Look sexy and cellulite free this party season.

It’s never too late, we have six weeks until the Christmas Party Season kicks off: To get you Trimmed,Toned, and Glowing, raring to slip into or out of your LBD.

Tummy Toners

Many women and men feel more uncomfortable with their weight because they tend to hold onto toxins around their tummy.

A Good detox is an excellent start to any weight loss plan. We particularly like Viridian’s Detox Box, which contains: a fibre complex to support the bowel, Milk Thistle to cleanse the liver and Cleaver to help eliminate excessive water. This magical box also contains dietary advice to get you feeling slimline and sexy!

Madal Bal Lemon Detox, is the quick fix option of a variety of stars including Beyonce Knowles who is known to favour the detox for a few days before red carpet moments. This flexible program helps the body cleanse itself naturally of accumulated toxins.

Whether you want to do a full detox, or support yourself whilst dieting, the Lemon Detox can help your body to achieve its optimum health & weight.

Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup mixed with lemons, water & a pinch of cayenne pepper gives your body all the nutritional value it needs to support you over a short period of time.

A detox is brilliant way to get rid of troublesome cellulite. The Diva recommends starting the day by massaging with Weleda’s Birch Cellulite Scrub and Oil, leaving your skin feeling more toned and invigorated. Follow this with Alva’s Intensive Refining Cream (Voted 9/10) for sexy smooth legs.

The Herb Gota Kola is fabulous for improving cellulite and skin health from the inside out.

Be aware of your food choices. Foods which you have difficulty digesting can create toxicity, and symptoms such as increased bloating, wind and water retention. Common food sensitivities include Wheat, Dairy Products, Yeast, and Sugar, which can ferment in your gut. Ask the Diva for a Nutritionist near you, to help you develop the best dietary plan for your needs.

Feeling nibblesome?

Nibbling in-between meals can have a detrimental effect on your waistline.

Many of us turn to sugary, high carb treats as a result of stress or boredom.

Simple dietary strategies help binge eaters; eating small regular meals help keep sugar levels on an even keel.

The signs for hunger and thirst can often be confused; try drinking a glass of water first before you hit the sweetie cupboard.

Snack on healthy options such as oatcakes, blueberries and organic yoghurt both of which help balance sugar levels.

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is thought to help curb appetite, burn fat and result in significant weight loss without side effects.It also promotes healthy blood lipid levels and reduces Body Mass Index, an indicator of healthy body weight. The most exciting news of all is that HCA is thought to increase levels of serum serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep and appetite control, which may help address many of the emotional issues overweight people face, including binge-eating and depression. HCA works well with Chromium, which, when taken with meals, helps the healthy function of the Insulin Receptors on the surface of the cell, helping to regulate sugar levels and easing sugar cravings.

Spirulina is the ultimate super food, made up of natural plant enzymes. This powerful nutrient is rich in magnesium, and B vitamins, and helps to curb the appetite, whilst improving your nutrient levels. A six week trial used German slimmers following a weight reduction diet. They took Spirulina tablets before each meal three times a day for four weeks. Taking Spirulina showed a reduction of body weight. There was also a significant drop in serum cholesterol levels.

Sometimes we just need Chocolate!

The Aztecs regarded cocoa as the nourishment of the gods and used it as a tonic. With 70% organic dark chocolate you’re actually getting the good quality cocoa, with less sugar and fat than your average milk chocolate bar. Chocolate is also rich in magnesium and B vitamins so a little of what you fancy is a good thing, tag it on to a main meal, to offset any sugar hit.

Shimmering Beauty

For a final flourish always remember a little sparkle. Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion leaves your body shimmering and ready to PARTY!

XOXO The Diva

Download a .pdf copy of Six Week’s to LBD Heaven article.

Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.

Scoop of Calcium, and

Magnesium, Added D3, K2 and Zinc and Boron, In the cauldron boil and bake;

Solgar’s Ultimate Bone Support thus created Skeleton bone so not to break;

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.

