Nutritional hacks for plant-based living, fitness motivation from the experts, fantastic
giveaway prizes, plus the latest natural health news and research
Taylor
Davinia
living
living
The natural
guide to
good gut
health
Nourishing
nutrition: Tips
for parents of
fussy eaters
Radhi
Devlukia-
Shetty’s
recipes for
joyful eating
Unlocking
the secrets
to naturally
radiant skin
How to
reduce your
dementia risk
“My biohacking tips for a healthier life”
FREE
MAGAZINE
APRIL 2024
www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk
April 2024 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk 3
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Inside
Inside
EDITOR Liz Parry liz@jfnproductions.co.uk • PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Cathy Norris cathy@jfnproductions.co.uk
GROUP AD MANAGER Heidi Thoday heidi@jfnproductions.co.uk • PRODUCTION Leanne Bassett copy@jfnproductions.co.uk
DESIGN Craig Gillespie craig@jfnproductions.co.uk • MANAGING DIRECTOR Stuart Jackson stuart@jfnproductions.co.uk
Your Healthy Living, JFN Productions Ltd, Unit E1, Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Essex, CB9 7BN, UK. © 2024 Published by JFN Productions Ltd. Information in Your Healthy Living Magazine is for information only and no part of it
is a substitute for health diagnosis, care or treatment. The publishers cannot accept any responsibility for the advertisements in this publication. Produced on environmentally friendly chlorine-free paper derived from sustained forests. Please recycle.
THE TEAM
Hello...
April 2024
26
14
Welcome to the April issue of Your Healthy Living magazine!
Our cover star this month is former actress turned wellness
guru, Davinia Taylor, who is absolutely bursting with passion and
enthusiasm for natural health. I really enjoyed interviewing her
and hearing all about her wellness hacks and top tips.
Our features this month include an in-depth focus on gut health, in line with IBS
Awareness Month, as well as helpful hints and tips for parents of fussy eaters. We also
have some great expert advice for how to improve your brain health and reduce your risk
of dementia. This devastating disease is afecting more and more people, including my
own family, so I hope this will be an insightful and useful read.
The recipe pages this month are courtesy of wellness influencer Radhi Devlukia-Shetty,
and celebrate the joy of healthy, plant-based eating. If you try them out, please get in touch
with us via Instagram as we’d love to see your pictures.
Wishing you good health
YOUR HEALTH
4
Health News:
All the latest news and research
from the world of natural health
and wellbeing
10 Celebrity Health:
Former actress turned wellness
influencer Davinia Taylor talks to
Liz Parry about her top hacks for
optimum health
14 Your Look:
Expert tips for boosting your skin’s
natural radiance
18 Your Mind:
Natural health tips to protect your
brain and reduce dementia risk
22 Your Nutrition:
Top tips for parents on cultivating
healthy eating habits in children
26 Your Health:
Naturopathic medical doctor,
Dr Mark Stengler, outlines his
natural approach to gut health
34 Your Wellbeing:
Petra Velzeboer explains how to
make self-care and wellbeing a
habit in order to prevent stress
YOURS FOR FREE
5
Giveaways:
Want to be in with a chance of
winning a great prize? Then
enter our giveaways!
YOUR FOOD
35 Your Food:
Try these satifying and comforting
plant-based recipes from wellness
guru Radhi Devlukia-Shetty
YOUR EXPERTS
12 Q&A:
Our experts answer your questions
on switching to a vegan diet, how
to improve your running technique
and how to maintain motivation
16 Your In-Store Expert:
We catch up with Julie Goodwin,
owner of Natural Health, Hertford
10
Your Healthy Living magazine is distributed through natural products wholesaler
Dundeis (UK) Ltd. Should retailers require more copies, simply use order code 100
and these will be delivered subject to availability.
We’re social!
Search: Your Healthy Living
Liz Parry | Your Editor
Photography: Karl Collins
Hair and make-up: Bekki Mitchell @ Creatives Agency
Styling: Gemma Sheppard
All clothes by @cavells www.cavells.co.uk
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4 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk April 2024
AFTER MORE HEALTHY NEWS?
