Health & Lifestyle | Optibac Every Day, Adult Gummies & Intimate Flora For Women Probiotics review

There's not a day that seems to go past without someone mentioning how they are improving their Gut Health on social media, and this post is yet another reminder of how important it is to look after your gut. In addition to eating a wide variety of different foods, taking probiotic supplements can also help to boost the number of friendly bacteria that live in your gut, thus helping to revitalise your overall health in the process.

What Are Probiotics?

First things first though, what exactly are probiotics? Probiotics are the name for the numerous strains of live bacteria and yeasts that live in your body. They can be found in lots of different foods that are mainly fermented or cultured in some way such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, miso, tempeh, and certain types of yogurts. If you eat a healthy plant-based diet, you're probably already consuming a lot of these! 

Why Do We Need Probiotics?

Probiotics are essential to supporting a healthy digestive system; one easy way to remember them is to think of them as the 'good guys' as they are the friendly bacteria that we need to keep our gut nice and balanced. Unfortunately, many of us don't eat a varied diet in the Western world, and things like alcohol and junk/ultra-processed foods can upset the delicate balance of the good versus bad bacteria in the gut. This imbalance can lead to digestive problems such as IBS and 'leaky gut' (where your body finds it difficult to retain essential vitamins and minerals), as well as issues with your immunity. 

On top of this, stress and antibiotics also cause gut imbalances, so much so, that countries such as Germany and Sweden often provide a course of probiotics when you're given a prescription of antibiotics to counterbalance the side effects on your gut. It's also a useful reminder to only take antibiotics when you absolutely have to. 

How Do Supplements Help?

Probiotic supplements can be a very useful way to top up the friendly good bacteria that your body needs but not all supplements are created equally, so make sure you read the label before purchasing. Brands such as Optibac offer expert advice online to help you to choose the formula that's right for your individual needs, and with a good range to choose from, there's something to suit everyone. Here are just three examples of what they have to offer your gut health, all of which are packaged in glass jars or compostable pouches. And for everyone who has a vagina, there's a specialist supplement just for you at the end of this post!

Optibac Every Day* (£12.99, 30 capsules, one month supply, link)

For a good all-rounder that will suit most people, Optibac Every Day is an excellent choice. This daily supplement contains six highly researched strains of friendly bacteria which have been proven to survive the acidity of the stomach so that you can properly reap the health rewards. These strains are Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11®, Lactobacillus acidophilus/helveticus Rosell-52, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175, Lactococcus lactis Rosell-1058, Bifidobacterium breve Rosell-70, and Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71. Optibac has also added FOS fibres which are scientifically proven to increase your natural gut bacteria. 

With five billion live cultures in each capsule, this supplement is vegetarian-friendly, yeast and gluten-free, contains no added sugars, is free from artificial colours, and is safe to consume during pregnancy. I've tried many probiotic supplements over the years from various brands and you really can't beat the price point vs quality from Optibac, making them the most affordable in the market.  

How to use: take one capsule per day in the morning, ideally with breakfast. Can be increased to two capsules a day if professionally recommended and is suitable for ongoing use.

 

Optibac Adult Gummies* (£12.99, 30 gummies, one month supply, link)

If you're not keen on taking capsules or have difficulty swallowing them, the Optibac Adult Gummies are a brilliant alternative. These gummies have a delicious mixed berry flavour, are gluten-free, contain no added sugar and have no artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives. They are also Vegan approved so there's no nasty gelatine. This formula contains the scientifically proven strain Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 and is combined with FOS fibres, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Calcium to provide a gut and immune health supplement all in one. Each gummy has five billion live cultures of the good stuff.

How to use: take one gummy per day, with or without food, do not exceed this recommended daily dosage. Can be used on an ongoing basis, but please consult with your GP/medical professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a serious medical condition before consuming.

Optibac Intimate Flora For Women* (£19.99, 30 capsules, one month supply, link)

Lastly, I wanted to feature the Optibac Intimate Flora For Women because I have personally found these so useful for helping me to lessen the number of UTIs (and to recover more quickly from) that I used to experience. If you have a vagina, you need to try these! This is a very specific and specially formulated supplement that contains friendly bacteria strains which are naturally found in the vagina and urinary tract; all of which have been scientifically researched and proven to reach the vagina, with over 30 years of research to back up this all-important formula to support the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. So to recap, this isn't one for your gut!

