Latest news with #Holland&Barrett
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I had a spoon of Manuka Honey every day to help with hayfever - the results shocked me'
There are claims that Manuka honey and its antimicrobial MGO can help ease the symptoms of hayfever, but does it work? Editor Harriet Morphy-Morris tested it for 11 days A blocked nose, headache and itchy eyes that swell in the morning - like millions of people in the UK - I struggle with these hayfever symptoms in the spring and summer. To see if it was possible to ease my symptoms, I tested out the Manuka honey theory. Dubbed a solution to 'help fight allergies and hay fever', Manuka honey is being explored as a potential relief for symptoms. Although not a straight cure, the natural product is filled with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are said to help sufferers with their symptoms. But how much relief does it give? Intrigued by the growing attention, I tried it out for myself. Taking a teaspoon of Manuka Doctor MGO honey every morning for 11 days - and I've been left shocked by some of the relief I've felt. Currently offering a discount in its 'summer wellness sale', Manuka Doctor has cut its honey price by as much as 65%. For those like me looking to try and relieve their symptoms this is a chance to get it for less. I tried three different strengths of honey - a simple multifloral of 70 MGO, a premium quality 540 MGO one and a 1000 MGO Max Strength one. On sale as we speak, the 55 MGO honey is reduced from £34 to £11.60. For a max strength and boosted chance to help with symptoms, the higher 640 MGO manuka honey is now £40.60 instead of its usual £116 price. It's not only honey, Manuka Doctor also offers Allergy Relief Supplements for a much cheaper price - £6.30 for 30 capsules. Now, I haven't tried these out for myself, but they could be an alternative for those who don't like the taste of honey but still want the benefits. The honey brand I used: Manuka Doctor Harvested in New Zealand, their bee hives are lab-checked to meet standards and certified for hive-to-home use. The brand is reportedly backed by experts, including health professionals and doctors, including ITV 's Dr Hilary Jones MBE. The key part of this is MGO—or methylglyoxal. Without going into too much scientific waffle, the molecule is vital in helping the body's natural healing process and regulating its immune response. Of course, it's not the only brand around. Holland & Barrett offers 70 MGO honey for £22.49. LookFantastic also offers a 'Manuka Honey Blend' with 30+ MGO for £9.50. Four ways I added Manuka Honey to my daily diet I took a teaspoon of the strongest 1000 MGO honey each morning, this way I kept it consistent and made sure I was having the same strength each day. But I did add in other doses with my meals. My next favourite way of having it was for breakfast, drizzled over a yoghurt bowl or blitzed up in a smoothie. The latter was a simple way to mask the taste for those not keen on the flavour. It was also simple to do during my lunches and dinners. Three or four times, I added a teaspoon of honey to homemade salad dressings. Keen cooks out there could also use it in a meat marinade. One of my favourite dishes was halloumi hot honey, to which I just added some chilli flakes. How long did it take to feel hayfever relief? At time of writing I've been having helpings of Manuka honey for 11 days straight. I started on July 13 and have consistently taken a spoonful of honey each morning (some neat, others added into my breakfast or morning cuppa). By day eight, I could confidently say that I'd felt some relief in my hayfever symptoms, my itchy eyes had reduced, and I was sneezing less. The most improvement, which I started to feel on day three, was with my throat. Dry and inflamed, hay fever has always given me a sore throat, but trialling the manuka honey has definitely helped. As well as the high MGO contents - I think that this is likely down to the simple fact that honey is soothing, and even shop-bought honey is a popular remedy for colds - like hot honey and lemon tea. Is Manuka Honey enough to help ease Hayfever symptoms? After 11 days, I have felt a huge lift in my symptoms. Mainly, the lack of blocked nose, itchy eyes, and sore throat. All of which have nearly disappeared. However, it has not helped the skin symptoms I get with hayfever at all - which is puffiness around the eyes and rash. Another thing I noticed is the taste of stronger MGO honey is so different to the sickly sweet supermarket honey I am used to - the taste took getting used to. This is where I agree that Manuka honey shouldn't be seen as a cure but rather something to try to help ease the symtoms. And going forward I will start taking an antihistamine daily to help - like Allevia which is available at Amazon for £7.59 (please consult with your doctor first).
