Autumn is almost upon us – which means it’s the season of all things spicy! I decided to take a look at eight popular spices to see what benefits each of them can offer to our health. Cinnamon Cinnamon has many health benefits! It can kill bacteria, viruses, and […]
Blueberries Blueberries are very high in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals. When there are more free radicals than antioxidants, the skin begins to show signs of aging, so eating foods that contain a lot of antioxidants can help to reduce premature aging of the skin. Blueberries can also […]
Studies have shown that being a positive thinker can have a beneficial impact on both your physical and mental health. One study of 70,000 women conducted from 2004 to 2012 found that women who were optimistic had a significantly lower risk of dying from several major causes of death, including […]
You may think of quinoa (keen-wah) as a grain, but in fact it’s actually a seed! A few years ago it seemed to suddenly appear on the food scene, and since then it has continued to grow in popularity, now being considered by many to be a specialty food because […]
A lot of us have probably felt that knot in our stomach when we’re stressed, or a loss of appetite due to nerves. Most people are aware that what we eat has an effect on our physical health, but did you realise that there is also a link between our […]
Breakfast is often said to be the most important meal of the day. For most of us, it’s probably more of a case of grabbing whatever’s quick and easy before getting on with our daily routine. But when I think of delicious, relaxed breakfasts, I associate the idea with being […]
Bananas are a very versatile and popular fruit – and they are also very healthy! They are high in many nutrients such as fiber, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, vitamins B6 and C, and they’re also high in protein. Because bananas are a good source of fiber, they can help to […]
Why do we experience cravings? It’s not usually because we need energy, but it’s actually because our body is calling for a dopamine boost. If you get a craving while you’re hungry it can be very difficult to resist! From birth humans generally prefer the taste of sweet things, and […]
Soy is a pretty controversial food – many people believe it’s super healthy with a wide array of potential benefits, while others say that it poses risks to health and should be avoided. Let’s examine some evidence. One concern people have is that soy products are linked to a higher […]
Everyone knows that having a regular sleep routine and reducing screen time in the evening helps with sleep issues, but what are some other natural remedies you can use to help you doze off? I’ve compiled a list of ideas to try! Lavender Lavender is well known for its soothing […]
In the past few years, many people have made the decision to cut out all animal products, and go completely vegan. But what are the health benefits to this diet? Are there any potential dangers to health? Let’s find out! The first benefit is that a vegan diet tends to […]
All sugar is bad and you should cut it out completely We repeatedly hear that we should be eating less sugar, or even that we should cut it out entirely. This isn’t completely true. Naturally occurring sugars such as those found in fruits and milk come along with many vitamins, […]
Antioxidants Cocoa is high in antioxidants – in fact, it’s one of the richest sources of polyphenols in our diets. These have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, as well as improving cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. They also have a positive impact on blood flow and brain function. […]
The following recipes serve 2 people. Healthy Hot Chocolate Hot chocolate is a winter staple for many of us, but it usually contains a lot of sugar. Here’s a delicious version you can make which uses unsweetened ingredients and maple syrup as a healthier alternative to sugar! You […]
As the second phase of lockdown has begun and beauty salons are once again closed, here is how you can pamper yourself with a DIY facial at home! Products Start by gathering your products. You’ll need a cleanser/make-up remover, toner, exfoliator, mask, and moisturiser. Here are some ideas if you […]
Chewing gum is pretty normal – but are there any negative side effects? How about any benefits? Firstly, let’s consider some potentially harmful ingredients that can be found in many types of chewing gum, then I’ll explain what the benefits are. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) BHT is a slightly controversial ingredient […]
Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s really the best thing to eat to start your day. What will give you energy, keep you full, and give you the nutrients you need? Here’s a few ideas for the best breakfast foods! Eggs Eggs are an inexpensive option, and they’re full […]
On a typical morning, before I can fully focus on work I need my coffee hit. Sometimes I feel pretty dependent on it if I’m honest. I recently came across an article which piqued my interest – it was a list of ways to beat morning fatigue, and coffee wasn’t […]
As promised in the last blog, I have compiled a list of 10 simple tips we can put into practice to help us stop getting distracted from important things, decrease our screen-time, and avoid higher risk of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other health issues. It’s easier said than done, but […]
Most people have either a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or all of these gadgets, so it’s not surprising that increasing numbers of people are almost constantly online nowadays. It stands to reason that this will have some effects on our mental health. So let’s examine the possible impacts, and […]
