Pure Mama UK

Today, let's uplift one another, shower ourselves with self-love, and spread contagious joy wherever we go. 🥰💖 Let's remember that we hold the power to make every day extraordinary, whether it's through a simple act of kindness, pursuing our passions, or indulging in some well-deserved self-care

Together, let's celebrate the wisdom, strength, and grace that come with experience. 🌟 Embrace your unique journey, uplift one another.

Feeling stressed and on edge? Is it affecting your sleep, energy, motivation and mood?.. Yes there are many stressors in life, and we all seem to accept that being stressed is "normal". But, is it?!

We shouldn't chronically feel stressed and anxious. Our body uses a lot of energy and nutrients to deal with stress - heard of adrenal fatigue? That's when your adrenal glands (situated on top of your kidneys) are exhausted and can no longer produce the hormones that help you cope with stress.

I'm a big fan of supplements and natural remedies because they replenish the necessary nutrients for your adrenals and other organs to cope. Some herbal remedies can also provide relaxing or sedative effects. So supplements are fantastic alongside some lifestyle changes (watch caffeine intake, practice mindfulness, CBT, journalling...)

Here's this pure mama's tried and tested top remedies to cope and beat stress:
💚SUPPLEMENTS
🍃B-complex - your adrenal glands need B vitamins and are often depleted.
🍃Adaptogens - These are herbs that literally help the body to adapt, adjust and recalibrate itself. I highly recommend Rhodiola and Ashwagandha.
🍃L-theanine - this amino acid can cross the brain-blood barrier to help with relaxation without a sedative effect. Found naturally in green tea.
🍃Magnesium - works within the central nervous system and in the muscles (relaxing).
🍃Aromatherapy (candles/ essential oils) - When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.

What remedies have you tried?

There is nothing like a good friend.

Friendship and social support have been linked to better physical health as well as mental health. We know friends are important, but studies officially back this theory.
Physical health benefits include lower rates of heart disease, including lower blood pressure.
The Mental health benefits are many:
-Increased sense of belonging and purpose.
-Reduced stress.
-Improved self-confidence and self-worth.
Friends also are invaluable in helping us cope with difficult life events such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one.

So no vitamin recommendations today... well just vitamin "F" for friendship ❤️

However, while good friends help you through tough times and bring out the best in you, toxic friendships also exist. These leave you feeling drained, unsatisfied and affect your self esteem negatively. A toxic friend, far from helping relieve stress, can add to it. They might say or do things that upset you when you spend time together, for example.
Life is short, spend it time with true friends who give as well as take, and who make you feel truly loved ❤️

Missing the sun 😭?

Exposure to sunlight and longer days help boost serotonin, the happy hormone. Serotonin is also responsible for:
-promoting good sleep
-helping regulate appetite
-promoting learning and memory
-helping promote positive feelings and prosocial behavior

Other ways to increase serotonin inlcude mindfulness/ meditation, spending time outdoors in nature, and taking supplements such as 5-HTP.
I like Serotone 5-HTP, a great natural formula that provides the building blocks and nutrients necessary to make serotonin in the brain.
5-HTP is found naturally in the Griffonia simplicifolia seed, a shrub native to West and Central Africa. The formula also contains B vitamins and zinc which are needed to help 5-HTP to be used effectively in the body.

Discover more on www.puremama.co.uk

My salvation! This innovative sunscreen cleverly combines natural ingredients to protect from sun and insect bites/ stings all at once!
This is a broad spectrum UVB+UVA suncream with SPF30 rating protection
Soil Asociation Cosmos Natural certified
It contains botanical insect repellent and aloe to nourish the upper dermal layers of the skin.

✔Moisturising, ✔hydrating, ✔non-greasy with a light citrus fragrance. Oh and the packaging is made from renewable source sugar cane🙌

🌙 ✨

What's Confidence?
Often people think confidence is something you are born with (or without!).
Confidence is not a fixed attribute; it’s the outcome of the thoughts we think and the actions we take. It is not based on your actual ability to succeed at a task but your belief in your ability to succeed.

