The secret to Well Being and Being Well

Well-Being is described as the state of feeling healthy and happy, referring to both body and mind. Being Well is often thought of as the absence of disease or having a certain vitality, a spring in the step. Which ever one you have in mind nutritional plays a vital role in achieving well-being, being well and staying well!

Being Positive and Feeling Energised

Feeling happy or feeling positive takes a certain mindset, but did you know that nutrition plays a big role in helping create those positive vibes?

Nutrition is a powerful tool for helping to manage anxiety and depression, creating a calmer state of mind and promoting positivity. Combined with the ability to influence metabolism and energy production nutrition is all about helping create a positive mindset and providing energy for both mental and physical challenges.

All about the B’s

Energy, focus and well-being are all linked with B-Vitamins, a small but mighty group that support nervous system function, metabolism and energy production. B Vitamins are commonly used as a ‘pick me up’ for horses that are recovering, lack energy or are highly stressed. B Vitamins are also used in the management of anxiety, helping to create a calmer and more focused state of mind.

Vitamin B1 - helps with nerve impulse transmission and energy production.

Vitamin B2 - supports energy metabolism and works in combination with B1.

Vitamin B6 – for healthy function of neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved in excitation and promoting a calm state.

Vitamin B12 – maintains normal nerve signalling.

Folic Acid (B9) – supports healthy red blood cell formation.

Nicotinamide (B3) – needed for coenzymes that convert nutrients into usable energy.

Pantothenic Acid (B5) –  needed for coenzyme A that converts nutrients into usable energy.

Fighting Fit

Feeling good is great but keeping well and healthy is a whole other challenge. No one wants their positive energy crashed by unwanted snots sniffles and other general lurgy, a common problem during winter months, when travelling or feeling stressed.

Supporting the immune system during times of stress is an important part of staying healthy. There are many nutrients and plant sources that support the immune system, which is also linked to gut health. A well-balanced diet that provides a good level of dietary antioxidants along with support for gut health from probiotics, prebiotics or postbiotics is a good starting point.

Plant Based Immune Support

Echinacea and Aloe Vera are two plant sources of support for the immune system that are complementary to nutritional sources.

When it comes to immunity there are 2 types of immunity to consider, innate immunity and adaptive immunity.

Innate immunity – the body’s first line of defence. Response is rapid and non-specific. It does not target specific pathogens, instead it provides a general defence against anything invasive to the body including bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Adaptive immunity – a specific response that is targeted to particular pathogens. It relies on previous exposure, allowing the immune system to recognise and remember specific invaders.

Echinacea works by activating innate immune responses whilst also influencing inflammatory responses. Although most commonly thought of as an immune system stimulant, more recent research shows its role as an immune modulator, helping to balance immune activation and inflammation. After the initial innate response Echinacea also has a role to play in adaptive immunity with research showing benefits for antibody response.

Aloe Vera is best known for its digestive health benefits but it also an important plant to consider for immune health. Aloe vera is also an immune modulator, benefiting innate immunity and support inflammatory response.

Have questions? Need dietary advice?

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