It seems like a fairly common belief that bones heal stronger than they were before. I’ve certainly heard this myself so let’s take a look in more depth to see if there’s any truth in this statement! So how does a broken bone heal? The body’s first reaction after a […]
We all know that what we eat impacts our physical health, but consistent evidence shows that our diet does also have an effect on our mental wellbeing. For our brain to function properly, we need to be getting the right amount of nutrients, so it’s logical that the food we […]
Stress & Depression Spending time in nature is a great way to reduce stress, and having indoor plants in your home and office can help to slow the heart-rate, lower anxiety, lift the mood, and keep blood pressure low. Studies have shown that caring for and looking at plants can […]
Why is plastic harmful? One reason that plastic is worryingly dangerous is that it literally never goes away. It is made to last forever and cannot biodegrade – yet many things made of plastic are disposed of after one one use! Another thing to note is the danger that plastic […]
African black soap is an all-natural soap made from plant-based ingredients found in Africa, and traditionally is free from dyes, fragrances and chemicals. Personally, I use it every night to cleanse my face and I swear by it – it noticeably improved my skin very quickly and I’ve used it […]
Kefir is very popular in eastern Europe and Asia, and for good reason! There are many health benefits that come from consuming it. If you don’t know what it is, kefir is a cultured, fermented milk drink, similar to yogurt but with a tart, sour taste. So what are some […]
Positive thinking is like a muscle that needs to be trained. But that is definitely easier said than done! So here are a few tips on how to alter your mindset, leading to a happier and healthier life. The first tip is to accept what you can’t change. Stop focusing […]
As promised, here is a continuation of the list of simple self-care you can introduce to your daily life. (Here is part one!) Try something new It’s very good for us when we try something we’ve never done before. Challenging yourself with something outside our comfort zone can give […]
Self-care is a term that is banded about a lot, but it’s generally much easier said than done. What exactly is self-care? Essentially, it’s anything that we deliberately do for the sake of our own well-being. Unfortunately, the lines between self-care and self-indulgence have been blurred a little. Self-care is […]
Fish You may have heard that seafood should be completely avoided during pregnancy. Contrary to this, the benefits of eating fish while pregnant actually far outweigh the risks. Fish is rich in many essential nutrients such as omega-3, vitamin D, choline, iodine, zinc and copper, which are very beneficial for […]
Fruity Iced Tea What you need: -Fruit tea bag -Boiled water -Strawberry -Slice of lemon -Sweetener -1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar (optional) -Ice How to make it: Boil the water, and pour into a mug with your fruit tea bag. Add a sliced up strawberry and a slice […]
Olive Oil Probably the most popular choice, olive oil is both versatile and healthy. It can raise good cholesterol levels and lower bad ones, as well as being full of antioxidants and nutrients. It also tastes great and doesn’t alter the taste of food. A major downside to extra virgin […]
It’s pretty much an indisputable fact that low-carb diets work – in fact there have been over 20 high-quality studies conducted to prove it. Additionally, these diets seem to be very safe to follow, with no major side-effects. They’ve also been shown to have many health benefits such as lowering […]
Most of us are aware of the impact too much sugar can have on our physical health – such as causing problems with our dental health, weight gain, widespread inflammation, or diabetes. However, it’s less commonly acknowledged just how damaging high sugar intake can be on our mental health. One […]
There have been some suggestions that if a person with a vitamin D deficiency catches COVID-19, it could be one contributing factor to a more severe case of the virus.. After studying global data, some researchers have noticed that there is a correlation – countries with higher death rates had […]
You may be surprised at the amount of benefits to your health come from something as simple as walking! So let’s get straight into it, here are 8 of the best ways daily walking can improve your health… Burns calories Daily walking is a great low-impact exercise to burn […]
How can we stay positive and healthy during this lockdown? Here are a few wellbeing tips and general ways to help you stay sane… Limit exposure to bad news… It’s important to stay informed, but there’s a lot of misinformation out there which is only going to heighten anxious […]
Using coconut oil on your skin can prevent harmful microorganisms from growing. This is because it contains lauric acid, which is the most effective type of fatty acid in fighting against the growth of bacteria. Another fatty acid found in coconut oil is capric acid, which is also antimicrobial as […]
Cinnamon Cinnamon is very healthy- it has lots of antioxidants and many health benefits. However, it also contains a compound called coumarin, which may be harmful in big doses. There are 2 main types of cinnamon – cassia and ceylon. Cassia is much more common and contains higher amounts […]
It’s quite a common belief that vegetables are healthier when consumed raw. However, this isn’t always true, as there are some veggies that are better for you when cooked! Here’s a list with some examples of veggies that are healthier when cooked: Tomatoes When cooked, tomatoes lose a lot […]