To help you get there:
-💙be kind and talk to your self positively.
Practice positive affirmations to rewire your brain and set a positive tone to your day.
-💙 Stop comparing yourselves with others. I know I know... I understand the irony of saying this via social media, but I have learnt to step back, dissociate and not compare myself with others.
-💙surround yourself with people who make you feel good and positive. Tune into how you feel after spending time with people- chose your company wisely.
-💙take care of yourself, your body and your mind by making time for self-care... it can be grooming, face masks, exercise or meditation and relaxation 😌

I leave you with one of my fave quotes: "a flower does not think of competing with the flower next it, it just blooms"


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Did you know it's normal to loose up to 100 hairs every single day?
Our hair goes through a continuous hair cycle of growth, rest and death.
Extreme hair loss (a lot more than the usual 100 hairs, making your hair noticeable thinner) occurs when this growth cycle is disrupted leading to more hair being in the rest and death phases - full info on the blog: www.puremama.co.uk🌿

The growth cycle can be disrupted by sudden shocks to the system such as childbirth or sudden severe illness. it can also be disrupted by long term nutritional deficiencies - the most common being Iron.🌿

Supplements can help hair loss around and improve hair quality. Nutrients to look out for include Silica, Zinc, collagen and omega oils🌿 discover more at https://www.puremama.co.uk/collections/hair-skin-nails

Nails, like hair are made of the protein keratin. Therefore eating enough quality protein (meat, fish, eggs, quinoa amongst others) in your diet is important. But here are other key nutrients - make sure you get these via your diet and via a quality supplement:
💚Iron is needed to deliver adequate oxygen to your nail bed. Very Low iron can lead to "spoon" shaped nails.
💚Biotin promotes cell growth and is essential for keratin production.
💚Zinc is needed for cell growth and division. Nails are made of cells that grow and divide rapidly, therefore a steady supply of zinc is key. Low zinc slows growth but also may result in white spots on nails.
💚Omega-3 can help lubricate and retain moisture in your nails. So this is particularly important for dry and brittle nails. Oily fish, seeds and nuts are good sources.
💚Silica is a naturally occurring trace mineral that plays a key role in the formation, structure and strength of connective tissue (skin, hair, nails, bones, ligaments and teeth). Low silica may lead to weak nails that break easily. Herbs like Horsetail are a rich source.

Find these nutrients and nail supplements on www.puremama.co.uk

We've all heard the term "happy hormone".
In reality there are a few of them, in particular brain chemicals that together control mood.
SEROTONIN is the key mood stabiliser, enhancing feelings of well-being, and happiness. This hormone impacts your entire body. It enables brain cells and nerve cells to communicate with each other. Serotonin also helps with sleeping, eating, and digestion.

You can boost serotonin through:
-sun exposure☀️
-mindfulness/ meditation🌈
-being with nature🍃
-5-HTP and B vitamin supplements.

I like Higher Nature Serotone 5-HTP, a great formula that provides the building blocks and nutrients necessary to make serotonin in the brain.
5-HTP is found naturally in the Griffonia simplicifolia seed, a shrub native to West and Central Africa. The formula also contains B vitamins and zinc which are needed to help 5-HTP to be used effectively in the body - find it on puremama.co.uk

Ever had a sudden flashback brought on by a certain smell?

The smell of Jasmine transports me back to my family's neighborhood in Damascus where jasmine plants grow abundantly.

When inhaled, aroma molecules travel to the brain and into our lungs. Essential oils in aromatherapy are indeed often useed in this way (in candles, oil burners, and diffusers)
Inhaling aromas stimulates your limbic system which is the part of the brain which helps to control your emotions, and long-term memory.
Which is why they say certain aromas can trigger memories. Which scent evokes memories for you?

A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow. Love you Dad 💚

Deodorant vs antiperspirant
Though many use the terms deodorant and antiperspirant interchangeably, they aren’t the same thing. Deodorants help block body odour but don’t stop you from sweating. Antiperspirants block sweat glands, in turn reducing sweat excretion - they do this typically by using aluminium. ⚠️Aluminium has been linked to alzheimer's and even breast cancer... Hence best avoided.

Popular deodorants don’t usually contain aluminum but instead contain fragrances, alcohol and other ingredients to combat the bacteria that break down sweat (which in turn causes bad odour).

🍃Choosing a natural deodorant means you are avoiding harsh chemicals and preservatives such as parabens (also linked to some cancers). Natural essential oils are often used for fragrance, but also for their antibacterial properties. 15 years ago when I started working in the natural health industry, I tried lots of natural deos but they didn't really seem to work. .. They have however come a looong way since then - many formats and scents are available now and they do indeed work. The trick is to find the right one for you.

I have selected my personal favourites for the website - check them out on www.puremama.co.uk

Thinning hair is not only due to hair loss. It can also be due to hair being fine or breaking, which gives the appearance of less volume.🧏‍♀️

Silica (or silicon) is a mineral that helps strengthen and "thicken" the hair shaft though it won't necessarily promote growth. Found in bamboo or horsetail herb, it can be taken as a supplement 💊

As a bonus, it also benefits your skin and nails.

Check out the "Hair, Skin & Nails" section on the website for a range of quality, effective supplements that work. https://www.puremama.co.uk/collections/hair-skin-nails

I really like 'Q Silica One a Day multi nutrient formula'- it contains a potent dose of Silica, as well as nutrients to boost hair growth: Biotin and zinc.

