Articles
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) & Berberine
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Your medical practitioner may not have heard of it but the natural medicine community is RAVING about Berberine for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Many women with PCOS have a very poor response to insulin creating weight gain and hormone imbalance. The Metformin drug is usually prescribed. However studies have found that Berberine is as good if not much better than metformin. As it causes blood sugar and insulin levels to drop. This can result in ovulation for women with PCOS. One study also found that the women taking Berberine lost much more weight than the women on metformin. Win-win! The elevated testosterone associated with PCOS is the one hormone imbalance most women want addressed quickly as elevated testosterone in a woman leads to: Acne Head hair loss Chin and upper lip hair growth Berberine can speed the resolution of these symptoms. Berberine benefits the gut It is great for your ovaries and for your gut too. Berberine has been used for generations to treat symptoms of:• Gas• Bloating• Constipation and diarrhea• Supports healthy bacteria in the gut. Berberine loves your liver Your liver is essential in hormone balance. Berberine has been found in studies to increase the production of sex hormone binding globulin (that’s a mouthful…) or SHBG that binds to testosterone and makes it unavailable for use in your body in PCOS. It also lowers liver enzymes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that is commonly found in women who are overweight and have PCOS. Berberine benefits fertility In women with PCOS undergoing IVF procedures, those who took Berberine (no matter whether they were normal weight or overweight) had higher pregnancy rates than women using metformin or a placebo. Berberine boosts weight- and fat-loss Not every woman with PCOS is overweight. However, if you are even mildly overweight Berberine can help you shed some unwanted fat. Berberine has been found in multiple studies to support weight loss. Help target fat loss from the midsection of the body while it also helps to lower Leptin (our hunger hormone). Women with PCOS and women who are overweight often have abnormally high levels of leptin. Find this amazing nutritional supplement here https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/berberine-complex/ Join our Instagram Page @SallyAnn_Creed and subscribe to our newsletter: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/subscribe. You’ll receive free food lists from The Low-Carb Creed when you join. This post is subject to our general disclaimer https://sallyanncreed.co.za/disclaimer/.
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Does your hair need some help?
Try this Collagen Hair Mask! Apart from the amazing difference collagen makes over time to the thickness and lustre of your hair from the inside out. Here’s a way to give it that little extra boost using a Collagen Hair Mask. The shaft of your hair is porous, and will be able to absorb hydrolysed collagen, so give it a whirl, especially if you have colour-treated hair. Collagen strengthens the hair from the inside out as we know, but it also fortifies the entire shaft by forming a protective shield around each strand of hair, reducing breakage and protecting it from sun, heat and the environment when applied externally. Apply just once a month for nourished hair and scalp. Your hair will be soft and shiny! Here’s what you need for the Collagen Hair Mask: 2 tablespoons Sally-Ann Creed’s Organic Coconut Oil 2 tablespoons Sally-Ann Creed’s Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tablespoon Sally-Ann Creed’s Pure Hydrolysed Collagen Here’s what you do with it: Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until thoroughly blended. Apply to your entire head of hair, massaging into the scalp and applying it all the way down to the ends of the hair Leave on for 20 minutes. Shampoo and rinse well. Repeat shampoo, if necessary. NOTES Apply only once a month ONLY – and use our Pure Hydrolysed Collagen – don’t use any other kind of collagen, it may not work. Please let us know your results!!
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What is Human Microbiome?
