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How to use our Grace skincare range
Morning Routine Step One: Cleanser Our Daily Cleanser contains glycerine, niacinamide and squalene. Each of these ingredients has specially been included thanks to their amazing effects on the skin. Together they complement each other to produce a nourishing, age defying cleanser that leaves your skin makeup-free, and hydrated. It is a gentle gel cleanser that foams up superbly, removing makeup and impurities effortlessly. It is suitable for all skin types and you can say goodbye to tight, dried out skin along with poorly removed makeup panda eyes, and hello to a radiant, clean complexion. How to use: Apply a small, pea sized dollop onto your fingertips, gently lather onto a wet face and rinse off thoroughly. Suitable for morning and evening use Learn more about our Cleanser here: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/sally-ann-creed-daily-cleanser-125ml/ Step Two: Collagen Serum Our Collagen Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and is an ultra hydrating, specially formulated serum to help your skin lock in moisture while reducing the signs of fine lines and wrinkles. This serum provides instant skin radiance and rejuvenation as well as long term restorative effects. Collagen particles cannot penetrate the skin as the molecules are too large, however they are able to create an incredibly moisture-rich layer that the hyaluronic acid molecules are able to absorb moisture from to transport into the deeper layers of the dermis. This dual action results in less wrinkles and fine lines – on the skin’s surface, the outermost layer is noticeably plumper and more hydrated, while the lower layers of the skin benefit long term with increased moisture stores. If this weren’t enough, we have also incorporated rosehip oil due to its naturally high Vitamin C content, meaning it further stimulates collagen production within the skin while providing anti-ageing properties, and essential fatty acids known to support the skin and its skin barrier. How to use it: While the skin is still damp, apply 1 pump onto fingertips and gently smooth onto face. Learn more about our Collagen Serum here: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/sally-ann-creed-collagen-serum-30ml/ Step Three: Vitamin C Serum Vitamin C is a phenomenal active ingredient known in the skincare industry for its antioxidant properties. It is able to stimulate skin cell renewal as well as promote collagen production within the skin. When applied topically, Vitamin C accelerates the skin turn over and promotes more plump, hydrated skin cell growth. Although it is such a powerhouse compound, it is highly unstable, meaning it is quick to oxidise. For this reason we created a Vitamin C Serum that contains Vitamin E and IntenCfy (ergothioneine & mannitol). Together these actives encourage stability while delivering a high potency, antioxidant formulation that the skin loves! It also provides amazing phyto-protection. This means that the sun’s UVA and UVB radiation will not have such detrimental effects long term, as the ingredients are able to protect the cells from this damage. If this weren’t enough, we incorporated turmeric to provide a soothing, anti-inflammatory quality to this serum, while further strengthening its antioxidant potency. How to use: Apply 1 pump onto fingertips, gently smooth onto face before applying moisturizer Learn more about our Vitamin C Serum here: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/sally-ann-creed-vitamin-c-serum-30ml/ Step Four: Collagen Moisturiser Our Collagen Moisturiser is ultra hydrating, and specifically formulated to nourish the outermost layer of the skin while improving long term skin health and appearance due to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid in the formulation. When applied topically, collagen is able to create a moisture rich film on the surface of the skin’s epidermis. This provides instant hydration to the outermost layer of the skin and results in a visibly plumper look and more hydrated feel. The hyaluronic acid is then able to transport the retained water on the skin to the deeper skin layers, replenishing the hyaluronic acid stores while providing more moisture on a deeper level. Together these actives create an ultra nourishing formulation, shown to have both short and long term benefits to the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Further to this, we included the aromatherapy properties of neroli. This inclusion provides the moisturiser with a natural, subtle aroma while soothing the skin due to its natural anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. How to use: Apply a small amount to face and neck area, both morning and night after serums Learn more about our Collagen Moisturiser here: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/sally-ann-creed-collagen-moisturiser-50ml/ Evening Routine Step One: Cleanser Our Daily Cleanser contains glycerine, niacinamide and squalene. Each of these ingredients has specially been included thanks to their amazing effects on the skin. Together they complement each other to produce a nourishing, age defying cleanser that leaves your skin