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Reversing Metabolic Mayhem - what human science can teach us about helping our EMS horses

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:15:49 GMT

“If you don’t take the toxin, you don’t need the antidote."
Dr Mark Hyman, Founder & Medical Director, The UltraWellness Center ( IFM )

We’re living in fascinating times when it comes to nutrition science – especially if you’re a follower of Functional Medicine (IFM). And if you’re a horse owner navigating Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), insulin resistance (IR), or the dreaded spring grass season, you’ll know how frustrating it is to feel like you’re constantly firefighting. Too fat, too cresty, too footy...

So when one of my favourite IFM mentors - Dr Mark Hyman - recently dropped a podcast titled “Reversing Diabetes Naturally: The Science Big Medicine Ignored,” I got very excited - because, as always, the crossovers to equine health are impossible to ignore. In fact, they’re positively galloping.

The core message - it’s not about fat. It’s about carbs

The central theme? Insulin resistance – both in people and ponies – isn’t driven by dietary fat or protein. It’s driven by an overconsumption of refined carbohydrates, processed sugars, and made-in-a-lab fake junk food-like substances.

More accurately, it’s not just about carbs in isolation – it’s about the type, the load, and the metabolic context. In both humans and horses, it’s the combination of refined inputs, reduced movement, and compromised metabolic flexibility that creates the problem.

Sound familiar?

Our modern horse feeds – especially the shiny-bagged commercial mixes – are the equine version of this. High in starch, cereals, molasses (even when they say molasses-free - which still carries 7% sugar residue), and low in fibre or any real nutrition. And yet, for years we’ve been taught to stick to low-calorie “ lite ” feeds, while meanwhile, obesity, EMS, and laminitis cases are rising fast.

But… The science is increasingly pointing us in a different direction.

Diet as medicine - literally

Dr. Hyman and colleagues shared how carbohydrate restriction and ketogenic diets are now being used to reverse Type 2 diabetes in humans – yes you read that right; reverse . And not just manage with medication.

In one clinical trial, people with advanced Type 2 diabetes reversed their blood sugar issues, and normalised their metabolic markers – just by changing what they ate.

And the crux of it? “ If you don’t take the toxin, you don’t need the antidote. ”

In other words – remove the cause, and the symptoms go away. A radical idea in conventional circles, but not to those of us in the natural health space – because this is foundational functional medicine. Treat the terrain, not just the symptom.

So what does this mean for our horses?

Let’s be clear – we’re not putting our ponies on a keto diet, nor are we filling their feedbowls with sloshes of liquid oil ( never !). Horses are herbivores, and their metabolism works differently to ours - but the parallels are still powerful:

EMS is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism.
Horses with insulin resistance are carbohydrate intolerant.
Feeding high-starch, sugar-laced, cereal-based diets keeps their metabolism under constant stress.
This stress increases inflammatory markers, strains the liver, and hammers the pancreas.

We’re also learning more about the role of the gut microbiome and cellular energy metabolism in this picture – how the hindgut, liver, and muscle cells communicate in regulating insulin sensitivity. It’s not one pathway, but a whole network.

The solution?

A low-starch, high-fibre, forage-based diet supported with functional nutrition. And I know we all know this! And yet we still buy those cheap, heavily processed, junk-filled bags at our feed merchants.

It’s not radical. It’s returning to what horses evolved to eat – simple, grass-forage-fibrous plants with a diverse range of nutrients and a slower sugar release. Add in herbal phytochemicals, targeted mineral support, and nutrients that support cellular energy pathways, and we’re starting to address not just the symptoms, but the whole underlying metabolic conversation.

Repeating patterns

One thing that stood out in the podcast was the failure of traditional medicine to have the grown-up conversation. Major trials showed that weight loss alone didn’t fix diabetes – yet the system kept doubling down on the same broken advice. Which totally sounds familiar in the horse world. We keep hearing advice like:

“ Just restrict turnout. ”
“ Use a muzzle. ” Out of my three EMS's, only Cookie would keep her muzzle on - Murf would literally cry within minutes and I felt so bad that I took it off. As for MacAttack, well you can guess... he had it off within seconds, usually hung from a very high branch so I couldn't reach it.
“ Add this safe-for-laminitics feed. ” Which is actually mostly about profit - a " Safe for Laminitics " stamp on a feedbag usually means producers' palms have been crossed with silver to lure worried customers to buy their product. And yet if you check the sugar content you'll see it's often over 7% - always, always check the ingredients.

All while ignoring the metabolic why behind the problem. And just like humans, our horses are often stuck on this blood-sugar rollercoaster, never truly resolving the root cause.

From chronic to reversible?

The other line from the podcast - “ It’s only a chronic progressive disease if you keep feeding the toxin. ”

What if EMS and insulin resistance in horses don’t have to be lifelong labels? What if, with the right feeding approach, lifestyle support, and functional nutrition, we could bring these horses back into balance – not overnight, not magically, but systematically?

At EquiNatural, that’s our north star - it’s why we do what we do. And full disclosure – after a decade of struggling with my connie, Murf, where he only had to look at green grass and the crest, pulses, and hot footy hooves would all say a big “Hello!”, I got him to where he was able to go out comfortably on grass, 24/7, for his last 10-years.

Let’s keep the conversation going

This blog isn’t about giving advice - it’s about nudging the needle of awareness. If the science is shifting in human health, we should be taking notes in equine health too – especially when so little funding is directed toward equine metabolic research.

Metabolic mayhem isn’t just a human epidemic – I saw it back in 2001 when I first got Murf, and we still see it year in, year out in our fields, on our yards, and in the feet of our beloved ponies. And they need us to do better.

Thankfully, we can. Nourish wisely, strip back the unnecessary, and trust in nature’s blueprint.

Your horse’s cells are listening.

Vaccines, Inflammation, and Your Horse - looking beyond the jab

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 14:34:43 GMT

Understanding the link between vaccines, inflammation, and recovery – plus how to support your horse naturally

Guest contribution by Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D.

Most horses handle routine vaccinations without any problem at all.

However, over the years we’ve also supported a number of clients whose horses have struggled following a vaccination. Thankfully, toxic shock is rare, but it does occasionally happen - and we’ve certainly had our share of clients whose horses haven’t had a great experience following a vax.

For those of you who have been with us for a few years, you may remember the very gorgeous Zac, who significantly crashed immediately after his annual jabs. For a moment there it was serious touch and go - even his vet was deeply concerned, but his lovely owner kept the faith, followed our metabolic support programme , and Zac pulled through.

So what to do? You may have noticed your horse seeming a bit 'off' after a vax, maybe more subdued, sensitive to touch, or just not their usual selves. It’s a reaction that can make even the most experienced horse owner uneasy. But what’s really going on?

It all comes down to inflammation - a natural response triggered by vaccines as the immune system gears up to protect your horse. While inflammation serves an important purpose, it can also create short-term discomfort or, in some cases, stress the body, especially if the immune system is already compromised.

Vaccine ingredients & sensitive horses

While most horses handle routine vaccinations without incident, some are far more sensitive to the additional substances included in many modern vaccines. While the antigen in a vaccine is what triggers the immune response, vaccines typically contain ingredients such as aluminium-based adjuvants, preservatives like thimerosal (a mercury compound), stabilisers, antibiotic residues, and residual trace proteins from the manufacturing process.

For a healthy horse, these components usually create nothing more than a short-lived inflammatory response – but for horses already dealing with underlying metabolic overload or metabolic challenges, immune dysregulation (including KPU), or chronic stress , these ingredients can act as antagonists – pushing an already-strained system past its comfort zone.

This is why we occasionally see horses experience exaggerated reactions, prolonged inflammation, or, in rare cases, toxic shock-like symptoms.

Understanding what’s actually in the syringe helps us appreciate why some horses struggle more than others – and why supporting the body's natural housekeeping pathways, liver function, and inflammation management around vaccination time can make such a meaningful difference.

Meanwhile, Dr. Juliet Getty, a revered equine nutritionist who’s taught me much over the years, recently shared some insights into the science behind vaccine-induced inflammation. Here’s what we know and, more importantly, what we can do to support our horses through it.

What the research tells us

A study conducted by Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine explored how routine vaccinations affect inflammation in horses. The researchers monitored a biomarker called Serum Amyloid A (SAA) , a protein that rapidly increases in response to infection, stress, or injury. Think of SAA as your horse’s internal alert system - when levels rise, it signals that the immune system is reacting to something.

Here’s what they found:

SAA levels spiked after vaccination - most horses (85.7%) returned to normal levels within 10 days.
Fevers were common - 78.6% of vaccinated horses showed body temperatures above 38.4°c.

These findings confirmed that vaccines temporarily increase inflammation, but for most horses, this response resolves within a week or so. However, horses with underlying health issues, such as PPID (Cushing’s), metabolic syndrome, or those under chronic stress - experienced longer recovery periods.

Understanding inflammation in horses

Inflammation is the body’s way of defending itself, whether it’s from infection, injury, or, in this case, a vaccine. The immune system recognises the vaccine as a foreign invader and launches a controlled response to fight it. This is how immunity develops, but it’s also why you might notice symptoms such as:

Lethargy or depression
Loss of appetite
Increased sensitivity to touch
A general sense of your horse being 'not quite right'

While these symptoms can be unsettling, they’re usually short-lived. However, chronic or excessive inflammation is where the real risks lie. Left unchecked, it can weaken the immune system, disrupt gut health, and even contribute to laminitis or metabolic flare-ups. Worse - like Zac (and other clients' horses since) - a horse may go into toxic shock.

Should vaccination plans be individualised?

Not all horses need the same vaccines - or the same schedule. Older horses, for example, may experience immunosenescence , a gradual weakening of the immune system that makes them more vulnerable to stressors like vaccines. Spacing out vaccinations for these horses can help prevent overwhelming their systems.

Similarly, if your horse is already dealing with health challenges like PPID, metabolic syndrome, or a history of laminitis, it’s worth discussing their vax needs with your vet. The goal is to balance protection against disease with minimising unnecessary strain on the body.

So how do we help the body manage this inflammatory response more efficiently?

The role of diet in managing inflammation

Here’s where we as horse owners can make a huge difference. Nutrition plays a central role in supporting the immune system and keeping inflammation in check - before and after vaccinations.

1. Balance omega fatty acids

Omega-3s are nature’s anti-inflammatory superheroes, helping to regulate the immune response and counteract the inflammatory effects of omega-6s. Horses grazing on decent pasture for more than 8-hours a day generally get enough omega-3s, but during winter or dry spells, supplementation is a must. Micronised linseed fills this gap, providing the same omega-3 profile as fresh grass - perfect for year-round nutrition. A nutritional marvel, micronised linseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fibre, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Top Tip - Horses on hay-only diets will have an omega-3 deficiency, as it's lost during the drying/curing process of grass to hay. Our VitaComplete balancer compensates for this loss.

On the flip side, many commercial feeds are loaded with omega-6s from soya or oils which can tip the scales toward inflammation.

Think soya’s a superfood? Think again. Soya is far from the nutritional silver bullet it’s claimed to be and poses serious risks to horses. Usually GM and heavily sprayed with chemicals, soya is nutritionally inappropriate for horses, causing digestive issues, hindgut acidosis, and blocking absorption of essential minerals like calcium and zinc. Its amino acid profile leads to water retention in muscles and not protein building, while its starch ferments in the hindgut, disrupting gut health. Soya’s inflammatory fats, anti-nutrients, and phytoestrogens contribute to allergies, infertility, and poor overall health.

Soya's a nutritional No . More on our Soya page for the full picture.

Fact - horses aren’t evolved to digest liquid oils , yet many of us slosh a glug from a supermarket oil into the feedbowl, very often on the advice of our vet. Yet there's a very good reason why we shouldn't do this!

The equine liver is designed to produce only a small trickle of bile - just enough to handle the minimal essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in forage. This matches a horse’s natural trickle-feeding process, whereas adding extra liquid oil to the diet overwhelms digestion, creating a physical blockage that disrupts digestive enzyme function. This prevents proper digestion of starch and protein, and throws off fibre fermentation in the hindgut. The result? A cascade of issues, including colic, laminitis, and leaky gut. And yes, this also includes linseed oil!

Liquid oils do more harm than good, offering little real energy benefit while posing serious health risks. Discover more about why oils are a slippery slope for our horses in our Oils page.

2. Reduce sugar and starch

Refined sugars and starch quickly break down into glucose, causing a rapid spike in insulin levels. Insulin, being an inflammatory fat-storage hormone, can trigger a cascade of negative effects throughout the body, especially when levels are consistently elevated.

Over time, this will compromise your horse’s metabolic health, contributing to issues like insulin resistance, laminitis, and systemic inflammation. By minimising the sugar and starch content in your horse’s diet, you'll support a more stable metabolic state, promoting better overall health, improved gut function, and greater resilience against equine health challenges.

3. Avoid glyphosate contamination

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide classified as a known carcinogen, is a hidden hazard lurking in many non-organic horse feeds. This chemical has been linked to significant health concerns, including gut biome disruption, immune system dysfunction, and long-term systemic issues. Ingredients like soya, beet pulp, and alfalfa are typically prone to glyphosate contamination unless they're Certified Organic or guaranteed non-GMO - both of which are rare and hard to source.

Opting for clean, chemical-free feeds and supplements is one of the most impactful steps you can take to safeguard your horse’s health, ensuring they thrive without the burden of hidden toxins.

4. Plug the nutritional gaps

While grass and hay serve as the forage foundation of a horse’s diet, they don't provide all the essential nutrients needed to thrive - we know our UK grass is deficient in numerous minerals and nutrients, with hay also falling short in omega-3 EFAs and vitamin E. This means a well-rounded mineral balancer, such as our EquiVita (summer) or VitaComplete (winter or hay diets), is an essential to our horse's feeding routine.

To further support overall health, consider incorporating high-quality protein sources like hemp seeds (hulled), which not only help meet your horse’s protein requirements but also offer natural anti-inflammatory properties, promoting muscle development, recovery, and resilience. Together, these additions create a more balanced and nourishing diet for your horse.

Stress: the inflammation trigger

Stress is a sneaky contributor to chronic inflammation, making your horse more vulnerable to infections, allergies, and exaggerated inflammatory responses.

Where possible, let your horse live as naturally as they can. Allowing for movement, social interaction, and consistent access to forage can make a world of difference. Even small changes - like placing hay in multiple locations to encourage movement - help reduce stress and support overall health.

The bottom line

If you're on a livery yard or competing, vaccines are considered a necessary part of equine care, but they’re not without their challenges. Understanding the inflammatory response and taking proactive steps to support your horse’s recovery can make the process smoother for everyone involved.

Every horse is different, so work with your vet to tailor a vaccination plan that suits your horse’s age, lifestyle, and health. And remember, a balanced diet and a stress-free routine are your horse’s best allies in maintaining a strong immune system - not just after vaccines, but all year round.

A word of thanks

A huge thank you to Dr. Juliet Getty for sharing her expertise. Dr. Getty’s work has inspired countless horse owners (myself included – you’ll see her quoted many times throughout our website) to approach equine care with curiosity and confidence. For more of her insights, visit her Equine Nutrition Resource Library .

The Spring Reset - helping your horse shake off winter’s metabolic hangover

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:11:53 GMT

Planet Earth was created perfect. And so were we.

Then came all the things us humans created in the name of progress and a brighter future - some wonderful, others perhaps less so.

Things like carcinogen-filled highly processed foods, rising air pollution levels, radiation-emitting technologies, instensively farmed landscapes... and never mind what winter throws at us. The list goes on.

The leading health experts all agree. The fact is, we’ve poisoned Eden.

Thing is, we’re all perfectly designed to handle a normal amount of natural toxins, but the massive amount of man-made toxins we’re exposed to today in our modern world is far too much for our bodies to manage. According to the there are nearly 85,000 man-made chemicals currently approved for use in our western world, and this number is rapidly increasing.

The truth is, we're all perfectly designed to handle a normal amount of naturally occurring toxins. But the sheer volume of man-made chemicals we encounter today is far greater than anything our biology evolved to manage. According to the Environmental Working Group , there are well over 125,000 man-made chemicals currently approved for use in the Western world - and rising.

Our horses don't get away with it either - they may be grazing peacefully in green pastures, but they still share the same modern environment as we do. Many feedbowls are full of refined, artificial, processed foods; they breathe the same polluted air as us; they graze near mobile phone masts, beneath chemtrails, and on chemically saturated pastures. And... And… they’ve also just come through the long biological demands of winter.

Spring is nature’s reset point - and after the long metabolic demands of winter, many horses are ready for a little internal housekeeping.

The metabolism

If we were to dive into the nitty-gritty of ouor horse’s inner workings, metabolism reigns supreme. It's the powerhouse engine driving everything from fuelling growth and movement to immunity and reproduction.

Picture trillions of tiny biochemical reactions orchestrating these functions every single day, and ensuring our horses are not merely surviving - but thriving.

But what happens when this system becomes overloaded?

Before we get lost in the complexities, let’s break it down - metabolism is simply the sum of billions of biochemical reactions occurring within the cells, keeping the wheels of life turning.

When everything is functioning smoothly, metabolism efficiently digests, absorbs and eliminates , keeping the body in balance. And behind the scenes, the body’s remarkably sophisticated clean-up systems - primarily the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system - help maintain this delicate balance.

When all these processes are working harmoniously, the body maintains what scientists call homeostasis : the dynamic self-regulating process by which a living organism maintains internal stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.

However, when the system becomes overloaded and metabolic waste begins to accumulate, signs of imbalance can begin to appear.

Each part of the body's clean-up team — colon, liver, bile and kidneys — plays an important role, and they all need to work in harmony with one another.

The colon eliminates solid waste
The liver acts as the chemical processing centre, transforming nutrients and processing metabolic by-products
Bile supports excretion through the digestive system
The kidneys filter waste from the bloodstream and eliminate it through the urine

When these systems are working well, the body keeps itself remarkably well maintained. But when they become overwhelmed, the body may begin to send out early warning signals.

These can appear in many different ways — from musculoskeletal discomfort to skin issues, allergies, immune challenges and, of course, digestive disturbances.

Recognising these early signals is often the first step towards restoring balance.

Perfect prevention makes perfect practice

“Healing is a process that always starts with stabilisation. Until the body's stable it cannot heal. The body then needs to remove the roadblocks. The body also needs the nutrients required for repair. When these elements come together the body can begin to heal.”

Dr Nuzum, Toxicologist & Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

So how can we support metabolic balance? A helpful framework is simple: Alleviate, Clean-Up, and Fortify.

Alleviate

If pain or stress is present, the first priority is stabilisation.

When a horse is dealing with discomfort or emotional stress, the body’s entire focus shifts towards coping with that challenge. Supporting stability at this stage allows the body the breathing space it needs before deeper metabolic support can be introduced.

Clean-Up

Once stability is restored, attention can turn to supporting the body’s natural processes of cellular clean-up and metabolic housekeeping - and t his is where our OptimaCARE 3-stage programme comes in.

Designed as a structured 30-day programme, OptimaCARE works sequentially through the body’s key metabolic systems.

Each stage is fed for ten days:

Stage 1 focuses on the digestive system and gut environment
Stage 2 supports the liver and kidneys — the body’s primary metabolic processing centres
Stage 3 focuses on circulatory support, including the blood and lymphatic systems

Together, the three stages provide layered support for the body’s natural clean-up and renewal processes.

Top Tips

Support hindgut balance with the toxin-binding superhero that is Spirulina .
And don’t forget the spring coat change — MSM can provide valuable sulphur to support keratin production and help ease seasonal metabolic demands.

Fortify

Everything ultimately returns to the foundation: the gut and the diet.

Modern feeding practices, changes in soil quality and environmental pressures have all contributed to widespread nutrient imbalances - which means supporting the horse’s metabolism starts with feeding your horse as they're meant to be fed.

This means quality meadow hay, minimise heavily processed feeds - switch to a grass forage-fibre feedbowl carrier - and ensure the diet is nutritionally balanced with an appropriate mineral balancer to compensate for the grass forage nutrient deficiencies.

* Always remember to transition dietary changes gradually over at least two weeks so the hindgut microbiome has time to adapt.

To conclude

Spring is nature’s reset point, so supporting your horse’s natural processes of cellular clean-up and metabolic renewal during this seasonal transition, you help them move into the grazing season with a balanced metabolism, resilient digestion and the vitality needed for the months ahead.

A little support now helps your horse step into spring feeling lighter, brighter and ready for the spring jollies and summer ahead. And I for one can't wait!

Safety note - a void beginning clean-up reset programmes during the onset of laminitis due to the risk of metabolic destabilisation, aka ' re-toxification '.

The Seasonal Equine Cycle - unlocking nature's rhythms.

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:23:01 GMT

A proactive approach to sustain equine circadium rhythm year-round

So here we are, the first week of March, and officially the first month of the new Spring season. This is the month of All-Change, and where it all begins again - the start of the major seasonal shift and the beginning of the Seasonal Equine Cycle.

Our horses know it too; horses are instinctive, sensitive beings who absolutely live in the rhythm of nature. Each seasonal change provides a noticeable guideline for a horse's overall health, specifically how (if in the wild) they would naturally maintain their health, and importantly, how they'd also avoid illness.

As a result, each season relates to different system requirements where the related major system organs need to be in optimum health to provide the necessary protection as the seasons change.

This physiological function is hardwired into their DNA to instinctively respond to the changes in the seasons, adapting to the way these changes connect to their physical, emotional, and mental health. This is all regulated by cycles of light (day) and dark (night), sunlight, and temperature. Meet the circadian rhythm - the 24-hr cycle in the physiological process of all living beings - which determines sleeping and feeding patterns, brainwave activity, hormone production, cell regeneration, and many other biological activities.

Feeding patterns across the seasons

A horse living in the wild instinctively knows that staying healthy as each season changes is essential for them to respond to their changing needs regarding nutrition, movement, quality rest and play, muscle recharge - all important elements as the seasons change.

One of the most obvious ways in which a horse responds to these changes is via their feeding patterns. Wild horses typically follow a feast/famine regimen, thriving on green pastures through the summer to build the body fat stores, which enable them to better manage the winter's 'hungry gap', surviving on whatever sparse forage they can find in winter.

Meanwhile, our domesticated horses have the benefit of us carers to manage the winter hungry-gap for them, but even with us in control, we should still be mindful of adjusting feed routines accordingly, to follow and work with the seasons.

The five-season theory

Here in the UK, even though we’ve got four official seasons, in reality we experience five - Spring, Summer, Indian Summer , Autumn and Winter. Traditional Chinese Medicine also follows this belief, known as the Five-Season Theory (also called the Five-Element Theory). What we call Summer and Indian Summer, TCM calls it Summer and Late Summer.

The Five-Season Theory follows the understanding that all living beings are intertwined with nature. Depending on the season, specific organs of the body require purifying and toning at specific times of the year to support the body’s balance, with the body’s state of health responding accordingly.

Seasonal care system organ guidelines

Spring - liver processing and toxin clearance
Summer - heart/small Intestine
Late (Indian) Summer - spleen/stomach
Autumn - lungs/large intestine
Winter - kidneys/bladder

*NB: We also need to considerthe autumn coat change , so Liver belongs under Autumn as well.

In short, when any organism, whether it's ourselves, our horses, dogs, or whoever, is balanced and in tune with nature, the body experiences health. When it's out of balance and 'polluted', the body experiences ‘dis-ease’ of one sort or another, the word ‘dis-ease’ simply meaning that the body is not at ease .

For us, this means that by working alongside the seasons we can help our domesticated horses stay in tune with the natural way of things and remain healthy and balanced.

Spring

- supporting the liver after winter's overload, managing fresh spring grass chemistry (laminitis risk), spring tree pollens and sweet itch (KPU/autoimmune reactions), spring worming, spring Cushing's ACTH testing, mares coming back into season

As the earth tilts so that the sun is directly over the equator, this signifies the start of the Vernal, aka Spring Equinox.

Spring represents renewal and regeneration, making it the most significant among the changing seasons.

In the natural world it marks the beginning of new life, and following winter’s typical hungry gap with forage starved of nutrients, accompanied by winter’s illnesses and allergens, the liver has been working overtime to keep the system detoxed and healthy. This makes Spring the key season to detox, cleanse and boost the liver. It’s also the time of the spring coat change which puts enormous extra strain on the liver due to the associated protein metabolism, so all the more reason to tone the liver.

After a winter of hay, introduce fresh spring grass slowly and be mindful of the laminitis / colic risk, especially for our EMS horses.
Changes in grass chemistry directly influence your horse’s internal chemistry, so if you’re not feeding one already, consider a mineral balancer .
It's time for the Spring tree pollens and midges , which can wreak autoimmune havoc on affected horses. syndromes.
Our mares know exactly when spring arrives as they come into season and their hormones start raging to find a mate!
The spring sun also encourages parasite eggs to hatch, which can have a dramatic impact on our horse’s digestive health and nutrient absorption.

Summer

- keeping horses cool and hydrated, joint care, summer grass pollen allergens

Our planet assumes its most direct tilt into the sun at the Summer Solstice, and energy levels are now at their highest, thriving at this time of year. To support the energy demands, this is the time of year to cleanse and tone the heart, purify the blood and stimulate circulation.

It’s hay season! Time to be mindful of not feeding the new hay too early.
High summer means it’s hot out there! On the hotter, more humid days, beware of grass pollens triggering respiratory havoc for those affected horses.
Horses can lose substantial quantities of minerals in sweat, so adding salt to the feedbowl is all the more important.
Hard ground can also mean joint/hoof discomfort .

Indian Summer

- metabolism starts to change, preparing for the autumn coat change

Indian Summer days tend to be hotter, muggier, and heavy with humidity. The metabolism starts to recognise the shortening daylight and begins shifting into autumn mode, so this is hte key time to boost the metabolism and cleanse the gut system .

If we're having an indian summer heatwave, this is also when the allergenic effects of grass pollens can hit the hardest.
Gradually the intense heat of summer should start to lower, and the daylight hours noticeably shorten. The autumn coat change is just around the corner, so time for liver support to manage the excess protein biotransformation.
If you’re seeing coat quality issues during the coat change, this might be time to consider a full-body detox with our OptimaCARE detox programme. It's also not a bad time to think about a detox to prepare the body for what winter may throw at us.

Autumn

- winter preparation, lung health, forage nutrient changes, Cushings/PPID ACTH testing, feed protein levels

Preparation and elimination are the traits of this season. This is the time to tone the lungs as a preventative for winter allergens, as well as the hindgut which is not only the horse's body's central heating system, but also produces the vital nutrient metabolites to help the horse thrive through winter.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the nutritional value of our grazing plummets. Time to consider replenishing the diminishing forage vit.E and EFA levels.
This is the time of year that vets will encourage an ACTH test to determine a Cushing's diagnosis . ACTH levels naturally rise at this time of year to prepare the metabolism for the autumn changes, so beware of false positive tests to avoid a false Cushing's test and a unnecessary Prascend prescription (as well as eye-wateringly expensive, not to mention a lifetime commitment). If you're unsure, test again a couple of months later, or the following spring at the latest.
Some horses are prone to dropping weight/condition over winter, so consider a higher protein feed for our poor-doers through autumn/winter.
Beware autumn falling leaves and acorns as they can represent a toxic risk.
Time to check turnout in readiness for winter, and have hay supplies in place.
In some areas in the UK we may get the first hard frost, aka 'killing frost’, which is hugely beneficial as it can kill many equine parasites. Check the weather forecast, and time an FEC so you know to worm before the hard frost, helping to kill off any excreted larvae.
Keep an eye out for respiratory issues and stiff joints due to changes in air temperatures.
Some horses may need time to adjust back to a hay diet, which means they might be at higher risk of impaction colic .
As if we need reminding - Mud !

Winter

- energy levels, hydration, colic prevention, senior horse health

The cold and darkness of winter forces us to slow down, replenish energy and conserve strength. Winter can be a tough time for toxin overburden, so now is the time to focus on toning kidney function as they excrete the water-soluble toxins.

The kidneys regulate almost everything in the body, but one of their most vital roles is managing the water–salt balance, which influences the critical cellular osmotic pressure , hence why adding salt into the equine diet at this time of year is vital to maintain hydration. The kidneys regulate almost everything in the body, but one of their most vital roles is managing the water–salt balance, which influences cellular osmotic pressure.

Once we hit the ‘depths’ of winter we're at just 7-hours of daylight each day, and now at risk of freezing temperatures, which means horses are less likely to drink icy cold water. This brings the very real concern for the risk of impaction colic, so all the more reason to feed salt which will encourage them to drink.

Consider soaking feed with warm water to aid hydration.
Check body condition - horses burn up to 15-20% more calories trying to maintain their internal body temperatures, with older horses in particular having to work harder to thermo-regulate in the winter months.
Keep your horse’s internal furnace burning by upping the hay volume. The hindgut is the horse’s central heating system, and the more fibre that’s digested in the hindgut by bacterial fermentation, the more warmth is generated.

Finally, by the time we hit the end of February the daffs should have been out already, and we’ll be seeing nearer 11-hours daylight. Before we know it, the first signs of Spring will be around the corner again. ��

The Most Overlooked Winter Organ – the Kidneys

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:13:33 GMT

Supporting our horses - especially our seniors - through the coldest month of the year

As we step into February – the final month of meteorological winter, and historically the coldest – many of us notice subtle changes in how our horses cope with the season. Older horses move a little more slowly on frosty mornings, many drink much less, while others lose condition - this is our Carmen - or seem more sensitive to the cold dampness.

