The Keeping Well

04/10/2025

GET A GOOD GUT FEELING
Gut health isn’t just important, it’s absolutely essential for our overall well-being. Our digestive system does much more than break down food. It also plays a crucial role in immunity, mood regulation and even brain function.
The Microbiome
Our digestive system is home to more than 100 trillion bacteria,
which work around the clock to help digest food, absorb nutrients and produce essential B vitamins and enzymes. These microbes are vital partners in maintaining our health, and we must respect them as such. Modern life has taken its toll on our gut microbiomes. Processed foods, antibiotics, environmental toxins and chronic stress all wreaked havoc on this delicate ecosystem. Over time, for many of us, the diversity and strength of our microbiome have become weakened, making many of us more vulnerable to issues like bloating, fatigue, compromised immunity, and brain fog.
Back to the Soil
Before the rise of industrial food production, we consumed a variety of beneficial bacteria just by eating fresh produce straight from the earth. Soil-based organisms thrived in healthy, organic soil, and we naturally ingested them by eating raw or minimally washed fruits and vegetables. Products containing soil-based organisms help bring that microbial diversity back. Each capsule contains a proprietary blend of soil based organisms, which are naturally cultured in their original plant matter just as nature intended. These microbes are tough, spore-forming survivors, wrapped in a resilient outer shell and can withstand heat, stomach acid and other digestive challenges. Unlike conventional probiotics, which require refrigeration, these soil-based organisms remain dormant until they arrive in the intestines, where they awaken, multiply and get to work.
Rewild Your Gut
Reintroducing soil-based organisms can revitalise your gut from
the inside out. They are adaptive. Because they only activate in response to your body’s unique internal environment, they offer a personalised approach to gut health. If you’re struggling with digestive discomfort, low energy, or simply wanting to build good health, they provide a powerful, natural way to realign with nature and take control of your well-being. Look after your gut, and it will look after you.
For more advice on improving your overall health by improving your gut health, visit us in store in Risca.

09/08/2025

02/08/2025

Your Body and Acid-Alkaline Balance
Most people don't realise how much their body's acid-alkaline balance impacts their physical and mental well-being.
Body alkalinity refers to the body's acid-base balance, specifically the pH level of bodily fluids like blood. The blood's normal pH is slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.35 to 7.45, and the body tightly regulates this balance to maintain optimal function. While the term "alkaline diet" is often used, it's important to understand that diet can influence urine pH but not blood pH. The body's natural systems, like the lungs, kidneys, and bones, are responsible for maintaining blood alkalinity.
When acidity builds up, it's not just digestion that suffers; there's a ripple effect throughout the body.

Gut Microbiome and Mental Health
Too much acidity disrupts gut bacteria, which is now closely linked to depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and even addictive behaviours.

Digestive Disorders and Osteoporosis
An acidic environment forces the body to pull minerals like calcium and magnesium from bones and tissues, leading to long-term issues like osteoporosis and chronic fatigue.

Energy and Motivation
When the body is constantly battling excess acid, you may feel unmotivated, mentally foggy, and physically drained.

Significant deviations from the normal pH range can be dangerous

Restoring the Balance
By promoting alkalinity, you may experience more enerrgy, better digestion, stronger bones, and a clearer mind.
One method is by using a product called Alka Greens, a superfood powerhouse that nourishes, deacidifies, and supports gut health.
Alka® Greens is an alkaline smoothie powder, offering you a selection of natural extracts and nutrients.

Contributes to normal acid-base metabolism
Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
Contains fibre, enzymes and live bacteria

What is Alka® Greens?

Alka® Greens is a delicious green smoothie powder offering you a selection of natural extracts and nutrients. The formula contains extracts from vegetables, fruits, germgrasses, algae and herbs. In addition, Alka® Greens also contains vitamins from plant sources as well as fibre, enzymes and live bacteria.

21/07/2025

MYCOTHERAPY
At The Keeping Well, we have invested heavily in Mycotherapy so that we can offer our clients some great health benefits from natural sources. This means, that in order to obtain the best, we have imported high strength mushroom extracts, as well as sourcing really good quality UK supplies.
If you would like to know how mushroom extracts could help you, call in and see us for some free information and, check out the comprehensive range of mushroom supplements, coffees and teas we have in store, while you are here.
WHAT IS MYCOTHERAPY?
Mycotherapy is defined as, the study of the use of extracts and active biomolecules obtained from mushrooms as medicines or health promoting agents. Below is a summary of the benefits and bioactive molecules of the main medicinal mushrooms:-

The Key features of Medicinal mushrooms :

• Adaptogens: regulate the body by optimising vital functions and processes
• Immunomodulators: promote immunological homeostasis
• Demonstrated prebiotic effect: support healthy microbiota status
• Wellbeing & regulation of a healthy emotional-stress-mood-energy status
• Safe and well-tolerated: according to Zhao et al., 2020
• Perceived as safer vs. synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds

The Main bioactive molecules in medicinal mushrooms include:

Polysaccharides particularly β-D-glucans (like Grifolan in Maitake) and prebiotic fibres
Terpenes (triterpenes, diterpenes, etc.): ganoderic acids (Reishi) or hericenones (Lion’s Mane)
Complete essential amino acid profile
Vitamins and minerals
Sterols: particularly Ergosterol – precursor of Vitamin D
Statins: like natural Lovastatin
Polyphenols

06/07/2025

One of the therapies available at The Keeping Well. Why not give it a try? Phone now for an appointment.