Head over and follow @YHLmag on social for all the latest news and healthy chat.
Health News
Consuming sugar-sweetened or artificially
sweetened drinks is associated with an increased
risk of irregular heart rhythms, a new study
has found.
An analysis of health data from over 200,000 UK
adults found a 20 per cent higher risk of irregular
heart rhythm, known as atrial fibrillation, among
people who said they drank two litres or more per
week of sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened
drinks. The risk was 10 per cent higher among
people who said they drank similar amounts of
sugar-sweetened beverages. Drinking one litre or
less of pure juice per week, such as 100 per cent
orange or vegetable juice, was associated with
an 8 per cent lower risk of atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the
heart beats irregularly, increasing the risk of
stroke by five-fold.
The observational study could not confirm that
sweetened drinks cause irregular heart rhythms.
Lead study author Ningjian Wang, M.D., Ph.D,
said: “Based on these findings, we recommend that
people reduce or even avoid artificially sweetened
and sugar-sweetened beverages whenever possible.
Do not take it for granted that drinking low-sugar
and low-calorie artificially sweetened beverages is
healthy; it may pose potential health risks.”
The findings were published in Circulation:
Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, a peer-reviewed
journal of the American Heart Association.
Study raises concerns
over sweetened drinks
Read more health news at www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk
NEWS
Health
people worldwide gave up
animal products during
January for Veganuary
25
million
A new study has revealed that a healthier diet
is linked to a reduced risk of dementia and a
slower pace of ageing.
Researchers from the Columbia University
Mailman School of Public Health and The Robert
Butler Columbia Aging Center worked together
on the study. The researchers analysed data
from the Framingham Heart Study, originating
from 1971. Participants were aged 60 and older,
were free of dementia and had available dietary,
epigenetic, and follow-up data. They were
followed up approximately every 4 to 7 years
whereby data collection included a physical
examination, lifestyle-related questionnaires,
blood sampling and neurocognitive testing.
Of the 1,644 participants included in the
analyses, 140 of them developed dementia.
To measure the pace of ageing, the
researchers used an epigenetic clock
which measures how fast a person’s body
is deteriorating as they grow older. The
research determined that higher adherence
to the Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for
Neurodegenerative Delay diet (MIND) slowed
the pace of ageing and reduced risks for
dementia and mortality. The researchers are
now calling for additional studies to be carried
out into the links between specific nutrients
and brain ageing. The results were published
in the Annals of Neurology.
Healthy diet linked to
lower dementia risk
April 2024 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk 5
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Your Giveaways
ORGANIC SOLUTIONS
A dynamic beauty duo
This month, one lucky reader
will win an Oilganic Organic
Blissful Brow and Lash Growth
Elixir, £24.99, and a Revive
and Radiance Hair Oil, £29.99.
The lash serum moisturises and
nourishes the hair follicles, resulting
in vibrant and healthy lashes and
brows. The hair oil is loaded with 100
per cent natural oils and is perfect for all
hair types. Get ready for a splash of hydration
and a touch of silky, shiny hair magic!
DRAW CODE: YHL-OIL-0424
ADD TO SMOOTHIES!
Natural support for brain health
Biethica organic Lion’s Mane mushroom powder has numerous
health benefits. Firstly, it supports brain health by stimulating
the production of nerve growth factor, which aids in the growth
and repair of brain cells. Additionally, it may enhance cognitive
function, memory and focus. The powder can be taken from the
spoon or added to smoothies or even to your morning cofee.
Five lucky readers will each win a 75g bag providing up to a
75-day supply, priced at £12.95.
DRAW CODE: YHL-LION-0424
Your Giveaways
FREE PRIZE DRAWS
££££s worth of fantastic health
products to be given away this month.
Enter the free draws today!
WIN!
Did you know?
According to data from the climate action NGO WRAP,
60,000 tonnes of household food waste could be
prevented every year if produce was sold loose and
not packaged. That’s the equivalent of over 8.2 million
shopping baskets full – enough to fill 6,500 waste trucks.