For many of us in the western world, especially women, losing weight is almost always on our mind. There is so much information available nowadays about losing weight, that it’s hard to know what is accurate and what is not. Many of us who do try to be conscious of […]
What is complementary therapy? Complementary therapy can be used alongside conventional medicine to help treat a medical condition. Examples of such therapy include acupuncture, which has become increasingly popular in many countries, and aromatherapy which many people have been using for years. Such therapy is based on a […]
Recently I started cutting down on carbs, and generally trying to make healthier food choices. One discovery I have made is that cauliflower is a fantastic replacement for many carby foods – it’s got quite a neutral taste and texture, so it’s very versatile! With this in mind, I thought […]
When you need energy… My favourite tea to drink in the morning has always been black tea – I find that it gives me just the right energy boost to help me wake up! Black tea comes in many different varieties including Breakfast Tea, Assam, Earl Grey, fruit-infused and more. […]
Nuts are a popular snack – they’re tasty, inexpensive and filling. They are also very nutritious and have many health benefits. So what exactly are the benefits of nuts? Well, as mentioned, they contain a lot of nutrients – including fiber, copper, magnesium, vitamin E, selenium, manganese and phosphorus. They […]
Collagen is becoming a popular supplement, with many believing that it reduces aging, improves muscle mass and aids weight loss. So let’s see if these beliefs are supported by evidence and science! Collagen is a protein that gives skin elasticity, as well as keeping bones strong. With age, our bodies […]
What is burnout? Two good definitions of burnout are: “A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by long term involvement in emotionally demanding situations.” – Ayala Pines and Elliot Aronson. “A state of fatigue or frustration brought about by devotion to a cause, way of life, or relationship […]
I remember a few years ago (or maybe more than a few…) there was a sudden trend for ‘brain training’ exercises and games. As with most trends, it fizzled out after a while and now it seems no one is fussed about giving their brains a workout. However, there are […]
Here at The Comfoot Zone, one of the treatments Deborah offers is Reflexology. You may have heard of it, but what exactly is it, and who can benefit from it? Reflexology is a type of massage that can be done on the hands or feet (here at The Comfoot Zone, […]
Every day I start my day pretty much the same – I roll out of bed and head straight for the kettle to make myself a cup of Earl Grey! But I got to wondering – is Earl Grey actually good for me? I decided to do some research and […]
When you sprain your ankle, for the first few days it’s best to rest it, apply ice and keep it elevated as much as possible. But when it starts to feel a little better, there are some exercises you can do to strengthen it. Firstly, you can exercise the range […]
As adults, many of us will suffer with lower back pain at some point. Here are some simple stretches you can do to strengthen your lower back and help to alleviate/prevent pain. Partial Sit-Ups Lie on your back with your knees bent, your feet flat on the floor, and your […]
What is Coenzyme Q10? It is a compound that is produced by our bodies and is stored in the mitochondria of the cells. It isn’t considered to be a vitamin, but it has similar properties such as assisting with reactions in the body. It is produced naturally in the body, […]
What is Frozen shoulder? It’s a condition that is caused when the tissue in your shoulder joint gradually becomes thick and tight, causing pain and stiffness, and sometimes swelling. The pain can cause the person with frozen shoulder to stop moving it, which can lead to increased stiffness. What causes […]
I’ve written a post before about the fact that many runners think they need to buy bigger shoes for running, and why doing so actually causes more harm than good. But recently my attention was drawn to a study which set out to see whether there actually is a major […]
Most of us have those nights now and then where we either can’t get to sleep at all, or we have some sleep but it’s not very good quality. But according to experts, there are a few things you can do to help yourself to fall into a refreshing, deep […]
During summer, most people naturally look for a nice cool treat on hot day – and often that treat is ice-cream. Others, however, tend to choose sorbet because they conclude that it’s healthier. Is that actually true? Let’s compare the two! Most ice-creams are made using full fat milk and […]
Fed up of shelling out money for cleaning products which are full of chemicals? Here’s how you can make your own simple cleaning concoctions, and they are all completely cruelty-free! All-purpose Cleaner: You need to get a spray bottle, and add half a cup of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons […]
The city I live in has rental bikes everywhere at a very cheap price, so I’ve decided that this year I want to try cycling as a new way of exercising. But I was wondering, what are the benefits of cycling? Let’s take a look! Firstly, cycling is a good […]
Blog by Hatti It’s getting round to that time of year where we can ditch our coats and jumpers in favour of shorts and maybe the casual light jacket. But what about our feet? Don’t they deserve to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine too? It is surprising how many […]