makeup-free, and hydrated. It is a gentle gel cleanser that foams up superbly, removing makeup and impurities effortlessly. It is suitable for all skin types and you can say goodbye to tight, dried out skin along with poorly removed makeup panda eyes, and hello to a radiant, clean complexion. How to use: Apply a small, pea sized dollop onto your fingertips, gently lather onto a wet face and rinse off thoroughly. Suitable for morning and evening use. Learn more about our Cleanser here: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/sally-ann-creed-daily-cleanser-125ml/ Step Two: Collagen Serum Our Collagen Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and is an ultra hydrating, specially formulated serum to help your skin lock in moisture while reducing the skins of fine lines and wrinkles. This serum provides instant skin radiance and rejuvenation as well as long term restorative effects. Collagen particles cannot penetrate the skin as the molecules are too large, however they are able to create an incredibly moisture-rich layer that the hyaluronic acid molecules are able to absorb moisture from to transport into the deeper layers of the dermis. This dual action results in less wrinkles and fine lines – on the skin’s surface, the outermost layer is noticeably plumper and more hydrated, while the lower layers of the skin benefit long term with increased moisture stores. If this weren’t enough, we have also incorporated rosehip oil due to its naturally high Vitamin C content, meaning it further stimulates collagen production within the skin while providing anti-ageing properties, and essential fatty acids known to support the skin and its skin barrier. How to use it: While the skin is still damp, apply 1 pump onto fingertips and gently smooth onto face. Learn more about our Collagen Serum here: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/sally-ann-creed-collagen-serum-30ml/ Step Three: Retinol Serum Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that is known in the beauty industry as the ‘holy grail’ of skincare. The reason for this being that it is able to stimulate skin cell turnover while reducing collagen breakdown and prompting collagen production. As we age our collagen production naturally decreases, and the constant sun exposure and day-to-day wear and tear accelerates this breakdown. Retinol is like a skin cell-communicator that encourages growth, revealing new skin cells that are rich in collagen resulting in a smoother, firmer and tighter skin appearance. How to use: At night, apply 1 pump onto fingertips, and gently smooth onto face If new to retinol, limit use to two times per week. Thereafter increase use to every second night for two weeks, building up to nightly application. Always use retinol after water serums but before heavier treatments Important to note: Do not use in conjunction with other retinoid treatments. Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Always ensure that you make use of sun protection while incorporating retinoids into your skincare regime. Acne prone skin may experience an increase in acne during the first few weeks of application. This is known as ‘purging’ and should clear with time. When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products that contain retinoids. When it comes to retinol, it is important to remember two things. Firstly, patience is key. Build up your skin tolerance slowly as it can take 3 – 6 months of consistent use before improvements are apparent. Secondly, Vitamin A (regardless of the derivative form and application) increases skin sensitivity and in particular sun sensitivity. Always use sunscreen when incorporating this product into your regime. Learn more about our Retinol Serum here: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/sally-ann-creed-retinol-05-serum-30ml/ Step Four: Collagen Moisturiser Our Collagen Moisturiser is ultra hydrating, and specifically formulated to nourish the outermost layer of the skin while improving long term skin health and appearance due to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid in the formulation. When applied topically, collagen is able to create a moisture rich film on the surface of the skin’s epidermis. This provides instant hydration to the outermost layer of the skin and results in a visibly plumper look and more hydrated feel. The hyaluronic acid is then able to transport the retained water on the skin to the deeper skin layers, replenishing the hyaluronic acid stores while providing more moisture on a deeper level. Together these actives create an ultra nourishing formulation, shown to have both short and long term benefits to the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Further to this, we included the aromatherapy properties of neroli. This inclusion provides the moisturiser with a natural, subtle aroma while soothing the skin due to its natural anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. How to use: Apply a small amount to face and neck area, both morning and night after serums Learn more about our Collagen Moisturiser here: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/sally-ann-creed-collagen-moisturiser-50ml/
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Meet Grace - our new skincare range