A microbiome is a community consisting of trillions of microorganisms (also called microbiota or microbes) of thousands of different species that inhibit our bodies. These also include bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Inside and out, our bodies are home to a huge array of micro-organisms. Did you know there are more bacterial cells in your body than human cells? In a healthy body these all co-exist peacefully and the largest numbers are found in the small and large intestines. However having too many unhealthy microbes can lead to disease. The gut microbiome refers to all of the microbes in your intestines . These act as another organ that’s crucial for your health. Microbiota stimulate the immune system. They also break down potentially toxic food compounds and synthesize certain vitamins and amino acids. An imbalance of healthy and unhealthy microbes in the gut may contribute to weight gain, sleep disturbances, skin irritations and auto immune conditions. While a balance in gut microbes may help control blood sugar, positively affect brain health and lower the risk of diabetes. How can we ensure that we have enough microbiota and enough of the right types? In addition to family genes, environment, and medication use, diet plays a large role in determining the kinds of microbiota and more specifically which are best for optimum gut health! Here are 5 top tips to a happy gut 1. Eat a diverse range of foods including food rich in polyphenols which are broken down to stimulate healthy bacteria growth (found in green tea, olive oil and dark chocolate) 2. Probiotics: Eat fermented vegetables, like kimchi and sauerkraut, and pickled vegetables, like onions and gherkins which are a source of live cultures of bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli 3. If using an artificial sweeteners choose one that contains a prebiotic such as https://sallyanncreed.co.za/…/bio-sweet-prebiotic…/ 4. Take supplements that contain live active bacteria such as these: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/maxibiotic-20-vegicaps/ https://sallyanncreed.co.za/…/maxifos-prebiotic-powder…/ 5. Eat collagen rich foods such as bone broth or take pure hydrolysed collagen https://sallyanncreed.co.za/…/sally-ann-creed-collagen…/ Join our Instagram Page @SallyAnn_Creed and subscribe to our Newsletter https://sallyanncreed.co.za/subscribe/ receive free food lists from The Low-Carb Creed when you join. This post is subject to our general disclaimer https://sallyanncreed.co.za/disclaimer/.
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Are you suffering from leaky gut?
If you have these symptoms you may be suffering from leaky gut… Leaky Gut is the name given to damaged and permeable intestinal lining which allows undigested food particles, toxic waste products and bacteria to ‘leak’ through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. Symptoms include: 1. Chronic diarrhoea, constipation, gas or bloating 2. Nutritional deficiencies 3. Weak immune system 4. Headaches, brain fog, memory loss 5. Excessive fatigue; insomnia 6. Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea 7. Cravings for sugar and carbs 8. Arthritis and/or joint pain 9. Depression, anxiety, ADD and ADHD 10. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease or Crohn’s This condition needs to be approached from several different angles at once in order to return the body to full health, including: changes to the diet, the inclusion of supplements, reducing the stress factor and rooting out the underlying cause in the first place. We believe a pleiotropic approach is necessary which means you must approach healing from several angles at once to actually flip the body back to health. This includes: • making dietary changes • adding specialized and targeted supplements • reducing stressors • correcting underlying root cause of disease And when it comes to supplements L-Glutamine is one of the most talked about for digestive health. At this point, the research is pretty clear on L-Glutamine being a very valuable supplement for anyone dealing with almost most chronic health issues. Whether it works to help fix the gut wall, improve sleep, recover from exercise or reduce cravings, it is a safe, cheap and readily available supplement to think about trying. L-Glutamine is easy to take – it plays a crucial role in healthy digestion, brain function and has been well documented in studies to protect against mucosal deterioration in the gut. Glutamine is helpful in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy. The worse your gut problem is, the more Glutamine will help to you. You will find our l-glutamine powder here https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/l-glutamine-powder/ Join our Instagram Page @SallyAnn_Creed and subscribe to our Newsletter https://sallyanncreed.co.za/subscribe/ receive free food lists from The Low-Carb Creed when you join. This post is subject to our general disclaimer https://sallyanncreed.co.za/disclaimer/.