Each capsule boasts three strains; Lactobacillus paracasei F-19®, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®, and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® with 2.5 billion live cultures. As the bacteria in the vagina is different from the gut, it makes sense to support it with a specialist supplement, so you can take this alongside one of the other gut formulas above. These are vegan-friendly, gluten & yeast free, and suitable to take during pregnancy.

How to use: take one capsule per day in the morning, preferably with breakfast. You can take these on an ongoing basis or intensively to help rebalance your vaginal health if you have a UTI (if the latter, I would recommend increasing to two capsules per day which is what I have done in the past - and it worked really well for me!).

Shop the full range of Optibac supplements and take advantage of 15% discounts when you subscribe and save: optibacprobiotics.com/uk/

Have you tried any probiotics?

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5 Products To Try This Month #JanuaryEdit

 

Want to add some new products to your daily routine, but don't know where to start? My January Edit is here to help! From a 100% natural multi-purpose balm to eco-friendly biodegradable face sponges, here are 5 products to try this month.

1 - Dr. Pawpaw Shea Butter Balm* (from £3.95, link)

I'm never far away from a high-quality multi-purpose balm and you'll always find one (or two) in every handbag, desk drawer, and suitcase. A must-have for all those tricky dry skin areas like lips, cuticles, heels, elbows, etc, I'm a huge fan of Dr. Pawpaw Shea Butter Balm which is 100% natural, vegan-friendly, and fragrance-free so can be used by pretty much everyone. 

Apply a tiny amount as and when needed to areas that need some extra TLC and don't forget that this can also be used to soothe sensitive irritated skin, insect bites, and minor abrasions. You can pick up travel-size tubes for under £4 from places like Superdrug, or stock up on a bigger tube for the whole family.

2 - Nourish London Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence* (100ml, £25, link)

Released towards the end of last year, I've been enjoying using this newbie from one of my favourite British natural skincare brands, Nourish London. Their Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence is a lightweight, but ultra-hydrating essence that's suitable for all skin types to use. Packed full of ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Trehalose, Kale Sprout Extract, and Probiotic Minerals, the essence rapidly absorbs into the skin, feeding it with nutrients and delivering an essential boost of moisture. The end result is beautifully plumped up, nourished, and happy skin!

If you're wondering how to add an essence to your evening skincare routine, I apply a few drops onto my fingertips and massage it into my skin after cleansing and toning. Let it absorb for about 5 minutes or so, then I'll follow up with my regular serum and moisturiser/facial oil.

3 - Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil* (30ml, £39, link)

With its ability to increase moisture levels and improve elasticity whilst boosting radiance and balancing the skin, it's no wonder that Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil is a bestseller! I absolutely adore the blend of natural plant oils such as Sweet Almond Oil, Blackcurrant Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, and Camelina Sativa Seed Oil that work so well for my skin, and this multi-rich complex is the perfect partner for evening facial massages. 

As with all facial oils, a little goes a long way and you only need to use 2-3 drops each time. It makes my skin feel much smoother and adds a protective layer that strengthens the skin's natural barrier as you sleep. Brilliant stuff indeed, plus it smells lovely.

4 - One Pure World LUFO Eco Face Sponge Kit* (Kickstarter campaign link)

If one of your New Year resolutions is to make 2023 the year that you make more eco-friendly consumer decisions, a great place to start is at One Pure World. The online retailer not only stocks a range of zero-waste everyday products but has also launched a Kickstarter campaign for their LUFO Face Sponges which has already raised €10,218! I was very kindly sent one of these brand new LUFO Eco Face Sponge Kits to help raise awareness of their campaign which you can directly support by clicking the link above. 