Ageing is a natural part of life, and at Sally-Ann Creed we believe it is something worth celebrating. While we cannot stop this process, we can help our body age in the best possible way – we like to think of it as ageing with grace. Sally-Ann Creed has always believed that everyone can achieve holistic wellness through nutrition, and that by eating clean, healthy foods and supplementing where necessary, we can optimise our body’s natural processes. Today we’re about to begin a new journey. A journey where we focus on our biggest organ – our skin. The first step on this journey begins with the launch of our new skincare range – Grace. Consisting of a Collagen Moisturiser, Daily Cleanser, and 3 incredible serums – Collagen Serum, Retinol Serum, and a Vitamin C Serum. Grace has a single purpose – allowing all of us to age with grace. This incredible new range is specially formulated using the best possible ingredients to provide your skin with intense, hydrating moisture, while stimulating targeted skin cell renewal to produce a smoother, more even-skin-toned appearance, and a revitalised glow. Our skin is made of 3 layers – the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin that serves as a protective layer to lock in moisture and nutrients, while keeping out harmful pollutants. It also provides protection against the sun and its UV rays. The dermis is the middle layer where you will find nerves, proteins, glands, enzymes and blood vessels. Finally we have the hypodermis, also referred to as the subcutaneous tissue. This is the base layer of our skin where you will find fat cells, nerves and blood vessels. When we’re young, our skin is naturally plump, hydrated, and has a noticeable ‘youthful glow’ as we so often hear. Our skin is made up of collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, moisture, and many other intricate elements. As we age, our natural collagen stores decline, collagen and hyaluronic acid production decreases, and elastin starts to break down, resulting in a less supported dermis, with saggy skin and less hydration. In the epidermis layer, lines and wrinkles start to develop, and skin hyperpigmentation may occur due to this natural ageing process, as well phyto damage caused by UV ray exposure. We all know the wonderful benefits of supplementing with Pure Hydrolysed Collagen and Vitamin C, so why would we need a topical option too? The benefits of collagen may take time to physically manifest as our body first directs the collagen to areas that need it most, which in many cases is our joints, muscles, and digestive system, leaving us waiting for it to take effect on our skin, especially as we fight the effects of sun damage, stress, and general ageing. By applying collagen topically, we are able to quickly and safely provide intense hydration and moisture to our outer epidermis layer. A topical Vitamin C application allows for direct absorption by the skin, resulting in quicker, more visible benefits. Over the past couple of months, we have consulted with many skincare experts and industry manufacturers on our quest to formulate the perfect skincare range. We wanted to develop a range that not only provides lasting results, but also supports our ethos of only using the purest and cleanest of ingredients. We insisted on alcohol-, paraben- and fragrance-free formulations. This is why we deliberately decided to exclude a skin protection factor from the moisturiser, we will leave that up to you to decide how you wish to protect your skin from the sun. Where applicable, we included essential oils for their incredible scent and effective medicinal properties. Each product in this range has been specially formulated to provide amazing results, and to work in conjunction with one another. From the specific active ingredients to the overall formulations, we developed a range specifically designed to provide your skin with intense moisture, while increasing collagen production and skin cell turnover. These key driving factors are instrumental in the overall health and appearance of your skin. By using this complete range you will find your skin is more nourished and healthy, with fewer wrinkles and a radiant glow! We know how daunting it is to try any new skincare product, so we’ve put together a wonderful trial set consisting of sample sizes of all 5 of these incredible products. While we’ve taken every measure to ensure that our products are as pure as possible, it’s always best to make sure that your unique skin is compatible with all of them before you make the move. Available immediately through our online store, and in our wonderful little shop in Westlake, this range of products are the perfect complement to our wide range of existing wellness products. View the full range at sallyanncreed.co.za/grace Sally-Ann Creed’s care and passion for her clients are the cornerstones of Creed Living. Her tireless work over the last 30 years has made Sally-Ann Creed® one of South Africa’s most-loved brands and the embodiment of best practice, innovation, purity, and trust. The Creed Living team are obsessively committed to preserving Sally-Ann’s legacy and she is the inspiration that guides us forward.
