20 health tips – quick to read and quick to implement. Get healthier.

1. Ridges On Your Nails
Horizontal ridges on your nails can indicate a zinc shortage. Try eating more zinc rich foods such as nuts and seeds or take a zinc supplement. Zinc is an important mineral for the brain, the skin and more. Rich food sources include nuts, seeds, lentils and beans. Vertical ridges can indicate poor absorption of food or an infection or inflammation.

2. Men’s Health
The US National Cancer Institute says that selenium, vitamins D and E, and lycopene have shown potential benefit in studies on prostate cancer prevention. Pomegranate juice may help to protect against prostate cancer by suppressing the expression of genes linked to the disease. (Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, 2009). Research has shown that one in three men are not getting enough zinc, magnesium or calcium, all nutrients needed for fertility, heart and bone health.

3. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 production in the body reduces as you get older and can leave you feeling tired and lacking in energy. A coenzyme Q10 supplement could help.

4. Night Work Problems
Women working at night are more likely to suffer from breast cancer than those who don’t. So, if you are a woman working nights, pay particular attention to changes in your breasts.

5. Sun Beds
The chance of developing a tumour increase by up to 20% per decade of sun bed use before the age of 56.

6. Stay Optimistic
Psychiatrists have found that people with a negative outlook on life may be up to 25% more likely to develop cancer than those who are optimistic.

7. Herb Teas For Health
Fennel tea is great for digestive problems. Mint tea can relieve chronic sinusitis, respiratory and digestive problems.

8. Recurrent Mouth Ulcers
This can be a sign you are over-stressed and your immune system is suffering. Take extra vitamin C and zinc, and check if you are short of iron. Or try Simply Naturals plant-based minerals.

9. Get Prepared For Your Operation
If you know you are going into hospital for an operation, take a probiotic supplement starting a few days beforehand and continuing for about a week afterwards. This could help protect you against hospital acquired infections. A Swedish study showed that patients who quit smoking 4 weeks before an operation have half the complications (such as slow wound healing and infections) as people who continue to smoke.

10. Stimulate Your Brain
Music is great for the brain but listen to lots of different music to give your brain a pleasant workout. Include some Baroque music as it is particularly good for the brain.

11. Wanting To Get Pregnant?
Over 90% of women aged 25 to 34 are not getting enough folic acid. Folic acid is vitally important in preventing spina bifida.

12. Falling
The chance of having a fall is increased threefold in the days immediately after a change in medication. Be aware of this and take more care at this time.

13. Moles
Regularly ask your partner or a friend to check moles on your back or scalp that you can’t see. Tell your doctor about any changes in shape or colour, or if they itch or bleed.

14. Driving With A Cold
Having a bad cold or the flu can significantly affect a driver’s responses. Research for Lloyds TSB Insurance found that drivers with colds scored, on average, 11% worse – equivalent to the effect of a double whisky. Washing your hands frequently in winter can reduce your chances of getting the common cold, as germs are often transmitted via door handles, etc.

15. Joint Problems
Herbs that can help joint problems include ginger, turmeric, chilli, boswellia and devil’s claw. Too much sugar and white flour can make you stiff.

16. Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut seeds taken as a herbal supplement can help support the capillary walls, and so may help chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, venous ulcers and post-operative oedema.

17. The Benefits Of Ginger
Ginger has traditionally been used for arthritis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, sore throats and muscle sprains.

18. Incense
Long-term incense use has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory cancer.

19. Children’s Attention Span
Mineral and Multivitamin supplements have been found to improve children’s attention span in a study by British and Australian researchers. (British Journal Of Nutrition 2008)

20. Cold Sores
Cold sores are often a sign that you are run down. Get lots of rest and eat well. Avoid foods rich in arginine (wheat, carob, chocolate, meat, dairy, coconut and gelatin) that can extend the time you suffer.