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
TRNSMT goers urged to pack one item this weekend to stay hydrated in 29C heatwave
This weekend is set to be scorcher and enjoying music is thirsty work Scots are set to sweat this weekend at TRNSMT, as 150,000 revellers descend on Glasgow Green in a 29C heatwave hotter than Tenerife. But although many festival-goers will be glad of the sun, it's important to stay safe throughout the festival that lasts from July 11 until July 13. Drinking alcohol dehydrates your body, and boozing combined with searing heat can be a dangerous combination that could lead to heat stroke. So, while you're watching 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro or Snow Patrol this weekend with a few drinks, you need to be keeping yourself hydrated as well. With this in mind, Nick Hird, hydration expert at Vidrate, has shared his advice on how to stay hydrated when drinking alcohol during TRNSMT. Here is his expert advice. How to stay hydrated at TRNSMT Drink electrolytes Nick says: 'One way you can help to lessen the effects of dehydration from drinking alcohol is to supplement your consumption of alcohol with electrolyte powders. "When you lose fluids from drinking alcohol, you also lose electrolytes so replenishing them helps your body retain water more effectively." The expert recommends drinking an electrolyte sachet in water before having alcohol to pre-hydrate and help mitigate the dehydrating effects of alcohol. He also advises having one before bed after boozing, or the next morning, to help replenish lost fluids and minerals such as potassium and sodium. Those shopping for affordable electrolyte powders ahead of this weekend may opt for this discounted pack of 16 sachets in lemon and lime flavour, currently £13.99 on Amazon for Prime Day. Alternatively, Holland & Barrett offers a handy tube of zero sugar dissolving electrolyte tablets in lemon flavour for just a fiver. Alternate your drinks Nick explains: 'When drinking alcoholic drinks, there is a hack that can help prevent you from becoming dehydrated known as 'Zebra striping'. 'Zebra striping refers to drinking one glass of water, or another non-alcoholic drink, for every alcoholic drink that you consume. "This means that whilst the alcohol is having dehydrating effects, the water helps to prevent this from being too severe, helping you to remain hydrated and hopefully help with the hangover the next day too.' Sip water, but don't chug Nick shares: 'If you feel dehydrated, you likely just want to drink large volumes of water really quickly to help you stop feeling the effect of dehydration. "However, drinking large volumes of water in a short amount of time can actually be detrimental and cause you other problems, such as inducing nausea and even vomiting in some cases, due to the levels of sodium in your system diluting down to dangerous levels. 'Alternatively, it is best to sip on water over a longer period of time to prevent your sodium levels from diluting.' While metal or hard plastic bottles are on the list of forbidden items for TRNSMT, festival goers are allowed to bring in a collapsible bottle that hold 500ml of water or less. If you don't already have one, some cheap options are available, such as this one from Amazon, which currently retails at a discounted £8.39 Alternatively, this Decathlon option from Argos is available for £12. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
South Wales Argus
01-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Should I take Vitamin D in the summer? All you need to know
However, some people might wonder if they may need to take supplements during the summer months. The vitamin helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. In the winter months, when there is less sunlight, people are encouraged to take Vitamin D supplements so that they can continue to get a healthy dose. During the summer months, there is usually more sunlight for people to absorb, but the question about supplements might still be in the minds of some. Do I need to take Vitamin D in the summer? The health food chain Holland & Barrett explains that Vitamin D supplements may be needed in the summer, depending on what a person's lifestyle is like. They said: "If you spend time outside in the sun every day without SPF or covering up too much of your skin, you'll probably be ok. "The same goes for people who eat a lot of vitamin D-rich foods like red meat, whole eggs, oily fish and fortified juice/plant milk or breakfast cereals." Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body (Image: Getty Images) People need a daily dose of Vitamin D, so it can be necessary if you haven't been out in the sun during the day. Holland & Barrett added: "It's all too easy to go a day here and there without getting some decent sunlight or eating foods with vitamin D during our delightful British summers, so a supplement can be considered a 'fail-safe' option." How much sunlight do you need to create Vitamin D? The NHS does not know exactly how long you need to spend in sunlight to make enough Vitamin D. Holland & Barrett said: "During April all the way up to the end of September, they recommend going out in the sun for short periods (around 5-30 minutes) with no sunscreen on, and forearms, hands and lower legs exposed.6 "The optimum time for good sunlight is considered somewhere between 11am and 3pm – or whenever the sun starts to shine through your window, begging you to get outside for a break!" Recommended reading: What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency? Symptoms that people need to look out for that could indicate Vitamin D deficiency include: Fatigue Bone pain or achiness Hair loss Muscle weakness Loss of appetite Getting sick more easily Pale skin To help recover from this, take a daily Vitamin D supplement, eat foods rich in the nutrient or spend some time in direct sunlight.