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Candida 101
Candida albicans is a yeast/fungus that is found in all of our digestive systems. When kept in balance with our good bacteria, Candida doesn’t cause any problems. But Candida is “opportunistic” – which means, given the opportunity, it can, and will, grow out of control. When we have an overabundance of this yeast in our bodies we can develop issues. There are many strains, with Candida albicans being the most common. What causes Candida to grow out of control? It can start with just one course of antibiotics. Antibiotics wipe out bacteria both the good and bad. When our good bacteria levels are down, this can set up the perfect environment for Candida to take over. That is why it is absolutely essential to rebuild your good bacteria after a course of antibiotics. If you have had multiple courses of antibiotics, without replenishing with a high quality probiotic – the likelihood of you having a Candida overgrowth is quite high. Other things that contribute to Candida overgrowth include: • A high sugar diet: in order to survive, yeasts need sugar. So high sugar diets feed yeasts. That is why many people find relief from many issues from ketogenic diets (higher fat, low carb) – they literally starve the yeasts. • Antibiotics – in addition to taking antibiotics for infections, we are exposed to antibiotics in our food supply – when we eat animal products that have been treated with antibiotics, it could be affecting our gut bacteria balance. • GMOs/Pesticides – did you know that Roundup (the top pesticide used on our food and environment) was patented as an antibiotic before it found it’s purpose as a pesticide? So when we eat foods treated with Roundup – it could be affecting our bacteria balance. The top foods treated with Roundup are soy, corn, and wheat – see a pattern here? These are some of the top foods people are reacting to. • Medications – many medications can impact our gut bacterial balance including birth control pills, NSAIDs, and many others. COULD YOU HAVE CANDIDA? • Digestive issues – such as bloating, “beer belly”, constipation and/or diarrhoea • Toenail fungus • White coating on tongue • Hormone imbalances • Autoimmune conditions • Skin issues/rashes • Food intolerances • Recurring urinary tract and yeast infections • Chemical sensitivities, allergies • Depression, anxiety, mood swings • Brain fog, forgetfulness • Headaches, migraines • Stubborn weight gain • Fatigue • Frequent infections • Alcohol intolerance (get drunk easily, poor recovery) – Candida releases a toxin called acetylaldehyde, which is the same chemical that makes us drunk from alcohol. So those with Candida overgrowth may already be “pre-drunk” from the Candida. • Sugar cravings (yeast needs sugar to survive, so you crave it) WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT IN A NUTSHELL Follow a very clean-eating diet where you remove all the sugary, carbohydrate-rich foods for a month, eating vegetables, protein and fat – the yeast cannot survive on these. Anything remotely sugary like fruit, sugars, honey etc must be removed. You can use a good Candida-killing supplement programme too – and together this will sort it out. Here are our recommendations: 1. Eat fresh veggies, animal protein and healthy fats ONLY for a month – no rubbish 2. No dairy – make your own almond milk (NEVER buy it, the bought ones are all full of other nasties 3. No grains or seed oils – stick with the healthy fats like butter, olive oil, lard etc 4. Take Olive Leaf and MaxiProbiotic daily 5. Use Pure Hydrolysed Collagen daily too – as if you have Candida you will have leaky gut as well, and this is a marvellous way to very quickly heal leaky gut 6. You can use Keto Sweet – the new sweetener sweeping South Africa which has no carbs, no calories, no sugar – but tastes exactly like sugar 7. Try to have a relaxing time during the month while dealing with this. You’ll find these products above in our online store here
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Paleo vs Keto
If you really want to follow a proper Paleo, Keto, or low-carb lifestyle, you shouldn’t be buying ANYTHING that is not real food (meat, veg, fats etc) – in fact nothing you don’t make and/or cook yourself. You won’t buy “keto-friendly” rusks, “keto-friendly” drinks or processed products, because you’ll be out of ketosis in no time and departing from the ethos of keto. If you are following a Paleo lifestyle, which absolutely demands only fresh, whole food – you’ll be eating nothing processed whatsoever! Keto and Paleo are both about REAL food, but Paleo would be the strictest when it comes to healthy living (in our view). Many products boast that they are “keto friendly”. It’s either Keto or it’s not – nothing is “Paleo friendly”, “low carb friendly” or “keto friendly”. The same goes for banting and all the other buzzwords around this type of lifestyle. There are, however, some cross-overs in all these lifestyles, as you’ll see from the picture. Paleo This is a healthy diet based on whole food and may also be the answer to both your health and weight issues for good. It will definitely make you feel fabulous as it improves: Muscle tone Skin & wrinkles Boosts mood Boosts immunity and enhances healing The other fantastic thing about living a paleo lifestyle is that it’s all-out eating simply to affect healthy, long-term change. You can count on improved levels of health, freedom from aches and pains and getting rid of chronic inflammation and fatigue. These are just a few of the great changes you can look forward to because a paleo lifestyle is: Nutrient-rich