Magnesium- It is found in foods like dark green leafy vegetables 🍃 and wholegrains. Yet low magnesium levels are rather common, especially when most diets are lacking these foods.

Absorption of magnesium decreases with age. Diuretic medications cause magnesium loss in urine. And alcohol consumption also increases magnesium loss.

But this mineral is essential to good health: it plays a key role in over 600 metabolic reactions in the body.

Low magnesium levels cause headaches, muscle weakness, low mood and constipation. A quality supplement can help turn this around. It helps with relaxation and sleep. But please chose a quality magnesium such as a Citrate form which is well absorbed, widely available and reasonable in price (rather then the cheap but not as good oxide form).

Check the website for available supplements - www.puremama.co.uk

Dry Body Brushing - this is an easy practice that aids body's detoxification, exfoliates skin and may even tackle cellulite!

Skin brushing is a great way to slough off dead skin cells, helping your skin to look its best and can also support healthy lymphatic drainage - just remember to always brush towards the heart.
Start at your feet and brush upward toward the heart. Similarly, when you start on your arms, begin at the hands and work upward. Use firm, small strokes upward, or work in a circular motion. For the stomach, work in a clockwise direction. Harsh exfoliation is never the point, so be sure not to press too hard or to use an overly stiff brush.
I like dry brushing before a shower, and following up with a nourishing body oil. I love Really good cellulite oil for my thighs or skinfood body balm for dry elbows and ankles.

3-5minutes a day, it's all it takes. You can start by doing it 1-2 times a week and work your way up. For a gentle body brush made with natural fibres, check the website www.puremama.co.uk

The "sugar sag" 😮
Coined by skin experts to describe the damaging effect of sugar on the skin, it refers to damage caused by a process called "glycation", whereby sugar bonds to amino acids in collagen and elastin disrupting the fibres and stopping them from self-repair. Curbing a sweet tooth is the best way to limit this damage, but research also suggests some foods, including oregano, ginger, garlic and green tea, might help inhibit this process.
Throw in a quality hydrolized protein supplement, and you can help keep your skin plump and taught.
check out www.puremama.co.uk for collagen supplements and more 😗

Feeling happier since the sun has been shining?☀️

Exposure to sunlight and longer days helps boost serotonin, the happy hormone. Serotonin is also responsible for:
-promoting good sleep
-helping regulate appetite
-promoting learning and memory
-helping promote positive feelings and prosocial behavior

Other ways to increase serotonin inlcude mindfulness/ meditation, spending time outdoors in nature, and taking supplements such as 5-HTP.
I like Higher Nature Serotone 5-HTP, a great natural formula that provides the building blocks and nutrients necessary to make serotonin in the brain.
5-HTP is found naturally in the Griffonia simplicifolia seed, a shrub native to West and Central Africa. The formula also contains B vitamins and zinc which are needed to help 5-HTP to be used effectively in the body.

Discover more on www.puremama.co.uk

MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglyceride. Due to their shorter length, MCTs are more easily digested than longer-chain fatty acids found in many other foods. This makes them more effectively absorbed and utilised to provide immediate energy for the brain, heart, and other muscles, instead of being stored as fat in the body.

MCT oil has become popular among gym goers, athletes and even body builders.

I like NKD Living Premium Quality MCT oil - it is made from 100% coconut and contains absolutely no palm oil. Find it on www.puremama.co.uk

Getting enough fibre? Everyone knows that it is good for your digestion and helps keep you regular.
However, research in the last decade has shown that higher intakes of both soluble and insoluble fibre is associated with a lower risk of heart 💚and circulatory disease (certain types of fibre help lower cholesterol), type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

The Scientific Committee on Nutrition recommends that adults eat 30g of fibre a day. Currently, average intakes are around 20g a day, so to reach 30g, make sure that you are actively choosing higher-fibre options at meals/ snack time.

The best sources are wholegrains (avoid refined carbs/ replace with brown versions), beans and pulses (chickpeas are great), fruit🍌🍎 and veg🍆🌽, nuts and seeds (in particular flax or linseeds, and chia seeds).

Fibre works its magic by binding toxins/chemicals and excess hormones and removing them through your colon. If you are not consuming enough fibre, hormones can be reabsorbed back into your body, instead of being eliminated. I have found great success in treating hormonal imbalances by increasing dietary fibre and using a quality supplement (in either capsule or powder form).
🍃I like Renew Life UK Daily Digestive Fibre powder which contains flax seed, oat fibre and soothing fennel seed. I like the powder, it is gentle, yet effective - I just add a scoop in water/ smoothie / yoghurt.

🍃Soluble fibre moves through the gut to your colon; there good bacteria feeds on it and ferments it to produce health short chain fatty acids.

