inflammation – Trish Tucker May

How to Balance Blood Sugar

Written by trish on September 8, 2023. Posted in Blog, Blood Sugar, Health, Hormones, inflammation, Tips, Women's Health.

Balanced blood sugar levels are crucial to a healthy and prosperous life. Balanced blood sugar levels prevent disruption of your body’s functions and help your overall health. Here are a few foods to add to your diet to help balance your blood sugar:

Greens:

You can never eat too many greens. For the best blood sugar benefits, go for nutrient-dense, low-carb greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli. These greens are also very rich in protein and calcium, which help your body in multiple areas. You can toss these greens in salads with olive oil and chunks of salmon. Studies have shown that these three vegetables contribute to dramatic improvement in patients who are constantly battling with their blood sugar.

Low fructose fruits:

Fruit is always a must, but for blood sugar-specific management, choose fruits that are low fructose, such as cantaloupe, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, and blackberries. You can snack on them throughout the day, or toss them in your salad, smoothies, or acai bowls.

Protein:

Protein is essential for slowing down glucose absorption in your body, which helps regulate your blood sugar levels. Add foods to your diet that are packed with protein, like wild salmon and other types of fish, beef and other types of lean meat, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and eggs. Make your diet interesting; try snack ideas like celery sticks dipped in all-natural peanut butter. This snack is rich in protein and only contains the good kind of fat.

Remember everything in moderation, however. Too much protein actually can become sugar in your blood, creating a condition called gluconeogenesis; 40 to 70 grams of protein is enough for a day.

Herbs and Spices:

Herbs and spices are natural supplements for balancing your blood sugar levels. They not only add flavour to your dishes, but they may also help your hormone’s lower your blood sugar. Some spices, like turmeric, contain anti-inflammatory properties, which help in balancing out your sugar.

Low-calorie drinks:

Cut out sugary, high-calorie drinks from your diet. Add drinks like cinnamon tea, lemon water, and cucumber juice in your daily routine.

Whole grain foods:

Whole grain foods that are also rich in protein, like millet and quinoa, provide and store energy without causing spikes in your blood sugar levels.

Beans:

Beans are a good source of protein, low carb, and rich in fiber, all important factors in balancing your blood sugar. Hummus, lentils, and garbanzo beans are good examples and great dietary choices. Remember to soak them the night before to promote easier digestion.

Nuts:

Nuts like almonds and walnuts contain healthy amounts of fibre, protein, and healthy fats, and are a low carb snack idea.

Try balancing your blood sugar the natural way by changing the way you eat. You’ll be amazed at the difference!

For further learning visit my Youtube channel and be sure to join our FREE support community over on Facebook. Join the next masterclass on the 26th September to learn ways to control your blood sugar https://trishtuckermay.com/workshops-2/

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.

The best foods to heal a leaky gut

Written by trish on May 30, 2023. Posted in Blog, Gut Health, Health, inflammation, Leaky Gut.

When the gut lining deteriorates or becomes damaged, toxins, large food/protein particles, microbes, and other metabolites enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation. This is called leaky gut. It is important to work on the gut lining to ease your symptoms.

Changing your diet can have an impact on the overall health of your gut and gastrointestinal system. The following food should heal and repair your gut.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, a comprehensive gut microbiome test can help to identify if you have leaky gut. Click here to get in touch and book a test.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, tempeh, kefir, and other fermented yogurt or kimchi can help you reduce the gut leaking and repair it in the long run.

Bitter tasting foods

Having a bitter or somewhat a slight acidic diet is essential for keeping the levels of gastric acid in our stomach at proper numbers. Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in the water level up the amount of gastric acid required for proper digestion and block the leaking of partially undigested foods from the gut.

Omega-3

Having an adequate amount of Omega-3 in your diet can also help you to alleviate the most severe inflammation.

Omega-3 contains HDL (High-density lipoproteins) which are essential for the production of various enzymes for proper breakdown of fat inside the body. The foods which can be looked upon includes;

Flaxseed
Chia seed
Hemp seed
Walnuts/Almonds
Fish Oil and essential fatty substances

Bone Broth

Having the bone broth two times a day is considered to be more effective because it contains an abundant number of vitamins and minerals also including collagen and glucosamine. Both of which are connective tissues and are used in the lining of the gut and digestive tract.

Herbal Tea

Have 2 cups of the herbal tea daily. You can choose the traditional lemon flavour of the tea or chamomile, honey to sooth constipation.

Foods rich in fibre

Food rich in the fibre increase gut mobility and the helpful bacteria.

Include

Whole grain cereals (avoid gluten)

Lentils/Legumes
Whole vegetables
Beans

Green leafy vegetables

Green vegetables and leafy vegetables contain high amounts of oxalates, fibres and provide helpful bacteria for improving your gut.

Consider 2 portions of these each day:

Lettuce
Cruciferous vegetables
Spinach
Broccoli

WHAT IS LEAKY GUT?

Written by trish on May 24, 2023. Posted in Blog, Gut Health, inflammation.

There is a very thin lining of cells which together as a cluster, controls the passing of various substances from the gut into the blood.

When the lining deteriorates, many problems arise as toxins, large food/protein particles, microbes, and other metabolites enter the bloodstream and cause various diseases along with the inflammation of the gut itself.