The LUFO Sponge is made from 100% biodegradable and compostable compressed cellulose (wood pulp) which expands like magic when you add water to it. Before that, they look like thin discs as you can see above which makes them ideal for traveling with. This kit contains the classic LUFO Sponge with the black sponges; the latter are infused with Activated Charcoal for a really deep cleanse that helps to unclog pores and remove impurities from the skin. Also in the kit is a sponge-drying tray which is made from Diatomite (fossilized algae) - this natural material instantly absorbs water and dries the sponge between uses - pretty neat, huh?

These sponges are a great way to say goodbye to single-use plastic products and are so soft to use every day with your favourite cleanser for a little natural exfoliation.

5 - Fushi Gurmar Leaf Supplements* (60 capsules, £10, link)

My last pick for January are Fushi Gurmar Leaf Supplements and I highly recommend these if you are looking to cut down on your sugar intake. Gurmar Leaf is a natural extract that's well known in Ayurvedic medicine and is nicknamed 'the sugar destroyer'. It's been traditionally used for centuries to help people deal with their sugar cravings and each capsule features 340mg of 100% pure Gurmar Leaf. As they're from Fushi, these are high-quality, all-natural supplements that are certified organic by the Soil Association, are free from any nasties, and come packaged in a glass bottle.

What are your top products for January?

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Health & Lifestyle: JSHealth AM Stress + Energy, PM Sleep + Calm, and Magnesium+ Double Strength supplements review

 

This month's Health & Lifestyle post features three bestselling supplements from JSHealth. Founded by a clinical nutritionist and one of Australia's most well-loved health and wellness experts, Jessica Sepel, JSHealth offers free shipping in the UK and has a wide range of bundles and offers to get you the best price of your essential vitamins.

You may have seen JSHealth on Instagram lately as the brand continues to grow and grow, with a following now firmly established here in the UK. They have pledged to use more sustainable ingredients and their formulas are free from a long list of undesirables; you won't find any harmful binders, fillers, or preservatives. Their products are all free from gluten, GMOs, MSG, and added sugars as well.

With such wide and diverse range of supplements to choose from, I let Instagram decide for me and picked up their recent widely promoted AM & PM supplements, as well as a two-month supply of their bestselling Magnesium+ Double Strength.

JSHealth AM Stress + Energy, PM Sleep + Calm (£34.99)

Packaged in a travel-friendly container that twists off to unveil the AM and PM duo in separate tubs, this handy formula has been designed to support energy and wellbeing during the day, whilst promoting healthy relaxation and deeper sleep by night. Let's check each blend out individually, shall we?

The AM supplement features all of the usual suspects that you would expect to find in an energising formula, such as Vitamins C, B12, B5, B6, and Biotin B7. There's also the essential minerals Zinc and Selenium, with a good dose of everyone's favourite natural power booster, American Ginseng. And not forgetting an ingredient which is more unusual and that's Rehmannia root which is hugely popular in Chinese medicine for supporting healthy kidney function. This makes the AM supplement stand out from the crowd,  and provides a well-rounded and well-thought-out blend that can be used every day for optimal energy levels.

The PM supplement by contrast, is centered on just four key ingredients and boasts three different types of Magnesium (Magnesium as Citrate, Magnesium as Glycinate Dihydrate, and Magnesium as Amino Acid Chelate). This carefully chosen triple blend of Magnesium covers all bases for enhanced absorbability to support a healthy nervous system and promotes relaxation of the muscles. Lavender Oil is added as the fourth ingredient in this blend for its traditional natural properties of calming, soothing, and relaxing the mind and body.

Overall thoughts

Having tried these AM and PM supplements for a month, I can say that I noticed a slight increase in my day-to-day energy levels, and for the most part, I did find that I slept better (or at least this is how it was logged on my health app so I must have been getting some extra zzz's!). The only downside that I experienced is that these supplements are much larger than what I'm used to from other brands, and I did find that I had to break them into two to swallow them properly, which made them less convenient to consume. For this point alone, I'd be hesitant to say that I would re-purchase them, but if the size isn't an issue for you, definitely check them out.

