How many couples do you know that have been trying to conceive for ages without success? Infertility – defined as the failure to conceive after one year of unprotected sex – affects an estimated 1 in 6 couples trying to get pregnant in the UK. And although in the past it was assumed that this was primarily a problem with the woman, recent research has shown that in 50% of cases the problem lies with the man. In fact, an estimated 9% of the UK’s 28 million men may have trouble fathering a child. Continue reading →

“No I am not PMS’ing, I don’t get PMSl”

While over 40% of women experience PMS symptoms severe enough to seek medical attention, statistics indicate that closer to 70 to 90% of menstruating women experience premenstrual symptoms of some sort, yet they do not always recognize or admit it. The term premenstrual syndrome covers a group of symptoms that can affect a woman emotionally and physically. Usually symptoms peak 2 or 3 days prior to menstruation, but for some, it can last up to 2 weeks. Endocrinologists have identified as many as 150 different symptoms, the most common being lower back pain, bloating, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, fatigue and food cravings, especially for chocolate. Doctors do not know the exact cause of PMS but there is a general consensus that fluctuating hormones are partially to blame. Genetics also plays a role, as women whose mothers or sisters have PMS are more likely to experience it themselves. Continue reading →

Buddhist monks originally brought Green Tea to Japan from China. It was quickly embraced by the Japanese as a soothing, calming drink, and was rapidly found to have numerous health benefits. Today Green Tea is recognized all over the world for its therapeutic properties.

Green tea comes from the same plant as traditional black tea, Camellia Sinesis and is produced by steaming and drying fresh tea leaves at elevated temperatures in order to keep the active ingredients intact. Continue reading →