We expect winter to be harder on them… but why?

We tend to talk endlessly about the gut, with liver health taking centre stage every spring and autumn for the coat change. And rightly so - the liver is a superhero - the body’s multi-skilled workhorse getting on with a thousand jobs we never see.

But the kidneys ? It’s easy to forget that the kidneys are just as remarkable. In fact, their workload is every bit as exhaustive – and in both functional physiology and traditional systems like TCM, the kidneys shoulder an enormous amount of the body’s winter work behind the scenes.

Despite their central role in regulation, hydration, warmth and energy, the kidneys rarely get a headline of their own. But in both functional physiology and traditional systems like TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), winter is kidney season, and February is when their influence can be felt most strongly.

Let’s explore why – and what we can do to support our horses, especially our seniors, as we pass through winter’s deepest point.

Why winter belongs to the kidneys

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is associated with the water element - stillness, storage, and the deep reserves of energy the body relies upon for strength and resilience. The kidneys sit at the centre of this system and are considered the body’s “battery pack” – the seat of regulation, warmth, hydration and constitutional strength.

Interestingly, while this framework comes from ancient medicine, modern physiology agrees with much of the underlying concept.

The kidneys regulate:

hydration
electrolyte balance
circulation and blood pressure
temperature regulation
filtration of metabolic waste
elements of hormonal balance through adrenal connection

In short? The kidneys are master regulators, and winter challenges every one of these jobs. Cold weather contracts tissues, slows circulation, encourages dehydration, and affects how the body uses energy. And our more senior horses – whose regulatory systems naturally work harder – often feel this most strongly.

How winter shows up in our senior horses

If you’ve ever watched a senior horse step out of the stable on a frosty morning, moving a shade more slowly or carefully, you’ve seen the impact winter can have on the deeper regulatory systems of the body.

Common winter signs include:

feeling the cold more intensely
stiffer backs and joints
a visible dip in energy
drinking less when it’s really cold
difficulty maintaining condition
appearing more fragile or “older” on icy, damp days

None of these are signs of a kidney problem in the diagnostic sense. Instead, they're reminders that the internal systems responsible for warmth, hydration, circulation and energy are working harder in the deep cold of February.

Understanding Yin and Yang (in simple, horse-owner language)

In TCM, every organ has both a Yin and a Yang aspect:

Kidney Yin relates to moisture, nourishment, cooling, and the deep reserves of strength.
Kidney Yang relates to warmth, spark, movement and energy.

Older horses – or horses under stress, or dealing with long-term wear and tear – often slide toward depleted Yin first. In practical terms, that can look like dryness, tension, irritability, or losing condition.

Over time, as Yin runs low, Yang follows – which is when older horses start to feel colder, stiffer, and more fatigued.

If you’ve ever watched a senior horse on a frosty morning move more slowly than usual… that’s the picture.

What we can do in February

The good news is that we can make a meaningful difference during kidney season. It's not so much about "treating" an organ as more about understanding what the body asks for in winter.

Encourage hydration with warm water
Always ad-lib forage
Keep them warm (but always avoid over-rugging)
Consider naturally warming herbs where appropriate
Give seniors extra time to move and loosen up
Create soft, warm resting areas to protect joints

Nothing complicated – simply supporting the systems that regulate everything behind the scenes.

Looking toward early spring

As February passes, the body begins shifting toward spring’s metabolic demands:

coat changes
hormonal activity
gut flora shifts
energy and behaviour changes
grass transition

Supporting the kidneys during winter’s end helps set the body up for a smoother transition into this dynamic season.

A nod to Dr Tom Schell, D.V.M, CVCH, CHN

This reflection was inspired by a recent article from U.S. holistic veterinarian Dr Tom Schell , whose blend of functional physiology and traditional insight aligns closely with my own EquiNatural ethos. He frequently invites readers to pause, question and look beneath the surface – and winter kidney function is a perfect example of that deeper view.

Supporting the liver:kidneys:lymph pathway

At EquiNatural, our LKLCARE blend is designed especially for the liver–kidneys–lymph pathway, offering gentle support for steady filtration and whole-body balance. And for further liver/kidneys insights, see our Liver & Kidneys page in the Info Centre above - links below.

Winter Laminitis - the Hidden Risks of Cold Weather, Drought Stress, & Sudden Rainfall

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 07:54:24 GMT

A straightforward look at why winter isn’t always the “safe season” for laminitis-prone horses

A Winter Wisdom Feature - with a nod to Dr Eleanor Kellon, VMD

Winter often feels like the “safe season” for our laminitis-prone horses. The grass looks sparse, brown, and harmless, and it’s easy to assume the danger has passed for another year.

But winter grass – especially following an autumn drought, sudden rainfall, or sharp temperature swings – can be one of the most deceptive laminitis triggers of the year.

And to complicate things further, some horses experience a second, entirely different syndrome: cold-induced hoof pain , a circulatory issue that looks very much like laminitis but isn’t inflammatory at all.

This blog looks at both patterns to help you understand what’s really happening, and how to protect your horse through the cold months.

Part 1 – Why winter grass can trigger laminitis

- Drought Stress, Sugar Storage & the Post-Rain Spike

When grass dries out in late summer or early autumn, it goes into survival mode. Growth slows, but photosynthesis continues, creating a mismatch:

Sugars keep being made
Growth stops using them
NSC (sugars, starch, fructan) accumulate in the stems, crowns, and leaf bases

Cool-season grasses – ryegrass, fescue, timothy, orchard – rely heavily on fructan as their storage carbohydrate, but under drought conditions, fructan levels can rise dramatically. Some varieties have been recorded with up to 60% NSC under prolonged stress.

Then the autumn rain arrives… and we’ve certainly seen that this year!

- After rain - a surge of sugary new growth

The moment drought-stressed grass receives moisture:

Stored fructans break down into short-chain sugars
New shoots appear rapidly, often extremely high in sugar
Ryegrass is an exception – for those of us on former dairy farms, be aware that it can create even more fructan after rainfall

To the eye, it looks like harmless tiny green tips. To the metabolism of a sensitive horse, it can be dynamite.

- Why this matters for hindgut laminitis

Shorter-chain carbohydrates ferment much faster in the hindgut. When the bacterial population shifts suddenly:

Lactic-acid–producing bacteria bloom
pH drops
Endotoxins/exotoxins are released
The laminae become vulnerable

This is the classic hindgut-driven laminitis pathway – the one we see every year in spring, and again in early winter , right after the rains break drought.

- Weeds - the winter wildcard

Sparse winter pasture encourages horses to graze weeds they normally ignore.

Some – such as chicory, thistles, and dandelion roots – contain inulin , a form of fructan used experimentally to induce laminitis in research models.

Others concentrate toxins under drought:

nitrates
oxalates
alkaloids
cyanogenic glycosides
prussic acid

These compounds can disrupt digestion, metabolism or liver pathways depending on the plant, adding another layer of risk during sparse grazing.

Endophyte-infected fescue may accumulate ergovaline , a vasoconstrictive alkaloid associated with laminitis and pregnancy risk in mares.

- Practical winter prevention

Limit grazing after drought-breaking rain.
Use strip grazing, dry-lot time, or muzzles until grass has grown to 2–3" tall. Why?
Because those first tiny green shoots are the most sugar-dense stage of growth . When grass is short, it has almost no leaf area for photosynthesis, so it relies heavily on stored fructans and sugars pulled up from the crown and roots. This makes the earliest regrowth after drought or cold snaps unusually high in NSC. Once the plant reaches around 2–3 inches, it starts using those sugars for actual growth instead of simply hoarding them – meaning NSC begins to stabilise and the metabolic risk drops.
Offer plenty of hay so horses aren’t driven to eat weeds.
Watch for early signs of hindgut unrest (gas, loose droppings).
Test NSC if your pasture is unpredictable. How?
Take small “scissor snips” from multiple spots in the field (mimicking what your horse grazes), mix them together, and freeze the sample immediately to lock in the sugars. Then send it to a forage lab that offers NSC testing (look for WSC + starch). Most UK labs provide a clear NSC percentage so you can compare it with hay your horse does well on. This gives you a realistic picture of the pasture’s sugar load during risky weather patterns.
Support the hindgut and biome during transitional weather. How?
Seasonal shifts can unsettle the hindgut, especially when grass sugars swing around. Offering steady biome support helps keep things balanced. SiboCARE is ideal for horses needing deeper digestive support during unsettled periods, while BiomeTonic provides everyday microbial nourishment to help maintain a resilient, well-functioning gut environment.

❄️ Part 2 – Cold-induced hoof pain

- A second winter syndrome – brilliantly described by Dr Eleanor Kellon, VMD (26 December 2024)

Not all winter hoof pain is metabolic or inflammatory. Dr Kellon describes a distinct syndrome often mislabelled as laminitis but rooted in circulatory dysfunction , not inflammation.

- When hooves react badly to cold

Most horses feel bright and energised in cold weather. But some – particularly EMS horses – experience:

sudden, severe hoof pain
reluctance to move
a stance that resembles laminitis
no heat, no pulse, no radiographic change

For some, the threshold is surprisingly mild – as warm as 4°C .

- What’s actually happening?

Cold weather naturally reduces blood flow to the limbs – it’s the body’s way of conserving heat. The hoof manages this using tiny 'bypass channels' called arteriovenous shunts , which divert blood away from the tissues and straight back toward the core when temperatures drop.

In most horses, these shunts don’t stay open for long. The body periodically sends warm, oxygenated blood back into the hoof to keep the tissues healthy.

But in susceptible horses – typically those with EMS, insulin resistance, a past history of laminitis, or generally sensitive circulation – this re-warming process doesn’t happen as it should. Their blood vessels simply don’t respond efficiently to cold. The shunts stay open for too long, the hoof tissues miss out on oxygen and nutrients, and circulation falls below their personal tolerance level.

When that happens, the feet become painful very quickly. Movement slows or stops altogether until the horse warms up again and blood flow returns to normal.

- Support strategies (Dr Kellon’s recommendations)

These focus on supporting circulation:

Jiaogulan → stimulates nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator *We're currently not able to supply the J-herb – our three suppliers are no longer able to source it, but shop around – it’ll be out there somewhere.
Arginine, citrulline & folate → support endogenous nitric oxide production
Rugging → reduces the need for shunting blood away from the limbs
Leg wraps → lined shipping boots work especially well
Wool socks inside hoof boots → keep coronary bands & heels warm

With warmth and circulation support, the pain usually resolves quickly and completely.

Bringing it all together – a safer winter for sensitive horses

Winter laminitis is not a myth – it’s a physiological reality , driven by:

drought-stressed grasses
sudden rainfall
cold, clear days with bright sun
low-growth pastures rich in stored NSC
weed foraging
microbial disruption
and, in some horses, circulatory dysfunction once temperatures drop

Understanding these mechanisms means you can plan ahead, rather than react later.

A huge thank-you to Dr Eleanor Kellon, VMD , whose decades of work on metabolic horses have transformed how we recognise winter hoof syndromes and protect the most vulnerable.

Why a Mineral Balancer Matters – Especially in Winter

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:01:27 GMT

“My horse has grass and hay – does he really need a balancer?”

Most horse owners have asked the question at some point, and we've had our fair share here at EquiNatural as well. So what's the truthful answer?

In an ideal world? Well, I think the only honest answer I can give here is… they shouldn’t!

But in the real world we’re living in - and whether human or horse, mineral support is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. And winter is the perfect time to understand why.

The modern world problem – for us and our horses

Let’s start with a factor we often forget: Our horses don’t live in a natural environment anymore – and neither do we.

For us humans, the research is clear - our soil, food, and environment have changed dramatically in the last century. And the same forces that are depleting human health are quietly affecting our horses, too.

Here’s the bigger picture.
1. Our soils have changed

There’s an often-quoted (but accurate) example: a carrot today contains around 75% less magnesium than a carrot 100 years ago.

Why? Since the 1950s-60s, intensive modern farming practices have steadily stripped minerals out of our planet’s soils – and that includes our UK soil.

And here’s the unavoidable knock-on effect - a nything that grows in depleted soil is going to be far less nutrient-rich than it once was.

Our UK grasslands grow from this same soil, and lest we forget, hay is dried grass. So our grass forage – whether fresh or dried – is simply not as nutrient-dense as it used to be . It really is that simple.

2. Modern equine feeds aren’t the answer

Many bagged feeds are:

made from processed, refined ingredients
bulked with cheap fillers like wheat, corn, and soya
often genetically modified
flavoured with molasses or artificial sweeteners so it tastes nice, so keeps us buying it
mixed with synthetic vitamin/mineral premixes

None of this resembles what a horse evolved to eat.

These feeds can skew the gut microbiome, contribute to inflammation, and leave horses nutritionally "full but empty" – exactly the same way humans become overfed and undernourished on modern processed diets.

3. Environmental toxins add another layer

Fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, vehicle emissions, industrial chemicals… like us, horses live in this same toxic world. And both humans and horses burn through more minerals when detoxifying environmental chemicals, which raises daily nutritional needs even further.

Put all this together and we reach the unavoidable conclusion - y our horse cannot reliably get everything they need from forage alone.

Why nutrients matter so much more than we realise

We all know nutrients are good for us, but they’re much more than that - they're the co-factors powering millions of chemical reactions every single day.

Every enzyme – every little biochemical machine in your horse’s body – needs a nutrient partner to work properly:

Cellular energy
Muscle metabolism
Nerve signalling
Detox pathways
Hoof and coat tissue
Immune resilience
Stress response
Red blood cell formation

None of these processes function comfortably or efficiently without the right nutrients in place. And our horse doesn’t need huge amounts – we're talking micro -doses most of the time, but they need the right amounts , in the right forms , in the right ratios to each other, and from the right sources - not fake, made-in-a-lab synthetic.

‘Frank’ deficiency vs ‘subclinical’ deficiency

In the scientific world, the focus is shifting too:

“First things first – addressing frank nutrient deficiencies must remain a priority in the age of precision nutrition." ( https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)46263-6/fulltext )

A quick bit of science for you. A frank deficiency is a nutritional or medical deficiency with obvious, overt clinical symptoms , w hereas a subclinical deficiency has negative health effects but no clear or apparent symptoms.

In humans, a frank deficiency causes obvious illness – think scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) or rickets (vitamin D deficiency).

Our horses can also have frank deficiencies – but these are less common. What we see far more often in the UK is subclinical deficiency , where:

the horse isn’t getting enough of a mineral to function optimally
but it’s not low enough to cause an obvious disease
so the problem smoulders under the surface

Subclinical mineral deficiencies can show up as:

poor hoof quality
winter coat dullness
low-grade muscle tension
behavioural changes
metabolic struggles
sensitivity to seasonal changes
slow recovery after exercise
reduced stress tolerance

On the outside, the horse looks fine, but inside? Things are working harder than they should.

Optimal vs adequate – the real difference

This is where functional medicine gives us a brilliant lens.

Even in humans, the difference between enough to avoid disease and enough to function at your best can be ten- to a hundred-fold.

This same principle applies to our horses - the minimum needed to avoid a clinical deficiency? Small. But the level needed for optimal metabolic, structural, and immune resilience? Much higher.

And with depleted soil, processed feeds, environmental toxins, and stress – our horses’ bodies are using more minerals than ever. This is why a balancer matters.

Why UK forage can’t do the job alone

Even the best UK hay or grass is consistently low in (average per day elemental values:

Lysine (10g/day, 20g for optimal needs)
Magnesium (12g )
Copper (400mg)
Zinc (1.2g)
Phosphorus (1.25g)
Selenium (1mg)
Sodium (20g/day, double if in hard work/sweating)

And in winter, with hay-based diets, horses also need:

Omega-3 fatty acids (missing from dried forage)
Vitamin D (if rugged or stabled)
Prebiotic fibre to support hindgut fermentation

So, yes… even if the forage looks lovely, it simply can’t meet these essential daily needs. These aren’t extras - they’re the gap-fillers nature once provided – but no longer can.

Where minerals meet hydration - the winter twist

Here’s the part most horse owners don’t realise - m ineral balance and hydration are inseparable.

You cannot support optimal mineral use unless the horse is hydrated. And a horse cannot stay properly hydrated unless they are getting the minerals that regulate fluid balance.

This matters most in winter , when dehydration is the #1 cause of impaction colic. And this is where functional medicine – human or equine – becomes beautifully clear.

Here’s the winter domino-effect in action:

Cold blunts thirst.
Horses urinate more in winter.
They lose sodium without noticing.
Sodium regulates thirst.
Less sodium = lower thirst = lower water intake.
More hay intake increases water demand.

Minerals + hydration are two halves of the same equation, s o let’s look at what hydration really means in winter.

Winter hydration - the hidden colic trigger

Inspired by insights from Dr Juliet Getty, PhD

Winter is the season where horses quietly drift toward dehydration long before any obvious signs appear.

Cold reduces the thirst mechanism
Less ADH (the hormone that tells the kidneys to conserve water) = more urination = more water loss.
Vasoconstriction gives the body a false sense of being hydrated
Sodium concentration rises, then falls – suppressing thirst further
Hay intake increases, raising water requirements

All of this quietly increases the risk of winter colic.

Salt - the foundation of winter hydration

Salt supports natural thirst and maintains the sodium balance that keeps the hydration system working properly, so before anything else, a horse needs apx 20g of plain salt per day – year-round, in the feedbowl every day so we know our horses is getting it.

NB: don’t add salt directly to your horse’s water bucket – d oing so may cause them to refuse the bucket entirely, putting them at increased risk of dehydration. Offer salt water separately by all means, but never as the only choice - no salty surprises ��.

Electrolytes aren’t just for summer

Most people think electrolytes belong in July… not December. But here’s the little winter secret no one talks about - your horse may actually need them more in cold weather than in heat.

Why? Because electrolytes aren’t about sweat dripping down their sides – they’re about everything that keeps your horse feeling well and functioning smoothly.

Electrolytes are simply electrically charged minerals – sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium – and they’re involved in pretty much every behind-the-scenes job:

keeping cells comfortably hydrated
helping muscles work without tightening or fatiguing
keeping nerves firing calmly and correctly
maintaining steady fluid balance
supporting healthy circulation
helping the body use energy efficiently

And here’s the winter twist. Even when your horse looks dry and unsweaty, they’re still quietly losing electrolytes through:

winter schooling sessions
sweating under rugs (sneaky but common!)
increased urination when it’s cold
general metabolic stress

All of which means their mineral reserves drain faster than we realise.

And remember - a dd electrolytes as well as daily salt – not as a replacer.

They’re especially handy for:

ridden horses in winter
unclipped-but-rugged horses who will warm up quickly under there
metabolic horses who struggle with mineral balance
stabled horses (more pee = more mineral loss!)
anyone travelling, hacking, or competing through winter

The easiest way? Just top-dress electrolytes onto a meal.

How to encourage winter drinking

If you’ve got a kettle on the yard, add some hot water to make a warm bucket.
Add winter water buffet flavours
Apple bobbing anyone?!
Add moisture to feeds - soaked cobs/pellets

Consistent, accessible water is one of the most effective winter colic prevention strategies.

Bottom line - minerals + hydration = winter resilience

A mineral balancer isn’t simply you being nice to your horse - it’s foundational nutrition in a world where:

soils are depleted
feeds are processed
environmental toxins are high
winter increases metabolic strain
hay-based diets miss key nutrients
dehydration risk is highest

Think of it like this:

Minerals are the spark plugs.
Hydration is the fuel.
Your horse needs both to run smoothly – especially in winter.

Your horse simply wasn’t designed for:

depleted soil
processed feeds
modern environmental chemicals
stabling, rugs, and artificial routines
hay-based winter diets
cold-weather dehydration

But they are designed to thrive when given the right building blocks. And minerals – supported by steady winter hydration – are one of the most powerful, foundational tools we have to help them stay healthy, resilient, and comfortable all winter long.

Energy – The Missing Dimension of Health for Horses

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 07:44:26 GMT

What happens when your horse’s energy stops flowing – and how to help it move again.

Life and its coincidences, eh?

You probably know that I’m an avid follower of The Institute of Functional Medicin e, which underpins much of the EquiNatural ethos. It’s where I continue to learn and stay tuned into the latest medical thinking – through seminars, training, and yes, plenty of podcasts!

Now cut to yesterday in the office, where Sarah (one of our lovely Customer Support team) and I were putting the horse-world to rights – chatting about those lovely owners who sense something’s not quite right with their horse and have the wisdom to stop what they're doing.

Sarah told me about a friend who took her mare to a hunter trial. Just as they were about to start, she suddenly felt her mare just wasn’t right, so she pulled her up – and just as well. The mare was starting to colic. and they had to wait a few hours before the vet gave her the all clear to travel home. Imagine if she’d pushed on, focused more on the ribbon than her horse’s wellbeing.

And then, as life would have it, when I got home there was a new IFM podcast waiting for me, featuring guest speaker Dr. Martin Picard – a Columbia University scientist exploring how energy flows through the body and what that flow means for how we think, feel, and age.

He spoke about reframing how we understand our own energy, and how our daily choices shape it over time (a key EquiNatural mantra!) – and of course, as is my way, I heard that “blog” voice nagging at me.

Here at EquiNatural, we often hear from clients who tell us their horses have lost their spark – they feel tired, flat, or shut down, despite being well fed and having normal blood results. And yet, something’s still off . The podcast really resonated with me, especially following Jane’s story earlier in the day.

Dr. Picard reminded me that energy itself may be the missing dimension. He explored how energy – not disease – is the true foundation of health, and that energy isn’t simply about ATP or fuel efficiency – it’s about how life itself flows through the body. I know, it sounds a bit woo... but when you look at it properly, it has perfect parallels in our beloved horses, so let's blog!

When everything looks normal – yet feels wrong

We all know that feeling: the vet says everything’s fine, the diet is balanced, yet the horse still feels… dull. It’s the equine version of a human whose lab tests are normal but whose energy is tanked.

Picard explained that you can have perfect lab numbers and still have energy that isn’t flowing. Mitochondria – those tiny energy hubs inside every cell – do much more than make ATP; they communicate . They sense stress, emotion, toxins, nutrients, and even light. When they’re disrupted, they can change how we (and our horses) think, feel, move, and heal.

So when a horse seems detached, tense, or unable to focus, we’re not looking at bad behaviour – we could be looking at altered energy flow through the body.

Picard put it beautifully: the difference between a cadaver and a living, breathing being isn’t the molecules – it’s the flow of energy. When energy moves, there’s life.

The same holds true for horses. That bright-eyed look, that soft curiosity, that willingness to connect – that’s the essence of healthy energy flow. But when the system becomes jammed with stress hormones, inflammatory signals, or poor-quality nutrition, the energy stops moving freely. The result? Fatigue, reactivity, dull coats, poor digestion – or simply that sense that your horse has gone quiet inside.

Stress, rest, and the Goldilocks principle

Picard’s most powerful idea was the Energy Resistance Principle . Energy needs resistance – but not too much. Just like a muscle strengthens through challenge, the mitochondria thrive when they experience the right dose of stress, then recovery.

The idea comes from the old Goldilocks tale – finding the balance that’s “not too hot, not too cold, but just right.” In the same way, our horses need the right amount of challenge and rest for their energy to flow freely.

In people, that’s exercise followed by rest, work balanced with sleep. In horses, it’s movement balanced with safety:

Turnout that allows natural movement and grazing, not confinement.
Mental stimulation – variety, companionship, gentle training – but not pressure or overwork.
Space to rest, digest, and feel secure.

Too much stress (hard training, competition burnout, isolation, chronic fear) raises energy resistance – the system has to push too hard to function. Over time, the mitochondria tire, metabolism slows, and the horse shuts down.

Too little challenge (endless stabling, boredom, lack of movement) does the same, but in reverse: energy stagnates . The goal is balance – the Goldilocks zone of energy flow.

Everyday choices shape cellular energy

Energy isn’t something we have – it’s something we do . It’s a process, shaped by thousands of tiny choices. The same is true for our horses. Every day, we either build or drain their metabolic resilience through simple things, such as:

�� Feed quality – clean, unprocessed, filler-free grass forage, alongside natural browsing diversity, feed the mitochondria just as clean food fuels ours.

�� Movement – free, rhythmic, daily movement oxygenates tissues, supports lymph flow, and enhances mitochondrial efficiency.

�� Rest – deep rest allows the body to repair and build new mitochondria – just as athletes build fitness not during training, but recovery.

�� Emotional safety – fear, isolation, and lack of trust drain energy as surely as physical exhaustion. Calm companionship rebuilds it.

�� Connection to nature – sunlight, fresh air, and the changing seasons - all feed the equine ‘energy budget’.

Each of these either helps energy flow freely through the body – or creates resistance.

Why energy is the foundation of health

Health isn’t a fixed thing – it’s a dynamic process. That’s why at EquiNatural we talk about nurturing vitality, not “fixing problems.” When we help a horse’s energy flow freely – through nutrition, herbal support, rest, and reconnection to their natural rhythms – the body knows how to heal itself.

You can’t supplement health into being – you create the conditions for it to re-emerge.

The EquiNatural philosophy

To quote Dr Picard, “You’re not a machine to be fixed. You’re energy flowing through form.” That could be written across every stable door.

Every horse is a living field of energy – physical, emotional, biochemical, and electrical – constantly adjusting to its environment. When that field is balanced, they shine: coat glowing, eyes bright, movement free, mind engaged.

Our job isn’t to push more power into the system. It’s to remove what blocks it – stress, imbalance, inflammation – and let nature do the rest.

Final thought

Whether human or horse, energy is the quiet current that fuels curiosity, recovery, and resilience. When that current flows, everything else follows.

At the end of the day, energy is health. Our role – as horse owners and carers, is simply to keep that energy flowing, naturally.

© EquiNatural 2025 . All content is original work protected under copyright, and may not be re-published, duplicated, or rewritten for commercial use without permission.

When Your Mare Changes Overnight: Hormones, Herds & the Biology of Panic

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 06:00:53 GMT

When instinct takes over- how hormones, stress, and separation can turn calm mares into chaos

You know that sinking feeling when your usually lovely, gentle mare suddenly turns into a squealing, rearing, fire-breathing dragon?

One day she’s all soft eyes and nickers - the next, she’s pinning her ears, squealing at any gelding, refusing to be caught, or crashing into your personal space with hinds at the ready.

It’s frightening, and it can certainly shake your confidence. It can no doubt leave you wondering what on earth went wrong.

If you’re there right now - please know you’re not alone. What’s happening isn’t a personality change. It’s not bad behaviour. It’s biology and emotion intertwined - and once you understand what’s really going on, the whole picture starts to make sense.

I also completely understand this - I’m walking it myself with our 19yo TB mare, Carmen. After moving her from a busy yard of nearly 60 horses to just her and dear old Murf, she unravelled emotionally – pacing, calling, losing all sense of ease, and those hinds coming a little too close for comfort.

I understand this - I’m living it too
After moving our 19-year-old TB mare, Carmen, from a busy yard of nearly 60 horses to just her and dear old Murf, she unravelled emotionally - pacing, calling, losing all sense of ease, and those hinds coming a little too close for comfort.

The hormone storm

Let’s start with the obvious - hormones. And just to remind ourselves:

"Mares are entire animals – as hormonally complex as stallions."

Simple Systems (Oct'25 Newsletter)

No question - their oestrus cycles can create real biochemical changes in the body and brain.

Something else that we might not realise is that as autumn approaches and daylight fades, many mares experience one last big cycle before the winter pause. Their bodies surge with oestrogen, progesterone, and adrenaline, all preparing for the winter slow-down.

It’s pure biology. Again, they’re not being ‘difficult’ - shifting hormonal turbulence can make even the calmest mare hypersensitive, clingy, or reactive as their internal chemistry is changing gear.

How to help - think less attitude ... more adrenal adjustment

Keep her diet low in sugar and starch – high-energy feeds can amplify hormone-driven behaviour.
Support adrenal balance and calm nervous energy with herbal support like MellowMare .
Add Magnesium to help muscles and nerves relax.

But. Hormones are only half the story...

The biology of panic

Imagine being taken away from your home, your friends, your community – and waking up somewhere new, with unfamiliar sounds, smells, and routines. That’s exactly what happens when we move a horse to a new yard or change their companions.

In equine DNA, a herd equals survival . Horses are hardwired to feel safe only when surrounded by their herd – the eyes, ears, and bond to their buddies that keep them alive in the wild.

When that herd disappears, the horse’s nervous system sends a simple but primal message: “ I don’t feel safe! ”

This is biological panic . It’s not a training issue or what some call 'bad behaviour' – it’s pure instinct. The body’s survival instinct is taking charge.

That’s why you might see:

Clinginess to one particular horse (the replacement herd)
Calling, pacing, fence-running
Aggression or rearing when separated
Refusal to focus, tension, trembling

Underneath it all, your horse isn’t trying to be dominant or defiant – they’re terrified.

The Mare’s Role in Nature

It’s worth remembering: in the wild, it’s the mares - not the stallions - who lead the herd. They decide movement, safety, and grazing. They hold the emotional intelligence of the group.