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Are you deficient of Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin needed for blood formation, nerve and brain function. Your body doesn’t make vitamin B12, you have to get it from animal-based foods or from supplements. This should be done on a regular basis as your body doesn’t store vitamin B12 for a long time. The older you get the harder it becomes to absorb this vitamin. YOU MAY BE MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IF YOU HAVE: 1. Atrophic gastritis (where your stomach lining has thinned) 2. If your have pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12 3. If you have conditions that may affect your small intestine (Crohn’s disease, celiac disease) 4. If you have Immune system disorders 5. If you follow a vegan diet (ie: no animal products, including meat, milk, cheese, and eggs) 6. If you are a vegetarian that doesn’t eat enough eggs or dairy products to meet your vitamin B12 needs. 7. If you have been taking certain medications that interfere with the absorption of B12. SYMPTOMS OF A VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY INCLUDE: – Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness – Constant fatigue – Heart palpitations and shortness of breath – Very pale skin – A smooth tongue – Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas – Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness – Dizziness or issues associated with vision – Mental problems like depression, memory loss, behavioural changes or simply quite forgetful – Elevated homocysteine level – Anaemic – Frequent unexplained pins and needles and ‘shock wave’ feelings DIETARY SOURCES OF THIS NUTRIENT CAN BE FOUND IN: • Organ meats, especially red meat • Fish, seafood • Poultry • Eggs and dairy products (All animal protein will have some B12) TIPS TO PREVENT DEPLETION: • Limit alcohol intake • Add black pepper – The piperine in black pepper aids absorption of all nutrients • Cranberries have been shown to help increase B12 uptake but this is when eaten with food containing B12. • Take a supplement (especially if you don’t eat animal protein) such as Methylcobalamin which is the active, coenzyme form of Vitamin B12.
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4 Vitamins and Minerals to boost your Metabolism
Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. Calories in food and beverages are combined with oxygen to release the energy your body needs to function. HOWEVER …as you age and begin to lose muscle your metabolism slows down. Supplements for Metabolism: These Supplements for Metabolism can be found at my online store. Here are 4 vitamins and minerals to boost your metabolism (and promote weight loss) 1. Vitamin D Your body can get all the vitamin D it needs from the sun. However most people today spend too much time indoors (especially during periods of lockdown). Getting enough vitamin D from food is difficult, so supplements are often recommended. Some evidence suggests that getting enough vitamin D could also enhance weight loss and decrease body fat. 2. Iron It plays a role in helping your body create energy from nutrients. Iron helps carry oxygen to all of the cells in your body, including your muscles. This then in turn helps them burn fat. 3. Magnesium Magnesium is necessary for energy production in the body. This mineral acts as a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems. These systems are responsible for a wide range of reactions in the body, including controlling blood glucose, regulating blood pressure and keeping bones strong. 4. B vitamins The main function of the B vitamins is to help your body metabolise carbohydrates, fats and proteins and to use the stored energy in food. B Vitamins are like the building blocks of a healthy body and have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism! B-complex vitamin supplement might be the simplest way to get these benefits into your diet, however there are plenty of foods that contain B vitamins as well! You will find most of the above vitamins and minerals available online at www.sallyanncreed.co.za/shop Join our Instagram Page @SallyAnn_Creed and subscribe to our newsletter: https://sallyanncreed.co.za/subscribe. You’ll receive free food lists from The Low-Carb Creed when you join. This post is subject to our general disclaimer https://sallyanncreed.co.za/disclaimer/.