Anti-inflammatory Hormone modulating A Paleo diet also helps the body reset and rebuild a stronger cellular system because of the foods which are easily absorbed and digested most efficiently by your body, including: Vegetables Fruits Lean meats/eggs Seafood Naturally occurring healthy fats Paleo demands that we have NO processed food, no sugars, no alcohol and very few starches and those you do have are from vegetables only, as no grains are eaten and little or no dairy. Keto This is quite different from Paleo and not recommended for everyone, whereas Paleo can be recommended for everyone. Keto is a diet very high in fat, very low in carbs and a moderate amount of protein. The aim is to burn and utilise fat for energy instead of relying on carbs. The burning of fat instead of glucose is known as ketosis. This lifestyle can certainly help weight loss, balance blood sugar and insulin levels and help you become healthier, but it’s hard work, and very difficult to sustain. You need to know that before you start, plus it’s contra-indicated in pregnancy, lactating women and those with thyroid problems – as well as a few other health conditions – so make sure you don’t leap into this without sound advice. Keto, in our humble opinion, is best suited to young, healthy athletes. We also recommend that you not remain in keto for too long. Rather do what is called a ‘carb cycle’ where you go keto for a fixed amount of time, then break keto, returning after a few weeks. I don’t believe it is sustainable or healthy (our personal opinion) for too long for a number of reasons. However, benefits you can expect include: Enhanced endurance and performance A boost to your metabolism Weight loss (most of the time but certainly not always, especially in women) What’s the difference? Very often people think the only difference between paleo and keto is the amount of carbs involved and the ratio of fat to carbs to protein, but there’s much more to it (I’m only scratching the surface. Paleo & Keto both include these foods: Wild-caught fish Avocados Non-starchy vegetables Drink plenty of clean water Pasture-reared meats/eggs Bone broths Both Paleo and Keto avoid alcohol, sugar, processed food, damaged seed oils, junk food and packaged foods. Paleo can help you feel energised and refreshed from the start, while adjusting to Keto can often cause detox-like symptoms of what’s sometimes called “Keto flu” which is very unpleasant. Some people even get a nasty keto rash. Where keto cuts out almost all carbs, Paleo is more concerned with the quality of food. Both Paleo and Keto allow you to consume carbs – but the ratio is vastly different – although both are low-carb eating plans. Keto allows very few carbs in order to enter a state of ketosis even eliminating certain vegetables and virtually all fruit. Paleo living strongly discourages dairy while Keto encourages certain types of dairy – grass-fed butter and Greek yoghurt are among some of the dairy options that are high in fat and low in carbs for the Keto lifestyle. So which is best for you? Although there are several similarities between Keto and Paleo, their philosophies are definitely different. Keto is focused on metabolic change while Paleo focuses on a holistic approach with your food choice as most important. Unlike Keto, Paleo focuses a lot on lifestyle changes. Keto is more about getting into ketosis whereas Paleo is about a new lifestyle and eating regimen for life. Our personal preference is Paleo. Sally-Ann lived more or less this way for 3 decades, and wouldn’t change it for the world! It’s the easiest and most effective of all. xx
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Meet our Mothers Day 2022 Winner
To celebrate Mothers Day 2022, we partnered with Fenn Collective to spoil one lucky mom with a wonderful red Fenn bag, and R1500 worth of Sally-Ann Creed products. After receiving countless entries from children nominating their moms, we randomly chose our winner – Eldoray Sickle from Cape Town. Eldoray is one of the most wonderful people we’ve met and we’re overjoyed to be able to bless her with this incredible prize.
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Beating Food Addiction
Unfortunately, this is a very real condition, but one that you can conquer. Most of us eat a bit more than we should now and then, but I’m referring here to people who develop an addiction to food – addiction is not only about drugs and alcohol. Food addiction is commonly called compulsive overeating or binge eating, where a person eats more than is needed and finds it hard to stop. A food addict often feels guilty and gets depressed, even feeling self-disgust. How does this happen, how can you identify whether you have a food addiction, and what can be done about it? Overeating can be a way to ‘bury your sorrows’, to deal with pain, abuse or loneliness, or seek ‘comfort’ in food. But there is another way you can become a food addict – by eating junk food. It’s highly addictive, nutrient poor (so your body wants more), and it becomes a learned behaviour. The more junk food you eat, the more you want to eat, and the worse you feel. The weight piles on and a vicious circle can ensue, leading sometimes to bulimia and even self-harming. In this stressful world in which we live there’s never been a more important time to eat whole, real food and eliminate junk/processed food. If you’ve been eating processed food for a long time, you probably don’t even think about fresh food. If you regularly eat processed/prepared food from the supermarket or takeaway food which gets put into a microwave for convenience, you may be in this category. Foods