Receiving a diabetes diagnosis is a life-changing event, which places an incredible amount of stress on a person. Even more so, learning about potential health complications that can occur in case of poor diabetes management can expose a person to additional diseases and health risks, such as heart attacks, strokes and poor mental health.

Jasmine is considered by many as the king of essential oils. With its deep floral and warm and rich scent, it creates a state of relaxation and calms the mind. To entirely immerse ourselves in its amazing smell and health-enhancing properties, we can use it in topical applications, baths and while showering, as well as during inhalation to clear our airways.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has an important role in the production of glutathione. It can be taken as a supplement (NAC) or it can be obtained from foods (amino acid L-cysteine). The importance of glutathione as an antioxidant is due to the effects it has on metabolic pathways for mental and physical health, such as anti-cancer, cardiac, immunity, renal, and oxidative stress properties.

Exercise and diet can reduce our risk of mortality by 35%. This is why regular exercise, paired with a great diet that provides our body with energy, is important. However, when we cut out all the supplements, pre and post workout powders and drinks, we are left with the most basic question – should we be using carbohydrates or ketones as a source of our energy?

Our conscious mind is busy, which means that “we” are busy and often feeling overwhelmed. We simply don’t have the time to think about anything else apart from our priorities. Or do we? Cognitive neuroscience concluded that our conscious mind is only 5% of our cognitive ability. It’s time to learn how to use the other 95%.

Fats are an essential part of the diet, and were one of the main energy sources in our early ancestors when carbohydrates from tubers and fruits were only seasonally available. However, with food processing and modern technology, we started consuming large amounts of saturated and trans fats which seem to be harmful to our health. To make informed decisions on our food, we need to understand the health risks of consuming ‘bad’ fats.

Vitamin B3, also called niacin, is one of the water-soluble vitamins, belonging to the vitamin B complex. It can be obtained from many food sources and fortified food products, and can be taken as a dietary supplement. However, important to note is that only 30% of niacin is absorbed, and with niacin’s role in cellular metabolism, having poor nutrition can cause potential health issues.

Good health comes by having our physical and mental self in balance, which is how we prevent diseases, and our health from declining. Ayurveda is a health and lifestyle system that can prevent, but can also treat diseases using different herbal preparations and other holistic approaches, which are often complementary to modern medicine.

Latest research shows that regular yoga practice can reduce hypertension, asthma attacks, effects of autoimmune diseases, and increase red blood cell count, our flexibility and core strength. For many of us who are looking to resolve certain health issues through a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, practising yoga should be a part of our daily routine.

Nearly 50% of people struggling with an eating disorder are binge eating, which makes binge eating quite common, yet not well understood. A binge eating disorder has received official classification as a mental illness in 2013, which tells us it’s the least researched of all eating disorders in terms of interventions and treatment.

Found mostly in the Pacific region, sandalwood has had many uses throughout the history – from ceremonial burning to topical applications. With its woody and calming scent, sandalwood essential oil is today one of the favourites for stimulating endorphins, the pineal gland and relaxing tensions.

Diabetes is a complicated and debilitating disease on its own, and it gets more complex to keep it in check as the time progresses. Also, getting off plan, every once in a while, and not following steps as prescribed causes other health complications and risks. Today, we will see what these health risks are.