Blogs

Before you click off this blog because the idea of skipping a meal or two is scary or not do-able, it may be much easier than you think. So why not stick around until the end before jumping to any conclusions. So let’s start with the basics. What defines a fast? It’s essentially when you completely, or almost completely, stop... Read More

"All disease starts in the gut" - Hippocrates Here’s a fun fact of the day: we have 100 trillion bacteria in our body. But before you stress, don’t worry they are supposed to be there and are a good thing. They make up your intestinal microbiome. Another fun fact: Our gut contains two thirds of our immune system, so it's... Read More

The Tonic Team is growing and this time we are welcoming a breakfast favourite to the tribe. Who doesn’t love a nice refreshing glass of orange juice in the morning? Well, your immune system doesn’t actually. With up to 30g of sugar per glass your immune system is getting a concentrated hit of a leading immunosuppressant which can actually block... Read More

We believe life should never be slowed down by things are body can naturally fight. Because life is amazing and missing out sucks. The problem is, we live in a world where there are many things that are creating an environment for us to experience more unnecessary illness. To name a few of the big offenders: Cold & flu drugs:... Read More

With over 70% of the UKs population having at least the first dose of the vaccine, we seem to breathe a sigh of relief. However, there may be another challenge that lies ahead this winter cold & flu season.  Whilst we were all isolating and keeping safe from C***d 19 (for censorship reasons we’re not allowed to say the C... Read More

As the squirrels gather their nuts in the trees the humans got ready to fight illness with ease. As the grizzly bears prepare to hibernate the humans ready their immune systems to dominate. Everyone is familiar with the term getting summer body ready but what about getting winter body ready? Here at Tonic, we have come up with the idea... Read More

At Tonic, we are always challenging the status quo. We don’t do this to be difficult but we only want for people to know the full truth behind what we need to be the healthiest versions of ourselves. And when it comes to getting enough vitamins, there are a whole load of misconceptions that I feel we need to do... Read More

We all are constantly bombarded with the latest health advice which seems to be forever changing, we went from low fat to low carb to low sugar and now we are going even more specific with keto, carnivore and vegan diets which all claim to be the greatest for our health. Which is the best? And which makes us live... Read More

We recently welcomed former airline captain Emma Henderson onto our podcast, The Power Is Within Us. Before the pandemic Emma flew planes all over the world - now she runs the Project Wingman Foundation full-time. In case you haven’t heard of Project Wingman, it is a charity founded in March 2020 in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when Professor... Read More

A common belief in our society today is that drugs or pills are the cure to most of our ailments. The global drug market is today worth over $1.3 Trillion but we often overlook a critical factor in our recovery from illness. A factor that every single scientific study aims to account for and ensure doesn’t bias the results. It... Read More

First things first. we need to lay some ground rules. We can’t mention the C word. Big pharma has the monopoly on it so we aren’t even technically allowed to talk about it. But hey, we believe in the power of science and don’t think there is anything wrong with sharing the science… so that’s what we will do. We... Read More

Think of it this way: is the amount of water you need consistent throughout each and every day? Definitely not. Go to the gym or for a run and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for a bottle of water or some electrolytes to quench your thirst. That’s because exercising puts strain on your body and by sweating you’re losing water... Read More

Yeah yeah, we all know exercise is healthy. So what’s the point of telling me again how healthy it is for me. Well… the point is you probably don’t know the level of exercise you need to avoid being classed as sedentary. So, first what is a sedentary lifestyle? A sedentary lifestyle is one involving little or no physical activity.... Read More

Summer. For most, it's the season we spend all winter looking forward to. The joys of spending time outside, enjoying the sun and cracking open a cold one. But for up to 1 in 5 Brits it can also mark the beginning of dreaded hay fever season: a time of runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezes, and general discomfort. Hay fever... Read More

Inflammation is a word that is always thrown around in the health and wellness world. We see countless headlines saying “5 ways to reduce inflammation” or “7 anti-inflammatory foods”. Ring a bell? But a narrative that you rarely hear is that inflammation can actually be a good thing! Without it, there are any things we wouldn’t be able to heal... Read More

Vaccines are brilliant and life saving, They prevent over 4.5 million deaths per year! Incredible right. Immunization has become such an important part of disease prevention and especially now.  With everyone relying on the vaccine to put an end to the pandemic, we need to ask ourselves:  What is integral to vaccine effectiveness and how can we improve their performance?... Read More

THIS WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT GETTING ENOUGH VITAMIN D The sun is out again 😊, and the summer is well and truly here! All our cells are dancing with joy as they get extra doses of vitamin D this weekend and for the next 3 months (fingers crossed), that will help our cells communicate, grow and flourish…... Read More

