Positive Health Online

Think Peace

How can we bring peace to our minds? It is something that many of us have wondered after being burdened with the seemingly endless stresses of modern life. Those stresses including the wars in the world and hearing of the appalling suffering so many people are experiencing right now.

Depending on the kind of person you are, you may have taken a scientific approach to achieve a calm and quiet mind – perhaps trying to get the correct amount of sleep, in order to wake feeling refreshed and restored or choosing endorphin-rich foods and exercise.

Meanwhile, others look to spiritual practices, using meditation and candle-lit baths to shake off the mental weight of the day. Recently, however, neuroscience has been connecting the links between the two disciplines and finding that Buddhists may well have a point.

Feed the Mind with Positivity

Ever heard of the Mind and Life Institute? A collaboration between the Dalai Lama himself and a team of scientists, the group was set up in the late 80s. Together, they have shown that mind training is a very real tool and that we can all use it to our benefit.

https://peacegifts.shop/

So, if you have ever stood in front of your mirror repeating positive affirmations to yourself, you have been working to train your brain. Whether you felt silly, or not, repeating this process on a regular basis will have had a great benefit to your mind, leaving you feeling more confident and happier in the long run. Meditation is also proven to help bring peace to the mind, as the brain is emptied of negative thoughts. With several types of meditation, the focus is on the breath, which, by releasing physical tension, also measurably reduces stress and anxiety.

Back in 2013, Barbara Fredrickson from the University of North Carolina a positive psychology researcher published a landmark paper that provides fascinating insights about positive thinking and how it effects our life skills. Her work is among the most respected in her field, and it is surprisingly useful in our everyday life. She took groups of people and showed them different films. Some groups saw positive images others saw negative images of fear and anger Then each group had to come out and write about their experience and how they would react in a similar situation. The groups who saw images of fear and anger wrote down the fewest responses. Meanwhile, the participants who saw images of joy and contentment, wrote down a significantly higher number of actions that they would take. So positive emotions broaden your sense of possibility and open your mind up to more options in life. She discovered that those who meditated daily had more positive thoughts than others who did not, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. With her team of scientists, she found that people who experienced joy had useful side effects to their feelings that lasted far beyond the event. In other words, when you are experiencing positive emotions like joy, contentment, and love, you will see more possibilities in your life. These findings were among the first that suggested positive emotions broaden your sense of possibility and open your mind up to more options.Fredrickson believes this is due to the happy emotions enabling you to see all of the possibilities surrounding you. The more you feed your positive thoughts, the better you become at reading situations and taking advantage of what life has to offer. Noticing all of the options available to you at any time enables you to build new skills and flourish through life, even if you are not having the best day, because you have trained your mind to see the positives whenever possible.

Indeed, this research only confirms what wise teachers have always known. Buddha began the Dhammapada with the words: “We are what we think” and science has since proven that our thoughts are creative and essential for creating peptides that become part of new cells in the brain, with positive thoughts creating more positive peptides and negative thoughts creating negative ones. So, the more you practice being positive and peaceful, the more natural it will eventually become.

Give the Gift of Peace

At Peace Gifts Shop, we want to help you train your brain for the better, which is why many of our products feature a quote about peace and how you can achieve it, while others feature a beautiful image to remind us of peace. We sell t-shirts, mugs, and posters, amongst other items, with phrases from well-known teachers, authors and poets from various religions, traditions and cultures around the world. Every time you have a cup of tea or put on your favourite outfit, you will be reminded of the phrase or peaceful image and it will become further ingrained in your memory.

Of course, once we have discovered peace for ourselves, it is natural to want to share the joy. Our products make fantastic gifts for your good friends and all members of the family. Despite our reasonable prices, these gifts will become priceless to the recipient, helping them to think positively and feel at ease with the world.

Even better, all the profits from the sale of apparel is put towards our charity Abrahamic Reunion England number 1177751 which provides education, inspiration and action to promote inter-religious harmony in our multi-faith society and in the Holy land. So, help us to spread the love, since a world full of peaceful people is all we could ever hope for.

Further Information

To be kept informed of the latest special offers visit https://peacegifts.shop/

Mushroom Nutrition and Neurodegenerative Conditions: Meniere´s Disease

View in Browser

The influence of edible mushrooms on medicinal interventions has been known and studied for many years and their latest role in neurodegenerative disorders has been recently investigated.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/22/12348

The aetiology and pathogenesis of Meniere’s disease remains controversial and undefined, although usually associated with allergic, genetic, or trauma sources, and with viral infections and/or immune system-mediated mechanisms.

