available in many forms. It is a biologically active microbe that energises cell life and is valuable in the healing process of skin, nail and systemic infections.

With a wide range of options to control and alleviate candida albicans, it’s not necessary to live with on-going infections. As a preventative measure, use Zinc, Vitamin C and selenium as immune support.

Live life carefree

Nicole Bast is a qualified nurse who has been facilitating healing for the past 10 years through the use of therapeutic massage, hot stone massage, aromatherapy, crystal therapy, reiki, and shiatsu. As an afficionado of well-being particularly nutrition, exercise and natural medicine, she is passionate about managing the Welgemoed Wellness Warehouse store.

13344/R

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Ask your pharmacist or health shop consultant about Kolorex® or visit www.glenmarkpharma.co.za for more information on the holistic approach to Kolorex® treatment * Individual results may vary 1. Kumari A, Bishier MP, Naito Y, et al. Protective effect of an oral natural phytonutrient in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a 12-month study.

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 2011;25(4):545-53. 2. Kolorex® Advanced Care package insert. 3. Damayanthi RD, Narayanan N et al. Soft Gelatin Capsules – A review.

The Pharma Review (February – March, 2008)4. Marketed and distributed by: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd. Unit 7 & 8 York House, Tybalt Place, 185 Howick Close, Waterfall Business Park, Vorna Valley. Tel: 011 564 3900. Fax: 011 564 3939. www.glenmarkpharma.co.za KOL0023

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livewell live life well

Learn to let go, only then, when your world doesn’t come crashing down, only then can you trust that something else was holding it up all this time.

Stress less

by Dr. Leila Sadien

Until recently, managing stress has been something explored mostly in the realm of mysticism and psychotherapy. It was understood as an unfortunate state brought on by the pressures of life and accepted as something we have to live with. But no more.

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t medical school stress came up as a contributory cause of almost every chronic disease, but how it did that or how to teach our patients to manage it was never in the curriculum.

We certainly touched on its importance during our psychiatry rotations, where almost every psychiatric illness was preceded by stress on some level, but again we were too busy learning about the drugs used to treat the psychiatric disease to care about to how to manage the stress. This was ironic too, since every medical student can tell you that studying medicine is itself one of the most stressful things a person can endure. With a little stress management practice, we would have been better students, doctors and people.

In prehistoric times, the stress response was intended to help us survive natural threats. Being faced with an attacking animal for example, would trigger a response in the brain to mobilise all our energies into the ‘flight or flight’ response.

It would send a rush of hormones helping our muscles fire, our senses to be on high alert, our blood pressure to rise making sure we survived the encounter. The problem with an evolved, thinking brain is we’ve traded the attacking animals with daily delusions of perceived survival threats. Most of our stress is no longer worthy of a fight or flight response and yet, when triggered, we cannot escape or fight it, and so our bodies deteriorate in a way reminiscent of an animal being chased by a pack of predators, day and night… We break down.

When practicing as a new GP, people often began their consultation with “I’m so stressed right now doctor”, followed by a list of symptoms that finally brought them to me. People didn’t come for stress but waited for the stress to cause dis-ease.

Other than prescribe anti-depressants, or sedatives, refer them to therapy or offer my own limited advice, I had little left in my doctor’s toolbox to help. In those years I wished I had studied psychology.

Being chronically stressed means the body has little energy left to deal with daily activities like digestion, libido, immunity and metabolism. So it isn’t surprising that symptoms of chronic stress include constipation, weight gain, depression, recurrent infections, infertility or erectile dysfunction. Diseases like angina, diabetes, thyroid disease and cancer - almost all chronic diseases, have been proven to be caused by stress.

Instead I studied integrative medicine. One of the first things we learnt was to manage our own stress, and then help our patients manage theirs…

In this age where anti-aging and preventative medicine is commonplace, how do we go about containing this universal problem?

helping you live life well

Here are some practices I recommend to my clients.

Change your perception. During periods of high stress, actively remind yourself that it’s not actually a threat to your survival and so not worthy of a flight or flight response.

Realise that you can only do so much until the outcome is no longer in your hands.

Most of the things we stress about never actually happen, leading us to the next point…

Live in the moment. Hundreds of bestsellers, blogs, tweets and millions of articles say so too. Finding what works for you simply requires a desire to learn. I love the idea of mindfulness, that teaches you to live in a meditative state, always keeping your mind on the task at hand. Stilling a wandering mind is scientifically proven to reduce the physiological stress response.

Among others, the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course is an effective way of learning this priceless practice.

Breathe. Slow deep breaths that expand the rib cage, restricts the fight or flight signal passing from the brain through the spinal cord. That’s why breathing into a brown paper bag helps stop a panic attack.

Healing exercise practices like yoga and tai chi all teach breathing and most meditative practices require specific breathing to reach relaxation.

Exercise. Moving your body releases endorphins, which immediately reduces

E AV S H CT ST U U D M RO P

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stress. Certain exercises can be better than others. Competitive sports and things like pumping iron increase testosterone, which can contribute further to an already stressed mind and body, where relaxing movements like tai chi, yoga and pilates promote stress release.

Seek help. Psychotherapy plays a huge role with managing stress more efficiently.

Be wary of using therapy as a crutch though. Its purpose should be to empower you with the tools to cope on your own.

Journal. Allowing yourself a set time in the day to deal with the stressors in your life is fundamental to letting it go for the rest of the day. I recommend setting aside a few minutes in the day to stress. This could mean writimg all your feelings and thoughts in a journal and then brainstorming solutions to the problems. Once the time slot is over, no more worrying is allowed till the next stress session. This allocates efficient energy spend to the problem.

Sleep for 7 – 8 hours a night. Sleeping is one of the most de-stressing activities you can do. Insomnia is of course one of the top symptoms of stress, but managing the anxious feelings associated with stress goes a long way to restoring a normal sleep pattern.

Maintain a healthy intake of good nutrition and limit the toxins. Nutrients are needed for all the natural anti-stress pathways to work effectively. Supplement where your diet may be lacking.

did you know?

