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Curated over 30 years of clinical experience helping people heal, we have sourced the best vitamins and minerals, so that you don't have to.

Thrive with broad spectrum strength from multivitamins, or find targeted support to suit your needs. For more focus, better sleep and a stronger immunity, turn to quality supplements you can trust.

Choosing the right vitamins and minerals for you

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 16:19

Choosing the right vitamins and minerals for you

by IMI health

How to find a quality supplement

When buying a vitamin or mineral supplement, you're right to be picky. When browsing the shelves of drug stores, many questions will arise for the avid health enthusiast.

Does this product contain the ingredients it claims to? How well has it been packaged? Are the ingredients of high quality? Will it help resolve my ails?

Essentially, all of these questions boil down to one: How can I trust this product?

Generic, off the shelf supplements often do not provide vitamins and minerals in their bio-available form, therefore even if a tablet contains 1000IU of vitamin D, you may only absorb a small percentage of it. Cheaper supplements may contain additives and other contaminants that could damage your health, like mercury in poorly produced fish oils. Fillers are also included in order to increase the bulk of the supplement and decrease manufacturing costs- therefore resulting in a cheaper (and less effective) supplement. When it comes to vitamins and minerals, price and quality are often synonymous.

The key to finding a high quality product to fulfil your needs is to ensure that you're buying your supplements from a trusted brand and manufacturer. By investing a little more in brands you can trust, you can ensure that you're getting the nutrition you need, and not throwing your money away on cheap, ineffective alternatives.

But aside from buying from a trusted manufacturer, what should you consider?

Your health history and goals

High quality ingredients

Professional endorsement by practitioners

Evidence from studies

The effectiveness of packaging

Air-controlled shipping and storage

In our clinic, we stock vitamins and minerals we know produce therapeutic results- having seen them make meaningful changes to our clients' lives. Our two favourite types of vitamins and minerals are Whole-food and Functional Synthetics. Both types have their benefits, and depending on your needs, could be ideal for your requirements.

Whole-Food Vitamins and Minerals

These supplements speak for themselves; derived from real fruits and vegetables, they are safe and efficient, as they are already in a format (food) which our body recognises, making it easier for us to absorb the bio-available nutrients.

Studies have shown that the absorption of whole food vitamin and mineral supplements is 135-260% more effective than those that are inorganic.

Certain vitamins and minerals also benefit from the addition of natural compounds. For example, a vitamin C formula is much more potent when it also contains flavonoids- an antioxidant phytonutrient readily available in fruits like oranges. Vitamin A is another nutrient to look out for in whole-food form as researchers have also confirmed it is more effective than other kinds.

Functional Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals

Though buying whole food supplements is key when it comes to vitamins C and A, there are instances when a synthetic vitamin is better than the whole food alternative.

Put simply, functional synthetics make nutrition readily available for all. Whether you have a food allergy, or a genetic predisposition which makes it harder for you to absorb nutrients (they're more common than you think) these vitamins and minerals provide nutrients in their active, bioavailable forms.

These supplements may be of pharmaceutical grade standard- offering higher dosages and more therapeutic results when compared to off the shelf supplements.

When you’re looking to remedy a specific deficiencies or boost your levels of key nutrients, functional synthetics are your go-to.

Our Promise

Whether you're buying whole food or functional synthetics, you can trust that our chosen brands will deliver therapeutic results. Over 30 years of helping people heal, our practitioners have selected their five favourite brands they know will give you the results you need.

Innate Response Formulas are either derived from, or inspired by real food. This USA company advocates for 'wholistic health' and uses food as their foundation, ensuring each of their supplements is readily absorbed and easily tolerated.

Medlab uses innovative technology in order to deliver potent, bioavailable doses of vitamins and minerals. Their researchers work tirelessly to bring you the best, most therapeutic products possible. A blend of both whole food and functional synthetics, Medlab's got it all.

Vital Nutrients is our go-to for functional synthetics. Made in the USA, their facility has been personally inspected by IMI's founder, Graeme Bradshaw in order to ensure their commitment to quality control. Vital Nutrients thoroughly interrogate their products' integrity, testing for DNA accuracy, so you can be sure that their products really do contain what their ingredients labels claim. Their hypoallergenic range is also rigorously tested for pesticide residues and microbial contaminants. All products are tested by a third party in order to ensure purity, potency and dosage accuracy.

