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Break The Cycle - How Probiotics and Prebiotics Can Provide Relief from IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) remains one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, affecting approximately 10% of the population.* It is characterised by a complex combination of causes, triggers and symptoms. IBS can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected and symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even months.
This blog aims to understand IBS, offering insights into its nature, causes, types, and various management strategies to help those affected navigate the condition more effectively.
What Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterised by a group of symptoms that typically occur together. These include recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both. IBS is a chronic condition that requires long-term management.
IBS vs IBD: The Difference Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) And Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD)
IBS and IBD are two conditions that affect the digestive system and are often confused due to their similar names and symptoms. Both are chronic conditions that cause abdominal pain, cramping, and urgent bowel movements. However, despite having similar acronyms and symptoms, these two conditions are very different in their nature, causes, and how they're treated. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) |
Classified as a syndrome, defined as a group of symptoms. | Classified as a disease. |
Related to problems with how the gut works. It doesn't cause visible damage to tissues. | Often used to describe two chronic conditions: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These are autoimmune diseases are characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and can cause permanent harm to the intestines. |
There is no sign of disease or abnormality during an exam of the colon. Diagnosis is usually made based on symptoms and after ruling out other conditions. | Diagnosis is made through a combination of tests, including blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, and imaging studies to look for inflammation and damage. |
Treatment focuses on symptom management and may include dietary changes (like following a low FODMAP diet), stress management, and medications to relieve specific symptoms. | Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and maintain remission. This can include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and sometimes surgery. |
IBS is a functional disorder without visible damage to the digestive tract, primarily managed through symptom control and lifestyle changes. IBD, on the other hand, involves chronic inflammation and can cause significant damage to the GI tract, requiring more specific and sometimes aggressive treatment to manage inflammation and prevent complications.
Symptoms Of IBS
The symptoms of IBS vary between individuals and affect some people more severely than others. Symptoms can become worse, often during times of stress or after eating certain foods.
Some of the symptoms of IBS ease after going to the toilet:
- Stomach pain and cramping
- Change in your bowel habits – such as diarrhoea, constipation or sometimes both
- Bloating
- Excessive wind
- Occasionally experiencing an urgent need to move your bowels
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Back pain
What Causes IBS?
Although the exact cause of IBS remains unclear, it is believed to be a result of multiple factors, including alterations in gut motility and food passing through the gut too quickly or slowly, hypersensitivity in the gut and abnormalities in the gut microbiome. Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety can also play a significant role in exacerbating the symptoms.
Often, IBS is referred to as a disorder of the gut-brain interaction and has to do with problems with how our gut and brain coordinate to help our digestive system work. The butterflies you experience in your stomach when you’re nervous or the sinking feeling when you get anxious highlights the strong connection between our emotions, thoughts, and digestion.
Common Triggers Of IBS
Identifying and avoiding triggers is a key strategy in managing IBS. Common triggers include:
- Dietary factors: Certain foods and drinks can exacerbate symptoms.
- Stress: High-stress levels are known to trigger flare-ups.
- Hormonal changes: Many individuals report a worsening of symptoms during menstrual periods, perimenopause and menopause.
Different Types Of IBS
IBS is classified into three main types, based on the predominant bowel habit.
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
- IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D)
- IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)
Understanding the type of IBS is crucial for tailoring treatment effectively.
How Is IBS Diagnosed?
There is no specific test for IBS. Diagnosis typically involves a process of elimination to rule out other causes of the symptoms. After ruling out other conditions through tests such as blood tests, stool tests, and colonoscopy, IBS is diagnosed if no other cause is found.
How Long Does IBS Last?
IBS is a chronic condition, meaning symptoms can last for years or even a lifetime. However, symptoms can change over time and many people can manage their symptoms effectively with treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
Who Is At Risk For IBS?
Those more likely to be at risk for IBS are:
• Younger people: most people first get IBS before they are 45 years old.
• Women: women get IBS almost twice as often as men.
• Have had recent gastroenteritis.
Link Between IBS And Menopause
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can affect gastrointestinal function, potentially exacerbating IBS symptoms. Some women report the onset or worsening of IBS symptoms during this period.
