Author Archives: carolinerainsford

Stress and our Gut

Stress is associated with a range of disorders including obesity,diabetes,heart disease and anxiety.It can also worsen IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.Stress alters our Gut microbiome.Exposure to stress can cause us to comfort eat and crave processed foods high in sugar and fat.This type of diet disrupts our microbiome diversity and can cause increased intestinal permeabilityContinue reading “Stress and our Gut”

Tai Chi for Stress,Flexibility and Health

A Study conducted over 12 weeks concluded that Tai Chi Practice for that time reduced stress levels in healthy individuals.Stress can make us breathe faster.When we breathe mindfully,as in Tai Chi ,we will improve relaxation and help our balance.In fact Tai Chi is often called meditation in motion.Dr Paul Lam in his book “Teaching TaiContinue reading “Tai Chi for Stress,Flexibility and Health”

5 Minutes Ready Work Lunch

You only have 30 minutes for lunch.Do you grab a soggy sandwich from the nearby shop or help yourself to a Healthy Nutritious Salad that will boost your energy levels and take 5 minutes or less to prepare?The key is preparation.Plan ahead a Healthy Salad Shop at the weekend including salad leaves,cherry tomatoes ,prepared quinoa/rice,apples,aContinue reading “5 Minutes Ready Work Lunch”

Healthy Gut Microbiome

I attended a talk last night with Dr Ann-Marie Eustace Ryan,Gastroenterologist and author of “Bug of War”which was certainly food for thought!Our Gut is full of trillions of bacteria.Healthy and Diverse Gut Microbiome is very important for our immune system,heart,weight and overall health.Certain bacteria will digest fiber which will produce short-chain fatty acids that areContinue reading “Healthy Gut Microbiome”

Book Review of “Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One”

This is one of those books you should keep by your side for constant reference.Although it is a novel by Raphaelle Giordano,it is like a life coach that helps you live your best life.In chapter eight the technique of positive anchoring is explained and advises to write a list of your best qualities and successes.CamilleContinue reading “Book Review of “Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One””

Mental Fitness-Book Review

I picked up this book by Ant Middleton because the title sounded interesting.He starts the book describing his time in the Royal Marines and the necessity of building not only physical but mental fitness.In chapter two he talks about building confidence ,saying it’s a process, the only antidote to imposter syndrome being to build aContinue reading “Mental Fitness-Book Review”

Book Review of ‘Peace is Every Step’by Thich Nhat Hanh

This is a photo of my dog eared copy of this book by the great Thich Nhat Hanh who died recently at the age of 95 .His book is a timely reminder that we should slow down.In his own words he says ‘this book is offered as a bell of mindfulness,a reminder that happiness isContinue reading “Book Review of ‘Peace is Every Step’by Thich Nhat Hanh”

Mindfulness

This month I am reviewing ‘Mindfulness-a practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world’ by Mark Williams and Danny Penman.The book makes some interesting observations about Mindfulness such as “mindfulness allows you to catch negative thought patterns before they tip you into a downward spiral”and “when you become more mindful ,you bring your intentionsContinue reading “Mindfulness”