which are typically addictive are pizza, chips, chocolate, fried chicken from vendors, burgers, fizzy drinks and any number of other processed and takeaway foods. Why food makes you feel better Unfortunately, food addicts need a ‘fix’ and only feel better when they eat that food they crave. Cravings are part of food addiction just like any addiction. Foods high in sugar, damaged fats and chemicals stimulate the brain’s ‘reward’ center, releasing ‘feel good’ hormones such as dopamine – a neurotransmitter which gives a sense of pleasure. In time, the brain becomes accustomed to dopamine, and more food is needed to release the same amount of dopamine, just as a drug addict needs higher doses as time goes on to create the same ‘high’. Sex, exercise and eating all trigger dopamine, they are all part of a normal life therefore they are designed to do this. However, overdoing anything always comes at a price. The food industry know all about this, and getting you addicted to their food is now a ‘science’, sadly. Too much sugar is added say to chocolate, and this sweetness is then hidden by an infusion of salt and spices (even though you can’t taste them). In fact most supermarket/takeaway foods (including savoury foods) contain more sugar than a bar of chocolate. This sugar is hidden and goes by more than 50 names, but you are left wanting that food again and again as your addiction grows. This never happens with real, whole, fresh food! Studies have been done which show withdrawal from junk food–especially sugary food–is as severe as withdrawal from alcohol and drugs in many cases, including shaking, anxiety and a change in body temperature. Sugar is the most addictive of all foods and here’s the biochemical reason why: Blood sugar increases forcing the pancreas to secrete insulin, which then breaks down and blood sugar levels plummet Lowered blood sugar levels send a signal to the brain – more sugar is needed The brain releases hormones causing a craving for sugar, leaving the person feeling weak and agitated until they get their “fix” A sugar addict will now binge-eat on sugary items to satisfy their craving Are you a Food Addict? If you have any of these signs, you could be a food addict, test yourself – DO YOU: Eat to deal with emotional problems/stress? Obsess over food most of the time? Continue to eat, even though you know you’re hurting your health? Eat to the point of nausea and even vomiting? Feel you have no self-control regarding food? Ever lie about what you eat or how much you eat? Ever wake up at night to eat? Hide food at home or at work? Continue to eat even though you are really full? Regularly regret you have eaten as much as you have? Feel angry or aggressive if you cannot get the food you crave? If you answered yes to 3 or more of these, you may have an addiction and should seek help. Food Addiction has Health Consequences There are consequences both long and short term but you are worth rescuing from an addiction. The consequences are both physical and psychological and include: Damage to the gut Insomnia Anxiety and depression Obesity Type II diabetes Osteoarthritis Gastrointestinal problems Heart disease Hypertension Gallbladder disease Overcoming Addiction Whatever the cause – whether social, genetic, junk food or any other cause, the bottom line is this: changing what goes into your mouth. Like alcohol and drugs, ‘cold turkey’ may be difficult so take it slowly – but set a goal, depending on how severe your situation is. Food is essential to survival so stopping food of course is out of the question – it’s not the same as smoking. New behaviours need to be learned. So here are a few ideas you might want to consider: Learn more about healthy food, and how it benefits the body and removes cravings. A good start is my book 63 Days to Optimum Health, which teaches you over a period of time to change bad eating habits into good ones. If you want to embrace a new way of eating, consider the low carbohydrate, higher healthy fat lifestyle – it is still the most successful of all eating plans for weight loss and excellent health. If you can’t get there quite yet, try the Paleo eating plan. Eliminate sugar from your diet – you can include Keto Sweet Zero which tastes identical to sugar but without the dangers. (And please do not eat fructose as a sweetener, it is a desperately dangerous alternative. So are artificial sweeteners) Avoid fruit for the first month – or have just ½ cup blueberries as your fruit for the day Don’t go on diet! Follow the eating plans recommended in points #1 & 2 above, but don’t actively diet. Just learn to eat WHOLE, real, fresh food as it occurs in nature Substitute. In the early days if you are an “all day eater” and it’s usually chocolate, then substitute fresh raw nuts for chocolate instead. Begin slowly reducing portion sizes – use a smaller plate. Only eat when you are hungry – if you must snack, make it healthy, whole food Try to only eat 3 meals a day – get to this point as soon as you can, without snacks Stop all fizzy drinks – get used to water, but tea and coffee are fine too Remove temptation – don’t buy it and it won’t be in the house to eat later. Purge your cupboards of tempting food and replace them with healthy food alternatives Always cook your own food from scratch This will all take time, but start now – why wait for new year’s resolutions, start today for a better 2021 where you truly take control of your body if you have found you are struggling with food addiction. One thing you will find helps with food addiction dramatically – L-Glutamine! It’s the most marvelous way to quell cravings and appetite!