Treatment for IBS
Treatment is typically multifaceted, including:
Medications: Different medicines are used for IBS, depending on the symptoms. These include medicines to prevent constipation, diarrhoea, pain, and spasms.
Psychological Therapies: Stress management strategies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective.
Dietary Adjustments: Tailoring the diet to minimise consuming foods that trigger symptoms. In some cases, a high-fiber diet can reduce symptoms.
Probiotics: To help restore and balance the gut microbiome.
Regular exercise: Helps to reduce stress and can promote bowel function.
Adequate sleep: Essential for overall health and stress management.
What Is A FODMAP Diet?
Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. FODMAP is an acronym that stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are small carbohydrates that are difficult to digest and can be fermentable by bacteria in the gut, leading to increased gas, bloating, and other IBS symptoms.
A low FODMAP diet involves reducing the intake of these carbohydrates and is effective for many people with IBS.
Examples of FODMAPs:
- Oligosaccharides: garlic, onions, legumes, and wheat.
- Disaccharides: mainly sucrose, lactose (mostly in dairy products), and maltose.
- Monosaccharides: simple sugars such as fructose and glucose found in fruit, honey, and sugary drinks.
- Polyols: found in stone fruits, many sugar-free sweeteners, and some vegetables like mushrooms.
Food high in FODMAPs:
Fruits | Grains | Vegetables | Legumes |
Apples | Barley | Artichoke | Almonds |
Apricots | Couscous | Asparagus | Baked Beans |
Blackberries | Rye | Beets | Black Beans |
Cherries | Semolina | Brussels Sprouts | Black-Eyed Peas |
Figs | Wheat | Butternut Squash | Broad Beans |
Mango | Cauliflower | Cashews | |
Nectarines | Fennel | Chickpeas | |
Peaches | Garlic | Kidney Beans | |
Pears | Leeks | Lentils | |
Plums | Mushrooms | Pinto Beans | |
Prunes | Onions | Pistachios | |
Pomegranates | Soybeans | ||
Split Peas |
Food low in FODMAPs:
Fruits | Grains | Vegetables | Nuts & Seeds |
Banana | Brown Rice | Aubergine | Almonds |
Grapes | Buckwheat | Bean Sprouts | Brazil Nuts |
Kiwi | Maize | Bok Choy | Chia Seeds |
Lemon | Millet | Cabbage | Hazelnuts |
Limes | Oats | Carrot | Macadamia Nuts |
Oranges | Polenta | Choy Sum | Peanuts |
Papaya | Quinoa | Cucumber | Pecan |
PassionFruit | Tapioca | Green Bell | Pine Nuts |
Pineapple | Pepper | Pumpkin Seeds | |
Rhubarb | Kale | Sesame Seeds | |
Strawberry | Lettuce | Walnuts | |
Okra | |||
Tomato | |||
Spinach | |||
Yam |
Probiotics & The Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome is the name for the trillions of microbes that live in our gut. Research has shown that the health of our gut microbiome has a profound impact on our overall health and holds a connection with our brain, skin and immune system. It is therefore no surprise that the gut microbiome plays an important role in IBS.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria. They are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and supplements. Many factors can cause an imbalance of the healthy bacteria in the gut such as antibiotics, stress, illness, and lifestyle. When an imbalance occurs, known as dysbiosis, gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS can occur.
Therefore, by re-balancing the gut microbiome with probiotics, you can help restore the balance of intestinal flora, improving gut motility, immune function, and immune response.
The NHS recommends that probiotics can be used to help manage the symptoms of IBS and that they should be continued for at least 4 weeks.
Several strains of probiotics have been studied for IBS, with some showing promise in alleviating symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Commonly researched strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics primarily serve as food for the friendly gut bacteria, helping to nourish and allow them to thrive. This, in turn, helps to improve the overall health of the gut microbiome, which we know is closely linked with digestive and gut health.
As highlighted above, IBS has a broad range of symptoms. It is important to look for supplements containing probiotic strains that have been found to offer benefits for IBS. Look for a high-quality daily supplement for all-round gut support.
What Makes A Good Probiotic Supplement?