The link below is a November 15^th 2023 publication[1] providing background on the clinical research that has resulted in a study on the impact of the oral administration of a biomass mushroom preparation on 40 human Meniere´s disease patients in reducing systemic oxidative stress and cellular stress response leading to decreased number of crises and their duration while improving the clinical grading of tinnitus severity.

Further clinical research has been conducted in Meniere´s patients for 3months and 6 months with a publication expected in December 2023.

Reference

1. Bell V. and Fernandes TH. Mushrooms as Functional Foods for Ménière’s Disease. Appl.Sci: 13, 12348. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212348. 2023.

Further Information

For more information on mushroom nutrition please see the following clinical articles found on this link: https://www.mycologyresearch.com/articles/clinicalarticles. Mycology Research Laboratories may be contacted via info@mycologyresearch.com    https://www.mycologyresearch.com/

Botanica2024 Ready to Launch Registrations for 7^th International Conference Edition!

The theme for botanica2024 is Citrus: Traditions-Therapeutics-Technology

Taking place online May 17^th to 19^th, this world-renowned conference brings together aromatherapists, herbalists, medical professionals, researchers, growers and suppliers for 3 days of rich education and networking opportunities.

Botanica2024 is the brainchild of Rhiannon Lewis, and experienced clinical aromatherapist, educator, author, editor and host of the International Clinical Aromatherapy Network ICAN). ICAN is an online platform for professional users and suppliers of essential oils and related products.

https://botanica2024.com/

A renowned biennial conference and trade show event Botanica is widely acknowledged as the leading international phyto-aromatherapy conference worldwide. A typical Botanica event welcomes speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and delegates from more than 50 countries and a certificate of attendance is provided for evidence of professional development.

 Originally hosted as an in-person event, this landmark conference series transitioned to a fully virtual event in 2020 due to pandemic-linked concerns.
The increased accessibility provided by a state-of-the-art 24h/24h online conference that includes live networking and sourcing of products means that botanica2024 remains in a virtual form via an award-winning professional event and trade show platform. For 2024, Botanica is celebrating with additional cutting-edge features that will serve to further enrich the experience of both speakers and participants. This includes optional simultaneous transcription of all live lectures into multiple languages using Artificial Intelligence as well as enhanced, engaging and innovative networking functionalities.

Rhiannon says “The Citrus genus offers the herbal and aromatherapy worlds such a diversity of applications and are amongst the most loved by patients and practitioners alike. For the first time, a Botanica conference will provide a spotlight of information and celebration with the zest oils, the petitgrains, the nerolis and other herbal extract forms being center stage for 2 entire days of conference. We look forward to welcoming world experts to share their work and findings concerning all things citrus and we are set for a bright, juicy and refreshing event.”

Main Highlights of Botanica2024 Include

• A busy 2-day live lecture program with expert speakers from around the world - 17^th & 18^th May;
• An online trade show with live communications between companies and participants;
• A bonus additional program of on-demand pre-recorded lectures for on-demand streaming;
• A full day of one-hour Deep Dive intensive classes 19^th May covering a range of practical topics relevant to aromatherapists and practitioners of herbal medicine;
• The option to transcript all live lecture sessions into the language of your choice during the conference;
• The opportunity of 3 months of lecture replay and trade show attendance.

Further Information

Registrations open in January 2024 with a special discount in place for all Student, Professional and Business members of the International Clinical Aromatherapy Network.

https://botanica2024.com/

https://clinicalaromatherapynetwork.com/

Peace Through Music with Sacred Music Radio

Sacred Music Rario is playing some of the world’s most beautiful sacred music on line 24/7.

It was the brainchild of Michael Vakil Kenton and Aziz Dikeulias, two dedicated fans of music, especially that which is considered to be sacred. The main aim of this radio station is to promote peace. Inner peace of the listeners and global peace as listeners appreciate the music of other faiths. So many great teachers have told us that if we want to achieve global peace we must first create peace within ourselves.

http://sacredmusicradio.org/

Sacred Music Radio has now been broadcasting to the world for twelve years and currently boasts a playlist of more than 4,300 religious and sacred pieces of music from the Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths, as well as music not directly connected with any specific religion. The ethos of the station is that this type of music can make one’s spirits soar no matter which religions they are traditionally associated with. Sacred Music Radio promotes an even-handed appreciation of music for music’s sake, rather than for any dogmatic or denominational motivation. The team behind Sacred Music Radio believe it is possible to find intrinsic beauty in all sacred music, and they have given it a platform to be heard by those who connect with such compositions.

