Dr Benjamin Jacobs, consultant paediatrician at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, described the issue as a “major problem”.

He told BBC Breakfast: “We see about one case of rickets a month in our hospital, but that’s the very severe end of the disease.

“There are many other children who have less severe problems – muscle weakness, delay in walking, bone pains – and research indicates that in many parts of the country the majority of children have a low level of Vitamin D.”

He explained that it was discovered that Vitamin D prevents rickets about 100 years ago when most children in London suffered from the disease, and it was later eradicated.

He said parents are largely unaware of the risk of the condition, while health professionals are often taught that rickets is a disease of the past.

“It’s really only over the past 10 years or so that I’ve noticed children with Vitamin D deficiency. and still I would say today, the majority of doctors, health visitors, midwives, nurses, are not aware enough of the problem,” he said.

Vitamin D has had a lot of press recently with research showing how important vitamin D is for a healthy immune system, improving healing times, preventing colds, and viruses, with a big breakthrough establishing a link between vitamin D deficiency and the development of the disease MS.

Vitamin D supplements are recommended for those people at risk of deficiency, including all pregnant and breast feeding women, children under five, and the elderly, but 74 per cent of parents know nothing about them and more than half of healthcare professionals are also unaware.

Asked about how vulnerable people can be given more Vitamin D, Dr Jacobs said current guidelines suggest taking drops or tablets, but experts are also looking into food supplementation.

He said it would not be harmful if people ended up with too much Vitamin D in their diet.

Current guidelines suggest that children and pregnant women should have 400 units a day, but he described this as a “conservative” level compared to the US, where he said a study suggested pregnant women should have 4,000 units. “In my view, it is extremely safe,” he added.

Chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said the Government would be reviewing the issue.

She said: “We know a significant proportion of people in the UK probably have inadequate levels of Vitamin D in their blood.

5/ Digestive Aid
The heart of good health is in fact the gut. With the biggest-selling OTC drugs being antacids, it is no surprise that natural aids to digestion are also amongst the most popular.
VIRIDIAN SAYS: Take one capsule half an hour before each main meal.

Taking supplements of a substance found in grape skin can lower sugar and fat levels in the blood and reduce blood pressure, according to a small study.

Scientists who gave tablets containing purified resveratrol to obese men found it had some metabolic effects similar to those from exercise and calorie restriction, including lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Research in animals over the past decade has suggested the compound can slow the development of age-related diseases and increase lifespan. However, these studies have attracted growing criticism and have yet to be replicated in humans.

“The effects of resveratrol were modest but they consistently point towards beneficial metabolic adaptions,” said Prof Patrick Schrauwen of Maastricht University in the Netherlands, who led the new study. Although the chemical is found naturally in grape skin and red wine, there is no suggestion that it would be possible to ingest enough of it from these sources to gain the beneficial effect.

Prof Schrauwen and colleagues gave 11 obese men either a daily 150mg resveratrol supplement or a placebo for 30 days. Four weeks later, the two groups swapped over so that those who took the supplements first time around were given placebos and vice versa.

Regular measurements showed resveratrol lowered blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity, as well as cutting triglycerides – fats found in the blood that can increase heart disease risk. Resveratrol also reduced both sleeping and resting metabolic rate and cut blood pressure.

Previous research has shown that calorie restriction can extend lifespan in laboratory animals. Some studies suggest it also offers protection from diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, though this remains controversial.

Calorie restriction works in a similar way to resveratrol, by triggering the production of a protein called SIRT1 which improves metabolic function and keeps cells healthy in the face of stress.

Muscle biopsies carried out by Prof Schrauwen’s team confirmed that participants taking resveratrol saw increased SIRT1 levels. They also strongly suggested the beneficial effects on metabolism were associated with improved functioning of mitochondria, the energy factories within cells.

“Healthy people are good at switching efficiently from using fat as an energy source to glucose in the blood when it becomes available,” said Prof Schrauwen. “The results of our pilot study tended to suggest that might be part of the link to the beneficial health effects of resveratrol, but that needs further study.”