This is hardwired into their DNA - whether wild or domesticated.

So when a mare loses her herd or her environment changes, she doesn’t just lose friends — she loses her role , her structure , and her sense of purpose . That’s why some mares spiral emotionally after a move or separation. They’re trying to find safety again in a world that suddenly doesn’t make sense.

The Stress Chemistry Loop

When a horse feels unsafe, her sympathetic nervous system - the fight/flight response - takes over. Adrenaline floods the bloodstream. Heart rate rises. Digestion shuts down. Logic disappears.

And here’s the crucial bit: when adrenaline dominates, calmers often can’t get through. You have to help the body feel safe first, so then the brain can follow.

That’s why layered support works best - helping body and brain exhale together:

HarmonyTonic – grounds emotional stress and soothes grief or loneliness.
MellowMare – regulates hormonal rhythm, calms nervous energy, steadies adrenal surges.
Valerian – a short-term reset button for the tougher days.
Magnesium – eases muscular and neural tension, helping switch off fight/flight chemistry.

Rebuilding safety – the real calm

Once your mare’s nervous system begins to feel safe again, the hormones will naturally stabilise and her behaviour will start to soften. But this takes time – often 2–3 months – and your consistency will matter more than any supplement or training session.

Try to:

Work with her, not against her
Keep her routine calm and predictable.
Limit pressure – even pause ridden or groundwork sessions for a while.
Offer quiet company and safe turnout.
Reward tiny moments of relaxation.

And most importantly – be kind to yourself.

If your confidence has taken a knock, that’s okay. Fear and empathy often live side by side in good horse people. Taking a step back doesn’t mean you’ve failed – it means you’re wise enough to listen.

In summary

Your mare’s scared, hormonal, and overwhelmed – but she’s also trying her best to cope.

Help her by:

Calming her biology - MellowMare, HarmonyTonic, Magnesium, Valerian
Restoring her emotional safety - companionship, routine, gentle handling
Supporting her body chemistry - a balanced, low-sugar diet

When she feels safe, her hormones, muscles, and mind will follow. And when that happens, you’ll both rediscover the calm connection that made you fall in love with her in the first place. ��

© EquiNatural 2025 . All content is original work protected under copyright, and may not be re-published, duplicated, or rewritten for commercial use without permission.

Detox & Recharge - Clearing the Path for Winter Vitality

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:48:08 GMT

A gentle autumn reset to clear the system, recharge immunity, and build resilience for the colder months ahead

When it comes to health – human or equine – the idea of 'detoxing' can raise eyebrows.

Sceptics often say the body already has a built-in detox system, working quietly every day to process and remove waste. And they’re absolutely right.

Your body – and your horse’s – is equipped with an extraordinary self-cleansing network. But like any system, it runs best when it’s supported.

Think of it this way: if your drains were clogged, you wouldn’t keep pouring water down the sink and hope for the best. The same principle applies to the body – if detox pathways are sluggish, waste builds up, and the whole system strains to cope.

The body’s natural 'detox' network

In both humans and horses, the colon, liver, kidneys, lymph, lungs, and skin, form a remarkable team:

Lymphatic system – clears metabolic debris from the cells.
Liver – filters, neutralises, and transforms toxins for excretion.
Kidneys – clear blood and flush out water-soluble toxins through urine.
Colon – eliminates fat-soluble waste through the gut.
Lungs – exhale metabolic by-products.
Skin – releases waste through sweat (and in horses, through the sebaceous glands and coat oils).

When these organs work in harmony, the result is balance – or what we know as homeostasis . But when modern pressures pile up – from chemicals, processed bulk-filler feeds, medication residues, or poor-quality forage – that balance tips.

Why detox systems struggle

We live (and our horses live) in a chemical world. Since the industrial revolution, over 84,000 synthetic compounds have entered our environment – most never tested for biological safety.

Add to that:

Over-processed feeds and treats
Tap water contaminants
Ammonia and mould spores from stables
Synthetic grooming sprays and topical chemicals

And suddenly, the body’s natural clearance systems are working overtime.

In horses, the first signs of sluggish detox may look like:

dull coat or skin irritation
recurring digestive upset
seasonal allergies
muscle tightness or stiffness
low energy or behavioural grumpiness

Supporting detox naturally

A proper detox isn’t about extremes or deprivation. It’s about supporting the body’s natural processes – clearing gently, nourishing deeply, and restoring equilibrium.

Here’s how:

Choose clean, species-appropriate nutrition

Avoid sugary, starchy bulk-filler feeds that burden the liver.
Select clean meadow-grass fibre feeds whenever possible.
Swap synthetic sprays or fly repellents for natural alternatives.

Keep elimination moving

Healthy detox depends on daily movement and hydration.

Ensure ad-lib, quality meadow hay that never runs out (especially overnight for stables horses) – an empty gut slows everything.
Encourage turnout and steady movement to keep lymph and circulation flowing.
Micronised linseed is a gut superstar – as well as its omega-3 fats being anti-inflammatory, it’s high in lovely mucilage which lubricates the gut and nourishes the skin barrier.

Nourish the detox pathways with key nutrients

Sulphur-rich herbs like milk thistle, burdock, dandelion, garlic.
Micronutrients like zinc, selenium, and magnesium – all essential co-factors for liver enzymes.
Antioxidant botanicals to help neutralise free radicals:
Peppermint: Excellent palatability supporter for fussy eaters.
The ‘Oily Herbs- Oregano, Thyme, Sage, RosemaryThyme: Another herb packed with antioxidants, which can be used in cooking and teas.
Dandelion: A nutritious green.

OptimaCARE & OptimaPLUS

Our functional blends are designed precisely for this stage – to reset the liver, lymph, and gut axis before winter sets in.

�� OptimaCARE – gentle, broad-spectrum detox and immunity support.
�� OptimaPLUS – for deeper, sustained drainage and liver balance.

Together they:
✔ open detox pathways
✔ recharge the immune system
✔ ready your horse’s metabolism for winter’s heavier diet

Final thought

Detoxification isn’t a luxury – it’s biology. Every horse - and human - needs efficient pathways to clear the daily load of metabolic and environmental waste that comes with modern management.

By gently supporting those pathways now – before the full shift into winter – we build resilience, clarity, and vitality from the inside out.

Detox your horse, recharge immunity, and restore balance – naturally .

© EquiNatural 2025 . All content is original work protected under copyright, and may not be re-published, duplicated, or rewritten for commercial use without permission.

Light, Immunity, and Our Horses - why daylight matters more than we think

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 07:37:56 GMT

How circadian biology and new immune research show that daylight, fresh air, and freedom to move aren’t luxuries for horses -they’re necessities.

Circadian biology – the science of how our genes respond to light – is one of those areas where human research keeps unveiling lessons we can borrow for our horses. We usually think of circadian rhythms in terms of sunrise and sunset, but it’s also about the type of light we’re exposed to every day.

For us humans, modern life bombards us with “junk light” from glowing screens and overhead bulbs long into the night. This throws our internal clocks off-kilter, suppresses melatonin, disrupts sleep, and over time has been linked with fatigue, blood sugar imbalances, weight gain, mood changes - even neurodegenerative conditions.

And while our horses aren’t sat scrolling on smartphones, they are affected by how we manage their exposure to natural daylight.

Horses, light, and livery life

Seasonal routines often mean horses on conventional livery yards spend large parts of the day indoors – sometimes shut in barns or stables to avoid flies, keep out of the heat, stay in because it’s raining, often sold to us as ‘protecting the grass’ – which often says more about the yard management than true horse welfare.

I remember our own experience a few years back when we had to leave years of beautiful rented land (travellers took up camp in the field next door and thought our retired horses were theirs to ride). On the day we moved to a new (conventional, BHS-run) yard, our horses were then kept in due to rain… for 9 solid weeks. That single decision spiralled into weeks of enforced stabling.

I lost sleep night after night, lying there thinking of Murf and Carms locked up like prisoners for days on end. And no surprise - it blew their minds – turning my soppy dollop of a pony into a state of shut-down and depressed, while Carms opted for the fire-breathing dragon route.

No surprise really – horses can only stay gentle and soft when their basic needs are met. It’s a crazy situation – nothing short of a common, quietly accepted cruelty – with owners left frustrated, quietly voicing their angst together, yet still forced into quiet compliance with yard rules. We could not get off that yard quick enough.

We know that confinement for days on end is tough on equine physiology and psychology - and on the owners! While the intentions may be practical, the outcome is far from ideal: horses miss out on natural daylight, fresh air, and movement, which for them is an absolute need.

It’s not just about boredom or stiff joints, or box-walking and sharp pivot turns being the only movement they can make - their bodies, just like ours, run on internal clocks wired to the sun.

The science – daylight supercharges immunity

A new study from the University of Auckland (Wong et al., May 2025), published in Science Immunology and reported by Neuroscience News, has shed fresh light - quite literally - on the immune system.

Researchers discovered that daylight boosts the infection-fighting power of neutrophils , the most abundant white blood cells in the body. These “first responders” rush to infection sites and destroy bacteria.

Scientists found that while observing biological processes in real time, those neutrophils actually contain their own circadian clocks. Exposure to daylight synchronises these clocks, ramping up the cells’ ability to kill bacteria during daytime hours – precisely when the body is most likely to encounter infection during activity.

Key insights

�� Neutrophil clocks: White blood cells have internal circadian timers tuned by light.
⚡ Stronger by day: Immune responses peak during daylight activity phases.
�� Therapeutic potential: Targeting these cellular clocks could improve treatments for infections and inflammatory conditions.

It’s a powerful reminder that simply being outside in natural light strengthens immune defences.

What this means for our horses

For our equine friends, the parallels are clear:

Daylight matters. Natural light doesn’t just regulate coat growth and seasonal cycles – it plays a vital role in immune balance and resilience.
Movement and light go hand in hand. Horses are designed to roam outdoors during the day, not stand in artificial darkness for human convenience.
Shelter over stabling. It’s a no-brainer – instead of bringing horses in to “protect” them from weather or grass, providing adequate shelter (and rugs if needed) allows them to stay in sync with their natural circadian biology.

The takeaway

What seems so ordinary – being outside in daylight – is actually extraordinary for health, whether human and horse. Managing our horses in line with their biology, not against it, honours their need for light, movement, and freedom.

So next time the forecast says “rain,” perhaps we can remember: a horse’s immune system (and sanity) doesn’t care – it needs daylight, fresh air, and freedom to move – not confinement in a stable or an individual stripped-off postage-stamp ‘paddocks’ with no shade or shelter.

In short, the more we align with a horse’s biology, the better we're stepping up for their wellbeing.

FAQs

KPU in Horses - the possible reason behind why “everything’s wrong”?

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:31:21 GMT

Ever felt like your horse is the one where everything goes wrong?

A tendon injury one year, a mysterious cough the next, then laminitis, faecal water, itchy skin, poor hooves… and no matter what you try, nothing seems to stick?

You’re not alone - and it may be that your horse might be dealing with something called KPU .

What is KPU?

KPU stands for Cryptopyrroluria , often nicknamed the “disease of a thousand faces.” Why? Because it doesn’t look the same from one horse to the next. Instead, it hides behind a variety of issues that don’t seem connected - until you look deeper.

At its root, KPU starts in the hindgut biome . When the balance of microbes is disturbed (a condition called dysbiosis ), the hindgut stops producing enough of one vital nutrient: active Vitamin B6 (P5P) . Without it, the liver can’t complete its detoxification process.

And when the liver can’t detoxify properly? Toxins build up in the body, get stored in tissues, and cause problems everywhere.

Why haven’t you heard of It?

KPU is still relatively unknown in equine circles. Some vets and labs don’t yet recognise it, and testing is limited (currently only available in Germany). But more and more horse owners and practitioners are seeing the signs - and recognising the same pattern:

Horses with multiple overlapping issues
Cases where therapies and medications don’t seem to work
Problems that ease in winter but flare with grass season

Common signs of KPU

Because KPU manifests in so many ways, it’s easy to mislabel as something else. Some of the red flags include:

Persistent faecal water, diarrhoea, or gas
Mallenders/sallenders, sweet itch, mud fever, or unexplained skin flare-ups
Hoof problems: thrush, WLD, repeat abscesses, weak horn
Chronic cough that isn’t truly allergic
Intermittent lameness, back tension, or tendon/ligament swelling
EMS or laminitis cases that don’t respond to careful feeding or supplements

Sound familiar? You’re not imagining it.

Can It Be Fixed?

The good news: yes.

KPU isn’t genetic - it’s the result of a compromised hindgut biome. Which means it can be reversed by:

Restoring the hindgut microbiome (ad lib hay, no haylage, simple fibre-based feed)
Supporting detox organs (liver and kidneys)
Adding specific nutrients (zinc, MSM for sulphur, active B6/P5P, B12)

At EquiNatural, we also provide a structured KPU Reset Programme to guide the process step by step.

Final thoughts

KPU may be a mystery, but once you know what to look for, the puzzle pieces start to fall into place. If your horse seems to carry “ everything at once ,” it’s worth exploring whether KPU is the missing link.

Want the full deep dive? Head to our KPU Advice Page for all the science, symptoms, and support strategies.

Part 6: Nature’s Farmacy - how plants power immunity, resilience & repair

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 11:11:44 GMT

Sir Albert Howard said it best:

“When we feed the soil with artificials, it creates artificial plants, which make artificial animals, which make artificial people… kept alive by artificial medicine.”

Here’s the simple truth: real, whole food heals.

Plant sugars, in their natural fibre-wrapped matrix, are healthy fuel. But processed sugars stripped from their context become toxic – driving inflammation, disease, and metabolic dysfunction.

Modern medicine may extract a compound from a plant, manipulate it synthetically, and call it a wonder drug. But it often ignores the whole-plant synergy that nature evolved. That’s where the magic lies.

And when our horses are out of balance, they need that whole-food magic more than ever. Phytochemicals, antioxidants, minerals – they all work together to restore harmony. Grandma knew it. Your gut knows it. And our horses thrive on it.

Welcome to the final chapter of our Thrive & Shine July Blog Series . So far, we’ve explored the gut’s role in immune strength, the cellular engine room, inflammation, the microbiome, and the hidden toll of stress.

Now, we turn to nature’s original medicine cabinet – plants , and how they empower your horse’s health via nature’s own defence system. Horses have evolved to self-select herbs, roots, barks, and wild forage to rebalance, repair, and restore. Modern medicine may have its place, but nature got there first.

And that’s where this blog series finishes – by returning to the wild wisdom that fuels resilience, from the inside out.

Plant medicine isn't just nutrition - it's information

I say this often - we live in a toxic world, and so do our horses.

Pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, fluoride and chlorine in water, air pollution, electro-smog… all of these create biological stress. They disrupt cellular communication, damage DNA, and burden the detox systems. That’s why detox isn’t a trend – it’s a necessity.

The good news? Our horses have an internal dream team: the liver, kidneys, and lymph nodes – aka the 3 Amigos. Their job is to keep the system clean, clear, and calm.

All we need to do is support them. Feed clean. Detox gently. Fortify wisely. Trust the system.

Plants aren’t just food – they’re messengers.

Every herb, root, or hedgerow leaf carries bioactive compounds – the phytochemicals that tell the body what to do. Think of them as nutritional signals which:

Modulate inflammation
Repair tissue
Activate detox pathways
Support microbial balance
Soothe nerves and buffer stress

This is more than “natural is best.” It’s about cellular intelligence – how the body reads plant compounds and responds.

That’s the power of the Farmacy – nature knowing what it’s doing.

Diversity is the real defender

In the wild, horses graze from a vast buffet of plants: grasses, herbs, mosses, bark, hedgerow leaves…

In modern life? Not so much. Instead, they get monoculture grazing and manufactured feedbags.

The result? A weakened gut biome, poor fibre diversity, and a less resilient immune system.

It’s not just about what you feed – it’s about how varied the inputs are. The more phytonutrients your horse gets, the stronger the signalling between gut, immune system, and brain.

Nature’s three powerhouse compounds

Let’s meet the top three major players of the equine botanical world:

1. Polyphenols

Reduce inflammation
Feed the microbiome
Regulate immunity
Buffer oxidative stress

Think rosehips, hawthorn, dandelion root, burdock – and not forgetting the ‘oily herbs’ combo – oregano, rosemary, thyme – that make up our BiomeTonic .

2. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are abundant in the plant world – vitamins C and E, bioflavonoids, and compounds like resveratrol – the same found in red grapes and wine – act as the body’s internal clean-up crew.

Antioxidants protect cells from free-radical damage – supporting tissue repair and immune strength. You’ll find them in rosehips, nettle, lemon balm, and those oily herbs again, plus the daily carrot and apple treat? Both high in antioxidants as well!

3. Adaptogens

Adaptogens are amazing – they are herbs that literally help the body ‘adapt’ to stress, regulate cortisol, and restore systemic balance. We love ashwagandha, rhodiola, schisandra and reishi, to name a few.

Rewilding the feed bowl

The best part? You don’t need to add 20 powders. You just need to rewild the feed bowl:

Feed ad-lib meadow hay , not monoculture single grass species such as timothy
Rotate seasonal herbs – like our WildFed’s blend of tree barks and leaves, moss blends, and herbs
Let your horse browse on hedgerow herbs such as nettle, cleavers, dandelion leaves
Use BiomeTonic for everyday gut resilience

It's all about less hype - more hay. Less filler - more fibre. Let the wild wisdom do the work.

Nutrigenomics – when plants talk to genes

This is the cutting edge of today's nutrition. Science now confirms what herbalists have known for centuries – those plant compounds don’t just nourish, they communicate!

They can switch on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxification pathways – meaning we’re not just feeding our horses, we’re helping the body reprogramme its own healing instructions.

That’s why this final chapter matters. Nature’s pharmacy doesn’t just treat symptoms – it builds long-term resilience.

This is functional herbalism – grounded in science, powered by nature, and our p lant-powered protocol uses nature’s organically-grown best:

Adaptogens for adrenal support
Polyphenols for gut and immune signalling
Antioxidants for cellular protection
Herbal prebiotics to feed the microbiome

The takeaway – let nature do the talking

Health starts with the gut - immunity starts with the gut - vitality starts with the gut.

Our plant-powered C.A.R.E. Protocol is here to:

�� C leanse the gut and filtration organs

�� A ctivate digestion and immune defences

�� R egenerate with functional phytonutrients

�� E nergise the whole system from cell to spirit

And with that – we come full circle. Six chapters, one vision: to nurture your horse’s resilience, naturally.

If there’s one message from this series, it’s this:

Your horse doesn’t need more synthetic extras.
They need real food, real fibre, and real plant diversity.

Let hay, herbs, and hedgerow become your horse’s frontline defence – because diversity creates resilience, and plants bring balance. Nature, as always, provides the solution, and when we trust that bio-intelligence, we don’t just fix – we flourish.

�� That’s a wrap on our Thrive&Shine July Blog Series !
If you missed any parts, catch up here: Gut:Immunity:Energy Mini-Series Master Index – July Thrive & Shine Campaign

Thank you for joining us!

Part 5: Stress – the invisible saboteur of gut and immunity

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 10:47:31 GMT

The penultimate chapter in our Thrive&Shine series – how emotional and physiological stress quietly hijacks digestion, disrupts immunity, and keeps your horse stuck in survival mode.

This chapter bridges the gap between microbiome imbalance and full-body chaos – and shows the way back to balance through the C.A.R.E. approach. It’s powerful, protective, and packed with solutions.

Welcome to Part 5 of our Thrive & Shine July Blog Series , where we explore one of the most underestimated enemies of equine gut health: stress .

What if your horse’s health challenge isn’t what it seems?

We all recognise stress on the outside – but inside the body, it’s a very different story. Especially in horses.

The moment a horse perceives a threat – real or imagined – the fight/flight mechanism kicks in. The sympathetic nervous system floods the body with adrenaline and cortisol , redirecting blood flow to the muscles, heart and brain for survival.

In the short term, this system is miraculous. In the long term, it can wreak absolute havoc.

Stress is more than nerves- it’s biochemical

When we talk about stress, we’re not just talking about a spooky moment or a bad loading day.

We’re talking about a biological cascade – a chain reaction that affects the brain, hormones, gut, immune system, and energy production .

And here’s the kicker: Your horse doesn’t need to look stressed to be stressed.

Cortisol: friend and foe - how stress hijacks gut health

Stress triggers the fight-or-flight response, which releases the stress hormones – adrenaline (the survival hormone) and cortisol – the stress hormone.

Cortisol may be useful to help the body escape danger, but it’s catastrophic when it’s constantly elevated – because the body never gets to reset.

What happens in the body:

Digestion shuts down
Blood flow is redirected away from digestion
Gut motility slows or becomes erratic (leading to gas, bloating, or impaction)
Gut wall integrity weakens (hello leaky gut)
Microbial balance shifts (bad bugs love cortisol)
Immune signals become scrambled – triggering inflammation

The result? A horse that’s reactive on the outside, and inflamed on the inside.

Sound familiar? Chronic stress literally starves the gut of function , increasing the risk of:

Glandular and pyloric ulcers
Colic
Laminitis
Immune collapse

Chronic Stress = Chronic Inflammation

Long-term stress keeps the body in a catabolic state – breaking down tissue rather than building it.

This means:

Poor muscle development and topline
Poor hoof growth
Low resilience to viruses or allergens
Exaggerated reactions to triggers (e.g. pollen, contact, food)
Behavioural symptoms – from tension to shutdown

Sound familiar?

Stress also rewires the immune system

Research shows chronic emotional or physical stress does more than just bother the body - it changes it.

Triggers systemic inflammation
Alters gene expression
Suppresses immune response
Lowers the function of natural killer cells
Blocks DNA repair
Encourages rogue cell growth

The longer stress continues, the more exhausted the immune system becomes – leading to immunodeficiency , burnout, and vulnerability to illness.

This isn’t about ramping up killer T-cells. Immunity is a finely tuned orchestra, not a solo act. It needs:

Hormonal balance
Liver and kidney drainage
Healthy lymphatic flow
Restorative sleep
Cellular fuel (mitochondrial energy!)
And emotional safety

Your horse doesn’t just need to be “not stressed.” They need to feel safe , nourished, and in balance.

What counts as stress?

Here’s the thing – your horse doesn’t have to look worried to be under pressure.

Common equine stressors include:

Social isolation or herd anxiety
Ulcer history or gut discomfort
Travel, yard changes, competing
Overtraining or inconsistent routines
Poor sleep (yes, horses need REM rest)
Sensory stress (e.g. noise, weather, flies, poor lighting)
Emotional trauma or past abuse
Chronic pain or discomfort

Even being the “responsible” herd member can wear a horse down over time.

Stress and the gut – a two-way street

Stress weakens the gut. But a struggling gut also creates more stress. Why?

Bad gut bacteria help disrupt mood via the gut-brain axis
Inflammation irritates the nervous system
Nutrient deficiencies negatively affect calm neurotransmitters
Gut pain = bracing + tension = more stress

It’s a vicious cycle, but we can break it.

How to support a stressed gut

Stress may be invisible - but the effects aren’t. Neither is the power to change it.

That means:

Supporting the nervous system with calming herbs
Feeding the gut-brain axis with B vitamins and magnesium
Soothing the gut lining with marshmallow
Rebalancing microbes with diverse forage and targeted prebiotics
Reducing systemic inflammation with omega-3s and antioxidants

And equally as important: create calm routines and emotional safety. We come back to our trusty triad:

Alleviate : ease stress and tension with adaptogenic and nervine herbs
Detox : clear stagnation and toxin overload
Fortify : bolster the system with functional foods, antioxidants, and phytonutrients

Micronutrients rebuild the cells. Herbs soothe the system. And suddenly, the immune orchestra can play its music again.

EquiNatural’s approach – "calm" is a nutrient in itself

Our C.A.R.E. Protocol includes tools for emotional and physiological resilience:

�� Calming adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Schisandra, and Rhodiola
�� Nervine herbs like Valerian and Chamomile
�� Gut soothers like Linseed and Marshmallow
�� Mineral balancing with bioavailable magnesium
�� Tonic support for adrenal and nervous system recovery

Whether your horse is fizzy or frozen, they may be stuck in survival mode. Let’s help them come home to calm.

Coming Next: Part 6 – Nature’s Farmacy

In our final instalment, we’ll explore the powerful role of antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols – nature’s own medicine cabinet. Discover how herbs, roots, and forage diversity help buffer stress, balance the immune system, and create long-term resilience.

See you then ��

Part 4: Microbiome Magic - weed it, feed it, seed it

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 10:27:02 GMT

Meet the microbial masterminds running the gut:immunity show, and discover why fibre – not feedbags – is the real gamechanger.

Welcome to Part 4 of our Thrive & Shine July Blog Series , where we shine a light on the real rulers of your horse’s health – the gut microbiome.

It’s not just digestion - it’s intelligence

Inside your horse lives a colony of microscopic lifeforms - bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses – all working together like an underground city. This is the microbiome. And it’s not just a passive population - it’s the central control hub for digestion, immunity, metabolism, and mood.

Support it, and your horse thrives. Starve it, inflame it, or disrupt it - and the entire system begins to falter.

Let’s dive into what the microbiome is, why it’s the root of so many modern horse health challenges, and how to rebuild it with our favourite strategy: weed it, feed it, seed it.

What is the microbiome, really?

The microbiome is the vast, living ecosystem of microbes living in and on your horse – mostly bacteria, plus yeasts, protozoa, fungi and viruses – primarily in the hindgut.

They’re not just passengers along for the ride – they’re the engineers keeping the whole train running:

Digesting fibre which produces energy-rich byproducts
Manufacturing key nutrients (like B vitamins!)
Training the immune system
Regulating inflammation
Supporting gut wall integrity
Communicating with the brain and nervous system

In short? They’re running the show. But only when the friendly bugs outnumber the unfriendlies.

And here’s the problem: most modern horses live in a way that starves the good bugs and feeds the wrong ones.

Dysbiosis - when things go rogue

When the microbial balance shifts – too few of the good bugs, too many of the bad – we get dysbiosis , the root of:

Leaky gut
Low-grade inflammation
Poor nutrient absorption
Behavioural issues
Immune dysfunction
Gas, bloating, and loose droppings

This isn’t just about digestive upset. Dysbiosis ripples through the whole system – the good bugs diminish, and the bad bugs multiply. And with them comes inflammation, digestive upset, low energy, poor nutrient absorption, and autoimmune-type reactions – from hooves to hormones.

The microbiome & the immune system

Up to 80% of the immune system is produced by the gut biome – and sits just beneath the gut lining. When the microbiome is strong, it sends calming, clear signals to immune cells: "All is well."

But when dysbiosis strikes?

Gut wall weakens
Inflammation rises
The immune system panics
Leaky gut triggers autoimmune-type reactions

The result? A cascade of confusing, chronic symptoms that seem unrelated – but aren’t.

Why fibre is everything

We say it often, because it’s true: fibre is the food of the microbiome. The good bugs thrive on fibre - not cereal fibre, but the structural fibre found in grass stems and later-cut hay – cellulose and hemicellulose.

What disrupts the biome:

Sugar, starch, and ultra-processed feeds
Antibiotics and wormers (especially repeated use)
PPIs – Proton Pump Inhibitors, i.e. Omeprazole
Stress (travel, pain, separation, competition)
Poor forage quality or restricted access
Lack of variety – monoculture grazing = monoculture gut – like us eating just iceberg lettuce in a salad.

It’s a reminder that feeding the horse is not the same as feeding the biome.

How the microbiome supports immunity

A healthy microbiome acts like an internal surveillance and support team:

Produces butyrate , which powers cellular energy
Encourages regulatory immune cells (the peacekeepers)
Builds a strong gut lining

It’s why an out-of-whack gut often leads to exaggerated immune behaviours – from itching and allergies to recurring infections and laminitis.

What about probiotics?

Here’s where it gets interesting. Every gut biome is as unique as a fingerprint, and while probiotics sound like a fix-all, the truth is:

There are currently no equine-specific probiotics available that truly mimic the microbiome of the horse.
Most commercial strains are lab-grown for other species
What matters more is feeding your horse more probiotically, not just giving a probiotic

That means: nurture the species-specific bugs already living in your horse , and give them the food they love – grass forage fibre.

Test it?

You may have seen microbiome tests marketed for horses – send off some poo, get a printout of bugs. But:

They often only show what’s in the manure – not necessarily what’s happening in the gut wall
Many don’t reflect function – you might have the bugs, but are they doing the job?
There’s no universal “perfect” biome – it’s all about resilience and diversity , not hitting exact numbers

In many cases, signs like inconsistent droppings, recurrent inflammation, behaviour shifts, or skin/hoof issues tell us plenty.

Weed it, feed it, seed it - a functional reset

This isn’t just a theory – it’s the foundation of gut restoration. Our go-to strategy for microbiome rehab is simple, effective, and based in solid gut science.

Here’s how we bring the biome back into balance, the natural way:

�� Weed It

Gently clear the deck with bitter herbs and binders to reduce fermentative overload, and calm inflammation:

Remove inflammatory, ultra-processed feed which include fillers, starches, cereals, grains
Reduce chemical load
Clear toxins using gentle liver/lymphatic support

�� Feed It

Fuel the beneficial bugs with fibre-rich prebiotics and polyphenols (antioxidants).