Papaya is rich in vitamin C – one fruit contains about 300% of the recommended daily amount! It’s also full of other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including high levels of vitamin A and fiber! It contains active enzymes which are highly beneficial for your skin. You can use it with […]
Coffee. Some people avoid it, others can’t get enough, but is it really bad for you? While there are some potentially negative effects, you may be surprised to learn that coffee actually has many health benefits, and may even add to your life! So let’s look at the positive and […]
Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant, so it boosts the immune system and helps the body fight against inflammation. Additionally, it helps in the production of collagen, which is a substance that makes up about 30% of our bones, and it’s what enables them to be resilient. Vitamin C […]
I came down with a cold recently, but rather than taking the usual time of a week to feel like a human again, it only took me 3 days, and within 4 days I was back to normal! This has never happened before! As you know, we always swear by […]
Onion Onions are surprisingly high in nutrients – including B vitamins, potassium, and a high amount of vitamin C. They are full of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, and research shows that they may help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and inflammation. Other promising studies have shown that onions […]
Chamomile Tea The main benefit of this tea is as a sleep aid, but it is also believed to be anti-inflammatory, ant-bacterial, and to help improve liver health. It has been shown to boost the immune system, helping to fight illnesses such as the common cold. Its soothing properties have […]
In the middle of winter our feet are often neglected as they’re not on display. But it’s important to look after our feet all year round. Wash and moisturise your feet regularly, especially as you get older, as the skin on your feet gets very dry, and even more so […]
The chemical in question is actually a family of man-made chemicals called Phthalates. Firstly, what are they? They are chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible, and they are found in many everyday products – including food! So what kind of products contain phthalates? Everything from cosmetics such as […]
You shouldn’t swim after eating! When you eat, your body increases blood flow to your stomach to aid with digestion, which means less oxygen is available for your arms and legs, which can lead to cramps. But considering this was something we were told as kids, it was […]
Eggs Eggs are loaded with nutrients, they contain a small amount of almost every nutrient you need! They raise your HDL, helping to prevent many health problems including heart disease! They also contain substances which are really beneficial for eye health. Butter Butter is great for you in moderation. […]
People with diabetes may be aware that they need to take extra care with their feet, but why is it so important? A high blood sugar level causes damage to nerves and leads to poor circulation, so it can result in loss of feeling in the feet. This lack of […]
I’ve previously written a post about how amazing lavender oil is, but another essential oil (which in my opinion really is essential) is tea tree oil! In our household it’s kind of like how the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding uses Windex for everything… There are […]
Inflammation is suggested to be the root of all disease, and it usually stems from your gut. Suffering from inflammation causes your immune system to work harder, and this has a huge impact on your health. As you can imagine, what we eat is very important when it comes […]
Do you know your correct foot size? Does it always stay the same? Does it matter? Let’s look at some facts! Several studies have found that around 75% of people are wearing the wrong shoe size (length and width)! This can cause many foot problems, such as bunions, hammertoes […]
As promised, here is part 2 of this post, discussing a further 5 natural products that help to prevent colds/flu, or help to alleviate the symptoms quicker if you catch one! Turmeric/Black Pepper Turmeric is anti-viral, and even a small amount is enough to inhibit the activity of […]
So winter is on its way, and already there’s been some nasty colds making the rounds! I was unfortunate enough to catch one, and in my frantic attempts to get well quickly, I ended up researching lots of natural cold remedies, and testing them out! Unfortunately I already had […]
I’ve worked in the foot care business for over 10 years now, so I’ve heard lots of misconceptions about feet in that time! Here’s a few ideas that are commonly believed to be facts, some of which are partially untrue, and others are complete myths! Shoes cause bunions. It seems […]
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the world’s number one killer, claiming 17.5 million lives every year. World Heart Day aims to raise awareness for this, and to educate people on how to prevent and control CVD. So how can each of us look after our heart? Here’s a few simple […]
We rely on our feet a lot, and considering how much we use them, it’s not surprising that most people encounter foot problems from time to time. But many of these foot problems are not only treatable, but preventable too! Here’s a list of 5 common foot problems and […]
Summer is coming to an end- that means the socks will be going on and our feet will no longer be on show! It also means that when spring rolls around, there will be a sudden need to get our feet looking and feeling good again before we’re back in […]
