Tips – Trish Tucker May

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.

Juice Cleanse Recipes to help regain energy and reduce bloating

Written by trish on October 6, 2022. Posted in antioxidant capacities, Belly Bloating, Bloating, Blog, Energy, Fatigue, Health, Immune System, Juicing, Liver Cleanse, Menopause, Recipes, Tips, Uncategorized, Weight Loss, Women's Health.

Did you see the live in the FB community this week? If not, you can watch the replay here

Do you ever find yourself…

Sluggish
Tired
Bloated
Picking up seasonal colds

…to name a few?

Would you rather be …

Light and bright
Super energised
Beating cravings and kick-starting a weight loss journey
Could you really live on juice for a few days?

Life has gotten a bit hectic. You may be running from morning until you finally put your head down on the pillow at night.

Stress can become your way of life, which leads to bloating, exhaustion, getting sick and worn out. You see it in your skin, which is only a sign of what’s happening on the inside.

Not to mention accidental weight gain and feeling sluggish.

Is a simple juice cleanse starting to sound like a really good idea?

A simple juice cleanse will help your body detoxify and give your organs a break from all the junk.

You will be amazed by the results that you will see in just one week.

feeling lighter
glowing clear skin
boost of energy
finally lose that last bit of weight that has been hanging on.

Here are a few easy, simple detox juice recipes to try. Drink one large glass first thing in the morning for your simple juice cleanse.

The Green Juice

6 celery stalks

1 whole cucumber

1 large green apple

3 big leaves of kale

A handful of spinach

A handful of parsley

1 lemon

Add all ingredients into your juicer one at a time. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight glass container for 1–2 days.

The Menoboost Juice

This juice is best after a strenuous workout. It provides a great energy boost that your body needs to recover from vigorous exercise.

2 raw beetroot, including green stalks

3 large carrots

1 lemon

3 large green apples

1½ tablespoons fresh ginger

Add all ingredients into your juicer one at a time. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight glass container for 1–2 days.

The Natural Pick Me Up Juice

This juice is best when you are feeling sleepy or fatigued and need to wake up. It tastes just like a mint margarita and is much better for you than that afternoon coffee!

2 large green apples

1/3 of a pineapple

Sprig or two of mint

Add all ingredients into your juicer one at a time. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight glass container for 1–2 days.

The Detox Juice

The ingredients in this juice make it one of the strongest and easiest ways to detox the liver. We need all the help we can get for liver support. This is a natural and gentle way to detoxify and cleanse.

2 cucumbers

1 beetroot

3 celery stalks – always organic

3 dandelion leaves

1 lemon

1 lime

½ teaspoon turmeric

Add all ingredients into your juicer one at a time. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight glass container for 1–2 days.

Just after a few days of juice cleansing, you’ll start to notice some big changes in your body and may even want to juice more frequently as part of your normal lifestyle.

If you would like to order my juicing recipe book, click here

You will get hardcopy or eBook

If you live near me and would like me to make your juices and smoothies

Click here

Yours in health and wellness,

Trish

How to support your adrenals

Written by trish on April 5, 2022. Posted in adrenal glands, Anxiety, Blog, Blood Sugar, Concentration, Fatigue, Hormones, Libido, Mood, Stress, Tips.

What are adrenal glands and where are they located?

Your adrenal glands play a very important role in maintaining your health. They are incredibly small, about the size and weight of a coin. They are located above your kidneys, just below the muscle tissue of your lower back.

What do adrenal glands do?

Our adrenal glands are responsible for many things that assist in regulating our body and hormones, including thyroid and reproductive hormones. They are also responsible for managing stress, the amount of inflammation in our body, our immune system, our blood sugar levels and the electrolytes in our blood. They influence all the physiological functions processes of the body and help stave off physical fatigue.

Signs your adrenal health needs support

When there is something wrong with our body, it will start to signal us that something needs to be addressed. Here is how your adrenal glands will signal you that something is wrong.

Your blood sugar level will either drop or spike suddenly.
Your hormones will be all over the place. One moment you are happy and the other moment you will find yourself crying over something that does not even bother you that much.
You get sick more often because your immune system will not function properly without healthy adrenal glands.
You will be stressed and it will be hard for you to manage your stress levels.
Your sex drive will decrease.
It will be hard for you to complete your daily tasks because those tasks will require a lot more effort than usual.
You will find it hard to keep yourself awake even if you know that you need to sacrifice sleep for a very important task.
You will constantly crave food, mostly salty and savory foods, and it will be hard you satisfy your cravings. You will find yourself craving them more even if you have just eaten something.
Your body will take longer to heal properly.
You will fail to find happiness or excitement in tasks and hobbies that you enjoyed before.
You may find yourself skipping meals.