Ensure adlib meadow hay is always available - diverse multi-grass forage fibre
Support digestion with WildFed, which mimics the diverse diet of wild horses, offering a variety of prebiotic roughage and phytonutrients, from barks, mosses, roots, and leaves.

�� Seed It

Encourage microbial diversity through varied fibre sources
Use prebiotics and plant compounds to support colony growth
Protect the GI tract environment with BiomeTonic, which supports natural resistance to pathogens and parasites.

The takeaway - fibre is the future

If you do one thing to help your horse’s gut, forget the fancy feedbags. Feed meadow hay, and prebiotic diversity with hedgerow barks, mosses, roots and herbs - just as nature intended.

Coming next: Stress—the Invisible Saboteur of Gut and Immunity

In Part 5, we’ll explore how emotional and physiological stress quietly shuts down digestion, inflames the immune system, and keeps your horse stuck in survival mode.

Balance the bugs, and you build a foundation for everything else. Until then, keep it simple: More hay – less hype. More fibre – less fillers.

The Fly Magnet Factor - the sweet smell of imbalance

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:43:01 GMT

Why flies favour some horses - and how to stop it from the inside-out

No question – the recent 33°C heat was brutal enough for us humans (especially those of us more Highland pony than hot-blooded Andalusian), but for our horses? It’s relentless, unnatural, and exhausting.

And then, to mock us further, enter the relentless flies – flipping thousands of them – and for our horses triggering everything from head-shaking and tail-thrashing to full-on stress responses.

Now cue that classic client question in our inbox :

“Why is my friend’s horse barely bothered by flies, and mine looks like he’s trying to audition for Riverdance?”

Simple answer? It’s rarely just about the flies – it’s about what’s attracting them (or not) in the first place.

The heat is on - and so is the stress

For our native breeds in particular, these muggy, airless conditions are miles away from their natural environment. Equally, for those livery horses stuck in tiny paddocks with little shade, or locked in a hot stable with poor air circulation, our horses aren’t just hot – they’re stressed.

Add in flies, and the misery reaches a whole new level. But here’s what many horse owners don’t realise: not all horses attract flies equally . And there’s a reason for that.

Flies love a biochemical party

When a horse sweats, they’re losing far more than water. Their sweat contains:

Sodium and chloride (salt)
Glucose (sugar)
Hormones, ammonia, urea and other metabolic waste - in other words, strong-smelling byproducts of protein breakdown, detox processes, and exercise. If the gut’s off balance or the liver and kidneys are a bit overwhelmed, the body might push more of those waste compounds out through the skin. And that’s like ringing the dinner bell for flies.

To a fly, this mix is irresistible. Salt is essential, and must be replaced in hot weather. But the real story lies in the sweetness and waste content. The more sugary, sticky, or toxin-laden the sweat, the more flies will swarm.

The biome-fly connection

Holistic equine vet Dr. Tom Schell puts it bluntly: flies are drawn to horses with internal imbalances. And a big part of that picture is the gut biome.

Horses with:

Dysbiosis (imbalanced gut flora)
Poor detox pathways
Sugar metabolism issues
Chronic stress

... are more likely to have fly-attractant sweat.

Toxic waste is usually excreted through the proper channels thanks to a healthy gut biome and liver being able to do their job properly, and not sending them out through the skin. But when those systems are under strain, the horse uses the skin to detox, and the flies come running.

" Fly control made simple, just by taking the digestive microbiome into consideration.”

Dr Schell

Dr. Schell observed this directly in his research herd. Same pasture. Same forage. The difference? The microbiome. Horses with balanced gut function and well-managed stress attracted far fewer flies. But the horses with hindgut dysbiosis, heightened stress, and heavier supplement loads were fly magnets, stomping and swishing - and movement can actually draw more attention from flies.

When he adjusted their diet and support protocols, the difference was remarkable: fewer flies, no sprays needed . Once their microbiome was rebalanced? Flies backed off, dramatically.

Common fly control pitfalls

Many fly solutions are palliative at best:

Topical sprays : Brief relief at best, max 1-2hrs – quickly lost to sweat or UV light.
Fly masks & sheets : Helpful but often impractical or easily removed – and… they don’t solve the root issue.
Feed-through IGRs : Feeding a supplemented ‘pesticide ‘daily? Risky. It harms the gut and often backfires, attracting more flies.
Garlic : Questionable palatability, high doses needed, plus garlic’s energetic is ‘hot’, so it adds heat to an already hot horse – not ideal.

The trouble is, many of these ‘solutions’ don’t just fall short – they can actually add stress, disrupt the gut further, or mask the real problem.

The EquiNatural approach: root-cause support

�� Salt – essential for hydration and electrolyte balance during heavy sweating.

�� SiboCARE – supports gut flora and healthy microbial balance.

�� Leakygut/faecal water? LeakyGutCOMBO – targets gut wall integrity and toxin load.

�� LKLCARE – helps clean up the clean-up crew - liver/kidneys/lymphatics - to clear metabolic waste efficiently.

�� StressTonic – for fly-triggered anxiety and heat-related stress responses.

Final thought - flies are messengers

Flies aren’t just a surface issue - they’re messengers of what’s going on inside.

If your horse is a fly magnet this summer despite all your efforts, it might not be about the flies at all. It could be a sign – and an opportunity – to restore balance from within.

Nurture the gut, nourish the liver, don’t forget the salt – and trust your horse’s body to do the rest, naturally.

Part 3: Fix the Cell to Get Well – the power of cellular nutrition

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:53:00 GMT

Why your horse’s true energy doesn’t come from a feed bag, but from within the cells themselves

You’re feeding well. You’ve ruled out ulcers. You’ve adjusted work. But your horse still seems flat.

Low energy isn’t always about obvious culprits like hormones or exercise load. Sometimes, the issues lies where we least expect: in the cells themselves.

This is where the real magic (or mayhem) begins – and it’s time we give those microscopic powerhouses the spotlight they deserve.

Welcome to Part 3 of our Thrive & Shine July Blog Series , where we shift gears from inflammation (Part 2) to cellular function – the engine room of your horse’s vitality, immunity, and performance. And when it comes to tired horses, sluggish systems, and the secret to vitality – it's time to talk mitochondria.

The energy crisis you can’t see

Does your horse seem flat, sluggish, or struggle with recovery – even with decent feed and turnout?

When we say “energy,” we often think of spark, stamina, or strength. But biologically, energy means something far more specific: the ability of your horse’s cells to function.

Every process in your horse’s body – healing, immune response, gut repair, muscle recovery – requires energy at the cellular level . And every cell in the body - be it a brain cell, muscle cell, or immune cell - needs a constant supply of energy to do its job. But if those cells aren’t fuelled properly, the whole system slows down.

We’re not just talking about calories. We’re talking about cellular energy metabolism – the kind of energy produced inside the tiny power stations of each cell - the mighty mitochondria. You need to get to know these tiny guys because these tiny powerhouses are the battery packs inside every cell – and when they’re drained, your horse feels it.

And if those batteries aren’t on full charge, the cells run down like a torch that goes out. So … we have to fix that cell to get well.

The mitochondria - where health happens

You’ve got trillions of cells in your body. Your horse has trillions more. And inside every one of them sit the mitochondria, amazing mini engines burning fuel from food and oxygen, converting nutrients into ATP – Adenosine triphosphate . I know – a weird name for the source of energy, or the body’s energy currenc y, for use and storage at the cellular level.

(Want the science? ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate – a molecule made up of a nitrogen base, a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups. And no, we’re not testing you!)

But here’s the catch: if the mitochondria aren’t functioning properly – due to inflammation, toxins, poor nutrition, or stress – then energy production plummets, just like that torch going out.

Symptoms of poor mitochondrial function?

Chronic fatigue
Poor recovery after work
Immune cells that can’t defend
Muscles that can’t move
The gut that can’t digest
The brain which can’t focus
Poor hoof and coat quality
Miserable moodiness

And no surprise – it ties right back to the gut. Because the vital nutrients that fuel all these functions need to be digested properly, absorbed efficiently, and delivered to the cells in the first place.

In other words, when the mitochondria are underfed, overburdened, or inflamed, the entire system slows down.

Where does ATP come from? Why feed alone isn’t enough

ATP isn’t just “in the food.” It’s made from food , once nutrients are properly digested, metabolised, and transported into the cell.

But it’s not just any food - it’s micronutrients that power this process:

Vitamins (B-complex, D, C, E)
Minerals (magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron)
Amino acids (proteins) for muscle repair and enzyme function
Essential fatty acids for cell structure, brain function, and heart health
Plant polyphenols (antioxidants) which protect the body by neutralizing harmful molecules (called free radicals), which damage cells and contribute to aging and disease

If these are missing, the cell can’t create energy - no matter how ‘complete’ the feed looks on paper. Even the best feed won’t help if:

The gut can’t absorb nutrients efficiently
The nutrients aren’t in bioavailable (asorbable) forms
The detox systems are overwhelmed
The cells are inflamed or oxidative-stressed

Which means - we need to feed the cells, not just the stomach.

And we can’t forget the vital role of the B vitamins – especially B6 and B12 – which play a crucial role in energy production by assisting enzymes in converting food into usable energy for the body. But here’s where it often goes wrong.

Buy them off the shelf and you’ll likely get synthetic, yet no matter how hard it tries, the equine liver will struggle to convert these into the required ‘activated’ forms that the body can actually use.

So what does the equine body do?

It manufactures it’s own B6 and B12 in the required activated forms – B6 as P5P and B12 as methylcobalamin . How? All created by those fibre fermenting bacteria from a healthy hindgut microbiome, which means … a hindgut microbiome in a state of dysbiosis won’t be producing these vital byproducts.

Collectively, these are the building blocks of vitality. Without them, the body can’t rebuild, protect, or perform.

The gut–cell connection

Here’s the kicker: mitochondria are regulated by the gut. They depend on:

Microbial metabolites (like butyrate from that fibre fermentation)
An intact gut wall for nutrient absorption
Minimal inflammation to prevent cellular damage

It’s easy to get fixated on protein, fat, or sugar levels. But it’s the micronutrients - those tiny, potent compounds - that do the real heavy lifting. They:

Switch on metabolic pathways
Power up mitochondria
Support antioxidant defences
Regulate cellular hydration

Without them, the cell slows, stutters, and shuts down.

This is why we always say: Fix the gut, and the rest follows . Because without a healthy digestive system, those ATP-producing nutrients simply won’t arrive where they’re needed.

From feed bag to cell wall – the journey of nutrients

Let’s trace the path:

Digestion : Starts in the foregut and continues in the hindgut with microbial fermentation
Absorption : Nutrients are taken through the gut wall into the bloodstream
Delivery : Nutrients are transported via blood to the cells
Utilisation : Cells use nutrients to create ATP and support biochemical processes

Any blockage along the way – poor digestion, leaky gut, sluggish detox function to get the bad stuff out – means your horse is running on empty.

How nutrition builds immunity

Did you know?

Zinc is vital for gut wall integrity and immune signalling
Magnesium is essential for over 300 cellular processes, including stress regulation
Selenium and Vitamin E protect cell membranes from oxidative damage
Metabolically active – not synthetic - B vitamins are needed to convert food into usable energy
Omega-3s reduce inflammation and help with cell membrane fluidity

When your horse’s cells are fed well, they can:

Repair faster
Detox more efficiently
Respond better to immune threats
Regulate inflammation
Support calm behaviour and better stamina

Signs your horse might be experiencing cellular fatigue

Low energy despite decent feed
Poor recovery after exertion
Inconsistent behaviour or focus
Skin or hoof issues despite supplements
Loss of top-line or poor muscling

These are all clues that something is breaking down before the symptoms show up on the surface.

The EquiNatural approach – Energise with C.A.R.E. - cellular nutrition in action

Meet the 'R' of C.A.R.E.

In our C.A.R.E. Supplement Protocol , this is where the R and E come into play. The R stands for Regenerate , focusing on:

Stabilising and regenerating the gut lining
Rebuilding the microbial terrain
Replenishing the cell’s nutrient stores

This is where the mitochondria come back to life. And it’s why we’re so passionate about herbs, inorganic minerals – I know – when it comes to minerals, inorganic vs. organic is the other way round (it's a chemistry thing), and bioavailable wholefood nutrients which provide the raw material cells actually recognise and use.

Now to the E = Energise …

We don’t just want your horse to cope. We want them to thrive – with fuel that works at the cellular level.

This includes:

Herbal adaptogens like Rhodiola , Schisandra , Astragalus – to support adrenal balance and oxygen uptake
Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps – for immune and mitochondrial support
Now to those inorganic mineral sources – absorption matters. When it comes to minerals, nature’s got the naming back to front. ‘Inorganic’ minerals are the natural, stable forms that horses evolved to digest. By contrast, lab-made ‘organic’ chelates can confuse absorption pathways, sneaking a mineral in via a synthetic Trojan horse – even when the body doesn’t need it – which risks oversupplementation and, in some cases, toxicity.
Antioxidants, and amino acids as building blocks

What does this mean for your horse?

If your horse:

Struggles with stamina or recovery
Feels flat despite a good diet
Has recurring immune or inflammatory issues
Seems stressed or anxious with no clear trigger

… it’s time to think cellular . Let’s not just feed for condition - let’s feed for function .

Final thoughts - the Big Picture: from cell to system

Cells form tissues. Tissues form organs. Organs form systems. Systems form your horse.

So when one cell struggles, the ripple is real. But here’s the good news: so is the recovery.

Flood the cells with real, bioavailable nutrition to fuel mitochondrial repair and energy.
Feed the gut bugs who deliver the message.
Watch your horse come back to life – steadily, sustainably, from the inside out.

Coming next: The Microbiome – Your Horse’s Inner Ecosystem - Weed It, Feed It, Seed It

Now that we understand how vital the cells are, it’s time to meet their primary regulators. In Part 4 we’ll explore the living world inside your horse – the gut microbiome which runs the show, where these trillions of microbes play a central role in digestion, inflammation, immunity, and even behaviour. And why fibre, not feedbags, is the real gamechanger.

See you there!��

Part 2: Inflammation – the silent fire behind chronic imbalance

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:45:49 GMT

Why inflammation is more than just pain, and how it quietly disrupts your horse's immunity, energy, and wellbeing.

When the immune system gets confused, it turns on the body instead of protecting it. And more often than not, inflammation is the smoke signal it sends .

Welcome to Part 2 of our Thrive & Shine July Blog Series , where we’re diving deeper into the inner workings of the immune system – and the fiery force that underpins almost every chronic condition we see in horses. Inflammation .

Introduction- when the body whispers before it shouts

We often think of inflammation as something loud – swelling, heat, pain. But what if the real issue is the kind we can’t see? The kind that brews quietly inside the body, disrupting hormones, dulling vitality, and confusing the immune system.

This hidden fire – chronic, low-grade inflammation – is the thread that ties together almost every condition: laminitis, allergies, metabolic disorders, gut issues, joint stiffness and skin flare-ups.

It’s one of the most misunderstood concepts in equine health. We know it when we see it – swelling, heat, soreness – but what we often miss is that inflammation is more than a symptom. It’s a signal.

Inflammation is the body's internal alarm system. It’s how the immune system - your horse’s natural defence mechanism - responds to injury, irritation, or imbalance. It’s not inherently bad - in fact, it’s essential for healing.

A scratch, a sprain, an infection? The body sends its immune army to heal the damage. This is good inflammation – short-lived, purposeful, and self-resolving.

But when the triggers are internal – the wrong food, stress, toxins, dysbiosis – the immune system can’t switch off. This is chronic inflammation : immune overdrive without an off-switch.

Acute inflammation = a fire drill
Chronic inflammation = the fire alarm that never stops ringing

Over time, this constant state of alert burns through the body’s resources, damaging tissues, exhausting immune cells, and paving the way for illness. And where does it usually start? The gut.

The food–gut–inflammation kink

Inflammation is a biochemical ripple effect. What your horse eats, how it’s digested, and how the microbiome responds – all of this determines whether the immune system stays calm or gets confused.

Feeds rich in starches, molasses, or junk fillers can disrupt the microbiome, triggering gut irritation, which sends alarm signals to the immune system. Cue inflammation.

Multiply that by every feed, every day – and you’ve got a recipe for long-term immune dysfunction.

The gut wall – your horse’s internal firewall

Right underneath the lining of the gut wall lies the bulk of your horse’s immune system – a surveillance army of immune cells watching for invaders.

When the gut wall is strong and healthy, it acts like a secure border – keeping the good stuff in, and the bad stuff out.

But when it’s inflamed, irritated, or damaged ( hello, leaky gut ), that barrier becomes permeable - where fluids can leak through. Undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria start to leak into the bloodstream.

The immune system reacts in panic:

�� It mounts an attack on these intruders.

�� It mistakes harmless substances for threats.

�� It starts to misfire, and sometimes even turns on the body’s own tissues.

Cue cellular damage - allergic reactions, metabolic issues, muscle soreness, skin flare-ups, and a whole lot more.

Inflammation is a messenger, not the enemy

Inflammation isn’t just about pain or heat. It’s a whole-system signal that something is off. Here are some of the common signs your horse may be dealing with chronic inflammation:

Ongoing skin issues or sweet itch
Recurrent laminitis
Low energy or behavioural/mood swings
Digestive upsets – bloating, faecal water
Stiffness or sore muscles
Immune reactivity – allergies, sensitivities, autoimmunity

Many of these are written off as separate issues, but when we dig deeper, the thread connecting them is inflammation. These signals are the body’s way of saying, “I’m inflamed. Something’s off.”

The conventional approach? Suppression - antihistamines, steroids, painkillers. Meanwhile, the fire underneath continues to burn. We need to cool the fire – not just silence the smoke alarm.

‘Fixing the gut’ isn’t a trend – it’s a necessity

You’ll hear it again and again at EquiNatural: fix the cell to get well . But to do that, we must first fix the gut. Why?

Because gut inflammation leads to leaky gut
Leaky gut allows toxins into the bloodstream
The immune system detects danger and escalates its response
Inflammation becomes systemic

This is how one problem becomes many - one gut imbalance can lead to whole-body disruption.

The clean-up crew - your horse’s liver, kidneys, lymph & detox pathways

When inflammation kicks in, it leaves waste behind – cellular debris, dead pathogens, inflammatory byproducts. Time for your horse’s natural detox team:

Liver – processes toxins, filters blood, regulates immune function
Kidneys – eliminate waste via urine
Lymphatics – drain inflammation and maintain fluid balance

But - if waste keeps leaking through a compromised gut wall, the clean-up crew can’t keep up. That’s why in our C.A.R.E. Protocol , we always start with a Cleanse – because if you don’t clear the terrain and open up the exit routes, nothing else can work.

Rebalancing the fire – the role of the microbiome

A balanced gut microbiome is your horse’s best defence against runaway inflammation:

A healthy microbiome trains the immune system to recognise the real threats, keeping pathogens in check.
When the hindgut bacteria ferment the dietary fibre from your horse's forage, they then produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) - butyrate , propionate and acetate - which help to strengthen the intestinal barrier, which is a crucial defense against harmful substances entering the bloodstream. They do this by enhancing the production of soothing mucus and tightening junctions between the cells in the gut lining, helping to modulate inflammation.

But - sugar-laced feeds, chemical wormers, antibiotics, stress, and poor forage can decimate the good bugs and let the bad guys take over – leading to dysbiosis, irritation, and immune confusion.

Plant power - nature’s anti-inflammatory farmacy

Inflammation isn’t irreversible. In fact, the body is constantly trying to repair itself. And the best support we can give it? Species-appropriate f ood that calms, not junk food that confuses.

Nutrient-dense, fibre-rich nutrition does three things:

Repairs the gut lining
Reduces systemic inflammation
Feeds beneficial microbes

And if we need extra help, herbs shine – because nature knows how to fight fire with fire . Plants are full of polyphenols – antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress and guide the immune system back to balance.

�� Turmeric – regulates cytokine activity - signaling proteins that help control inflammation in the body
�� Boswellia – supports joint and tissue comfort
�� Liquorice root – soothes mucous membranes
�� Marshmallow Root – gut wall repair & soothing demulcents
�� Reishi mushroom – immune-modulating adaptogen (blended into our VitaBoost , EnergyCARE , LymeCARE )

When used as part of a targeted protocol , these allies help calm the immune system, soothe the gut lining, and restore harmony.

What does this mean for your horse?

If your horse is showing signs of:

Low energy
Recurring skin or hoof issues
Digestive upsets
Chronic stress or tension

… inflammation could be the missing piece.

That’s why our C.A.R.E. supplement protocol is built to gently unwind inflammation by:

Cleansing the filtering systems
Activating digestion to stabilise microbial balance
Regenerating the gut lining and nutrient pathways
Energising the immune system at the cellular level

This is where true resilience begins.

Coming next - Fix the Cell to Get Well – the power of cellular nutrition

In Part 3 of our series, we’ll go deeper – because energy doesn’t come from a bag of feed. It comes from within the cells themselves, where we explore how micronutrients build your horse’s defence system from the ground up.

Until then, here's your takeaway – inflammation isn’t the enemy. It’s the clue. Decode it, support the system, and your horse can thrive from the inside out.

See you in the next instalment ��

Part 1: The Gut-Immunity Connection - why it matters more than ever

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 18:01:12 GMT

A functional medicine perspective on the gut:immunity axis, and how to nurture true vitality from the inside out.

When it comes to your horse's health, there's one truth we can no longer ignore: it all starts in the gut. From allergies to autoimmunity, from chronic fatigue to metabolic stress, the root of resilience lies far deeper than we think.

At EquiNatural, we believe the gut isn't just a digestive pipework system. It's your horse's primary immune defence line, emotional processing centre, and energy factory. And when it's out of balance? Everything else follows.

That's why we created our plant-powered C.A.R.E. Immunity Protocol :

Cleanse the digestive system, the filtration organs, the circulatory systems, and the waste exit routes
Activate healthy digestion and microbial function
Regenerate the gut wall, tissues, and microbiome
Energise the entire immune response, right down to the cells

Why? Because true immunity doesn't come from symptom-chasing. It comes from rebalancing the system at its source.

Immunity isn't a fortress, it's an ecosystem

A few decades ago, the immune system was still poorly understood. Today, we know it doesn't just live in the white blood cells or lymph nodes.

And yet we’re told to focus on the symptoms – itching, bloating, stiffness, reactivity, mood changes. But all these signs point upstream to the same source: a struggling immune system.

Immunity isn’t just about fighting off colds. It’s a complex, intelligent network that constantly scans for threats, manages inflammation, clears out toxins, repairs cells, and maintains balance.

But here’s the catch: your horse’s immune system doesn’t work in isolation. It’s fed, trained, and regulated by the gut. That’s where 70-80% of immune cells are produced and housed. And when the gut isn’t happy – due to stress, toxins, inflammatory feed, or imbalance – the immune system becomes overwhelmed, confused, or underpowered.

That’s why we say:

Without immunity, you’re fighting with no army. Without nutrition, you’re fighting with no weapons.

Your horse's immune system is an integrated web that includes:

The gut microbiome
The liver, kidneys, and lymphatics
The lungs, skin, and mucous membranes
The nervous and hormonal systems

And most critically, it's influenced by what goes in the mouth . Food isn't just fuel. It's information that tells your horse's immune cells what to do.

The gut:immunity axis - what science is telling us

Right beneath the thin lining of the digestive tract sits a powerful immune surveillance network. If that gut wall becomes inflamed or compromised (leaky gut), toxins and undigested proteins can seep into the bloodstream.

The result? A red-alert immune overdrive that triggers everything from itching and bloat to ulcers, laminitis, and autoimmune flare-ups.

The gut is where information meets immunity. And when the microbiome is happy, the immune system responds with clarity and calm.

Why fibre is the forgotten hero of equine immunity

Here at EquiNatural, we've always said: feed the gut bugs, not the feed bag.

The microbes in your horse's hindgut thrive on long-stem, cellulose-rich fibre from stemmy grass/hay. In return, they produce:

Essential nutrients
Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) that power energy
Metabolites that regulate inflammation and mood

But swap that out for sugar-laced, filler-packed processed feed and you're not just feeding the horse - you’re feeding the wrong microbes. Dysbiosis creeps in. Energy tanks. Immune function wobbles.

From inflammation to immunity - the food-microbe-immune triad

When we talk about inflammation, we're not just talking about heat and swelling. We're talking about an internal fire that spreads when the gut microbiome is off balance.

Inflammation is the bridge between diet and disease. And it's why gut restoration - not gut suppression - needs to be our focus.

Your horse’s gut microbes aren't passengers - they're partners. And like any good partnership, when you feed them well, they thrive. And when they thrive? So does your horse.

Meet our C.A.R.E Immunity Protocol for immune resilience

The immune system is only as strong as the environment it operates in. That’s where our C.A.R.E. framework comes in – a plant-powered approach to:

Cleanse : Reset the system by gently clearing toxins, supporting liver and kidney function, and balancing the gut microbiome.
Activate : Fuel digestion with gut-stimulating bitters, prebiotic herbs, and motility boosters.
Regenerate : Tone the gut wall, rebuild the microbiome, and bring in the botanical big-guns - phytonutrients, antioxidants, minerals - to repair, module and rebalance immune activity at the cellular level.
Energise : Feed the cells what they need to fuel immunity and vitality - support mitochondrial health, circulation, adrenal resilience, and oxygen delivery to sustain energy and recovery.

Each step draws on functional medicine principles - treating the root, not just the symptom - because when you clean the terrain, reset the gut, and nourish the cells, the body knows exactly what to do. Thrive.

Each part of this protocol addresses a vital stage in your horse’s inner ecology, and across the coming weeks, we’ll break it all down, because resilience isn’t built overnight. It’s built from the inside out.

Coming Next: Inflammation - the silent fire behind chronic imbalance

In Part 2 of this series, we’ll unpack what inflammation really is, why it’s not just a symptom but a signal - and how your horse’s immune army responds.

Until then - a reminder that immunity isn’t about just fighting infection. It’s about creating a body your horse can live well in.

Stay tuned ��

Gut:Immunity:Energy Mini-Series Master Index – July Thrive & Shine Campaign

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 18:01:03 GMT

Explore our 5-part blog series revealing how gut health and immunity are deeply connected, and how you can help your horse thrive, naturally.

Welcome to our Thrive & Shine July Blog Series , where we’ll be diving into one of the most important, yet often misunderstood, foundations of equine wellbeing: the gut-immunity axis. Whether your horse struggles with allergies, fatigue, stress, laminitis, or just isn’t ‘quite right’, the first place we always look is inside – to the gut, and the immune system it powers.

�� Part 1: What’s gut got to do with it?

The gut is more than just a digestive tube – it’s where 70%+ of the immune system lives. In this opening chapter, we reveal why the gut is the command centre of your horse’s health, and how inflammation starts when this vital system is out of balance.

→ Read Part 1

��️ Part 2: Inflammation – the silent fire behind chronic imbalance

No matter the illness, one root cause almost always shows up: inflammation. In this post, we explore what the immune system really is, how it’s connected to the gut, and the organs that make up the ‘Immunity Alliance’ – from lymph to liver. Because without immunity, you're fighting with no army.

→ Read Part 2

Part 3: Without nutrition, you’re fighting with no weapons - fix the cell to get well

Your horse’s immune system can’t run on empty - low energy in horses starts at the cellular level. Discover how gut health, mitochondria, and nutrients power true vitality from within.

→ Read Part 3

Part 4: Microbiome Magic - weed it, feed it, seed it

Meet the microbial masterminds running the gut:immunity show, and discover why fibre – not feedbags – is the real gamechanger.

→ Read Part 4

Part 5: Stress – the invisible saboteur of gut and immunity

Chronic stress is one of the most overlooked threats to immune health. Discover how the fight-flight response shuts down digestion, affects nutrient uptake, and alters immune cell behaviour.

→ Read Part 5

Part 6: Nature’s farmacy – that's farmacy with an F

Nature always had the answers. In our final chapter, we highlight how antioxidants, plant compounds, and detoxification pathways protect your horse from environmental stress, inflammation, and oxidative damage.

→ Read Part 6

Let’s help your horse thrive – from the inside out.

PSSM2 in Horses - understanding the latest science

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:36:45 GMT

Making sense of a muddy diagnosis – and how to help your horse feel better, naturally

If you’re here because someone mentioned PSSM2 or MIM and your brain is quietly melting… you're not alone.

Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) is one of the most confusing muscle-related conditions in the equine world — and it’s not getting simpler anytime soon. The good news? You don’t need a definitive label to start helping your horse. You just need clarity, clean support, and a calm place to start.

Let’s break it down.

What is PSSM2?

Short version: PSSM2 isn’t one thing.
It’s an umbrella term for a group of muscle issues where horses show similar symptoms (tightness, stiffness, fatigue, muscle wasting), but test negative for the PSSM1 gene .

You might also hear it called MIM (Muscle Integrity Myopathy) — especially in German-speaking regions — but that’s just a new name for the same mystery.

Is PSSM2 a real condition?

