Special Offers

Boosting your immune system

When considering immunity and what can be done to support the immune system, people often just look at traditional methods, such as exercise, stress reduction,echinacea, ginseng, vitamin C and many other different types of supplements, all of which have their benefits. However, what many people don’t realise is that the majority of the immune system is located in the gut - which means it really is vital to take care of the digestive system in order to fully support the body’s natural defences.

Whilst a healthy diet is the most important factor for all round good health, boosting the digestive system with probiotics to improve the balance of good and bad bacteria is a great way to look after the gut. The most common probiotic bacteria are bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which are found in products like Yakult. Unlike the live bacteria in ordinary yoghurts, probiotic bacteria survive the acid conditions of the stomach to top up levels of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, which are essential for good digestive health.

Studies have suggested that probiotics have a positive impact on the immune system, depending on the context; probiotics are thought to have the ability to alter immune function in healthy individuals by boosting defences against infection, reducing inflammation in the skin and gut and helping to protect against developing allergies. Research has shown that probiotics may help to prevent allergies developing in unborn babies if taken by mothers during pregnancy.

To help people take care of their health throughout every stage of life, Yakult has recently launched a new publication - ‘The Little Book of Life’. The full-colour 50 page guide contains expert advice and information on how the body changes and how to maintain good health from birth through to retirement. The book includes a range of information and research on the immune system and what can be done to support it throughout the many changes in life.

Healthy You has teamed up with Yakult to offer 100 free copies to readers.
Simply send your name and address on a postcard to Yakult Offer, Healthy You, Sybrig House, Donibristle Industrial Park, Dalgety Bay, Fife KY11 9JN or email your details to competitions@healthy-you.co.uk.

The Little book of life website can be accessed at www.littlebookoflife.co.uk.

Slow Down this Summer wear cool bamboo clothing

When the sun gets hot, what you want is cool clothing, that you can feel comfortable in for exercising or simply just for living in.

The first ever range of clothing inspired by Tai Chi and Qigong has been launched by Tai Chi Nation Ltd in time for the summer season.

These beautiful Bamboo and Organic Cotton T-Shirts are limited editions and made from the finest environmentally friendly fabrics. Made from soft organic cotton or a silky light bamboo/organic cotton mix, they feel special and the company is sure you will love them.

The range was designed by Bella Gonshorovitz - a London-based designer in conjunction with Tai Chi Nation.

In her work for the first limited edition of clothing, Bella took inspiration from the fundamental principles of the Tai Chi and Qigong practice.

The collection

• Tai Chi Movements (Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane, White Crane Spreads It’s Wings, Snake Creeps Down): a step by step guide to some of the essential Tai Chi exercises.
  
• Sea of Tranquillity Energy Point: represents an energy point raising the spirit and calming the mind.
  
• Go With The Flow: introduces the message of reducing stress and
  improving peace of mind, and incorporating Chinese typography representing Qi.
  Retail cost £25 each, available in sizes 8 – 16 for women and small to x-large for men from www.taichination.com
  

SPECIAL 10% DISCOUNT CODE FOR HEALTHY YOU READERS
visit the www.taichination.com and type in the promotional code ‘TCNHY001’ (valid until end September).