JSHealth Magnesium+ Double Strength (£16.99)

If you only take one supplement, make it Magnesium. Magnesium is described as nature's muscle relaxant, and most of us are deficient in it as we don't get enough of it from our typical Western diets. Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports and maintains healthy bones, improving density and supporting healthy teeth too. It's also amazing for reducing muscle cramps and is vital for supporting a healthy nervous system. 

Magnesium+ Double Strength is basically the same as the PM formula above, minus the Lavender Oil and with a higher strength of magnesium (this blend has 200mg per dose vs 151mg that the PM has). The triple mix of Magnesium as Citrate, Magnesium as Glycinate Dihydrate, and Magnesium as Amino Acid Chelate is present here so that your body absorbs it easier, so if you've been looking for a high-quality magnesium supplement to incorporate into your daily routine, this could be it. Again though, I must point out that the tablet sizes are much bigger than regular supplements so do bear this in mind when purchasing - I do feel that it's something that JSHealth needs to revisit.

Shop the full range at uk.jshealthvitamins.com

What supplements do you take?

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Health & Lifestyle: Revive Collagen Original Supplements - One Month Trial review

 

The secret to younger-looking skin? Collagen supplements! From A-list actresses and celebrities to regular people like you and me, collagen supplements have become a daily essential for those who want to keep their skin looking fresher and younger for longer.

What's The Hype?

You'll often see claims about skincare products that help to 'boost collagen production', so no doubt you'll have heard about collagen's many anti-ageing benefits. 

Collagen is a natural substance found in the body, and when we're born, we have bucket loads of it. If you've ever seen a newborn baby's fat and smooth face, that's why! However, as we get older, the body produces less and less collagen and this contributes to those tell-tale signs that we're ageing such as visible fine lines, wrinkles and overall sagging skin (gravity is not kind is it?!).

The concept behind taking collagen supplements is that you can help your body to replace some of this lost substance, and thus delay some of the skin's more noticeable ageing signs. 

Are All Collagen Supplements The Same?

Like every other dietary supplement on the market, you'll find that the composition, quality, and format of collagen supplements varies from brand to brand. I've trialled several different brands in the past and have tried collagen in many forms such as liquids, shakes, capsules, and powders, so it's really just a case of finding the one that's right for you. 

In my opinion, it's best to find one that features a high mg of collagen and comes with additional ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid as you'll be getting more bang for your buck!

I've recently been trialling Revive Collagen Original Supplements and these tick all the right boxes for me.

What's In Them?

Revive Collagen Original Supplements contain 8500mg of Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, 50mg of Hyaluronic Acid and 50mg of Aloe Vera in each daily dose. Collagen, as we've discussed above, provides the bulk of the anti-ageing skin benefits as it helps to improve the skin's strength and elasticity, whilst Hyaluronic Acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water so is a must-have for maintaining good hydration in the skin. Aloe Vera has also been shown to help maintain healthy skin with its natural hydrating qualities.  

It's made from all-natural ingredients and is and free from artificial flavours, colours and added sugar, as well as dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, bovine and GMO ingredients.

Ingredients: Water, Hydrolysed Marine Collagen (FISH), Acidifying Agent (Citric Acid), Natural Flavour Enhancer (Erythritol), Mexican Lime Extract, Sicilian Lemon Extract, Natural Sweetener (Stevia). 

How To Use

These liquid supplements are individually packaged in sachets which makes them super easy to use. You can either drink them directly from the sachet or add to a glass of water - one sachet daily Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and small children, and do not use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. As always with any dietary supplement, check with your GP first if you are taking any medication.

Overall Thoughts

Having trialled many different brands of collagen supplements in the past, these ones are by far my favourite because there is NO fishy flavour or aftertaste! Instead, they have a light citrusy flavour which I don't mind, especially when diluted in a glass of water. That said, I have taken these direct from the sachet when I've had a busy morning and the option to do this makes it attractive to those who are on the go a lot because they are easy to pop in your bag. 

It's always difficult to say whether you can see noticeable changes in just one month of taking these, but I do feel like my skin is smoother and more 'plumped' than before, and I can definitely see a change in my nails which feel stronger as they've been breaking less. Certainly something that I would consider taking in the long term!

Revive Collagen Original Supplements* (14 x 22g, £39.99) are available from various stockists including revivecollagen.com

Have you tried collagen supplements?

