Health, Wellness and Aesthetics

11/11/2025

A diet high in carbs and sugar can lead to insulin resistance…

This happens when blood sugar spikes lead to chronically high insulin levels. Your body then compensates with insulin resistance.

Initial symptoms can ultimately lead to serious conditions like diabetes, dementia, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Adopting a low-carb diet and practicing intermittent fasting can help support insulin sensitivity and promote better metabolic health.

If you want to enhance your results, you can:

-Add exercise
-Lower your stress
-Get more sleep
-Get plenty of nutrients through your diet

👆
Let’s make the above practical and realistic.

✅ If someone can’t exercise much
Even small movements help.

Simple options for low mobility:
-Chair exercises (5–10 minutes
daily)
-Light arm movements or hand
weights (even water bottles)
-Gentle stretches in bed or sitting
-Slow walking inside the house
-Leg lifts while sitting

For older adults, movement is medicine — not workouts.

Even standing up more often helps insulin sensitivity.

✅ If finances limit healthy food
You don't need expensive food. You need lower sugar and simple carbs.

Affordable insulin-friendly options in South Africa:
-Eggs
-Cabbage, carrots, onions, spinach
-Tinned fish (pilchards, tuna)
-Chicken pieces (especially thighs
vs breast — cheaper and better
fats)
-Beans and lentils (with portion
control)
-Full-cream yogurt (plain)
-Oats (not instant, add cinnamon)
-Peanut butter (no added sugar if
possible)
-Rooibos tea (no sugar)

Cheap swaps that help:

Instead of Try:
❌️White bread, pap
✅️brown bread or oats (small portion)

❌️Sugary cereal
✅️eggs or oats

❌️Sugary tea/coffee
✅️rooibos or coffee with cinnamon
Juice/soda water, lime, ginger, rooibos

✅️Snacks: boiled eggs, peanuts, carrot sticks

Most powerful trick:
Eat protein first, carbs last — even if the meal is small. This lowers blood sugar spikes.

✅ If sleep is difficult
You don’t need 8 perfect hours. You need better rest, even if sleep is broken.

Try:
-Warm water, magnesium at night
-Rooibos tea before bed (calming)
-No phone screen 30 min before sleep
-Deep breathing for 2 minutes in bed
-Prayer or gentle worship music to calm the nervous system
-Even lying still quietly for 20 minutes restores the body.

✅ If stress is constant and unavoidable:
Life stress can’t always be removed — especially in South Africa and your situation.

So the strategy becomes:
-Calm the body even if stress stays in life
-Control what you can, not what you can't

Simple tools:
-Deep slow breathing (4 seconds in, 6 out)
-Short prayer/faith declarations
-A quiet cup of tea moment
-Journaling 2 minutes per day
-Nature sounds or worship music

Stress management ≠ no stress.
It means giving your nervous system rest moments.

✅ If fasting is difficult:
Even 12 hours overnight helps (e.g., 7pm–7am).

Two simple rules that change everything:

Stop eating 2–3 hours before bed

First meal of the day includes protein (egg, yogurt, peanut butter)

~ Health and Wellness
Theresa Higgo

11/11/2025

10/11/2025

Pharma meds were never designed to “fix” you.

When you visit the doctor, they will typically address your symptoms, largely ignoring lifestyle changes that could help.

Consider addressing your diet and lifestyle habits and seeking out natural remedies designed to treat the root cause.

10/11/2025

They once prescribed sunlight as medicine.
What changed?

09/11/2025

The information presented in the image, claiming that the creators of Ozempic (semaglutide) are facing lawsuits over severe side effects with potential damages exceeding $2 billion, aligns with numerous recent news reports.

​Here's a breakdown of the claims and what current legal and medical reporting indicates:
​⚖️ Ozempic Lawsuits and $2 Billion Liability

​Legal Action: The drug's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, is facing a large number of lawsuits, consolidated into multidistrict litigation in the U.S., alleging that the drug caused severe injuries.

​Monetary Claim: Legal analysts and reports suggest that the total potential liability from settlements or judgments in these lawsuits could exceed $2 billion. This figure represents the estimated scale of potential damages, not an already-paid fine or settlement amount.

​Allegation: Plaintiffs primarily argue that the company failed to adequately warn users, particularly those taking the drug off-label for weight loss, about the full range and severity of potential side effects.

​🏥 Reported Side Effects in Lawsuits
​The side effects listed in the image are consistent with those cited in the lawsuits and discussed in recent medical literature:

​Stomach Paralysis (Gastroparesis): This is one of the most prominent claims. Gastroparesis is a condition where stomach emptying is slowed significantly. Observational studies have linked the use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic to an increased risk of this condition.

​Intestinal Blockages (Ileus):
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the Ozempic label to include a warning for intestinal obstruction (ileus), which is when the intestines become blocked, often requiring immediate medical attention.
​Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis/Gallstones): Lawsuits and studies have cited reports of gallbladder issues like inflammation and gallstones.