"The most recent studies now even state that humans are made up of on average around 30 trillion human cells and 39 trillion bacteria"  Here at Tonic, we love the power of the natural world and the amazing things your body can achieve when you give it the right fuel. Take macrophages, for example, trained in the detection and destruction... Read More

As you might imagine, our team here at Tonic Health frequently hears various claims, counter-claims and counter-counter-claims, on the subject of what may or may not strengthen the immune system. Just one of those supposed ‘immune boosters’ to have come to particular prominence in recent years is cold therapy. So, it’s worth asking ourselves whether it does or doesn’t live... Read More

More than a year on from the onset of the coronavirus crisis for Western countries, you’re likely to be highly aware of the various impacts the pandemic has had on your mind, body and lifestyle. One obvious manifestation of the pandemic, for instance, has been greater numbers of us working from home, in accordance with on-off lockdown restrictions. If this... Read More

It’s one of the first things that we’re accustomed to doing, as soon as we begin to feel less than our best; we reach for that box of paracetamol or ibuprofen, seeking some relief for our symptoms. Indeed, so automatic is this habit, that we might not even consider exactly what these drugs do to our bodies, or even whether... Read More

On the third episode of The Power Is Within Us, Sunna speaks with Melissa Cohen, where they discuss functional medicine and the importance of diet with regards to all bodily processes. Functional medicine is a biology and chemistry–based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of illness, which is often linked to the foods we consume.... Read More

You’ve probably heard of the term “digital detox”, or “technology detox”, and wondered not only exactly what it is, but also whether it could be the right move for you and your wellbeing. A “digital detox” essentially entails spending less time with technology – or more specifically, reducing one’s “screen time”, whether that involves looking at a TV, smartphone, laptop... Read More

Few of us can be in any doubt about the crucial role of vitamin D in our all-round health. This fat-soluble vitamin is naturally produced by the body in response to sunlight exposure – which helps explain why it is widely known as the “sunshine vitamin”. Furthermore, it is associated with various functions and positive outcomes for health, including regulating... Read More

Tonic’s new partnership with Thriva on the 8-week Immunity Challenge has got everyone pretty excited. So much so that some of the team at Tonic wanted to take part in it. To give you more detail into the challenge, you get an 8-week supply of Tonic High Dose Immunity Drink, 2 Thriva blood testing kits (one for before and after)... Read More

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant necessary for structural and functional maintenance of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle. It also helps maintain healthy skin and eyes, and strengthen the immune system (why else do you think we'd include 12mg in every serve of Daily Immunity?!). Despite all its benefits, though, vitamin E doesn't quite get all the attention that vitamin C... Read More

On our second episode of The Power Is Within Us, Sunna speaks with TED Talk speaker Darryl Edwards, founder of Primal Play, a program aimed at getting children and adults to move more to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. They discuss the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, which Darryl himself nearly experienced firsthand, and how to find the motivation to move more.... Read More

On the very first episode of The Power Is Within Us, Sunna speaks with Dr Gemma Newman, the plant power doctor. Dr Gemma has over 17 years of clinical experience as a family doctor and is passionate about the healing power of plant-based nutrition; earlier this year, Dr Gemma released her first book 'The Plant Power Doctor, A Simple Prescription for... Read More

After a winter that has posed huge challenges to many of us – as individuals, families and broader societies – we are finally seeing ever-more reason for hope in the COVID-19 crisis. Effective and safe vaccines are becoming available, and the transition to warmer and sunnier weather – together with other continuing restrictions – has helped send the virus into... Read More

The role of the immune system is to protect the body from pathogens, toxins, and potential threats. The individual components of the immune system are spread throughout the body but work together to coordinate an effective immune response and to keep us safe. An immune response is triggered as soon as a foreign particle enters the body. The purpose of the innate,... Read More

A lot has been said down the years about how it’s a good thing to be a giving and generous person. Of course, giving to and helping others is good for its own sake, but there has also been a debate – including an increasingly scientific one – about the knock-on benefits it could have for the giver. Giving back... Read More

Glutathione – pronounced “gluta-thigh-own” – isn’t exactly a familiar part of the lexicon of even some of the most health-conscious people. Yet, it probably should be. There’s plenty of evidence, after all, pointing to this potent antioxidant’s very significant role in supporting all-round human health. And antioxidants – for those of you who don’t know – are integral to combating... Read More

You might not have given much thought in the past to the notion of eating ‘seasonally’ – in other words, eating certain foods at the times of year when they are actually grown. After all, you’re probably used to walking down your local supermarket’s veggie aisle during any season, and seeing no shortage of varied produce from around the globe.... Read More