Michael Vakil Kenton, one of the founders of the station, says, “The main idea behind this radio station is to offer a diverse and varied playlist for individuals whose tastes chime with the idea of sacred music, but who are not directly linked to any particular faith. Music has the ability to cut through cultural dividers, going beyond borders and boundaries, creating an atmosphere that can be subtle and indefinable, or joyous and transcending. The playlists we use at Sacred Music Radio can be all of these things, drawing from different cultures and religions, appreciated by all without having to subscribe to a certain faith. Our vision is that, as a result, by appreciating the music of diverse faiths, people may find themselves realising their common ground.”

The complementing website for the station is easy to navigate; for every track played on the station, there are links a short blurb on the artist or composer so that listeners can find out more about artists they like. The founders hope that the site will go on to be a valuable source of pleasure and relaxation for a growing number of listeners and the friends they recommend. In addition to the individuals that are tuning in, in their droves, many organisations involved in healing and relaxation are firm followers of the station, owing to the comprehensive mix of music and the absence of either adverts, chat or announcements of tracks played. In addition to providing their dedicated listeners with a playlist of some of the world’s most splendid and uplifting music, the station is part of a UK based registered charity number 1177751.

To find out more about Sacred Music Radio, and to listen online, visit http://www.sacredmusicradio.org/

About Sacred Music Radio

Finding the beauty in all sacred music, Sacred Music Radio aims to create diverse playlists of religious and sacred songs without directly tying into any specific faith. With varied playlists of music from the Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths, as well as sacred music tied with no particular religion, the station broadcasts 24 hours a day and features some of the world’s most wonderful sacred songs, hymns and pieces of music.

Further Information

Please contact Sacred Music Radio via https://sacredmusicradio.org/contact-us/   http://www.sacredmusicradio.org/

A Micronutrient Supplements Comparison

by Simon Ranger, Founder, Seagreens Trust

Many practitioners, presented with multifactorial conditions and diseases, use Seagreens® seaweed supplements to help the client to homeostasis, rather than immediately dealing with apparent deficiencies or imbalances. To illustrate why, in December 2023 I compared a leading multivitamin and mineral formulation, independently chosen for its quality by a qualified nutritional therapist, with an encapsulated blend of Seagreens® dried wild seaweeds, produced specifically for human nutrition, both Organic.

Seagreens® Fucus vesiculosus

https://seagreens.shop/product/food-capsule-180/

The formulated multi tablet contained high levels of 14 vitamins and 5 mineral trace elements, provided as extracts from some 40 different species of organic foods ranging from apples, bell pepper and cabbage, to garlic, onion and parsley. An extract of kelp (seaweed) was included to provide 150mcg iodine. Most of these nutrients were present at more than 100% of the daily requirement, in some cases much more: twice as much chromium, 5 times the B6 (pyridoxine), almost 7 times the B7 (biotin), 10 times the B12 (methyl cobalamin from a yeast fungus used in wine and bread making). Although containing a total 522mg of named nutrients within the daily recommended 2 tablets (1033mg), the formulation provided significant amounts, but on a narrow spectrum. Typical for land grown foods. The ratio in the seaweed supplement was exactly the opposite. A similar daily intake (2 capsules /1000mg) provided very small amounts, but of more than 144 nutrients. Typical for seaweeds.

The formulated supplement contained an additional 350mg of food and seed extracts, for antioxidants from pomegranate, pumpkin, turmeric and tomato, added for 'prostate and heart support'. The formulation was ‘for men over 40; not for children’. Using such a supplement for long periods would be inappropriate, since these levels across a limited range of nutrients would become imbalancing. It was too high-powered to be 'food': the level and combination of nutrients clearly designed for physiological effect. Conversely, the seaweed 'whole food' supplement would suit anyone of any age, on a permanent daily basis.

The formulated supplement also contained manufacturing excipients: a lecithin tablet coating from sunflower, dextrose a sweetener and preservative, maltodextrin, palm oil, guar gum, brown rice and potato starch as binding, thickening and bulking agents.

Nothing had been added to, nor extracted from, the seaweed supplement. Even its fast-dissolving, organic, kosher vegetable capsule contained only non-allergenic seaweed.

The blend of seaweed species included the same 14 vitamins and 5 trace minerals as the multi formulation, but the total amount of these was only 0.83mg, against 172mg in the formulated supplement. There were good ratios of all the essential fatty acids, all the amino acids, all the minerals, and a further 55 trace elements; more dietary fibre than carbohydrate, soluble and insoluble; virtually no fat, natural sugars, betaines, and multiple enzymes. It was rich in marine polysaccharides, polyphenols, phlorotannins among all the antioxidant nutrients.

A month is often enough to a arrive at a clearer diagnosis. A targeted supplement, even a multi-nutrient formulation as described, might then be used to better effect together with the seaweed, which will enhance its uptake and effectiveness, and for short periods avoid any possible challenge to nutritional homeostasis.

