Metabolic Health Talk
This was an excellent evening and although the opportunity to be there has past it’s still very much worth sharing some the wisdom.
As we become alive our bodies are made up of TRILLIONS of cells. These are kept going by a process of Metabolism – one of the main processes which keep us alive. We can look at it as an exchange of energy between our bodies and our environment. This means absorbing the right sorts of food, but also maintaining our trillions of cells through exercise, levels of stress, sleep and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Food is a good starting point—but what to eat? No need to go veggie but do eat plants. ‘Moderation in all things’ is a good motto but so is ‘Eat the Rainbow’. Many deep coloured plants give essential vitamins, trace elements and fibre to help the digestive system and feed our microbiome (that host of miniscule microbes that live in our gut and keep us going).
Our bodies are largely structured with protein. Eggs, Greek yogurt, beans and lentils (easy in tins), chicken, fish, turkey and tofu are all useful sources. For longer lasting energy and more fibre we can add carbohydrates like brown rice or quinoa, oats or wholewheat pasta and (unadulterated) bread. We need ‘good fats’: almonds, walnuts, avocado, seeds and fatty fish – such as mackerel or salmon – to support hormone production and healthy cells. Olive oil used for dressings and cooking is good. Leafy greens like kale or chard supply us with food rich in vitamin B vitamins, necessary for converting food into energy. If in doubt, eat more plants – fresh certainly, but frozen is fine – and cheaper!
Much of our food is processed. Cooking, after all, is a process in itself. But food processed in factories is too often ultra-processed which means too many chemicals and E-additives. It’s said that if you don’t understand the ingredients listed on the label the food is almost certainly ultra-processed. Manufacturers are inclined to add too much sugar or salt to their products and these can be addictive leading to type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
We need more than food though. I always found it difficult when people told me to listen to your body’. Bodies are inclined to make strange noises but are not other- wise very articulate. I am beginning to understand , though, what is meant. Simply: when I’m tired, go to sleep. Eat when I’m hungry, don’t eat when I’m not. Go for a brisk walk or meditate when I’m feeling stressed and keep a mild eye on my weight.
Water Water !
Dehydration can be another problem, especially in this summer’s hot weather. But many of us forget to drink water and, particularly for dementia sufferers, this can become a major problem. The Alzheimer’s Society recommends five tips to help the forgetful among us to remember:
- Leave beakers or jugs of water within easy reach
- Make drinking easy by leaving a coloured glass within sight and put a straw in it (it’s easier to see, easier to drink and more fun)
- Share a drink together and habitually provide water at meals
- Put up notices round the house like ‘WATER?’ or even ‘WATER!’
- Supply water rich foods such as ice cream or lollies, soup or melon
Easy Funding
Like all charities Wincanton Cares survives in part through the support of local people. If you feel able to make a donation to help ensure that we can carry on doing this important work in our community, then please choose one of the following options:
- Put some money into our bank: Account name: Wincanton Cares – Sort Code: 08-92-99 – Account number: 67386961
- If you shop online you can donate to a charity without adding to your cost. The retailer you are using will pay your chosen charity a percent- age of the cost of your purchase because you have been kind enough to use their website and chosen to donate to that specific charity.
To find out more, go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk. And ‘Thank you’ if you choose Wincanton Cares as your Charity!
Somerset’s BIG Conversation
Wincanton Cares has invited Somerset’s BIG Converation to visit Wincanton on 14th October 2025 from 10.00-4.00 outside Morrisons Supermarket. The NHS would like to talk to all of us about our views on the Government’s 10-Year-Health-Plan. It focuses on shifting care from hospitals to communities, moving from analogue to digital services and prioritising prevention over treatment.
To find out more, please visit: https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/
Or talk to us at one of our Hubs or Talking Tables (details below) or phone us on 07756 759741
Wincanton Cares New Venture
Our Crafty Talking Table Social Get Together
Lets learn a new Craft. Calling anyone who is an Unpaid Carer, Bereaved, Socially isolated or just plain lonely … AND residents of ABRI housing. A very warm welcome will be guaranteed so please don’t hesitate! Our aim is to share some fun, joy, friendship and companionship
Unsure where to go? Want someone to go with? Please phone Annette on 07756 759741. Abri tenants please contact Carol. We are so looking forward to spending some time with you! A voluntary contribution of £2 to cover costs would be very welcome!
Regular Monthly Meetings and Events
And finally. If you need help right now:
Or contact us on 07834 597893
And if you need more help: Wincanton Cares 07756 759741 Email us at info@wincantoncares.org or browse the website at www.wincantoncares.org