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Health & Lifestyle: Heaven Skincare Collagen Drops review

 

Collagen supplements are big news in the beauty industry with many skincare gurus swearing by them for helping to keep their skin looking and feeling younger. One such brand which are creating a buzz are Heaven Skincare with their easy to use Collagen Drops.

Collagen is naturally found in large amounts in younger skin, but as we age, the amount that the body produces becomes less and less the older we get. This sucks because collagen helps to maintain the skin's elasticity so the less that you have, the more prone your skin is to sagging and showing those tell-tale signs of ageing. 

In addition to collagen, our skin cells also naturally produce Hyaluronic Acid; an ingredient I'm sure you're all aware of when it comes to skincare products. And yes, you've guessed it, Hyaluronic Acid also decreases as we get older.

The solution? Find a supplement that incorporates both Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to help replace what we lose! This is where Heaven Skincare's Collagen Drops come in.

What's In Them?

Heaven Skincare's Collagen Drops are made up of six natural ingredients which are easily absorbed by the body. These are Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, Glucosamine, Magnesium, and Vitamin C.

How To Use

Packaged in small, squeezable bottles, these Collagen Drops are super easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Simply add one or two drops to a glass of hot or cold drink, or add to food if you prefer. You can also apply one drop to your daily moisturiser, serum or facial oil, or massage it directly into the skin.

What Are The Skincare Benefits?

With regular usage, you should start to see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin hydration and elasticity, stronger nails and healthier hair growth.

Are There Any Other Benefits?

Yes! In addition to the skincare benefits, you may also see other physical and mental benefits such as improved gut health, a reduction in joint pain and inflammation, a strengthened immune system, and improved sleep and memory to name but a few.

Heaven Skincare Collagen Drops* (3 x 10ml bottles, £37 for a two-week supply) is available from heavenskincare.com

Do you use collagen supplements?

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Winter Wellness: Potter's Herbals Energise Tonic & Echinacea Tincture review

 

Fend off cold and flu symptoms and say goodbye to low energy levels with these two natural tonics and tinctures from Potter's Herbals this Winter.

Potter's Herbals are one of those old-school natural medicine companies that you see in virtually every single health food store. Established back in 1812 by Henry Potter in London, Potter's Herbals have developed into a tried and tested brand of useful natural tonics, supplements and tinctures to help with a wide range of common ailments.

With over 200 years of experience, it's admirable to see many of the original recipes still used in their bestselling products for the modern-day world. It was also high time that I tried some out for myself! 

Here are two of their popular remedies that I've been recently using.

Potter's Herbals Energise Tonic* (250ml, £18.99, link)

The key ingredient in Potter's Herbals Energise Tonic is called G115 which is a standardised extract of Panax Ginseng; a natural ingredient that has been used for centuries in Asian herbal medicine. It's an ingredient that has been widely researched for decades and is scientifically proven to support a healthy metabolism, fight tiredness and fatigue, boost physical performance and support the immune system. I've also found it useful for improving concentration whilst studying and keeping the yawns at bay when the usual tiredness kicks in around 3pm.

How to use: each 15ml daily dose of Energise Tonic contains 140mg of Panax Ginseng and should be taken first thing in the morning with breakfast. It has a pleasant cherry flavour, and as the tonic contains sweeteners, it's important not to exceed the recommended dose as excessive consumption can cause laxative effects.

Potter's Herbals Echinacea Tincture* (100ml, £12.99, link)

Another widely trusted and researched natural ingredient that's hugely popular nowadays is Echinacea. I'm sure you've seen it advertised in every health food shop window since October and I've noticed large displays and posters pop up in most pharmacies too. The success of Echinacea is its natural ability to help relieve some of the symptoms of the common cold and flu based upon traditional usage. Extracted from the root of the Echinacea Purpurea, this tincture is a long-standing natural cold and flu remedy which is used around the world during Winter.

