Has your sweet, sleepy infant turned into a red-faced, crying colic machine? You're probably exhausted and worried, and overwhelmed by the inconsolable wails. We're here to let you know that you're not alone, and that there are various ways to help soothe and alleviate baby colic naturally. And don't worry, this won't last forever!

What is colic

Colic usually starts in babies when they reach around 2-6 weeks of age. The cause is different for each baby, but it usually does not indicate any underlying medical problem that you need to worry about. You can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Symptoms of colic:

• The baby cries intensely for a few hours a day (sometimes with predictable daily patterns) due to no apparent trigger
• The baby cries inconsolably for at least 3 days per week, for 3 consecutive weeks 
• The baby’s stomach may be swollen and feel hard
• The baby appears to be in pain: arching of back, drawing knees to their chest, clenching of fists, red face

It's difficult to watch your precious baby being in distress, but just remember that colic usually stops by 3 months of age. In rare cases, it may continue up to 6 months of age.

Doctors are not 100% certain what exactly causes colic, but they have a few theories. Possible contributing factors include:

• Digestive system that isn't fully developed which leads to indigestion, trapped wind or gut sensitivity
• Imbalance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Overfeeding, underfeeding or infrequent burping
• Family stress or anxiety
• Early form of childhood migraine
• A sensitivity to light, noise or too much stimulation

If you're worried about your baby, your doctor can do a full exam to rule out problems such as an infection, an injury, acid reflux, eating too much/not enough, inflammation in the brain/nervous system, a sensitivity to breastmilk/formula, etc.

How to alleviate your baby's colic naturally 

Warm bath 

Most babies enjoy a warm bath. The warm water can help soothe their tummy and relax their mind, helping to ease the symptoms of colic. You don't need to use any soap, it's simply for relaxation. If you aren't able to run a bath, you could also warm a wash cloth and place it over their tummy for the same effect.

You might like: Try one or two drops of calming Pure Lavender Essential Oil
in the water.

See a lactation consultant

This is obviously directed towards breastfeeding moms only. It's important to determine whether or not there is a breastfeeding issue that is causing your baby's colic. It's recommended to see a trained breastfeeding consultant as most pediatricians aren't trained in this department. Issues could be that your baby has a bad latch, is tongue-tied, is lip-tied, or is not getting sufficient hindmilk. With a little bit of guidance, your baby's colic grief could soon be a thing of the past! 

READ: Top tips for successful breastfeeding >

Follow a clean nursing diet

Did you know that if you're breastfeeding, your diet can directly affect your baby?  Colic can sometimes be caused by what the breastfeeding mother is eating/drinking and passing on to the baby via breastmilk. Take a look at what you're eating and drinking, and eliminate the following: dairy, caffeine, gluten, spicy food, fizzy drinks, fast food, legumes and vegetables belonging to the cruciferous family. Give it about 3 weeks to see if there is an improvement, If so, give up these foods until you have stopped breastfeeding. It's worth it!

Try a different formula or bottle

This one is obviously only for the babies who are bottle-fed. Some find that their baby's colic clears up after trying a new formula. This could be because your baby is reacting to a certain ingredient in their formula. However, it's usually advised to first consult your pediatrician or doctor before switching formula. 

Before switching, make sure that it's not the actual bottle that is causing the colic. A lot of parents have positive reviews on fast-flow teats that helps the baby swallow less air. You can also try an anti-colic bottle. Always make sure that the milk fills the teat when feeding so that there are no air pockets, and always burp your baby during and after feeds!

Massage

Massage has been used for centuries to alleviate many different ailments, including baby colic. It is best not to massage during an episode but rather a couple of times throughout the day to help prevent the build-up of wind. With the baby lying on its back, gently massage the tummy working in a clockwise direction. 

While you're doing the massage, you can also incorporate some 'exercises' to help release trapped air. Bicycle legs and bending their legs can often help!