Music and dancing are a big part of many cultures. Often when we hear music, we can’t help but tap our feet or sway our hips to the rhythm. But did you know that dancing actually has many proven health benefits too? Boosts Memory/Decision Making Physical exercise increases oxygen […]
What is Cortisol? Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands (which sit above each kidney). It is often referred to as the ‘stress hormone’, because it’s produced in response to stress (physical or emotional) or fear. What does it do? Without a healthy level of cortisol […]
Unfortunately, most of us lead hectic, challenging lives that cause us to feel stressed a lot of the time. When we are stressed, our cortisol levels rise, which negatively affects us both physically and mentally (I’ll write a blog soon with more information about cortisol)- so what are some natural […]
What Is Inflammation? Inflammation is when part of the body reacts to injury or infection by turning red, swollen, hot and often painful. It is an immune response which indicates that the body is fighting something harmful and trying to heal itself. So it may not feel good- but […]
Every day, around 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into our oceans, and approximately 5000 pieces of marine plastic pollution have been found per mile of beach here in the UK! Plastic can take up to 1000 years to break down in the environment! These pieces […]
What is a fever? A fever is when the body temperature rises- although if it’s below 38 C it’s considered a low-grade fever and is not medically significant. The rise in temperature kick-starts an immune response to a bacteria or a virus, since these cannot survive in a high […]
In the past few years, my family has suffered with various health problems which have led them to alter their diets. Currently my sister is trying a dairy-free diet, and in a few days time I’m going to join her! We have been experimenting with different milk alternatives, so I […]
Here at The Comfoot Zone, we now offer a new treatment- Indian Head Massage. Maybe you’ve heard of it- maybe you haven’t- but what are the benefits? One huge benefit of Indian Head Massage is that it helps relieve back/neck pain, as well as migraines and headaches. These things […]
Diabetes is a serious lifelong condition that affects around 3.5 million people in the UK. There are 2 types of diabetes- known as Type 1 and Type 2, and 90% of those with diabetes have Type 2. Experts estimate that there could be as many as half a million people […]
As you probably know, we love natural products- and there are so many benefits to using chemical-free skincare. This article will discuss a factor that we don’t really see addressed often despite the fact that it is vital to having healthy skin- and that factor is that our skin needs […]
4.5 million people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma, and the cold weather, such as that we’ve been experiencing this winter, can often be a trigger. So how can those who suffer with asthma protect themselves at this time of year? Firstly, it’s important for […]
This Friday- 26th January- marks Australia’s biggest national holiday- Australia Day! When we heard about this, we realized just how many of our products come from Australia! Our footwear range- Vionic– was originally designed by Australian podiatrist Dr Phillip Vasyli in order to realign the feet to the natural […]
So, as with most people, at the end of the year I indulged in too much food so now it’s January it’s time to try to be healthy! It’s been going ok, except sometimes a girl (or guy) just NEEDS chocolate, right?! So I decided to experiment with some […]
As discussed in a previous blog post, many people quietly suffer from illnesses that are unseen by others. If you have a loved one who has an invisible illness such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression, Anxiety, or something else, it can be hard to know what you should and shouldn’t […]
Here at The Comfoot Zone, one of our most popular treatments is Physiotherapy. Many people may link Physiotherapy to recovering after an accident, and that is certainly one reason a person may need a session. But is it limited to helping those who have sustained a serious injury? What […]
Recently, I was referred to a melanoma specialist to get something checked out. Luckily, it was a false alarm, but it made me aware of something I hadn’t realised before- melanoma can occur on the skin under the toenail. As I researched it online, I saw that many people […]
September is Sepsis awareness month, and today (13th September) is World Sepsis Day! Every 3.5 seconds someone in the world dies from Sepsis, yet when caught early enough it can be cured simply with antibiotics and fluids! It costs only £90 to save a life from Sepsis. What is Sepsis? […]
Throughout our lives, we are given random pieces of advice, and sometimes they stick and we insist on doing certain things, or avoiding certain things. I decided to explore some of things I’ve been told, and see if they have any truth in them! Advice: After washing my hair, I […]
What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a treatment originating in the Orient, and it involves inserting very fine sterile needles into certain parts of the body. How does it work? The needle is inserted to stimulate the sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles, in order to encourage a […]
Recently I wrote about some natural homemade face masks! As some of them contained honey and yogurt, I thought I would do a vegan edition! So here is some face masks for different skin types, all totally vegan! Dry Skin 1/2 avocado 1/2 banana Mash together, apply to a […]
