So, here we are and I have a few things I would like to share with you.  It remains of crucial importance that we continue to identify ongoing research and development which, in turn, determines best-in-class supplementation.  As I wrote last weekend, it is a big thing to ask you to change any given supplement, most especially when we have been recommending specific supplements for some time, but we have to do what we have to do in order to uphold the pioneering essence of our very being.

It is that pioneering essence which helps support optimum health and wellbeing as we continue to explore the advancement of cutting-edge preventative healthcare together.  At the beginning of the year, I wrote that we would be making quite a few changes and I know that many of the changes we will be making over the coming weeks and months may surprise you to a certain extent and I cannot wait to share those changes with you.  But, in the meantime let me just update you on the two product changes we have recommended to you over the recent weeks in order to stay neat.

Enzymes play an important role in digestion as they help to maximise nutrient extraction and turn consumed food into energy.  Enzyme deficiencies can lead to a variety of digestive discomforts, including wind, bloating, indigestion and constipation.  Additionally, as we age the volume of enzymes available in our bodies deplete, so there is a need for some of us to supplement to help optimise digestion and nutrient absorption.  We believe that Digest Complete is currently best-in-class in the digestive enzyme stakes, so our recommendation was to upgrade to Digest Complete for optimum efficacy.  And I’ve made that change. 
VH Editorial: Is Stomach Growling Normal; Digest Complete by Enzymedica £25 (drops from £28.88 for the interim)

Having written extensively about Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex over the past three weeks, I really don’t need to say very much here other than to emphasise the importance of increasing the bioavailability of the active compounds found in Turmeric.  These compounds are turbo-charged with BioPerine®, a patented extract derived from black pepper which has been shown to increase the bioavailability of Curcumin compounds by up to 2000%.  Increased bioavailability, increased efficacy and Turmeric Curcumin C3 supersedes all that has gone before.  And we believe it does that in a rather heroic and excellent way.
VH Editorial: Inflammaging; Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex £26 for 60 Capsules

We often talk about declining compounds in the body and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is of course one of those compounds, which is why I will never stop talking about it and I will never stop taking it.  Sure, I take it to help maintain the plumpness of my skin, but over and above all of that, I take it because I am more than aware that if I were to stop taking it my joints would creak and, as most of you know, I’ve experienced that one and I’m never going there again.  We raised the bar on HA just over a year ago when Shabir increased the dosage to 300 mg when updated research came to the fore, so we are currently therapeutically aligned with that research.

I absolutely know that many of us take the same core supplementation, so in recognition of that fact let’s do a celebratory treat as a mark of respect for your ongoing trust and loyalty.  And because we must always honour that commitment, with every order placed for Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength, we will automatically include the travel size HA, which means that you will receive an extra fifteen capsules free, which is worth £17.50.  I will run this across the weekend in order that we may share this treat as widely as we can.  These things matter.  And they always have mattered.
VH Editorial: Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements; Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength £35 for 30 Capsules + 15 Capsules Free Worth £17.50 (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 12 March)

Right, I feel like having a moment, and that moment is all about Ionicell because I don’t want it to feel left out when I’m writing about the supplements that I take.  In a way this is where Ioniplex meets Ioniplex, Ioniplex being the Fulvic ionic mineral complex that forms the base of all our Fulvic formulations.  So, the supplement, as mentioned, is Ionicell and the topical product is Fulvic Face Cream.  And in a limited offer, if you buy Ionicell then we will automatically include Fulvic Face Cream (30 ml) with that order, which has a value of £15.  Once again there is only gift per customer and I’m honestly not sure how long this offer will last, so if Fulvic Face fails to go into your basket, then you will know the offer is over. 
Ionicell For Women £20 for 60 Capsules + Fulvic Face Cream (30 ml) Free Worth £15 (whilst stock lasts)