You might like: Blissful Baby Massage Oil - massage oil for babies over 12 weeks old │ Natural Yogi Calendula Baby Massage Oil - soothing & nourishing

Noise 

We all know that the womb environment is warm and snug, but were you aware that it's also noisy? Between the mother's heart, digestion and all the bodily functions, life inside the womb is anything except quiet. This is one of the reasons why babies respond positively to not only music, but background noises. Switching the fan or hairdryer on, playing soothing music or white noise, or making "ssshhhh" noises helps to refocus their attention, comfort them, reduce crying, and help them fall into a peaceful sleep.

You might like: Rocking Chair CD: music therapy composed for pregnancy and baby

Digestive support

Because colic is often associated with an immature digestive system, many parents find relief from remedies that help to soothe the baby's tummy and improve the functioning of the digestive system. Chamomile tea has been proven to relieve symptoms of colic, even when the mother drinks it and passes it through to her baby via breastmilk!

Colic Calmer is a specially formulated homeopathic remedy which is gentle and effective. It will soothe your baby's stomach and help to relieve wind and reduce fretfulness, helping your baby (and you) to have a good night's sleep. Unlike many other colic remedies, Colic Calmer contains no alcohol or artificial ingredients and contains only 100% natural and proven homeopathic ingredients. Simply sprinkle on baby's tongue - improvement should be noted within 5 - 10 minutes.

You might like: Yogi Organic Bed Time Tea (a warming, comforting and soothing blend to help encourage relaxation and good sleep)

Sleep

Sleep will always be important, but at this young age, your baby getting enough sleep is especially important. Your baby is growing and developing at crazy rates, so even missing one nap (or not having their nap on time) has big effects on their little bodies. As we're sure you have already realised, colic interrupts your baby's sleeping patterns. So now, not only is your baby colicky and miserable, they are also exhausted, which makes them even more distressed! Hmm.. sounds like a mix any parent of an infant would want to avoid.

Sleepy Sprinkles addresses just this problem. This homeopathic remedy has been specifically formulated to help baby sleep, safely with NO sedatives. Once baby is a more rested, you should notice a decrease in discomfort and fussiness. And great news, you can use Sleepy Sprinkles along with Colic Calmer!

You might like: Purchase Sleepy Sprinkles + Colic Calmer together and SAVE 10% 

Excessive, inconsolable crying is usually a sign of baby colic. However, in certain circumstances, it could be an indication of an infection or medical condition. Take your baby to their doctor for a thorough exam if your baby experiences excessive crying or other symptoms.

Arthritis is a common and chronic health condition involving inflammation in your joints and surrounding tissue. It causes pain and damage to joints and bones, and if not managed well, it can be a crippling condition to live with. While there are many factors that can contribute to arthritis, did you know that your diet can also play a big part in your arthritis pain and symptoms?

While there are certain foods that contain anti-inflammatory components which help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, common ingredients can actually increase symptom severity! Research shows us that dietary changes, such as eliminating certain foods and beverages, reduce inflammation and pain, helping those with arthritis improve their overall quality of life!

For those who suffer from arthritis, here are the top 5 inflammatory foods to cut out or avoid. Removing these foods from your diet will greatly improve your condition and reduce symptoms of arthritis.

Sugar

While health practitioners encourage everybody to limit sugar intake, those with arthritis are urged to greatly reduce, or eliminate if possible, daily sugar intake. Foods and beverages that contain sugar trigger the release of proteins in the body called cytokines, which ultimately cause inflammation. Watch out for fizzy drinks, pastries, chocolate, candy and even fruit juices. Always check ingredients and avoid items that contain corn syrup, fructose, sucrose or maltose.

Processed and red meats

Diets heavy in processed and red meats are not recommended for those who suffer from arthritis as these meats have been shown to trigger inflammation in the body. Red meat also contains high levels of saturated fat which can exacerbate inflammation and also contribute to being overweight, which puts more strain on your already painful joints.

Plant-based diets that exclude red and processed meats have been shown to improve arthritis symptoms. View our range of superfood health foods here!