A Hard Life for a Skeleton

Gone are the day’s when a skeleton could get away with hanging around the closet, now in this ever more demanding world our skeletons are expected to carry their weight, the good news the clever mad scientists at Solgar have come up with the Ultimate Bone Support a highly absorbable form of Calcium. (Which basically means you don’t need to take as many tablets to be sure you are getting enough!) This powerful new calcium formulation also combines Magnesium, Manganese, Boron, Zinc, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin K2, which are essential for maintaining the internal collagen of the bone necessary for bone strength and stability. This combination of nutrients has been shown to help increase the action of osteoblasts which encourage bone renewal, helping to build and structure our bones.

Did you know the best time to take any calcium supplement was at night? Taking Calcium and Magnesium supplements at bedtime encourages relaxation, and also provides minerals at a time when the body carries out all it’s repair functioning, so your Grandma was right about needing a good nights sleep to grow up big and strong, just make sure the boogie man is not hiding under your bed

A Garlic pill a day keeps the vampire away!

Garlic has been famed for it’s ability to ward off evil spirits such as vampires, but garlic also has the ability to ward off some nasty bugs and diseases. Whole books have been written about garlic, an herb affectionately called “the stinking rose”. A member of the lily family, which also includes onions, garlic contains a rich variety of powerful sulphur compounds. While these compounds are responsible for garlic’s characteristically pungent odour, they are also the source of many of its health-promoting effects; which include helping to lower cholesterol, prevent arteriosclerosis, and help lower blood pressure. Garlic’s ability to support the immune system, having both anti viral and anti bacterial properties is probably how it got it reputation as a vampire slayer! In addition, garlic is an excellent source of manganese, a very good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C and a good source of selenium. Heat destroys the active garlic compounds so garlic should always be eaten raw, A garlic supplement a day is an excellent way to achieve the health benefits whilst still keeping your friends:) Research shows that aged garlic supplements such as used in Kyolic garlic preparations tend to have higher levels of active components and are more stable.

Wolfsbane: a useful homeopathic remedy

Wolfsbane also known as aconite, was used for centuries to keep the wolf from the door, these days Homeopathic Aconite has a much more practical application. Aconite is an excellent remedy for sudden illness, aches, colds, coughs, sore throat, flu, chills and fever. Keep Aconite on hand for quick recovery after becoming ill following exposure to weather changes. Aconite helps with symptoms from sudden shock, fear, fright. Aconite is often used during the early stages of an illness, but can also be used for past trauma to rebalance. Aconite Indications include feeling apprehensive and agitated, tossing about in bed. Fear and restlessness seem to dominate the symptoms.

Don’t burn the Witch

A friend commented that only a few hundred years ago I would probably would have found myself with very hot feet! Witches were the wise women, herbalist, and midwives of the village, who used what comes naturally to treat the villagers. (I find it sad that I need to add that I am not a witch, but the fact that I need to mention this means that we still make judgements!) Perhaps we should all read Arthur Millers The Crucible this Halloween, and think about how it plays out today, at the same-time spare a thought for the thousands of innocent girls killed for their beliefs, and those still dying today.

Download a .pdf of the Diva’s Halloween Health Care advice.

The leaves are falling

One by one.

Summer’s over

School’s begun!

Supporting your Kids Health the natural Way.

Coughs, colds, sneezes, peer pressure, poor concentration and head-lice, are a few of the everyday health issues associated with going back to school and that’s just the teachers!

Immune system support

Seriously the new school year bombards a child’s immune system leaving them more vulnerable to infection. The swine flu frenzy has calmed, although it is expected that the start of the academic year might show an increased incidence. Echinacea is a wonderful herb, which has been proven to decrease the overall risk of catching a cold by 58%, and if you are still unlucky enough to catch a cold it can increase your recovery rate. Black Elder is one of my favourite herbs not only does it attack viruses and stops them replicating, it is packed with antioxidants and tastes great too! ‘Taste the Rainbow’; eat foods of every colour such as blueberries, raspberry, purple sprouting broccoli, purple corn, butternut squash, carrots, and green leafy vegetables. Eating Seasonal Organic fruits and vegetables is nature’s way of providing you the right nutrients at the appropriate time of year when you need them. Even the most perfect diet can have difficulty meeting our body’s demand for nutrients, so taking a good daily multivitamin and mineral combined with Black Elder and echinacea at the beginning of the new school term is an excellent idea, for both your child and the whole family.