I think it's important to mention that not all Echinacea products are the same and they vary in strength and quality from brand to brand so always check the certification mark and dosage amounts. In my experience, this is a product where it's important to pay a bit more to get the highest quality of organic Echinacea, and I've found Potter's Herbals Echinacea Tincture to be particularly more potent and effective compared to cheaper brands or tablets; each 2.5ml liquid contains 1.7ml of tincture derived from fresh organic Echinacea root.

How to use: Echinacea is best used at the very first sign/symptom of cold or flu. Take half a teaspoon (2.5ml) three times a day, spacing the doses out as much as possible. Due to its potency, it's not recommended for children under the age of 12 years and it should only be used for no more than 10 days at a time. 

Do you take any natural tinctures or tonics?

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Currently Loving: Nourish London Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower, Complete Me Charge Up Supplements & PMD Kiss

 

November has been a month of personal highs and lows, but focussing on the positives, I've been enjoying some lovely new releases from the likes of Nourish London, Complete Me, and PMD. Let's jump straight to it, shall we?

Nourish London Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower* (300ml, £16, link)

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I've been pretty ill for most of November thanks to a combination of flu which then developed into pneumonia. Let me tell you, having pneumonia is NOT fun! My whole body has been aching all over so it's been the ideal time to test out this newbie from Nourish London which launched last month - talk about a silver lining, eh?

Their new Soothing Muscle Bath & Shower has been a godsend for my weary muscles thanks to a revitalising formula of Epsom Salts, extracts of warming Turmeric and Ginger, and specially selected essential oils such as Lavender, Lemon, Pine, and Juniper. I'm not exaggerating when I describe this product as heavenly because it does such a great job of making you feel relaxed and renewed. As the name suggests, you can use this in both the bath and the shower, but I strongly recommend the bath for the best spa-like experience. Perfect for the end of a busy week or after doing sports. 

It's cruelty-free, 100% natural, SLS-free and vegan-friendly, plus the recyclable bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic.

Complete Me Charge Up Energising Supplements* (30 capsules, £19.99, link)

Having been impressed with Complete Me's Sleeping Beauty blend last month (reviewed here), I was excited to try more from the brand and after such a long period of illness, the Charge Up supplements were definitely calling my name!

If you've been feeling run down and tired, these are for you. Each capsule contains 200mg of Vitamin C, 5mg of Thiamine (B1), 5mg of Riboflavin (B2), 5mg of Niacin, 200mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid, and 50mg of CoEnzyme Q10. Designed to give you an all-natural boost when you require it the most, the combination of the key vitamins C, B2, and B3 work together to help you combat tiredness and fatigue, whilst B1 supports and regulates healthy energy levels. The addition of antioxidants ALA and CoEnzyme Q10 further support a healthy metabolism and help the body to turn enzymes into energy.

These are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free from artificial colours and preservatives.

PMD Kiss Anti-Aging Lip Enhancing Treatment* (£129, link)

Lastly, I wanted to feature the latest release from PMD who has just brought out some new additions to their bestselling PMD Kiss System just in time for the upcoming festive season. Now available in soft blush pink (as pictured above) and teal green shades, the PMD Kiss is a smart anti-aging lip enhancing and plumping device that uses a pain-free and non-invasive form of pulsating vacuum technology to create the appearance of fuller and smoother lips.

I've found this is quite different from other similar products that I've trialed in the past as it also helps to smooth out lip lines and wrinkles, hence the anti-aging tagline, so if these have always bothered you, definitely give this a try as it's much safer than using injectables. Each kit comes with a specially formulated lip serum, lip sheet masks, a USB charging cord, and a one-year warranty.

Do you have any beauty favourites to share?

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Health & Lifestyle: 3 Supplements To Try This Autumn/Winter

 

Give your health a boost this Autumn and Winter with a range of new supplements that you may not have come across before. This edit includes a natural sleeping beauty blend, a herbal tincture for clear skin, and a CBD Oil to help with creativity.