The results are published in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Prof Schrauwen, acknowledging that his sample size was small, said he was seeking funding for a larger and longer trial. “This is small, proof of principle study, but the results are so promising that I think it is important that we conduct a bigger study,” he said.

The research also found that people who have regularly consume cherry juice have improved quality of sleep.

Researchers from the School of Life Sciences at Northumbria University have found that Montmorency cherry juice significantly increases the levels of melatonin in the body, the hormone which regulates sleep.

Their findings could benefit those who have difficulty sleeping due to insomnia, shift work or jet lag.

In the study, led by Dr Glyn Howatson, 20 healthy volunteers drank a 30ml serving of either tart cherry juice or a placebo juice twice a day for seven days.

Urine samples were collected from all participants before and during the investigation to determine levels of melatonin, a naturally occurring compound that heavily influences the human sleep-wake cycle.

During the study the participants wore an actigraphy watch sensor which monitored their sleep and wake cycles and kept a daily diary on their sleeping patterns.

The researchers found that when participants drank cherry juice for a week there was a significant increase in their urinary melatonin (15-16%) than the control condition and placebo drink samples.

The actigraphy measurements of participants who consumed the cherry juice saw an increase of around 15 minutes to the time spent in bed, 25 minutes in their total sleep time and a 5-6% increase in their ‘sleep efficiency’, a global measure of sleep quality.

Cherry juice drinkers reported less daytime napping time compared to their normal sleeping habits before the study and the napping times of the placebo group.

According to Dr Howatson, this is the first study to show direct evidence that supplementing your diet with a tart Montmorency cherry juice concentrate leads to an increase in circulating melatonin and provides improvements in sleep amongst healthy adults.

Dr Howatson, an exercise physiologist, said: “We were initially interested in the application of tart cherries in recovery from strenuous exercise. Sleep forms a critical component in that recovery process, which is often forgotten.

These results show that tart cherry juice can be used to facilitate sleep in healthy adults and, excitingly, has the potential to be applied as a natural intervention, not only to athletes, but to other populations with insomnia and general disturbed sleep from shift work or jet lag.”

The study’s co-authors are fellow Northumbria University academics Dr Jason Ellis, director of the Centre for Sleep Research, School of Life Sciences PhD students Jamie Tallent and Phillip Bell; Benita Middleton of the Centre for Chronobiology at University of Surrey; and Malachy McHugh of the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma in Lenox Hill Hospital, New York.

Dr Ellis said: “Although melatonin is available over the counter in other countries, it is not freely available in the UK. What makes these findings exciting is that the melatonin contained in tart cherry juice is sufficient to elicit a healthy sleep response.

“What’s more, these results provide us with more evidence surrounding the relationship between how we sleep and what we consume.”

The Telegraph Nov 1st 2011

The latest review found that people who took zinc tablet or lozenge while they have a cold are twice as likely to have shed it whithin a week as those who took a placebo.  Children who took zinc tablet once a day for at least five months were also a third less likely to get colds as those who took a placebo.

The scientists concluded; “Evidence shows that zinc is beneficial for the common cold and healthy children and adults.  Pooled results from the trials showed that zinc reduced the duration and severity of common cold symptoms when used therapeutically.

“Zinc also reduced the incidence of the common cold, school absence and antibiotic use in healthy children”

In the two preventive trials, one used 15mg daily dose, while the other used a 10mg dose of zinc sulphate in a tablet. The recommended daily amount is 15mg.

This comes as no suprise to nutritionists, The Diva has been advocating zinc use for many years.

Zinc is one of the most hard working minerals, our body uses zinc in every single process from digestion to healing responces.

The first signs of zinc deficiency are impairment of taste, a poor immune response and skin problems. Other symptoms of zinc deficiency can include hair loss, diarrhoea, fatigue, delayed wound healing, and decreased growth rate and mental development in infants. It is thought that zinc supplementation can help skin conditions such as acne and eczema, prostate problems, anorexia nervosa, alcoholics and those suffering from trauma or post-surgery.

Zinc is present in a wide variety of foods, particularly in association with protein foods. A vegetarian diet often contains less zinc than a meat based diet and so it is important for vegetarians to eat plenty of foods that are rich in this vital mineral.