​Pancreatitis:
This is an established risk for Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs. It involves inflammation of the pancreas and can be severe.

​Kidney Damage:
Cases of kidney injury have also been cited in the lawsuits and reported to the FDA's adverse events database.

​Blindness/Vision Loss:
Lawsuits mention sudden vision loss linked to a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Ophthalmologists have reported a correlation with recent Ozempic use, and the EMA (European Medicines Agency) has flagged a rare vision risk with semaglutide.
​While the core facts presented in the image—lawsuits over these specific, severe side effects with a potential liability estimated in the billions—are accurate based on current reporting, it's important to understand that the litigation is ongoing, and the $2 billion figure is an estimate of potential total costs, not a final judgment or settlement.

The manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, maintains that the drug is safe when used as prescribed and that all medications carry risks.

​You can learn more about the legal challenges facing the manufacturer of Ozempic in this video:
Ozempic Faces $2 Billion Lawsuits | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G

01/11/2025

Flies and the Diseases They Spread :

They may be small, but flies are far from harmless. These tiny pests can carry hundreds of bacteria and parasites on their legs and bodies — spreading them every time they land on your food or kitchen surfaces.

⚠️ Common Flies and Their
Dangers:
-Housefly – known to spread
Salmonella, E. coli, conjunctivitis,
diarrhea, and intestinal parasites.

-Blowfly – can cause myiasis
(infestation by larvae) and lead to
food poisoning.

-Fruit fly – spreads fungi and
bacteria that spoil fruits and
vegetables.

🧼 Prevention Tips:
-Keep your kitchen clean and dry.
-Always cover food.
-Empty bins regularly.
-Use natural fly traps or repellents
(like lemon and cloves or vinegar
traps).

A clean, well-kept home is your best protection against flies and the diseases they carry.

~ Health and Wellness
Theresa Higgo

31/10/2025

🌿 Listen to Your Body’s Signals 🌿

When your body feels “off,” it’s not always a sign of illness — it can be your body’s gentle way of saying it’s missing essential nutrients.

True health begins with balance. Every vitamin and mineral has a unique purpose, and even slight deficiencies can affect your energy, mood, and overall well-being.

Common nutrient gaps — like low magnesium, vitamin D, or iron — are often behind fatigue, anxiety, and muscle tension. By nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods, you can naturally restore balance and prevent many common ailments.

Instead of reaching for medication at every symptom, start by listening to your body and feeding it what it truly needs. Food is your first and most powerful medicine. By choosing whole, natural foods, you support your body’s ability to heal, renew, and thrive. ✨🍃

~ Health and Wellness
Theresa Higgo

31/10/2025

💊 Meds, Minerals, & Movement: Why Fixing Deficiencies is a Personal Journey! 🍎

​We've talked about vitamins and the crucial role of minerals and exercise, but true nutritional balance depends on so much more!
From the prescriptions you take to your sleep schedule, external factors can strip your body of essential nutrients, proving once again that there is no single "one solution." It takes a full, personalized strategy.

​⚠️ Medications:
The Hidden Nutrient St*****rs
​It’s an important point - many common medications can unintentionally deplete your body's nutrient stores. This isn't a reason to stop taking prescribed drugs, but it is a critical reason to be aware and proactive!

​Examples:
Certain acid-reflux medications (like PPIs) can impair the absorption of Vitamin B12 and Magnesium. Some diuretics can increase the excretion of Potassium and Calcium.

​The Solution:
Always discuss your full medication list with your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise on the need for targeted supplementation to counteract these depletion effects.

​☀️ The Power of a Healthy Daily Routine
​Supplements can't fix a chaotic lifestyle. A consistent, healthy routine is the bedrock of nutrient absorption and utilization:
​Absorption and Exercise: Movement (even a daily walk!) boosts circulation, ensuring nutrients are delivered efficiently and utilized by your muscles and bones.

​Sleep Matters:
Poor sleep disrupts hormone regulation and metabolic processes, which can indirectly affect how your body manages minerals like Magnesium and Iron.

​Stress Management:
Chronic stress increases the demand for several nutrients, including B Vitamins and Vitamin C. Managing stress through mindfulness or hobbies can help preserve these stores.

​🔑 The Takeaway:
Your Personalized Action Plan
​The one-size-fits-all multivitamin approach belongs in the past.
To truly address vitamin and mineral deficiencies, you must look at your own unique body and lifestyle.

​Here’s your comprehensive plan for well-being:

​Test, Don't Guess:
Get a blood panel done to pinpoint your actual deficiencies (both vitamins and minerals).

​Fuel and Move:
Prioritize a diet rich in whole foods and integrate consistent exercise into your daily rhythm for better nutrient utilization.

​Mind Your Meds:
Be aware of how your prescriptions might impact your nutrient levels and ask your doctor about support.

​Balance Your Life:
Commit to consistent sleep and stress management—they are just as important as the food on your plate.

​Your unique body deserves a unique solution!