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Collagen Alternatives for Vegans
As we age, our natural collagen production slows down and decreases. Collagen is an animal-derived product, making it difficult for those following a plant-based lifestyle to choose the right supplements that provide similar benefits. Below we have listed the main preventative benefits of using collagen supplementation, and then suggested some plant-based supplement options that you could incorporate to reap similar benefits. Joint health Cartilage is a connective tissue, which is similar to a rubber band that protects our joints. One of the main components of cartilage is collagen. Science has shown that as we age, our natural collagen production decreases, resulting in age-related joint degradation,with sub-optimal cartilage health, this may lead to increased inflammation and joint disorders such as osteoarthritis. Sulphur is a major component in maintaining and strengthening joint tissue, notably cartilage, and is the third most abundant mineral in the human body. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural sulphur-containing compound found in green plants, animals, and the human body. MSM provides the body with essential sulphur and methyl groups that are used by the body during its healing and repair processes. This multi-functional mineral has also been shown to assist in reducing inflammation and pain, while preserving normal joint health and functioning. Bone density Just like our natural collagen production decreases with age, so too does our bone density. This reduction in bone mass can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures as well as conditions such as osteoporosis. Although collagen is the main organic matter that makes up the bone matrix, calcium is the main inorganic matter. While supplementing directly with collagen and calcium may seem to be the quick fix for this, there is a concern that excess calcium can result in the calcification of the arteries (you can read more about Sally-Ann’s perspective on this here). Rather, one should look at supplementing with Vitamin D3 and K2. Vitamin D3 assists with the absorption of calcium from the food we eat. Vitamin K2 can be thought of as the ‘traffic officer’ that sends this calcium to the bones for bone mineralisation. When taken in combination, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 form the ideal l bone building combo as they are able to absorb and direct calcium to the bone matrix to assist with the development and maintenance of overall bone density. Heart health Collagen provides a structural framework for our arteries, it therefore assists with healthy blood flow from our heart to the rest of our body. Without this structural support in our arteries, they can begin to stiffen, become less flexible, and weaken. This could lead to more serious and life threatening issues, such as heart disease, strokes, or heart attacks.Therefore, it is important to look at supplementing with Vitamin C and Zinc, as both of these assist with promoting the absorption of collagen, as well as stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. Further to this, Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10), is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like compound that has been shown to contribute to improving heart health, regulating blood sugar, and is recommended to be used with Statins (cholesterol lowering medication), as Statins can lead to secondary CoQ-10 depletion. Gut health Maintaining a strong and healthy digestive tract is important for our overall health as well as preventing a condition known as “leaky gut.” Leaky gut occurs when there is damage in the barrier that lines our intestines. This damage allows for food and waste particles to pass through the gut lining directly into the bloodstream, causing inflammation. This inflammation can then lead to symptoms such as stomach cramping, bloating and gas, as well as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and, in some cases, food sensitivities. As we go about our daily activities, stress is placed on muscles and the metabolites in our body increase. L-glutamine supplementation helps reduce excessive inflammation and improves the health of the digestive system by strengthening the intestinal wall. L-glutamine also has anti-oxidative properties proving beneficial in reducing waist circumference and blood sugar levels. If you would like to further improve your digestive health, you can look at supplementing with a pre- and probiotic such as our Sally-Ann Creed® MaxiPrebiotic (MaxiFOS) and Sally-Ann Creed® MaxiProbiotic 20 (Maxibiotic 20). This will ensure that your good gut bacteria are operating at their optimum, providing you with even better nutrient absorption and overall well being. Muscle mass Collagen is also a large component of muscle tissue. As we age, our muscle mass, motor functions and muscular performance decreases. We tend to become less active and the combination of these factors has a downward-spiral effect on our overall mobility and well-being. Glutamine is the most abundant and versatile non-essential amino acid in the human body, promoting cell survival, maintenance, and division. L-glutamine supplementation can be thought of as the fuel that boosts our immune system and improves athlethic performance outcomes. It has been shown to assist in post-exercise muscle cell repair, promote muscle tissue maintenance and growth, and helps to burn fat, while possessing anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to this, magnesium is a mineral that assists with the functioning of the nervous system, improves muscle recovery, and promotes sleep. Supplementing with magnesium has been shown to assist in the optimal functioning of muscles