Head Lice

Nasty little critter that make my scalp itch just thinking about them yuk!!! In the war against nits its far better to be proactive rather than reactive – that prevention and precaution are the safest and healthiest measures. The chemicals in many traditional head-lice treatments have been associated with serious health risks, however there are many natural preparations that have been shown to nuke head-lice, without causing any health risk to your child. One particularly effective treatment is Riddance, which combines Neem oil with essential oils which have proven to be a highly effective treatment. Each bottle of Riddance comes with a comb so that you can make sure every last nit and eggs are firmly removed. We recommending treating your child’s hair, then combing though thoroughly, repeat this treatment every 3-4 days for a fortnight after the incidence, it’s a good idea to check your child’s hair weekly for any signs of reinfestation. Combine regular combing with using tea tree or neem based shampoos can help prevent re-infestation.

Poor Concentration

For many children getting back into the school routine is a real struggle after a long holiday, with their teachers reporting difficulty controlling behaviour, and hyperactivity. Some children simply have difficulty staying focused and paying attention, being preoccupied by looking out of the window into some distant land! Many children have low levels of certain essential fatty acids (including EPA and DHA) in their bodies. DHA and EPA are omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fatty Fish oil ,Flax oil, and Hemp oil supplements. Essential Fatty Acids are used to make brain and nerve tissue in the body and are crucial for proper growth, mental function, the immune system and brain development. Children with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids demonstrated more learning and behavioural problems (such as temper tantrums and sleep disturbances) than kids with normal omega-3 fatty acid levels. Taking an essential fats daily for a minimum of three month allows significant improvements in reading, spelling, and behaviour in the children. Try adding three teaspoons of Eicosanoil to a morning smoothy to ensure your child is getting enough omega 3, 6, and 9, and a smoothy is a brilliant way to deliver some of your five a day fruits.

Sleep Tight

Bedtime is a wonderful time to catch up with your child’s daily news, helping them to unburden, and relax down for a good nights sleep. Badgers Night Night Balm combines essential oils to create a feeling of peace and calm allowing your child to nod of naturally.

Night Night Sleep Tight Make Sure the Bed-bugs don’t bite xxx

Download a pdf copy of the Diva’s Back to School article

Now a new study has found the antioxidant resveratrol blocks two key proteins to stop inflammation which plays a major role in arthritis, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome.

A researcher from the latest study at the University of ­Glasgow said: “Strong acute inflammatory diseases such as [infections like] sepsis are very difficult to treat and many die daily due to a lack of treatment”.

The scientists now aim to develop new treatments from their findings.

Resveratrol has previously been found to help lower the risk of lung cancer, protect against colon and prostate cancers, improving ­cholesterol and fight ageing.

Whilst a daily glas of Red wine after a heavy meal could be considered constitutional, the truth is one can not obtain sufficient resveratrol merely from drinking red wine. An entire bottle only contains about 7 mg whereas the studies at Harvard and other institutions used over 300mg.

Those seeking an alcohol free way of taking Resveratrol, should look to Solgar’s Resveratrol capsules which provides 100mg of Resveratrol per capsule.

Read more about Resveratrol…

“If we took a holiday, took some time to celebrate, just one day out of life, it would be, it would be so nice!” Madonna.