Designs for Health offer a combination of whole food and functional synthetics, uniting premium ingredients and innovative research in order to optimise your wellbeing. Their guiding principle is 'Science First', allowing them to prioritise the things that matter when it comes to a vitamin and mineral supplement: ingredients, evidence and packaging. Their supplements have been thoroughly researched so that you yield the best therapeutic results.

When you're buying from respected brands such as these, you can be sure you're getting exactly what it says on the label. Finding good quality vitamins and minerals can be a bit of a minefield, so we're hoping we can make things a little bit simpler. Whether you're buying the brands listed above, or any other on our website, we promise that you'll never find a product that contains fillers, additives or any other questionable ingredients.

We take pride in providing you with access to good, honest nutrition that delivers what it promises. Click to explore our entire range of vitamins and minerals.

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Restorative for both mind and body, omega oils are anti-inflammatory powerhouses, boosting both cardiovascular and brain health.

So for once, you don't have to choose between your heart and your head.

When it comes to oils, we know quality is key. This is why we have selected only the purest, tried and trusted by our practitioners and clients.

Let's talk about fats

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 15:46

Let's talk about fats

by IMI health

Fats. Are they bad for you?

When we think about fats, usually certain things spring to mind. Cheeseburgers, takeaways and all things deep fried: essentially everything you want to avoid if your intention is to live a long, healthy life. However, there are some fats which are crucial for our minds and bodies.

Omega oils are anti-inflammatory powerhouses, capable of putting a spring in our step, figuratively and literally! [1] They can boost our brainpower, lift our mood and ease joint pain, helping us move through life freely and easily. [2][3][4]

There are three categories of omegas: 3, 6 and 9. Omega 3 is famous for its health benefits and while omega 6 is infamous (often for all the wrong reasons) in health conscious communities, you need adequate levels of both in order for your body to function properly. Omega 9 fats are also beneficial, but non-essential as we can make the fatty acids they contain ourselves.

Like its cousin omega 3, omega 6 helps nourish cardiovascular health, lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and helping maintain blood sugar levels.[5] Though certain levels of omega 6 are essential, they must be balanced against omega 3 intake and be consumed from healthy sources (coconut oil, walnuts) rather than unhealthy sources (crisps). Expert opinions differ on the optimum ratio, from 1:1 to 5:1, however a shocking statistic suggests that most western diets contain 50 times the amount of omega 6 when compared to omega 3 intake.

Omega 6 fats have a bad reputation, blamed as the cause for inflammatory and cardiovascular issues, however new research has debunked these theories. The American Heart Association found that eating omega 6s either reduced inflammatory markers, or didn’t change them at all.[6] These fats also boost our cardiovascular health by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. [7]

Though we can always reduce our intake of processed foods, like crisps, there’s no need to fear omega 6s. Instead, we can work to find an equilibrium by boosting our omega 3 intake and bringing the two into balance.

The three musketeers of Omega 3

The three common omega 3 fatty acids are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).

DHA is a major component of the grey matter in our brain, explaining the profound impact it has on our cognitive function. Good for both your heart and you head, DHA is thought to be the best fatty acid for re-balancing your cholesterol profile and improving several indicators of heart health. [8][9]

EPA helps reduce inflammation,[10] blood pressure,[11] and cholesterol.[12] It is also a crucial nutrient for mental health, and believed to be the most effective in alleviating depressive symptoms. [13]With its hydrating qualities, EPA should be your go-to for radiant skin. [14]

Found in superfoods, like chia seeds, ALA is a great source of omega 3 and a powerful antioxidant. It can help those with diabetes manage high sugar levels,[15] as well as promote healthy heart, skin and nerve function. [16][17][18]

Many vegetarians choose ALA as an omega 3 supplement as it is converted into DHA and EPA (the two most important omega 3 fatty acids) by our bodies, however large amounts are required in order to produce satisfactory amounts of DHA. Depending on age, weight and gender, this process is slow and inefficient. Many vegetarians have a low intake of DHA and EPA while vegans are found to consume almost none.[19] The most effective way for vegetarians to supplement DHA and EPA is by taking an algae based omega oil- the original source of these fatty acids.

Our greatest natural resources of omega 3 are found in fatty fish which feed on the algae, rich in DHA and EPA. But with mercury making its way into these reserves, it's understandable that people aren't rushing to supplement omega 3 with farmed fish full of toxins. And though it is possible to obtain enough ALA in a vegetarian diet for it to be converted into enough DHA and EPA, it's not likely. The easy and effective way to ensure you’re getting enough omega 3 is to supplement- however, quality is key.