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
From mushrooms to guarana – three products to help you prevent dehydration
AS I've signed up to this summer's Manchester Half marathon I'm going to be doing some (sweaty) training, so prioritising hydration is crucial. When we sweat we don't just lose water but vital minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium too. Maintaining their balance is vital to prevent dehydration and electrolytes are key. I've put three – which also have added extras – to the test. PROTEIN 3 The HydroProtein Elixir has electrolytes for hydration ELLE Macpherson's company WelleCo has released The HydroProtein Elixir. In addition to 15g of pea protein per serving it has electrolytes (sodium, potassium and magnesium) for hydration, and a beauty blend (vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacin and biotin) for glowing skin. It's also got vitamin B5 for energy . The blackcurrant and pomegranate flavour had a refreshing sharpness. I love that this is a great mixture of ingredients and just 63 calories per serving. READ MORE ON HEALTH PRODUCTS The HydroProtein Elixir, £35, MUSHROOMS 3 The Hydro Hydration Energy and Focus drink contains five key electrolytes FOURFIVE is a new firm founded by professional rugby players George Kruis and Dom Day. Their Hydro Hydration Energy and Focus drink contains five key electrolytes calcium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and sodium as well as lion's mane mushrooms and ginseng which help with energy, focus and mental clarity. This also has eight B vitamins and 76mg of caffeine which is about the same as a cup of instant coffee but also contains an amino acid called L-theanine which stops you feeling jittery after caffeine. Most read in Health The Hydro Energy and Focus powder is Red Berry flavour – which is delightful, not too sharp or sweet – and comes as a single, 7-pack or 30-pack sachets (5.5g) from about £1.10 a sachet. From Holland & Barrett or Nell McAndrew's marathon guide GUARANA 3 Phizz Daily Energy has a specialised hydration formula MUCH more than just another energy drink, Phizz Daily Energy, features a specialised hydration formula and a high-strength, scientifically formulated B-vitamin complex. B-vitamins are important in helping your body convert food into energy, supporting everything from brain function to helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Plus, with a blend of caffeine and guarana extract, it provides 75mg of caffeine per tablet. Guarana berries contain three times more caffeine than coffee but it's released slowly, meaning Phizz Daily Energy provides sustained energy over time. They cost £7.99 for a tube of x 20 tablets. For more information, see
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Natural remedy for banishing flying ants from your home as pest activity surges
Flying Ant Day is upon us, with swarms of winged ants set to embark on their annual 'nuptial flight'. Here's how to stop them treating your home like a free-for-all service station The shudder-inducing Flying Ant Day is on its way, with this year's swarms set to be the biggest in recent memory. Fortunately, there are simple and cost-effective ways to keep these pests at bay, with one natural remedy said to work like a charm. Flying Ant Day is an annual summertime occurrence whereby swarms of winged ants take to the skies after emerging from their nests at approximately the same time, embarking on what is known as a 'nuptial flight'. This year, favourable conditions mean you can expect to see swarms emerging as early as June, reaching a peak of activity at approximately 22 to 25 July. Unfortunately for us humans, flying ants have a sweet tooth and will be attracted to any tempting splashes or spills on your kitchen work surface. With this in mind, houseproud sorts will already be preparing for the great pest invasion, making sure everything sugary is sealed away where tiny mandibles can't reach it. But how can you ensure that passing ants don't start treating your home like a hot new foodie hotspot? Here's one tried-and-true method for ensuring they turn away disappointed, with no recommendations to pals. As previously reported by Country Living, a good way to put flying ants off your BBQ leftovers is to mix up a homemade peppermint spray. Simply add a few droplets to a spray bottle and mix well with water or dish soap. Although they may return, it's thought this could do the trick when it comes to reducing numbers. At the time of writing, you can currently buy a 10ml bottle of pure peppermint oil from Holland & Barrett for £4.02. Bearing in mind, you only need a couple of drops at a time, this nifty bottle could see you through a fair few summer days. According to experts from bestantsuk: "Flying Ant Day in 2025 is predicted to occur earlier than usual, with peak activity anticipated around 22 and 25 July." Due to the warming effect of big buildings and populations, it's thought that the first huge swarms could materialise in big cities up and down the UK as early as June. The team added: "Urban areas experience earlier flying ant emergencies due to the heat island effect. Cities maintain higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, creating conditions that trigger premature ant colony activities, particularly in places like London." Although referred to as "Flying Ant Day", this event actually takes place over around 45 days, peaking on two or three days. Shedding light on this phenomenon, Paul Blackhurst, Technical Academy Head at Rentokil Pest Control, said: "Experts warn that this year could see larger-than-usual swarms of flying ants, as we approach Flying Ant Day, also known as the nuptial flight, and sometimes nicknamed 'flant day'. "This natural event, when vast numbers of winged ants, known as alates, take to the skies at once in search of mates from other colonies, could be one of the most prolific for years. The alternating wet and warm weather we have been experiencing recently is creating the perfect conditions for larger-than-usual swarms, as humidity is important in keeping the ants' wings and bodies moist during flight and 'mating on the wing'." He continued: "Despite the name, Flying Ant Day doesn't happen on a single fixed day each year. These swarming events can occur at different times across the country, depending on the weather, and in particular, temperature, humidity and wind. "While you might see a few flying ants on most warm summer days, ideal weather conditions can trigger the appearance of tens of millions of them taking to the skies in massive swarms over several weeks across Britain. On radar, these dense clouds of insects can even resemble rain. "Though it may seem like a summertime nuisance, this swarming strategy is believed to help more ants survive by overwhelming their predators including swifts and gulls. "After mating mid-air, the male ants which are smaller will quickly fall to the ground and die. The newly fertilized female queens shed their wings and burrow into the soil to nest and start new colonies. "While flying ants might disrupt your picnic, barbecue, or pub garden pint, they play a vital role in the ecosystem by aerating soil, recycling nutrients, and serving as a key food source for birds."