Moving on, I think I am stating the obvious when I say that the world of supplementation is a veritable minefield, so it is important to provide the knowledge required in order for you to make a balanced choice when looking at any health concern.  One specific area of confusion is whether or not there is any difference between krill oil capsules and fish oil capsules.  There really is no need for me to explain the differences, because Shabir has written an in-depth on it, which is the way I like it.  So, nothing for me to add except to refer you to Shabir’s article, linked below, and to drop the price of Neubria Krill Oil from £29.99 to £25.  And for vegetarians and vegans, Echiomega drops in price from £13.99 to £11.  Voila.
VH Editorial: What Are The Benefits Of Krill Oil; Neubria Krill Oil £25 for 60 Capsules; Echiomega by Igennus £11 for 60 Capsules (offers end at midnight GMT, Sunday 12 March)

Prostate enlargement affects approximately 50% of men over the age of 50 and almost 90% of men over the age of 80.  Referred to as Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPE), it is also known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).  BPH occurs when normal prostate cells grow abnormally and as the prostate gland enlarges, it presses onto the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder to discharge.  It remains unclear as to why some men get BPH and others don’t and the only established risk factors for BPH are age and genetics.

Digging deeper, some scientists believe that the decrease in the male hormone, testosterone, could lead to what is termed ‘oestrogen dominance’, meaning that the small amounts of oestrogen produced become dominant in the bloodstream, thus possibly encouraging cell growth.  Others state that a substance called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) accumulates in the prostate gland.  DHT is an inflammatory compound and it is thought that it may encourage rapid cell growth, leading to prostate enlargement.  Through all of this, one thing is very clear and that is that natural remedies can play an important role in the prevention of BPH.

Saw Palmetto berry extracts have been extensively researched for their benefits in prostate enlargement.  Several studies indicate that this berry works to inhibit the enzymes that convert testosterone into DHT and there are other ingredients that have also been the subject of long-term research programmes, such as Stinging Nettle, which works effectively at relieving the symptoms of BPH, including urinary flow and post-urination dripping.  And if we are talking about best-in-class supplementation, Shabir believes that PalmettoGuard Saw Palmetto with Beta-Sitosterol is that supplement, with Saw Palmetto hailed as the gold standard in natural prostate support.
VH Editorial: Benign Prostate Enlargement; PalmettoGuard Saw Palmetto with Beta-Sitosterol by Life Extension £20 for 30 Softgels

With the emphasis on age-related health concerns, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a condition which affects the eye and involves the deterioration of the retina, the light sensing cells in the central area of vision.  The most distinguishing aspect of macular degeneration is round spots covering the field of vision, which makes it difficult to look straight ahead.  The peripheral vision remains unchanged and as we take a look at this concern, there are two types of macular degeneration to discuss, wet and dry. 

Wet macular degeneration occurs due to abnormal formation of blood vessels in the eye and dry macular degeneration, which affects approximately 90% of those with macular degeneration, is attributable to deposits of debris in the retina which would normally be carried away by blood vessels.  The most common factors for dry macular degeneration include inadequate blood circulation in the retina, premature ageing of cells responsible for sight, which could be genetic, and dietary factors.

AMD currently affects more than 600,000 people in the UK and it is known that two nutrients, Lutein and Zeaxanthin definitely help to prevent advanced macular degeneration.  Furthermore, the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association involving 102,000 people aged 50+ concluded that those with the highest intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin had a 41% lower risk of further progression from macular degeneration to AMD.  This study was pretty conclusive and based on those findings, we recommend MacuGuard Ocular Support, which also includes Saffron to support vision in those with early AMD.
VH Editorial: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD); MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron by Life Extension £21 for 60 Softgels (drops from £24 and offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 12 March)

Leaving products on one side for the moment, Sarah reports on social prescriptions, which are now part of the NHS Long Term Plan.  For many patients, pills are not the answer to their concerns, whereas social prescriptions can so often help underlying problems, which are so extraordinarily important.  Pharmaceutical drugs can do good and in some cases they are true lifesavers, but they can also cause harm.  The Government’s National Overprescribing Review, launched in September 2021, estimated that at least 10% of prescriptions dispensed at primary care (1.14 million items) are unnecessary, inappropriate or can cause harm. 