Finding a quality oil

When it comes to fish oils, you get what your investment is worth. Omega 3 supplements are delicate, and without proper handling they can go bad, fast.

Research is an important stage before buying any supplement, but when it comes to fish oil, it's vital. Find products that have been tested by external bodies to validate the DHA and EPA contents claimed on the label. It's also important to look for an adequate concentration- at least 60% of your fish oil should be omega 3.

Always buy from a reputable brand that cares about the quality of their product, rather than those who are churning oils out purely for profit. Oils that aren't processed properly can contain the heavy metals you're trying to avoid by turning to a supplement. They may also contain contaminants like PCBs or dioxins, which are toxic chemicals.

Cheaper fish oils will not improve your concentration, or ease your joints, in fact, they're most likely to go rancid and cause inflammation, defeating their purpose entirely. [20]

Fish oil supplements go rancid when they’re subject to oxidation, which can be caused by improper packaging or storage. Temperature and exposure to light and oxygen are key factors- look for opaque or dark packaging, oils that are found in capsules, or liquids that are kept under temperature control.

Be aware of unregulated products or counterfeits, touted by untrustworthy sellers online- if the price seems too good to be true, it is. Buy from brands you trust, and don't be afraid of investing time and money on quality nutrition.

If it seems complex, don't worry, you're not alone in your quest for a quality omega oil! Here at IMI, our practitioners have selected only the most pure fish oils, to ensure that the best of the bunch are available to you at the click of a button. We have used our range of oils with regularity to improve our clients' quality of life- and with great results. Our clinical grade oils have undergone independent testing for purity, and we take pride in ensuring they are stored carefully, to ensure their quality.

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[1] P C Calder, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation and inflammatory diseases, 2006.

[2] R Narendran, W G Frankle, N S Mason, M F Muldoon, B Moghaddam, Improved Working Memory but No Effect on Striatal Vesicular Monoamine Transporter Type 2 after Omega-3 Polyunsaturared Fatty Acid Supplementation, 2012.

[3] A T Ginty, S M Conklin, Short-term supplemenation of acute long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may alter depression status and decrease symptomology among young adults with depression: A preliminary randomized and placebo controlled trial, 2015.

[4] E Rajaei, K Mowla, M Dargahi-Malamir, The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving DMARDs Therapy: Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial, 2016.

[5] Harvard Health Publishing, No need to avoid healthy omega-6 fats, 2009.

[6] W S Harris, L J Appel, M M Engler, M B Engler, P Kris-Etherton, D Mozaffarian, E Rimm, L L Rudel, F Sacks, Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease.

[7] Harvard Health Publishing.

[8] J Allaire, P Couture, M Leclerc, A Charest, J Marin, M-C Lépine, D Talbot, A Tchernof, B Lamarche, A randomized, crossover, head-to-head comparison of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation to reduce inflammation markets in men and women: the Comparing EPA to DHA (ComparED) Study, 2016.

[9] J Allaire, W S Harris, C Vors, A Charest, J Marin, K Harris Jackson, A Tchernof, P Couture, B Lamarche, Supplementation with high-dose docosahexaenoic acid increases the Omega-3 Index more than high-dose eicosapentaenoic acid, 2017.

[10] P C Calder, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Processes, 2010.

[11] Xiao-Fei Guo, Ke-Lei Li, Jiao-Mei Li, Duo Li, Effects of EPA and DHA on blood pressure and inflammatory factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, 2019.

[12] J K Innes, P C Calder, The Differential Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review, 2018.

[13] J G Martins, EPA but not DHA appears to be responsible for the efficacy of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in depression: evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, 2009.

[14] G Angelo, Essential Fatty Acids and Skin Health, 2012.

[15] H Ansar, Z Mazloom, F Kazemi, N Hejazi, Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on blood glucose, insulin resistance and glutathione peroxidase of type 2 diabetic patients 2011.

[16] B Skibska, A Goraca, The protective effect of lipoic acid on selected cardiovascular diseases caused by age-related oxidative stress, 2015.

[17] S Sherif, E R Bendas, S Badawy, The clinical efficacy of cosmeceutical application of liquid crystalline nanostructured dispersions of alpha lipoic acid as anti-wrinkle, 2014.