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Interesting studies on Colds and Flu
Many studies have explored the relationship between taking Vitamin D3, Omega-3 fish oil and Vitamin C and the occurrence of colds and flu separately. What was found with regards to Colds and Flu occurence is the following: VITAMIN D3 ALONE. The percent of participants who experienced flu was 32% lower for those with a vitamin D level at or above 40 mg/ml compared to those with a level below 40 ng/ml. For colds it was 11% lower. Vitamin D3 appears to have a dramatic effect on the immune system. OMEGA-3 ALONE. The percent of participants who experienced flu was shown to be 38% lower for those who took Omega-3 regularly and for colds it was also 11% lower. VITAMIN C ALONE. The percent of participants who experienced flu was 32% lower for those who regularly took supplemental vitamin C. Compared to those who did not. For colds it was 9% lower. IN THOSE TAKING VITAMIN D, OMEGA-3, AND VITAMIN C COMBINED. The percent of participants who experienced flu in the 6 month study period was 72% lower for those with a vitamin D level at or above 40 ng/ml who also took Omega-3 fish oil and supplemental vitamin C. Really impressive and for colds it was 21% lower. You will find a very good Vitamin D3 Premium, Vitamin C and Omega-3 Fish oil at https://sallyanncreed.co.za/shop
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5 ways Collagen boosts thyroid health
We have SO many messages and testimonies of people who have had amazing results with our Pure Hydrolysed Collagen regarding thyroid health and function. Collagen, a crucial protein in the body, offers potential benefits for thyroid health. Firstly, collagen contains amino acids like glycine, proline, and arginine, which support the synthesis of thyroid hormones. These amino acids play a role in converting the inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into its active form (T3). Additionally, collagen provides structural support to the thyroid gland, promoting its optimal function. The protein also aids in reducing inflammation, which is vital as thyroid disorders often involve immune system imbalances. Collagen’s ability to support gut health is noteworthy, as a healthy gut contributes to better absorption of essential nutrients for thyroid function. Including collagen-rich foods or supplements in one’s diet may help enhance overall thyroid health by addressing various aspects like hormone synthesis, gland structure, and inflammation reduction. Furthermore, collagen’s role in promoting a healthy gut lining is pivotal for thyroid health. Leaky gut syndrome, where the intestinal barrier becomes permeable, is associated with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s disease. Our incredible Pure Hydrolysed Collagen can help maintain gut integrity, preventing the leakage of harmful substances into the bloodstream that might trigger an immune response against the thyroid. Moreover, collagen supports the production of other proteins necessary for tissue repair and regeneration, aiding in the recovery of damaged thyroid tissue. The anti-inflammatory properties of collagen contribute to managing chronic inflammation, a common factor in thyroid disorders. In conclusion, integrating collagen into your diet may offer a multifaceted approach to supporting thyroid health through its impact on hormone synthesis, structural support, gut integrity, and inflammation modulation. Here are some other ways collagen helps your thyroid health: 1. Collagen balances other PROTEINS in the body. Remember we MUST HAVE protein for a healthy thyroid gland (if you are suffering, here’s one quick way to improve it). In hypothyroid patients, tryptophan is converted to serotonin. This suppresses thyroid function further (by increasing other thyroid-suppressing hormones like cortisol and estrogen). This is where collagen comes to the rescue – there is NO tryptophan in collagen – that is just one reason it is so beneficial to the thyroid. 2. Collagen lowers CORTISOL in hypothyroidism, which lowers stress levels. Stress hormones block the conversion of T4 to T3 (the active hormone) in the liver – collagen boosts the liver’s ability to convert T4 to the active T3 form by lowering cortisol. Amazing. 3. Collagen lowers ENDOTOXIN, a thyroid-suppressive substance over-produced by intestinal bacteria – usually found in hypothyroidism. It over-burdens the liver, prevents detoxification of estrogen and cortisol and prevents healthy liver detoxification. Collagen is the most wonderful liver detoxifier. 4. Collagen boosts thyroid and METABOLIC RATE by regulating BLOOD SUGAR. Almost all of us need to be on a lower carb diet for good health. However hypothyroid sufferers do need more carbs in their diet – it’s a fact. The worst thing you can do if hypothyroid is to go into ketosis. Collagen helps to regulate blood sugar as you transition to a lower carb diet, as it will enable you to metabolise carbs without the need for extra insulin, and it will prevent a rise in blood sugar. Most hypothyroid sufferers are (or become) insulin resistant – and they have been shown to have more than 26% less glycine than they need – another reason glycine-rich collagen is helpful to hypothyroid and diabetic patients. 5. Lastly, collagen improves the thyroid’s ability to USE T3. Having adequate levels is not enough – you need to be able to UTILISE this T3. Collagen also helps to restore insulin sensitivity and help you reverse insulin resistance, thereby improving your thyroid health. Our amazing Pure Hydrolysed Collagen protein powder comes from grass-fed cows. It has no taste or smell, is non-GMO, and produced from only grass-fed cows. It’s also Halaal! You’ll find it at https://sallyanncreed.co.za/shop
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