Tackling overprescribing could improve the health of millions, achieving benefits ‘comparable to a new blockbuster medicine’, according to the Review’s author, Dr Keith Ridge, NHS England Chief Pharmaceutical Officer.  Sarah’s report recognises the words of Dr Laura Marshall-Andrews who set up the Brighton and Wellbeing Centre on the basis of social prescribing ten years ago: ‘As clinicians, we have to do what we think is right, even if it’s hard.  We have to try and be the change’.  And I fully concur, most especially with regard to mental health issues, which are so often misdiagnosed and thus lack the appropriate support so sorely needed by so many.
Pill-Free Social Prescriptions From The NHS by Sarah Stacey

Let’s do a wellbeing product and that product is the Neom Wellbeing Pod Essential Oil Diffuser, which has been designed to work in small places, or wherever you need a wellbeing boost.  Using cold diffusion technology, essential oils are converted into micro fine vapour without using heat or water, releasing into the atmosphere to help stimulate your senses.  This is ever so cute and at the touch of a button, the diffuser will help you achieve better sleep and a mood boost through the dedicated 100% natural essential oil blends.

So, there are three different natural essential oil blends, De-Stress, Happiness and Perfect Night’s Sleep, partnering rather well with Perfect Night’s Sleep Wonder Balm which I wrote about last week.  I will retain the discounted price on Perfect Night’s Sleep Wonder Balm, mostly because it went onto yet another one of those wait lists last weekend and I am going to drop the price of the Wellbeing Pod down from £55 to £49.  Additionally, each of the essential blends become £18, dropping from £22.  I love what Neom are doing right now.  Bravo Neom.
Wellbeing Pod Essential Oil Diffuser £49; De-Stress Essential Oil Blend £18 for 10 ml; Happiness Essential Oil Blend £18 for 10 ml; Perfect Night’s Sleep Essential Oil Blend £18 for 10 ml; Perfect Night’s Sleep Wonder Balm by Neom Organics £13 for 12 grams

Another treat from Derma E and this time it is their Ultra Hydrating Serum.  This is an intense treatment serum which is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidant-rich Green Tree.  This serum can be used as a stand-alone or you can follow through with a moisturiser, allowing a few seconds for the serum to absorb into the skin.  Either way, it can also be used on the neck, massaging it in with light upward strokes.  And with all of that said, all that is left is for me to drop the price of Ultra Hydrating Serum from £30 to £20.  Because I feel like it.
Ultra Hydrating Serum by Derma E £20 for 60 ml (whilst stock lasts) 

It’s final fling time, and it’s all about Sarah Chapman’s Platinum Stem Cell Eye Mask.  The Platinum Stem Cell Eye Mask delivers advanced actives to provide a tri-ocular treatment for the entire eye contour to help reduce puffy eyes and to help brighten dark circles.  This is a rather wonderful solution for tired eyes, so in an extremely limited offer, I am taking the price of this mask down from £25 to £8.  I think I know what will happen here so once they have gone, they have gone.  And it could well be another one of those early Saturday morning stampedes.  And there have been many of those.
Platinum Stem Cell Eye Mask by Sarah Chapman £8       

Into the Saturday only treat we go and with every order placed for £30 and above, excluding p&p, we will automatically send you a pair of Sleep Patches from Ross J. Barr.  I don’t think I need to explain the Sleep Patches to any of you, but if you want to read all about them, I have linked that information below.
Sleep Patches by Ross J. Barr 

Finally, let me leave you with this song.  The song is Respect, written by Otis Reading and performed by Aretha Franklin.  Dedicated with respect to all those who have the courage to challenge the narrative and to challenge the system where it is broken.  For the better good of all.
Respect by Aretha Franklin; The VH Playlist

All love

Gill x

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*Free gifts will only be granted if the items purchased are physical products and your total basket value exceeds the required amount noted.  Saturday only treats are subject to change should the specified gift run out prior to your purchase and are only included in orders placed between 7.45am (GMT) and Midnight (GMT) on the Saturday the Weekend Read is sent.  VH Addicts membership is a digital product and therefore will be excluded from the basket value.  Some gifts are blocked from international shipping due to local limitations imposed based on the country destination.  If this is the case, we will replace the gift with one that is able to be shipped to your destination.