anti-inflammatory – Trish Tucker May

Mood Boosting: The Connection Between GABA, Neurotransmitters, and Energy

Written by trish on June 13, 2023. Posted in anti-inflammatory, Anxiety, Blog, Brain Fog, Depression, Energy, Fatigue, inflammation, Mental Health, Mood, Stress.

Neurotransmitters are secreted all through the body, in neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

I am excited to announce new functional nutrition tests. Functional nutrition tests for neurotransmitters can help support energy, mood and addictions.

This can provide valuable insights for a range of health concerns.

Neurotransmitter tests can determine whether your neurotransmitter levels are too low or too high.

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate GABA, on the other hand, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and stress levels in the brain. Foods that are rich in glutamate, such as broccoli and spinach, can help support GABA production

Additionally, consuming foods that are rich in magnesium, such as almonds and spinach, can help support GABA function.

There are also other supporting neurotransmitters that play a role in overall brain health.

Serotonin, for example, is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and can be supported by consuming foods that are rich in tryptophan, such as bananas and turkey.

If you are struggling with the following symptoms get in touch. It may be due to your neurotransmitters and there is a lot we can achieve with tweaks in your nutrition and lifestyle.

If you are struggling with

Mood concerns, such as depression, anxiety

Diminished energy/fatigue, Insomnia

Cognitive concerns such as forgetfulness, inattention, brain fog, ADHD, addiction, dependency, obsessions and cravings.

Chronic illness, and immune deficiency

Pain – especially chronic pain and inflammation.

Don’t struggle alone.

I have struggled with many of these, and this is why I love being a nutritionist.

Lifestyle and food as medicine is how I can help.

Fuel Your Energy with Superfoods: Tips for Women Over 40 to Optimize Health and Vitality

Written by trish on January 19, 2023. Posted in anti-inflammatory, Blog, Blog Home, Energy, Fatigue, Gut Health, Hormones, Menopause, perimenopause, Stamina, Women's Health.

As you age, it’s important to pay attention to your nutrition and fuel your body with the right foods. Superfoods are a great way to boost your energy levels, improve your health, and keep you feeling energetic. Here are some of the best superfoods for women over 40 to help you stay energized and healthy:

• Salmon: Salmon is a great source of lean protein and healthy fats, which can help keep your energy levels up. It’s also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function.

• Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats and protein, which can help keep you energized and your blood sugar levels stable. They’re also a great source of fiber, which can help keep your digestive system working optimally.

• Berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants, which can help fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation. They’re also a great source of fiber and can help keep you feeling full for longer. 1 scoop of Superfood Plus is an amazing way to fuel your energy and stamina. You can purchase this in our shop www.trishtuckermay.com/shop

• Whole grains: Whole grains are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which can help keep your energy levels up and your blood.

The Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Written by trish on October 19, 2022. Posted in anti-inflammatory, Blog, inflammation, Joint pain, Mood, Sleep problems, Tips, Weight.

Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting you from harmful stimuli or potential injury. Inflammation can appear in many forms, including pain, heat, swelling, redness, and a slowing down or complete halt of an organ’s function.

Inflammation also shows up as

💪 Weight gain

💪 Joint pain

💪 Insomnia

💪 Heart Burn

💪 Reflux

💪 Irritability

💪 Tiredness

Inflammation may be either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is the initial protective response of your body tissues and is most likely to be transient. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is prolonged and can become severe.

Inflammation may be caused due to an imbalance of the healthy bacteria in your body. It can also happen as a result of food allergies, toxic environment, stress, and bad diet.

Your diet plays a huge role in decreasing or increasing inflammation in your body. If you consume sugary foods, processed foods, or if you are regularly dehydrated, your body is more prone to inflammation while trying to heal itself.

Foods to avoid if you struggle with inflammation:

↓ Alcohol

↓ Refined sugar

↓ processed wheat

↓ Too much dairy

Here are some foods that may help reduce the chances of inflammation or relieve any existing symptoms.

1.Oats:

You can use oats by making a bowl of oatmeal or a jar of overnight oats and top with fruit. Oats help your body fight inflammation and may help reduce any current inflammation that your body is dealing with.