We know that the market is saturated with hundreds of different probiotics and it can often be a minefield to navigate. Here’s what to look for to ensure you are choosing the best probiotic for you:
- Multi strain: different probiotic strains have different effects on health. Some strains can be beneficial for general gut health, while others are specifically targeted for conditions like IBS and immune health. Looking for supplements that have included a variety of strains will have the biggest positive impact on your gut health.
- CFU count: CFU stands for colony-forming units, which indicate the number of live and viable microorganisms in a probiotic. While higher CFU counts are often thought to be more effective, the optimal count depends on the specific strain and the health condition being targeted. Some conditions might benefit from a higher CFU count, while for general maintenance, a lower count might be sufficient.
- Prebiotics: prebiotics, are fibres that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This combination, often referred to as a symbiotic, can enhance the probiotic's effectiveness.
- Delivery to the gut: probiotics are very delicate and easily damaged by stomach acid. It is important to ensure the probiotic you are taking reaches the gut where it is most beneficial.
- Stability: some probiotics need to be refrigerated to maintain their potency, while others are shelf-stable due to special formulations or packaging. Always check the label for storage instructions.
- Purity: look for supplements that do not contain unnecessary additives and bulking agents that may negatively impact your symptoms. Some probiotics may even contain dairy, soy, gluten, or other common allergens.
Gut Love
Gut Love is our pre and probiotic supplement designed to help restore the balance of healthy bacteria within the gut.
It contains 19 strains of healthy bacteria and 2 strains of prebiotics providing 19 billion CFU per two capsules.
One of the prebiotics in the formulation, slippery elm, also provides stability to the formulation and ensures delivery of the probiotics to the gut. It creates an emulsion barrier around the probiotics ensuring they reach the gut safely.
Gut Love does not need to be refrigerated and should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
It is dairy and gluten-free and free from any other synthetic additives and ingredients.
Gut Love is an effective treatment choice for individuals suffering with IBS. It will help to restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut and reduce symptoms such as bloating, cramps, and irregular bowel habits as well as strengthen your immune system.
Understanding and managing IBS requires a comprehensive approach, involving dietary and lifestyle adjustments, stress management, and sometimes medication. Each individual’s experience with IBS is unique, and finding what works best for you might take time and experimentation.
Call Our Pharmacist If You Have Concerns
Our expert pharmacists are always on hand to answer any questions you might have and to make tailored recommendations based on your individual needs. Please contact us for free health advice on:
@: pharmacist@thenakedpharmacy.com
T: 01483 685 630
Dimple Varu
Dimple is a pharmacist with 12 years of experience working in retail and general practice and now specialises in providing education and advice on natural supplements.
She believes in the power of nature and using natural existing compounds to enhance our health, whether that’s treating pain or helping to prevent long-term conditions. Mum of 1, living a busy life, loves reading and baking if she has the time.
Clear The Mist - How To Combat Brain Fog
Many of us have experienced moments where our mind feels clouded, making concentration and memory recall more challenging than usual. This is commonly referred to as brain fog and can be very frustrating to deal with. While it’s not a medical diagnosis in itself, brain fog is a symptom that can significantly impact your quality of life.
What Is Brain Fog?
Severe brain fog can be debilitating, particularly if you need to function day-to-day in a high-performance or pressured environment at home or work. It can affect your levels of confidence, self-esteem and performance.
Brain Fog Causes
Many factors can contribute to brain fog such:
Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep quality, lack of exercise, and a nutrient deficient diet.
Medical Conditions: Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, anaemia, depression, thyroid disorders. diabetes and post viral syndrome are among the conditions associated with brain fog.
Medications: Certain medications can affect cognitive function as a side effect.
Stress and Mental Health: High-stress levels and mental health issues like anxiety and depression are closely linked to brain fog.
Other factors that can affect brain fog are age, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and even the aftermath of conditions such as COVID.
Brain Fog Symptoms
Brain fog manifests as cognitive impairments including:
- Mood swings
- Lack of focus
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Trouble sleeping,
- Low energy or fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Trouble concentrating
- Low motivation
- Difficulty making decisions
Menopause Brain Fog
Brain fog during perimenopause and menopause is a real and sometimes challenging symptom faced by many going through the hormonal transition.
