There are many factors which affect mental health including nutrition, potential brain chemical imbalances, hormones, digestive system function, genetics, past experiences, substance use, lifestyle, environmental, occupational factors and social relationships. Here I am focussing on some nutritional factors which are worth considering for a more optimal state of mental health. These suggestions may not apply to everyone including those with allergies, intolerances or who are

Eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut is a great way to increase and support the microflora in your digestive tract. Most of our immune system lives in our digestive tract and it's believed that around 90% of our bodies serotonin is made in our digestive tract with the help of the microflora that resides there. You may have heard of the gut-brain connection, which involves the vagus nerve and our digestive microflora. The wonderful thing about making your own fermented fo

Falafel is a traditional middle eastern food which is made from the legume chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) or fava beans. Chickpeas are a good source of protein, fibre, folate, manganese, magnesium and potassium, therefore being beneficial to heart health. Additionally, chickpeas are a low glycaemic index (GI) food therefore keeping your blood sugar levels steady. This is probably my favourite vegetarian meal which I make quite frequently. You can also make an extra

I love juicing and purchased a MOD cold pressed juicer a few years ago. I juice more in the warmer weather and its fantastic to do if you're doing a detox, to lighten the load on your digestive organs. One of my favourite juices is beetroot and ginger. You can get creative and add some carrots, cellery, pineapple whatever you fancy. Beetroots increase nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a vital molecule which helps to dilate blood vessels, promoting blood flow, therefor

As we're coming into cold and flu season now is definitely the time to do everything we can to strengthen our immune systems. Here are a few ways you can do this; 1. Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap, particularly after you get home from being out and about and before you prepare food and eat. Keep your hands well moisturized as well to keep skin intact as our skin is our immune systems "first line of defence" against pathogens. 2. Avo