Whether your quest for a fortnights freedom takes you to the dizzy party Island of Ibiza, the depths of darkest Peru, or a kiss me quick hat in Blackpool,  the Diva is on hand to offer top tips for a healthy relaxing holiday x

Pre Flight Jitters

The Fear of flying can cause many people to avoid foreign travel all together! Many individuals no matter how experienced a traveller they are can still feel a bit jittery. Ashwaghandra is an amazing herb, to ease anxiety; 20 drops in juice just before you leave the house, in the departure lounge and on the plane will leave you suitable chilled but fully functional!20 drops of Ginger tincture added to a 500 ml bottle of water can ease anxiety and travel induced nausea, simply sip slowly to calm your tummy. B Vitamins the travellers Friend B vitamins are so useful for travellers on so many levels. A good daily B- complex vitamin, high in vitamin B5 helps to support the adrenal system and converts your food into energy and eases stress. Taking a B complex with vitamin C is fabulous to aid recovery on long haul flights allowing you to step off the plane bouncing with energy. Finally mosquitoes don’t like the smell of B vitamins on us, so taking a daily vitamin B keeps the bugs away.

Dabbing a few drops of citronella and neem oil on your pulse points can also ward of mosquitoes.

Long Haul Helpers

During a flight of seven to tweleve hours duration, most people will notice their ankles and legs start to swell due to lack of movement, insufficient circulation of blood through the veins and accumulation of fluid in the tissues. In some passengers, the cumulative effects of these factors can cause a blood clot to develop – a condition known as DVT or ‘economy class syndrome’, since it is more likely to occur in cramped conditions. Taking maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol before a long-haul flight could help travellers reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), say researchers in a new study into the effects of Pycnogenol supplementation on leg- swelling. Pycnogenol is derived from the bark of the Maritime pine, which is rich in  bioflavonoids and organic acids. Other research has indicated that Pycnogenol is an effective anti-inflammatory agent and can be used to lower blood pressure, support diabetics and in eye health. Based on the clinical evidence The Diva recommends supplementing with 50mg of Pycnogenol daily for a least a fortnight before travelling, 200mg of Pycnogenol 2-3 hours prior to a long-haul flight, 200mg six hours later in mid-flight and 100mg the day after flying, dropping to 50mg per day during your holiday and increasing the dosage for the journey home. Stay on the Pycnogenol for at least a fortnight after you get back from holiday, and if you have a family history of heart disease then you might consider taking pycnogenol long term like me

Holiday Tummy

The combination of strange and exotic food, different drinking water, heat and alcohol can cause sickness and diarrhea turning even the most luxurious of holidays into a nightmare! The Diva is always armed with her daily probiotic and her secret weapon citricidal. “I would never travel without them!” Acidophilus capsules provide a regulated dose of friendly bacteria, which aids digestion and eases symptoms of bloating, wind diarrhoea and constipation. Citricidal drops are my best friend when it comes to holiday tummy bugs, Citricidal is grapefruit seed extract a rich anti bacterial, anti parasitic herb, which soon gets you away from the bathroom and back to enjoying your holiday. Always drink bottled water, and be aware of ice cubes and salads, which are often know to harbor parasites. Too many cocktails? Milk thistle taken before and after a night on the tiles can help to counter the after effects of a hangover. You should try to alternate your drinks – make every other one a non- alcoholic drink – and girls, keep an eye on each other’s drinks. Drinking plenty of water will help to prevent dehydration and headaches.

Fun in the Sun

Time to cream up! The incidence of skin cancer is on the rise. Always use at least SPF15 or above to protect your skin from damage and premature ageing, think about the wrinkles Darlink! Too long in the sun, and resembling a lobster? Cooling Aloe Gel can sooth and heal your deep fried skin…

Sun, Sand, Sea and Sex…

A little afternoon delight is simply fabulous, but remember to pack your condoms!!! Nasty itches and rashes in tender places are not pleasant and you can even carry an STD without showing symptoms yuk! I don’t care if you are an Adonis devoted to my pleasure … you are not coming near me without wellies on!!!

Happy Holiday XOXO the Diva x

Download a pdf copy of the Diva’s Holiday Health Care article

Supporting your Immune System the Natural Way.

What is Swine Flu?

Flu is an illness caused by an infection of the influenza virus. The flu virus constantly changes and there are many different strains of flu. A new strain of Influenza A (H1N1) virus, also known as swine flu, was confirmed in the UK in April and has spread to more than 100 countries around the world.

Although symptoms have generally proved mild, a small number of patients will develop more serious illness.  Many of these people have other underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, that put them at increased risk. Where complications do occur, they tend to be caused by the virus affecting the lungs. Infections such as pneumonia can develop.

Flu Symptoms

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 is a Pandemic?

A pandemic sound very scary, however it signifies that the virus is rapidly spreading, and is crossing country mobility with many of us holidaying abroad it’s more likely for a virus to become a pandemic.

Swine Flu Facts

As of the 6th July 2009 the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports 94,512 cases worldwide, and 429 Deaths. Whilst any loss of life is tragic, these deaths have largely been individuals with underlying health problems. This rate is constant with the death rate shown with seasonal influenza.

Herbal Helpers

What can we do to fight back against the the flu? In short, quiet a lot! To begin with, you need to take 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 favourite 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 from getting inside the cells of the body. if they cannot bind with the body cells, they cannot enter and cause any problems. The active components of Black Elder have been shown to block the sites of the body cells that the virus will normally grab hold of.

Nutritional Support

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 to support our immunity and fight off unwanted viruses!

Shopping List

• Swiss Astragulus Extract
• Swiss Oregon Grape Extract
• Swiss Black Elder Extract
• Viridian Multi Vitamins and Minerals
• Vitamin C

Download a pdf of the Diva’s Swine Flu Fever article.

“I just don’t like giving her these chemicals,” explains mum, Sarah. “But she was really very poorly.”

Sarah is delighted with Jenny’s new asthma remedy, a simple extract of pine bark from France called Pycnogenol, as recommended by her local health food shop, after Sarah had read a review of scientific research in the newspaper.

Published in the Journal of Asthma in early 2005, the researchers found that two thirds of asthmatic children managed to come off inhalers after three-month’s supplementation with Pycnogenol. The dosage used in the study was 1mg for every 1lb of body weight.

Jenny has been taking one capsule of Viridian’s Pycnogenol with Grape Seed Extract daily and has noticed immediate results.

The Diva now has a selection of Pycnogenol remedies in her store.

For the study, researchers from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine asked a “group of 50 people with trichotillomania…to take part in a 12-week trial of the pill containing the amino acid N-acetylcysteine. Half of the participants “were given the treatment, and the other half a dummy pill.” At study end, the team found that “patients taking the active medication had significantly greater reductions in hair-pulling symptoms than those taking placebo”. Reuters (7/7, Stern) explains that study participants received a starting dose of 1,200 milligrams of N-acetylcysteine daily, which was doubled after a period of six weeks if no improvement took place. At the end of the study, 56 percent of the participants were considered to have had improvement in their condition, compared to the 16 percent of participants taking placebo. Forty-four percent of the participants did not respond to N-acetylcysteine.

Recent mouse studies revealed that the supplement affects glutamate, “a brain chemical that has been linked to compulsive behaviors.” Study author Jon E. Grant, JD, MD, MPH, “cautioned against overuse of the supplement, which appeared affective in the study at 2,400 milligrams per day.” It also remains unclear whether short-term consumption would result in permanent improvements, or whether people would need to take the supplement indefinitely. Taking the supplement in combination with therapy would probably work best,” Dr. Grant theorized. Trichotillomania appears more common in women and is often linked to anxiety disorders and social phobias. It responds somewhat to counseling, but antidepressants have been largely unsuccessful in treating the disorder.

The Diva is now offering a selection of NAC remedies in her store.

Currently, there are about 1.5 million women in the UK taking some form of HRT to ease symptoms. Not all women can take HRT though. Just such a woman is Wendy, a 44 year old office worker from Cardiff.

