Supplements and Other Natural Probiotics

Good bacteria that are known to be of benefit in our gut that helps in many ways with the digestive system are sometimes referred to collectively as probiotics.

There are a number of Biocare probiotics available at stores like The Finchley Clinic but in addition it’s useful to know of other natural forms to obtain these good bacteria. Not all are readily available to find especially in the UK but some are almost on the doorstep.

One of those most often cited and fairly easy to obtain is yoghurt. Not the commercialised, pasteurised and bacteria free that occupy most of the supermarket shelves but rather, live yoghurt.

If you look carefully you should find ones made of goat’s milk that have extra amounts added of lactobacillus or acidophilus.

Another source is Kefir but as far as I know you will not find this product in any mainstream supermarket in the UK. This is an ancient Middle Eastern drink that I drink every day when I am in in Turkey.

It’s made from goats milk and infused with grains of Kefir a type of yeast that ensures plenty of useful bacteria as well as supplying plenty of antioxidants. As with the yoghurt, if you do find a source then make sure it is alive with good bacteria.

The next you can easily make yourself and it’s pickles including sauerkraut and green pickle.

Korean food often has many recipes for pickled vegetables that are also good probiotics and you can research more of these online. It may also prove interesting to research digestion problem rates in that country and see if they are generally healthier.

For the rest of us with stressful hurried lives and perhaps too little exercise as we sit in front of a computer screen all day the alternatives can be found with some easy to swallow capsules that contain concentrations of good bacteria.

These products are cleverly manufactured in a way that allows the bacteria to reach the intestinal lining avoiding the acidic environment of the stomach. Encapsulated in minute acid resistant time capsules they pass into the intestines undamaged.

How to Ease the Symptoms of Eczema Naturally

Eczema is the most common type of skin problem. It can cause considerable distress for many. Unfortunately, there is not cure for it. Fortunately, there are treatments that can deal with the problem. You will already know about emollients (i.e. moisturising creams that you rub into the skin) and topical corticosteroids, but there are a few other things that you can do to help ease symptoms.

Here, we’re going to consider some of the more natural treatments for the symptoms of eczema. Please bear in mind that what works for one person, will not necessarily work for another. However, the treatments outlined below certainly work for some. They are at least worth trialling to see if they work for you.

Supplementing Your Diet
There are a number of supplements that you can add to your diet to see if it helps to reduce your symptoms:

1. Optibac probiotics: probiotics help to strengthen the immune system by fighting off bad bacteria. Now, while bacteria do not cause eczema, bacteria can lower immunity, which can lead to a flare up of eczema. Therefore, taking Optibac probiotics serves to aid in symptom management and acts as a preventative.

2. Coconut oil: coconut oil is excellent for the skin and the brain. You don’t rub it directly into the eczema (some do, but we don’t recommend this as it’s greasy and this can lead to irritation). Instead, take a spoonful of coconut oil in a hot milky drink. Do this every other day for two months, and you should start to see a difference.

Topical Treatments
Ok, so the above two examples dealt with treating eczema from the inside out. Here, we’re going to look at some things that you can do to achieve immediate relief.

1. Sea-salt spray: while most people rub moisturiser into the skin, others find that drying the site works much better. A sea-salt spray will help to dry the area, and can help to reduce itching. It can sting though, so be careful. It can also lead to a flare up in some people, so do a patch test first.

2. Magnesium baths: magnesium baths are fantastic for overall health. It’s also known as Epsom salts. It can help to detox and calm the body, which in turn helps many with this skin condition.

How to Prevent Recurrent Constipation

For many, constipation is the bane of their existence. If you’ve never suffered from it (although, I’m sure if you’re reading this it’s because you do suffer), then you can’t quite understand the pain and discomfort that comes from having constipation. Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to help yourself. We’re going to explore these options below.

1. Stay hydrated: constipation is often caused by a lack of hydration. The faeces sit in the intestines for too long, and too much water is extracted. We need a bit of water to keep it things plump and easy to pass. Furthermore, and at the risk of being crude, there is lubrication that helps to move everything along. Without adequate hydration, the body cannot produce the necessary lubrication.

2. Eat plenty of non-soluble fibre: you might have heard about the importance of fibre in your diet and its role in preventing constipation. What you might not know is that there are two types of fibre: soluble and non-soluble. You need to consume plenty of non-soluble fibre because this acts as a ‘sweep’, literally sweeping out the waste products from your system. If you don’t eat enough, your digestive system will be sluggish, and consequently, will become constipated more often. Eating fruits and vegetables, particularly prunes, will help to keep you regular.

3. Take a supplement: there are many supplements on the market that can help soften your stools. One such range of supplements is the Oxy products. They have an extensive collection of digestive aids. Oxy products are fantastic because they help to remove waste products from the digestive system (such as constipation) and they leave it healthier. They help to increase the efficiency of the digestive system, and this improves overall health.