Further Information

Further information from Seagreens information Service, West Sussex RH17 6DX, UK Tel: 01444 400403; info@seagreens.co.uk  https://www.seagreens.co.uk/  https://seagreens.shop/

The One Thing We Need to Do to Improve our Energy Levels, Enhance Immunity and Digestive Function in Addition to Slowing Down the Aging Process - Get Properly Hydrated

We know that water is essential for life and for health. It is impossible to live an optimally healthy life if we are not properly hydrated. Sadly a very significant percentage of people living in the Western World are suffering the effects of dehydration.

Water has many functions in the body. It helps to cushion and protect our vital organs, it helps our digestion and regulates our bodies temperature. However there are a myriad of other functions that work best when we are properly hydrated.

Chronic dehydration is a major contributor to many diseases associated with aging.  It is associated with arthritis, with dementia and with disorders of our digestive tract.  The percentage of water in our bodies has reduced markedly during lifetime and dehydration has probably greatly contributed to accelerated aging.  Dehydration in elderly people is a major problem which probably accounts for accelerated aging and premature death.

https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/products/cobalt-blue-portable-water-ionizer

A personal water revitalizer to give you structured water wherever you are

Drinking more water is important, however what is more important is drinking the right water to meet the hydration needs of the body. All water is not the same, and other fluids are not a substitute for health supporting water.

In a very interesting book on Structured Water by Clayton Nolte he makes this observation.

“ Our bodies contain structured water when we are born. However , as the body grows older and is subjected to stress, contamination, pollutants, free radicals, poor diet and other external factors, the body begins to dehydrate. The structured cell water with which we are born diminishes, and the cell loses its effective shape. The result is that our ability to absorb water decreases as we age.”  

Clayton Nolte worked for 40 years for the US military and in consultancy in Research and Development. In particular he worked on developing new technologies.  Latterly his focus was looking at the behaviour and structure of water in nature.  He went on to develop innovative technologies to help to reproduce the characteristics of natural water for human and animal consumption. He was the Founder of Natural Action technologies in the US.  

New innovative technologies from Natural Action and others offer significant benefits for human health and improved quality of life.  There are several ways that the water we drink can be improved so that it will be better absorbed in the body. These range from personal portable devices through to whole house water filter systems.  Over recent years there has been an increasing amount of research in this field and this is expected to accelerate. When we begin to better understand the importance of proper hydration for our immunity, for our energy levels and for many other aspects of health and longevity it will transform approaches to health, naturally.

At Water for Health we understand that healthy water is not just clean water, it needs to have other beneficial properties, including good structure to give us real value.  That is why we offer a range of specialist water products to suit everyone’s budget and personal requirements.

You can find details on our web site - https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/    

Further Information

This article was submitted by Roddy MacDonald, Founder and Director of Water for Health - The UK’s foremost supplier of water products to support real hydration. https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/

Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalitis and Long Covid THIRD EDITION: It's mitochondria, not hypochondria

by Sarah Myhill and Craig Robinson

Published by Hammersmith Health Books; 3rd edition . 28 Feb. 2024. Paperback. £24.99. ·  ISBN-10 : 1781612544.

According to a recent government survey, the number of those affected by CFS/ME is high and rapidly growing due to the emergence of Long COVID. As a result, CFS expert Dr Sarah Myhill and her patient Craig Robinson are releasing a third edition of the life-changing manual on the condition. Written in line with NICE guidelines and with focus on CFS/ ME caused by Long COVID, the manual is updated and restructured to ensure optimal comprehension.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diagnosis-Treatment-Chronic-Syndrome-Encephalitis/dp/1781612544

Since the publication of its first edition in April 2014, Dr Myhill’s guide to understanding and overcoming CFS/ME has become a must-read for sufferers from this poorly understood condition. As one example of the nearly 300 5-star reviewers on Amazon says: ‘Extremely useful, well written, concepts well explained, absolutely great investment of money and time in reading it.’

In the seven years since the second edition was published (January 2017) both new research and new clinical findings have thrown further light onto a condition that for sufferers is life-stopping but for many doctors is ‘all in the mind’. Most recently, the UK’s NICE guidelines have been updated and Long Covid has changed mainstream perceptions of post-viral fatigue, while Dr Myhill has looked further beyond mainstream medicine into often-ignored more traditional treatments including methylene blue and DMSO.

Dr Myhill, supported by expert patient Craig Robinson, has fully rewritten and updated her book to include new insights throughout and new chapters on the Paleo Ketogenic (PK) diet, photodynamic therapy, micro-immunotherapy, ME and Long Covid, and the politics of CFS and ME.

Further Information

Available from Amazon.co.uk