How to improve your adrenal health

If you suspect your adrenal glands may need some care and attention, try some of the following tips.

Get your sleep schedule in sync:

Make sure that you get quality sleep for 9 to 10 hours. Sleep and wake up at the same times to get your body in a rhythm. It needs to follow a routine to start to heal.

Daily exercise:

Set aside at least 30 minutes a day for exercise, no matter how busy or tired you may be.

Add these to your diet:

To improve your adrenal health, add proteins, healthy carbs, zinc, calcium, and vitamins (especially C and D) to your diet. Also increase foods like coconuts, avocados, olives, chia seeds, bone broth, nuts, vegetables and fish, but make sure you do all of this in moderation.

If you would like to learn more about my tests to measure adrenal health please get in touch.

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

How to Have Better Sleep?

Written by trish on February 8, 2022. Posted in Blog, Energy, Fatigue, Health, Hormones, Immune System, Mental Alertness, Sleep, Tips.

There is very little worse than when you are exhausted, but your brain is still going a million miles an hour. All you want to do is sleep, but your body refuses to calm down. You lie in bed, eyes closed, and sleep just beyond reach.

Melatonin is a chemical in your body that is responsible for regulating your sleep cycles and making you sleep. Your pineal gland is responsible for producing that melatonin. Each night your body produces approximately 25mcg of melatonin to promote a peaceful and restful sleep. Studies have shown that this amount gradually decreases as we age, which may explain why toddlers and youth require more sleep at night than adults.

You can help regulate your sleep and promote more relaxed, restful sleep by helping your body produce melatonin when you need it. If you are having trouble sleeping, try a few of these tips before you turn to medication.

Say “no” to electronic devices and gadgets:

The blue light produced by our phones, laptops, TVs, and tablets may be counteracting your body’s attempts to produce melatonin. Instead of checking your phone or social media accounts before going to bed, read, journal, or even color. These activities are much less stimulating than electronic devices, allowing your brain to start shutting down and encouraging your body to start producing melatonin for the night ahead.

Drink chamomile tea:

Chamomile tea actually has melatonin in it. Drink a warm cup of it in the evening to help your body relax, de-stress, and prepare for restful sleep.

Shower or take a relaxing bath:

Warm water relaxes tense muscles and refreshes your mind. According to research by Loughborough University in Leicester, the relaxing effect of taking a bath before going to bed helps increase the production of melatonin in your body. This is because taking baths and showers reduces the level of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, allowing your body to produce melatonin instead.

Block all sources of light:

Pull all the curtains, shut all the blinds, turn off all the lights. Make your room completely dark. Even the smallest amount of light can disrupt your sleeping and melatonin production. Blocking out all the sources of light while sleeping will significantly boost the melatonin in your body, help regulate your sleeping patterns and promote deep sleep so that you wake you up happy and well rested.

Focus on your diet:

Your diet plays a huge role in your body’s sleeping habits. Studies have shown that reducing or eliminating caffeine and processed foods has a hugely positive impact on your amount and quality of sleep. It is also helpful to avoid trying to sleep on a very empty or very full stomach; both can leave your body focused on processes other than sleep. A light snack or a warm cup of tea just before bed can help calm hunger pangs without overtaxing your body. What are the best foods to help you sleep? – watch here

Reminder of the key hormones needed for sleep: Melatonin, Cortisol, Serotonin and impact on immune system

VITAL TIPs: Manage stress and support your adrenals.

HOW?

Ways to support your immune system with daily rituals that are easy to do.

Meditation
Journaling
Tapping – EFT at the end of the day to calm the mid and process anything you are still feeling
Cool dew on your feet at night or a cold shower on your feet
Cold water therapy
Supplements such as 5HTP, CBD, Magnesium glycinate – talk to me I can guide you.

Sleep is a 24-hour cycle, not just something that happens when you go to bed.

In the morning, your body makes cortisol to wake you up. In the evening it makes melatonin to make you sleepy

Hormonal factors that influence sleep can include making too much cortisol, making cortisol at the wrong times of day, and not making enough melatonin.

Serotonin also influences sleep. Essential oils can support serotonin. The best essential oils on the planet can be purchased here Vetiver, lavender and roman chamomile are my favourite and I use them every night.

A healthy sleep cycle includes anchoring both cortisol and melatonin, so that you are awake and alert when you should be, and tired when you should be.

Sleep is when we repair cells – the heart of the immune system!

If you would like to learn more about my hormone tests get in touch. When we get to the root cause of why you are not sleeping – your life will change forever!

Yours in health and wellness,

Trish

Healthy Chocolate Making Workshop

Written by trish on January 22, 2022. Posted in adrenal glands, antioxidant capacities, doTerra, Eat Clean, Health, Self Love, Tips, Wellbeing.