Meditation has been proven to increase the size of your brain. Brain scans proved that meditation increases thickness in parts of the brain that deal with attention and processing sensory input. This is wonderful, especially as this is the part that usually gets smaller as we age.

(Harvard university Gazette, 2006)

Use the correct nutriceuticals, homeopathics or herbal medicines to assist the process. A stress assessment can determine your specific stress response.

You may have an overactive response, or an underactive/ burntout response, or perhaps an inflammatory response. Most people have a combination. Depending on the results, you can tailor your remedial help or use alternative medicine to treat accompanying anxiety, depression or other psychiatric manifestations of extreme stress.

Dr. BOXALL’s SCELETIUM 100mg/serving Veg Caps 60’s Tincture Drops 20ml NO.1 SCELETIUM BRAND Also available in drop form for fast acting on-the-go support • Boosts Serotonin • Libido Enhancing • Anxiety & Depression Relief • Combat Insomnia • Stress & Tension Relief

Spiritual practice. A connection with a higher consciousness has many benefits.

Many people become more involved in their spiritual practice when under stress.

Prayer is a wonderful form of meditation and often even the social support one finds in spiritual or religious groups can be enough.

This list excludes pharmaceutical interventions, rarely do I have to prescribe chemical drugs. In general I prefer to practice in the words of Hippocrates ‘to help, or at least do no harm’. In my learning, suppressing a process does more damage in the end and pharmaceutical drugs tend to stop the symptoms and not the cause so I prefer to use alternatives wherever possible.

Stress management steps 1. Change your perception 2. Be mindful and live in the moment 3. Breathe deeply 4. Move your body 5. Seek help 6. Journal your sources of stress 7. Sleep for 7 – 8 hours a night 8. Follow a healthy diet and limit the toxins 9. Look at natural supplements 10. Cultivate a spiritual practice

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• Boost Energy Metabolism • Promote Concentration • Beat the Morning Blues

Dr. Leila is an aesthetic and integrative general practitioner in Pinelands, Cape Town. Her warm empathetic nature and focus on finding the root cause of disease is what sets her practice apart. She embodies the lifestyle and exudes the wellness she teaches. Dr. Leila believes that doctors should be facilitators on the patients’ own journey to wellbeing. She can be contacted on Tel: 021 824 2170 Email: reception@mydoctorleila.com 16 Forest drive, Pinelands, Cape Town.

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Make every day a good day How you start your morning is key to how you will feel for the day that follows. Having a healthy breakfast is paramount, and should be part of your routine. A healthy breakfast, with mood-boosting supplements, will kick-start your system. Add some energy with movement and stretches, and practise mindfulness. Morning music can also be uplifting. If you have low energy, have a piece of fruit. I like to start my day with Psychocalisthenics - a 16-minute exercise routine that keeps me fit, and generates vital energy and mindfulness. Here are some extra tips to feel good.

Here are some other tips to keep you feeling good: Start your day with a big result. Pick one big thing that’s important, and do that first rather than doing all the little jobs.

Don’t use sugar to reward yourself or cheer yourself up. Take chromium instead and have a good, healthy meal or low-GL snack.

Be careful about alcohol and other numbing substances. Rather than reaching for a mind-numbing substance to avoid uncomfortable feelings, take action to deal with whatever is troubling you.

Make time for exercise. Ideally, exercise outdoors. Exercise increases feel-good endorphins and serotonin levels. A brisk walk is a great antidote if you’re feeling down. Having your feet on the earth is centering - a diminutive version of going walkabout.

Generate vital energy. Growing evidence shows that exercises like yoga, t’ai chi and Psychocalisthenics help improve mood. They move stubborn or stuck thoughts and feelings into a state of mindful awareness.

Get enough sleep. Sleep is as vital as any nutrient. Use soft lighting before bed, have a warm bath with essential oils, like lavender. Play a CD like Silence of Peace (available on Amazon). If you can’t sleep, read a good uplifting book. If your mind is wide awake, get up and do something, then go back to sleep when you feel tired. Don’t lie in bed stressing about not sleeping.

Get enough light. Sleep early and wake up early, ideally soon after the sun comes up. Let your curtains filter sufficient light to help you wake naturally at dawn. Go outside every day to get natural light. Make the most of being outdoors in autumn; that’s when your body stores vitamin D for winter. If you can - get a winter holiday in the sun.

Reduce your stress levels. Stress often results from having unfinished business and unrealistic goals. Learn to say no and don’t take on something new until you have finished the last task. Have realistic expectations.

Respect your feelings. No one feels happy all the time. It is natural to experience sadness, anger and fear, and healthy to feel depressed when processing losses. Your feelings are there to guide you. Understand how you can learn from them and express them in a healthy way. If you truly let yourself experience an uncomfortable feeling, it will change. If you resist a feeling, it will persist.

Do something you enjoy every day. Make it something that’s just for you. We all need social interaction. Watch a film. Have a massage. Sign up for a course on something you love, it’s fun to learn new things. Every day is a new day and you don’t have to feel trapped in a cycle. You can break that cycle any day and be free.

WIN Patrick Holford’s 100% Health Pack which contains one month’s worth of Advanced Optimum Nutrition, Essential Omegas, Immune C and AGE Antioxidant by sending an email to hayley@urbanhousemedia.co.za with Wellness Notes with Patrick Holford in the subject line by

30 September 2015 42

STAND A CHANCE TO

WIN!

43

lookwell

Mascara is the fastest way to spread an eye infection and changing your mascara regularly is crucial.

BRUSH UP Brows & Beyond

Whether you’re usually dolled up to the nines, or prefer to rock a more natural look, washing your make-up brushes should be a part of your daily beauty regime. Dirt, grime and makeup residue can easily get trapped in between the bristles of your makeup brushes, creating a great environment for germs to prosper.

Unclean makeup brushes can clog your pores and lead to bothersome breakouts.

Good quality makeup brushes also cost a pretty penny, so taking good care of them is looking after your beauty investment.

It’s a good idea to give all of your brushes a thorough spring-clean once a week.