Alcohol

Alcohol is rich in sugar and calories, so daily consumption can lead to increased body fat and weight gain, which can also worsen arthritis symptoms. Not only that, but as we mentioned before, sugar has an inflammatory effect on the body, which increases symptoms of arthritis. Another major reason why those with arthritis should avoid alcohol consumption is dehydration, which causes reduction in joint lubrication and worsening of joint pain.

Alcohol may also interact with prescription or over-the-counter drugs you may be taking to treat arthritis. View our range of natural anti-inflammatories for joint pain and mobility!

Gluten

Gluten, the protein found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley, is now more than ever being cut out of many peoples' diets. Common symptoms of gluten-intolerance include bloating, diarrhea, headaches, wind, fatigue and more. But people who are gluten-intolerant aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a gluten-free diet. Gluten can also cause inflamed joints and muscle soreness in some people, especially those who suffer from arthritis.

View Gluten-Free Cassava Flour - One of the richest sources of carbohydrates and a good source of minerals such as Calcium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Iron and Potassium (use as you would any flour for cooking or baking).

View Gluten-Free Flax Flour - Delicious nutty flavour that's great for baking, salads, smoothies, cereal, yoghurt, or even in cooked meals like pasta or soup - healthy source of fibre, protein, and omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Cheese and high-fat dairy

Cheeses, butter, margarine and mayonnaise are all examples of dairy products rich in both saturated fats and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) - big inflammation (and weight-gain) triggers! View Ghee, a healthy, lactose free alternative to ordinary butter and cooking oils!

In general, if you follow a daily diet containing lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding processed food, red meat, sugar, gluten and alcohol, your joints will thank you!

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!

These quick and easy, coconut yoghurt pops are a delicious and simple way to include Vitamin C to your diet and boost immunity. Sneaky, huh?

See below for the easy recipe:

Ingredients:

2 Cups plain coconut yoghurt (you can use a vegan option if you prefer)
½ Cup desiccated coconut
1 tsp Superfoods Lucuma powder
2 Tbsp freeze-dried blueberries, for serving (optional)

STEP 1:

Add yoghurt, desiccated coconut and Lucuma Powder to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.

STEP 2:

Pour evenly into lolly moulds and set aside in the freezer for 1 hour.

STEP 3:

Remove from the freezer and gently push wooden sticks into the middle of the moulds and place back into the freezer 6-8 hours or overnight.

STEP 4:

Once set, remove from the freezer for a few minutes before removing from mould. Sprinkle over some crushed, freeze-dried blueberries and serve.

Nothing brings families together quite like sitting around the table, connecting over delicious food and good conversation! Christmas is the perfect opportunity for families and loved ones to get this quality time. This Christmas, why don't you spoil your loved ones with a special treat - a healthy (yet lip-smacking) Chocolate Mousse, which is sure to bring the whole family together over this festive period.

This creamy dessert will have the whole family drooling, and the best part is that it is 100% dairy-free and vegan-friendly! There is also a sugar-free option which is still just as sweet.

Ingredients

• 400ml milk / milk alternative (Almond Milk, Oat Milk, Macadamia Milk, Rice Milk, Nutty Milk)
• 1/3 cup Chia Seeds
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or rather use Xylitol, for a sugar-free version).
• 3 heaped tablespoons Cacao Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until completely smooth
2. Pour into containers and refrigerate for 3+ hours, allowing them to turn thick and creamy
3. Top with anything you like!

Recipe sourced from Health Connection Wholefoods.

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!

What if we told you that there is a plant, native to the countries of Southeast Asia, that is able to cure opioid addiction, relieve depression, improve insomnia, reduce pain and boost your brain power? This plant really exists and it goes by the name of: Kratom.

For thousands of years, the Eastern world has known about Kratom and has been using this plant to reap its therapeutic benefits. The Western world is quickly catching on and you can now find Kratom sold in various health stores and other 'alternative shops'. Kratom comes in powders, teas, capsules and even vapes!