LED Light Therapy
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, offers a range of benefits including mood enhancement, improved sleep, and skin rejuvenation. It can be particularly effective for treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression, as well as various skin conditions. Additionally, light therapy can aid in muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and potentially improve cognitive function.
Specific benefits of light therapy:
Mood Enhancement and Mental Well-being:
Light therapy, especially bright light therapy, is a well-established treatment for SAD and other forms of depression. It can help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) and increase serotonin production, leading to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.
Improved Sleep:
By regulating the circadian rhythm, light therapy can improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in individuals experiencing mood disorders or dementia.
Skin Rejuvenation:
Light therapy, particularly LED light therapy, can stimulate collagen and elastin production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It can also help with acne, inflammation, and wound healing.
Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief:
Red light therapy has shown promise in reducing muscle soreness and inflammation, potentially aiding in muscle recovery after exercise or injury. It may also help with pain relief associated with conditions like arthritis and tendonitis.

03/07/2025

NEW to THE KEEPING WELL
DRAGON FRUIT POWDER ( Pink Pitaya )

Pink Dragon Fruit (Pink Pitaya) Powder. Clean, Single Origin Pink Dragon Fruit Powder. An Exotic Fruit known for its vibrant look and sweet, seed-speckled pulp and of course its supernatural growth. It's low in calories and contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and substantial amount of dietary fibre. Dragon Fruit definitely deserves to be called a Super-Food, being high in Fibre but low in Calories. Due to Ancient Purity Dragon Fruit Powder being prepared properly (Freeze-Dried), all the fruit’s health benefits are unchanged from the fresh fruit! There are all sorts of companies that use this Dragon Fruit Powder for Bubble Tea, Fruit Cider, and Ice Cream. This stuff is delicious neat also, so give this Exotic Super-Fruit a try, because rarely does health and flavour converge seamlessly, with unparalleled purity and effectiveness.

No added hormones
No added nitrates or nitrites
No antibiotics
No artificial sweeteners
No preservatives
Non-GMO
Organic

Pink Pitaya Dragon Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
* I tablespoon of Dragon Fruit Powder * 1/4 Cup cashews, almonds or 1/2 cup H**p Seeds * 1 Cup filtered water & filtered ice cubes
* 1-2 bananas * 1 tablespoon Goji berries

Preparation:
Add nuts or seeds and filtered water to your blender. Leave to sit for 15 minutes to soften for a creamier smoothie, if you prefer. Add the rest of your ingredients

Plant-based

28/06/2025

BRAHMI and BRAIN HEALTH

Brahmi has long been used in ancient Ayurvedic practices but today this impressive herb has been the spotlight of growing research supporting cognitive health. We unlock the science behind this powerful botanical.

Brahmi has shown to aid cognitive enhancement of working memory and attention.
Research suggests brahmi may be able to improve symptoms of mild cognitive impairment.
Mild cognitive impairment impacts around 15-20% of those over 65 years of age.
Brahmi works by increasing the brain cells in areas of the brain responsible for memory as well as inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.
Bacopa monnieri, otherwise known as Brahmi, has been used for centuries in Asia for Ayurvedic medicine as a brain tonic to aid longevity and cognitive function, specifically the enhancement of working memory and attention which has established it as a modern-day nootropic.

Brahmi thrives in wet and humid conditions, which is why it is found predominately in Asia, but what makes brahmi such a unique herb is its potent bioactive compounds found within. Saponins, namely bacosides A and B have been attributed to the memory enhancing properties, but this powerful herb contains a multitude of compounds such as, D-mannitol, betulic acid, alkaloids and stigmasterols.

The reason why brahmi has established itself as this wonderful natural nootropic, is due to its ability to show remarkable improvements in randomised controlled trials, which compare a placebo vs an experimental method.

27/05/2025

AMINO ACIDS
Amino acids are tiny molecule powerhouses that are the building blocks of protein, and your body craves them for optimal health.
Not all proteins are created equal. High-quality proteins are the ones that deliver the complete package of essential amino acids, the ones your body can't produce on its own.

What are amino acids?
The amino acids are combined in various ways to make proteins.
They build muscles and carry out numerous functions.
The body needs 20 specific amino acids to maintain good health.
A deficiency of these can result in decreased immunity, digestive problems, depression, fertility issues, lower mental alertness, slowed growth in children, and many other health issues.
Essential amino acids
The essential amino acids are 9 of 20 protein amino acids, and they can't be produced in the body alone: Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine

The other protein amino acids
These are the other 11 protein amino acids: Alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine (plus: selenocysteine and pyrrolysine).

Non-protein amino acids
Alongside the classical amino acids, there are more than 1000 non-protein amino acids! These have specific functions in biological systems, such as serving as signaling molecules, enzyme cofactors, or playing roles in the synthesis of various compounds.