Hormonal fluctuations - particularly a decrease in oestrogen and testosterone - are believed to play a critical role in this. When the levels of these hormones begin to fall during perimenopause and menopause, you can experience a range of cognitive symptoms including memory loss, difficulty staying focused, losing your train of thought, and getting confused easily.
Oestrogen is involved in regulating neurotransmitters that affect cognition, including serotonin and dopamine. As these hormone levels fluctuate, so does the clarity of thought, making brain fog a frequent complaint amongst menopausal women.
Testosterone strengthens nerves in the brain and contributes to mental sharpness and clarity, as well as overall energy levels. It also strengthens arteries that supply blood flow to the brain, which is crucial to protect against loss of memory.
Brain fog is very common. In research conducted by the British Menopause Society, almost 40% of the women interviewed reported issues with memory and concentration as they go through the menopause.*
*Menopause - Understanding the impact on women and their partners.
The COVID Connection
Post-COVID brain fog has emerged as a lingering symptom for many individuals recovering from the virus due to consequences such as inflammation and the overall stress of dealing with the illness.
In one study, 7.2% of people who reported having long COVID experienced brain fog, and this symptom was more common in those who had a more severe case of COVID-19.
Stress
Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and trigger depression. According to a study undertaken in 2017, stress can also cause mental fatigue.
Chronic stress leads to sustained high levels of cortisol, the body's stress hormone. High cortisol levels can impair cognitive function such as memory and concentration, contributing to brain fog.
Stress can also disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation, focus, and cognitive processing. Imbalances in these chemicals can lead to difficulties in concentrating and memory lapses.
Chronic stress is linked to increased inflammation in the body, which can negatively affect brain function and lead to symptoms of brain fog.
Medications
Brain fog is a known side effect of certain medications, such as certain painkillers, antidepressants and sleep medications.
Brain fog can also occur after cancer treatments. This is often referred to as ‘chemo brain’.
Sleep
The NHS recommends that adults should aim for 7 – 9 hours of sleep each night. However, Nuffield Health surveyed 8,000 adults in the UK and found that most adults are getting an average of 5.9 hours of sleep every night in 2023.
Poor sleep quality and sleep deprivation can significantly contribute to cognitive impairments, including reduced attention span, memory issues, and decreased mental clarity.
How To Clear The Fog
Brain fog can be frustrating, but relief is possible. You should not ignore your symptoms because, if left untreated, brain fog can impact your ability to function and undertake tasks.
Addressing brain fog involves treating underlying causes or making lifestyle changes to improve cognitive function, these include:
Sleep: Ensuring adequate, high-quality sleep can significantly reduce symptoms of brain fog. Aim for 7-9 hours per night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Nutrition: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish) can support brain health. Avoiding excessive alcohol, sugar, and processed foods is also advisable.
Exercise: Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain and has been linked to improved cognitive function. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can be particularly beneficial.
Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Hydration: Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining cognitive function. Aim for 8 glasses of water daily.
Mental Stimulation: Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles, learning a new skill, or reading.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential nutrient that plays a pivotal role in over 300 physiological processes in the body, including those involved in energy production, sleep quality, and the regulation of neurotransmitters. It’s, therefore, no wonder that magnesium has been identified for its potential to alleviate brain fog.
Magnesium aids in improving brain function by supporting the nervous system, enhancing sleep quality, reducing inflammation, and reducing stress levels—all factors that can mitigate the symptoms of brain fog. For those individuals navigating menopause, magnesium's role in balancing hormones further highlights its significance.
Marine Magnesium Supplements
Marine Magnesium can help to restore clarity for anyone experiencing brain fog. Our bodies require this micromineral to function healthily however our bodies do not synthesise or store magnesium. It is therefore essential that we get an adequate daily intake from our diet or high-quality food supplements.
“There are so many magnesium supplements on the market, which one should I choose?”
We understand how overwhelming it can be when deciding on which Magnesium supplement you should be taking. The key to selecting the most suitable supplement lies in understanding the difference in the quality and purity of the different supplements available.