Yes — but not in the “one gene, one test, one fix” kind of way.
PSSM2 can include:

Muscle fibre damage
Delayed recovery after exercise
Overreaction to sugars
Tension and cramping
Possibly even issues with calcium handling

And here’s the big one: no single genetic cause has been proven . Despite what some test providers claim, studies by top equine researchers (like Prof. Stephanie Valberg) show that these genetic variants don’t correlate with actual disease.

Healthy horses can test “positive.”
Affected horses can test “negative.”
Muscle biopsy remains the only reliable diagnostic tool — and even that has limitations.

So if the science can’t give us clear answers… what can?

What actually helps?

Simple, targeted, consistent management. Here’s what’s been shown to work - and what we’ve seen transform horses time and again.

Feed the fibre

Low-sugar hay (<10%, ideally <6%)
No cereals, no molasses, no high-fat mueslis
Fibre-based protein (e.g. sainfoin) only if needed
A balanced mineral supplement (selenium, Vit E, magnesium, zinc, etc.)

Some horses may need support with gut inflammation too — especially if you’re seeing digestive sensitivity or tension around the girth or lumbar area.

Move the muscles

PSSM horses often look lazy - but they’re just tight, sore, or confused by the signals their bodies are giving them. What they really need is daily, consistent movement .

Aim for sweat-inducing work (ridden or in-hand)
Avoid long rest periods with rich feeding
Be patient — reconditioning a sore horse takes time
Some horses (especially MFM types) may need a more tailored training plan

Support the cells

This is where PSSMFlex was born - to gently support the muscle cells in doing their job.

What’s inside:

Cramp Bark – for muscle calm and spasm support
L-Glutamine – to fuel and repair tired muscles
Acetyl L-Carnitine – to help the muscles convert fat to energy inside the mitochondria

No fillers. No fluff. Just functional plant and amino acid support, the EquiNatural way.

You don’t need a label to take action

That’s the takeaway. You don’t need to wait for a genetic result, a referral, or a muscle biopsy to support your horse with:

A clean, forage-led diet
Daily movement
Gentle, targeted muscle support

Over 80% of warmbloods with suspected PSSM2 see improvement with these basics alone. And if your horse has already been diagnosed with a variant? The same principles apply - minus the panic.

Where to next?

Explore PSSMFlex – our herbal + amino muscle support blend
Visit our full PSSM Advice Page – with client stories, feeding tips, and in-depth support
Have questions? Just get in touch . We’re here to help you and your horse figure it out together.

Muscle Matters - what human protein research can teach us about equine muscle health

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:47:25 GMT

Support your horse’s muscle health, naturally

When we think of muscle, we tend to picture movement - galloping across fields, lifting hay bales, or in our horses' case, powering through a schooling session. But muscle is far more than strength and locomotion. In both humans and horses, muscle is central to health, vitality, and even longevity. And, as research from the Institute for Functional Medicine shows, one nutrient stands at the heart of muscle resilience: protein .

In a compelling seminar I attended last year, Dr. Donald Layman, a leading voice in protein metabolism, shared why muscle health deserves a starring role in any wellness plan - and how protein plays a foundational part. His human-focused insights are deeply relevant for equine wellbeing too. Here’s what we can learn.

The hidden powers of muscle

Muscle isn’t just about motion - it’s our metabolic engine. Dr. Layman explains that muscle health influences:

Glucose and fat metabolism
Cardiovascular strength and vascular health
Mitochondrial efficiency (think energy production)
Immune resilience and recovery

Sound familiar? In horses, muscle health impacts topline, stamina, metabolic flexibility, and even thermoregulation. A loss of lean mass isn’t just aesthetic - it’s a clue that deeper systems may be struggling.

Aging, illness, and muscle loss

As we (and our horses) age, maintaining muscle becomes harder. Dr. Layman describes this as a two-part challenge:

Gradual lean mass loss with every decade (around 4%)
"Catabolic crises" — sudden events like illness, injury, or stress that cause sharp muscle loss

Older horses recovering from box rest, laminitis, or chronic metabolic issues often struggle to regain muscle. It's a biology thing, and without targeted support, rebuilding lost tissue is near-impossible.

It’s not just about protein quantity…

...It’s about quality . Dr. Layman emphasized that it’s not the grams of protein that matter most, but the essential amino acids they provide - particularly leucine, threonine, methionine, and lysine.

Many commercial horse feeds tout high protein numbers but lack bioavailable amino acids. Bulk fillers, low-grade seed meals, and poor digestibility mean your horse could be eating protein without getting what they need to build and repair muscle.

The protein–carbohydrate balance

In humans, excess carbohydrates relative to protein can trigger metabolic dysfunction. Dr. Layman linked high-carb diets to insulin resistance, weight gain, and inflammation - especially with age.

Equine takeaway? Many modern feeds are carb-heavy and protein-poor. Horses prone to EMS, laminitis, or weight gain need not just fewer sugars, but better-quality protein to maintain lean mass and metabolic balance.

Timing matters too

One of Dr. Layman’s most compelling points was the impact of first-meal protein . After an overnight fast, the body is in a catabolic state. A protein-rich breakfast shifts it back into repair mode. For older adults, this window is crucial.

With horses, that morning bucket matters too, especially for aging or metabolically challenged horses. A protein-dense, low-starch morning feed can kickstart metabolism and support muscle retention.

Practical tips for equine protein support

�� Choose feeds with declared amino acid content (look for lysine, methionine, threonine)

�� Support digestion with herbal allies - bitter herbs and liver support can improve nutrient absorption

�� Consider spacing protein intake or targeting post-exercise recovery windows for feeding

�� Don’t forget the seniors - older horses often need more protein, not less, due to ‘anabolic resistance’ (where the body's tissues, particularly skeletal muscle, become less responsive to stimuli that would normally trigger the anabolic processes, such as muscle protein synthesis)

The bottom line?

Protein is more than a building block - it’s a metabolic maestro. Whether you’re managing an aging companion, supporting a rehab case, or simply optimising your horse’s long-term health, the right protein strategy can make all the difference.

Let’s move beyond numbers on a feed bag and start feeding for function . Muscle matters - and now we know why.

Still Feeding Biotin for Hooves? Here’s why you shouldn’t

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:59:10 GMT

Why biotin isn’t the magic fix we thought it was

Biotin gets a lot of hype for hooves - but it’s not the cure-all we thought. If your horse struggles with hoof quality, it’s far more likely down to low protein, poor-quality forage, lack of essential nutrients like zinc, copper and methionine, or gut health issues.

Most horses should make all the biotin they need in their gut. Feeding synthetic biotin on top - especially as a standalone - is often unnecessary and sometimes counterproductive. Instead, we should focus on the full nutritional picture.

Where the biotin story started

Biotin, a sulphur-containing B-vitamin (B7), plays a role in cell proliferation and keratin production , which forms the structural protein of the hoof wall. Because of this, supplementing biotin became a popular strategy to try and improve hoof health. Some early studies (notably Reilly et al., 1998; Josseck et al., 1995) did suggest that 20mg/day of biotin over a long period (5 months to 3 years) might correlate with improved hoof horn growth and strength.

But let’s pause there. Those studies were:

Small in scale (often 8-10 ponies)
Long-term (changes seen only after months of consistent supplementation)
In very controlled environments
And didn’t always account for other contributing factors like diet, amino acids, fatty acids, or the horse’s gut health.

What’s more, they used synthetic biotin – which brings us to the next question mark.

Synthetic biotin: an inefficient, expensive add-on

Most commercially available biotin is synthetic, and here’s the kicker - horses are designed to synthesise their own B vitamins, including biotin, via hindgut fermentation.

So, if your horse is:

On a fibre-rich, forage-based diet
Has a healthy microbiome
And is not grain-loaded or on high-starch feed

… then they're already producing all the biotin they need . Deficiency is rare.

If hoof quality is poor, more often it's a marker for systemic issues - poor gut health, low-grade inflammation, immune stress, or imbalances in key co-factors like amino acids, sulphur, and essential fatty acids.

What actually builds a healthy hoof?

Your horse’s hoof is:

90% protein on a dry matter basis
Composed largely of keratin , which depends on methionine and lysine amino acids
Reinforced with sulphur bonds , requiring nutrients like MSM and cysteine (methionine converts to cysteine)
Protected by a fat-rich outer wall, reliant on omega-3 EFAs

So instead of focusing on isolated biotin, a better strategy is to nourish the hoof from the inside out , using:

Amino Acids

Methionine
Lysine
Cysteine supported by MSM

Essential Fatty Acids

Supplied sufficiently if your horse is on 24/7 growing grass (summer), but if on hay or winter pasture, feed micronised linseed to compensate for the EFA losses

Functional Co-Factors

Zinc (for keratin formation)
Copper (for crosslinking collagen)
Sulphur nutrients ( MSM )

The risks of overdoing biotin

More is not better. Oversupplementation of biotin can interfere with:

Natural homeostasis
Insulin release (slowed)
Vitamin C and B6 levels (reduced)
May increase blood sugar levels (a red flag for EMS/IR horses)

There’s no evidence to support mega-dosing beyond 20–30mg/day - yes you read that right - milligrams , as in a micro dose. Furthermore, being a water-soluble vitamin, any excess is simply urinated out. It’s not only a waste of money - it may actually skew nutrient balance.

What to feed instead?

EquiNatural's VitaComplete -our forage-first, hoof-friendly formula that ticks every box.

Support your horse’s hooves the natural way with full-spectrum nutrition to grow strong, resilient hooves from the inside out. No synthetics needed.

VitaComplete in action

“ After trying a trial bag she loved the VitaComplete and licks the bowl clean every time! It gives me peace of mind that my mare is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals that she needs - her coat is lovely and shiny all year round and my trimmer noticed a big improvement in her feet. Overall a great product that I would not be without. ”

FAQs

Q: Does biotin help horse hooves?

A: Not always. Most horses synthesize biotin naturally in the hindgut. Poor hoof quality is more often linked to protein deficiency, poor forage, or nutrient imbalances - not a lack of biotin.

Q: What nutrients support healthy hooves in horses?

A: Key nutrients include methionine, lysine, cysteine (via MSM), zinc, copper, omega-3 fatty acids, and sulphur - all essential for keratin production and hoof strength.

Q: Can you feed too much biotin to horses?

A: Yes. Excess biotin may slow insulin release, reduce other B vitamin levels, and elevate blood sugar - especially risky for EMS/IR horses.

Q: How long does biotin take to improve horse hooves?
A: Clinical studies suggest 5–12 months, but only under specific conditions. However, true results require full nutritional support, not biotin alone.

Q: What causes poor hoof quality in horses?
A: Common causes include low protein, insufficient amino acids, poor-quality forage, systemic inflammation, and poor gut health - not just biotin deficiency.

The Truth About Carbs - what every EMS horse needs you to know

Mon, 19 May 2025 11:00:43 GMT

Demystifying carbohydrates, digestion and diet for better metabolic health

When you've got ultra-processed food mostly made from commodity crops - wheat, corn, soya, turned into food-like products that bear little resemblance to any evolutionary diet, these addictive, nutrient-depleted foods not only make the body sick, but drive cravings for more and more more food-like substances, as the body desperately looks for the missing nutrients."

Dr Mark Hyman

Horses are naturally grazing, grass forage-based animals, thriving on a diverse array of forages, which contain both structural carbohydrates (fibre and fructans) and non-structural carbohydrates (sugars and starches).

Yet when we think of 'carbohydrates', for many of us that word immediately brings 'sugar' to mind, then 'energy', and then - almost automatically - ' problems '! After all, when it comes to equine diets, carbs have earned a bit of a bad reputation. They're often blamed for everything from weight gain to laminitis, and the advice to 'go low-carb' has become almost gospel among horse owners managing metabolic issues.

And yet. Every piece of food contains carbohydrates - there's no way to avoid them.

Let’s rethink

What if avoiding carbs entirely could actually be doing more harm than good? Let’s take a closer look, starting with the basics.

What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates aren’t just about sugar. They’re a diverse group that includes everything from simple sugars like glucose and fructose, to the fibrous components of forage that are essential for your horse's gut health. Without carbohydrates, the delicate balance of your horse’s microbiome - the trillions of microorganisms that keep their digestion running smoothly - can falter.

In a nutshell:

• Simple carbs (like glucose/fructose) are quickly absorbed, spiking blood sugar and triggering an insulin response.

• Complex carbs are long-chain sugar molecules that take longer to digest, resulting in slower glucose release and a more balanced insulin response.

Why fibre is more than filler

Fibre is also a carbohydrate – and arguably the most essential one for your horse’s gut health. It includes soluble forms such as mucilages, and insoluble ones like cellulose and hemicellulose. Fibre is vital for keeping the hindgut healthy, supporting the microbial populations and maintaining digestive motility - fibre intake keeps the bowels moving and the faeces moist and easy to move.

When ‘low-carb’ misses the point

I remember a great piece by a nutritionist who made a really insightful point: when we cut out carbs, we sometimes forget what else we’re eliminating along the way. He joked about those TV ads urging diabetics to check their blood sugar after eating a perfect plate of spinach and veggies, when the real culprit was the sugary dressing and fizzy drink on the side!

Similarly, a curvy friend of mine has been doing their best to dump the carbs, yet can’t resist a daily stop at Costa for a deluxe coffee topped with 5000-calories' of flavoured syrup ...

The same pattern sometimes shows up with our metabolic horses. We often get messages from well-meaning owners on the hunt for super low-NSC hay, yet their feedbowl is brimming with mueslis, flavoured chaffs (there's a heavily molassed chaff out there coming in at 17% sugar, seriously), supplements full of artificial sweeteners and synthetic nutrients, and carrots galore, while beloved Ned is meanwhile stuck on a dry lot with zero movement.

When labels don’t tell the whole story

Equally, you'll find some commercial ‘low-carb’ feeds still contain binders, flavourings or synthetic additives that can undermine gut health and confuse the metabolic picture.

What’s often missed is that nearly every EMS horse we see has an imbalanced gut biome - yet they’re often deprived of the very fibrous, natural nutrition their bodies were built to thrive on. Make no mistake - many of today's so-called 'low carb' feeds we pick up from the feed merchant can overwhelm the liver – not just with sugars, but those synthetic additives, sweeteners, and binders the body has to work hard to clear.

These horses need more than low-carb labels - they need metabolic support from the ground up. When gut health falters, the liver ends up with even more detox work to do, including sugar regulation and hormonal balance. That’s why supporting the liver in mid-spring is so important, for both digestion and hormone metabolism, as well as the detox pathways that underpin true metabolic resilience.

Which brings us to one of our seasonal spring staples …

Why LiverCARE?

�� Supports the liver’s role in regulating blood sugar

�� Aids in hormone metabolism – especially useful for mares

�� Gently helps clear inflammatory by-products from the system

And it’s not just EMS horses. A quick link to our recent blog on navigating our mares springtime mood swings, her seasonal hormonal surges can feel even more intense if the liver isn’t clearing hormones efficiently. That’s why LiverCARE and MellowMare can work beautifully in tandem – supporting the body’s two key systems for hormonal calm.

This isn't about blame - it’s more about gently shifting the focus to what truly supports our horses' metabolic health. Sometimes, despite our best intentions, the horse gets worse, not better - until we step back and reassess the bigger picture.

For horses prone to metabolic issues, it’s easy to fall into the 'low-carb' mindset. But while limiting excessive starch and sugar intake is the obvious route to take, obsessively chasing low-NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) feeds can be counter-productive.

Here's why:

Forage first: Your horse's primary diet should always be forage, whether that’s pasture or hay. And guess what? Forage naturally contains carbohydrates. Even the so-called "low-NSC" options still provide sugar and starch. The key is quality and balance , not elimination.

The grain dilemma – to feed or not to feed? Grains have long supplemented the equine diet, especially when grass or hay quality is lacking, or energy demands are high. The issue arises when grains are fed in excessive amounts, bypassing small-intestinal digestion, which means ...

Excess starch will overflow from the small intestine into the hindgut, triggering faulty fermentation, bacterial imbalance, hindgut acidosis, inflammation - and laminitis.

The main offenders

Recent trends toward those 'low-carbohydrate' feeds are a response to this issue. But the trade-off is that they're jammed with bulk fillers, which don't make for pretty reading - everything from:

�� Apple Pectin - sounds fruity, but this soluble fibre triggers lactic acid in the hindgut, disrupting microbial balance and fermenting in all the wrong places.

�� Beet Pulp - a sugar imposter. It tricks the metabolism into thinking sugar’s coming and cue's sugar cravings (just try weaning a horse off beet), spiking insulin and driving fat storage. NB. Even unmolassed beet carries 7% sugar residue.

�� NIS (Nutritionally Improved Straw) - softened in caustic soda to make straw more edible, but straw’s not a food, and this certainly isn’t natural grass forage that the equine gut evolved to digest.

�� Oatfeed & Wheatfeed - just dusty milling leftovers – no nutritional value, just cheap fillers that irritate more than it nourish.

�� Pea Protein - a modern “clean” protein? Not quite. GMO, highly processed, with increasing reports of allergenicity and inflammatory risk.

�� Rice Bran - 30% starch – that’s higher than oats. Plus, it comes with a high carbon footprint and oxidative instability.

�� Soya - GM. Pro-inflammatory. Heavily processed. Linked to hormone disruption. Make no bones - there's nothing good here. Just say no. (And there’s no shortage of all-things-soya reading material if you want the deep dive.)

�� Vegetable Oils - bleached, refined and deodorised PUFAs, promoting inflammation rather than offering true energy. Still bafflingly recommended by vets.

Want more proof? We've got this whole sorry subject detailed in full in our What's really in Those Feedbags? page. In short, always, always check your feedbag's ingredients.

Smart carb feeding: how much is too much?

Instead of focusing on cutting carbs, let’s aim to feed them intelligently.

Here’s how:

Know your numbers: Research suggests that horses should consume less than 2-grams of starch/kg BW per meal to avoid overload. For particularly sensitive horses, this drops to 0.3–1g/kg BW.
Prioritise high quality forage: Ensure your primary nutrition comes from high-quality, nutrient-dense grass forage. Avoid poor-quality hay that offers little nutritional value.
Support the hindgut microbiome: Your horse’s hindgut health plays a huge role in how they process and utilise carbohydrates, with fibre-rich diets supporting a robust microbiome. Fermentable fibre feeds the beneficial bacteria, helping to maintain a balanced microbiome, while maintaining gut motility and preventing colic and laminitis.
Exercise and movement: Encourage exercise and turnout to reduce obesity risk and metabolic complications.

The real problem? It's not just carbs

Many owners, driven by fear of carbohydrates, switch to low-quality forage or overly restrictive diets, inadvertently creating nutritional deficiencies and microbiome imbalances. Metabolic conditions won't improve with low-quality hay and artificial supplements alone.

A balanced approach - that includes thoughtful carbohydrate management, quality forage, fibre-rich feeds, controlled grain usage, and regular exercise - is key.

Bottom line, it's about balance and moderation. Carbohydrates aren’t inherently bad - they’re actually essential. Problems arise from misunderstanding or overfeeding. Each horse is unique, and feeding strategies must reflect individual needs.

Remember:

Focus on quality rather than simply "low-carb."
Understand your horse’s starch and sugar tolerance levels.
Provide balanced nutrition from natural sources, not carb-heavy, refined, artifical, processed feedbags.
Grass forage fibre - cellulose/hemicellulose - is a beneficial carb, found in hay stems or long standing grass.

Beyond the numbers – whole-body management

Managing a horse with insulin resistance, laminitis, or other metabolic challenges requires more than just a 'low-carb' feed. Overly restrictive diets can deprive these horses of the nutrients they need to heal and thrive.

A few considerations:

NSC isn’t the whole story - low-NSC hays are often nutrient-poor and don’t support long-term health. Instead, focus on overall dietary balance, including minerals, protein, and fibre.
Rethink dry lots - movement matters. If pasture isn’t an option, consider strategies that encourage your horse to move and graze naturally, like track systems or hay nets placed strategically around their environment.

What’s next?

The conversation around carbohydrates is far from over. While they’ve been painted as the bad guys, the truth is more nuanced. When fed thoughtfully, carbohydrates are a vital part of every horse’s diet, supporting not just energy needs but gut health and overall vitality.

Let’s continue making informed, compassionate choices that reflect the individual needs of our horses. After all, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution - just the thoughtful art and science of feeding horses appropriately - and wisely.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our companion blogs on Spring Hormonal Balance for Mares and What’s Really in Those Feedbags? to keep building your horse’s healthiest spring routine.

FAQs

Q: What are the best carbohydrates for horses with EMS?
A: Fibre-rich forages like hay with a low NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) content are ideal. Avoid high-starch grains and molassed feeds.

Q: Can horses with insulin resistance have any sugar?
A: It’s all about moderation and context. Natural sugars in forage are necessary for gut health. The key is managing sugar load per meal.

Q: How does liver health affect hormones in mares?
A: The liver metabolises and clears hormones, so supporting the liver helps reduce hormone buildup and related behavioural issues.

Q: Is it okay to feed grains to a metabolic horse?
A: Metabolic horses do better on high-quality forage and fibre-based energy sources.

HERB NERD - Barleygrass – nature’s green gold

Fri, 16 May 2025 09:18:53 GMT

Barleygrass isn’t just horse food - it’s a powerhouse of nutritional intelligence

Barleygrass might look like a humble green, but don’t let appearances fool you. This young leaf - harvested in its nutritional prime - is packed with chlorophyll, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. In this Herb Nerd deep dive, we explore how barleygrass can support your horse’s health from digestion to detoxification and beyond.

Not all barleygrass is created equal

At EquiNatural, we only use certified organic Barleygrass Powder grown in the clean, mineral-rich soils of New Zealand, benefitting from one of the purest agricultural environments on earth. The result? A vibrant, nutrient-dense green powder with exceptional quality, potency, and integrity - just as nature intended.

Our Barleygrass plants are harvested when the young leaves are at their most nutritionally rich and fertile phase. The leaves are then cleaned, dried, and milled into a fine powder, retaining its natural fibre content and full spectrum of nutrients in a wholefood form. The whole leaf powder brings additional fibre benefits and remains a fantastic source of chlorophyll, enzymes, and antioxidants - ideal for daily support, especially in horses with delicate digestion.

Nutritional profile: a natural multivitamin

Barleygrass contains:

Vitamins A, C, E, and K
B-complex vitamins (including folate)
Essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc
Chlorophyll—nature’s blood builder
Digestive enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and cytochrome oxidase
Amino acids (including 8 of the 9 essentials)

It’s like feeding the body's cells a green smoothie made by Mother Nature herself.

Functional Medicine spotlight: why barleygrass matters

From a functional perspective, barleygrass ticks several vital boxes:

Detox support - Its chlorophyll content helps bind and escort toxins out of the body, particularly heavy metals.
Alkalising power - Modern diets tend to skew acidic. Barleygrass supports pH balance, helping reduce systemic inflammation.
Cellular energy & repair - Rich in enzymes and antioxidants, it helps protect cells from oxidative damage while fuelling mitochondrial function.
Gut support - Its prebiotic properties and digestive enzymes help feed beneficial gut flora and enhance nutrient absorption.

For horses dealing with inflammation, poor detox capacity, stress, or recovery needs, barleygrass offers a deeply supportive green boost.

Barleygrass for horses - when and why?

We often recommend barleygrass as a gentle daily tonic or as part of a broader functional support protocol. It’s especially helpful for:

EMS/IR horses (as a nutrient-dense, low-NSC green support)
Gut health programmes (paired beautifully with probiotics or bitters)
Skin and coat support
Horses on restricted grazing needing access to green nutrients
Recovery from illness or antibiotic use

It’s nutrient-rich but gentle, making it a great ally even for sensitive types.

In summary? A little green goes a long way

Barleygrass might be modest in appearance, but don’t underestimate its impact. This vibrant green offers systemic support from cell to skin, gut to liver, and it’s a quiet champion in many of our formulations. Think of it as a nutritional nudge toward vitality, resilience, and balance - something every horse (and human) can benefit from.

Ready to add a little green gold to your horse’s routine?

Our certified organic Barleygrass Powder is available as a standalone supplement - or as one of the star ingredients in VitaBoost , our nutrient-dense blend for everyday vitality and resilience. Because sometimes, the simplest greens offer the deepest nourishment. ��

Why sweet itch isn’t just an allergy

Fri, 09 May 2025 14:17:43 GMT

The real root cause, and why managing the gut, liver, and kidneys holds the key

Image: Nothing posed here - our MacAttack in real world sweet itch on a wet muddy summer day, 2022

If you’ve ever owned a horse with sweet itch, you’ll know – it’s more than just an itch.

It's truly the worst of all skin torments. The relentless rubbing, raw patches and open wounds, mane and tail wreckage – it’s enough to drive any horse (and owner) to distraction. And I speak from experience, having cared for two chronic sweet itch sufferers – our Kelso and MacAttack.

For years, sweet itch was chalked up as a hypersensitivity to midge saliva – a classic allergic reaction. Yes, midge bites play a role, but today we understand that the immune reaction is just the tip of the iceberg.

We now know that sweet itch stems from a much deeper dysfunction – a metabolic condition known as Cryptopyrroluria (KPU). If you’re not familiar with it, KPU is a multi-metabolic detoxification disorder that disrupts the gut-liver-kidney axis. We’ve got a full page on it over on the website – link below.

�� Enter KPU: The root behind the itch

At EquiNatural we’ve seen time and again that sweet itch is one of the clearest manifestations of KPU – a multi-system detox dysfunction rooted in a disturbed hindgut biome.

A Gut-Liver-Kidney Metabolic Traffic Jam

A massively disturbed hindgut biome triggers inflammation in the intestines. This sets off a hyperactive immune reaction to various environmental triggers – in this case, midge bites – triggering a rush of allergen-related toxins. The immune system floods the body with histamine and other anti-allergy compounds, and the liver – which should detox these – becomes overwhelmed by the toxic flood.

The liver calls for backup – which means the kidneys are next in line. But when the toxin queue gets too long? The kidneys pass the baton to the skin as an emergency detox route.

And that’s where the trouble really begins.

The skin, now forced into being the body’s primary detox organ, starts excreting inflammatory substances through the sweat glands and skin fats, which in turn induces intense itching.

We know fly rugs help – fewer bites, fewer symptoms. But in many cases, even in winter, some horses still scratch. Why? Because the problem isn’t just the midges. It’s the internal pressure cooker pushing those toxins out through an exit route they shouldn’t be using.

NB. We also see this pattern in Mallenders/Sallenders, which share the same underlying imbalance of gut, liver, and kidney function. (Spoiler alert – we’ll be talking about this in June with a nod in our June Sale.)

The only real way forward? Address the gut-liver-kidney axis with a targeted regeneration programme – just as we do in our KPU protocol.

Straight from the Expert – A Deep Dive with Dr Christina Fritz

In a training case study I attended a few months back with equine health expert Dr Christina Fritz, the sweet itch puzzle was laid out in forensic detail. Bottom line? Sweet itch = KPU.

The early life gut connection

KPU often starts early – even from birth. If a foal’s dam doesn’t have a healthy gut microbiome, the foal may struggle to establish one too – especially since a foal’s first biome is largely inherited by eating their dam’s faeces. But even more disruptive is the widespread use of antibiotics in early life.

When a foal develops a serious infection, the choice is often stark – antibiotics or euthanasia. Of course we choose antibiotics. But it’s crucial to understand that this life-saving intervention can permanently alter the gut’s development.

Antibiotics block the establishment of the foal’s foundational gut biome — the wall-bound microbial community that supports metabolic health for life. Even with perfect care later on, these horses often remain metabolically fragile, struggling with KPU symptoms and never fully recovering gut integrity.

When biotransformation breaks down

The liver doesn’t detox per se – it transforms toxins so the kidneys can eliminate them. In KPU, this biotransformation process has been disrupted (driven by that disturbed hindgut biome), leaving fat-soluble waste to build up.

Normally, the liver converts fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms that the kidneys can excrete. But in KPU horses, this process is impaired – so the toxins get stored in fat tissue or excreted via the skin.

Two types of itchy horses

Dr Fritz explained that there are actually two kinds of itchy horses, both tied to systemic overload:

Classic Sweet Itch : Rubs mane, tail, back, and belly.
Pseudo Sweet Itch : Scratches neck, chest, flanks – often where they sweat most.

The pseudo cases are often kidney-driven. Sweat glands work with the kidneys to excrete water-soluble toxins, but when these toxins are highly acidic, they irritate the skin – much like vinegar on a scratch.

Classic sweet itch cases, meanwhile, seem to involve fat-soluble toxins. Some breeds have more skin fat glands along the midline, which becomes the route of excretion. Another reason to need feed liquid oils into the feedbowl - you’ll directly see the effects on the skin.

The skin always mirrors the soul

Add in trauma (especially in imported horses) and emotional stress can tip the system further out of balance. Dr Fritz always recommends trauma support alongside gut-liver-kidney care.

So, what helps?

First: Don’t just treat the skin. Treat the systems.

A true sweet itch plan needs to:

Stabilise the gut microbiome:
our KPUCOMBO (gut stabilier stage of our KPU Reset Programme )
Support liver transformation function:
P5P (initially blended into our KPUCOMBO for the first month then fed independently. Also available on subscription to help keep cost down)
Relieve pressure from the kidneys
LKLCARE (second stage of our KPU Reset Programme - tonifies the liver:kidneys:lymphatics)
Consider emotional trauma as part of the picture
optional StressTonic

Equally, herbs such as those in our SwItchTonic play a vital role in lessening the itch and supporting this drainage pathway, but for long-term resilience? A full KPU regeneration programme will be the most effective route forward.