In short, these are the main miraculous health benefits of Kratom (we will elaborate on each further down):

1. Mood enhancer
2. Immune booster
3. Brain booster
4. Pain reliever
5. Stimulant
6. Sedative (for insomnia)
7. Libido enhancer

Mentioned above are the top 7 (but not the only) health benefits of Kratom.

Mood enhancer

The mood enhancing effects of Kratom can help those who suffer from depression, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias (fears) and even low self-esteem. Say goodbye to prescription mood stabilisers and hello to Kratom!

Kratom gives you a sense of wellbeing, confidence and optimism! Taking a Kratom supplement daily will help you maintain a happy and healthy mindset, while pushing away your mental struggles. Before you know it, you will be an energetic, alert ray of sunshine!

Immune-booster

Many studies suggest that kratom can give our immune system a helping hand. Kratom contains various alkaloids such as mitraphylline, isomitraphylline, and isorhynchophylline, which are considered immunostimulants, meaning that they stimulate immune functioning by activating it or increasing its activity. Scientists have noted that Kratom not only enhances immunity against viruses and bacteria, but aids tissue and cell repair, making healing time that much more faster!

Brain booster

Kratom is considered a 'nootropic' in the medical field. Nootropics are drugs, supplements and other substances that are claimed to improve cognitive function including memory, focus, motivation and the ability cope under pressure. Researchers believe that Kratom boosts your brain power by improving the capacity of cortical circuitry to react when sensory inputs stimulate them.

Pain reliever

Kratom has shown to aid painful conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, chronic backache, rheumatoid arthritis, osteomalacia and nerve/muscle damage. It works by suppressing the signals of pain being sent to the brain by affecting the opiate receptors of the nervous system. This in turn, ultimately nullifies pain. It has been shown to maintain pain-relieving effects for about 5 hours long! 

Stimulant

The stimulating properties of Kratom might excite those who suffer from fatigue, lethargy and feelings of low motivation. Not only does the stimulating effect have a positive influence on physical energy levels, it also has an uplifting and stimulating effect on mental health! So whether you need to improve your physical endurance or you have an exam coming up, Kratom can help you work tirelessly and more efficiently.

What's great about Kratom as a stimulant is that it doesn't give you the shakes, anxiety or heart palpitation, which are common side effects of other stimulants.

Sedative

You know how we just said that Kratom is used as a stimulant to keep energy levels up? Well, at higher doses, Kratom acts as a sedative and can help achieve a person in sleep, even those who struggle with insomnia. Kratom can also help people fall asleep faster and get into a deeper sleep. Additionally, because of Kratom's mood enhancing effects, it can also help those who suffer from night terrors or nightmares caused by emotional upsets.

Libido enhancer

One of the most interest benefits of Kratom is its ability to increase one's sex drive and improve their sexual performance! Kratom can help men boost their sexual endurance, and also assist men who struggle with erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. It's a great and safe alternative to other male libido enhancers, as it improves blood circulation without harming the heart. 

Kratom is not only for men's pleasure! It also encourages women to lead a healthier and vibrant sex life. This is achieved because not only is Kratom a stimulant, it also helps one to relax and let go of fears or insecurities, allowing one to enjoy the present moment more.

Note: taking too high dosages of Kratom could have the opposite effect and could actually create issues such as low libido and premature ejaculation. 

How to take Kratom

Kratom comes in various forms: powder, tea, capsules and even in blends mixed with other therapeutic ingredients. Most people find the natural flavour of Kratom quite bitter, so capsule form or in a blend is often preferred. The amount you take depends on the reason why you are taking it.

Feelgood Health makes it easy for one to take a balanced and safe dose of Kratom:

• Euphoria (90 Veg Capsules) contains Kratom at the dosage which is beneficial for those wanting to restore the mind and body balance when feeling stressed, anxious and emotionally drained.
• Release Superfood (180 Veg Capsules) contains Kratom at the dosage which is beneficial for those wanting to restore peace, calm and well being.