CAUSES
The causes are numerous ranging from the common towards a few specifics. The diet which we take in contains high amounts of sugars or fats which are the leading cause of gut leakage. Other possible causes include excessive alcohol consumption, stress, bacterial imbalance, antibiotics, food allergies, and gastrointestinal infections.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
As for a leaky gut and likewise problems, there is a vast line of treatment options available. The most suitable way is through the diet.

Changing your diet can have an impact on the overall health of your gut and gastrointestinal system. The following food should heal and repair your gut.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, a comprehensive gut microbiome test can help to identify if you have leaky gut. Click here to get in touch and book a test www.trishtuckermay.com/workwithme

Going Gluten Free
Gluten intolerance is a common issue because a damaged gut can’t withstand the aggravated effects of the gluten.

Consider cutting gluten from your diet for 21 days, and you shall witness the positive effects and ease discomfort.

Fermented Foods
Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, tempeh, kefir, and other fermented yogurt or kimchi can help you reduce the gut leaking and repair it in the long run.

These foods not only contain the right set of nutrients in them but also the good source of the bacteria which will countermeasure the effects of bad or ill bacteria which have already breached our bloodstream.

Fermented products when used for longer periods improve the number of good bacteria present in the gut along with increasing immune system and providing support to the gut.

Add Prebiotic Foods to Your Diet
Although the probiotic bacteria are a good source of essential nutrients and enzymes needed to keep the internal of the gastrointestinal tract at an optimum, still there is a blank which needs to be filled. We take the probiotic but overlook to include the foods in our diet which will ensure the longevity of these good bacteria in our gut.

These food include.
• Potatoes/Yams
• Onions
• Barley/Oats
• Citrus fruits/Apples
• Asparagus
• Leeks
• Dandelions
• Chicory
• Garlic

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

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

How to Know if Your Blood Sugar is Stable?

Written by trish on December 15, 2021. Posted in Blood Sugar, Brain Fog, Fatigue, inflammation, Skin problems, Sleep, Weight.

What are the tell-tale signs that you need to work on your blood sugar?

Do you have trouble falling asleep and drag yourself out of bed in the morning?

are you gaining weight and you don’t know why?

do you feel drained and tired all the time?

do you crave ice cream or salty crisps in the middle of the day, late at night or immediately after your evening meal?

Do you find your sunglasses in the freezer and your car keys in the bathroom?

If you answer yes, it could be because of your blood sugar balance.

Maintaining your blood sugar is important for your overall health. A stable blood sugar level helps you maintain a healthy weight, reduces your risk of diabetes, regulates your glucose levels, and can help increase your physical activity.

Here are some noticeable signs that your blood sugar needs attention.

You suffer from any sort of inflammation.

Your blood sugar often spikes in response to the excess release of cortisol by your body and excess cortisol can cause inflammation. Excess sugar equals inflammation. If you suffer from any kind of body inflammation, your blood sugar needs attention.

Your skin is troubled.

Acne, rashes, eczema are all forms of inflammation. When your body suffers from an injury or illness, it tries to protect itself; the same is true when your diet is not healthy. If you consume a lot of sugar, your body will react in the form of inflammation. Acne and rashes are an inflammatory response to poor microbiome health, which is often a result of unstable blood sugar.

You feel sluggish and tired all the time

Excess sugar releases cortisol in your body that can lead to increased fatigue. When your blood sugar is not stable, you may feel lazy and sluggish. If you are enjoying stable levels of energy and are not easily tired by physical activity, you have a healthy blood sugar level.

You crave sugar all the time.

Insatiable sugar cravings are a sign of an unstable blood sugar level. Occasional cravings are normal; everyone feels like scarfing up a whole tub of ice cream at some point or another. But, if satisfying that initial craving keeps you consuming sugar, there is a good chance your blood sugar is not stable.

You can’t lose weight no matter what you do.

When your blood sugar level is stable, it is a lot easier to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. An unstable blood sugar level makes it impossible.

You need to urinate frequently.

A well-functioning bladder is a sign that your blood sugar level is normal. People with unstable blood sugar levels often suffer from a weak bladder and may feel the need to urinate more frequently than normal.

You can’t quench your thirst.

People with stable blood sugar levels can easily quench their thirst after drinking water. Many people who have unstable blood sugar levels feel thirsty all the time and are not able to quench their thirst even after drinking water.

You experience brain fog.

Another symptom of unstable blood sugar is brain fog, when your brain suddenly becomes fatigued, and it becomes hard for you to focus or concentrate. Healthy blood sugar levels can help promote sharp and extended periods of focus.

How to balance your blood sugar?

Eat three meals per day and make sure you have fat and protein at each meal.
Avoid snacking between meals. Allow at least 4 hours between your meals.
Drink plenty of water. At least 2 litres to help hydrate your blood.
Restrict your time eating window to 12 – 14 hours. There will be a sweet spot so try various times and see what works for you. Don’t eat late at night.

If you are unsure and worried about these symptoms and are not getting the support you need from your doctor, book a call with me. I can test your blood sugar, thyroid and hormones.

Get the support you need.

My next 8-week Time to Nourish program starts on the 18^th January. It is £750 and there is an early bird price of £625 so to book now email trish@trishtuckermay.com or book a call