My Wellness Tool Kit: Chloe Brotheridge

When it comes to supplements, it pays to do your research. The supplements world can be overwhelming but ask for advice to ensure you are taking the right formulas for your body. For example, I now take Optibac Every Day MAX after being recommended it by a nutritionist – there are studies that prove it reaches the gut alive, where it can get to work. I am also trying to reduce the amount of plastic packaging I use, and I love that both Optibac and Wild Nutrition have plastic-free packaging. 

Nourishing my body to support fertility is my current priority. I’ve been working with nutritionist Laura MacDonald for the last few months. After struggling with her own fertility for over a year, Laura uses the latest scientific research to develop a bespoke programme based on your health goals. Under her advice, I am now taking maca, an adaptogen which has been shown to bring the body back into balance, especially if you are struggling with stress or anxiety, as well as chlorella, which is one of the most nutrient-rich foods. Chlorella is a type of algae that contains more chlorophyll than any other plant – it is great for digestion, healthy skin and a strong immune system. I take four capsules of Organic Burst’s maca and chlorella each day, as well as Wild Nutrition’s Women’s Food Grade Fertility, a fantastic supplement which contains everything from folic acid to iron. 

Protein powder is a staple. I eat a plant-based diet so try to add in extra protein where I can – I find this keeps me fuller for longer and keeps my blood sugar levels and energy more balanced. Form Nutrition’s protein powders are my go-to – when I need an afternoon pick-me-up, I blend a couple of scoops with some almond milk, ground flaxseeds and blueberries.

Omega oils are also important if you are vegan. While a plant-based diet can be rich in omega-6 oils – think chia seeds and walnuts – it can be low in omega-3 oils, which are found in fish. If you are vegan, consider supplementing with an omega-3 supplement. I take two capsules daily of Opti3 Omega 3 EPA & DHA from Microalgae 60's from Natural Dispensary. There is also some evidence to suggest taking an omega-3 supplement could reduce symptoms of anxiety.

If you struggle with stress, consider taking ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a type of adaptogen, and a supplement I often recommend to my clients. It’s been celebrated for centuries by Ayurvedic healers for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety naturally. It works by lowering cortisol levels and nourishing the adrenal glands, two small glands which sit on top of the kidneys and produce hormones like adrenaline.

Be careful with CBD. If you are keen to try CBD, it’s worth buying the best you can afford and looking for a trusted brand. There is lots of cheap, low-quality CBD out there which is not effective.

Gut health is closely linked to stress. Recent research suggests the gut is linked to anxiety, so looking after your gut health is crucial if you want to protect your mental health. At the moment, I take Optibac Every Day MAX daily and also eat plenty of sauerkraut – Hurly Burly’s is my favourite – as well as kombucha, both of which are rich in good bacteria. I try to avoid sugar where I can as studies suggest sugar can feed the bad bacteria in the gut. When it comes to sugar, I find it easier to go cold turkey rather than trying to cut it down. If you are craving sugar, there are plenty of low-sugar options that still taste like a treat – think raspberries or an apple with almond butter, or a hot chocolate made with stevia, which is a natural sweetener.

Qigong is a great way to support the body. An ancient Chinese practice and healing technique that involves meditation, breathwork and gentle movement, it translates literally as ‘energy work’. It’s a form of yoga that has been around for thousands of years, a little like Tai Chi. Today, holistic practitioners promote qigong for its stress-reducing benefits, as well as its ability to improve flexibility and inner focus. I practice it every day and am convinced it’s helped with my immunity.

Exercise makes a huge difference to my mental health. I like to exercise in the morning because our cortisol is naturally highest in the morning and it's a great way to burn off the cortisol and adrenaline and lead ourselves into a calmer day. I like to do some weights circuits either at home or at the gym and I try to get out in nature every day at around 5pm for a walk, too.

An evening routine is essential. I am fortunate in that I’ve never had problems sleeping, but I appreciate the benefits of a solid evening routine – it’s important that your body prepares itself for sleep. If I’ve had a particularly busy afternoon and need to wind down, I’ll have a Pukka Night-Time tea before bed. It contains organic oat flower, soothing lavender and lime flower, and is naturally caffeine free.

Meditation keeps me sane. I practice Transcendental Meditation (TM), which I learnt by taking a four-day course. It is such a powerful practice and there is a tonne of research into TM and how it helps with anxiety. Taking a course is a great way to learn and it gives you access to a teacher for those four days, during which time you can ask as many questions as you want, which you don’t get with an app. I practice TM for 20 minutes twice a day. 

Craniosacral therapy is my favourite form of self-care. I recently started having craniosacral therapy, which is a gentle technique for calming the central nervous system – it lifts my mood and calms the mind. The treatment itself is linked to osteopathy – during a session, your practitioner touches your head and neck to move cerebrospinal fluid, which is fluid around the spinal cord and brain. It feels like the therapist is hardly doing anything, but afterwards you feel incredible.
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For more information visit Calmer-You.com and follow Chloe on Instagram @ChloeBrotheridge.

DISCLAIMER: Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme.