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Food For Thought in Buncrana, Co Donegal

This issue, owner-manager Paul Brogan and staff members Claire Longwill and Mary McGrory test out their favourite health products. These include two supplements for brain support, a supplement for bowel health, friendly bacteria, brahmi extract and aloe vera tablets.

Brain function support
Paul says: StemRenu from NHT Global dissolves plaque and corrects the lining of the vascular system. It moderates the stress response and aids brain function and activity. It can help stroke victims, Parkinson’s, neurological problems, insomnia and depression. I have extensive experience on this product because of the customers I have put on it and the benefits they have received.

Friendly bacteria
Claire says: Udo’s Choice Super 8 Immune provides an excellent daily blend of friendly Lacto and Bifido-bacteria, which helps with constipation, bloating and digestion. I have used Super 8 myself and I feel it works across the board on everything. It helps with digestion, skin, candida and much more.

Bowel support
Paul says: Bowel Essence is a great remedy here with us at Food For Thought. It’s beneficial for those suffering from IBS, constipation. bowel dysfunction, Crohn’s Disease, diarrhoea and bloating. Recently a customer told us Bowel Essence helped her child become more regular and has relieved her constipation.

Brahmi extract
Mary says: Viridian’s Brahmi Extract helps with the maintenance of good cognitive function and also helps to maintain memory with age. It has traditionally been used for centuries to support memory and mental focus. I have taken it and I feel a lot more focused and alert when I’m using this product. I also feel when taking Brahmi that I sleep better.

Aloe vera tablets
Paul says: Aloe Pura’s Aloe Vera Complex contains an effective blend of nature’s herbs and plants to offer you gentle relief from digestive discomfort and constipation. This supplement is a long-standing product with us. Customers have reported they like the gentle approach Aloe Pura gives them as it does the work throughout the night for them.

Help for brain health
Paul says: Clear Brain from New Nordic is based on a natural extract combination as well as vitamins and minerals. Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance. Riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and B12 reduce fatigue and contribute to the normal function of the nervous system. One of our customers who uses this product is in her nineties and takes this supplement every month. She feels it contributes to her brain sharpness.

Lismore Health Store in Lismore, Co Waterford

Owner Catherine O’Callaghan reviews her favourite products, including an electrolyte supplement, extra virgin olive oil, a supplement for tired legs, a multivitamin tablet, a cleansing balm and an immune support supplement.

Electrolyte supplement
Viridian’s Electrolyte Fix is made up of magnesium, potassium, sodium and chloride – minerals sourced from the Great Lake in Utah. It’s a particularly brilliant product for aiding muscle recovery for athletes, those who work out hard or have manual jobs that work up a sweat!

Extra virgin olive oil
The benefits of olive oil are well documented and Honest Toil Extra Virgin Olive Oil is no different! I like this brand for their sustainable and ethical approach, sourcing their koroneiki olives within their own town of Kyparissia in Greece. I’m delighted that I offer this oil to buy in refillable bottles, or you can bring your own bottles to the shop for a refill!

Support for tired legs
New Nordic Wonder Legs is a product that I use all the time! It’s a wonderful supplement for those who are on their feet all day. Containing French marine pine bark, red vine leaf extract and vitamin C, these ingredients really boost circulation and help to strengthen blood vessel walls. No more tired legs after a long day.

Multivitamin tablets
NaturesPlus Source of Life GOLD Multivitamin Tablets are a brilliant supplement if your life is a bit hectic and you sometimes forget to eat your 5 to 7 a day! These tablets are formulated using actual whole foods to provide your daily requirement of vitamins and minerals. I find them excellent to enhance my energy levels.

Cleansing balm
Another product I use all the time is the Relaxing Lavender Cleansing Balm from a wonderful small local producer, Nature’s Alchemy. This product is great if you have reactive, sensitive skin like me. I use it every evening and it leaves my skin clean, refreshed and calm.

Immune support
I recommend that people keep Biocare’s Immune Intensive in their medicine cupboard to take if they feel something coming on. This high strength immune booster is packed full of elderberry, sage, and zinc, with vitamins A, C and D. It also contains lysine and beta-glucans all acting together to provide powerful immune support.

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