[18] G Di Geronimo, A Fonzone Caccese, L Caruso, A Soldati, U Passaretti, Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with alpha-lipoic acid, 2009.

[19] A V Saunders, B C Davis, M L Garg, Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vegetarian diets, 2013.

[20] B B Albert, D Cameron-Smith, P L Hofman, W S Cutfield, Oxidation of Marine Omega-3 Supplements and Human Health, 2013.

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PROBIOTICS
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Revitalise digestive health and invigorate your wellbeing by replenishing the good bacteria in your gut. Discover what a therapeutic dose of probiotics could do for you.

For a stronger immunity, better digestion and boosted weight loss, pick probiotics.

We take pride in our quality control, ensuring your friendly bacteria are live and effective when they reach you.

A probiotic a day keeps the doctor away

Mon, 10/12/2020 - 19:41

A probiotic a day keeps the doctor away

by IMI health

Introducing probiotics, your friendly bacteria

We usually think of bacteria as something that makes us ill, but our bodies are teeming with bacteria, both good and bad- around 100 trillion of them in fact! With only 35 trillion human cells, bacterial colonies actually outnumber our cells by 3 to 1.

Probiotics, the 'friendly' bacteria, do a number of things that our bodies rely on for good health. They produce enzymes that support digestion and keep our gut healthy. They bolster our immunity and prevent allergies, as well as reducing inflammation.

Probiotics also help lift our moods, alleviating anxious and depressive symptoms. They help create soothing neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which help us feed calm and happy. [1]

Studies have also revealed that those who take probiotics experience around half the number of fevers, and take half the number of sick days off school and work compared to those who do not.

Common reasons probiotic colonies are depleted

Helpful bacteria can be particularly sensitive, and their levels may be reduced by the following:

Antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria in your gut, as well as the bad.

Stress also has a negative effect on your gut microbiome, reducing probiotic levels and weakening your immunity.

Tap water contains chlorine, which kills off both helpful and harmful bacteria.

Herbicides, like glyphosate, the world's most commonly used herbicide, deplete the friendly bacteria in your gut, while increasing the population of the pathogenic clostridium bacteria.

Prescription drugs like laxatives, oral contraceptives, anti-diabetic medications, radiation and chemotherapy can all damage your gut microflora.

Refined, processed foods with high fat and sugar contents can seriously deplete your levels of friendly bacteria in your gut. A diet low in vegetable fibre and high in alcohol consumption may exacerbate these negative effects.

Studies have definitively proven that probiotic depletion is an unfortunate side effect of modern living. Some of the reasons we lose our friendly bacteria are unavoidable, therefore the key is to continuously replenish them in order to maintain their optimum levels.

Probiotics can be obtained from fermented foods, like sauerkraut, kimchee and natto. Other sources are cultured dairy products, like yoghurt, kefir or buttermilk. Though it's a great option to incorporate some of these foods into your diet, they come with limitations. Many may be loaded with sugar, and some may not even contain the live cultures promised by the packaging, especially when they approach their 'use by' date.

Probiotic supplements

Opting for a probiotic supplement is a great option. However, if you do, it's important to look at the variety of strains used and the number of CFUs (colony forming units) provided per dose, in order to ensure you get the most 'bugs for your buck'. Research suggests that adults should look for supplements that provide at least 10 billion CFUs in order to feel their benefit.

When looking for a probiotic supplement, Graeme Bradshaw, Naturopath and founding director of IMI, notes that it’s vital to ensure the beneficial bacteria reach your gut live, otherwise they will be ineffective. He says that “The methods of manufacturing, shopping, storage and freight are all crucial to achieve this. Our probiotic supplements are always kept under tight regulation, ensuring temperature and humidity are controlled every step of the way. We take great care to ensure that our probiotics are always live and effective when they reach our customers. That's why it's so important that you buy probiotics from a reputable seller."

For a clinical grade probiotic supplement, we recommend Klaire Labs' Ther-biotic Complete, which delivers broad spectrum protection from 12 different species of probiotic, and 25 CFUs per capsule. This synergistic blend also has a sister formula, designed for children, called Ther-biotic for Infants - a safe but powerful probiotic, delivering 5 billion CFU from 10 different strains.

Our range of probiotics are potent, pure and varied. Whether you’re looking to boost your immunity or lift your mood, we’ll have something to support your needs. Explore our full range here.

