With studies conducted over the last 35 years confirming its numerous health benefits against inflammation, cardiovascular disease and diabetes it has well and truly proved its worth as a safe and effective natural remedy. Pycnogenol can now add the treatment of haemorrhoidal pain and bleeding to its growing list of benefits.

What if we made manageable ‘bite-sized’ New Year resolutions. You know, the type of small things that we can actually commit to...

Pick just one or two (maybe three) of these, allow a month or two to feel the benefit of your new habits and if you are up for a further challenge, you can always add more healthier habits as the year progresses.

Since the revolution in 1976, China has embarked on a programme of modernization, internationalization, and technological development. However, despite this transition it was clear right from the beginning that they would remain committed to one of their most ancient practices: Traditional Chinese Medicine – even whilst embracing aspects of Western medicine. With regards to the former, acupuncture and herbal medicine are an integral part of the health facilities on offer.

Obesity can pose significant health risks by potentially increasing the likelihood of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases and stroke. Research has also shown the rise in obesity in Britain is fuelling an increase in cases of type-2 diabetes. Clearly, Britain’s obesity is a major concern. Another concern is the soaring number of weight-loss operations conducted to curb this problem, because these operations have their own health risks.

Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is definitely the rising star of antioxidants. There is an ever-growing body of scientific data that shows substantial health benefits of CoQ10 supplementation for people suffering from angina, heart attack and hypertension. Clinical trials have also reported benefits for cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease ) and congestive heart failure. Researchers from Canada has compared CoQ10 formulas in hard and soft gel capsules, and found the reduced form in soft gel capsules resulted in 3.3-times higher blood level of CoQ10 than those in hard gel capsules.

The UK charity Sense About Science compiled a dossier of information on claims made about detoxing. The dossier says: "The multimillion pound detox industry sells products with little evidence to support their use. These products trade on claims about the body which are often wrong." The scientists argue that our bodies are capable of recovering from binges on their own. And it seems that many learned men jumped on the same bandwagon... The chemical scientist and award winning science author Dr John Emsley said: "There is no scientific reason for people to waste time and money on so-called detox regimes, fancy diets, or expensive remedies, none of which can compare to the detox system that is already inbuilt into our natural system." My question is, is there perhaps a medical reason (instead of scientific) for people to help their bodies to cope after binges?

The break between Christmas and New Year is an ideal time to apply a simple detox – especially now that we’ve all had our Christmas turkey and stuffing (and a lot of it!). Of course the idea is not to start a full-on new health regime (unless you are up for a challenge). Instead, it is a simple detox that will give you’re a body a break from all the festivities.

Latest research indicates that meditation is more than an antidote to the stress of modern living; it’s an important tool for health and longevity.

Japanese researchers have found that coenzyme Q10 supplements may boost physical performance and reduce feelings of tiredness associated with exercise. Both fatigue and recovery times were decreased as a result of 300 milligrams of CoQ10 for eight days, according to the double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with 17 healthy volunteers published in the journal Nutrition.

As you might suspect, Champix users pay the piper with the risk of side effects. Common side effects listed on the drugs web site (under the US name Chantix) include nausea, constipation, gas, vomiting and changes in dreaming. (No specifics about what those 'changes' might be.) Since the launch of Champix, the side effect that's emerged as the most troubling is 'emotional disorder.' Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to healthcare professionals...