HIGH ABSORPTION
The relaxing mineral
Magnesium contributes to muscle,
nervous and psychological functions,
but we might wonder if we get enough.
To help, Pharma Nord is giving away four
boxes of their popular
Bio-Magnesium tablets. Used in clinical trials,
this product demonstrates a proven high absorption
and even breaks down in water. Four lucky readers will
each win a box of Bio-Magnesium worth £15.09.
DRAW CODE: YHL-MAGNESIUM-0424
Your Healthy Living Prize Draw Terms & Conditions You may enter more than one draw but there is a maximum of one entry per person per prize. Prizes can only be dispatched to residential addresses within the UK. Winners are selected at random
from all entries received at the closing date. By entering a prize draw you agree to us keeping your details on our database and that these details may be utilised by companies connected to JFN Productions and companies involved in these ofers.
If you do not wish us to retain your details for contact about news and ofers, please select ‘no ofers’ online or write ‘no ofers’ at the top of your email. Prizes are not for resale. For full terms and conditions visit www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk
Please note that postcard entries are no longer accepted or valid.
HOW TO ENTER CLOSING DATE: 31 May 2024
WEB
Just visit www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk
and enter your details and the Free Draw Code (eg YHL-LION-0424)
Or email win@jfnproductions.co.uk
with the Free Draw Code (eg YHL-LION-0424) in the email subject box.
HELP FOR BABY-LED WEANING
The Tum Tum Eco Cloud Dinner Set (£14.99, hippychick.com)
is ideal for parents who want to get creative with baby-led
weaning. This eco-friendly children’s dinner set contains a
divided weaning plate, bowl and raindrop shared cup, and is
available in blue or pink. Made from beautiful biodegradable
bamboo fibre, it is suitable for children aged 12 months and
older. The set is free from BPA, phthalates and PVC and is
dishwasher-safe but not suitable for microwave use.
KEY INSIGHTS INTO YOUR HEALTH
The Evergreen Life DNA Test (£69.99, www.evergreen-life.co.uk)
provides a fascinating insight into five key areas of your
health: diet, happiness, metabolism, fitness and skincare.
All you need to do is provide a saliva sample using the home
DNA test kit. Simply link your kit in the Evergreen Life app,
spit in the tube, post it back and your results will be ready
within four to six weeks. Evidence-based recommendations
are provided to help you make informed lifestyle choices
based on the results.
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6 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk April 2024
Health News
YHL takes a look at some
new and newsworthy
natural health and
wellbeing products. We
will also be trying and
testing these products on
our social media channels,
so look out for them on
Facebook and Instagram
this month!
IN THE
PRESS
AllicinMax® provides stabilised allicin, the
key active principle in garlic, in a convenient
capsule form. The allicin is gently extracted
from the garlic and stabilised via a unique
process, which means that you get not
only an odour-free product but also one
that you can guarantee contains allicin. No
guessing or hoping that it will arrive in the
body intact. This vegan-friendly, one-a-day
product is made in the UK and can be found
on the shelves of your local independent
health food store.
Editor’s
Choice
How did you become involved in the natural
health world?
I grew up in a household that prioritised nutrition, a rarity in
a time when sugary cereals and white bread were the norm
for most families. Whole foods and supplements were central
to our lifestyle, which ignited my passion for natural health
from an early age. Following university, I pursued training as
a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and established my own
nutritional consulting practice that spanned nine years. I come
from a long line of entrepreneurs, so business has always
intrigued me. When my father approached me to assist in
running the family supplement business (ITL Health), I felt
like I had won the lottery: I was able to combine my love of
nutrition with my love for growing a business.
Meaghan Esser,
Registered Holistic
Nutritionist and
Managing Director and
Co-owner of ITL Health
5 minutes with...
How would you sum up your philosophy on health?
I believe in maintaining balance. For me, it’s not all or nothing.
It’s about making wise, healthy choices while also embracing
the enjoyment of life.
If you could only put forward one natural
health tip, what would it be?