This ultimate breakfast smoothie is a triple threat as it's filling, nutritious and oh so tasty. It's great to take with you to have on the go or to enjoy at home whilst getting ready for your day. Not to mention, this smoothie is packed with fibre so it will have your gut thanking you! Ingredients:  1 medium frozen banana... Read More

This fibre-filled barley salad will have your gut feeling great. The soluble fibre found in barley has also shown to lower glucose and cholesterol levels in the blood. And not only does this barley salad have an amazing range of nutritional benefits but it tastes great and is super filling too.  Ingredients: ½ Butternut squash, diced into large cubes 150g... Read More

There is nothing more soothing than a hearty chicken soup. This chicken soup is especially special because it is packed with 6 different kinds of vegetables and has barley which is a high fibre food. Fibre and gut health go hand in hand so for a healthy gut, why not try this soup throughout your week? Read More

With the weather getting warmer, it’s definitely time for salads to shine. This epic side salad recipe goes so well with soups, pasta or to serve at your next picnic in the park! Packed with lots of vegetables and good fats this side salad is super tasty too.  Ingredients:  A handful of spinach leaves  A handful of rocket leaves 6... Read More

If you suffer from back pain, you are in good company – around one in three people do so every year, according to Dr Tom Charlton, a former Clinical Fellow at the healthcare group Bupa UK. However, that statistic may be of little comfort to you if your anguish over your back pain keeps you awake night after night. Fortunately,... Read More

The term “autoimmune disease” is an umbrella term for various conditions where the immune system starts mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues. There are many different types of autoimmune disease – with especially well-known examples including psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. However, the main contributing factors behind the onset of autoimmune disease remain largely shrouded in mystery. While... Read More

Although 71% of our planet is covered in water, only 3% of that water is freshwater and only 0.5% of that is available for drinking; the remaining 2.5% is locked in ice caps, glaciers, the atmosphere, or under the earth’s surface, or is too polluted for consumption. The number of people on Earth is constantly increasing, but the water supply... Read More

Sulforaphane is a sulfur-rich compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, watercress, rocket, and bok choy. When these vegetables are cut, chopped, or chewed they release an enzyme called myrosinase which, when it comes into contact with glucoraphanin, activates the sulforaphane.  Raw vegetables have the highest levels of sulforaphane. One study found that raw broccoli had ten... Read More

As an essential nutrient, vitamin A serves various purposes – including supporting your immune system, helping you to see in low-light conditions, and protecting the health of your skin. However, vitamin A can be consumed in two different forms: as retinoids and as carotenoids. The differences between these two types of vitamin A are somewhat subtle. Nonetheless, you could find... Read More

The pandemic has renewed attention to the link between an individual’s general health and their susceptibility to serious health complications from contracting respiratory illness – with the factor of obesity particularly coming into the frame.   Obesity’s adverse effect on an array of diseases – including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer – is now well-established. However, obesity’s impact on the... Read More

The fight to save the planet starts, quite literally, at home. You don’t strictly have to make dramatic, sweeping changes, either. It’s often perfectly possible to complete many of your routine responsibilities, from sourcing food to cleaning around the house, in a more eco-friendly fashion. So, let’s look at some of the ways you can do exactly that. Grow your... Read More

How much do you know about your spleen? If you’re anything like a lot of people, your answer to that question may well be, not very much. A lot of us aren’t even aware of what the spleen’s broader purpose is, or where it is in the body, let alone what it might do to strengthen the immune system. So,... Read More

Pretty much everyone experiences a stuffy nose – usually referred to in more formal contexts as ‘nasal congestion’ – from time to time. It’s easy to dismiss the cause as a simple case of the cold or flu – but did you know that this common everyday symptom can actually have many more causes? Indeed, the below are just seven... Read More

We can understand if, when someone mentions selenium to you, the only thing that comes to mind is a vague memory of it having been in the periodic table you were taught at school. It turns out, however, that this essential mineral is by no means only distantly relevant to our health. Selenium is a trace mineral, which means you... Read More

By now, you’d have practically needed to have been living on Mars since early 2020 to not know the various frequent mantras of how to lower your risk of COVID-19: wash your hands frequently, wear a face covering when near others, maintain social distancing... you get the idea. Another thing that many people around the UK and the wider world... Read More

Such has been the pervading impact of the COVID-19 crisis on almost every aspect of our lives, that it has been almost impossible for most of us not to learn a few new medical concepts and terms along the way. After all, how much were you thinking about ‘herd immunity’ or ‘asymptomatic transmission’ back in 2019? More recently, a major... Read More

Garlic is hardly new to our diets in the 2020s – indeed, it has been noted for its health and medicinal properties since ancient times. One form of garlic in particular, however, seems to have attracted a lot of notice in recent years – and it’s another example of how sometimes in life, the best things really do come to... Read More