Dr Sanien de Beer

18/05/2026

Why green foods help the nervous system.

Green foods naturally contain many of the nutrients that our nervous system depends on to function. Leafy greens, herbs, sprouts, and green vegetables are rich in:
• Magnesium —calms the nervous system and supports relaxation
• Potassium — supports nerve signalling and muscle function
• Fibre — helps stabilize blood sugar, reducing stress on the body
• Trace minerals — important for energy production and brain function
• Chlorophyll — the pigment that gives plants their green colour and supports overall cellular health

When the body is low in these nutrients, the nervous system can become more reactive, contributing to fatigue, irritability, poor stress tolerance, and difficulty concentrating.
A diet rich in green foods helps nourish the body at a foundational level, supporting steadier energy, better stress resilience, and a calmer nervous system.

www.saniendebeer.co.za

17/05/2026

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

High blood pressure is commonly called the “Silent Killer” because someone can have hypertension but exhibit no obvious symptoms. You won’t know if you have high blood pressure till you have a test done.
Prolonged increased pressure in your blood vessels can cause damage to your heart, if left untreated.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure include:
• family history
• being overweight
• lack of physical activity
• a high-salt diet
• excessive alcohol consumption

Simple lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, stopping smoking and being more active can help lower your blood pressure.

www.saniendebeer.co.za

11/05/2026

One of the most overlooked stressors… is unstable blood sugar.

When we regularly eat sugary foods, refined carbs, or processed foods our blood glucose levels rise quickly, and this is when insulin levels increase to help bring it back down to normal. When your blood sugar levels drop too quickly, the body may trigger a stress response involving hormones like cortisol to help restore balance.

This creates a cycle:
Blood sugar spike → insulin surge → energy crash → stress hormone release → increased cravings → ongoing stress signalling
Over time, the body can start to feel constantly under pressure — not necessarily because life is more stressful, but because internally it is repeatedly shifting into a stress response pattern.

www.saniendebeer.co.za

08/05/2026

The Stress Hormone “Cortisol”
Cortisol is produced by your adrenal glands and plays an important role in managing stress, metabolism, and immune function.

During stressful situations, cortisol is released to provide your body with immediate energy, increase alertness, and support the fight-or-flight response.

To help manage cortisol levels, even a simple step outside isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s scientifically proven to be physiologically protective. Time spent in nature can help regulate stress hormones, calm the nervous system, and support overall wellbeing.

www.saniendebeer.co.za

05/05/2026

Is Nature the best medicine?

Yes, Nature is Medicine, and the best thing about it is there are no costs involved, nor do you need a subscription for it.

Spending time in nature isn’t just refreshing—it’s powerful. Research shows that just 20 minutes outdoors can lower cortisol (your stress hormone) by over 21%.

In one study, participants took “nature doses” of at least 10 minutes outside, three times a week—anywhere that made them feel more connected to nature. Optimum exposure 20 to 30 minutes for the biggest stress relief benefits.

Regular walks in natural environments have been linked to lowered long-term stress levels.

Sometimes the most powerful medicine is the simplest.

www.saniendebeer.co.za

01/05/2026

Topical Magnesium (Post 3). The Pain Relief and Feel-Good Protocol.

• In a bath of warm water dissolve 2 cups of pure Epsom salts (Magnesium sulphate).
• Submerge for a minimum of 15 minutes, ensuring your torso is covered.
• Repeat this 3 times a week to reprogram your response to pain.

The scientific evidence is clear: within just two weeks, this protocol can begin lowering inflammation markers like C-Reactive Protein (CRP). It’s not magic—it’s your nervous and immune systems working together, right in your own home.

Living with persistent pain or fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can feel draining. However, relief doesn’t always come in a pill—sometimes it’s found in simple, time-tested practices now supported by modern science.

Your nervous system just needs the right signal to let go of built-up tension. Water and magnesium sulphate provide a language your body understands, helping it reset back into a state of calm and balance.

Reference: Kumar V et al., Journal of Education and Health Promotion. 2025 October 31;14:462 (PMID: 41334264)

www.saniendebeer.co.za

29/04/2026

Topical Magnesium (Post 2). The science behind why a warm bath works.

When you soak in water around 40°C, your blood vessels dilate in a process called vasodilation. The dilation allows oxygen and nutrients to flow more freely into muscles that have been left stiff, tired, and undernourished.

Besides the heat being a nice comfort, it is also a war signal for your immune system. Scientists have confirmed that just 10 minutes spent in a nice warm bath raises your NK (Natural Killer) cells, your body’s frontline defenders, responsible for clearing out damage and reducing underlying inflammation.

Additionally, your mood changes while your body soaks beneath the surface of the warm water. Studies show that just four sessions of hyperthermal bathing can significantly reduce symptoms of depression by more than 3 points on the HAM-D (Hamilton Depression Rating) scale. It’s as if the warmth helps release some of the emotional tension your body has been holding onto.

Reference: Kumar V et al., Journal of Education and Health Promotion. 2025 October 31;14:462 (PMID: 41334264)

www.saniendebeer.co.za

27/04/2026

Topical Magnesium (Post 1). When a bath is not just a bath!

A recent scientific study demonstrated that a simple bath with Epsom salts (Magnesium sulphate) reduced pain in osteoarthritis patients with almost the same effectivity as oral anti-inflammatory medications. This has left the science community speechless.

This isn’t just about a moment of feeling good. It’s about a significant, statistically proven reduction in pain (p