Take magnesium! Most people don’t realise magnesium is
involved in 80 per cent of the biochemical reactions in the
body. Unfortunately, most of us don’t get enough magnesium
from our food. Between modern farming practices that leach
minerals from the soil and food processing methods that
remove much of the magnesium content from our food, it can
be quite dificult to maintain our daily quota. A magnesium
deficiency can significantly impact our health, leading to issues
like stress, anxiety, poor sleep, weakened immunity, and more.
Taking a high-quality magnesium supplement is such a simple
way to boost your overall wellness on a daily basis.
To find out more, visit www.itlhealth.co.uk
Sleep
Sleep Well,
Wake Fresh
Made by nature.
Discovered by science.
Unique complex with Lemon Balm,
Lettuce extract, Magnesium and L-Tryptophan.
•
Easy to use dissolvable granules
•
Fast, direct to tongue delivery
•
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•
Non-addictive
NEW
agnesium and L-Tryptophan.
able granules
ongue delivery
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For more information on A.Vogel’s
brand new product, Sleep Well,
please contact your Territory Manager
or order now on 0800 085 0820
Sleep Well
Dissolvable Granules
Food supplements should not be used as a
substitute for a varied and balanced diet
and a healthy lifestyle.
* Lemon balm helps maintain a normal sleep.
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8 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk April 2024
Great buys at your health store
You`ll
The proven route to better mobility. Taking daily collagen ofers a solution
for joint/mobility problems ... and nothing compares to Collagen Plus.
Tell me more! For three decades, UK manufacturer ArthroVite has helped
suferers achieve pain-free, active lifestyles thanks to the unrivalled levels of
collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin found in this award-winning product.
Cheaper options are available, but for the very best it has to be Collagen Plus.
To speak direct with a collagen specialist: call 0800 0181 282 or
visit www.arthrovite.com
Read this: Plant Feasts: Recipes for slow living
in a fast-paced world by Frankie Paz is plant-
based cooking meets self-care.
Tell me more! This is a cookbook like no other,
ofering easy, plant-based recipes as a gateway to
nature, community and self-discovery. Delicious
recipes that embrace the magic and messiness
of being human. “This is a heartfelt vivacious
cookbook full of delicious plant-based recipes.”
– Jamie Oliver
Published on: 9 April by Nourish Books.
Priced at £25 for hardback.
What’s this? To help navigate the unique
challenges of menopause, Salt of the
Earth has launched a Clary Sage & Mint
refillable deodorant in roll-on and spray
format, both of which are certified natural
and vegan.
Tell me more! The combination of
calming sage and cooling mint helps infuse
a touch of natural serenity into your daily
self-care routine.
Available from? Independent health food
stores and saltoftheearthnatural.com
Health News
Health News
Health News
Adults who get just three to five hours of sleep a night have
a greater risk of developing type II diabetes, a new study has
shown. The findings also show that chronic sleep deprivation
cannot be compensated by healthy eating alone.
As part of the study, a team of researchers from Uppsala
University in Sweden analysed data from one of the largest
population databases in the world, the UK Biobank, in which
nearly half a million participants from the UK have been
genetically mapped and responded to questions on health
and lifestyle. They followed the participants for over 10
years and found that a sleep duration of between three and
five hours was linked to a higher risk of developing type II
diabetes. In contrast, healthy eating habits led to a lower risk
of developing the disease, but even people who ate healthily
but slept less than six hours a day were still at higher risk of
type II diabetes.
Type II diabetes afects the body’s ability to process sugar
(glucose), hindering insulin absorption and resulting in high
blood sugar levels.
Christian Benedict, Associate Professor and leading
researcher behind the study, said: “Our results are the first to
question whether a healthy diet can compensate for lack of
sleep in terms of the risk of type II diabetes. They should not
cause concern, but instead be seen as a reminder that sleep
plays an important role in health.”
The results were published in JAMA Network Open.
Results from a new study have revealed that 25 per cent
of participants reported rarely, or never eating fish during
pregnancy, with fewer taking omega-3 supplements.
The study was led by researchers at the Harvard Pilgrim
Health Care Institute and was published in Public Health
Nutrition. The study team analysed information on fish
consumption reported by 10,800 pregnant women as well as
supplement intake information from 12,646 pregnant women.