Final thoughts

Sweet itch might look like a skin problem, but the skin is just the messenger.

Behind the scenes, a complex interplay between the gut, liver, and kidneys is crying out for balance. With the right tools – diet, appropriate phytonutrients, lifestyle, emotional care – we can gently guide the body back to better function, one layer at a time.

I was too late to truly help Kelso other than manage his symptoms, but MacAttack got the benefit of the KPU research. 15-months later he was a reformed boy, so much so that he became just Mac, and we never looked back ��

KPU therapy reveals a gradual improvement over three years:

Year 1 : Scratching persists, but you may see slight improvement.
Year 2 : Onset is later, and scratching is less intense.
Much less intense for Mac
Year 3 : The itch often resolves entirely.
Mac still gives his bum an occasional rub on a tree, but nothing like the intensity of his previous self, and never hard enough to break the skin. NB - we have religiously kept him on MetaTonic and SwItchTonic from spring till early winter, with an LKLCARE at every coat change. He also gets BiomeTonic to keep his gut function steady.

Above all, consistency is key. Maintain a healthy diet and microbiome, and avoid triggers like haylage which can rapidly undo any progress.

Sweet itch is frustrating and complex, but not hopeless. With today’s knowledge, a healthy dollop of long-term patience, and a whole-horse approach, sweet itch can be reversed, but you need to be in it for the long-haul.

�� Explore our full KPU page here .

HERB NERD - May’s horse-led foraging favourites

Thu, 08 May 2025 09:01:26 GMT

Support from nature’s own spring pharmacy – one nibble at a time

For centuries, us humans counted on spring’s nutrient-rich plants for food and nourishment after the long winter’s hungry gap, but our horses were in on the secret way before us - you try and stop Murf hoovering up the dandelion leaves at the mo!

Here are some horse-friendly favourites to spot this spring:

Hawthorn – the heart’s favourite

Known as the Lady of May, hawthorn is one of spring’s most beautiful and symbolic trees - blooming in time-honoured May Day tradition and steeped in folklore and superstition. But it’s not just pretty - hawthorn’s blossoms, leaves and berries are celebrated for their powerful heart-supportive properties and a gentle nervine. A herb of the heart in every sense - physically, emotionally, and energetically.

Horses love nibbling the almond-flavoured flowering tops in spring, instinctively drawn to its support for circulation and emotional calm – for us humans the flowers are lovely added into a cooling gin and tonic. Hawthorn is one of EquiNatural’s major staples on the shelf, the berries into our CalmTonic and HarmonyTonic , with the flowering tops & leaves into wherever circulation needs to keep moving, i.e. SwItchTonic , JSTTonic , LKLCARE and LymphCARE . Plus providing beneficial prebiotics, both go into our WildFed .

Ox-Eye Daisy - a pretty face with powerful benefits

Who knew the humble daisy would be one of the best-tasting wild flowers? With its cheerful white petals and sunny yellow centre, the daisy isn’t just a pretty face – it’s a gentle yet powerful herb with a long folk history. Traditionally used to support the lungs, soothe coughs, and ease tension, it’s also mildly bitter, helping nudge sluggish digestion. Horses will happily nibble the flowers when foraging, and us humans get to use the buds as capers. Springtime in floral form – simple, soothing, and quietly effective.

Dandelion – spring’s ultimate detoxifier

Bright, bold dandelion is a powerhouse of spring renewal. The whole plant is medicinal - horses instinctively nibble its bitter leaves and those spirit-lifting flowers to support liver, kidneys and digestion - Murf is currently hoovering up dandelions right now, flowers and all! The older and larger the leaves get, the more bitter they become - and right now, bitter herbs are a must-have to stabilise digestion due to the rich spring grass disrupting the gut environment. Add in shifting toxins, stimulate bile to digest the EFAs, and restoring vitality after a long winter, dandelion is a proper first-aid plant for the spring shift.

No surprise, dandelion leaves and roots feature in so many of our blends as a proprietary supporter in all our liver and kidney range, as well as GutBitters , B12-Balance , and so many more.

Fat Hen (aka Lamb’s Quarters, Goosefoot, Pigweed…)

So many names for one humble plant! Fat Hen ( Chenopodium album ) thrives in poor soils, drought-tolerant, and found happily loitering in hedgerows, ditches, and disturbed ground – you’ll find it alongside just about every farm track. Horses will happily browse its young shoots, while us humans can eat the flower tops like purple sprouting broccoli. Rich in minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, it’s one of those wild greens that quietly supports vitality from the ground up.

Chickweed - the anti-itch all-star

One of my all-time favourites, chickweed is small but mighty - and your horse knows it, because sometimes the littlest herbs pack the biggest punch!

This juicy little ground herb is one of the first to pop up in spring, jammed with nutrients and offering potent anti-itch, anti-inflammatory, and lymph-supporting properties. Helping clear internal heat, soothe irritated skin, and support detox pathways, it's no wonder it’s a favourite for sweet itch sufferers. We blend it into our SwItchTonic and LymphTone (together with the renowned combo of calendula and cleavers).

Cleavers - nature’s drainage tonic

The sticky little straggler of the hedgerow, cleavers is one of spring’s most generous plants for lymphatic health. Horses will purposely seek it out, knowing its cooling, cleansing properties will help shift sluggishness and puffiness as the seasons change. Traditionally used to 'clear the tubes', cleavers gently supports the lymph, kidneys and skin – a classic choice for detox and drainage. Fresh is best, and horses love it straight from the hedgerow.

Cleavers features in our lymphatics range and so many other of our blends when we need to get the toxins out.

Nettle – nature’s multivit

Don’t be fooled by the sting – it’s said to stimulate serotonin! (But as for throwing yourself into a rampant overgrowth to get a hit ... I wouldn't recommend it!)

Nettle is one of the most nutrient-dense herbs in nature - a true powerhouse and a staple in too many of our blends to list here. Rich in numerous minerals including calcium, chromium, magnesium, iron, silica, and protein-building amino acids – not to mention vitamins A, C, and B1 – it’s a brilliant tonic for hooves, coat, kidneys, circulation, and overall spring vitality.

Our Cookie used to nip the tops straight from the plant, but Murf (and most other horses!) prefers it cut and wilted. Think of it as nature’s own multi-vitamin, growing right under our noses.

A few words of caution

As always:

Take care – some plants have poisonous look-alikes, i.e. cow parsley and hemlock.
Avoid sprayed or contaminated verges.

Happy spring foraging!

Forage mindfully, support naturally – and let your horse show you what they need ... ��

From Flirty to Full-On - navigating your mares' spring hormones

Sat, 03 May 2025 13:52:10 GMT

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of our mares - our gorgeous girls with a seasonal twist in their tails

The very essence of mare-ness is that they know exactly when spring arrives!

Mares experience their reproductive cycles in tune with the seasons – spring, summer, and autumn, resting in winter, nature's way, guided by the circadian rhythm's influence, and as the days get longer, their hormones kick in and start telling them to find a mate!

But as we all know, this also brings out their unpredictable side, everything from moody and distracted to plain mean and aggressive. - a natural, if challenging aspect of mare care.

Wild vs. domestic - a tale of two lives

Here's an interesting point though. Consider our wild mares – they live in the company of a permanent herd with a stallion; they come into season in early spring, they find a suitable mate, they’re then in foal for 11 months. They foal, they nurse, then before you know it spring's back round again - it's time to yet again seek out the best stallion to produce the best foal.

This is how it's meant to be, and for our wild mares their year from spring to spring usually involves only one ‘season’. The rest of the time they're busy doing what nature intended for them, with the physiological state that causes repeated menstrual symptoms simply not occurring.

Contrast this with our domestic non-breeding mares, who face repeated cycles without the outcomes nature intended. They’re neither in the company of stallions in spring, nor are in foal for the entirety of the summer, autumn and winter. So, factor in a continuous rolling 21-day oestrous cycle throughout pretty much 3-seasons of the year, plus all the day-to-day changes in a domestic regime - workouts and exercise, performance and competition, stabling and restricted turnout, feed and management changes, horse companions moving on etc etc - and it’s no wonder that their hormones are disrupted, which will inevitably lead to behavioural shifts.

Nature expects only one or two fertile seasons, followed by pregnancy, birth, and nursing. The more seasons our mares have without a pregnancy, the more chance there is that they will have seasonal behaviour that us humans consider 'challenging'.

For most of our domestic mares, they also have either very limited, or no access at all to any male horses. In any domestic herd, one horse will take on the role of boss, and in our mixed domestic herds, it can be either a gelding or mare. It doesn’t necessarily mean bullying the herd; it’s more about keeping the herd safe, dealing with intruders, moving the herd, standing guard while others sleep and so on.

A mare will soon recognise that the geldings in their herds aren’t behaving like stallions, and leave them alone after a while. However, come spring, it's said that the sex-drive hormones are so strong in mares that she will actively search for a stallion. Rather than being a wallflower she’ll check out every new gelding she meets, and very often that gelding will be able to bring her into season unexpectedly.

( And no – it’s not just about stallions gatecrashing after midnight! Statistics show that mares kept in same-gender herds escape more often in search of a stallion, compared to their mixed-herd peers. ��)

Managing mare care – a balancing act

We don't want to change the natural process but more to work with it, ensuring our non-breeding mare’s comfort and well-being, and thus making life more manageable for us. Integrating them naturally into a stable, mixed herd, will significantly benefit her biorhythms. That said, I completely get that we can only work within the environment that we have, me included.

Practical tips for hormonal support

Diet can be the foundation that helps balance our mares’ hormones, and the first step involves removing the bad stuff, i.e. for us human girls, we know that sugar, caffeine, alcohol, stress and lack of exercise all contribute to worsening PMT and the menopause. It's a cast-iron given that imbalances in our hormones are triggered by bad food. If we eat sugar, we’ll produce more insulin, more estrogen and more testosterone. Then there are food sensitivities; many horses are sensitive to alfalfa, and antibiotics - plus environmental chemicals such as pesticides in the air and in food - act as powerful hormone disruptors. Keep a check in case your mare's been exposed to local crop-spraying.
There’s plenty we can do to supplement intelligently . Vitamin D and the B-vits help balance estrogen, so make sure there's plenty of skin exposure during turnout, and adlib meadow hay to nurture the hindgut biome, in order to produce the vital activated B6 and B12 the equine body needs.
Ensure calcium levels in grass/hay are balanced to phosphorous and magnesium – calcium needs magnesium to balance the energy, with too-high calcium meaning fizzy and unpredictable, which could easily be misinterpreted as mare-ish. Prebiotics, natural antioxidants, and the anti-inflammatory omega-3 (by way of linseed), can all help to balance hormones.
Consistent herd dynamics - maintain a stable herd to support psychological well-being.
Understanding and patience - recognise the signs of oestrous and adjust handling and training accordingly.
Exercise - it’s well documented for us human girls that when we exercise, PMT symptoms lessen, so a gentle, stress-free trail ride, with a bit of fun thrown in, could go a long way to improve symptoms.
Stress – chronic stress can trigger or exacerbate hormonal imbalances, and it doesn’t stop there. Any kind of ongoing stress, whether mental or physical, compounds upon itself, resulting in significantly affecting the immune system where every systemic response is linked. This triggers a negative cascade on the whole system, which finally ends up in a poorly functioning state.

Our own mares

We’ve been so fortunate with our mares. Cookie was as mellow as they come - she didn't blink at spring, and Pops came to us deeply stressed, but settled so well after responding brilliantly to MellowMare, and we never looked back. But Carmen? Our TB herd queen? Let’s just say, spring made her... expressive! Especially when she was near handsome boys! Thank all the goddesses for MellowMare and a fearless husband, while I stayed well back!

That said, it seems those days are gone now, as Carms is now 19 and so snuggly, without showing any signs that she's interested in a fabulous selection of very handsome chaps on our yard!

Final thoughts

Our mares are incredible beings – powerful, sensitive, and deeply attuned to the rhythms of nature. While seasonal shifts can stir up some challenges, with a little insight, smart nutrition, and calm, consistent care, we can help them feel more comfortable and settled.

If your mare needs a little extra support during her hormonal highs and lows, we’ve got you covered:

�� MellowMare – our go-to hormone-balancing herbal blend (also available on subscription)
A soothing daily blend designed to help balance hormonal behaviour without dulling your mare’s spirit.

Helps manage seasonal hormone swings
Supports emotional and behavioural steadiness
Contains traditional hormone-calming herbs like chasteberry and cramp bark

�� Valerian Tincture – for fast-acting calming and antispasmodic support
A handy liquid herbal to ease acute stress or tension.

A potent supporter for anxiety, tension, muscle spasms
Useful as a gentle sedative
NB: check your regulatory guidelines for Valerian use if competing

The good news? Whatever your mare’s temperament, there’s always a natural way to support her.

Spring Grass and Metabolic Mayhem – understanding EMS & IR

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:11:39 GMT

How to support your horse’s metabolic health through smart, simple changes this season

And so it begins – the great green grass explosion of spring. But while it may look lush and lovely to us, for many horses it spells metabolic mayhem.

Enter Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Insulin Resistance (IR) – two common conditions that are fast becoming the poster features for modern equine health challenges. And the tricky part? They’re the result of a disconnect between our horse’s ancient physiology and today’s rich, sugar-laden pastures.

But here’s the good news: with the right knowledge and a few targeted strategies, there’s so much we can do to help our EMS horses thrive.

EMS and IR – more than just a weight issue

EMS and IR are often misunderstood as conditions affecting only overweight horses. In truth, they’re much more than that – they represent a deeper metabolic imbalance that disrupts the horse’s endocrine system. Think of it like a metabolic traffic jam, with insulin – the hormone that manages glucose – getting less and less effective at doing its job.

The result? The pancreas pumps out more insulin to compensate, leading to high insulin and glucose levels in the bloodstream. Over time, this can trigger a cascade of health issues – with laminitis being one of the most serious red flags.

Signs like fat pads, a cresty neck, or hoof sensitivity aren’t just cosmetic – they’re the tip of a much deeper iceberg. But the earlier we spot them, the more we can do to help.

Why modern grass is a metabolic misfit

Our horses evolved to graze sparse, fibrous forage across vast landscapes. What they didn’t evolve for? Standing in a small paddock munching on neon-green grass bursting with simple sugars and starches. Please don't think for one minute I'm criticising those who are on livery yards doing this very thing - I'm in the same boat. Once very happy renting 7-acres with our own shelters, mud slabs, cobbled together track system and hay stations, we were then invaded by travellers and had to get out quick. Of course a track system yard would have been the solution but we're not all lucky enough to live near one, and I couldn't be more grateful to the lovely team at our livery yard who took us in on the spot.

Thing is, today’s UK grasslands are rich, fertile – and problematic. They provide more energy than most horses need, especially those in light work or on restricted exercise. Add in limited movement, and we’ve got a recipe for carb overload in horses whose bodies simply can’t cope with it.

We call this ‘carb intolerance’ – and managing it means doing all we can to mimic the low-sugar, high-fibre grazing patterns nature intended.

Three smart strategies that make a big difference

I’ve walked this same path myself. My own metabolic challenges with my horses started in 2001 with my then 7yo Connemara, Murphy, who was immediately diagnosed with IR. A few years later we took on our much cherished gypsy cob pony, Cookie, who came to us with a crest the size of a small country (she was later diagnosed with Cushing’s aged 14). Finally, cut to 2017 when we adopted MacAttack, a once semi-feral cresty thug turned metabolic-management success.

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:

�� Forage first – No surprise - grass intake needs careful control. Prioritise quality high-fibre hay over the neon-green, and a feedbowl carrier such as meadow grass cobs. We all know that soaking hay can help reduce sugars, but no more than 1-hour tops, and make sure to rinse thoroughly – the soaking liquor is toxic and shouldn’t go down the drain, so expecting your horse to ingest it on his valuable fibre source is asking for trouble. Equally, slow feeders below chest height are excellent for mimicking natural grazing.

�� Lifestyle adjustments – Movement is key for metabolic horses. Gentle, regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps with weight management. A simple electric-post track system, or strategically placed hay stations can encourage natural movement. Grazing muzzles can help too – unless you’ve got a MacAttack who houdini-d his way out of his within 5-minutes and hung it very neatly on a nearby branch.

�� Targeted nutritio n – Support your horse with a balanced mineral supplement to address the well-known deficiencies in our UK forage. And don’t overlook leptin resistance – a common issue in EMS/IR horses. Acetyl L-Carnitine (Alcar) can be a powerful ally here, helping to regulate appetite and support more effective metabolic balance.

The big picture – support, not struggle

Managing EMS and IR can feel daunting at first – but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. With patience, a few smart strategies, and a willingness to work with your horse’s biology instead of against it, metabolic health becomes something entirely manageable.

Our horses may live in a modern world, but their bodies are still wired for the wild. When we understand that – and adapt accordingly – we can make a world of difference to their health, comfort, and happiness.

We’ve got this.

�� Explore our full EMS/IR support page .

Are Parasites the Root Cause of Your Horse’s Symptoms?

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:51:49 GMT

Beyond worms: the hidden connection between parasites, toxins, and chronic symptoms

If you’ve followed us and our blogs over the years, you’ll know that I’ve talked a lot about multiple mystery health symptoms and the importance of resetting the inner engine at cellular level to reverse those symptoms.

And yet it still goes on - in our fast-paced domesticated horse world, chronic health problems seem more widespread than ever. But what if the root cause of these mystery symptoms - like fatigue, joint pain, and digestive issues - could be traced back to a surprising relationship between parasites and toxins?

In this blog we're going to be exploring the world of parasites, and why they keep our horses stuck in a cycle of mystery health symptoms. When these mystery long-term health symptoms go unchecked, they turn into real medical diagnoses - fatigue and low energy, mood and behavioural changes, autoimmune allergy reactions, joint pain and skin issues. In short, our horse is not feeling at all well.

If you’ve read our ‘ From Symptoms to Solutions ’ page, you’ll have read that the four main root causes of our modern-day health problems are:

Chronic infections
Environmental toxins
Nutrient deficiencies
Stress and trauma

What I really want to showcase in this blog are the connections between infections – specifically parasites – and toxins in the body, but I want to set us up and talk a little bit about the background behind what's not working first.

Back in 2006, I made the shift to the natural medicine world and the IFM (Institute of Functional Medicine) after watching my horses struggle with severe health issues. Initially learning from my IFM mentors about the ‘ why ’ behind detoxing, I also mentored with the world's top authorities on the importance of functional lab tests, gut tests, toxin panels, adrenal assessments.

At the time, the prevailing belief was that low energy and mystery health symptoms were rooted in adrenal burnout, hormone imbalances, thyroid dysregulation, blood sugar spikes, food intolerances, aging, and genetics. While these are still key players in chronic disease, one thing became clear as science progressed ...

It’s not just about detoxing - it’s about detoxing the right way .

As science would now have it, practitioners have been detoxing out of order, with the framework and system backwards – there’s another layer underneath that we need to look at. The right approach involves asking deeper questions to uncover the root cause of the problem, much like an engineer would troubleshoot an issue on a production line, and ask ‘ How ’ and ‘ Why ’ is this happening?

So, let’s say a horse is clearly in pain; we think it’s coming from the gut as there’s bloat, plus they don’t like to be touched, but they’re also miserable, sluggish, and not moving well. Instead of stopping at ‘gut problem’, we need to peel back the layers – what’s going on underneath, and maybe underneath that as well?

It’s like an iceberg - most of the problem is hidden out of sight. There’s a disconnect between the symptoms and the actual root cause. So we need to keep asking: what else needs investigating? What’s driving the adrenal, thyroid, and blood sugar imbalances? Are food intolerances involved, or is something deeper at play? The answers often lie in what’s unseen.

So let’s go back to those four root causes, and of course there are always going to be subcategories in each of these to consider.

For example, if we look at the environmental toxin category , we've got mould , we've got heavy metals , we’ve got the chemicals - pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and so on. Then there’s nutrient deficiency , which can stem from PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids), UPFs (ultra-processed foods), and what I call C.R.A.P. - which stands for carbs, refined, artificial, and processed foods, aka junk food. And as for toxins - well, you know I could talk about those for hours!

Anyway, today, I want to focus on the chronic infection category , and particularly parasites, especially as we’re at the time of year when we should be running Spring FECs, and testing for tapes.

The chronic infection category

- types of equine parasites

When it comes to parasites, there are three main categories:

Helminths – As horse owners, we’re all familiar with these. Also known as parasitic worms, they’re often visible to the naked eye. These parasites are difficult to combat and eradicate due to a lack of effective long-term strategies.

The two main types are:
Nematodes (roundworms)
Platyhelminthes (flatworms), which include flukes and tapeworms.
Protozoa – These microscopic parasites include Cryptosporidium , an intestinal protozoan that can cause diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss in horses. It’s commonly found in contaminated water and feed. Foals are particularly vulnerable, especially if they’re immunocompromised or stressed, meaning they didn’t get the chance to establish a robust gut biome from birth. Other risk factors include management practices, and interestingly, the presence of dogs.
Ectoparasites - i.e. lice, ticks, fleas, mites, which live on the outside of their hosts.

Today I'm going to be talking about the first two - helminths and protozoa , the parasites that live inside the host.

Nematodes: the most common creature on Earth

Here’s a mind-blowing fact: nematodes are the most common animal on the planet. For every single human, there are an estimated 57-billion nematodes. Yes - billion . Per person . In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in four people (25%) worldwide has a parasite infection.

Now, let’s bring it back to our horses. The primary class of internal parasites causing health issues in horses are nematodes, which include:

Large and small strongyles
Roundworms
Tapeworms

Other internal parasites, such as threadworms, pinworms, and botfly larvae, are (apparently) considered of lesser significance - though that may depend on who you ask!

Strongyloides: the persistent parasite

Let’s take a moment to talk about strongyloides. This parasite can trigger a range of symptoms, including:

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
Respiratory issues, as it tends to migrate to the lungs, often leading to a dry, persistent cough
Severe complications in immunocompromised horses

There’s now a school of thought linking strongyles to chronic respiratory conditions in horses. Many cases of reactive airway disease (RAO) - the ones that never seem to fully resolve - may actually have a parasitic component. Because conventional diagnostics often miss this link, the default veterinary response tends to be a diagnosis of ‘asthma’ and a prescription for an inhaler.

Beyond the lungs, strongyles may also contribute to arthritis, kidney issues, and even heart conditions.

Another disconcerting fact about strongyles is the female can live up to 5-years inside the body. And because it doesn't follow a 90-day lifecycle, the cycle repeats with its offspring, allowing these parasites to set up camp and stay for the long haul.

Tapeworms

Now let’s talk tapeworms. Their symptoms often overlap with other parasitic infections - abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, but they don’t just stay in the gut. These parasites can migrate into various tissues, potentially causing:

Brain-related issues
Hunger pains and unexplained weight loss
Vitamin deficiencies - especially B12 depletion, as tapeworms are notorious for skimming this vital nutrient from their host.

There's also a dog tapeworm, fox tapeworm, rat and cat tapeworm. Making our stable yards a hotspot for all four!

Cryptosporidium protozoa: a waterborne nightmare

Now let’s shift gears and talk about Cryptosporidium protozoa - a parasite with a disturbing resilience. The bad news? It can survive standard water treatment processes.

Large-scale human outbreaks have been on the rise due to contaminated drinking water:

In 1993 over 400,000 people in Wisconsin were infected after a water treatment failure.
In 2016 more than 1,000 people fell ill due to Cryptosporidium contamination in swimming pools and water parks.

And for some of us out there, when I think back to when I was a kid – we used to drink out of ditch water and water hoses. I shudder now to think of the chemicals I would have ingested, especially from those hot plastic hoses!

Growing up in the countryside in the 1960s, wells were common, meaning that we were also more exposed to these types of parasites that could linger in the body for decades. I still remember my brother and I getting a healthy dose of salmonella from a picnic beside a stream in a cow field.

Other protozoan parasites to watch for:

Blastocystis – Often linked to IBS and chronic urticaria (hives). Ever seen a horse develop random hives for no apparent reason? This could be a factor.
Toxoplasma gondii – The infamous cat-related parasite, capable of persisting in the human body for years. While it’s usually harmless in healthy adults, it can cause serious complications in immunocompromised individuals or during pregnancy.

And on that note, cat owners - those of us with litter trays (myself included, with three rescue cats who don’t quite understand ‘outdoors’) - take note! As this links us nicely to, um, the ‘crazy cat lady’ syndrome . Toxoplasma gondii likes to migrate, with a real affinity for the brain, and it also likes to go to the lungs and muscle tissue. Once inside the body, it can lie dormant for life and may reactivate in immunosuppressed individuals. In other words, you can live and die with this thing.

But here’s where it gets really fascinating (or mildly alarming) – kind of a funny-not-funny thing. We’ve all heard of the crazy cat lady stereotype - the one with a dozen cats and a touch of eccentricity. Well, it turns out there might be a scientific reason between toxoplasma gondii and brain function, being scientifically linked to mental disorders, behavioural changes, and well researched and connected with schizophrenia. Let that sink in!

And then there’s our dogs, who carry parasites yet we let them lick all over us. They wipe their butts on our floors with their little butt-scraping thing across the carpet, while their fleas and ticks also carry parasites which can pass over to us. A little food for thought the next time your pup plants a big sloppy kiss on you!

The parasite:toxin connection - a flooded system

- how parasites impact your horse’s health

So now we’re going to bring toxins into the discussion because we can’t talk about parasites without also talking about toxins - they go hand in hand.

Picture a bathtub overflowing - water spilling onto the floor, seeping under furniture, cascading down the stairs like a waterfall, soaking into every corner of the house. Now, visualise the same scenario inside your horse’s body. Overflowing toxins, seeping into cells, tissues, organs, and major systems, triggering a cascade of symptoms that leave your horse feeling miserable and exhausted.

Meanwhile, the immune system is scrambling to contain the damage - working to get those toxins away from vital organs like the brain, heart, liver, and lungs. If left unchecked, these toxins fuel chronic inflammation and eventually autoimmune disorders.

The parasite’s role: friend or foe?

So what’s the toxin connection with parasites? Here’s the big picture: parasites are like sponges for toxins.

If you take anything away from this blog, let it be this - parasites soak up toxins, helping to keep them away from cells and organs. In a strange way, it could be said that they’re trying to help. Yet at the same time, we’re seeing a rise in parasite infections - and they’re hurting the body as well.

Research suggests that the increase in toxins may be fuelling the increase in parasite infections. Science hasn’t proven causation yet, but when you plot the rise in toxin accumulation alongside the rise in parasite infections, the correlation is undeniable. The body is now dealing with more toxins than ever before.

So are parasites a necessary evil? One researcher likened parasites to speed bumps - annoying, but there for a reason, to keep the neighbourhood safe.

So oddly, the thinking is that parasites may actually be playing a protective role - helping the body buffer the damage from toxins. The immune system seems to allow parasites to stay because, as far as survival is concerned, toxins are a greater threat than parasites. It’s a conundrum - the body tolerates parasites to manage toxins, but in doing so, it also allows parasites to make the body sick.

How to support your horse’s gut & eliminate parasites naturally

So, what’s the solution? How do we clear parasites and toxins to reverse our horse’s mystery health symptoms?

No surprise here - it all starts with the gut microbiome. Why? Because 70-80% of the immune system is produced and housed in the gut. Strengthening the gut biome is the first step in fortifying the body’s defences and shifting the balance.

The gut communicates with every other body system, acting as the control centre for immune responses. When a toxin or pathogen enters the body, the gut signals the immune army to launch an attack. Meanwhile, the gut is operating like a car engine, delivering the energy to make the car drive. But here’s the kicker: the body needs extra energy to heal from toxins and parasites and nutrient deficiencies and stress and trauma.

The gut is more than just digestion - it’s a hormone, vitamin, and neurotransmitter factory, and it needs to be, because because parasites hijack serotonin - the body’s ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter - to use for their own communication and reproduction. All the more evidence that if the body has an adrenal or thyroid or brain health problem, it’s actually got a gut problem, because all these systems rely on hormones produced in the gut.

Testing & strategy - the only way forward

We can't eliminate our horse’s parasites and clear up their inflammation and all their mystery health symptoms unless we know what we’re dealing with. And yes, while some parasites live beyond the gut, we still need to start there - supporting the immune system and improve energy production while we clear out those toxins and parasites.

Parasite cleansing isn’t an overnight fix - it can take anywhere from 30-60 days or longer. And here’s the catch - if we don’t do it properly, we’ll stay stuck in the same cycle.

This is why outdated gut protocols aren’t working - probiotics alone won’t fix this. They're popular, but do they really work? Despite their widespread use, many probiotic products fail to survive stomach acid or provide inconsistent results - only 15-25% of people report benefits, while others experience no change or even worsening symptoms.