Lower doses provide stimulating and mood enhancing effects while higher doses provide sedative and pain relieving effects. As this is a potent plant food, precautions should be taken. People react to the effects of potent plants differently. Start with a small serving size to test the effects, and then increase slowly as required. Usage on pack is intended as a guideline.

Taking a larger than recommended amount may result in unwanted effects. If any unwanted effects such as nausea occur, reduce the amount taken. If unwanted effects continue, discontinue use. Results may vary from person to person. Do not drive/operate machinery unless well acquainted with the effects. We advise consulting your health care provider if you are taking any medication, pregnant or breast feeding. Keep out of reach of children.

Precautions

Kratom may reduce the effectiveness of certain pharmaceutical medication. Please consult with your health care provider before using Kratom if you are on medication.

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!

Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly popular and you might notice that more and more shops are stocking their shelves to adjust to the gluten-free demand. While it might seem that gluten-free foods are nothing more than the latest trend, there is actually a reason why many people are starting to move in the direction of gluten-free lifestyles.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a mixture of proteins found in wheat and cereal grains. Gluten allows these foods to absorb water and enables them to stick together, helping them to remain elastic and maintain their shape.

Gluten is found in many types of foods (both processed and unprocessed), most commonly in the following:

• Bread
• Pasta
• Barley
• Rye
• Semolina based products
• Beers
• Soups
• Sauces
• Seasonings
• Canned foods
• Spices 

Gluten intolerance explained

Research indicates that between 5% and 10% of the entire human population may suffer from a gluten intolerance. In many cases, the intolerance is mild and may even go unnoticed! While gluten intolerance is not as serious as allergic reactions, the intolerance can cause discomfort and affect a person's overall wellbeing.

Experts are unsure of exactly what causes gluten intolerance, but essentially it boils down to the individual's immune response that reacts to gluten as if it were an invading virus or bacteria. This immune intolerance can be due to genetics, a gut imbalance, or because modern foods have been genetically modified.

Some people display signs of gluten intolerance as young as infancy, while others only develop the intolerance later on in life.

Symptoms of gluten intolerance

Those with a gluten intolerance will develop symptoms after consuming foods containing gluten. It's the body's way of letting you know that it's struggling to digest gluten properly. The most common symptoms of gluten intolerance include: 

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Skin rashes
• Joint or muscle pain

Gluten intolerance can lead to discomfort, but it's unlikely to cause severe symptoms that require emergency care. If a person experiences more severe symptoms after consuming certain food, it's likely that they rather have an allergy to the ingredients, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease or a wheat allergy.

Living with a gluten intolerance and finding gluten-free substitutes 

If an individual suspects that they have a gluten intolerance, it's important to get the correct diagnosis, as the symptoms of gluten intolerance are similar to other health conditions. People often misdiagnose themselves and end up either taking the wrong medication or making unnecessary/detrimental lifestyle adjustments.

Once a diagnosis has been made, you will not need to go on any special medication. The only change will be to cut gluten out of your diet, which is as simple as reading labels before making any purchases. In a gluten-free diet, you will have to pay attention to healthy whole foods and avoid any sort of cereals and grains that contain gluten. Luckily, there are lots of gluten-free substitutes in most shops and online health stores!

Feelgood Health has a wide range of gluten-free health foods, breakfasts, flours, snacks and other dietary essentials to help you in your gluten-free diet! CLICK HERE to browse our range of gluten-free health foods.

You might like..

• Gluten-Free Self Raising Flour
• Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
• Gluten-Free Nut Muffin Premix
• Gluten-Free Cassava Flour
• Gluten-Free Peanut Butterlicious Protein Blend

View more gluten-free health foods >

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!

Are you looking for a plant-based weight-loss smoothie to detoxify your system and boost your energy levels? Then this is the smoothie recipe you need to keep you lean and your system clean!

Drink this smoothie every day and see the difference! Not only does it come with a refreshing and tantalising taste, it also helps to alkalise your body, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, boost your immune system and aid in digestive health. Give it a smash!

