Alive and Well Health Store in Carlow
This issue, owner Jenna Killeen and staff members Marcela Soilisova and Karen Flood test out their favourite health products.
Yarrow complex
Karen says: “I absolutely love A Vogel’s Yarrow Complex. It contains bitters and herbs that are great at stimulating digestion and increasing digestive enzymes. It helps with IBS, bloating, wind, diarrhoea, and constipation. The bitters help the liver to work more efficiently. Just take 20 drops in water before each meal for best results. It is my go-to for digestive issues.”
B complex with vitamin C
Karen says: “Within days of starting Terranova’s B Complex with Vitamin C, my energy levels increased and I felt less tired and less stressed. This complex supports energy and benefits the nervous system. It includes a Magnifood complex of botanicals to maximise nutrient absorption and bioavailability. The adaptogenic herbs also help to manage stress. It is a wonderful product which I highly recommend.”
Horseradish and garlic
Marcela says: “Viridian’s Horseradish and Garlic is a great product for sinus infections when feeling under the weather with painful cheeks and forehead. This product gives great relief from pressure and pain. It is also a good decongestant for a blocked nose, loss of smell and a headache. Taking one capsule three times a day helped relieve my symptoms a lot.”
Lion’s mane and bacopa
Marcela says: “I love Irish Botanica’s Lion’s Mane and Bacopa blend. It almost instantly provides me with clear, sharp thinking. My brain feels like it is getting “the light”! It is brilliant for brain fog and helps with focus, memory and mood. It supports neuron growth and repair. It is a great product for anyone who needs clarity of mind.”
Magnesium bisglycinate complex
Jenna says: “I love to take Macánta’s Magnesium Bisglycinate Complex if I am having trouble sleeping at night. Magnesium bisglycinate calms the muscles and nervous system. It is very easily absorbed in the body. This supplement has the added benefit of the amino acids L-theanine and L-ornithine to help lower the stress hormone cortisol. The added herbs of lemon balm and chamomile promote a relaxed feeling and ensure I get a restful sleep.”
Emergency essence
Jenna says: “I always have a bottle of Jan de Vries Emergency Essence in my handbag and car. This flower essence blend imparts the energy of the flowers to restore emotional balance. It is the perfect, fast-acting remedy to calm you down in times of overwhelm. It is a lifesaver when trying to juggle the constant challenges of modern life. Just five drops straight onto your tongue and you will feel calmer in a matter of minutes!”
The Hopsack in Rathmines, Dublin
Staff members Grant Dufrene, Aissa Lopez, Jessica O’Meara, Milena Zuccarelli, Stella McKenna and Doina Ciurar review their favourite products.
High potency NAC
Doina says: “I absolutely love Viridian’s High Potency NAC. I’ve been using it for a while and it’s one of the best supplements I’ve used! I love Viridian because it doesn’t have fillers and binders. I love the support that it gives me, especially when I am feeling run down. I highly recommend it.”
Multivitamin sachets
Aissa says: “I love OptiYou multivitamin sachets. Great if you need a general boost, with all the B vitamins and 100mg of CoQ10. One I always bring on holidays too as it also contains electrolytes, 1,000mg of vitamin C, 1,000iu of vitamin D, plus zinc and selenium. So it’s fab support for your immune system too. It’s one I go to if I have had a virus, as I really notice a difference energy-wise.”
Altai shilajit resin
Grant says: “I noticed that Feel Supreme Altai Shilajit Resin was popular amongst our customers. Elderly customers said it helped them to feel sharper and fend off age-related cognitive decline, another customer told me she took it for brain fog and low energy, and many of our younger customers reported it helped them get an edge in their weight-lifting routine and recovery. I had to try it myself and after a week of taking the product, I noticed the same benefits. I advise the uninitiated to appreciate its uniqueness and effects!”
Multivitamin formula
Stella says: “I started taking Viridian’s High Five Multivitamin after a long stretch of experiencing brain fog and fatigue. This was affecting all areas of my life. After a week of taking the product, I noticed I was sleeping more deeply and had better focus and energy during exercise. Now, after months of taking it daily, my mood has significantly improved, I have more energy than I ever imagined was possible, and I even managed to avoid a bout of the winter flu.”
Omega-3 fish oil
Milena says: “I recommend Wiley’s Finest Omega-3 Fish Oil. After the first few weeks of consistently taking it, the biggest side effect I noticed was an ease in my joint pain linked to an autoimmune condition. Seeing even a small improvement made a big difference in my quality of life, and I now regularly take it as part of my approach to managing inflammation naturally.”
Electrolyte drink
Jessica says: “I take Ener-IV Electrolyte Drink as I am currently training for a half-marathon in May and increasing my weekly mileage. I find that these electrolytes help me recover faster after long runs. They seem to reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, allowing me to get back to training sooner and maintain my overall endurance throughout the week. I prefer these electrolytes over others I’ve tried because they mix well, don’t leave a gritty texture, and feel more effective overall.”
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