While there are specially formulated deep cleansing brush shampoos on the market, there’s no need to spend huge money on good cleaning agents; you can get by just fine with what you likely already have in your kitchen. Baby shampoo can also be used but it doesn’t quite disinfect like other options. A little natural dishwashing liquid mixed with extra virgin olive oil, makes for a great cleaning agent. The dishwashing soap will help to disinfect your brushes and clear them of any pesky germs and bacteria. The olive oil acts like conditioner, restoring your brushes to a soft and supple state.

It’s also worthwhile investing in a daily brush cleaner to maintain your brushes in

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by Skye Forrester

between spring cleans. You can throw one together using some very basic ingredients.

Dilute a little alcohol (about a 70/30 ratio) in some distilled water and add around 15 drops of your favourite fragrance oil. The fragrance oil will cut through the smell of the alcohol and help to keep your brushes conditioned. Put the mix into a spray bottle for easy application and give your brushes a quick spritz every day, after each use.

Do you consider your mascara wand to be a makeup brush? Well, you probably should!

Mascara is the fastest way to spread an eye infection and changing your mascara regularly is crucial. Continuous use of mascara wands leaves them clumped, making your lashes look unevenly treated - and that’s no good! Dab off the excess mascara using a makeup removing face wipe and dip the wand into lukewarm water for around 4 minutes. Make sure the wand bristles are completely submerged.

Remove the wand and, using a paper towel dipped in cold water, clean the bristles until all the mascara is gone.

Hair & Now Like sponges and carpets, hairbrushes can play host to a whole lot of unwanted dust, dirt and oils. Each time you brush your hair with an unclean brush, you’re re-positing the lot of it; not to mention particles of old hair product, dead skin and trapped hair. helping you live life well

Your unclean hairbrush can also smell bad and won’t work nearly as well when it’s all clogged up.

Different hair types require different brushes; and different brushes may have their own cleaning needs. It’s best to do your homework to find out the right way to take care of the hairbrushes you use.

To clean your basic brushes; gently work a rat-tailed comb (a pen will work just fine) from the bottom of the brush to the top to loosen the trapped hair. Once you’ve disposed of the trapped hair clumps, clean your brush with a mixture of water, shampoo and baking soda. You can use an old toothbrush for gentle scrubbing. It’s best not to soak your brushes in water; they weren’t designed for soaking. Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse your brush in lukewarm water and lay it down flat to dry off.

If you use a wooden brush with natural fibres, remember that it can’t be in water for too long. You can clean this type of brush with a bit of water and tea tree oil.

Lightly mist water onto the brush to wash away the tea tree oil and wipe clean using a dry cloth.

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lookwell Tooth & Nail

When To Clean Your Brushes

Nail art trends can be the highlight of any season. From Hot Mandarin to Maya Blue, a fresh coat of nail polish will leave you feeling fabulous! When it comes to maintenance, your nail art brushes are no different than your makeup brushes. Good thing cleaning them is super simple. You can clean your brush when the nail polish is completely dry but it does work best when the polish is still slightly wet. It’s best to clean your nail art brush with a nail polish thinner rather than a remover because nail polish removers are usually acetone based and will ultimately decrease the lifespan of your brush.

Add a few drops of nail polish thinner to your cleaning surface (preferably something you can throw away after; like a plastic cup or plate). Dip your brush in and swirl it around and then wipe the brush on the piece of paper to remove the nail colour.

You can also fold the paper over the brush to reshape it for the next use. Be sure not to run your brushes under water after you’ve used nail polish thinner. It will cause the nail thinner to ball up and stick inside the brush.

While it’s recommended that you replace your toothbrush approximately every 3–4 months; keeping your toothbrush clean between uses is exceptionally important.

Bathrooms are a fun-house for all kinds of nasty germs and your toothbrush is no exception.

Once you’re done brushing your pearly whites give your toothbrush a thorough rinse with hotter than lukewarm water to rid the bristles of residual toothpaste. Store your toothbrush in an upright position, if possible; this allows the water to drain off the bristles and air-dries your brush. If you’re storing more than one brush in the same holder or area, keep the brushes separated to prevent cross-contamination.

It’s best not to store toothbrushes in closed containers because a closed, moist environment is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms than the open air. To give your toothbrush a deep clean, soak it in an antibacterial solution for at least 10 minutes. You can use antibacterial mouthwash that contains alcohol, a mixture of 1/3 bleach and 2/3 water, or vinegar as cleansing solutions. It’s important to remember, though, your toothbrush will almost never be completely free of germs, and that’s okay. Many of these germs don’t negatively affect your health.

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A QUICK GUIDE 1. Foundation brushes: daily or after each use.

2. Powder/Eyeshadow brushes: after each new colour.

3. Eyeliner brushes: daily with your foundation brushes – anything going in your eye needs to be clean to prevent infection.

4. Hair Brushes: a deep spring clean, once a month.

5. Nail Art Brushes: when the brush collects fibres and the polish begins to clump.

6. Toothbrush: to ensure that your toothbrush stays clean, sanitise it in solution about once a week.

7. Mascara Wand: once every two weeks, if used every day – otherwise once a month.

did you know?

Hair combs are one of man’s oldest tools found by archaeologists.

They’ve been discovered in very refined forms in settlements dating back 5,000 years ago in Persia.

helping you live life well

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livewell do it yourself

Switch to a

GREENER CLEAN

by Cheryl Stevens

Greening your home is easy; you just have to start. Throw out chemical detergents and toxic floor cleaners and do your eco bit with some easy to prepare green cleaning solutions.

by Cheryl Stevens

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Being intentionally eco wise is about celebrating the earth, your role on the earth and how you treat the earth. Practicing good green habits in your home today can help stop climate change, improve your family’s health and save you money.

helping you live life well

livewell do it yourself

Keep 6 standard natural ingredients to DIY your own green cleaning products:

oiling/waxing, switch the ratios to 1/4 cup oil and 1 tablespoon white vinegar, lemon juice, or lemon essential oil.

White vinegar inhibits the growth of bacteria by creating an unfriendly, acidic environment. It’s preferred over apple cider vinegar since it won’t stain, is completely non-toxic and easy to use. Lemon juice can also be used as effectively.

