I’m sure we all know someone who has suffered from prostate disease, usually prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) or, the most feared, prostate cancer. It really is the disease which seems to sneak up on men, particularly once they are over 50. Clinically, it can be difficult to tell these diseases apart, as they all have similar features.

Selenium is known to be extremely beneficial for our health because of its ability to activate the antioxidant enzyme known as glutathione peroxidase, which is present in the cells of our body.  This enzyme has been found to prevent the generation of free radicals, which cause the destruction of cell membranes and sometimes cause cancer growth.

The Good Mix has a range of gut-loving functional foods. Their range includes a Burger Premix, Bliss Ball Protein Ball Premix, a Fodmap-friendly Blend 11 as well as grain-free Paleo Blend 13 which are great breakfast or snack options.

Antipodes Skin Care is a New Zealand range and I love the innovative New Zealand botanicals included in this range. For instance, scientists found the seeds of sauvignon blanc grapes grown in New Zealand’s Marlborough region contained twice the levels of polyphenolic antioxidants than grapes grown elsewhere in the world and as we know, antioxidants are an essential skincare ingredient.

Have you been struggling a little over the past couple of years with all the ups and downs of life? Have you been wondering how well, or otherwise your state of health is? Often it may be worthwhile chatting to a naturopath or a nutritionist, which is why we are offering 15-minute health checks plus Detox & Weight Loss advice in store.

It’s interesting how we have seen so many super foods come out of South America over the past couple of decades.­ Most of these foods have been around for centuries, however have only become known to the rest of the world in recent times. One of these super foods is Maca powder which was an energising and revitalising super food of the Incas, being grown in the Andes in Peru.

Customers have found Maca helpful for –

·      Menopausal Symptoms

·      Osteoporosis

·      Low Libido

·      Adrenal Fatigue

·      Increasing Energy and Stamina

·      Stress and Anxiety 

This root is not only packed with vitamins and minerals, it also works amazingly well with the body’s endocrine system. The endocrine system is a structure of glands that produce our body’s hormones.  It is also responsible for secreting the hormones into our bloodstream or surrounding tissues as they are needed.

The immune system, nervous system and endocrine system essentially work together to ensure our body can cope with various events and stresses. Maca powder is what we call an ‘endocrine adaptogen’ which means it doesn’t in fact contain any hormones however, does contain the nutrients which we need to support their normal production. If your body is producing too much of a particular hormone, Maca may regulate the production downward. If you’re producing not enough, it may regulate this production upwards.

Maca is therefore a great supplement for all types of hormonal issues such as menopause, hot flushes and PMS. We have used this product very successfully for those problems. It may also be helpful for improving fertility as well as improving libido and sexual function. In fact, some know Maca as ‘nature’s Viagra’! Maca can be helpful for men as it boosts the androgenic hormone or testosterone levels, plus increases sperm fertility. It may be beneficial for both men and women who find their libido is waning.

Since Maca contains not only calcium but also magnesium and silica, it is a great supplement for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. It is found to be a very absorbable form of calcium.

Because Maca helps balance the endocrine system which includes the adrenals, pancreatic, pituitary and thyroid gland, it helps improve energy, endurance and mental balance. We have many customers taking Maca and reporting an increase in their energy levels. Many have also found Maca helps them cope with stress and anxiety and even mood swings. Maca is often used for adrenal fatigue as it nourishes the adrenals and reduces stress hormones.

If you are an athlete, Maca is a great supplement to include in your protein shake as it not only helps with energy but also endurance. It is said to also help increase muscle mass when exercising regularly.

Maca can be taken in a capsule or as a powder.  When you first start, maybe kick off with just 1 teaspoon a day of Maca powder, which you can increase to a dessertspoon daily. I either add it to my smoothie, fresh juice or sprinkle over my muesli. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we would advise against supplementing with Maca powder.

For more information on Maca Powder or any other health issue, call to see the girls at Go Vita, your health shop in North Street, Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737. Don’t forget to tune into Bev and Kimmi on 2EC every Wednesday after 12.30 pm.

Many often supplement with protein powders in conjunction with thermogenics to lose weight. I’ve often written about the importance of protein in our diet. Most of us have a diet quite high in carbohydrates and low in protein. Every cell in our body needs protein to maintain its life, with protein being essential for tissue repair and construction of new tissue. Using a protein powder is an easy way to ensure we have sufficient protein in our diet.

I’ve written recently about the benefits of detoxing. Often, when we undertake a detox, we may find we lose a few kilos. For some however, they need some extra assistance when it comes to weight loss and for some years, many have supplemented with Garcinia Cambogia for weight loss.

I’ve been writing recently about undertaking a detox at this time of the year to get our health back on track. Sometimes, it’s also worthwhile thinking about incorporating a parasite cleanse with your detox.

Problems with constipation and bowel elimination are extremely common. This can often be because of poor eating habits however it can also be caused by food intolerances, an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the bowel, stress and sometimes dehydration.