2.Blueberries:

Blueberries can significantly reduce inflammation if consumed on a daily basis. Blueberries are rich in flavonoids, polyphenol, resveratrol and Vitamin C, all of which are well known for reducing inflammation. Blueberries consist of anti-oxidants which can easily turn off and block all forms of body inflammations.

3.Ginger:

Ginger is used in a variety of organic medicines because of its anti-disease, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can add it as a spice in your foods, drink ginger juice, or blend it with honey and drink as a health shot. The most pleasant way to consume ginger, however, is a daily cup of hot ginger tea.

4. Dark Chocolate:

Dark chocolate is one of the healthier varieties of chocolate. You can add some to your oats or combine it with fresh fruit to help reduce inflammation.

5. Turmeric:

Turmeric is also widely used in organic and all natural medicines. You can add to food as a spice or stir in a pinch to your milk or smoothie. Turmeric helps slow the production of the two most inflammatory enzymes, 5-LOX and COX-2.

There are a variety of foods you can add to your diet to help reduce or avoid inflammation. These are a few of the easiest and most accessible. If you are experiencing severe, chronic inflammation, however, be sure to get in touch. I have an 8-week programme designed to reduce inflammation, heal your gut and balance your hormones. Click here to find out more.

One of the best foods to help balance hormones – Flax seed.

Written by trish on July 27, 2022. Posted in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant capacities, Blog, Blood Sugar, Bone Health, Cholesterol, Hair loss, Health, Hormones, inflammation, Low carb, Menopause, Skin problems, Weight Loss, Women's Health.

If you are looking to improve your diet and adopt a healthier lifestyle for a happier you, switch your diet to include healthy fats instead of carbs for better, balanced hormones. These include foods that are high short, medium, and long-chain fatty acids, which are essential in managing your hormones, keeping your inflammation levels low, boosting metabolism, and supporting weight loss.

One simple way of realizing our goals of taking better care of our minds and bodies is the addition of a small, shiny seed into our meals.

Flaxseed, also known as linseed, can help you lead a healthier life. It has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in diabetics and reduce cholesterol. It is considered a superfood because of its high dietary fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.

Flaxseed is also a great source of lignans, a form of phytonutrients that offer potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.

Flaxseeds are versatile and easy to use. Incorporating flax into your meals is a very low maintenance way of reaping exponentially more benefits. Flaxseed contains a wide array of minerals, healthy fats, and vitamin B that can help promote healthier hair and skin, resolving issues of redness and flaky skin and reducing acne, eczema, and rosacea. Flaxseed oil is also a great moisturizer.

Researchers have also found that the lignans present in flaxseed may help reduce the risks of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.

Flax seeds improve metabolism by acting like natural gum. Flaxseed is rich in mucilage gum, which assists in nutrient absorption. It helps by keeping food in the stomach for longer periods of time, allowing for maximum nutrient absorption. The mucilage gum is water-soluble, which also enables better removal of toxins and waste and soothes the stomach lining.

The lignans do not stop there. They can help regulate female hormones in the bloodstreams, act as phytoestrogens, and provide antioxidants. This regulatory effect on the female hormones is helpful because it presents a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy, reduces the risks of osteoporosis, and helps regulate menstruation cycles.

Flax seeds do not only improve life by improving your health, but they serve as healthy substitutes for cooking and baking. Ground flax is a good way to substitute flours that contain gluten. This is particularly beneficial for those who are afflicted by celiac disease or those who may be sensitive to gluten. Flaxseed is a multipurpose ingredient that serves as a powerhouse for better health.

Have a fabulous summer. I am taking some time off to be with my family.

We have a busy summer planned. A mix of yoga, surfing and festivals.

See you at World Yoga Festival, Beautiful Days or Greenbelt Festival.

If you would like to book a call

Clinic is open the following days in August.

12th, 15th, 16th

Let me know if you would like to book a session for these days.

Also, be sure to connect in the FB group as I will keep an eye on any questions and continue to support our growing FB community.

If you would like to learn more about my 8-week Time To Nourish packages email me here trish@trishtuckermay.com The next group programme will be commencing mid-September.

Kind regards

Trish

The Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Written by trish on May 17, 2022. Posted in anti-inflammatory, Blog, Uncategorized.