Natural Soap Soap nuts can be added whole to your washing machine or boiled to create a Liquid Soap Concentrate: Add two whole soap nuts per cup of water and boil for approximately 30 minutes, mashing them periodically. Strain, add essential oils and store in a sealed container.

Baking soda acts as a natural abrasive/ scouring agent, deodorizer and cleanser and is gentle enough to use on nearly every surface.

Olive or jojoba oil will polish furniture and oil wood without harmful additives.

Hydrogen peroxide helps remove stains naturally and easily. Make sure you check for colour-fastness before use.

Soap nuts are a berry-like fruit harvested from a tree, and available from health stores in South Africa. They contain saponins, that clean anything from clothing to dishes, and even hair.

Essential Oils are a perfect addition to any natural household cleaner, especially those with natural antiviral and anti fungal properties.

RECIPES FOR GREEN HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS All-Purpose Natural Household Cleaners In a spray bottle, mix 9 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. Add an essential oil of your choice to minimise the strong smell of the vinegar. Tea Tree or lavender oil can be used as an anti-bacterial, antiviral or antifungal agent.

Natural Scouring Alternative Simply sprinkle baking soda over the area to be cleaned or onto a rag and begin scrubbing.

Natural Furniture Polish Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, lemon juice, or lemon essentail oil with 1 tablespoon of chosen essential oil. You can use this in a spray bottle or a small amount on a cotton rag.

Natural Oil or Wax for Wood For wood surfaces that require regular

Did you know?

Common household cleaners are toxic, and contain harmful chemicals linked to everything from cancer to birth defects.

What’s more, they’re mostly unnecessary. Disinfectants are also dangerous to inhale and have been proven to create super-bugs: stronger bacteria resistant to disinfectants.

They can also weaken your immune system by creating a too-sterile environment, which inhibits your body from building immunity to common germs.

HOW & WHERE Counter Tops Spray the surface with the natural AllPurpose Cleaner and wipe clean. Be careful with marble surfaces as vinegar can cause pitting.

Dishwasher Use Liquid Soap Concentrate or whole soap nuts in your dishwasher by filling the dispenser. Use white vinegar as a rinse aid.

Baking soda can be added to help soften water. (¼ cup per load).

wellnesswarehouse.com

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livewell do it yourself

Dishwashing by hand A teaspoon Liquid Soap Concentrate will wash a sink full of dirty dishes.

Dusting & oiling wood Apply the Natural Wood Oil liberally to dry wood. Wipe off instantly for dusting or allow to soak for several hours before wiping off any excess for oiling.

Flooring For hardwood, tile, linoleum or concrete floors add ½ cup of viengar to 1-2 tablespoons Liquid Soap Concentrates for every 4 litres of warm water.

Glass & Mirrors ½ vinegar and ½ water to lightly spray surface and wipe clean.

Laundry Place 2-7 soap nuts in your washing machine or use ¼- ½ cup of Liquid Soap Concentrate for one full load of laundry. Use white vinegar as a fabric softener.

Stains Soak the stained area in water with 1 teaspoon of Liquid Soap Concentrate.

Depending on the fabric, gently scrub the area with a baking soda paste.

Toys & Play area Use the All-Purpose Cleaner for all toys, desks, tables, etc. None of the ingredients will harm children and the strong odour from the vinegar dissipates quickly. Add essential oils for a natural disinfectant.

Being intentionally eco wise is about celebrating the earth, your role on the earth and how you treat the earth. Practicing good green habits in your home today can help stop climate change, improve your family’s health and save you money.

SHOPPING LIST White Vinegar Lemons Baking Soda Olive Oil Hydrogen Peroxide Soap nuts Lavender oil Tea Tree oil

Stickers, crayons, markers & finger prints Both lemon and lime oil are known to remove marks from paint, wood, walls and glass.

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wellnesswarehouse.com

arehous e.

es

om

SHOP ONLINE

lln we

Toilet The seat and outside of the toilet can be cleaned with the All-Purpose Cleaner. Pour ½ cup baking soda in the toilet bowl and allow to sit for 20 minutes then spray with All-Purpose Cleaner and scrub with toilet brush. Add essential oils for deodorising and disenfecting.

sw es

m co

Stove & Oven Sprinkle baking soda over charred food and scrub with a wet rag. For stubborn areas, spray the All-Purpose Cleaner over the baking soda and allow it to sit for several minutes before scouring.

we ll n

Shower, bath & sinks Use All-Purpose Cleaner. For stubbon grime or stains sprinkle baking soda and scrub with an old toothbrush. Spray vinegar over baking soda to create a fizzing solution.

swa ouse.c reh

range of cleaning products Natural Green Cleaning with a burst of citrus The Wellness Warehouse range of natural cleaning products is kind to the environment and safe for humans.

All cleaning products are biodegradable and perfect for grey water use. No synthetic colours or fragrances are used and they are paraben free with no harmful chemicals. Citrus fruit acids are the effective active agents used for cleaning and freshening.

• • • • •

Orange and Mint Bath and Shower Cleaner Lemongrass and Lime Dishwashing Liquid Grapefruit Air Freshener Citrus Auto Dishwashing Gel Lemon and Lime Multi Surface Cleaner

WELLNESS CLEANING PRODUCTS ARE FREE FROM: Ethoxylated ingredients Sulphated surfactants Parabens Synthetic colours & fragrances NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS

shop in store or online at wellnesswarehouse.com 51

The Miracle Of Vondis ITCHY PET SOLUTIONS

Natural remedies, supplementation and wholesome foods are sometimes all you need to cure sickness and improve well-being. Skin is the largest elementary organ of the body and first to show poor or compromised health.

Our success in treating an array of skin disorders is proof that natural and holistic, really does work

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LIVE LIFE WELL

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“For 6 long years Tony and I battled with our three French poodles with chronic skin allergies, reccuring ear and eye infections amongst other ailments. We had endless sleepless nights with the scratching, licking and offensive smelling dogs in our room. Before introducing them to the Vondis diet, besides all the drugs that were being pumped into them, the monthly cost of the medicine together with the dry food prescription diet that the vets advised us to put them on, ran in to thousands of rands a month. Tony and I are now enjoying a good night’s sleep and they are happy, healthy boys!”