~ Health and Wellness
Theresa Higgo






​❓ Besides a supplement, what is one simple thing you do in your daily routine (e.g., getting sunlight, drinking water) that you feel makes the biggest difference?
Share below! 👇

26/10/2025

The statement is partly true but somewhat exaggerated and that is why I have crossed out the word "completely".
Let’s break it down clearly:

✅ What’s True

Fasting does affect the immune system.
Research—particularly from Dr. Valter Longo and colleagues at the University of Southern California—has shown that prolonged fasting (around 48–72 hours) can trigger the body to use up old immune cells and stimulate the production of new ones once eating resumes.

This process is called autophagy (cellular cleanup) and hematopoietic stem cell regeneration (creation of new blood/immune cells).

The study was conducted on mice and a small group of humans, mainly in controlled clinical settings.

Shorter fasts (intermittent fasting) can reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and may mildly support immune balance and cellular repair.

⚠️ What’s Exaggerated or Misleading

“Completely regenerates the human immune system” — ❌
That’s an overstatement. The study did show regeneration after several fasting-refeeding cycles (not just one 72-hour fast), and the results were most dramatic in mice or people undergoing chemotherapy—not healthy individuals.

“Clears out old, damaged cells and generates new ones” — ✅ PARTLY TRUE, but again, only partially and context-dependent. The effect depends on how long you fast, your health condition, and your nutrition afterward.

“Fasting for 72 hours is safe for everyone” — ❌
Prolonged fasting (beyond 24–48 hours) should not be done without medical supervision, especially if you’re older, underweight, diabetic, or have other conditions.

💡 Balanced Summary

Fasting can boost certain self-repair and immune processes.

The “immune system reset” idea comes from credible science but is often oversimplified online.

Benefits are real but modest in healthy people and require repeated, safe fasting cycles, not one 3-day fast.

~ Health and Wellness
Theresa Higgo

26/10/2025

Drinking cucumber water daily is a great way to stay hydrated and can offer a number of benefits, primarily because it encourages you to drink more water while adding a small boost of nutrients.

​Here are the main things that can happen to your body when you drink cucumber water every day:

​Key Benefits of Cucumber Water
​1. Superior Hydration
​This is the most significant benefit. Cucumber gives plain water a refreshing, subtle flavor, which can make it more appealing to drink throughout the day. Staying well-hydrated is essential for almost every bodily function, including:
​Regulating body temperature.
​Keeping joints lubricated.
​Preventing infections.
​Improving sleep and mood.
​Delivering nutrients to cells.

​2. Boost in Antioxidants and Nutrients
​While cucumber water is mostly water, you do get a small infusion of beneficial compounds, particularly if you eat the cucumber slices. Cucumbers contain antioxidants like Vitamin C and beta carotene, which help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. They also provide small amounts of:
​Potassium: An electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and may help manage blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium.
​Vitamin K: Important for bone health and blood clotting.

​3. May Aid in Weight Management
​Cucumber water is virtually calorie-free. By replacing high-calorie, sugary drinks like soda or juice with cucumber water, you naturally reduce your daily calorie and sugar intake. Additionally, proper hydration can help you feel full, which may reduce unnecessary snacking.

​4. Supports Skin Health
​Good hydration helps keep your skin soft and plump. The antioxidants in cucumber can also help protect the skin from inflammation and premature aging caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.

​5. Supports Digestion
​The water content supports healthy digestion by keeping things moving through your system and preventing constipation. Cucumbers also have some fiber, which is great for the gut, though most of the fiber remains in the slices rather than the water itself.

​The Bottom Line:
​Cucumber water is not a magic cure, but it is an excellent way to make sure you are getting enough water, which is foundational to good health. It provides a nice flavor upgrade over plain water and a minor nutritional boost without any added sugar or calories.

~ Theresa Higgo
Health and Wellness

26/10/2025

Vitamin D may slow biological aging, new study finds.

A major clinical trial has found that vitamin D could help slow the body’s aging process – by preserving the protective caps on our DNA.

In a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers followed over 1,000 adults for five years as part of the VITAL trial. Participants who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily had significantly less shortening of their telomeres – the protective ends of chromosomes that naturally wear down as we age.

The difference was big enough to translate to nearly three years of reduced biological aging compared to those on a placebo.

Shortened telomeres are linked to age-related diseases like heart disease and certain cancers. By protecting them, vitamin D may support healthier aging at the cellular level – beyond its well-known role in bone health and immune function.

Researchers caution that the results are early. The study only measured telomeres in white blood cells and didn’t track long-term health outcomes. But the findings add to growing evidence that vitamin D may influence how we age – not just how we feel.

["Vitamin D3 and marine ω-3 fatty acids supplementation and leukocyte telomere length: 4-year findings from the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) randomized controlled trial." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2025]

~ Tony Leachon

26/10/2025

Two lesser-known nutrients that help keep bones healthy are magnesium and potassium.
One delicious way to get some of those nutrients is by eating a baked medium-sized sweet potato with no salt. https://wb.md/3KVixOh

~ Theresa Higgo
Health and Wellness