Two years ago Wendy began experiencing menopausal symptoms including exhaustion, hot flushes, burning skin and joint aches and pains. She was denied HRT because her mother suffered breast cancer after being on HRT for some years,

In desperation Wendy began trying herbal alternatives to HRT. Wendy discovered a liquid herbal formula developed by Cardiff herbalist Stuart FitzSimmons MNIMHM. The formula is called HerbRT and contains a blend of herbs that provide a full spectrum of phyto-oestrogens.

After just two months taking HerbRT Wendy said:

“After this short time on HerbRT the flushes are reduced, my skin has stopped burning and I’m no longer red in the face! In fact, everything has returned to normal”.

Rather than the ‘hormonal blast’ provided by HRT, the phyto-oestrogens in HerbRT give gentle, natural support, helping the body overcome and adapt to the hormonal changes that occur at the menopause.

HerbRT is avaliable in 100ml (month supply) bottles and costs £24.99.

HerbRT The Natural Alternative to HRT

Currently, there are about 1.5 million women in the UK taking some form of HRT. There is probably an equal number of women that have tried it and could not continue due to side effects. Recent research and reports have highlighted the potential problems that may arise as a consequence of long term use of HRT. It is therefore imperative that women are aware that there is an alternative to HRT and its potential harmful effects. Just such an alternative is HerbRT, formulated by herbalist Stuart FitzSimmons.

What is HerbRT?

HerbRT is a combination of the herbs Chinese angelica, wild yam, red clover, fenugreek, hops and fennel. It is a liquid formula containing the herbs in the highest concentration that can be achieved in a liquid extract. The base of the formula contains no alcohol like most other liquid herbal preparations today. Instead, the base is vegetable glycerine, making it suitable for vegetarians and those for whom alcohol is forbidden.

How does HerbRT work?

HerbRT is based upon herbs that contain phyto-oestrogenic chemicals. Many herbs and common foods contain these chemicals. The phyto-oestrogens found in herbs work because part of the molecular structure fits the human oestrogen receptor on the cells of the body and provides a mild oestrogenic effect. However, the phyto-oestrogens are not associated with the sameside-effects as the synthetic, drug type oestrogens. In fact, the phyto-oestrogens are linked to many health benefits. Apart from helping to reduce the symptoms of the menopause and restore lost energy they protect the heart and circulation and fight against osteo-porosis. Population studies have shown that people with a high intake of phyto-oestrogens are less likely to suffer to suffer the hormone dependant cancers, such as breast cancer.

Can any woman take HerbRT?

The women that should not take the phyto-oestrogens are those taking drugs that alter normal levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the body. This includes women taking the contraceptive pill, HRT, tamoxifen and danazol. You should not take HerbRT if you suffer chronic or recurring mastitis.

Do not take phyto-oestrogen products if you are pregnant.

Vitamins have been big news as the latest wave of European bureaucracy shifts from bananas and crisps to vitamins. Judging from recent news coverage, you’d be forgiven for thinking that vitamins are no longer safe or legal.

The truth is vitamins are as wonderful as ever, and just as necessary.

Some background to the headlines… In order to allow the free sale of vitamins across the European Community, Brussels created the Food Supplements Directive (FSD). Initially, this Directive was widely welcomed, as vitamins and minerals are prescription-only in some EU countries. This new European law opened up these markets to British supplement companies, and was seen as a real opportunity for trade. However, as the detail emerged, those who understood Brussels-speak became increasingly nervous.

The authorities had drawn up a list of allowed nutrients, the ‘Positive List’. When first compiled, this list missed off some vitally important vitamins and minerals. Strangely, it also contained a number of forms of minerals that are commonly used in cleaning materials, but deadly if ingested – so much for the ‘experts’ in Brussels! Fortunately, genuine nutritional experts have since persuaded the authorities to add a large number of nutrients to this list. So the vast majority of vitamins and minerals are still available in your local health food shop. At least, they are for now.