Tony & Barbs

“[A client’s] labrador had to wear bandages almost permanently for lick granulomas and had frequent hotspots. He admits he felt like giving up. He has been feeding with your Special Chicken and using the Rooibos Anti-itch since the beginning of May. There is only one slightly raw spot left, no bandages and hardly any scratching.”

Dr. Alma Kerr (vet)

“I have rescued many animals and all the animals in my care eat Vondis. The speed with which my rescued babies heal is just mind blowing. I’m talking about animals with demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange, ticks and flea/lice investations.

Thank you Paul for your assistance in helping me to help them!! .....Kind regards.” Nicole “Paul, Grizzly is loving his new food and I bless you every time I cut open a bag. He also stopped scratching immediately!”

Best, Elma

“Thanks Vondi’s for your awesome products.

Since putting my Yorkie on your food about 2 months ago I can see so many changes. Her coat is more shiny, she doesn’t itch as much and has stopped licking her paws.”

Gillian

New juice bar at the Westin Hotel Head off to the Westin Hotel in the heart of Cape Town, they’ve just launched their new juice bar Westin Fresh by The Juicery. Revitalising ingredients like beetroot, açai, kale, pomegranate, mint, spinach and blueberries are made up into nutritious combos with superfoods and high nutrition.

Juices and smoothies can be a great immune booster during winter. Westin Fresh juices and smoothies are designed to nourish the body and mind. Their aim is to lead the way to a healthy lifestyle by including superfoods in their juices and menus.

The Westin Cape Town, is adjacent to the Cape Town International Convention Centre www.westincapetown.com

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www.vondis.co.za

helping you live life well

kloof street clinic

We believe in empowering you to make the best decisions for your health. We’re always getting better so that you can, too. We don’t only believe in getting better, though. We believe in being and staying well. With this in mind, WellClinic has started offering a few new services.

Check your Wellness status within minutes.

Wellness basics: new

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Get well • • • • •

Basic consultation Full consultation Blood/specimen collection for Pathcare Woundcare (excl. dressings) Injection administration

Ask our clinic sister for more information or call 021 487 5430 to make an appointment.

Available at Wellness Warehouse Kloof, Lifestyle on Kloof, 50 Kloof Street, Cape Town.

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Try our organic raw food range full of gluten-free, dairy-free, VEGAN and OTHER healthy options.

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HEALTH CLINICS Making a difference

An organisation called North Star Alliance is bringing health to hard-to-reach people across Africa in customary ‘blue boxes’.

These converted shipping containers are used to house clinics. They run public health programmes for people with increased health risks, like truck drivers and sex workers, and also offer primary health care to communities with limited or no access to medical services. Since 2007, they’ve grown to a network reaching over 230,000 people in 12 countries every year. Each drop-in is supported by an electronic health passport system, which allows patients to access their health records at different locations.

with HIV. Dira Sengwe, meaning “Take action”, is the South African based NGO behind the South African AIDS conference.

Professor Hoosen Coovadia says, “AIDS is not a medical epidemic but rather a social, political and cultural epidemic and bravery is required to confront this.”

For more information contact Esti at North Star Alliance on Tel: 031 701 1258 or email: esti.nell@northstar-alliance.org or www.northstar-alliance.org

Paul Matthew, North Star Alliance Regional Director of Southern Africa was awarded the Dira Sengwe Leadership in AIDS award at a conference of South Africa’s largest gathering of HIV researchers, policymakers, activists and people living

Spotlight on self esteem “Teaching teens ramp modeling at Spotlight Models and Arts is a way to increase their self-esteem” says Roxanne Reddy who works with teens throughout schools in the Western Cape.

As a qualified modeling teacher and talent judge her passion is to see the transformation that happens when teens develop self-confidence from learning to shine on the ramp.

appearance, focusing on your successes and getting constructive feedback from other people.

“I love what I do immensely. My aim is to make a difference in as many young individuals as possible, especially those struggling with confidence issues. Contact Roxanne on Cell: 074 243 5709

Her tips to improve self-confidence include: being well groomed, dressing phenomenally, thinking positively, being prepared, setting goals and achieving them. It’s also good to know the difference between self-confidence and self-image.

Self confidence is the ability to make your own decisions, motivate your choices and stand by them. It’s marked by a feeling of trust in your abilities, qualities and judgement.

Self-Image is a mental picture of the way you think others see you. You can improve self-image by constantly maintaining your wellnesswarehouse.com

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read well book reviews

Book REVIEWS

Sort out any niggly areas in your life by tidying up your thinking, your attitude, your body and home.

YOGA FOR LIFE by Colleen Saidman Yee (Simon & Schuster) This book is not only a brilliant account of former model Colleen Saidman Yee’s remarkable life, but also a combination of humour, insight and practical yoga instruction. Colleen Saidman Yee, Dubbed the ‘First Lady of Yoga’ by the New York Times, takes readers on a journey of selfdiscovery through the healing powers of yoga.

She recounts her travels across the globe with her world-renowned yoga teacherhusband, Rodney Yee, her mother and daughter. While sharing her tale of heroin addiction, trauma, fear and truth, Colleen also shares detailed yoga sequences that reflect each theme in her life and book.

Sequences are manageable for any level and have beautiful photographs to demonstrate poses. They’re safe for the body as well as the nervous system.

Colleen hopes to inspire readers to go deeper within their own practice. Available online on Amazon.

with her own skin care issues, she offers tips on how to stay beautiful, healthy skin without toxic skin and body care products. Her rule is simple; don’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat. This comprehensive guide shows you how to care for your skin in a simple and natural way. It includes easy-to-follow DIY beauty recipes for everything from toner to shampoo. Available online on Amazon.