Our Marine Magnesium is sourced from purified seawater and is in the form of magnesium hydroxide. Due to its natural and pure source, it is quickly absorbed by the body making it more effective and very gentle on the stomach.
Marine Magnesium contains only 3 ingredients:
- Magnesium (from seawater)
- Organic baobab (natural prebiotic)
- A natural, tapioca capsule shell.
Most other magnesium supplements such as magnesium glycinate, citrate, picolinate and taurate are synthetic and manufactured using chemicals and often contain numerous additives, fillers and bulking agents.
Like your food, it is best to avoid supplements that are overprocessed and contain unnecessary additives that can often affect the supplement's effectiveness and even be harmful to health. Remember to always read ingredient labels to help you choose your supplements wisely - choose NAKED.
Best Magnesium Supplement
Marine Magnesium has been voted as one of the best magnesium supplements by experts in The Independent. Maz Packham, a nutritionist says:
This supplement (Marine Magnesium) is made from pure seawater plus it has added prebiotic to support the gut. The only other ingredient is its tapioca shell.
Best magnesium supplements, approved by experts | The Independent
Shop Marine Magnesium Now
Call Our Pharmacist If You Have Concerns
If you have any concerns about brain fog or any other health conditions, please call our pharmacists for free advice. (+44) 01483 685 630
Dimple Varu
Dimple is a pharmacist with 12 years of experience working in retail and general practice and now specialises in providing education and advice on natural supplements.
She believes in the power of nature and using natural existing compounds to enhance our health, whether that’s treating pain or helping to prevent long-term conditions. Mum of 1, living a busy life, loves reading and baking if she has the time.
Preventing Heartache: Sugar Intake And Your Cardiovascular Health
Many of us often find it difficult to resist the sweetness of sugar. However, it is no secret that sugar has a bad reputation when it comes to our health. While its immediate gratification is undeniable, the long-term effects of regular high sugar consumption are concerning, especially when considering our health.
Consuming too much sugar increases our risk of tooth decay, weight gain and diabetes. However, sugar is often overlooked when it comes to our heart health. It not only increases the risk of premature heart disease, heart attacks and stroke but can also reduce life expectancy.
Research consistently shows a direct correlation between excessive sugar intake and key risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels.
Understanding what sugar does to our bodies can help us make better choices that lead to longer, healthier lives.
Understanding Sugar
Before recognising the effects of sugar on the heart, it is essential to understand what sugar is. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that the body uses for energy.
There are two primary types of sugar: naturally occurring sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy and added sugars. Added sugars are introduced to foods during processing, cooking, or at the table.
Consuming whole foods that contain natural sugar is okay. Fruits and vegetables also have high amounts of fibre, essential minerals and antioxidants. Since our bodies digest these foods slowly, the sugar in them offers a steady supply of energy to our body.
What Are Free Sugars?
Free sugars refer to all sugars that are added to foods and drink, as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juices. This term does not include sugars found naturally in fruits, vegetables and milk because these foods do not have the same negative health effects as foods and drinks with added sugars.
The NHS and other health organisations recommend limiting the intake of free sugars to reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, tooth decay, and other health issues. The NHS recommends that free sugars contribute to no more than 5% of the energy (calories) you get from food and drink each day. This is equivalent to 30g of free sugars each day (7 teaspoons).
The consumption of added sugars has been rising globally, paralleling an increase in heart disease rates. Figures show that the average adult in the UK is consuming twice the recommended amount of free sugars daily. Most of which comes from soft drinks, jam and chocolate spread, biscuits, pastries and cakes.
While sugar itself is not inherently bad, excessive intake can lead to various health issues, including heart disease.
Weight
We all know that excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart disease.
Everyone needs some body fat to stay healthy. But too much, particularly around the waist, puts your health at risk. Visceral fat is the type of fat that sits around the organs such as our liver and heart and it is associated with increased blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. All of these conditions strain the heart and can lead to cardiovascular complications.
Weight gain and obesity can be influenced by:
- Medical conditions
- Medication
- Genetic make-up
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Diet
Insulin Resistance
Insulin is the hormone that controls your blood sugar. Consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin. This causes the liver to store more fat and can lead to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can cause elevated blood sugar levels as glucose accumulates in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy. Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease, as it accelerates the development of the condition, atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is where your arteries become narrowed due to a build-up of plaque, making it difficult for blood to flow through them and increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke.