Good sources for vegetarians include dairy products, beans and lentils, yeast, nuts, seeds and wholegrain cereals. Pumpkin seeds provide one of the most concentrated vegetarian food sources of zinc.

Comes in an organza bag with your own special message – you choose the crystal and what to say – we will do the rest.

Stuck for inspiration we think this is particularly beautiful.

i carry your heart with me by ee cummings.

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)….

Now you only have to choose the crystal you prefer! have a look through our crystal heart selection or  below are some of our favorite crystals.

Rose Quartz – Unconditional love, Heals a wounded heart, A fertility crystal, it makes a wonderful marriage blessing stone.

Hematite - is one of the most grounding crystals. It has an energy of calmness, and balance. Know to symbolise male strength and support.

Opalite –  is a man-made delicate milky iridescent stone. This beautiful stone radiates light, love and serenity.

Clear Quartz – is one of the most highly regarded crystals. Clear Quartz symbolises clarity, and purity, offering light and love along your life journey.

Amethyst –  is one of the most powerful calming stones. Offering the gift of peace and serenity.

Poppy Jasper - A stone of energy and courage, offering strength and passion.

Tigers Eye – Can encourage feelings of self-worth and confidence in our own abilities.

Rhodonite - This gemstone vibrates with love. Just holding this gemstone promotes relaxation and brings a sense of well-being.

Carnelian – Its uplifting nature is thought to restore vitality and passion.

Blue Goldstone – The tiny golden flecks sparkling against a dark blue background in blue “goldstone” sets people to dreaming of night skies and the magic that can unfold beneath them.

Lapis Lazuli – Holding Lapis Lazuli is like holding the world in your hands.

Wishing you a very special Valentines Day with love The Diva XOXO

It is very important to remember that the incidence of swine flu is still very rare, So rare that the NHS have not updated their health pages regarding it. Call me a cynic but could this publicity be a ploy to encourage the use of the flu jab, which now includes swine flu vaccine wether you want it or not.

At the height of the swine flu outbreak last year the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported 94,512 cases worldwide, and 429 Deaths worldwide. Whilst any loss of life is tragic, these deaths have largely been individuals with underlying health problems which leaves their immune system more compromised. This rate is constant with the death rate shown with seasonal influenza.

Where complications do occur, they tend to be caused by the virus affecting the lungs. Infections such as pneumonia can develop.

Flu symptoms can include: fever, cough, headache, weakness and fatigue, aching muscles and joints, sore throat, and a runny nose.

Most people who have contracted swine flu recover within a week and do not suffer complications, even without being given antiviral medication.

What can we do to fight back against the the flu? In short, quiet a lot!

Good Nutrition is so important, to ensure adequate antioxidant nutrients, and support the immune system. The key to good nutrition is to Taste the Rainbow’; eat foods of every colour such as blueberries, raspberry, purple sprouting broccoli, purple corn, butternut squash, carrots, and green leafy vegetables.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables have the highest nutrient contact. Nature naturally provides the foods you need at the best time.

Even the most perfect diet can have difficulty meeting our body’s demand for nutrients. We  always recommend a good multi vitamin and mineral, and extra vitamin C to insure our body is getting enough nutrients to deal with the extra demand needed to support your immune system and fight off unwanted viruses!

Herbal remedies have a traditional place to help support the immune system and speed up recovery rates.

My favourite flu busting approach is to begin by taking a herb to stimulate the cells of the immune system itself. A great herb for doing just this is Astragulus, shown to stimulate the immune system and used in traditional Chinese medicine to specifically treat chest and respiratory infections.

To back this up you need to strengthen the lining of the nose, throat, airways and lungs, to ensure bugs cannot penetrate these important but delicate barriers.

My favorite herb for strengthening these vital membranes is Oregon grape. Oregon grape not only strengthens membranes, but has a broad spectrum anti microbial effect, killing bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

The third arm of our fight back against the bugs is black elder. Black elder has been shown to actually stop viruses from getting inside the cells of the body and replicating. I love Black elder, not only is it a powerful anti-viral herb it is also a wonderful tonic herb being suitable for men, women, children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Whilst Adults can combine Astragulus, Oregon Grape, and Black Elder.