There is a danger that the Positive List could be slashed again if legislators have a change of heart, or if pressure comes from a major player in the supplement industry, such as the United States. Plus in the next 12 months, Brussels will be deciding how much of each nutrient should be allowed. This may well generate another wave of headlines.

Will 60mg be the limit for vitamin C? That’s barely what you might get from a single orange and not enough for optimum nutrition. Will vitamin B6 be reduced to 10mg per capsule? If so, this will spell disaster for the millions of women who take B6 to relieve PMS.

You may ask if this European Directive has been written for safety reasons; are vitamins and minerals dangerous chemicals that must be controlled by Europe? The answer is a resounding NO.

Vitamins and minerals are incredibly safe. According to a report compiled by New Zealand’s National Nutritional Foods Association, statistically you are less likely to die from taking any kind of food supplement than from a bee sting, lightning or animal bite. In fact, you are considerably more at risk from properly prescribed and administered orthodox medication from your doctor. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) account for 1 in 16 hospital admissions in the UK, and the British Medical Journal has stated that nationally ADRs could be responsible for 10,000 deaths per year.

Vitamins and minerals have an exemplary safety record. Not only are they safe, they make an important contribution to good health. The UK government has identified the following groups of people as being at risk from low vitamin and mineral intakes: highly active people, menstruating women, vegetarians, vegans, the over 50s, slimmers, pre-conceptual, pregnant and breast-feeding women, smokers, drinkers and faddy eaters. Which makes up roughly everyone – who doesn’t need extra vitamins?

No-one would argue that vitamin and mineral supplements replace the need for a good well-balanced diet, but who manages to eat well every single day? These products are called food ’supplements’ for a reason – they supplement a good diet and healthy lifestyle.

Vitamin and mineral supplements offer a convenient method of insuring your optimum intake of essential nutrients everyday. For some people, higher doses than can be obtained easily from foods are an absolute necessity. Chronic conditions such as stress, joint pain, sleeplessness, mood swings, PMS, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel and so on, are often, once diagnosed, better treated by nutritional methods than by the long-term use of pharmaceutical drugs with their attendant side-effects.

We are already well-protected from ‘rogue’ vitamin companies through food safety legislation, the Advertising Standards Authority and Trading Standards. The FSD creates yet another layer of bureaucracy, which will push up prices and could potentially put health food stores and smaller supplement manufacturers out of business. Health food stores have a crucial role on the High Street. They are one of the few places you can go for helpful advice from people who have a genuine passion for this specialist subject. Larger retailers simply do not have the knowledge or the commitment to hold customers by the hand and take the time to give a holistic service. You’re a lot less likely to get advice on supplements from the assistant at a supermarket than from the lady at your local independent health food shop.

If this Directive succeeds in making all vitamin products identical low potency clones sold through mass-market outlets, then we all may as well eat the cardboard boxes they are packaged in, they will have so little nutritional value.

In the past few years, there has been considerable lobbying to avert the FSD; a million-strong petition together with a letter signed by 300 scientists and doctors was handed in at Downing Street, and numerous Parliamentary Questions and Motions have been tabled – all without success.

A formal complaint went up to the European Court of Justice, and hopes were raised in April when the Attorney General severely criticised the FSD as being “as clear as a black box”, “infringes the principle of proportionality” and is therefore “invalid under EU law.” However, on July 12th, the ECJ surprised everyone and endorsed the FSD and made it law from August 1st.

Tony Blair said in May that the FSD rules are “wholly out of proportion to the risks run”, but this was clearly too-little too-late, though some optimistic folk are pinning their hopes on a UK opt-out, despite chances looking slim.

So that is the story so far. While there is no need to bulk buy, or dash on to eBay to buy your vitamins from the USA just yet, do support your local health food store and sign any petitions, because there is still considerable doubt over their long-term future. If you wish to know more about this complex subject, or want to talk to someone about how vitamins and minerals can help you to good health, call into your local health food shop today.