Gut bacteria and mental health   Want to improve your mood? Take care of your gut. Want to improve your gut? Take care of your mood.   Scientists have found that your brain and your gut have a deep connection. Millions of neurons connect them together. Stress goes down from your head to your gut, knocking you and your gut flora off-balance. On the other hand, a healthy gut can help make your brain happier. “If you have alterations in the brain, you will almost certainly have altered output to the gut because the two organs are that closely connected.” Emeran Mayer, a gastroenterologist (David Geffen School of Medicine, U California, LA).   For example, 95% of your serotonin (a hormone so influential on good mood and pleasure that it is often referred as the ‘happiness hormone’) is produced in your gut.   The vagus nerve, is a nervous highway that goes from the head to the abdomen. Ninety per cent of the information that travels ...

Remember to check out our New Made Healthier Café today!! Lots of fresh and healthy ingredients. NEW in the South block in NESCOL City Campus - Made Healthier Cafe. We provide a range of Fresh and Healthy meals that suit all tastes, from Salads, Fruit to Hot Healthy Meals. All food is cooked fresh everyday. We look forward to welcoming you to the new cafe, so come visit us in the South Block. Dont forget to look out for our Eat well loyalty cards - buy 9 Healthy meals and get the 10th one free!!

World Mental Health Day     Take 15 is encouraging employers and employees across the UK  and Ireland to take time out, away from TVs, computers, phones and emails, to connect with colleagues, family or friends.   Another way you can take time out of your day and focus on your mental wellbeing is by focusing on relaxation.   Relaxation techniques can deepen our breathing, reduce the release of stress hormones, slow down heart rate, reduce blood pressure and help reduce muscle tension. Similarly, relaxation is also linked with increased energy and focus, improved immune function, relief from muscular aches and pains, and motivational and productivity gains There is no one method that is better than any others, therefore choose one that you find enjoyable and meets your specific goals. The best relaxation technique is the one that fits in with your requirements and lifestyle Here are 4 great relaxation techniques:   ...

Women’s Health Month   October is women’s health month So let’s talk about essential nutrition for women... A healthy diet gives you energy, supports your mood, maintains your weight, and keeps you looking your best. It can also be a huge support through the different stages in life. Healthy food can help reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS), boost fertility, combat stress, make pregnancy and nursing easier, and ease symptoms of menopause.   Calcium for strong bones If we build strong bones in our youth, we reduce the risk of osteoporosis (also called brittle bone disease) as we get older. The risk of suffering from this debilitating condition increases dramatically if your bones are weak. Bones continue to grow in density until our late teens and early 20s. After the age of 35, we naturally lose bone density, making it increasingly important to obtain a good and continuous supply of calcium and vitamin D to keep bones strong and avoid foods and drinks that can...