Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin first found in butterfat and egg yolk. It is an important nutrient for the health of our eyes, skin and immunity. Deficiency in vitamin A can increase risk of infection, infertility and growth and development issues, as noted in research done on children in Uganda.

In traditional medicine, ginger is highly praised for its healing properties. Today, modern medicine and research states that ginger possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Therefore, it can assist with liver and respiratory health, reducing joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and can even positively impact metabolic health that might have been compromised due to obesity or diabetes.

As we age the risk of falling increases. Therefore balance and mobility become crucial. It is important to exercise areas of the body which control strength and mobility, namely the core, hips, legs and spine.

Sciatica is a painful condition that is associated with nerve pain that can be felt in the lower back, buttocks area and can extend down the entire leg. While sciatica can be extremely unpleasant and painful, it also causes weakness in the legs and can severely restrict movement.

When we are planning to exclude certain food groups for a long period of time, especially if these foods are nutrient dense, it is important to know if our body is thriving on the new diet or if certain nutrients are missing. In the case of vegan, and to some extent vegetarian diets, there are certain health checks and blood tests that we should do more frequently, just in case.

Today, garlic is a familiar household herb, and we often forget its true properties and health benefits. Before the advent of anti-biotics, garlic was one of the herbs often used to assist with many health conditions and diseases. Studies now show that garlic, apart from having potent anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, can also lower high blood pressure and assist with hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

At some point most of us wonder why we are here, about the overall purpose of our lives and the relevance of our existence. These philosophical and existential ponderings are part of being human. There are no easy answers, but Viktor Frankl’s views about Ultimate Meaning provide a framework that may help guide us to the answers.

We look more closely at flaxseed, garlic, pumpkin and several other vegetables, and their anti-cancer and anti-tumour effect in vitro and in animals.

Today we have a better understanding of the importance of protein-rich foods on cognitive function. While quality protein and amino acids are crucial during pregnancy and child’s development, they are also important for healthy ageing and brain health. That is why elderly adults over the age of 65 should increase their protein intake to prevent or at least delay cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease.

Osteopathy focuses on treating and understanding the entire body. This is why it has a wide range of applications, and can assist with anything from decreasing joint pain, improving mobility and range of motion, reducing chronic pain, and assisting with respiratory and gastrointestinal health.

Short naps have shown to increase the ability to store and recall information, and improve vigour, alertness and cognitive performance. Current studies also suggest that brief daytime napping might have a positive effect on anxiety and depression.

There are three most well-known types of ginseng, but not many know that they differ in their potency. While American ginseng is valued for its calming and anti-stress effects, Siberian ginseng is known for its adaptogenic qualities. Korean ginseng, on the other hand, has proven antioxidant, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and heart protective effects.