Inflammation may be caused due to an imbalance of fungi and healthy bacteria in your body. It can also happen as a result of food allergies, toxic environment, stress, and bad diet.

Here are some foods that may help reduce the chances of inflammation or relieve any existing symptoms.

1. Oats:

2. Blueberries:

3. Ginger:

4. Dark Chocolate:

Dark chocolate is one of the healthier varieties of chocolate. You can add some to your oats or combine it with fresh fruit to help reduce inflammation.

5. Turmeric:

There are a variety of foods you can add to your diet to help reduce or avoid inflammation. These are a few of the easiest and most accessible. If you are experiencing severe, chronic inflammation, however, be sure to consult a physician before making significant changes to your diet.

If you would like to learn more about hormone and gut tests book a call here

Best Foods for Aging Well

Written by trish on March 24, 2022. Posted in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant capacities, Blog, Bone Health, Gut Health, Health, Immune System, Memory, Mental Alertness, Skin problems, Tips, Vitamins, Wellbeing, Women's Health.

Early aging has a lot to do with your diet and your lifestyle. Our body is like a machine—good input leads to good output. What you ingest and put in your body has a huge impact on your biological system and your long-term health. A natural lifestyle does not have instant effects, but the long-term benefits are invaluable. Staying active and eating a nutrient-packed balanced diet can help slow the aging process and even prevent numerous diseases. Here are a few foods that can help you live a long and healthy life with great skin and a great body.

1.Olive Oil

Olive oil has many anti-aging benefits. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are can have a huge impact on the prevention or delay of heart disease and cancer. Olive oil also has polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that may help prevent age-related diseases. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and the protein, minerals, and vitamins you need for healthy skin and hair. It has vitamins B and D to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and oleic acid and polyphenols to help smooth skin.

2.Pomegranate

Packed with vitamin C, pomegranates are great for softening skin and guarding it against sun damage. The juice in pomegranate seeds contains punicalagin and ellagic acid, which is a polyphenol compound that combats damage from free radicals. Punicalagin is a super nutrient that improves your body’s ability to preserve collagen, a subdermal connective tissue that makes skin look smooth and plump.

3.Yogurt

Yogurt is rich in calcium, which plays a huge role in staving off osteoporosis, and contains good bacteria that help in the maintenance of gut health. Yogurt contains live bacterial cultures, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, that fight the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria and help restore balance in the intestine. These probiotics result in better health and can help prevent age-related illnesses.

4.Blueberries

Blueberries contain more antioxidants than almost any other food. These give your skin an extra defense against skin-damaging free radicals that result from exposure to sun, over-exercise, and even emotional stress. Half a cup of blueberries every day can help in the prevention of the cell-structure damage that can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. Anthocyanin is also found in blueberries and functions just like an anti-inflammatory and can help maintain healthy brain function.

5.Fish

Fish is an abundant source of omega-3 fats, which helps prevent cholesterol buildup in the arteries and provides protection against abnormal heart rhythms. Fish oil and fish proteins are used in the beauty industry worldwide. They promote healthy looking skin and the omegas found in fish are essential for regulating blood clotting, body temperature, body pressure and the immune system.

If you would like to learn more about my gut healing, hormone balancing support book a call today.

Yours in health and wellness,

Trish Tucker May

Tips to Help You Lose Weight over 40

Written by trish on March 10, 2022. Posted in anti-inflammatory, Bloating, Gut Health.

I get asked about diets and weight loss all the time.

My best advice is to eat real food, not too much and balance your hormones by eating plenty of fat and protein at every meal. This helps with appetite control and blood sugar balance.

I often get asked whether a Keto Diet is best for perimenopause and weight loss.

The ketogenic diet involves a combination of food that allows the body to produce ketones in the liver to be used as energy.

It is also referred to as a low carb diet.

Let’s learn about the Keto diet and see how it can be your answer to weight loss.

How exactly does the Keto Diet work?

Since the glucose in your body is being used as a primary energy, your fats are not needed and are therefore stored. Typically, on a normal, higher carbohydrate diet, the body will use glucose as the main form of energy. By lowering the intake of carbs, the body is induced into a state known as ketosis.

Ketosis is a natural process the body initiates to help us survive when food intake is low. During this state, we produce ketones, which are produced from the breakdown of fats in the liver.