The results showed that nearly 25 per cent of participants
reported not eating fish or eating it less than once per
month, and only 16 per cent took supplements. Contrary to
expectations, supplement use was less common among
those who consumed less fish, putting that group at even
higher risk for insuficient omega-3 fatty acid intake.
“Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for supporting
positive health outcomes,” said the study’s lead author Emily
Oken. “Getting enough of these nutrients during pregnancy
is vital for preventing preterm birth and promoting optimal
child health and neurodevelopment.”
Lack of sleep increases the
risk of type II diabetes
Study highlights reduced
omega-3 consumption
among pregnant women
What’s new? The Dr. Organic
Group is making a sustainable step
to remove excess plastic packaging
from its juices.
Tell me more! The Dr. Organic
Group is reducing plastic waste by
eliminating the plastic caps from
its Aloe Pura, Glucosamine HCL and
Superfruit Juice range. From April
onwards, visit your local independent health food store or pharmacy to get a free
daily reusable shot glass with any juice purchase. Subject to availability.
Available from? Independent health food stores and pharmacies and Grape
Tree. Visit www.grapetree.co.uk
Established in 1974 Natural by Nature Oils celebrates
50 years of producing high quality pure and organic
essential oils, base oils and aromatherapy products!
Our range of essential oils can help to support your
health & wellbeing.
The powerful properties in essential oils can calm
and uplift the body & mind.
No chemicals, 100% Pure. Vegan and Cruelty Free.
Happy Birthday Natural by Nature Oils!
Phone: 01582 840848
www.naturalbynature.co.uk
ONLINE BIRTHDAY
PROMOTION
All orders over £50 (excluding
postage) receive a free 100ml
Exotic Body worth £8.99
Plant Feasts: Recipes for slow
living in a fast-paced world
by Frankie Paz (£25, Nourish Books)
Born from a journey of overcoming
addiction, this is a cookbook like no
other, ofering easy, plant-based recipes
as a gateway to nature, community
and self-discovery. Bring friends, family,
communities and strangers together with
dishes designed for sharing, and learn to
cook as an act of self-care, with wildflowers,
banging sauces and vibrant colours.
Budget Family Food:
Delicious money-saving
meals for all the family
by Rebecca Wilson (£16.99, Penguin
Random House)
Budget Family Food has been thoughtfully
crafted to ensure every meal is both cost-
efective and nourishing, with over
80 recipes that will bring the utmost
comfort to your dinner table. There’s a
recipe for any time hunger strikes, with
delicious and easy-to-follow ideas for
breakfasts, lunches, light snacks, dinners,
and scrummy desserts.
Make Time for Yoga
by Dawattie Basdeo (£12.99,
Ammonite Press)
Make Time for Yoga is an inspiring guide to
50 essential poses and breathing exercises
to keep mind and body at peace. This
practical book is a perfect introduction to
anyone new to yoga to help them achieve
physical and emotional equilibrium. The
exercises and sequences are ones that you
can take at your own pace, to your own
level and in your own time.
Saturated Facts: A myth-
busting guide to diet and
nutrition in a world of
misinformation
by Dr Idz (£16.99, Penguin Life)
Dr Idz, an NHS doctor with a master’s
degree in nutritional research, explores
cutting-edge research in the areas of diet
and health. Topics covered include the link
between nutrition and mental wellbeing, the
science behind gut health and how our gut
acts as our ‘second brain’, chrono-nutrition
(the timing of when and what we eat), and
the role of inflammation in the body.
BOOK SHELF
We take a look at some of the
newest natural health reads
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10 www.yourhealthyliving.co.uk April 2024
Celebrity Health
are just a fundamental part of our existence
in the 21st century in a Western country.
Trying to avoid these foods is not a case of
having willpower; it’s about having the right
energy in your brain to feel full, satisfied and
without any cravings for carbs. That’s where
WillPowders comes in. We’ve developed
a range of products for people who are
struggling with bad eating habits, yoyo diets,
brain fog, hormone imbalances, low energy
and cravings. We want people to take control
of their mental health and physical wellbeing
and to feel amazing.