What are BCAAs?
The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine, isoleucine, and valine are essential amino acids that play important metabolic roles, particularly during exercise and in the maintenance and growth of skeletal muscle.

BCAAs account for 35% of the essential amino acids in muscle proteins and can serve as an energy source for muscle tissue during exercise.

Why supplement with amino acids?
The essential amino acids are a must-have in your diet as they can't be produced by the body. They are the body's superheroes when it comes to building and repairing muscle tissue. When you skimp on them, you're essentially cutting off the supply line for your body's muscle-building factory.

If you're serious about achieving that toned physique and maintaining peak performance, make sure your diet is packed with high-quality proteins with all twenty protein amino acids. Your muscles will thank you, and you'll be on your way to unlocking your full potential.
Book in now for your health assessment at The Keeping Well, which gives a comprehensive report on your organ and bodily system functionality, and includes suggested vitamins and amino acids for your better health.

14/05/2025

3 New Supplements for Specific Areas of Wellness

Hifas-Menopause

An adaptogenic mushroom and herbal blend to support women with peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms. Each capsule combines Cordyceps, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, five strains of Probiotics, Ashwagandha and Green Tea, each carefully selected for their researched benefits in supporting hormone regulation, mood and mental-emotional health. Hifas-Menopause also contains a complex of essential vitamins and minerals: Vitamin B6, which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and normal psychological function. Additionally, it includes Vitamin D3 and Zinc - essential for maintaining healthy bones, and Vitamin A which supports the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.

Hifas-Neuro
Formulated with neurocognitive supporting mushrooms Lion’s mane and Chaga and adaptogenic plant extracts Bacopa monnieri, Ginkgo biloba, Phosphatidylserine and Rhodiola rosea. Hifas-Neuro contains Vitamins B5, B6 and B12 which are essential for nerve transmission and cognitive functions which contributes to normal mental performance. The synergy of mushrooms, herbal extracts and vitamins have been carefully selected to combat oxidative stress and to support the nervous system and optimal cognitive function, attention, concentration and memory.

Hifas-Vitality
The energising synergy of Cordyceps sinensis mushroom mycelium extract and powder with Siberian Ginseng root extract, Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B12. Hifas-Vitality is formulated to increase daily energy, vitality, exercise performance and stamina and to decrease feelings of fatigue and tiredness.

Call in soon to view our comprehensive range of wellness supplements and therapies and, while you are with us, get your bodily 'MOT' with our new bio-resonance equipment - (find out what you need to get your improvement in health and wellness)

03/05/2025

THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS
The gut -brain axis and its influence on cognitive function

The gut-brain axis refers to the connection between the brain and the digestive system, or gut. The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body and connects the two, enabling the brain to influence intestinal activities and vice versa. Research demonstrates that different strains of bacteria in the gut influences activity in the brain and can alter the formation of neural pathways that influence cognitive function. Supporting gut health by implementing a good quality probiotic alongside fermented foods ( sauerkraut, kimchi, miso ) and prebiotic fibre ( oats, banana, Jerusalem artichoke, chicory ) can help support the brain to effectively work.
Some great tips on keeping a healthy gut ( or returning your gut to a more healthy state ) , which in turn helps to keep your brain and other organs healthy, are available when you call in to The Keeping
Well, Risca.

27/04/2025

Prevention is better than cure - Health is the foundation for everything. Take better care of yourself now, so that you continue to have more choices.

04/04/2025

ROYAL JELLY - Another gift from bees
Royal Jelly is a valuable bee product that is excreted by the worker bees to feed baby bees and the queen bee in the hive. Being fed only with royal jelly, the queen bee grows 2 times bigger and lives 30 times longer than other bees. 10-HDA is an unsaturated healthy fatty acid found only in royal jelly and has been reported to have many health benefits. Scientific studies show that royal jelly supports brain activity, cardiovascular health, and immunity, increases collagen synthesis in the body, energy and physical performance. Royal jelly is also suggested to be consumed for its potential benefits on fertility, as it supports the health of both male and female gametes.
At THE KEEPING WELL in Risca, we have Royal Jelly in combination with Bee Pollen and Propolis in supplement form, so that you can enjoy the health benefits of all three

IMMUNITY SUPPORT*: Our 100% natural royal jelly propolis bee pollen tablets are source of antioxidants and royal jelly, bee pollen and propolis naturally supports the immune system.

ROYAL JELLY *: Royal Jelly is the natural superfood of queen bee that supports the immune system, daily performance and collagen.

PROPOLIS*: is a natural miracle bee product that honeybees collect from the leaves, buds, and stems of the plants. Honeybees use propolis to protect their beehive from microbes. Bee Propolis acts as a natural protective barrier. We source our propolis from pristine Anatolian mountains which are home to 12,000 different plant species and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Bee and You Propolis has on average x3 more phenolics and flavonoids than other propolis products on the market.

BEE POLLEN: is the “perfectly complete food” for its composition. Our bee pollen is wildcrafted and has pleasant taste with high antioxidant levels.