Would you like to learn how to make healthy chocolate.

Would you like to learn how to make delicious healthy chocolate

I will be running a chocolate making workshop in my kitchen.

2-4pm on the 12th March

This will be vegan friendly, healthy chocolate

We will be eating, drinking and making chocolate.

Just in time for Easter. You can learn how to make delicious chocolates for your friends and family.

How to Eat For a Healthy Thyroid

Written by trish on January 11, 2022. Posted in Blog, Cold extremities, Energy, Fatigue, Hair loss, Health, Hormones, Mood, Tips, Weight, Women's Health.

The health of your thyroid depends heavily on what you eat and put in your body. Your thyroid plays a big role in the following daily functions

Your metabolism and your weight.
Your hair growth.
Your energy levels.
Controlling other hormones like insulin, cortisol and your sex hormones
Your mood.
Your ability to concentrate and remain focused.
Your body temperature.
Your heart rate.
Your menstrual cycle.

To keep your thyroid happy and healthy, your body needs appropriate amounts of iodine, zinc and selenium. To ensure the health of your thyroid, try incorporating the following foods in your diet for better iodine, zinc and selenium levels.

Yogurt: Yogurt is an excellent source of iodine. Plain and Greek yogurts are your best options.
Berries: Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with iodine, selenium, and vitamin D. These berries also contain a variety of other nutrients and are very high in antioxidants, which are critical for the health of your thyroid. Goji berries and cranberries contain the highest number of antioxidants. You can eat these berries raw, or you can use them in smoothies or in an acai bowl. You can use them to top yogurt or oatmeal.
Fish: Fish is another great source of iodine. Lack of nutrients is one of the primary reasons why thyroid health deters, and fish contain all the necessary nutrients to maintain the health of your thyroid. One 3-ounce serving of cod contains around 99 milligrams of iodine. If you do not like fish then you can opt for cod liver oil supplements.
Chicken: Zinc is also necessary for thyroid health, and chicken is a perfect solution to fill that need. Three ounces of chicken contains 2.4 milligrams of zinc.
Beef: Organic grass-fed beef is also high in zinc. A 3-ounce serving of roasted beef provides seven milligrams of zinc and a 3-ounce beef patty contains three milligrams of zinc. Make sure you choose very lean, organic beef.
Brazil Nuts: Brazil nuts are incredible little powerhouses for selenium. Daily consumption of moderate serving amounts can help produce glutathione, which helps fight against and decrease thyroid antibodies.
Eggs: Eggs are another simple, one-stop shop for your thyroid health. A large egg consists of 20% of selenium and 16% of iodine. Eggs are extremely versatile and easy to prepare. Hard boil or scramble them, but make sure you include the yolk; that is the part the provides the most selenium.
Nuts: To protect and maintain the health of your thyroid, try adding a variety of nuts to your diet. Hazelnuts and macadamia nuts provided the highest amount of selenium. You can eat them raw, snack on them, or add them to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or other meals.

If you would like to learn more about thyroid and blood panel tests book a call here https://p.bttr.to/2MZVUKN

I can arrange private tests with a nurse visit for the blood draw. This is especially beneficial at the moment with such long wait times at the NHS, plus private tests are far more thorough.

Yours in health and wellness,

Trish

6 ways to know if your hormones are out of whack

Written by trish on November 30, 2021. Posted in Blog, Eat Clean, Fatigue, Hormones, Mood, Sleep, Tips, Uncategorized, Weight, Women's Health.

If you regularly feel like something is just not right with your body, that you are just not yourself, you may be suffering from a hormone imbalance. Here are a few signs and symptoms to help you determine if your hormones may be out of whack:

You feel tired all the time.

Consistent fatigue may be the cause of an imbalance in our stress hormones that are produced when your body releases cortisol. Your body tends to release excessive cortisol in response to a bad or unhealthy diet, especially one with excessive daily consumption of sugar. This fatigue may even make you feel a little depressed and lethargic and cause brain fog or brain fatigue, a temporary condition in which your brain is simply exhausted and cannot perform the simplest task.

You are unable to lose weight.

The stress hormone cortisol not only makes you feel tired but can also hinder your body’s ability to maintain or lose weight. Your hormones control your metabolism. An imbalance in your hormones can result in a slowed or inefficient metabolism. Furthermore, hormonal imbalances promote fat storage that can lead to weight gain.

You suffer from insatiable cravings.

An increase in cortisol can cause you to have crazy and insatiable cravings for sugary foods. You may feel ravenous and get abnormally cranky if you are unable to satisfy those cravings.

You feel as if you are on an emotional roller coaster.