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[1] Shin Jie Yong, T Tong, J Chew, Wei Ling Lim, Antidepressive Mechanisms of Probiotics and their Therapeutic Potential, 2020.

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The case for supplements

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 15:50

The case for supplements

by IMI health

Originally printed in AroundDB and adapted for online.

If you are reading this it's likely that you are already proactive about wellness. Let's assume you eat your fruit and vegetables, watch your sugar and alcohol intake, stay well hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Why then, do you need to concern yourself with nutritional supplements?

Opening the discussion, Graeme Bradshaw draws attention to The First Hong Kong Total Diet Study Report No. 9, which revealed that, despite many of our best efforts, the Hong Kong diet leaves a lot to be desired.

"The report shows that not only are we deficient in vitamins, but only 3% of us consume the recommended WHO intake of calcium, just 20% get enough iron and only 35% enough magnesium," Graeme says. "We are also low on zinc, manganese and potassium, with only 30% of us displaying internationally accepted levels."[1]

A quick Google search will reveal the long-term effects of vitamin and mineral deficiency. Consider that insufficient calcium intake alone is associated with a long list of medical disorders, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes and obesity.

But the question is, why is your diet not delivering enough nutrients? For the answer to that, you have to look beyond your own kitchen and consider the bigger picture.

"Getting your nutrition from only conventionally grown food fails to provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to operate disease free," says Graeme. "Modern farming methods deplete the soil of minerals without replacing them. All vegetables need minerals, and if the soil isn't replenished with a mineral-rich fertiliser, then the plants, as well as the farm animals that feed off them, become deficient."

Long-term food storage, processing and the addition of preservatives also degrades the nutrient content of food. One solution would be to only eat fresh, organic food, which contains 30% more minerals and 80% more antioxidants than conventionally grown food, but for many, this is not practical, or financially possible.

What's more, to obtain optimum levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium, you'd need to eat five servings of fresh, organic vegetables a day, along with whole grains, nuts and seeds. "That is quadrupling the amounts of vegetables and seeds eaten on average," says Graeme. "Who could really do that in their health quest? It's possible, but not likely."

The fact that most foods don't yield sufficient nutrients is compounded because, nowadays, to stay healthy, we need more nutrients than ever before. The modern food supply is contaminated with pesticides, herbicides and chemicals, and we also have to contend with environmental pollutants in the water and air, such as carbon monoxide, lead and mercury. This constant attack on our metabolism and immune system increases our demand for vitamins and minerals.

While there's no single 'cure-all' supplement, Graeme recommends - and takes- four core supplements daily. The first is a multivitamin powder drink. The second is omega 3, which boosts the cardiovascular system, reduces inflammation and is an essential for concentration, balanced moods and supple skin. The third is a probiotic to boost the immune and digestive systems. "A probiotic will halve the number of times you fall ill- it's really worth taking, just to be well for more days of the year," says Graeme.

The fourth supplement Graeme swears by is curcumin (turmeric extract). "This universally beneficial antioxidant protects the heart, brain, joints and all the key organs that we want to be functioning well as we age," he says. "By reducing inflammation in the key organs, curcumin ensures they last longer."

Growing children need a daily multivitamin to support healthy brain and bone formation, and they also benefit from a daily dose of omega 3, and a probiotic. "With children, the goal is to target any deficiencies while working on improving their knowledge about good nutrition," Graeme says.

"Be aware that not a lot happens immediately on a supplement programme; a few symptoms drop away and you feel better more often and you fall ill less often- and that's about it," he adds. "It's more about what doesn't happen- disease."

Do a little online research and you can get a rough idea of which supplements you need. Smokers and diabetics will reach for the vitamin C. Women who menstruate heavily will turn to iron. However, Graeme warns against taking a DIY approach.

"You are best to have regular blood checks that monitor your nutrient levels so you know exactly which supplements to take," he says. "Also, blood tests may reveal excess levels, which can be harmful. For instance, overloading on iron can lead to liver disease, heart problems and diabetes."

Graeme advises that you consult a qualified naturopath- not a dietician. "Dieticians are good at constructing certain diets, but their training tells them you can get all the nutrients you need from an average diet," he says. "The fact is this is not true, as the 2014 Hong Kong study shows."

Importantly too, not all supplements are created equal, so it's wise to seek advice. "I see a lot of people who have made bad choices," Graeme says. "They've either bought cheap, ineffective brands, or the wrong supplements for their needs."

