Following on from part 1, in this article we will look into the risks of mental health and eating disorders, reduced protein absorption and thyroid issues while on a long-term vegan and vegetarian diet.

Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils, and throughout history it was used in the kitchen for cooking, as an antiseptic and antibacterial aid, and recently research has focused on its use as a relaxing aid during heart surgery.

Today, we continue our journey as we search for the most healing, protective, and well-researched anti-cancer herbs and spices. We have covered another 10 herbs that you should have in your pantry or in your garden, and preferably use daily and rotate often for best effects.

We know that protein is an important part of a balanced diet and is well-researched, but what do we know about amino acids? The protein that we consume, both animal and plant-based, is made of amino acids. Amino acids are used by our body for many vital functions, such as building muscle, absorbing nutrients, and creating hormones and neurotransmitters.

With its camphor-like smell, eucalyptus is a versatile essential oil for everyday use. It calms both the mind and body, as well as assisting with respiratory issues, skin irritations, fever and fatigue.

Eating a varied diet of fruit, vegetables and meat is a proven way to minimize the risks of diet-related diseases. This is why many of us are now looking to increase the intake of different plants and substitute animal protein with plant-based protein. While this is a step in the right direction to ensure sustainability, we also need to know that not all protein is the same or has all the nutrients we need.

Back pain is a common issue many face, and research shows that nearly 10% of people worldwide experience at some point discomfort in their lower back. Exercises often help, but when we are short on time is when yoga stretches are extremely helpful as they promote blood flow and can alleviate some of the pain, stiffness and discomfort.

Our food and the way we process it is changing, and that has an effect on our bodies and digestion. It seems that gluten, a part of staple foods only a couple of generations ago, is now causing an increase in food allergies and sensitivities. If you think that gluten is affecting you, how do you know if you have a gluten intolerance, wheat allergy, or coeliac disease?

With the increase in metabolic related diseases over the last decade, it might be a good time to look back in history and see our grandparents’ eating habits, since for many of them reaching 90 years of age was a “walk in the park”. Does eating less frequently mean that we might actually be healthier for longer, and perhaps even extend our lifespan?

Sometimes the most effective path to health lies with the simplest approaches and non-invasive procedures. This is why hypnotherapy is becoming more popular and more studies are now looking into different areas of application. For now, hypnotherapy has shown impressive results for some of the most common health issues that many of us are facing daily.

With new and emerging research, the importance of a massage or any kind of physical stimulus to the body that manipulates our muscles tells us that massage therapy can assist with preventing certain health issues and complications. So why not use the full benefits of a massage on a daily basis as prevention? And the best part is, we can even do it ourselves (to some extent).

Nuts have been a staple in our diet since ancient times. They are a great source of fibre, protein and, of course, healthy fats. Such nutrient-dense food then must have health benefits, but can they also provide protection against diseases, tumours and cancers?