Try For Better Sleep: Complete Me Sleeping Beauty Relaxing Blend* (60 capsules, £14.99, link)

A good night's sleep is not only essential for your physical health so you are well rested to get the most out of your new day, but it's also vital for your mental health as well. Complete Me's Sleeping Beauty Relaxing Blend combines carefully selected vitamins and minerals such as Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamins B3 and B6, with 5HTP, Lemon Balm and Chamomile, to promote a healthy, good night's sleep. It achieves this by helping the body to naturally relax and unwind, and balances your hormones so you're in the right frame of mind to catch up on those all-important ZZZs. 

How To Use: take two capsules with a glass of water before going to bed. Suitable for vegans, gluten-free, non-GMO and contains no artificial colours or preservatives. 

Try For Clearer Skin: Herbfarmacy Botanicals Dandelion & Burdock Extract* (100ml, £13.50, link)

As many of my regular readers will know, I've been a big fan of Herbfarmacy's skincare for many years now, yet it's only been recently that I discovered that they also sell a range of herbal botanical tinctures so I thought I would check out their organic Dandelion & Burdock Extract. Used for centuries as an internal skin purifier to support the healthy function of the liver and kidneys, extracts of Dandelion and Burdock root have been widely researched as a tonic to help with digestion, and there's been growing evidence that they're beneficial as a way to internally treat common skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. 

How to use: add half a teaspoon to a glass of water or fruit juice and drink two-three times a day. This tincture has a strong earthy and herbal flavour and is suitable for vegans.

Try For Increased Creativity: Amphora Inspire CBD Oil Drops* (30ml, £99.99, link)

New from Amphora is a premium range of high-strength CBD Oil Drops which have been specially formulated to support different aspects of daily life. Each product boasts an impressive high strength of 6000mg CBD Oil; the equivalent of a full dropper's worth of 200mg pure CBD extract, plant-based terpenes, and MCT oil for quick absorption. Unlike cheaper brands, Amphora's CBD is sourced from 100% organically grown hemp and contains no harmful additives. I've been testing out the Inspire CBD Oil Drops that help to promote increased concentration and creativity. It's early days yet, but I'm hopeful it can aid my mind out of its procrastinating ways - we shall see!

How to use: squeeze a dropper full under the tongue, hold for 30 seconds and swallow. Inspire has a slightly citrusy, earthy flavour.

Have you tried any supplements this season?

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Women's Health: Suvi Labs Botanicals + Collagen Supplements review

 

Heads up ladies! There's a brand new female-led health and wellbeing brand called Suvi Labs on the market and their first innovation has been developed to support women over 40 experiencing perimenopause, as well as younger women with PMS symptoms.

Co-founded by two mums in their 40s who were going through the perimenopause themselves, Kathrin and Charlene have used their experience in branding and marketing to launch Suvi Labs, a chic, all-natural supplement brand based on extensive research, trials, and expert-led advice. 

Their first product is called Botanicals + Collagen which is a powerful supplement comprised of just seven natural ingredients, each carefully chosen to help relieve the most common symptoms of hormonal fluctuations that are caused by the perimenopause and PMS. 

What's In It?

A daily serving of two capsules contains 15ug Vitamin D3 (300% NRA), 30ug Magnesium Citrate, 1000mg Marine Collagen, 80mg Ashwagandha Root extract, 80mg Turmeric extract, 30mg Saffron extract, and 4mg Siberian Ginseng extract.

What's Not In It?

There are no artificial fillers, bulking agents, or any additional ingredients in this supplement. However, it should be pointed out that it does contain Marine Collagen which is derived from fish so it's not suitable for vegans to use.

What Does It Do?

Each ingredient serves its purpose with Turmeric helping to ease joint pain and headaches, Vitamin D3 supporting brain function and the nervous system, and Magnesium to boost low mood, PMS, and increase sleep quality. A hefty dose of Marine Collagen is included to improve skin quality because collagen production slows down as we age so supplements containing this as highly beneficial for increasing skin's elasticity and the fight against fine lines and wrinkles. 

Elsewhere in the supplement, extracts of Ashwagandha restore a sense of calm and help to regulate blood sugar levels, with Saffron playing an important role to reduce those annoying hot flushes, low mood, and boost libido, and Siberian Ginseng to restore energy levels and provide further mental focus and clarity. 

Overall Thoughts?