It's true that quality supplements don't come cheap, but these days, neither does nutrition-rich food. Maintaining our wellbeing is worth investing in. We only have one body, one life, and to get the most out of it, we should give our bodies the support they deserve.

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[1] Centre for Food Safety, Hong Kong Total Diet Study Report No. 9: Minerals, 2014.

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Top ten tips to protect against toxins

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 15:54

Top ten tips to protect against toxins

by IMI health

Did you know Hong Kongers only get around 50 safe air days per year, by the World Health Organisation's standards?

Our city is particularly vulnerable to air pollution as toxins can become trapped between the city’s numerous high-rises and infiltrate our homes and offices.

Air. Water. Food. Skincare products. Household furnishings. Household cleaning products and more. These are all sources of pollution that can wreak havoc with your health and wellbeing. Don’t be terrorized by toxins. Drawing on our 25 years’ experience helping people to stay healthy in Hong Kong, we’ve consolidated our top ten tips to protect you and your family at home and in the workplace.

1. Minimise indoor air pollution

That cute little dollhouse and toy train set are harmless, right? Unbeknown to you, they could be exposing you and your young ones to toxins. Construction material, paints, furniture and soft furnishings can emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – synthetic and natural substances found in everyday products. Formaldehyde is a particularly harmful VOC causing respiratory and gastrointestinal allergies and irritation to the eyes. It is a listed carcinogen, yet it is found in just about every furnishing in the home. It’s important to choose and clean furnishings wisely.

Avoid furniture with a strong synthetic smell or plastic coating. Look for furniture with low VOC emissions or second-hand furniture that has already released these harmful gases. Carpets can also emit VOCs and conceal bacteria and mould. If you have access to an outdoor space, air the carpets regularly.

Place several green tea bags in drawers and other furnishings that emit formaldehyde. Change the tea bags every two months for optimal results. Drinking green tea can also reduce the symptoms associated with formaldehyde exposure.

For a breath of fresh air, invest in Highly Efficient Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems with carbon filters such as Amaircare and Alen BreathSmart. A HEPA system removes harmful particulates that can trigger an array of health problems, while the carbon filter removes airborne VOCs.

Regularly clean and replace filters in all of your air-conditioners, heaters and de-humidifiers.

Bring the beauty of nature indoors. Plants like the mother-in-law tongue, the money plant, and the areca palm are proven to produce fresh air, according to research by NASA.[1]

2. Don’t let mould creep up on you

In Hong Kong humidity over 80% is normal for much of the year. Unfortunately, the consequence is that our homes become a breeding ground for fungi or moulds. By the time we’re alerted to mould – be it because of musty smells or dark spots on the walls – millions of toxic mould spores have already been released (causing the odour). These super-sneaky toxins decrease our immunity and increase our risk of health challenges.

Get to moulds before they get to you – regularly bust them with bleach. Vegetable containers, refrigerator drip-trays, garbage cans, sinks, laundry areas, shower recesses and wet wall areas are all common sites for domestic mould growth.

To allow damp areas in your home some breathing space, leave your windows open during lower humidity periods. During higher humidity periods, close your windows, open cupboard doors, and leave your dehumidifier running for several hours, twice weekly.

Constantly exposed to dampness, your dehumidifiers and air conditioners will need a helping hand too. Spray with a mould inhibitor or wipe with a bleached cloth regularly.

Bathrooms are popular havens for mould. Wash tiles and grout frequently with bleach. If there is a false ceiling in bathroom, look above the ceiling tiles. Clean corners behind toilet and under your sink – wherever moisture is apt to collect.

For a sweet-smelling approach to minimizing mould, we recommend clove oil, lemon grass, or cinnamon oils in aromatherapy burners. Thieves Household Cleaner is a firm favourite at IMI. An aromatic blend of clove, cinnamon, lemon peel, eucalyptus and rosemary oil, it works wonders tackling toxic mould and fungi.

3. Filter your water

Lead exposure usually comes from lead-paint dust found in the materials used in the installation of water pipes. Lead accumulates in the liver and brain and is particularly damaging to children.

When there is no obvious cause for a child’s poor health or behaviour, or if they are showing signs of developmental delays, parents should consider a screening for heavy metal toxicity.

