Preventing falls in older people

Written by Sundial Clinics Friday, 28 January 2011 06:01

A wonderful new study suggests that falls in older people can be prevented by a simple series of exercises. Exercises that work on balance, strength and gait could be helpful. The researchers highlight TaiChi as being a good example of this sort of exercise.

If you are concerned about falling yourself or concerned about a relative we would recommend a balance, flexibility and strength check up at Sundial prior to a new exercise regime. We can advise on what would be the most suitable exercise for you.

The “Right” Fats for Weight Loss

Written by ShirleyWard Thursday, 20 January 2011 08:44

Is avoiding all fats the most effective way to lose weight?

Sundial’s Nutritionist, Shirley Ward provides some clarification:

The “Right” Fats for Weight Loss:

Believe it or not, certain dietary fats really can help towards weight loss, but only if you make the right choices.  We all know eating too much red meat and full-fat dairy is closely linked with weight gain, due to their high saturated fat content.  But the good news is you can help achieve weight control by ensuring regular consumption of “essential” fats, so named as the body actively needs and uses these to function efficiently.

“Essential” fats are one of the three key food groups we need to consume daily to attain good health.  Our bodies can’t produce these fats, so we need to ensure a regular supply through dietary sources such as oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies), flax seeds/oil, avocados, un-salted nuts and seeds.  These can help towards achieving blood sugar balance, which is a key factor in weight loss and control.  Incorporating oily fish twice a week, ½ an avocado 3 times a week, a small handful of unsalted nuts or seeds every day or a daily tablespoon of flax seed oil (can be drizzled over porridge/salads/soups) are ways of helping achieve this goal.

A final thought for weight control: in excess, saturated fats can actually reduce levels of “essential” fats, so work against your goal of weight loss and control.

A “Natural” Anti-inflammatory: a variety of studies also confirm the anti-inflammatory properties within “essential” fats, which may help towards reducing both back and joint inflammation and pain.  Studies confirm supplementing with pure fish oil capsules or flax seed oil capsules may provide some arthritis and back pain sufferers with effective relief from inflammation and pain (though check with your GP first if on medication).

Interested in more weight loss tips?  Visit my nutritional therapy page on 19^th January to learn about “fat busting” vitamins.

Visit www.downtoearthnutrition.co.uk to find out how nutritional therapy can help you achieve your health goals.

The above is provided as general nutritional advice.

Fat burning vitamins

Written by Sundial Clinics Thursday, 20 January 2011 10:57

Sundial’s nutritionist Shirley Ward explains how eating certain foods really can help towards weight loss:

If you regularly suffer from joint pain and back pain then reducing excess weight can certainly have a beneficial effect.

For sustainable weight loss you need to achieve an efficient metabolic rate (the rate at which you turn food into energy not fat).  Studies show vitamin C, B vitamins and magnesium really can help control how efficiently your body burns fat.

Avoid dementia and keeping you brain healthy

Written by Sundial Clinics Tuesday, 18 January 2011 01:26

With the New Year now in its stride you may be pondering New Year resolutions. To help you we’ve put together a few resources on nutrition and exercise especially relating to brain health for 2011. There is a lot that we can do to keep our brain sharp from taking the right vitamins and other supplements to playing brain games. Memory loss affects us all from time to time but here are a few tips and other resources to help avoid it.

Is Avoiding All Fats The Most Effective Way to Lose Weight?

Written by ShirleyWard Thursday, 13 January 2011 05:31

Sundial’s Nutritionist, Shirley Ward provides some clarification:

The “Right” Fats for Weight Loss

Believe it or not, certain dietary fats really can help towards weight loss, but only if you make the right choices.  We all know eating too much red meat and full-fat dairy is closely linked with weight gain, due to their high saturated fat content.  But the good news is you can help achieve weight control by ensuring regular consumption of “essential” fats, so named as the body actively needs and uses these to function efficiently.

Effective Weight Loss Tips

Written by Sundial Clinics Tuesday, 11 January 2011 03:13

by Sundial’s nutritionist, Shirley Ward

To achieve sustainable weight loss its important to make the right food choices and to understand what the body requires to achieve this.  You’ll be pleased to hear diets don’t work!! Read on for effective, proven weight loss tips.