Your food might be labelled ‘low-fat’, ‘sugar-free’ or ‘natural’ but is it really? It’s time you found out what you’re actually eating. This book is an ‘Action Plan for Your Pantry and Plate’, a practical guide written by certified chef and nutritionist Stephanie Sacks A practical writing style makes an easy read and an indispensable resource for anyone wanting to eat more consciously and better understand what goes into the food we buy. It’s a great nononsense guide to avoiding the bad stuff in food and replacing it with good stuff.

It’s not a pushy kind of diet plan, it includes fun information on the history of food and advice on healthier eating. Available online on Amazon.

SKIN CLEANSE by Adina Grigore

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More than a simple health guide, it’s an important read for just about anyone who has been dissatisfied with the state of their body. Body of Truth will open your eyes to our unfortunate culture of being thin at any cost, ‘weight-shaming’ and how we learned to loath our bodies. Challenging the idea that ‘thin means healthy’ the author urges readers to carefully consider what healthy really means and how to eat normally. Available online on Amazon.

WHAT THE FORK ARE YOU EATING? by Stefanie Sacks (Tarcher)

(Harper Collins) Adina Grigore is the founder of the successful skin-care line S.W. Basics, in America. In her book, Adina shares the force behind her range and a refreshing message on skin care. Having struggled

and informative read. Body of Truth: How Science, History, and Culture Drive Our Obsession with Weight - and What We Can Do about It, is a well-rounded account of the impact society has on our perceptions of the perfect body.

BODY OF TRUTH by Harriet Brown

THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP by Marie Kondo (Crown) A place for everything and everything in its place – that’s the premise for The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. The Author, Marie Kondo, is not only adept in the art of de cluttering, but also an expert on human behaviour and how to change it. Marie Kondo makes a point of being positive throughout the process of de-cluttering your home and encourages the belief that happiness is your favourite possession. Expect an unusual approach to treating the material objects in our homes and a fresh perspective on the importance of tidying up. Marie, for example, inspires readers to thank an object for its service before discarding it, helping us to feel grateful for what we had instead of guilty for letting it go. Available online on Amazon.

(Barnes & Noble) Harriet Brown’s empirical knowledge combined with a variety of real-life case studies makes this book a compelling helping you live life well

Please note these books are available on order from Amazon or from selected bookstores.

HELP THE RURAL CHILD e of me Nazley. ur ct pi a is is th , lo Hel

olive Ma where all the y m d ke as I t gh Last ni ? rm that she works fa e th on om fr e trees com u ural Child shops yo R e th p el H at at Ma said th for R450 and the ee tr ive ol an y bu can takes care of it. d an it ts an pl m Goedgedacht Far

pick that they to t ui fr s ha ee tr the the She said that once ey they make from on m e th l al at th sell it. Ma said I go to school. re he w e tr en C P PO olives goes to the the farm and each on s ee tr of s nd sa ren There are thou wants to help child ho w ne eo m so by one was bought u drop of your yo n he w o S . ol ho like me to go to sc oks at Help the bo d an re itu rn fu e donations of clothes, tree because all th a y bu se ea pl s, op Rural Child sh tree comes straight e th g in ow gr to in love that is put e. back to kids like m

Help the Rural Child (HRTC) was established in South Africa in 2006 and is a registered Charitable Trust and NPO that operate 7 charity shops in the greater Cape Town area. The shops are entirely dependent on donations received, and the proceeds go towards supporting the Goedgedacht Trust’s Path out of Poverty Programme (POP) for rural children. HTRC will collect goods from your home and accepts deliveries at all their stores. www.goedgedacht.org * 021 689 8392 * info@ruralchild.org.za 57

movewell

fitness, sleep & massage

"

7

By Peter Olivier

Focus on building performance rather than on what the scale measures, once you get your training right, the rest follows.

SMART TRAINING TIPS

With new fitness trends launching every day, it’s easy to get confused between different theories and drawn into a regime focusing on aesthetics. Training should focus on performance outcomes alongside a healthy eating plan. If you are running further, cycling faster and lifting heavier then aesthetics automatically improve. Remember, no matter what anybody says, there are no shortcuts.

S

howing up is imperative, whether you have a training plan or not here are 7 tips to guide you towards becoming a better athlete.

1. Compound warm up

A warm up prepares your muscles for what they are about to experience. You should be sweating slightly before you start your first movement. Focus your warm up on the muscle group you intend to work with.

Keep your stretches dynamic, and avoid static stretching (stretch to a point that challenges, and hold) before a workout.

2. Complementary movement

A growing functional fitness trend is replacing ‘old school’ isolated lifts like bicep curls and shoulder presses with activities like Olympic lifting, rowing ergometer performance and kettle-bell swings.

These functional movements can be vastly improved by complementing them with isolated lifts e.g rowing will of course benefit from bicep curls so don’t shy away from them if you are following the trend.

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3. Keep track of your workouts

Use a pen and paper, an app or a simple excel sheet. Firstly it will help you track and improve your speed, distance and weight bearing, it will also facilitate goal setting.

Secondly, it helps encourage a more balanced training schedule. We tend to neglect parts of the body, sometimes the hard parts and sometimes purely because we forget. Writing it down will remind you.

4. Consistency

‘Make it a habit’ may be a cliché but it’s true and effective. Accepting the fact that eating well and keeping in shape is not a seasonal thing and is the way you will live your life from now onwards helps more than I can explain and is something you’ll never regret. Goal setting, both short and long term, helps maintain consistency and gives you something to train for.

5. Performance goals

Short and long term goal setting is your personal guide to training. As your knowledge about training and about your helping you live life well

own body expands, your goals will develop and sometimes become more diverse e.g. someone who has never run before starts losing weight, becomes more confident in the gym then sets his or her sights on their first 10km road run. In my opinion short term goals are 1-4 weeks, and long term is anything more than 6 months, have both!

6. Involve a friend

We are often told that peer pressure isn’t a good thing but when it comes to encouragement that enforces consistency and sharing the burden of an early morning, it is!

7. Honesty

Most importantly, be honest to yourself.

When lying in bed on a Sunday night, ask yourself if you could have done a bit more that week to improve your performance.

This might be an eye opening exercise.

