Will this help with my pep-up-and-go?
Q. My doctor has recommended the supplement ubiquinol, but I am not sure why. Could you explain? A. This is one of my must-take supplements. Ubiquinol is the antioxidant version of a nutrient called Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 for short), which is vital for energising every cell in your body, for muscle function and to fight off damaging free radicals.
As we get older, our levels of CoQ10 diminish and it becomes harder for our bodies to access ATP (adenosine triphosphate) – the ‘fuel’ in mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. Taking ubiquinol provides CoQ10 in the active state that your body can use immediately.
For me, it is like turning on a light switch: I feel much more energetic in the mornings, and when I get tired, it’s normal fatigue, rather than the ‘running on empty’ exhaustion I used to experience.
Researchers are also exploring the role of ubiquinol in conditions including Parkinson’s and ME , and it has a long history of helping gum disease. People on statins should also consider taking it, as it may help ease the common side effect of fatigue. Try Super Ubiquinol Coenzyme Q10 softgels (take one daily), £20.75 for 30, from www.victoriahealth.com.
GIVE A FLICKER OF HOPE
Despite the sewage- and refuse-ridden floodwaters that have devastated so much of the UK recently, we know that clean water will be restored. Worldwide, however, more than 1,600 children under five die every day from diarrhoea caused by unsafe water – that’s more than the number killed by AIDS and malaria combined.
Natural beauty brand Aveda, which 15 years ago designated April as ‘Earth Month’, is again working with the nonprofit organisation Global Greengrants Fund (www.greengrants.org), which gives small grants for local activist groups.
Buy a limited-edition Light The Way candle and Aveda will donate the whole £16 purchase price to support global clean water projects. Made from organic essential oils, including ginger and ginger lily, the fragrant candle burns cleanly for over 27 hours. From Aveda salons (0870-034 2380/www.aveda.co.uk).
HELPING SNORERS TO RING THE CHANGES
Anyone who snores or whose partner does might consider trying the acupressure-based Good Night Anti-Snoring Ring. It is worn on the little finger, right or left (some heavy snorers wear a ring on both). Trials conducted by Aspen Clinical Research showed it significantly reduced the number and volume of snores in 17 out of 20 subjects. Danny McCamlie, the firm’s lead clinical scientist, was ‘greatly surprised’, as he had no expectation that the device would work (however, there is a money-back guarantee).
Preliminary tests found that nearly half of the original 40 potential subjects suffered sleep apnoea, of which they were unaware. Sleep apnoea may increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, so anyone who snores regularly must consult their doctor – weight loss is the usual advice. Good Night Anti-Snoring Ring, in three adjustable sizes/ £29.99 from www.boots.com.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
THE BEAUTY DETOX FOODS, by Kimberly Snyder (Harlequin, £12.99). Clinical nutritionist Kimberly Snyder’s fans include Hollywood actors Drew Barrymore, Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller, and glamour girl Dita Von Teese. I loved Kimberly’s first book, The Beauty Detox Solution, and this one will be my secret weapon for getting brighter skin and a smaller tum for summer. This is emphatically not about dieting, but cleansing your body and balancing your appetite with ‘real food your grandparents would have recognised’ – abundant, varied plant-based foods. There are 85 delicious new recipes, including probiotic-boosting beetroot borscht.
To start the day, Kimberly’s famous Glowing Green Smoothie: blend 250 ml filtered/spring water, a big handful of chopped spinach, half a head of chopped cos lettuce, 2 sticks chopped celery, 1 small chopped pear, half a banana, plus 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Use organic veg and fruit if possible.