The role of diet & prebiotics in equine gut health

In horses, the challenge is even greater, as no probiotic mimics the natural hindgut bacteria colonies . Plus, without addressing root causes like stress or diet imbalances , probiotics alone often fall short. The real solution? Feeding probiotically to get the prebiotics to the hindgut fibre fermenting microbes. This means a diet rich in grass forage, prebiotic fibres, and gut-supporting phytonutrients - to naturally stabilise the GI tract, support gut flora, and restore balance. Which means - if you’ve tried a gut-healing protocol before but your horse still has symptoms, it’s time to rethink the approach.

In the last 10 years, our understanding of the gut has evolved dramatically - and updates keep coming. What we knew even five years ago is being refined, reworked, and replaced with new insights - the science is moving fast. But also, we work with thousands of clients year-round, which means we see real-time what works and what doesn’t. We pivot quickly as new research emerges, because staying stagnant isn’t an option. No question - in 2025 we know more now than we did in 2015, and if we stuck to the same protocols and practice, we'd get left behind and we’d be failing our clients today.

So, let's talk about what an updated gut healing system looks like. We now know that parasites and toxins are inseparable - parasites live alongside toxins, soaking them up like sponges, but, as we’ve seen, it comes at a cost to our horse’s health.

The r ight w ay to d etox & r emove p arasites

So what’s the updated strategy?

Supercharge the mitochondria – The body’s cells produce 90% of the body’s invisible and physical energy through the mitochondria. Think of it like weightlifting - you can’t lift a 10kg dumbbell without building muscle first. Healing inflammation requires strong mitochondria to flush out toxins and parasites.
Open the body’s internal drainage pathways – Before we can shift the toxins out, we need to open the exits. But what do we mean by internal drainage pathways? We mean fascia, we mean the lymphatics, we mean the kidneys, liver, bowels, skin - like unclogging the pipes of a clogged sink. But if there's overflow, where does it go? It goes into the brain, the skin, the organs, the soft tissue. It makes the body achy and foggy and tired and itchy and stinky when you try to clear this stuff out, if you haven't opened up the drainage pathways first.
Use the right binders – Not all detox methods are created equal. Beyond opening drainage pathways, the gut restoring protocol has to have support from gentle toxin removal while you simultaneously kill the parasites. We want to be mopping up the toxins at the same time as we kill off the parasites. And not all binders are created equal either - certain binders will achieve this easily, while others will actually bind up the beneficial bacteria and nutrients along with the bad stuff. So, here's our Public Service Announcement for everyone.

Avoid outdated binders like activated charcoal and clay - they’re old-school and don't discriminate what they bind to, taking away the beneficial microbes and nutrients along with toxins.
Instead, use humic and fulvic acids with activated carbons - they’re the gold standard for mopping up toxins while preserving nutrients.
Equally, spirulina helps promote a balanced intestinal biome by binding to harmful mycotoxins in the digestive system, helping to protect gut health and performance. This in itself enhances immune resilience and metabolism.

And here’s the thing - when we get this right, parasites simply let go. And when that happens?

Our horse’s bloat disappears.
Their energy skyrockets.
Their focus improves.
Nutrients are absorbed properly again.

And the best part? Our horse gets their life back.

Final thoughts - the iceberg below the surface

Let’s circle back to where we started, and bring it back to that list of symptoms and diseases that we started with. They aren’t random. They’re rooted beneath the surface, like an iceberg hiding parasites, bacteria, and fungal infections below the waterline. But here’s the good news: it's all fixable.

Parasites and toxins are two sides of the same coin - where you find one, you’ll almost always find the other. And while parasites may seem like the enemy, they’re also a sign of a deeper imbalance - one that can be addressed and resolved.

The key? Work with the body, not against it.

Support the gut microbiome - because this is where immune strength begins. For a gut cleanse, see our SiboCARE ; for ongoing intestinal maintenance see our BiomeTonic .
Open the body’s drainage pathways - so toxins and parasites can actually leave. See our LKLCARE .
Use the right binders - to mop up the mess without stripping vital nutrients. See our organic Spirulina .
Support parasite clearance naturally - feed phytonutrient anthelmintics to naturally expel intestinal parasites. See our VermClear for strongyles, roundworms, pinworms and botfly larvae, & Pumpkin Seeds for tapeworms.
Nourish/strengthen the mitochondria - because healing takes energy. See our Mineral Balancers & EnergyCARE .

When you get this right, you don’t have to fight parasites - they simply let go.

And when that happens? Your horse feels better, looks brighter, and thrives once again. Because at the end of the day, good health isn’t about eliminating symptoms - it’s about restoring balance. And balance starts in the gut, with a smarter approach to healing.

And if you do chemically worm? Protect the gut and liver with our BiomeTonic & LiverCARE .

Conclusion

Healing from chronic symptoms means addressing parasites and toxins in the right way. By focusing on gut health and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes, you can restore balance and eliminate mystery symptoms - without the endless cycle of trial and error.

It’s about working smarter, not harder - parasites can hide anywhere in the body, and their impact on our horse’s health should never be underestimated. But more than anything, this is my love letter to the horse community, because every horse deserves to thrive, not just survive. When we get it right, the results come quickly.

Headshaking ... understanding and managing headshaking in horses

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:15:23 GMT

As we transition into spring and tree pollen season, headshaking in horses becomes a more common concern. However, beyond allergies, emerging insights suggest that stress plays a significant role in headshaking, often overlooked in traditional management approaches. Here’s what you need to know.

The stress connection

Headshaking isn’t always about physical triggers like pollen, flies, or tack discomfort. A growing body of evidence, supported by leading equine health experts, suggests that stress is a major underlying factor.

Stress-induced sympathetic activation : Stress increases sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to muscular contraction. This can result in compression around the cranial nerves, a known cause of headshaking.
Relocation stress : Horses experiencing changes in environment, herd dynamics, or management routines may develop headshaking as part of their stress response. A case study from a discussion group revealed a horse that hadn’t headshaken in years but resumed the behaviour following a move. As he settled, the headshaking ceased.
Emotional and physical tension : Owners have observed a strong link between their own stress levels and their horse’s well-being. Horses mirror human emotions, and unresolved tension can manifest as physical symptoms, including headshaking.

How to identify stress in your horse

Eyes : A relaxed eye is a key indicator of a calm horse. Horses experiencing stress often have tense, worried, or overly alert eyes.
Behavioural changes : Look for signs such as irritability, hypersensitivity, avoidance, or sudden behavioural shifts.
Muscle tension : Tightness in the jaw, poll, neck, and shoulders can be linked to stress-induced nerve compression.

Managing stress-related headshaking

Rather than relying solely on tack adjustments or fly protection, addressing the root cause – stress – can be more effective. Consider the following strategies:

Assess and adjust management : Ensure your horse’s environment, routine, and herd dynamics support relaxation.
Craniosacral therapy & bodywork : Many owners report success with craniosacral therapy, which helps release tension around the cranial nerves.
Nutritional support : A diet rich in magnesium and adaptogenic herbs can support the nervous system and stress resilience.
Owner well-being : Your stress levels impact your horse. Managing your own stress through mindfulness and relaxation techniques can have a positive effect.
Gradual adaptation to change : If relocating or making adjustments, give your horse time to acclimatise, ensuring a calm transition.

What about pollen sensitivity?

While stress is a significant factor, seasonal allergies remain a common trigger. Consider:

Herbal respiratory support : Nettle is a renowned natural antihistamine with liquorice helping to maintain a healthy respiratory response. See our PollenTonic .
Immune system balance : Adaptogens like ashwagandha and echinacea support resilience against environmental allergens.
Nasal and eye protection : A well-fitted UV-protective nose net or face mask can help reduce irritation from airborne allergens.

Key takeaway

Headshaking is often a symptom rather than a standalone condition. By addressing stress alongside potential allergens, you can take a holistic approach to managing your horse’s well-being. If your horse is experiencing headshaking, consider evaluating their stress levels first - sometimes, the solution lies not in the physical but in the emotional and environmental factors influencing them.

For tailored nutritional support and stress management strategies, contact us at EquiNatural - we’re here to help your horse thrive, naturally.

The Hidden Root of Spring Allergies & Histamine Chaos? KPU

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 07:18:56 GMT

Why your horse’s immune system is in overdrive - and how to restore balance naturally

Spring is just a few weeks away, and nature is already waking up – the tree buds are already forming, which means the season of renewal is on its way, and the birds are singing in anticipation! But for many horses, this time of year also brings an onslaught of itching, congestion, and respiratory distress. While pollen is usually blamed, a deeper underlying issue is at play - histamine intolerance.

f you follow our blogs you'll have seen I've blogged a couple of times on this as new insights come to light. And as with so many equine health challenges, there's always a root cause. In this case it leads us straight back to hindgut health, its connection to liver function, and the multi-metabolic detoxification disorder known as KPU (Cryptopyrroluria) .

What is histamine and why does it matter?

Histamine is a natural compound produced by the immune system, acting as a chemical messenger involved in immune responses. In balance, it plays an essential role in your horse’s body. But when histamine levels spiral out of control, trouble begins.

Histamine is stored in mast cells, which line the gut, respiratory system, and skin. When these cells detect a perceived threat - like allergens, stress, or gut imbalances - they release histamine, triggering classic allergy symptoms such as hives, nasal congestion, itching, and digestive discomfort. But why do some horses react so intensely while others remain unaffected? The answer lies in KPU - the missing link when it comes to pollen allergies.

Horses struggling with pollen allergies, chronic skin issues, persistent gut disturbances, or unexplained inflammation, are often unknowingly dealing with KPU. This complex metabolic disorder disrupts nutrient absorption and detoxification pathways, leading to widespread dysfunction, including an inability to regulate histamine properly.

How - and why - does KPU affect histamine regulation?

Vitamin B6 Deficiency (P5P Disruption): A healthy, functioning, hindgut microbiome produces numerous beneficial byproducts which keep our horses thriving, and one of these is the vital activated form of vitamin B6 ( Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate , aka P5P). P5P is critical for the liver's detoxification function - without it, KPU horses' hindgut dysbiosis disrupts P5P production, impairing the liver’s ability to break down histamine.

Detoxification dysfunction: The loss of P5P production means the liver’s natural ability to biotransform toxins and eliminate waste is now affected. And when toxins build up, the immune system stays in a heightened state, making the horse hypersensitive to allergens and environmental triggers.
Trace Mineral Deficiencies: KPU horses often show deficiencies in zinc, manganese, selenium, and sulphur - key minerals involved in enzyme function and immune regulation. Zinc, in particular, plays a vital role in stabilising mast cells to prevent excessive histamine release.

The result? A horse whose immune system is overwhelmed, releasing excess histamine in response to otherwise harmless stimuli, leading to the persistent cycle of seasonal allergies and inflammatory responses.

The histamine overload connection: allergies, gut health, and inflammation

Histamine intolerance isn’t just about exposure to pollen - it’s a systemic issue rooted in gut and metabolic dysfunction. When the gut is inflamed due to significant hindgut dysbiosis - which, in the case of KPU horses, often starts from birth - and is then continually disrupted by processed feeds, stress, and antibiotic use, histamine breakdown slows. This leads to a buildup of histamine from food, gut bacteria, and environmental sources, accumulating faster than the body can clear it.

Common symptoms of histamine intolerance in horses with KPU

Respiratory issues: Nasal discharge, wheezing, heaves, persistent coughing
Skin reactions: Hives, itching, sweet itch, mud fever, cellulitis
Digestive upset: Loose droppings, bloating, faecal water syndrome, acrid aroma
Behavioural changes: Increased anxiety, spookiness, irritability
Tendon, ligament, and muscle issues: Swelling, unexplained injuries, stiffness that improves with long warm-ups

Horses affected by KPU often display multiple symptoms concurrently, as their immune system and metabolism struggle to maintain balance.

Managing histamine intolerance naturally

Histamine intolerance isn’t a disease but rather a symptom of deeper disturbed metabolic dysfunction. Addressing the root cause - gut dysbiosis and liver dysfunction - can help restore balance.

1. Heal the gut

The first step is stabilising and restoring the hindgut microbiome to encourage the production of P5P and proper liver detoxification.

Feed a high-fibre, species-appropriate diet - stemmy grass hay 24/7 to support natural hindgut fermentation.
Remove gut disruptors - ditch high-starch, bulk filler feeds and alfalfa.
Use prebiotic-rich roughage - our WildFed Prebiotics blend helps rebuild gut flora.
Feed toxin-binders - Spirulina supports deacidification and liver detox pathways.

2. Reduce high-histamine feeds

Some feeds naturally contain more histamine than others, so limit:

Fermented feeds ( haylage )
Processed bulk-filler feeds
Pea proteins and alfalfa
Fish-based supplements
Yeasts

3. Support natural mast cell stabilisation

Mast cells release histamine in response to stress and allergens. Certain herbs can help regulate their activity:

�� Nettle - natural antihistamine

�� Chamomile - calms mast cells and soothes gut inflammation

�� Quercetin-rich herbs - natural mast cell stabilisers, i.e. fennel, oregano, ginkgo, liquorice

4. Reduce Stress

Chronic stress increases histamine release and immune overactivity. Managing environmental stressors can significantly improve histamine tolerance.

Ensure adlib hay to prevent stress-induced feed restrictions and gastric ulcers.
Minimise stable confinement - turnout reduces stress, allowing a horse to express their natural behaviours.
· Use calming herbs like chamomile or valerian for anxious horses.

5. Regenerate liver detox pathways

Since KPU compromises the liver’s ability to process histamine, supporting liver function is crucial:

Feed extra zinc (found in our mineral balancers ), organic sulphur ( MSM ), and salt to replenish KPU-depleted trace elements.
Use targeted liver support with LKLCARE to aid Phase 1 & 2 detoxification.
Avoid unnecessary pharmaceuticals - many drugs require proper liver function to metabolise, which can worsen histamine-related symptoms in KPU horses.

For example, inhalers are steroids , with their purpose being to imitate the adrenal hormones, in this case the stress hormone cortisol, and specifically cortisol’s role in the fight/flight response. This may sound bonkers to any horse carer - I mean, why would we want to intentionally put our horse’s hormones into a continual stressed state of fight/flight? Well, here’s the thinking behind it.

When there’s a fight/flight reaction, the cortisol hormone tells the bronchial passageway to dilate (open wider), while the blood flows to the muscles to prepare them for the fight or flight, and to the brain in order to stay focused on the perceived ‘threat’. The pupils also dilate (tunnel vision to stay focused), and the lungs open up so more oxygen can sustain the energy needed to ‘fly’.

In other words, we’re using lab-made pharmaceutical chemicals to trigger an un-natural chain of metabolic events, the long-term use of which comes with side effects, while interfering with the natural function of the endocrine (hormone) system and the central nervous system, both of which directly communicate with the adrenal glands.

Far better to use nature’s phytonutrients which naturally open the airways with no side effects. For example, Euphrasia (eyebright) and Glycyrrhiza (liquorice), alongside equally non-harmful natural antihistamines (nettle), and anti-allergenics (yarrow), as well as mucilage to sooth the sinuses and airway irritation, while supporting the respiratory, immune and adrenal systems. All of which you’ll find in our PollenTonic , which you’ll also find reviews which speak for themselves.

Histamine intolerance & KPU: a temporary condition, not a life sentence

The good news? Histamine intolerance isn’t permanent. Once the hindgut is stabilised, the biome restored, and the liver detox pathways are functioning properly, histamine levels naturally regulate. The key is addressing KPU at the root - not just managing symptoms.

Spring allergies may seem inevitable, but they don’t have to be. By supporting your horse’s gut health, reducing histamine overload, and optimising metabolic function, you can help them enjoy the season comfortably - without the constant itching and discomfort!

Need help?

If your horse struggles with seasonal allergies, unexplained skin or gut issues, or metabolic imbalances, drop us a message, and let’s get your horse back to feeling their best - naturally! ��

Herb Nerd - Herbs of Christmas Past

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:04:55 GMT

A festive dive into the myths, legends, and herbal traditions of the season - and a few handy tips for our horses too!

And so the festive season is upon us! As we drape the tinsel, plan the menus, and juggle shopping lists, behind the scenes we’re surrounded by traditions that have far deeper roots than we might realise. The remnants of ancient customs linger in so many of our holiday rituals, even if most of us have long forgotten their origins.

The Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, has been celebrated by cultures around the world for millennia. While many of the ceremonies have faded for most of us, the stories, symbols, and plants associated with this time of year are still well known. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the herbs of Christmas past and the ancient lore they carry.

Mistletoe – a sacred plant of love and trickery

Ahh ... mistletoe. Who doesn’t recognise it as the plant that demands a smooch? But its history is as rich as its symbolism.

Let's hop into Norse mythology, meet Frigga, the goddess of love and beauty, and mother to Balder, the god of the summer sun. When Balder dreamt of his death, Frigga roamed the earth, seeking promises from all living things not to harm her son.

Everything agreed - except mistletoe, a parasitic plant that doesn’t root in the ground so was overlooked. Now enter Loki, the mischievous trickster. Crafting an arrow from mistletoe, he used it to fatally wound Balder during what was meant to be harmless entertainment among the gods.

It's said that Frigga’s tears turned the mistletoe’s red berries white, with her desolate grief and mourning moving the gods to bring Balder back to life. Beyond grateful, she declared mistletoe a symbol of peace, decreeing that all who passed beneath it should share a kiss. Some say even warring tribes would lay down their arms if they encountered mistletoe in the forest.

The Druids also held mistletoe sacred, seeing its rootless nature as mystical. Dressed in white robes, they would harvest it from holy oak trees with golden sickles, taking great care not to let it touch the ground. A piece was given to each family for protection and fertility through the year.

Fast forward to the Christian era, and now mistletoe’s pagan associations got it banned from altars, and yet the kissing tradition stayed. Proper etiquette demanded that each kiss required plucking a berry; once the berries were gone, the kissing was over, then it had to be burned on the 12th night to avoid bad luck.

Top horse tip : While mistletoe’s tales are romantic for us humans, the plant itself is toxic to our horses, causing significant digestive upset. So probably best not to smooch beloved Ned under it.

Holly - a symbol of friendship and feuds

Holly has been a festive staple since the Romans used it to celebrate Saturnalia, a mid-winter festival in ancient Rome that honoured the god Saturn, the patron of farming and the harvest. The Romans decorated their homes to encourage good spirits and gifting holly wreaths as tokens of friendship. But - holly equally carries some quirky superstitions.

Legend has it that if rough-edged holly enters the house first on Christmas, the man of the house will rule the year. If smooth-edged holly comes first, the woman will rule. Sensible couples, of course, bring in both types simultaneously to avoid any unnecessary drama. ��

Top horse tip : Holly’s shiny leaves and red berries may look edible, but like mistletoe they’re toxic to our horses. Plus, those sharp edges aren’t exactly lip-friendly, so maybe skip the holly garlands for your stable decor.

Pine and evergreens - shelter and symbolism

Evergreens such as pine hold a special place in Christmas lore. Legend says that when Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus were fleeing Herod’s soldiers, a humble elderly pine tree offered them shelter. Its branches closed around them, hiding them from danger, and the Christ child blessed the tree in gratitude. Some believe this blessing is visible even today; apparently if you cut a pinecone lengthwise, you’ll see the shape of a tiny handprint, though I’ve yet to test this myself ...

There’s also the ancient tale of the Holly King and the Oak King, battling for dominance through the seasons. As days shorten after the Summer Solstice, the Holly King reigns, but come the Winter Solstice, the Oak King regains his crown, bringing light and growth back to the land.

And let’s not forget the yule log - a symbol of light and warmth, traditionally made of oak, ash, pine, or birch. Burning it at the season’s end symbolised renewal, with the ashes spread on fields for fertility. Then along came the French and their gourmet talents, recreating the yule log into chocolate. Gotta love the French as we’ve never looked back!

Top horse tip : Opinions vary on whether pine needles are safe for horses. While they’re high in vit. C and the inner bark is a great source of fibre, sharp needles can injure mouths and even puncture stomach linings. Best to let horses poo on pine shavings rather than chew the needles. ��

Chamomile, lavender, lady’s bedstraw, and thyme

Legend has it that these herbs played a comforting role in the Nativity. Chamomile and lady’s bedstraw were said to have been gathered by Joseph for Mary to rest upon, while lavender and thyme were placed in the manger as symbols of patience, courage, and endurance.

Frankincense and myrrh - gifts of the wise

Frankincense and myrrh, two of the Magi’s gifts, weren’t just symbols of wealth - they were incredibly practical, medicinal, and spiritual offerings. And the best part? Their uses are just as relevant today, even for our horses.

Frankincense, the resin of the Boswellia tree, has a fascinating history again stretching far beyond the Nativity. Burned during ceremonies in Babylon, Persia, and Rome, it was also a staple in Egyptian cosmetics and revered in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Medicinally, frankincense’s anti-inflammatory properties are renowned, supporting everything from arthritis and joint pain to respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Externally, it reduces swelling, alleviates pain, and promotes wound healing, making it a powerful ally for both human and equine care. It’s even a common ingredient in gum disease remedies, often paired with myrrh for its soothing effects. Personally I swear by frankincense oil for my own aches – I’ve always got a 30ml bottle on the go.

Studies today confirm its traditional uses, showing promising results for IBD, gingivitis, and even some cancers. And let’s not overlook its legendary aromatic qualities - frankincense has been used for centuries to calm the mind, improve focus, and enhance meditation, so if you're feeling frazzled, inhale a little frankincense, and you’ll feel your breathing slow and your mind settle.

As for myrrh, this fragrant resin has been treasured for millennia in perfumes, medicines, and incense. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it invaluable for healing wounds and soothing swollen gums, and it pairs beautifully with frankincense for even greater effect.

Together, these two resins were more than symbolic gifts – they’re tools of healing, protection, and peace. Fit for a new-born King as much as in Ned’s feedbowl. In short, two fantastic equine therapeutics, featuring in both our HoneyDerma and JST Gels , and as straight Boswellia in either powdered resin or tincture form.

Rosemary - a fragrant blessing

Rosemary’s history is steeped in both practicality and symbolism. Long associated with remembrance, true friendship, and lovers’ fidelity, it’s been woven into royal crowns, bridal bouquets, and even placed in coffins for luck and protection. Stuff a sprig under your pillow and it’s also said to ward off bad dreams - who knew?!

From a practical perspective, rosemary has long been valued for its digestive and antimicrobial properties. It’s wonderful for relaxing and toning the stomach, making it especially useful for digestive upset linked to mental tension or anxiety - something that’s all too common for our horses.

Rosemary really shines courtesy of its volatile oils, which are powerhouses of antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal activity. These oils create an environment in the gut that’s unfriendly to pathogen microbes, making rosemary a key player in supporting a healthy microbiome.

These same volatile oils also work wonders in respiratory health. Traditionally used to dispel ‘foul air’, rosemary, along with thyme, helps clear congestion, keep colds at bay, and soothes sore throats. Its antimicrobial potential has even been studied for its effectiveness against gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and drug-resistant infections ( Lugman et al., 2007 ).

We blend rosemary into our BiomeTonic , where it teams up with other ‘oily’ herbs to create the ideal intestinal environment for gut health, looking out for the beneficial bacteria while kicking the pathogen microbes into touch. Whether for its digestive benefits or its rich symbolism, rosemary remains a timeless herb of health and protection.

Christmas superstitions

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a few quirky traditions:

Eating an apple on Christmas Eve is said to ensure good health for the following year.
Don’t wear new shoes on Christmas Day - it’s bad luck!
Snow on Christmas Day predicts a green Easter.
Animals in the barn are said to gain the gift of speech at the moment of Jesus’ birth, but it’s fatal for humans to hear them, yikes ...
A starry Christmas Eve promises good crops the following summer.

Finally, for those with a Christmas birthday, congratulations! You’re safe from evil spirits, and apparently you can’t die from drowning or hanging. Piracy, anyone?

So on that note ...

Have to say I love reflecting on ‘days of yore’ stories, with these ancient tales carrying on the enduring magic of this time of year.

So on that note, here’s wishing you and your beloved Neds a warm, safe, and joyfully Fabulous Festive, and we'll see you on the other side next year!

Chronic Stress and Gut Health - natural support for horses (and humans!)

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 04:20:43 GMT

Unpacking the intricate connections between stress, inflammation, and gut health – and how we can bring things back into balance.

It’s so important to understand that there’s more to chronic stress and depression than meets the eye. They're not just labels for a bad day; they’re real challenges that affect so many of us, including the horses in our care. For years, I’ve seen how deeply these issues intertwine with equine overall health, specifically gut, brain, and immunity issues. And with recent medical insights now emerging, I felt it was vital to explore these connections and shed light on the science behind them.

This blog isn’t just about the problems - it’s about understanding why stress happens, and how natural, evidence-based solutions can make a real difference. From exploring the intricate connections between gut health and mood, to connecting the role of inflammation and nutrition, we’ll be uncovering the root causes and looking at the natural functional paths to healing, offering genuine relief and hope - whether horse or human!

Tis the season to be jolly

Stress is everywhere. For us, it might be the demands of daily life, particularly during the chaos of this festive season with the pressure and family demands to get everything sorted for that One Big Day. For our horses, it could be isolation and neglect, or intense training, competition, travel, and expectations to perform consistently. But what we see on the surface – stress, anxiety, depression, burnout – is just the tip of the iceberg. Underneath are hidden mechanisms on overdrive - neurotransmitter imbalances, inflammation, and gut health dysfunction.

Lets start by taking a quick look at those two little brain chemicals that we rely on for our 'calm and happy' - serotonin and dopamine . These two neurotransmitters are crucial in influencing mood and well-being, yet while conventional medicine tells us that low levels cause anxiety or depression, then hands us a pill to balance them, it rarely asks the bigger question - what is it that's unbalanced them in the first place?

This is the real question, and the answer isn’t simple. There are many factors - sleep (or lack of it), diet, stress, lack of movement – they all play a role. Yet at the core of it all is one big player: gut health .

The stress triggers - gut health and modern lifestyles

A bit of anatomy trivia for you – the gut and brain are actually formed from the same fetal tissue, and they remain inextricably connected for the rest of our lives via the gut-brain axis , a private chat line via the vagus nerve that lets them communicate back and forth with each other.

We’ve all felt it, haven’t we? That ‘gut instinct’ when something feels off, or those butterflies in the stomach before a big event. But this isn’t just a metaphor - it’s biology. It’s the gut that produces 95% of the body’s serotonin (the happy hormone) and 50% of its dopamine (the reward hormone). Which means … when the gut is inflamed, leaky, or out of balance, no surprise - the brain struggles too. Anxiety, depression, brain fog - they’re often just messages from an unhappy gut.

IBS is a great example – we think of it as a primary gut issue but it’s actually a major gut:brain issue. Studies shows 60-65% of IBS sufferers also experience anxiety or depression, compared to just 19% of those without IBS. It’s no coincidence. IBS sufferers are 3-4 times more likely to have anxiety and/or depression because both are gut:brain issues.

Inflammation - the invisible shadow

Inflammation is everywhere, sneaking into the picture whether it’s any of the anxiety, depression, stress, or burnout syndromes, and again, it all starts in the gut. Here's the 'how and why' - normally, the amino acid tryptophan turns into serotonin in the gut, but when the gut's inflamed, this process is hijacked, with tryptophan being shunted down a different pathway, creating something very different called kynurenic acid . Sounds harmless enough, except kynurenic acid can harm brain cells. Science has now advanced enough for this to show up on blood tests, so it's no wonder it’s making waves in neuroinflammatory research.

So we need to ask another question - what’s driving the inflammation?

Gut health - the epicenter of wellbeing

We now know that when we look at both body and brain health, the gut is front and centre, and no surprise really – modern life isn’t exactly gut-friendly. But when the microbiome - the bacteria in the gut - is out of balance, it creates inflammation that doesn’t just stay in the gut - it spreads systemically.

Here’s what’s triggering it - whether human or horse, and it's the same-old same-old ...

Processed foods : High in sugar, low in nutrients, and bad news for good bacteria.
Medications : Antibiotics, NSAIDs, and our old friend Omeprazole , significantly damage the gut biome.

In short? We end up with dysbiosis (a friendly v. unfriendly imbalance in the gut bacteria), and a whole heap of inflammation.

Let’s recap -

Gut bacteria health connects to our food choices and pharma meds, causing increased inflammation that then threatens the production of the happy chemicals in the body, therefore predisposing the body to stress, anxiety, and depression.

So there it is. There lies the relationship between inflammation and stress, through the way serotonin and dopamine are made, and their production being threatened.

These days we’re all overstimulated from the demands that modern life puts on us, so it’s no wonder we’re often tired and wired, and have a hard time knowing how to let tension naturally dissipate. All this leads to disengagement, lethargy, feeling exhausted, and often ending up no longer able to cope with the fact that we’re not coping.

Our horses feel it too. Herd squabbles, hard training, and for so many these days the immense trauma of importation - a common cry for help from so many of our clients. Imported horses often arrive deeply shut down, struggling to cope after enduring total upheaval from everything and everyone they've ever known, and often appallingly distressing journeys. My own horse, connemara Murphy, was completely shut down after his traumatic journey from Ireland; within six months of arriving in the UK he ended up in a West Sussex equine rescue, where I then found him by pure chance, rehabbed, chilled, and ready for his new life. 24-years on and we're still together!