Peter Olivier is General Manager of Roark Gyms, Personal Trainer and Head coach of the Ladies. www.oliviertraining.com www.roarkgyms.com pete@roarkgyms.com

movewell

fitness, sleep & massage

3 UNDERRATED MOVEMENTS TO INCLUDE

IN YOUR WORKOUT:

1. Kettle-bell swings are perfect for your core and posterior chain. For Olympic lifters, they provide a great platform to reinforce an essential hip drive.

2. Weighted lunges are great for singling out your legs and will teach them to be powerful and effective independently.

3. Push ups will of course develop your triceps and chest but will also improve shoulder stability, prevent injuries and if done correctly will improve other movements like burpees.

10 minute workout Try this workout at home. You won’t need much space and it’s suitable for athletes on all levels. It sounds simple but the combination of movements is designed to fatigue multiple muscle groups.

: 5 Rounds for advanced 4 for intermediate 3 for beginners

5 push ups - try and allow only your chin to touch the ground, keep your core engaged and elbows tucked into your body.

15 air squats - squat down to just below 90 degrees, put your hands up and in front of you (this will help keep your posture upright).

10 burpees - starting in a standing position, bend your legs, drop down into the bottom of your push up, then drive your hips upwards bringing your feet underneath you. Jump in the air and touch your hands together behind your head.

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Register online from 17 August at

SupaShape CoaCh approved guilt-free treatS Supashape is a brand of the Ascendis Health Consumer Brands division

www.supashape.com Challenge StaRtS 28 SeptembeR

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livewell do it yourself

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Now is the time to live the life you love, and live the life you have always wanted.

Follow your Dreams

by Sharni Quinn

A clean start is not only a time to focus on getting fit and living a healthy lifestyle, but also an opportunity to create any life you want! What are your dreams, what are your passions, what have you always wanted to manifest in your life? We look at practical ways to inspire a radiant and happy life and tips to let go of fear so you can follow your dreams…

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ow is the time to live the life you love, and live the life you have always wanted. How much longer are you going to allow ‘life’ to take over and allow external factors to control your happiness? Stop. Get another story.

Re-write your script. You deserve love, happiness and prosperity! There is plenty for everyone, including you.

This might sound very ‘Ra Ra’, I know, but let me share a secret with you… You have the power and you have a choice. Let me repeat… YOU

have POWER and you have CHOICE.

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We can’t change what is going on around us, but we can choose what is happening within us. You have the power to choose your self-talk, perspective and response to life, which then in turn affects your external experiences.

“How do I do that?” You may ask. There are many avenues we can use to create happiness in our lives, here are a few helping you live life well

practical tools to help you along the path of bliss and freedom… towards the life you dream.

BE CONNECTED How can you manifest your dreams if you don’t know what you actually want?

How can you know what you want if you are not connected to yourself? By being connected and in-tune with your intuition and gut feelings you can sense if a situation or person gives you an open, expansive feeling or a closed and contracted feeling.

Using your intuition to discern and make decisions is a powerful tool to being on track and being on your true path.

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Now that you are certain of the outcome, you can be patient, relax and wait without anxiety. Enjoy your life and be mindful in each moment as you wait for the magic to unfold and your dreams to come true.

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In the wise words of Marianne Williamson, we ask ourselves “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’ Actually who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people wont feel insecure around you. We are meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is

Photo: Mark le Grange

did you know?

According to Gallup’s World Poll only13% of workers feel happy, passionate and engaged by their jobs. The vast majority, some 63%, are ‘not engaged’, meaning they are unhappy but not drastically so. In short, they’re checked out. They sleepwalk through their days, putting little energy into their work. A full 24% are ‘actively disengaged’, meaning they hate their jobs and act out or undermine what their coworkers accomplish

wellnesswarehouse.com

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l a c i m w Che BE PATIENT

Sharni is the owner and founder of Follow the Sun. Focusing on people who have lost themselves - whether in their relationship, career, business or children - Sharni is passionate about inspiring individuals to live a radiant life through Yoga, Food, Life Coaching and Travel.

For more info visit followthesun.co.za or contact Sharni on sharni@followthesun.co.za

Ch em ic

BELIEVE Believe in yourself, believe in your dreams and believe in miracles. Feel that you are already willing to receive and open to accept abundance into your life. If you truly feel and trust that you are good enough, you are worthy and you do deserve to be happy then it is remarkable how may miracles, acts of grace and synchronicities are created to support you. You will also realise that the miracles were there all along… now you are just open to seeing and receiving them.

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BE GRATEFUL Looking at what you have in your life at this particular moment, seeing the gifts and being grateful, often brings a new perspective. Perhaps it is not a whole new life you want? If you are grateful for what you have and look at your own situation from a new angle or viewpoint, you might find that shift is enough.

Don’t deny your magic… follow your dreams, follow your heart and always follow your own sunshine.

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BE OPEN Your dream life may not happen the way you think it will. Don’t try and control everything. Know what you want as an end goal but keep it light and be open to new avenues of prosperity that might open along the way. Be open to your dream; ask for that, or something better. Who knows what might manifest when you stop forcing, and actually open up to accepting new and wonderful experiences.

in everyone. And as we let our light shine, as we are liberated from our own fear, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

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BE CLEAR Once you are connected it is much easier to get clarity on what works for you and what makes your heart happy. Be clear and specific with what you want and desire.

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lovewell

eco mom & baby

There’s a clear indication of a neurological difference between kids who have been regularly read to and kids who have not.

Once upon a time

By Skye Forrester

Storytelling predates the written word. Every society and culture from the beginning of time has a tradition of storytelling. Ancient storytellers were very important people – they were the custodians of culture, legend and history. Other than keeping an account of the past, storytellers also created explanations for natural phenomena – such as what lightning was or why drought occurred. Many myths have been created in this way, using the art of storytelling to impart lessons and share concepts.

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helping you live life well

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eco mom & baby

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ome of the greatest stories ever told revolve around death, birth and love. Perhaps this is because these three concepts are common among any and all cultures around the world, and have been throughout history. Think of the nativity story about the birth of Jesus; Romeo and Juliet - arguably the greatest love story of all time; or the story of Hachikō, the remarkably loyal dog to his deceased owner.

