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Acorn Health Blog

What we love is great health...

...and we like to write about how we can all achieve better health, naturally. Sometimes tips on how you can DIY to better health and sometimes on the therapies that can make a difference to you, your health and wellbeing.
Thank you for reading, We hope you enjoy :)

Tummy Troubles on Your Travels?

General Health & Wellbeing Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:44AM

Planning a trip and worried about traveller’s diarrhoea? Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) might just be your gut’s new best friend. This powerful probiotic yeast has been shown to help maintain digestive health and prevent unpleasant digestive issues while traveling. Let’s dive into the research and see how it can benefit you!

What Is Saccharomyces Boulardii? 🍞
Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast that acts as a probiotic. Unlike bacteria-based probiotics, S. boulardii is a yeast that helps balance the good bacteria in your gut, supporting overall digestive health.

The Research Behind Its Benefits 🌍🔬
Recent studies have shown that S. boulardii is highly effective in preventing traveller’s diarrhoea, a common issue for many travellers. Here’s a closer look at the findings:

– Traveller’s Diarrhoea Prevention: A comprehensive review of 27 clinical trials involving over 5,000 patients found that S. boulardii significantly reduces the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea. This makes it a reliable choice for maintaining gut health on your journeys. ✈️💧

– Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea: The same review highlighted S. boulardii’s effectiveness in preventing diarrhoea caused by antibiotics. This is particularly useful when antibiotics disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria. 💊

– Additional Uses: Besides traveller’s diarrhoea and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, S. boulardii has shown promise in managing symptoms related to Helicobacter pylori treatment and enteral nutrition. While it’s also being investigated for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease, more research is needed to confirm these benefits. 🌿

Why Is This Important for You?
S. boulardii is a well-tolerated and effective probiotic that can be a game-changer for your gut health, especially when traveling. Its ability to reduce the risk of diarrhoea and support digestive balance makes it a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

Please remember to always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including S. boulardii, to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual health needs. 🩺

For a deeper dive into the research:

Read the full study here


Pilates

Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:37AM

Pilates might seem like a modern fitness trend, but its origins stretch back to the early 20th century, combining history with science to create a system that’s as effective today as it was then. Let’s explore how Pilates came to be, how it benefits your body, and why it might be just what you’re looking for to enhance your health and well-being.
 

A Journey Through History 📜

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. Originally named “Contrology,” this system was born out of Pilates’s fascination with the body’s mechanics and rehabilitation. Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer, designed his method to aid in the rehabilitation of injured soldiers and dancers. His approach emphasised the importance of core strength, flexibility, and proper alignment.

Pilates believed that a strong core was crucial for overall health, and his method focused on controlled, precise movements. Over time, his techniques gained popularity, and today, Pilates is a globally recognised exercise system practiced by people of all fitness levels.


What Is Pilates? 🤸‍♀️

At its core, Pilates is a series of low-impact exercises that focus on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall body awareness. Unlike some high-intensity workouts, Pilates is gentle on the joints and emphasises slow, controlled movements that target specific muscle groups.


Key Elements of Pilates Include:

  • Core Strength: Building a strong, stable core is central to Pilates. This not only improves posture but also supports the lower back and reduces the risk of injury.
  • Flexibility and Balance: Pilates exercises help to lengthen and stretch muscles, improving overall flexibility and balance.
  • Breath Control: Proper breathing techniques are integral to Pilates, helping to enhance movement efficiency and relaxation.


Applications and Benefits 🌈

Pilates offers a range of benefits that can enhance both physical and mental well-being:

  • Improved Posture: Regular Pilates practice strengthens the muscles responsible for maintaining good posture, which can reduce back pain and improve overall alignment.
  • Enhanced Core Strength: A strong core supports your entire body, which can lead to better performance in other physical activities and reduced risk of injury.
  • Increased Flexibility: The stretching and lengthening of muscles can improve your overall flexibility and range of motion.
  • Better Balance and Coordination: Pilates exercises help to develop balance and coordination, which is beneficial for daily activities and sports.
  • Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention: Pilates is often used in rehabilitation settings because it can help strengthen muscles and improve movement patterns, making it easier to recover from injuries and prevent future ones.


Why Try Pilates?

Whether you’re looking to enhance your fitness routine, recover from an injury, or simply improve your overall well-being, Pilates offers a versatile and effective approach to achieving your goals. It’s suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and can be adapted to meet individual needs.