Preparation time: Quick 

• 2 tablespoon of fresh avocado
• 1 scoop Lean Protein Superfood Shake
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 handful of ice
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1 cup milk (nut milk, rice milk or oat milk)
• 1 teaspoon nut butter
• ½ cup water
• 1 lime (juice and zest)

Method

Add ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Easy as pie!

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!

Summer is here, and so are the pests! While you might be sick of getting bitten and swatting away annoying insects, the last thing you want to do is use chemical insect repellents. Why? Chemical insect repellents contain harmful and toxic ingredients. These ingredients don't just kill the insects, they are also harmful to people and the environment.

If you want to get rid of insects while protecting your health and the planet, we have a few non-toxic, eco-friendly ways to help you ward off those nasty little critters this Summer. 

Use a natural insect repellent

Eco-friendly, non-toxic insect repellent spray deters insects without causing harm to people, insects or the environment. They can typically be used indoors and outdoors, on your body, and over your clothes. Take them on hikes, camping trips, in the garden, or use them in your home! Simply Bee's Insect Repellent is natural and organic, made through sustainably-sourced local bee conservation.

You can even make your own non-toxic insect repellent using organic essential oils that keep insects at bay. Citronella, Lemon, Peppermint and Lavender are 3 of many insect repellent essential oils. Browse our range of pure essential oils and make your own blend!

Plant insect-repellent plants in your garden

This might be the most fun and therapeutic way to keep insects away. There is a wide variety of plants that fends off insects AND makes your garden look beautiful! Plant these insect-repellent plants around the perimeter of your home and garden to create an attractive and effective bug barrier.

It's important to plant a mixture of different types to repel many kinds of insects. The best plants to choose from include lavender, basil, dill, fennel, rosemary, mint, sage, citronella, garlic, lemon balm, oregano, eucalyptus, parsley and chives. However, the list goes on! Just do your research and find out which ones you want in your garden.

These plants will also help protect your veggie garden from unwanted pests. Also remember that good soil is one of the best insect repellents for your garden. There will be fewer pesky insects eating your plants when your soil is healthy!

Chopped onions

This is a really simple way to fend off unwelcome bugs. Add some chopped onion to a bowl of water and place it inside your home. If you're spending time outdoors, you can also place the bowl near to wherever you are. Give it a mix periodically to release the aroma that insects find unpleasant.

Candles and other light sources

Scented candles are a great way to keep insects away. Not only do they smell wonderful, they repel bugs! Citronella candles are the most well-known effective repellent, but other scents such as lemon and lavender do the job just as well! This lavender scented candle is made with pure essential lavender oil and lavender flowers. It creates a soothing atmosphere and also deters insects.

Not only does the scent keep insects away, light sources also help to repel certain species. It is thought that it has something to do with the way that the light reflects - insects see the light reflection and possibly think it's another insect, scaring them off. Fairy lights and LED lights work well!

Our essential oil diffusers not only allow you to take advantage of the insect
repellent properties of the essential oils, but they also have LED lights that could help to keep insects away!

Eliminate standing water from around your home

Standing water makes for an insect's ideal breeding ground. You can start by eliminating standing water from around in and around your home – this includes standing tires, buckets, kiddie pools, or any other containers that can store rainwater. Dams, ponds and lakes on your property are also a lovely maternity ward for mosquitoes and other insects, so be sure to introduce mosquito fish or introduce a small pump to keep the water moving. 

Buckets of water and tanks of stored rainwater or grey water also make great places for insects to breed and hatch their larvae. If you are storing water, make sure that the tanks are sealed. Alternatively you can add a film of oil to float on the top of the water to stop insects from laying their eggs.

Shake out and spray your curtains, bedding and cupboards

Insects absolutely love hiding among your clothing, linen, curtains, behind paintings or any clutter. Shake everything out regularly and spray these areas with natural insect repellents. Store-bought repellents often contain harmful chemicals that are toxic to the environment and your family. This eco-friendly lavender room & linen spray keeps insects away while being kind to both you and the environment! You can also use a natural insect repellent directly on your body, especially on exposed areas, before you go to sleep.

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!