Reading aloud with children, teaches them to analyse and reflect on the text, introducing new perspectives and different ways of thinking. This aids in problem solving later on in life. Thinking aloud while reading the story is a great way to add to your child’s knowledge on the topic. For example, if you were reading a book with your child about dogs, you might note, “A Labrador, just like Aunty Sarah’s dog! But Rover is brown. I didn’t know there were black ones.”

Reasons for Rhymes

Bonding Over Books

Nursery rhymes are short and sweet stories designed to share lessons with our little ones. The history and origins of most nursery rhymes reflect events in history. Two examples of these types of rhymes are ‘Ring a Ring o Rosies’, referring to the Bubonic plague and ‘Remember Remember’ which alludes to Guy Fawkes’ thwarted attempt to blow up the English Houses of Parliament.

Many of the words and nursery rhyme lyrics were used to parody the royal and political events of the day. Some of those events in history, though still portrayed in nursery rhymes, are long forgotten by most of society today. The lessons and events live on in catchy play-time rhymes.

Remember snuggling up with your mom or dad, book between you, the scent of baby powder under your nose? To some, those are our most happy and comforting memories. While we can all imagine how bedtime stories are a great way to bond with our kids, research has shown that little ones learn a great deal more than we ever thought possible when we read to them.

“There’s a clear indication of a neurological difference between kids who have been regularly read to and kids who have not,” says G. Reid Lyon, Ph.D., chief of the child development and behaviour branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Bethesda, MD. Cuddling up with your child to a good book will also help them to associate reading with warm and fuzzy feelings, inviting a predisposition to become an avid reader when they’re older.

Brainy Benefits of Bedtime Stories In English, there are 44 different language sounds, called phonemes, ranging from ‘ee’ to ‘ss’. The more frequently your child hears these sounds, the faster they become at processing them. Trying to learn a language becomes easier for your toddler when he can hear the difference between, for example, ‘tall’ and ‘doll’. While learning to read, your bubba will be more adept at sounding out unfamiliar words on the page.

If you’ve ever finished a bedtime story with your child, you’ll know they’ll invariably insist for you to read it “again, again!”. While on the surface this might look like a calculated tactic to delay dreaded bedtime (and it probably is), reading a book repeatedly can actually help your child develop her logic skills.

did you know?

The story of ‘Jack & Jill’ is actually about King Louis XVI and his Queen, Marie Antoinette. Both were beheaded in 1793; hence the lines Jack ‘lost his crown’ and ‘Jill came tumbling after’.

good reasons for reading bedtime stories to your little ones 1. Bedtime stories help to relax your child’s mind and provide a relief from anxiety.

2. Reading to your children helps to cultivate a healthy reading habit.

3. The attention span of your kids is largely enhanced while listening to a story.

4. Stories with good moral at the end will encourage your child to be honest, building a strong moral compass.

5. Listening to stories increases their imaginative power as well as analytical and lateral thinking.

Kids don’t catch everything the first time they hear a story, but as they hear it repeated to them, they begin to notice patterns and sequences emerging. They’ll be able to predict what’s coming up on the next page based on what you’ve just read to them. wellnesswarehouse.com

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Plant-sourced protein Suitable for vegans Sweetened with xylitol & stevia Available in original and chocolate

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Life Coaching

Peace on Earth Begins at Birth

Living the good life, feeling happy, energized and enjoying the flow…

Is this how you want your life to be?

It is all possible!

Feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by life’s challenges?

Needing some clarity, direction and inspiration to bring abundance into all areas of your life? Meet up with one of our InnerLifeSkills Coaches for a one-on-one consultation to facilitate your transformation to happiness.

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Follow your dreams. Follow your heart. Follow the sun Contact Sharni Quinn on sharni@followthesun.co.za or 0719542816 for more details

Join us for discussions, talks and workshops on pregnancy, birth and midwifery

www.followthesun.co.za

30 - 31 October 2015 www.midwiferyandbirthconference.co.za

Pilates and Ozone Therapy At Claremont Chiropractic Centre Susan

Workshop Spring is the perfect time to dust off the cobwebs, let go of what is no longer serving you and start creating healthy habits. Join us for a morning of yoga, coaching and lifestyle motivation talks where we clarify ways to spring clean yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Learn tips to stay motivated and make space for new, fresh opportunities in your life.

Date: Saturday 19th September 2015 Time: 9-12pm Cost: R395 Book with Sharni - sharni@followthesun.co.za www.followthesun.co.za

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0790971417

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Pilates and T.R.E.     

Reduce joint and postural pain Improve your posture and tighten your tummy Change the shape of your body.

Release stress and tension.

T.R.E. promotes self-healing and releases stresses that are held in the body.

Call either Kelli or Susan for more info.

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Spring Clean My Life

Kelli

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Why we’re nuts about

coconuts What is coconut water?

Coconut water is the clear liquid inside young green coconuts. It has a very mild, slightly nutty flavour. It’s not thick and creamy like coconut milk but it does have some of the same healthy fats in it.

Read your labels

Not all brands of coconut water are made equal so read your labels. Some coconut water has a little fruit juice added for sweetness and flavour, while others might have processed sugars like fructose added. When you buy coconut water, make sure the label says ‘100% coconut water’.

Nature’s sports drink?

Sports drinks are made to replace electrolytes that you lose when you exercise. Electrolytes help keep your body’s moisture levels in balance and they help your muscles work better – among other things. Electrolytes you might know include magnesium and potassium, which are often added to sports drinks. Coconut water contains these naturally – minus the artificial colours, flavours and added sugar you might find in a sports drink.

Good for you – inside & out

Coconut water has natural antibacterial properties. If you have problem skin, try using at as a toner after cleansing. It’s also used as a hair rinse. Because it’s so light, it adds shine without weighing your hair down.

Watch out for great specials on Cocofina coconut water in Wellness stores and online at wellnesswarehouse.com

www.wellnesswarehouse.com

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