The end goal of a properly maintained keto diet is to force your body into this metabolic state. We don’t do this through starvation of calories but starvation of carbohydrates.

Our bodies are incredibly adaptive to what you put into it – when you overload it with fats and take away carbohydrates, it will begin to burn ketones as the primary energy source. Optimal ketone levels offer many health, weight loss, physical and mental performance benefits.

Weight Loss on a Keto Diet?

Before you can use a ketogenic diet for weight loss, it’s a good idea to have an understanding of how it works. Here are some important points about the ketogenic diet:

A ketogenic diet is centered around bringing the body into a state of ketosis.

Ketosis is metabolic process in which the body burns fat for energy instead of its primary fuel, carbohydrates.

When you drastically cut down on the amount of carbohydrates or calories you’re eating, and there aren’t enough carbohydrates from food to burn for energy, the body switches to the state of ketosis.

Once in ketosis, the liver uses the body’s fatty acids to make molecules known as ketones to burn for fuel. Those on a ketogenic diet eat a low amount of carbs to do just this.

Benefits of a Keto Diet for Weight Loss

Increased Fat Burn: When you eat low-carb and your body starts burning fat as its primary source of fuel, you’re essentially in a fasting state where your body is using your fat stores directly for energy. Those experiencing stalls in their weight loss or having trouble getting rid of unwanted fat can benefit from a ketogenic diet for this reason.

Hormone Regulation: Ketosis can help sustain weight loss by regulating hormones that affect weight. After you eat, the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) is released by your intestines. CCK is responsible for stimulating fat and protein digestion and inhibits the emptying of the stomach, which reduces appetite. This makes CCK a great regulator of food intake.

Eating a ketogenic diet can also help you avoid cravings for food after losing weight, reducing the chance of gaining the weight back.

Appetite Suppression: Yep, ketogenic low-carb diets may be helpful in reducing appetite by altering the concentrations of hormones and nutrients that affect hunger. It’s no wonder ketosis is used as a strategy for weight loss; it removes the need to eat more or respond to cravings for unhealthy foods. This means you can better listen to your body’s true hunger signals without worrying about counting calories or going hungry.

Blood Sugar Regulation: When you’re eating a ketogenic diet full of healthy fats and proteins plus an abundance of vegetables, you experience more stabilized blood sugar. This is much better than traditional diet foods that are usually high in refined sugars and other carbohydrates, leading to a spike in blood sugar that leaves you feeling hungry again soon after.

Finally, your answer to weight loss without starvation, but still being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Increase the chance of maintaining weight loss, reducing cravings, and eliminating the need to stress and obsess over every calorie or food portions.

If you are over 40 and struggling with your weight book a free call here https://p.bttr.to/2MZVUKN

How to Go Gluten Free When You Travel

Written by trish on January 25, 2022. Posted in anti-inflammatory, Gut Health, Health, inflammation, Wellbeing.

When you commit to a way of life, going back to how things used to be can be hard.

Maintaining a certain diet or avoiding certain ingredients can be especially difficult. Eating out and travelling has to be planned carefully.

Gluten is a particularly tough ingredient to avoid.

Gluten is found in wheat, which is typically a big part of our normal diet.

Recent studies have suggested that gluten can have many disadvantages for a wide range of people.

Celiac disease is the most common disease caused by gluten.

Other disorders caused by gluten are gut inflammation, intestinal permeability, and damage to the gut biome.

If you are strictly avoiding gluten, eating out or traveling to a new place with different food options can be challenging, but it is not impossible.

Here are some ways to maintain your gluten-free diet while eating out.

The internet is a blessing; you can use it to easily find out find out if nearby restaurants can accommodate gluten-free meals. You can also search restaurants ahead of time so you know where you find gluten-free meals.
If you are planning a trip, ask the hotel you stay in if they have refrigerators you can use to store simple snacks.
Packing dry nutritious items like energy bars and nuts is a good idea to fill up on in case there is not a gluten-free option readily available.
You can search for groups nearby you that support gluten-free diets and ask them for suggestions or you can simply ask restaurant owners if they serve gluten-free food.
In motorway services and cafes look for yogurt, salad, grilled chicken, plain hamburgers and other gluten-free standbys.
If you are traveling abroad (hopefully soon) print out your gluten-free needs in the language of the foreign country that you are traveling to. This will help convey to them the kinds of food you need and help them better cater to your needs.
There are many restaurants that may not have gluten-free options on their menu but can provide something if asked.
Avoid most condiments, especially soy sauce.

