Learn to love fibre, for your heart’s sake. That’s the message from a recent Medical University of South Carolina study. Thirty-five healthy adults were randomly selected to consume either the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) high-fibre diet (nearly 28 grams of fibre per day) or a psyllium fibre supplement (equivalent to 27 grams of […]

Did you know that our alcohol guidelines are currently under review? Yes, that’s right. But don’t get excited if you enjoy a regular tipple. You’re likely to be surprised to hear that the draft of the new guidelines takes a more conservative view than the current report published by the National Health and Medical Research […]

Relaxation is vital to your health and wellbeing, but many people find it difficult to overcome stress and anxiety. Pamela Allardice offers 10 easy ways to unwind. Take mini breaks: “Hurry sickness” – being constantly busy – increases your heart rate and the production of cortisol (a stress hormone), and leaves you no time for […]

Sure, listening to music is enjoyable — but it seems it has hidden healing potential as well. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques indicate that music activates the brain’s ‘pleasure centres’, which in turn lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and reduce depression and anxiety. In a study from Temple University, Pennsylvania, patients who listened […]

‘Tis the season to have too much to do and no time to do it. These ideas will help you curb spending, reduce stress, and make Christmas more fun and less frustrating. 1. Ease indigestion: During this marathon of meals, sip 1 teaspoon of digestive bitters (from healthfood stores) in 50ml warm water after eating. […]

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a herb that’s attracting attention in health research circles as a smart choice for better brain power. It’s long been a staple of Ayurveda — the traditional medicine practised in India — where it has been used to treat anxiety, depression, and mental illness. According to a report in Alternative Medicine […]

Where’s the one place celebrities go to de-stress, detox, lose those excess kilos and hone their fitness before their next big movie role? All around the globe they’re hooked on the sensational benefits of the spa scene, where they check out from their hectic lives and check in for a regular dose of rejuvenation. What’s […]

If you picture a yoga class and see relaxed, calm bodies, gracefully poised in a tranquil posture, then you haven't been to Bikram Yoga. Here you'll find hot, sweaty bodies, getting a great cardiac yoga workout in a purpose-built, heated room. Bikram Yoga is taking off around Australia due in part to the celebrity followers like Madonna, plus the reported health benefits. Let's take a closer look.

If you picture a yoga class and see relaxed, calm bodies, gracefully poised in a tranquil posture, then you haven’t been to Bikram Yoga. Here you’ll find hot, sweaty bodies, getting a great cardiac yoga workout in a purpose-built, heated room. Bikram Yoga is taking off around Australia due in part to the celebrity followers […]

One way to keep in shape this summer is to keep active during your holiday break. You can still enjoy the holiday feel-good factor while you improve your fitness.