Q What exercise do you enjoy doing?
Davinia: I really enjoy going out running
with the dogs. I’ve run a couple of marathons
in the past. I find it’s really good for my
mental health. If anyone is looking to get
into running then my advice is to listen to
music and run during the chorus then walk
for the verse. That helps you to build up your
distance. That’s how I got started and I would
do that for three songs. Make sure you pick
three songs that you love and that will really
motivate you.
Q How do you relax?
Davinia: I will have a hot bath with Epsom
salts for about 40 minutes or so, followed
by a cold shower. This activates the
parasympathetic nervous system, which
is the body’s calming system. I do this just
before going to bed and it really helps me
to sleep deeply. I’m also a big advocate of
just chilling out and watching telly. I love
snuggling with the kids and watching stuf
together. It’s my safe space.
To find out more about the WillPowders range, visit
www.willpowders.com. Follow @willpowders
and @daviniataylor on Instagram.
aving overcome addiction
issues and transformed her
health and wellbeing, former
actress Davinia Taylor is now a
wellness influencer with a huge following.
The mother-of-four beat her addiction to
alcohol and lost three stone in weight, thanks
to a process known as “biohacking”. This
holistic approach to health has led her to try
out all manner of health and wellness practices
in her quest for optimum health. She is the
author of two books and has just launched her
own wellness brand, WillPowders.
Q We last interviewed you for Your
Healthy Living three years ago. At that
time, you were relocating from London
to Lancashire. How is life for you and
your family now?
Davinia: Life is much less stressful since
we moved out of London. The kids are really
active and always out on their bikes. Just
this morning I took the dogs out for a run
along a country lane. We could never have
done that living in the city. I do miss the buzz
of London sometimes though, and I love
people watching.
Q What’s your daily routine like?
Davinia: I’ve been practising intermittent
fasting for ages now. When I get up in the
morning I start my day with an electrolyte
drink that contains magnesium, potassium
and calcium. That hydrates me and livens
my brain up straight away. I then have a
black organic cofee with MCT keto powder.
MCTs, or medium chain triglycerides, are
converted into ketones, which is an energy
source for the brain. This means that I’m not
craving carbohydrates because my brain is
fuelled with healthy fats. This is one of my
biohacks that works well for me as it means
I’m focused and productive during the day. I
have a few of these keto cofees until I break
my fast in the afternoon.
When I eat later in the day, I tend to have
something like scrambled eggs with avocado
and smoked salmon. If I want some extra
protein, I’ll have some Greek yogurt. I avoid
carbohydrates during the day, and only
tend to have them in the evening because
they make me feel very sleepy. We all eat
together as a family in the evening – me, my
partner Matthew and the kids. We will have
vegetables at dinner time, or something like a
shepherd’s pie or a spaghetti Bolognese.
Q How is your health at the moment?
Davinia: I’ve got more energy than ever now.
I’m a healthy weight, my body fat percentage
is great and my muscle density is great. I’m
going to be 47 this year and I’m able to run
a marathon, so I’m doing something right.
By fuelling my brain in the right way, this
stops me from craving carbohydrates, ultra-
processed food and takeaways. Don’t get me
wrong, of course I slip up now and again,
because life isn’t that easy. I might have a bit
of pizza if I’m at a kids’ party, for example,
but I don’t feel the need to eat the entire
thing and then follow it up with a packet of
biscuits. I’m free from that cycle of addictive
behaviour. I ask myself, is this going to satisfy
me or is it going to kick of another craving?
Q You recently set up your own
wellness brand, WillPowders. Tell us
a bit about that.
Davinia: In today’s society, junk food is
everywhere. There are these hyper palatable,
highly addictive foods that we’ve all been
brought up on since the 1970s and 80s. They
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Photography: Karl Collins
Hair and make-up: Bekki Mitchell @ Creatives Agency
Styling: Gemma Sheppard
All clothes by @cavells www.cavells.co.uk
HEALTHIER
LIFE
My biohacking tips for a
Former actress turned wellness
influencer Davinia Taylor talks
to Liz Parry about her top hacks
for optimum health