The Key message is - fibre does more than keep you regular. It is essential for heart health, detoxification, hormonal health and for a healthy microbiome. On average, British adults are not consuming enough of it. Choose high fibre foods and try a quality supplement too.

There is nothing like a good friend. And being able to meet, go out again for a meal, a drink, a movie... it's just lovely.

Friendship and social support have been linked to better physical health as well as mental health. We know friends are important, but studies officially back this theory.
Physical health benefits include lower rates of heart disease, including lower blood pressure.
The Mental health benefits are many:
-Increased sense of belonging and purpose.
-Reduced stress.
-Improved self-confidence and self-worth.
Friends also are invaluable in helping us cope with difficult life events such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one.

So no vitamin recommendations today... well just vitamin "F" for friendship ❤️

However, while good friends help you through tough times and bring out the best in you, toxic friendships also exist. These leave you feeling drained, unsatisfied and affect your self esteem negatively. A toxic friend, far from helping relieve stress, can add to it. They might say or do things that upset you when you spend time together, for example.
Life is short, spend it time with true friends who give as well as take, and who make you feel truly loved ❤️

🍃Moisturisers work in two main ways: they trap moisture in your skin to keep it from escaping (oils and waxes), or they restore moisture in the outer layer of skin that's already been lost (using humectants like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid). Most body lotions/ creams combine the 2. I always opt for natural skincare, to avoid unnecessary chemicals being absorbed into the skin, but also to provide nourishing nutrients for the skin cells.

🍃There are 3 layers of the skin: the outer layer (epidermis), middle layer (dermis), and lower layer (hypodermis )

🍃Internally, moisture is delivered to the skin via blood vessels. (which comes from the water you drink!) This only reaches the middle layer, the dermis. From there, water moves up into the epidermis before evaporating into the atmosphere. The drier the air, the more water evaporates - that's why a humidifier is a must to counteract the dry air of central heating!

The best time to moisturise is after shower, the skin is nicely hydrated and applying body lotion helps to lock the moisture in.

🍃My favourite way to really elevate a standard body lotion is by adding vitamin E oil to it. I use a pure vitamin E oil dropper bottle to add a few drops into my lotion before massaging it in. Vitamin E is very healing and great for scars/ stretch marks. It is also anti ageing. win win.

Find pure vitamin E oil and more on the website www.puremama.co.uk

I never feel dressed and ready if my nails are not painted. Even if it's just a lick of clear polish. At home I opt for natural nail polishes 🌿that are free from formaldehyde and toluene (amongst other scary chemicals). I've tried and which are great. But nothing achieves the lasting power and shine of a gel polish💅

So I get gel nails done every once in a while and it lasts beautifully. But not all polishes or nail technicians are the same! You want someone who takes their time removing and reapplying your polish without damaging your nails. And you also want quality polishes used on you. The talented Lauren from .nails uses which helps nourish and protect yoru nails too apparently! Excited to have my nails done with her soon🥰.

If you struggle with weak brittle nails, then checkout the website for supplements that can make a real difference. These are tried and tested products that I have used and recommended for years!
www.puremama.co.uk

Your fingernails say a lot about your health. Nail beds constantly produce new nail tissue, so an adequate nutrient supply is needed for nail growth. If you are low in certain vitamins or nutrients, it may slow down growth and produce dry, brittle nails that flake or break easily. Nails may also change shape, or develop ridges.

Similar to hair, nails are made of the protein keratin. Therefore eating enough protein in your diet is important. But here are other key nutrients to get through the diet and to supplement:
💚Iron is needed to deliver adequate oxygen to your nail bed. Very Low iron can lead to "spoon" shaped nails.
💚Biotin promotes cell growth and is essential for keratin production.
💚Zinc is needed for cell growth and division. Nails are made of cells that grow and divide rapidly, therefore a steady supply of zinc is key. Low zinc slows growth but also may result in white spots on nails.
💚Omega-3 can help lubricate and retain moisture in your nails. So this is particularly important for dry and brittle nails. Oily fish, seeds and nuts are good sources.
💚Silica is a naturally occurring trace mineral that plays a key role in the formation, structure and strength of connective tissue (skin, hair, nails, bones, ligaments and teeth). Low silica may lead to weak nails that break easily. Herbs like Horsetail are a rich source.

Find these nutrients and nail supplements on
https://www.puremama.co.uk/collections/hair-skin-nails

Let's talk collagen ... for your skin.

Let's Talk Collagen... for your Skin Let's talk COLLAGEN for skin. Found in skincare products and supplements in all shapes and forms, it's touted as a magic anti-ageing ingredient... I get asked about it A LOT.Collagen is a protein that acts as the scaffolding for your skin, holding it up and keeping it taught, preventing sagging, cre...