This is an excellent supplement that has been well thought out by women, for women, to support them through life's natural hormonal changes. Whether you're experiencing perimenopause or monthly PMS symptoms that are impacting in your day-to-day routine, trying a dedicated supplement like this can help to reduce the severity of those symptoms, to help you to get on with your life.

Suvi Labs Botanicals + Collagen Supplements* (60 capsules, 30 day supply) retails for £45 from suvi-labs.com

Do you take daily supplements?

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Introducing: Naturecan Beauty - CBD Skincare

You're probably already familiar with the benefits of taking CBD Oil as a dietary supplement, but did you know that it's also a useful and effective natural ingredient to look out for in your skincare? 

Despite discussing the many health benefits of CBD Oil on here over the past few years, it's only been fairly recently that I've properly started to explore some of the brands that are utilising this ingredient in their skincare products. One such brand is Naturecan, which has a whole range dedicated to just CBD-infused skincare on its website.

Why does CBD do in skincare?

Naturecan use carefully selected broad-spectrum CBD Oil that is grown and extracted in Oregon, USA to ensure their high-quality standards can be met. Their unique process uses whole-plant extraction to maximize the CBD concentration, whilst also filtering out any substances that aren't required. The final formulas are then tested for certified quality via a third-party lab. Needless to say, everything is vegan, GMO, and parabens-free, as well as containing no THC.

CBD Oil is an antioxidant-rich natural ingredient so it can help to fend off free radicals which cause premature skin ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles when it's added to skincare products. It also has anti-inflammatory properties so is ideal for sensitive skin and skin types that are prone to redness.

Always intrigued to try something new and to see what all the hype is about, I dived straight into a box of Naturecan Beauty products as soon as it arrived last month - here are my thoughts!

 

Naturecan Restore Hand Cream* (30ml, £18, link)

With 100mg of CBD and plenty of nourishing and soothing plant-based natural ingredients such as Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Vitamin E, the Restore Hand Cream does what it says on the tube and is a must-try for anyone who has dry or cracked hands. The rich texture absorbs easily without any greasy feeling.

Naturecan Hydrate Moisturiser* (30ml, £25, link)

The perfect daily facial moisturiser for sensitive skin types, the Hydrate Moisturiser is packed full of antioxidants to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst Hyaluronic Acid and 100mg of CBD is included to boost the skin further. Aloe Vera and Squalane Oil also offer additional skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Glides on and makes a great base for makeup so I like to apply it in the mornings.

Naturecan Purify Clay Mask* (50ml, £30, link)

A high-quality purifying clay mask is an essential in my weekly skincare routine and this one from Naturecan ticks all the right boxes. Formulated with CosGreen Green Clay and Vanatrual Bentonite Clay to draw out impurities, this is a brilliant facial treatment for blemish-prone skin types. Unlike other clay masks which can leave the skin feeling dry and stripped, Naturecan has included Aloe Vera juice, CBD, and Hemp Seed Oil to help put the moisture back in for a smoother and more comfortable clear complexion result.

Naturecan Nourish Multi-Use Balm* (30ml, £20, link)

You guys know how much I love a multi-purpose beauty balm and I've been really impressed by this one! With a blend of 100mg CBD, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Chia Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil and Vitamin E, the Nourish Multi-Use Balm is a seriously intensive skin-loving product that repairs, protects and hydrates any dry skin areas that need some TLC. Apply it everywhere and anywhere!

Naturecan Care & Protect Lip Balm* (4.5g, £8, link)

Although you can use the Nourish Multi-Use Balm on dry chapped lips, if you'd prefer just a standalone lip balm as a cheaper option, Naturecan has got you covered with their Care & Protect Lip Balm. It has added Vitamin E and natural UV protection so you really can't go wrong.

Naturecan very kindly included a sample of their Broad Spectrum CBD Oil 3% which has a refreshing Spearmint flavour so it's more palatable when taken under the tongue. The tincture contains 240 drops and the recommended daily dosage is 10 drops, to start with, so if you're new to the world of CBD Oil, this is a good one to try out.

Shop the full range at uk.naturecan.com

Have you tried any CBD skincare?

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