Inflammation
High sugar intake can trigger inflammation in the body. Inflammation is another key player in the development of atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol
Lipids are fat-like substances found in our blood and body tissues. Our body needs small amounts of lipids to work normally. Cholesterol is the main lipid found in our bodies and it is made up of different parts such as:
- LDL (bad) cholesterol, is the main lipid that causes damaging build-up and blockage in our arteries.
- HDL (good) cholesterol helps to remove the extra LDL cholesterol and prevent cholesterol from building up in your arteries.
- Triglyceride is another lipid that may increase your risk for heart disease.
Consuming too much sugar can lead to increased levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while decreasing HDL levels. This lipid profile is associated with an elevated risk of heart disease.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Sugar is broken down by the liver, where it is converted into fat through a process called lipogenesis. Excess dietary sugar can lead to an accumulation of fat in the liver cells, contributing to the development of NAFLD.
Causes Of High Blood Pressure
Although salt intake is more commonly associated with high blood pressure, chronic high sugar levels can also contribute to raised blood pressure. High sugar intake can lead to weight gain and inflammation, both of which can increase blood pressure.
Do You Know What Health Targets You Should Be Aiming For?
We often judge our health based on our weight and the numbers we see on a scale.
However, the journey to a healthier heart (and body) starts by reviewing our body composition and understanding how excessive sugar consumption can affect us on the inside and not only focus on how we look and feel on the outside.
What Is Body Mass Index?
The body mass index is a measure that uses your height and weight to calculate if your weight is healthy.
Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol used to be the main measure of harmful types of cholesterol, but we now know that other forms of non-HDL cholesterol is also bad for our health, and this is what the healthcare professionals test for.
The more one's energy comes from sugar, the higher the risk of cardiovascular disease.*
* Associations between carbohydrates and cardiovascular disease risk, Kelly et al, 2023
Heart and circulatory diseases cause a quarter of all deaths in the uk.*
Preventing High Sugar Levels: A Healthy (Heart) Choice
As highlighted above, the effects of high sugar levels can trigger high blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. All of these factors can contribute to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
The relationship between sugar and heart health is complex, but the evidence is clear: excessive sugar intake poses a significant risk to heart health. So, what can you do to reduce your risk factors?
Read Food Labels
Look for added sugars under names like sucrose, fructose, dextrose, and maltose. Choose products with little to no added sugars.
Limit Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks, including soft drinks, juices, and sweetened teas, are major sources of added sugars. Opt for water, unsweetened teas, or sparkling water as healthier alternatives.
Choose Natures Sweet Treats
When you need a sweet fix, select natural sources like fruits. Fruits not only provide natural sugars but also come packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
Cook At Home
Cooking at home allows you to control the amount and type of sugar in your meals. Experiment with reducing the sugar in recipes and using spices like cinnamon and vanilla to add sweetness.
Metabolic Gold
Metabolic Gold is our natural supplement formulated by expert pharmacists using high-strength bergamot fruit extract and artichoke leaf extract. These two botanical ingredients work harmoniously together to improve sugar control, balance cholesterol, support weight management and optimise liver health.
Both of these ingredients are rich in naturally occurring polyphenols that have been proven to change the way our bodies process, bind and store fats. We have also incorporated organic baobab (a natural prebiotic) to help promote gut health.
Taking one capsule twice a day with food will help to reduce your cardiovascular risk factors and support your metabolic health.
Shop Metabolic Gold Now
Call Our Pharmacist If You Have Concerns
If you have any concerns about your cardiovascular health or your health risks in general, please call our pharmacists for free advice. (+44) 01483 685 630
Dimple Varu
Dimple is a pharmacist with 12 years of experience working in retail and general practice and now specialises in providing education and advice on natural supplements.
She believes in the power of nature and using natural existing compounds to enhance our health, whether that’s treating pain or helping to prevent long term conditions. Mum of 1, living a busy life, loves reading and baking if she has the time.
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