For people with Celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis, the effects of straying from a gluten-free diet might not be instant but they have delayed effects that can have long-term consequences.

Slacking on your diet should not be an option, so preparing gluten-free biscuits, hummus or sandwiches for a shorter trip is a great way to stay consistent with your diet.

Away from home, internet and research will be your best friend. Stick to the basics of your gluten-free diet—fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, unprocessed products—and you will be able to enjoy your travels to the fullest.

If you would like to learn more about my food sensitivity and comprehensive gut tests email me here trish@trishtuckermay.com

Yours in health and wellness,

Trish

The benefits of Sauerkraut and how to prepare it

Written by trish on October 5, 2021. Posted in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant capacities, Belly Bloating, Bloating, Blog, Gut Health, Recipes, Vitamins.

While you can certainly make sauerkraut from red or white cabbage. Red cabbage has a strong concentration of anthocyanin polyphenols and 6 x more vitamin C.

This recipe has huge health benefits including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities as well as being a powerful tonic for your gut.

Red Cabbage also more iron and vitamin A than white cabbage.

I love the combination. The colour is gorgeous.

It is especially beneficial in the treatment of ulcers and bloating.

A little bit every day is a great accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

1 head white cabbage

1 head red cabbage

– organic is better but if you can’t find it the fermentation process does help kill off any pesticides.

2 1/2 tablespoons grey Celtic salt or the best salt you can find. Use 1 Tablespoon salt for each 1 kg of cabbage

1 1/2 tablespoons juniper berries

1 tablespoon caraway seeds. These are optional. I have also used fennel seeds in the past.

Instructions

Prepare your fermentation vessel or glass jar. Make sure it is clean and sterile and the lid fits well. This will make enough for 4- 5 medium size glass jars. If you have a tray to sit your glass jars on once full, this will prevent the juices overflowing and staining your shelf.

Clean the cabbage – Begin by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage if a bit old. Wash to remove potential contaminants.

Slice the cabbage into fat ribbons about 1 cm wide. The end result seems to work better when cutting with a sharp knife rather than grating or using the food processor.

Keep the dense end of the cabbage -it makes a handy lid for the ferment to help keep the contents submerged under the juice.

Place in a large bowl and add salt and spices, juniper berries and caraway seeds. Toss, bash, pound and massage the sliced cabbage with the salt and let sit for 30 minutes or until it starts to sweat. The cabbage will be ready once you can squeeze juice and you begin to see a purple liquid at the bottom of the bowl.

Begin the process of filling your fermentation vessel or glass jar. Push down hard and compress out any air as you go.

Fill the jar but allow a small gap at the top as the contents will bubble when fermenting. Include any liquid at the bottom of the bowl.

Compress down hard using a pounder, rolling pin or your fist. You can place a weight on top of the cabbage to effectively submerge the contents of the jar. The dense end of the cabbage is very handy for this. Your goal is to have the liquid cover the cabbage completely to provide an anaerobic environment within which the fermentation can take place.

After several hours you may be able to press the contents down further. If the cabbage looks a little dry add some filtered water to the top and stir in gently. Make sure a nice seal is made around the edge to keep oxygen and other potential contaminants out.

After 3 days you will need to burp your ferment. Open the jar carefully and submerge any cabbage that has come to the top. If you need to add a little more liquid or a weight to keep the cabbage submerged this will help keep oxygen out and allow the anaerobic process to occur.

Wait impatiently – Let it sit for a minimum of 2-3 weeks. You can easily leave it for 6 weeks or even months if desired. It will simply become sharper and sourer over time. Once you have reached your desire level of taste you can keep it in the fridge or on your shelf for many months to come.

I recommend a small amount of sauerkraut each day. It goes well with salad, broth and veggies for breakfast or a bowl of rice and steamed veg.

Play around with the flavour you like. Be brave in experimenting with flavour. Fermenting is a combination of agitation and alchemy. Create magic in the kitchen and enjoy the benefits of this wonderful prebiotic for your gut.