Children and pregnant women are best sticking to Black Elder alone.

Always check the suitability of any herbal remedy along side any prescription medication you are taking.

So if you are experiencing any flu symptoms, hop into bed, it’s the best place, rest helps stop you spreading your germs, and helps your respiratory tract recover.

Emersion in a cold bath or cold shower can help bring down a tempreture quickly, a maximun five minute dip can quickly bring down an elevated tempreture which is useful when childrens tempretures can so quickly sore. Followed up by a cuddle in a dry fluffy towel can do wonders for the young and old alike.

Drink plenty of fluids, liquorice tea can be particularly soothing for sore throats.

Burning eucalyptus oil in your room can help open airways and relieve stuffy noses, A.Vogel have just launched the Po-Ho oil inhaler stick which combines essential oils  to directly ease congestion.

If you are suffering get well soon with love to you,

The Diva XOXO

Papaya also known as Paw Paw fruit, offers not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin E, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Papaya also contains unique protein-digesting enzymes including papain and chymopapain. These enzymes have been shown to help lower inflammation and to improve healing.

It is no wonder the papaya was reputably called the “fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus.

PURE Papaya Ointment is great for soothing bites, minor burns, dry skin, chapped and sunburned lips, nappy rash, cracked nipples and more besides.

We’re so in love with this product and its unique properties and versatility, we’re convinced that you’re going to love it too.

PURE Papaya Ointment is 100% natural and 100% petrochemical free and is available in 25g and 100g tubes.

But what makes Manuka Honey so special from other honey?

UMF rated Active Manuka Honey is produced by honey bees from the flowers of the manuka bush (leptospermum scoparium).

Manuka honey comes from New Zealand where beekeepers set up their hives in wild uncultivted areas in which Manuka bushes grow. The bees gather nectar from the flowers of the Manuka bush, which is indigenous only to New Zealand. The honey making process is enriched by the pollution free environment of New Zealand, and certain harvests of Manuka Honey have attracted the gaze of the medicial and scientific community. Some of the Manuka Honey produced has been found to have some very special properties indeed.

It is not as yet fully understood why only some Manuka honey has an antimicrobial property not shared by other honeys. This property is called the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF®) antibacterial property.

The discovery of a unique antibacterial property has led Active Manuka Honey to be considered for both external and internal digestive uses. Previously, this valuable natural resource has been disregarded by conventional medical wisdom to be no more important than any other ‘traditional’ or homeopathic remedy.

Much of the credit for the advancement in our understanding must be given to Dr. Peter Molan of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. Dr Molan has been involved in studying and cataloguing the effects of honey on the healing process leading to a fuller appreciation of the factors at play in the treatment of a persistent bacterial skin infection.

All honey has some level of the antibacterial chemical hydrogen peroxide, which is produced by enzymes in the honey. These enzymes are easily destroyed by exposure to heat and light and also by contact with body fluids. It is now understood that some rare honeys have an antibacterial action that is separate to the peroxide effect, resulting in a much more

persistent and stable antibacterial action.

Such valuable honeys are resistant to losing their antibacterial activity when used in wound treatment and even have strong activity when heavily diluted by body fluids in a wound dressing. Furthermore, such honeys are now known to have a synergistic antibacterial effect with the hydrogen peroxide activity, producing a very powerful weapon against bacterial conditions.

Tested batches of Manuka Honey are given a UMF® rating, depending on their tested antibacterial activity. A UMF® rating of 10 is the minimum activity to gain the UMF rating and thus be considered useful in serious applications. Honey achieving this rating is commonly referred to as Active Manuka Honey.

What is known as ‘Active’ Manuka Honey has enjoyed growing acceptance by the academic and medical world in recent years, and reporting of the honey’s unique properties has proliferated in the world’s press and media.

New Zealand’s active manuka honey is used as a natural product both internally and topically on the skin. Apitherapy, the name given to treatment with natural honey, has been used by many different cultures throughout history.

UMF is the gold standard for manuka honey – check out our range of UMF Standard Manuka Honey.

Enjoy your honey