If you’re curious about how Pilates could fit into your wellness journey, we encourage you to explore this holistic exercise system further. Its blend of historical insight and modern application might be just what you need to achieve your fitness and health aspirations.

Discover Pilates at Acorn


Feverfew- a brief overview

General Health & Wellbeing Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:31AM

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of feverfew (Latin name Tanacetum parthenium), a herb celebrated for its long history and diverse uses. 🌼✨

A Journey Through Time

Feverfew has been cherished for centuries across various herbal traditions. In Western herbalism, it’s known for its role in treating headaches and migraines. Ancient Greeks used feverfew to alleviate fevers (hence the name), and it was a staple in medieval herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

In folklore, feverfew was revered as a magical herb, believed to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits. This rich tapestry of use highlights feverfew’s deep-rooted connection to both health and mysticism.

What Does Feverfew Look Like?

Feverfew is a striking herb with delicate, feathery leaves and cheerful, daisy-like flowers. The plant typically grows to about 1-2 feet tall, with bright green, deeply lobed leaves and small white or yellow flowers. It’s quite easy to spot in gardens and meadows during the summer months.

Where to Find It

Feverfew thrives in temperate climates and can often be found in herb gardens or as a wildflower. It’s also available in various forms at health food stores and online, including fresh leaves, dried herb, capsules, and tinctures.

How to Use Feverfew

Feverfew can be used in several ways:

  • Tea: Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water to make a soothing herbal tea. It’s often consumed to help with headaches and digestive issues.
  • Capsules and Tablets: Convenient for those who prefer not to brew tea.
  • Tincture: A concentrated liquid form that can be added to water or taken directly.
  • Topical Use: The leaves can be crushed and applied to the skin to help with inflammation or minor skin irritations.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

While feverfew offers many benefits, it’s important to use it with care:

  • Allergies: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, especially if they’re sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (like daisies or marigolds).
  • Pregnancy: Avoid using feverfew during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
  • Blood Thinners: Feverfew might interact with anticoagulant medications, so consult with a healthcare provider if you’re on blood thinners or have bleeding disorders.

Feverfew’s storied history and varied applications make it a fascinating herb with much to offer. Whether you’re looking to explore its traditional uses or incorporate it into your wellness routine, feverfew’s benefits are worth considering.

Happy exploring, and stay healthy! 🌿💚



Chakras: Unlocking Your Energy Centres

Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, September 19, 2024 11:26AM

Chakras, a cornerstone of many ancient traditions, are the energy centres within our bodies that influence our overall well-being. Understanding and balancing these energy points can lead to profound improvements in both physical and emotional health.

What Are Chakras?

The term “chakra” comes from the Sanskrit word for “wheel” or “disk,” reflecting their role as spinning energy centres. There are seven main chakras, each corresponding to specific aspects of our lives:

Root Chakra (Muladhara) – Located at the base of the spine, it is associated with grounding and stability.

Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) – Situated in the lower abdomen, it governs creativity and emotional expression.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – Found in the upper abdomen, it influences personal power and confidence.

Heart Chakra (Anahata) – Located in the centre of the chest, it is linked to love and compassion.

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) – Positioned at the throat, it relates to communication and self-expression.

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) – Located between the eyebrows, it is associated with intuition and insight.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) – At the top of the head, it represents spiritual connection and enlightenment.

A Brief History

Chakra concepts have been integral to various ancient traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. In these traditions, maintaining balance within the chakras is believed to be crucial for health and spiritual growth. The idea has also permeated Western practices, integrating with modern wellness approaches.

Applications and Benefits

Balancing the chakras can lead to numerous benefits:

Improved Emotional Health: Harmonizing the chakras helps release blocked emotions and foster inner peace.

Enhanced Physical Health: Aligning the energy centres can contribute to overall physical vitality and reduce stress.

Increased Self-Awareness: Chakra work can heighten your awareness of personal needs and spiritual growth.

How to Work with Chakras

There are various techniques to balance and energize your chakras, including meditation, yoga, and crystal healing. Each method focuses on aligning the energy flow through specific practices tailored to the needs of each chakra.

If you find the concept of chakras intriguing and want to explore how to balance these energy centres further,

Check out our upcoming chakra workshops


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