and the nervous system and is essential for skeletal growth and development, while helping to maintain strong bones and teeth. Together, L-glutamine and Magnesium not only assists in creating an optimal environment for our muscles, but have many other benefits similar to that of collagen, such as bone density, gut and joint health benefits. With the above information, we hope that you can now narrow in on some key supplement options that target specific prevention concerns you may have. Collagen supplementation is an easy way to get all of the above benefits in one go, but following a plant-based lifestyle does not mean that one cannot reap similar benefits elsewhere – it is all about understanding your needs and strategically coupling the correct supplements to cater to these needs. Sources: J. McIntosch medically reviewed by C. Cobb. 2017. What is collagen, and why do people use it? Medical News Today online: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com M. Butawan, RL. Benjamin and RJ. Bloomer. 2017. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients Journal NCBI online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov B.M. Thomson. 1998. Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition (Second Edition). Bone Matrix. Science Direct online: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/bone-matrix J. Hirano, Y. Ishii. 2002. Effects of vitamin K2, vitamin D, and calcium on the bone metabolism of rats in the growth phase. J Orthop Sci. Vol 7(3) pg. 364-369. National Library of Medicine online: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov SA. Lanham-New. 2008. Importance of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K for osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Proc Nutr Soc. Vol 67(2) pg. 163-76. National Library of Medicine online: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov M. Li-ng, JF. Aloia, S. Pollack, BA. Cunha, M. Mikhail, J. Yeh. and N. Berbari. (2009). A randomized controlled trial of vitamin D3 supplementation for the prevention of symptomatic upper respiratory tract infections. Epidemiology and Infection. Cambridge University Press, 137(10), pp. 1396–1404. RC. Gupta. 2016. Nutraceuticals: Efficacy, safety and toxicity. Chapter 19: Application of ‘nano’ nutraceuticals in medicine. First Edition. p. 264 – 265 available online: https://books.google.co.za JR. Rapin and N. Wiernsperger. 2010. Possible links between intestinal permeability and food processing: a potential therapeutic niche for glutamine. Clinics. Volume 65. National Library of Nutrition online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov RC. Gupta. 2016. Nutraceuticals: Efficacy, safety and toxicity. Chapter 61: Glutamine supplementation: hope, hype, or stay tuned?. First Edition. p 1027 -1036 available online: https://books.google.co.za U. Grober, J. Schmidt and K. Kisters. 2015. Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy. Nutrients 7(9), pages: 8199-8226 PubMed online: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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Tell me about marine collagen
Many people have been asking for an alternative to our chicken and bovine collagens. We’re excited to announce that we have managed to source a premium Marine Collagen that is wild caught, GMO-free with no nasties. It is low calcium, low sodium, hormone, antibiotic and preservative free. This great type 1 collagen is also relatively neutral in taste and smell! Our Hydrolysed Marine Collagen consists of type 1 collagen which is ideal for building and maintaining skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, hair and nails. Here are some commonly asked questions: How does it taste? We have managed to source a premium Marine Collagen that is relatively neutral in taste and smell! What about the Calcium content? Our Hydrolysed Marine Collagen is low in calcium, with only 7mg per 100g. What about the mercury content? Our marine collagen has been through both the Gelatine Manufacturers of Europe (GME) and the Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America (GMIA) testing, and the results fall below the required specification of a mercury content less than 0.10ppm (parts per million). What is the sodium content? We have sourced a low sodium marine collagen with 310mg total sodium per 100g. This sodium content is due to the natural nature of hydrolysed collagen, and is not from any additional sodium being added to the product. What is your collagen derived from? There is a lot of research about marine collagen being extracted from jellyfish, sharks, sea cucumber and other marine animals, which can make one skeptical about the origins of their collagen. We are proud to say that our marine collagen is sourced from 100% wild caught, marine whitefish. What about hormones and antibiotics? Our Marine Collagen is wild caught, GMO-free with no nasties. It is also hormone, antibiotic and preservative free, and research suggests that this form of collagen is a great option due to its low ability to harbor transmissible disease. Collagen type? Our marine collagen is a great source of type 1 collagen. Type 1 collagen is ideal for building and maintaining the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, hair and nails. What about marine collagen’s absorption? Our marine collagen has gone through an extraction process known as hydrolysation. What this means is that the collagen is extracted and denatured to form a gelatin. Thereafter, it undergoes what is called ‘enzymatic hydrolysis’, which produces a pure form of collagen hydrolysates. These hydrolysates comprise of peptides. Collagen peptides are the most easily absorbed and readily utilised forms of collagen to the human body.
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