Fasting, an ancient practice now gaining popularity, involves using your body's energy reserves for various benefits. These include weight loss, cancer prevention, improved brain function, enhanced cellular energy, autophagy for cellular cleanup, and better cardiovascular health. Different fasting methods like alternate day fasting, 5:2, or 18:6 offer flexibility. However, fasting isn't suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions, so professional guidance is crucial to reap its benefits safely. Properly executed, fasting can offer numerous advantages, but it requires careful consideration and guidance to avoid potential risks.

As we enter a new year and decade, many aim to improve their lives, but change can be tough. Mindset plays a crucial role, along with SMART goals. Language matters too; swap "resolution" for something meaningful like "non-negotiables." Know your why, seek support, and anticipate hurdles for lasting change.

Practice gratitude – every night before you got to bed, think or write down three things you are grateful for in your life. The more specific the better. This simple activity down-regulates the stress response allowing for better sleep.

These may seem quite basic for some of you, which is great. However, when we get busy, tired or simply change our routine, the basics can be the first to go. At this busy time of year, it is important to achieve a balance amongst the fun, food and friends and family, by honouring yourself with these health foundations

As warmer weather arrives, cold sores can be an unwelcome issue, often linked to stress and weakened immunity. Identifying personal triggers like weather, stress, food, hormones, and self-care is crucial for prevention. Understanding the five stages of cold sores is essential for proper treatment and preventing contagion. Sara Knight offers an eBook for comprehensive guidance.

Stomach acid plays a vital role in digestion and overall health. It breaks down proteins, safeguards against harmful bacteria, activates nutrients like B12, and initiates essential digestive processes. Many face low stomach acid due to stress, diet changes, and antacid use, leading to mood issues, microbiome imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and digestive problems. To optimize stomach acid:

1. Check chloride-rich foods like seaweed, celery, olives, and tomatoes.

2. Consider digestive bitters for gentle digestion stimulation.

3. Use apple cider vinegar or hydrochloric acid supplements with meals, unless you have certain conditions or sensitivities.

4. Remember, bitters are a temporary fix; finding the root cause is key for sustainable health.

Food plays a crucial role in gut, skin, and mood issues. It can lack nutrients, contain problematic chemicals, or not suit you. Changing your diet is challenging due to habits, time, and access. To succeed:

1. Research alternatives and read labels.

2. Create a meal plan and explore new recipes.

3. Prepare meals in advance.

4. Seek support from friends, online communities, or professionals. Consistent, not perfect changes lead to better health.

Quality sleep is vital for our well-being, yet the exact reasons for sleep remain mysterious. Lack of it leads to fatigue and mental fog. To gauge your sleep quality, ask: Do I wake up refreshed and tackle the day energetically? If not, try these tips:

• Aim for 8 hours of consistent sleep.

• Reduce screen time before bed.

• Establish a bedtime routine.

• Avoid intense exercise and heavy meals before sleep.

• Manage daytime stress, and address any sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Prioritize restorative sleep for better health and resilience.

Improving gut health involves piecing together a holistic health picture for clients. Stress is a common puzzle piece, with variations in its nature, impact, and responses. Today's world thrives on immediate responses, causing chronic stress. But is it making us healthier or more productive? Chronic stress leads to fatigue, erratic gut issues, hormonal imbalances, weight gain, low confidence, anxiety, depression, and addictions. Recognizing stress's impact is crucial, followed by addressing lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, exercise, mindset, and breathing to enhance stress resilience. Explore a self-paced Stress Resilience Program for more insights.

Balancing the Candida species in our microbiomes is crucial, like maintaining a harmonious apartment building. Overgrowth can lead to various physical and mental symptoms. Testing helps identify the issue and any related deficiencies. Treatment involves diet adjustments, antifungal herbs, probiotics, and yeast management, tailored with professional guidance for long-term success.

Histamine excess can cause various symptoms, from hayfever to eczema, anxiety, and gut problems. While histamine is essential, an overload can lead to issues. To alleviate symptoms:

1. Reduce histamine intake through diet and supplements.

2. Repair any damage caused, like skin barriers and mindset.

3. Identify the underlying cause, often related to poor gut health, enzymes, and bacterial imbalances. Working with a professional is crucial for achieving histamine balance.

When digestive symptoms persist despite a food intolerance-based diet, other factors like parasite or bacterial overgrowth, SIBO, stress, or candida may be at play. A faecal PCR test with an activity assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Treatment involves reducing overgrowth, restoring gut balance, and addressing other contributing conditions, taking time and careful consideration to support gut health.