Proven to remove up to 99% of chlorine, fluoride, arsenic and lead, a high-quality water filtration system such as Doulton and Jupiter Orion Ionizer is an absolute must for families in Hong Kong.

4. Eat right

Our bodies are designed to digest and process real whole foods like fruits, vegetables, unprocessed meat, fish and chicken, dairy and nuts, and not processed, pre-prepared foods which are often packed with toxins.

Choose real foods high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Broccoli, garlic, green tea, berries, kiwifruit, sweet potatoes and papaya – these are all major sources of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

To avoid consumption of pesticides, we recommend organic produce. It is proven to give you 80% more antioxidants than conventionally grown foods.

If organic produce isn’t an option, opt for a non-organic produce with the lowest pesticide levels.

5. Don’t eat toxin-rich foods

You can reduce pesticide exposure by almost 90 per cent by avoiding the most contaminated fruits and vegetables, according to the Environmental Working Group.

Apples. Strawberries. Grapes. Spinach and more. These are all seemingly harmless produce that feature on their dirty dozen.

The biggest risk from seafood consumption globally is the presence of mercury, which is a neuro-toxin which damages nerve tissues. Tuna, shark, and swordfish are the most contaminated. Smaller fish are safer. Pregnant women are especially advised to avoid this toxic trio of mercury-contaminated fish.

Other foods to avoid are animal processed foods such as sausages, bologna, salami and other preserved meat products, fast-food hamburgers, beef, pork, and liver products.

6. Remove pesticides with a powerful wash

Water can only do so much to reduce levels of some pesticides. Peeling may also remove pesticides, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the peel.

When organic options are not available wash all produce with a fruit and vegetable wash. The “veggie wash” contains mild detergents that lift off much of the oil-based pesticides that are sprayed on plants. Grapefruit seed extract has natural antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it a great option to wash away pollutants.

7. Say no to soft plastics

Soft plastics contain hormone-disrupting toxins such as phthalates that can leach into foods. Phthalates have been linked to hormonal imbalances in children and breast cancer in women.

Hard plastics with a higher recycling code are a safer choice. For food storage use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.

8. Read the label and choose natural

Commercial soaps, laundry detergents and household cleaning products contain synthetics, fragrances and chemicals that cause skin irritations. Parabens are chemical preservatives found in many cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, as well as some processed foods, and have been linked to breast cancer.

Look for paraben-free products and those with natural ingredients you can recognise. Opt for the highest-quality natural products and brands that you can find.

Clean your home with a blend of hot water, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Natural cleaning products, Thieves Household Cleaner and microfiber cloths are all great options too.

Avoid dry cleaning. Most dry-cleaners use perchloroethylene (also called perc), a chemical that has been found to cause cancer in animals. Inhaling this chemical is potentially harmful and it can cause skin irritations. Hand-wash delicate garments instead.

9. Boost your immunity

A weak immune system is more vulnerable to surrounding pollutants; having a diet with plenty of essential vitamins and minerals such as A, C, E, zinc and iron can all help to bolster your immunity.

Often a healthy diet may not offer enough of these key vitamins and minerals. IMI stocks high quality supplements that can be absorbed easily by the body to boost these essential nutrients.

A common, but often neglected cause of a weakened immune system in children is vitamin D deficiency. Sun exposure is the major source of vitamin D, but we are unlikely to see enough sun in the winter months and from February to October it is often too hot to go outdoors for long periods without sunscreen. However, sunscreen inhibits the production of vitamin D from sun exposure. To boost vitamin D levels, Klaire Labs' Micellized Vitamin D3 Liquid is perfect for little ones, while Nanocelle D3 is ideal for adults.

10. Do a detox, but do it right

Our body is masterfully designed to self-regulate and heal. It is eliminating and detoxifying every day. However, prolonged exposure to toxic pollutants can place a heavy burden on our body, compromising its normal function. No matter how clean we live, we’re all exposed to toxins every single day.

Don’t risk your health with an off-the-shelf juice fast or detox programme. Proven to do more harm than good, they don’t actually remove toxins – they simply move them to your already overworked liver. This leads to a build-up of dangerous toxins in your body that can damage your DNA, all while depleting your body of essential nutrients and enzymes.

With potent antioxidants for combating oxidative stress and herbal remedies to supercharge your detox programme, you can rely on our wide range of supplements to give you the results you want. Click here to browse our range for detox.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[1] B Wolverton, C Johnson, A Bounds, Keith, Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement, 1989.

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