Histamine and seasonal allergies: mature woman knelt down watering her garden plants.

The role of histamine in seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies such as hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, are common and becoming increasingly so, both in the UK and across the globe.

A recent study by Allergy UK revealed that 49% of the UK population have had symptoms of hay fever with it officially affecting between 10-15% of children and 26% of adults.

It may appear to some to be just an inconvenience with the need for extra tissues or antihistamines but hay fever can be debilitating and can also have a knock-on effect on other aspects of health.

Up to 57% of adult patients and 88% of children with allergic rhinitis have sleep problems, including micro-arousals, leading to daytime fatigue, somnolence, and decreased cognitive function.

As we begin to enter the spring and summer, it is an important time to consider interventions that may support a healthier response to allergens. This blog looks at the response of the body when exposed to allergens, how the immune system is affected and the influence that histamine plays as well as looking at natural interventions to help individuals before and during the hay fever season.

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Last updated on 13th March 2024 by cytoffice

Stylish 50 something woman in her kitchen holding a mug and phone researching whether antioxidants can help the immune system.

Antioxidants and your immune system – can they really help?

The interplay between the immune system, oxidative stress and nutrients that target both of these pathways is a popular topic, especially during the winter months. Modern life exposes us to increased toxins, pollution, nutritional deficiencies, stress, poor liver and digestive function and inflammation which all put additional stress on the immune system, often leaving it vulnerable to attack.

Antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, and phytochemicals including carotenoids and polyphenols have always been of interest in health for their role in the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation and degenerative diseases. In this week’s article we are going to look closely into a range of antioxidants and how they play a key role in supporting the function of the immune system.

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Last updated on 22nd February 2024 by cytoffice

In the news – health and nutrition research

In this week’s article we provide a roundup of some of the most recent health and nutrition related articles in the news, five items comprising:

  • A mix of cardio and strength training benefits cardiovascular health.
  • Supplements could play an important role in preserving cognitive functioning.
  • Higher intake of antioxidants linked to reduced pain.
  • Long-term weight gain less on a low-carb diet of plant-based wholefoods.
  • 2000IU of D3 suggested as optimal to prevent deficiency.

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Last updated on 7th February 2024 by cytoffice

Rear view of hipster woman feeling full of energy on the top of the hill with outstretched arms looking at view

How to support your energy levels: natural nutrients to improve tiredness and fatigue

How energetic we feel can be difficult to quantify or compare. However, many people report low energy or fatigue. A 2022 article in the Independent states that “One in eight UK adults feel tired all the time, according to a YouGov survey. Another quarter feel tired “most of the time”, while a third reported feeling weary around “half of the time.”1 Therefore, it is clear many people feel they would like or need more energy.

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Last updated on 31st January 2024 by cytoffice

Young african woman holding up a nutritional supplement

Understanding supplement labels and formulations

Understanding supplement labels and formulations can often be challenging and with so many supplements to choose from, plus the wealth of information on each product label, it can be difficult to know where to start and what to look for.

In this week’s blog we will aim to simplify some of the information for you and pick out some key points to help you make an informed and educated choice when buying supplements. 

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Last updated on 24th January 2024 by cytoffice

The foundations of health: the top 3 supplements to support optimal health

When we refer to the ‘foundations of health’ we are talking about creating a solid foundation upon which we can build. Our concept of the foundations of health is centred around the three fundamental components which contribute to supporting optimal health and wellbeing.

From a nutritional perspective, a multivitamin and mineral, probiotic and essential fatty acid supplement can collectively form the foundation of health and help to build wellness from within. Let’s explore each of these three foundations in more depth…

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Last updated on 17th January 2024 by cytoffice