Millions of adults across Britain are now favouring natural remedies and therapies to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, over medical treatments.
Research has also shown that average Brit takes nine vitamin and mineral supplements a month, choosing remedies that come from nature.
From March 23 the UK was set to celebrate Complementary Therapy week, to promote the use of complementary therapies throughout the UK. These various therapies can help maintain health and wellbeing and support those with chronic health conditions.
Here, Julie Lamble, senior nutritionist at Lifeplan, a leading UK manufacturer of award winning vitamins, minerals and botanical supplements, gives her expert advice on complementary therapies and their uses.
“Complementary therapies are alternative forms of medicine which look at people's overall state of health, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
“There are many different complementary therapies to consider, including homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, reiki and reflexology. These can all be used in diagnosis, reduction and prevention of health issues.
“Many of these therapies identify nutritional imbalances and these can be altered by adjusting a person’s diet and also by taking supplements. They can also establish physical and mental stresses within the body.
Relax and sleep
Not being able relax and sleep is a common problem which affects many people, often due to their hectic lifestyles. Anyone who struggles to unwind may find comfort in yoga and meditation as part of their evening routine. It has been proven in studies that Yoga can help chronic insomniacs because it reduces stress and improves mental focus.
Alternatively, botanical ingredients such as Passiflora and Chamomile can be used to help the body unwind. Take a product which includes these herbs alongside the B vitamins and the mineral Magnesium. These nutrients help to support the nervous system and relax muscles which may be tense due to sleep anxieties.
Digestive wellness
A common complaint is that our digestive function is not working as well as it should. Colonic hydrotherapy is great at flushing-out unwanted toxins by using water and no chemicals. This form of therapy has been found to help bowel irregularities and aid digestion as well as boost energy levels and general wellness.
Digestive Enzymes supplements can also help to breakdown proteins, carbohydrates and fats so that there is less burden on the digestive tract. Choose a supplement which contains betaine and calcium to help activate the enzymes, making them more efficient and effective in the digestive system.
Weight loss
Trying to lose weight or maintaining weight loss is a struggle for many people. Two thirds of men and women in the UK are classed as overweight or obese and it’s a rising epidemic.
Hypnotherapy can be used as a treatment for weight loss. This therapy involves changing a person’s mind-set towards foods to help them stop eating unhealthy foods or binging. It can promote healthy meal choices and motivation towards physical exercise.
There are also supplements that can make the stomach feel full and so help cut down on calorie intake. Look out for Glucomannan capsules made from a natural fibre which has proven weight loss benefits when taken before meals.