When your hormones are out of whack, you may feel as if you are on an emotional roller coaster. One minute you are happy and having the time of your life and in the next, you may feel incredibly depressed. Hormonal imbalances can cause you to experience extreme, inexplicable highs and lows in your emotions.

You have digestive problems.

Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to digestive problems like abdominal spasms, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, excessive flatulence and burping, nausea and discomfort.

You sweat excessively.

Your hormones can cause you to sweat excessively when they are out of whack. This is due to a swing of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which are caused by hormonal imbalances in your body.

What to do if you are struggling with these symptoms?

The key to supporting your hormones is to focus on these key areas:

Nourish – eating unprocessed wholefoods and avoiding too much sugar, alcohol and stimulants will help to reduce stress and calm your hormones
Cleanse – think about all parts f your life. What you eat, absorb through your skin in personal care products and inhale in your environment.
Restore balance by resting and getting excellent quality sleep
Realign your body and mind with gentle exercise. Strengthening and stretching daily can help you digest better and bring harmony to the hormones.

If you would like to get your hormones tested book a call here and be sure to check out the programs on my website

The 7 simplest ways to improve your gut health and support your hormones

Written by trish on September 21, 2021. Posted in Belly Bloating, Bloating, Blog, Energy, Gut Health, Hormones, Sleep, Stress, Tips, Women's Health.

How are you going with your September health goals?

I hosted a retreat day last Saturday. 10 ladies had fun juicing, fermenting, sprouting, eating delicious food, and learning about gut health and hormones.

The next retreat is scheduled for the 27^th November in Wales.

After that I will be doing a mini series of talks in my kitchen here in Minchinhampton.

Keep up to date with announcements in the Thriving Gut health FB group here

At the end of the day, we all committed to doing three things to support our goals. Here is a summary of those new commitments.

This may seem like a simple list but if you did all of these, I guarantee you will feel less bloated. You will sleep better; have more energy and you will feel less stressed.

What can you add?

Drink plenty of water?
Take little breaks during the day?
Deep breaths before your meal?
Chew food well?
Veggies for breakfast?
Diversity of vegetables on the plate?
Change shopping habits to include a bigger range of veg, herbs, seeds, fruit.

When you shop you are better off picking 2-3 of every type of veg rather than sticking with the basics you normally buy.

What can you add to your shopping list this week?

Buy at least:

Four green fruit and vegetables.
Two red fruit and vegetables.
Two yellow fruit and vegetables.
One orange fruit and vegetables.
One Purple fruit and vegetables.

One spice and one herb you have never tried. Choose a variety. Choose one of every veg and fruit. Think about all the colours of the rainbow. This is great preparation for the recipes that follow. Add in two types of nuts, preferably organic or in the shell. Add a new cold pressed virgin oil you have never used before.

Here is a list of foods that will support your gut health and hormones:

Protein

Chicken
Turkey
Game
Fresh fish
Eggs
Organic soy -if tolerated (milk, tofu, edamame beans, miso,tempeh, natto)
Grass fed Beef
Lamb
Pork
Venison
Veal
Liver

Oils

For dressing:

Avocado
Flaxseed
Hemp
Walnut
Extra virgin olive
Sesame

For cooking:

Avocado
Coconut
Extra virgin olive (up to 180° only)
Goose/duck fat/lard
Butter

Dairy alternatives

Almond milk (unsweetened)
Hazelnut milk (unsweetened)
Cashew milk (unsweetened)
Coconut milk (full fat)
Oat, hemp, rice milks (unsweetened)
Coconut oil (for butter)
Coconut yoghurt
Nutritional yeast flakes

(for cheese)

Organic soy milk and yoghurt

Nuts & Seeds

Coconut
Almonds
Brazils
Hazelnuts
Cashews
Macademias
Walnuts
Pecans
Pine nuts
Nut butter (not peanut)
Sesame seeds
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Hemp seeds
Chia seeds
Flaxseeds (or linseeds)

Fruits

All fruits, including:

Avocado
Apples
Apricots
Bananas
Berries
Cherries
Citrus
Cranberries
Kiwi
Nectarine
Orange
Peach
Pears
Pomegranate

Avoid dried fruits, fruit juice and other fruit products. Look for sulphur free dried fruits.

Grains & Pulses

Amaranth
Buckwheat
Millet
Gluten free oats
Quinoa
Rice (brown or wild)
Chickpeas, beans, or lentils
Hummus or other bean dips
Gluten free pasta (brown rice, chickpea)
Gluten free noodles (rice, soba/buckwheat, zero noodles)

Flours:

Almond
Coconut
Rice
Tapioca
Buckwheat.

It is easy to get stuck in habits of buying the same food.

What can you try this week?

In the 8-week gut healing hormone balancing program we cover this and so much more.

If you are struggling with your symptoms and want to get to the root cause – book a call here

Love Trish