Very often our horses are stuck in a state of high stress and hypervigilance, always 'on', while we expect them to remain on an even keel and perform the same regardless, without giving them the restoration time they so desperately need. It’s an impossible expectation, and for many horses, their only coping strategy is to withdraw completely.

Finding the root cause to restore balance

So, where do we start unravelling this mess? While simple blood work can help identify problems such as blood sugar imbalances or inflammation markers, for the last few years we've been witnessing a dramatic surge in hindgut dysbiosis - an imbalance that leads to severe and debilitating gut inflammation.

So, since everything starts with the gut, this is a logical place to begin. From here, we can assess symptoms, history, and root causes, to target specific natural therapeutic support where it’s needed most:

Feed adjustments : Gut biome issues respond well when we increase fibre intake ( hay ), and eliminate inflammatory triggers such as haylage and processed feeds high in bulk fillers .
Comfort and inflammation management: There's an excellent range of natural alternatives to NSAIDs, from curcumin to boswellia , and filipendula , salix and h arpagophytum - see our Pain page for the full collection.
Natural antimicrobials : Herbs like berberis and oreganum (both in our SiboCARE gut supplement), and the well-known 'oily herbs' (our BiomeTonic ), target harmful bacteria while looking after the beneficial gut microbes.
Natural anti-'biotics' : Pharma antibiotics not only devastate the gut biome but are increasingly ineffective as many pathogens are now resistant. Natural alternatives like our BioCARE harness antimicrobial phytonutrients to support immunity, promote resilience, and maintain overall health without compromising gut health.
Prebiotics over probiotics : Feeding the good bacteria already in situ is far more impactful than adding in a questionable colony member - see our WildFed which adds natural prebiotic roughage into the equine diet (and more on this in the next paragraph).
Blood glucose dysfunction : If a horse’s blood sugar dysfunction is driving their depression/anxiety, we can deploy strategies to stabilise, i.e. restrict grass access and increase the fibre content via hay, while relooking at feed alongside appropriate nutritional supplements, such as our MetaTonic .

Probiotics vs. prebiotics - what really works?

We’ve unravelled the root causes of mood disorder and the intricate connection between gut health and mental well-being. Now it’s time to look at solutions , and in human health this is where we very often enter the world of probiotics , a special class of microbe. However, in our equine world we're still pretty stuck as there’s still no product available that truly mimics the equine gut microbiome.

So how about we have an honest chat about probiotics ? Full disclosure - being an IFM member I recently attended a two-week summit where the latest functional insights on probiotics were shared, so this is all very much hot off the press.

Probiotics sound impressive - “live microbes with health benefits” - and yes, they can absolutely help in certain situations, such as speeding up gut transit time or addressing constipation. However, it’s important to note that much of the current research focuses on human studies. When it comes to equine probiotics, we’re still light-years behind in understanding. While insights from human studies provide a starting point, the equine microbiome is fundamentally different from the human biome.

Another important factor – probiotics also have to survive getting through the stomach acid as well. I’m only aware of two human brands which claim to do so, and I had to search far and wide to find them (there may well be more but I've not found them yet). But in short? The general IFM thinking is that probiotics are overplayed.

Don’t get me wrong – I take a probiotic every day without fail , but the thinking is that probiotics may be overemphasised in terms of their actual effect on the gut biome, compared to the impact of diet, lifestyle, and prebiotic fibres - it's these that shift the gut ecosystem beneficially. I personally know for a fact that if my diet's gone a bit carb-heavy following a morning-after-the-night-before, no probiotic's going to save my gut compared to what a healthy green smoothie and a plate of fibre-rich dark green veggies will do.

Probiotics aren’t changing the gut ecosystem as such - the latest science shows that they may have a minimal impact in general on the bacteria colonies, while instead it's more about interacting with the gut cells and immune cells, creating byproducts that can be beneficial. So yes, they have their uses, but the science is now suggesting they’re not necessarily reshaping the gut biome the way that lifestyle, appropriate diet, and prebiotics do.

Prebiotics are where the magic really happens. These awesome beneficial fibres feed the good bacteria already living in the gut, and when we get this part right, we’re supporting the microbiome in a way that probiotics simply can’t match. You can add all the probiotics you like, but if you’re not feeding the bacteria already there , what’s the point?

The human research is now so advanced that it can even pinpoint specific probiotic strains for specific conditions, i.e. bifidobacterium strain ABC helps with one issue, while lactobacillus strain XYS helps with another. 20-years ago the science didn’t know this, but fast forward to today and this is now being seen in human clinical trials.

So, do probiotics have a place? Sure. But if you’re looking to really shift the gut ecosystem and support your horse’s health, it’s about feeding more probiotically by focusing on diet, lifestyle, and prebiotic fibres - this is where the real game-changing work happens.

Pulling this together, what does this mean for our horses? Feed the gut right with the fibres it needs from quality meadow hay, and it’ll do the heavy lifting itself.

Finding balance - herbal support for stress and anxiety

And b-r-e-a-t-h-e ... Sometimes, we all need a little extra help to calm the mind and body, and there are some great herbal allies we can use when we’re having a particularly bad headless-chicken day and we can’t get the brain to calm down. When we need to turn to something that’s going to really take the edge off, for me it's the wonderful Passiflora incarnata , common name Passion Flower.

When you look at the research, passion flower has been shown to positively affect the GABA receptors ( gamma-aminobutyric acid - the calming neurotransmitter) - it naturally supports the brain in producing more GABA, helping to calm and reset the nervous system. Acting as both an anxiolytic and a nervine, it gently soothes the central nervous system (CNS) without a sedating effect.

Passion flower also pairs beautifully with liquorice root and vervain - this is my personal go-to combo for hectic days. A herbal tea of these three works wonders for me in just 20 minutes (and actually tastes quite nice!). Together, they naturally lower cortisol and soothe the nervous system by working on the brain’s GABA receptors. (Sneaky tip: I also keep a 100ml bottle of our CalmTonic at home - three pipettefuls (15ml) usually sort me out in 10 minutes.)

Here's a little more for you:

Passion flower : Perfect for taking the edge off without sedating. Top Tip: be aware that for our horses passion flower is now a banned substance under competition rules, hence why we've taken it out of our CalmTonic and replaced it with Verbena officinalis (Vervain).
Valerian : Looking for something a little more effective? While valerian is well-known for aiding sleep, what it's really good for is untangling muscular tension. Blend it with passion flower (1 part balerian to 3 parts passion flower) for an effective combo.
Mucuna pruriens : Common name Velvet Bean tree, the Ayurvedic mucuna tree produces sumptious velvety beans containing seeds rich in L-Dopa , the precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is often implicated in depressive states. Mucuna gently supports dopamine production to uplift mood and ease low-energy states, hence why we include it in our CushTonic-1 blend, as one of the known Cushing's symptoms is reduced levels of dopamine, which can lead to increased cortisol (stress). However, avoid it if your horse is on the Prascend drug, as both stimulate dopamine and we don't want to risk overstimulation.

Note: All three are available in our Shop/Individual Items - Passion flower , Valerian , and Mucuna .

The takeaway - restore the gut, calm the mind

Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression aren’t just 'in your head' – they’re deeply connected to gut health and inflammation. By focusing on the root causes, whether through diet, lifestyle, or natural therapeutic support, we can help both ourselves and our horses find balance and resilience.

As we charge through this festive season, let’s pause, breathe, and make a few small changes. Sometimes, it’s as simple as tweaking the diet, feeding the gut, or taking a moment to unwind. Here’s to a calmer, healthier Christmas and New Year – for us and our horses!

Mallenders Musings: shedding light on the links between genetics and the detox pathways

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 08:11:21 GMT

Mallenders in horses has long been one of those stubborn, confusing conditions - thick scabs on the legs that never seem to shift, especially in our beloved feathered breeds like Cobs, Shires, and Friesians.

Traditionally, it’s been labelled as “excess keratin,” but is that really the whole story? In this blog, I share some new insights from Dr. Christina Fritz that shed light on the bigger picture: how genetics, detox pathways, and KPU (Cryptopyrroluria) may all play a role in why some horses develop mallenders while others don’t.

The question that sparked this blog

The other day I was having a fascinating chat with a client about their horse’s mallenders. Our conversation started with the usual questions, so I steered it towards explaining how, since 2021, science has been leaning towards mallenders being a detoxification issue along the lines of KPU (Cryptopyrroluria) . We continued discussing how equine KPU therapy could help reverse it by supporting the liver’s detox pathways.

Then came the curveball question:
“But WHY does a mallenders horse overproduce keratin ? Where does it all come from? And why don’t Thoroughbreds get it?”

A great question! But I’ll admit I was stumped. I didn’t have an answer, but I knew someone who would: the ever-insightful Dr. Christina Fritz, one of my equine mentors who I studied with back in 2021 (as I know many of you have too), and continue to do so. So, I asked her, and here’s a summary of what she had to say. And no surprise - it's those dots connecting again ...

Mallenders - a whole lot more than "excess keratin"

Dr. Fritz started by agreeing that this was indeed an excellent question but acknowledged that there’s still no definitive scientific answer. However, based on her clinical observations in her practice, horses with what we currently assume is excessive keratin production - whether it’s mallenders/sallenders, dry mud fever (not the wet, very sore type), or even flaking skin on the mane and tail - all have had underlying detoxification issues.

Her theory is that these horses are excreting toxins through their skin as an emergency elimination pathway when the liver’s detox system is overwhelmed. This process pulls dead skin cells to the surface, which are naturally rich in keratin. The result? A build-up of crusty/flaky material.

In her experience, addressing the detox issue by re-evaluating the horse's diet to restore healthy gut and liver function (reconnecting the gut-liver pathway, as per KPU therapy) leads to these symptoms disappearing. These days we now know only too well that horses need their hindgut biome in optimum condition, and this is only achieved by a diet rich in grass forage fibre, with absolutely no highly processed or refined feeds. When the liver can then handle its detox job properly, the skin no longer has to step in.

Why the skin? The detox pathway connection

This is where it gets even more fascinating. We already know that horses excreting toxins via the skin is a natural metabolic process common in both horses and humans when detox systems are struggling - we’ve covered the subject of itchy skin extensively in our Coat & Skin page.

It's no different for us humans with eczema or chronic skin inflammation, all rooted in a poor gut biome - possibly compromised from birth for all kinds of reasons preventing the creation (or damage to) a healthy gut microbiome, especially if prescribed antibiotics as a child, but then perpetuated by poor diets - ready meals, too much sugar/white flour, not enough fibre, dehydration, and a liver that’s struggling to keep up.

In horses it’s the same - but the skin gets selective:

Skin oil glands : Toxins excreted here typically cause scratching of the mane, tail, or belly (more on skin oil glands coming up).
Sweat glands : When toxins escape here, we'll see itching along the sides of the neck or chest, where horses sweat the most.
Legs : Yes it's a thing. When toxins excrete through the legs, that's mallenders or sallenders. It's a toxin-excretion thing.

And it’s not so much that mallenders-prone horses overproduce keratin; rather, toxins escaping via the skin carry dead skin cells with them, which are naturally high in keratin.

Keratin is what skin is made from, being a protein that makes up a large part of the skin's outer layer, or epidermis, same as hooves and hair. It doesn’t affect TBs because a) they're shorter haired so they have less oil glands, and b) their metabolisms don’t utilise the skin as a toxin excretion route.

Which links us nicely to the next factor. We've all no doubt noticed that mallenders and the dry, scaly mud fever affect the heavier, more feathered breeds, while TBs rarely suffer. This isn't random. It’s genetic .

Why feathered breeds are more prone

- how equine genetics influence metabolism and skin conditions

Draft breeds and other heavy feathered horses have more oil glands in their legs compared to shorter-haired breeds. Meanwhile, ponies like Icelandics tend to detox more through their skin rather than their hooves - they're apparently less lami-prone but more itchy-skin prone. Thoroughbreds? They’re wired differently, rarely showing skin-related issues or lymphatic build-up like draft breeds.

Dr. Fritz suggested this difference may trace back to when humans began selectively breeding horses - around 8,000 years ago. Different breeds were developed for specific workloads and based on what forage diets were available (no processed feedbags then!), which shaped their metabolisms over time.

Draft breeds - tend to be lymphatic, not fat-prone.
Ponies, and especially shetlands, natives and Arabs - store fat easily.
Thoroughbreds - neither lymphatic nor fat-prone.

These metabolic traits explain how we now see different breed-specific reactions to feeds, drugs, and even environmental triggers. German studies conducted on German Warmbloods (who can tolerate poor diets better than most) differ from US studies based on the US Quarter Horses who are genetically closer to draft breeds, who might show metabolic stress on the same feeds as the WBs. Genetics seem to play a huge role, but science is only beginning to understand how.

What this means for mallenders horses - where science meets tradition

There’s also a fascinating crossover here between modern science and ancient wisdom. Chinese medicine considers the skin an 'extra kidney' that steps in when the body's natural detoxification systems are overtaxed. The science now backs this up, confirming that toxins can indeed be excreted through the skin, where previously this was denied.

This is why KPU therapy works so well for mallenders, mud fever, and similar issues. By ensuring the gut remains healthy which naturally connects to the liver’s ability to process toxins, these issues can be resolved naturally.

On a personal note, during the early years with my best friend, connemara Murf, from 2001 onwards he regularly experienced mud-fever and cellulitis each winter. Everything changed around 2006/7 when we transitioned our horses to barefoot and started following the UKNHCP barefoot trim and forum advice, run by Nic Barker of Rockley Farm . At the time, there was a lot of early-stage discussion and experimentation on mineral balancing, which inspired me to create our own powdered mix for our horses. That was the turning point - no more mud-fever from then on, and we’ve never looked back.

This experience was the catalyst for creating our EquiVita/VitaComplete mineral balancers - and the rest, as they say, is history!

Looking ahead - where science is heading

For now, the mallenders / sallenders / dry mud fever answers lie somewhere between genetics, metabolism, and detoxification pathways. Research isn’t quite there yet, but it’s catching up - just as it did with laminitis, ulcers, and hindgut health over the last 20 years or so.

Dr. Fritz wrapped up with this thought: " Who knows - maybe in 10 years, we’ll have a clear scientific explanation for why draft breeds get mallenders, ponies get fat, and thoroughbreds don’t seem to bother with either.”

Until then, supporting liver and gut health with KPU therapy for horses and mineral balancing remains our best tool for managing mallenders/sallenders naturally.

Mallenders isn’t just about scabs on the legs - it’s part of a much wider story about how the gut, liver, and detox pathways all connect, with genetics shaping which horses are most affected. While the science is still catching up, what we do know is that supporting the gut–liver balance can make a huge difference.

→ For the full picture, head to our Mallenders Advice Page
→ Got a quick question? Check out our Mallenders FAQs
→ Want to understand the root cause? Don’t miss our KPU Advice Page

Together, these resources give you the clarity (and hope!) that mallenders can be managed naturally, with real improvements for your horse’s comfort and wellbeing.

Client Approved

"I wanted to give you some feedback on your mallenders and sallenders programme. I took the plunge as I was seeing her getting worse than ever this year. In just a month I am half way through and it has cleared up on her back legs completely and on the front there is no red sore skin anymore. I am so happy I can brush her legs without her trying to move her leg or stomp her feet. Thank you so much. Sarah K.

"So far huge improvements in all departments including a traditional who for the first time has no malanders behind his knee . And an itchy coat is now comfortable and no flaky skin. They love the food and I’m confident that everything they are eating is natural, no fillers or nasties in it" Lynn G.

"Hi I'm currently using Equivita and have had fantastic results (legs now completely clear). Thank you so much for making such a amazing product." Dianne B.

Leaky Gut: The hidden horse health saboteur

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 10:14:46 GMT

How a fragile gut lining can lead to chronic inflammation and systemic health challenges – and what you can do to support it.

The gut lining is just a single cell thick. If a microbe, toxin, or bit of partially digested food in our gut breaks through this delicate lining, it can set off a chain reaction of chronic inflammation.

This inflammation can burn through the body, triggering everything from bloating to breakouts to joint pain, autoimmunity, and worse.

Unfortunately, things like food additives, overprescribed medications, and even stress can weaken our gut lining, poke holes in it, and cause ‘leaky gut’.

Let’s look at a little known condition to some, but which has a massive effect – leaky gut. At first glance, it might sound like a casual term but in the medical world it’s very well known – meet intestinal hyperpermeability .

What Is Leaky Gut?

To better understand leaky gut, imagine the wall lining of the intestines as a tightly knit net which only allows certain substances to pass through into the bloodstream. With leaky gut, the net becomes damaged, creating gaps where unwanted toxic substances can now leak through.

So many horses are silently suffering with this, yet their carers aren’t aware of what’s going on – this is the main enquiry we get to hear about. Their horse may be sluggish, grappling with pain and autoimmune allergies and other syndromes, while behind the scenes a health saboteur is at play.

So why does this happen, and how do we fix it? Lets look at the current game-changing insights on leaky gut.

The impact of chronic inflammation

Chronic low grade inflammation is the biggest driver of chronic disease. A 2015 published human-health paper in The Frontiers of Immunology, concluded that a permeable intestinal wall leads to translocation of bacterial toxins into the blood circulation, and the resulting chronic low-grade inflammation is the biggest morbidity and mortality worldwide. And it all starts with the gut bacteria. In other words, a leaky gut due to a dysfunctional microbiome, and the resulting chronic low-grade inflammation, kills and disables more people worldwide more than anything else.

So, a dysfunctional biome produces overt levels of toxins in the GI tract that then leak into the bloodstream. And once there, cue that low grade inflammation which becomes the very foundation of the vast majority of chronic illnesses. It’s one of the causative agents of virtually all disease, and the more research that’s done, the more correlation there is that initiates, and then progresses, the disease.

Leaky gut is where the enterocytes – the cells that line the gut – have microscopic openings to them. And when we look at these cells under a microscope, it’s fascinating – it looks like they’re held together by zippers. However, when there’s irritation in the GI tract, or not enough prebiotic fibre in the diet, those tight junctions become loose, aka permeable. And again, if we look at these under a microscope, this now looks like the zipper’s being pulled apart. We see teeny openings on either side – it’s not a hole as such; these holes are microscopic, but they’re enough to let undigested food from the GI tract leak into the bloodstream.

This is then circulated through the entire body, causing a systemic reaction. For starters, it creates an inflammatory state, increasing the risk of an allergic response, because these undigested proteins, starches, and bacteria aren’t meant to be in the bloodstream, because the GI tract is meant to be intact, impermeable.

Symptoms of leaky gut in horses

GI symptoms ; digestion issues, gas/bloat, cramping, bowel issues such as loose stools or constipation.
Joint pain , including swelling/inflammation in the joints.
Neuro issues , such as brain fog, fatigue, short-term memory loss, and cognitive decline.
Autoimmune allergy flare-ups.
Hormone imbalances .

But - leaky gut is not just something going on in the gut – it’s an immune system problem , and the effect is systemic. Inflammation literally appears all over the body making the immune cells stay in a hypervigilant state, and all due to what’s been happening in the microbiome.

Reminder - the gut function is to let certain things through into the body, and keep other things in the gut so they can be excreted. When dysbiosis in the gut biome has caused leaky gut, a constant stream of toxins called lipopolysaccharides – aka endotoxins (toxins from within the gut itself), leak into the bloodstream - we’re talking chemicals, viruses, bacteria. And when the immune cells in the gut (that reside in the GALT – Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue) are assaulted by these endotoxins leaking through, they create a huge inflammatory response because that’s what the immune system is there for – it’s designed to protect. But - this isn’t an acute short-term response; it becomes chronic. We’re talking total-body chronic inflammation.

Every toxin in the bloodstream ends up with the liver, and for a while the liver can deal with this, but if there’s an overwhelming influx of toxins leaking in from the gut, the liver is put under enormous strain to biotransform them. More often than not the liver can’t keep up, so the body starts to experience metabolic changes, mood changes, depression and anxiety. These toxins damage the blood:brain barrier, which in humans can lead to neuro-degenerative conditions such as dementia, MS, and Parkinsons. We don’t even know what the blood:brain effect is on our horses as there’s no research to speak of.

Our old friends – antibiotics and medications: hidden contributors

There’s been some fascinating UK research in the last few years connecting antibiotics use with cognitive decline. It found that antibiotic use in children increases the risk of cognitive decline by 18% from the age of 40 onwards. The study also looked at antibiotic use in women in their 50s and then compared their cognitive function 10-years on, finding that in women who had taken antibiotics in their 50, their brains had aged 4-years more than those who hadn’t. And all due to the changes in the gut microbiome that antibiotics cause, due to a flush of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative infectious bacteria, followed by the gut inflammation that allows endotoxins through into the bloodstream as a consequence.

Then there are medications – NSAIDs, steroids, and proton pump inhibitors - our old friend Omeprazole. All have the potential to cause leaky gut.

In human terms, the science now knows that leaky gut is a core underlying feature behind diabetes Type 1 and 2, rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, celiac disease – even depression/anxiety has a connection with enhanced gut leakiness. So what causes this deterioration in the first place, and how can we prevent it?

Certainly a dysbiotic ecosystem – a faulty biome, is certainly a driver. High fructose , the wrong fats , herbicides – there’s so much research already on the damaging effects of glyphosate, pesticides, preservatives, agri-crop byproducts – all these kill off the beneficial gut biome bacteria, just like antibiotics.

Meanwhile we’re letting in unfriendly lactic-acid bacteria via haylage , which due to their preferred starch/sugar diet as opposed to fibre, multiply and outcrowd the beneficial bacteria, creating lactic acid inflammation inside the gut as they go. They also start to consume the protective mucosal layer which is high in carbohydrates, so wonderfully nutrient dense for these pathogen bacteria, and they’re consuming it faster than the body can reproduce it.

Meanwhile, those now exposed tight junctions of the intestinal wall become so porous that toxins and undigested food particles leak through to a part of the body they should never be exposed to. Meanwhile, the immune system goes into a panic, reacting to these food particles. And this is how food intolerances begin.

The science shows that it’s abundantly clear that leaky gut exceeds far beyond the digestive system. It can affect nearly every system in the body, from immune responses to neurological functions. Most medical professionals will have a drug for every symptom, but there’s nothing in their toolkit to cure this fundamental health obstruction.

Supporting leaky gut

Let’s look at solutions that nature offers and science confirms, and there’s some good news: studies show a specific nutrient can help seal leaky gut . Meet L Glutamine.

Unlike the brain or muscles which use glucose for energy, the intestines use glutamine as their energy, maintenance, and repair substance. So when we’re talking about leaky gut - a broken mucosal lining of the small intestine – the most important repair nutrient is glutamine.

L Glutamine can also help stabilise blood sugar, because when we increase protein intake, by default, the blood sugar metabolism may be more moderated when you have protein alongside the glucose intake. Factor in its ability to maintain muscle mass as well, there’s a lot to be said for glutamine supplementation for gut repair, metabolic issues, and muscles.

Why leaky gut matters for your horse

So there we have it - the latest on the fascinating topic of leaky gut and its impact on our horse’s overall health. Leaky gut is a silent health saboteur, often hidden behind symptoms like fatigue, allergies, and joint pain. By addressing it, you’re tackling the root cause of these issues, not just masking them with temporary fixes.

Remember, the body is made up of interconnected systems, and when one part is off balance it can create a ripple effect of health challenges. When the gut heals, the rest of the body follows.

The takeaway

Knowledge is power. The more we understand about equine gut health, the better equipped we are to support our horses in living their best lives. Leaky gut might not always be visible, but its effects are far-reaching. With the right tools - a balanced diet rich in fibre and nutrients, and careful management - we can help our horse heal from the inside out.

If your horse is struggling with hindgut dysbiosis / SIBO / leaky gut / faecal water syndrome, see our 2-month Hindgut Renegeration Programme:

Steaming Hay: Protecting respiratory health without sacrificing protein quality

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:29:33 GMT

Steaming hay reduces allergens and keeps your horse’s lungs clear, but it may lower essential protein levels. Learn how to balance respiratory health with nutritional support.

For many horse owners, dealing with dusty, mouldy, or poor-quality hay is a frustrating challenge. Horses with sensitive respiratory systems need clean forage, and steaming hay has become one of the most reliable ways to reduce harmful allergens. However, recent research shows that while steaming has clear respiratory benefits, it can also impact the protein quality of hay. Luckily, with a few simple adjustments, you can keep your horse’s nutrition in top shape while still prioritising their lung health.

In recent years, using hot steam to clean hay has grown in popularity because it creates a cleaner, safer forage option, by helping eliminate dangerous mould spores, bacteria, and dust particles from hay. These contaminants, when inhaled, can irritate a horse’s airways and, over time, lead to respiratory problems like equine asthma, chronic cough, and other allergies. Hay quality has also suffered due to the never-ending rainy spring and summer seasons we've recently had.

The protein conundrum

While steaming hay has very clear respiratory benefits, the high steam temperatures can alter the protein structure in hay. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, makes some of the protein content harder for horses to digest. Essentially, this reaction binds amino acids to sugars in the hay, making these proteins less soluble and, therefore, less available to the horse.

Research shows that steaming can reduce the digestibility of key amino acids such as lysine, methionine, and threonine by up to 50%. These amino acids are crucial building blocks for our horse’s muscles, immune function, coat, and hooves, without which our horses may struggle to maintain strong muscles, healthy hooves, and overall vitality.

A simple fix - adding Essential Aminos

The good news is that you don’t need to compromise between your horse’s respiratory and nutritional health. By adding our Essential Aminos supplement, you can help offset any potential protein loss that steaming might cause. This supplement delivers the vital amino acids your horse needs to make the most of their forage, even when it’s steamed.

Essential Aminos are particularly beneficial for:

Muscle health : Amino acids help support and build muscles, especially important for active horses.
Hoof and coat quality : Amino acids such as methionine are essential for strong hooves and a glossy coat. Note: our EquiVita & VitaComplete balancers also come with 3g/day methionine as standard.
Immune Function : Lysine and threonine play a key role in immune health, helping your horse stay resilient.

By supplementing with Essential Aminos, you ensure your horse’s diet remains balanced and their health stays robust.

Equally, consider a higher protein base feedbowl carrier. Agrobs Myo Protein Flakes and Simple Systems' Sainfoin fit this bill well.

Beware soya ...

Soya contains natural toxins known as anti-nutrients, some of which interfere with the crucial protein-digesting enzymes. Furthermore, the amino acid protein of the soya bean is equine-inappropriate, leading to water in muscle tissue, and not proteinated muscle ( Source: Dr Christina Fritz, Sanoanimal ). See our Soya page for further information ( Advice Centre from the main navigation bar/Feeding our Horses Healthy/Why what we feed has to be right ).

In summary

Steaming hay is one of the best ways to keep your horse safe from respiratory irritants. While it may slightly reduce protein digestibility, supplementing with Essential Aminos is an easy way to ensure they still receive all the nutrients they need. In the end, you can have the best of both worlds: a clean, safe forage option and balanced nutrition for a healthy, happy horse.

Source: Effect of Hay Steaming on the Estimated Precaecal Digestibility of Crude Protein and Selected Amino Acids in Horses - PMC (nih.gov)

Waiting for the hard frost: natures helping hand against equine parasites

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:21:14 GMT

How nature’s timing can help keep your horse parasite-free all winter

So, here we are again, the beginning of November, and this is the month when we should all be willing on a hard-frost, as when it comes to natural worm protection for our horses, a November ‘killing’ frost is invaluable! Plus it also brings on the stunning autumn colours – oh the memories of autumn forest trail rides …

So what's the deal with a 'hard' frost? It's said to kill off many of the equine parasites, particulary bots whose larvae can live very comfortably in our horses’ digestive systems.

These days we’re fortunate to have selective deworming as an option, with faecal egg counts depicting whether we need to chemically worm or not. It’s also thanks to this practice that apparently only around 20% of horses are repeatedly affected with worms, with the other 80% either worm-free or at a low enough level to not need a chemical treatment, as most worms can be detected in faecal samples.

Apart from bots, that is. They love to overwinter in the horse’s gut, and this is a top reason as to why a killing frost is so useful. Worming immediately after a killing frost will effectively kill the larvae in the intestines, which means with no more bots flying around, this will interrupt the cycle as the horse won’t be shedding any more larvae come spring. Result? No new hatching bots ready to lay their eggs next year. Following this practice consistently is said to even eradicate bots from your region.

Equally, worming just before a killing frost can also be an ideal time, because once cleaned out, our horses are likely to remain pretty much parasite-free until spring.

These days it’s well known that with a a healthy intestinal environment and well-functioning immune system, our horses are pretty well able to defend themselves against a worm burden. This is where natural intestinal support can be so complimentary, based on improving the intestinal environment and thus making it hostile for parasites to want to settle there. With any newly absorbed worm larvae finding it too uncomfortable to set up home, they'll weaken, which makes it easier for the immune system to fight them.

Top Tip – Sainfoin is an excellent feed that’s high in tannins, which have a stabilising effect on the large intestine, the very section of the intestine where strongyles like to make their home. Sainfoin comes highly recommended to protect the gut, so feeding it as your base feedbowl carrier may help control those pesky parasites.

Apparently small ruminants (sheep and goats) show significantly fewer worm infections when regularly fed sainfoin, plus it’s also a higher protein forage so ideal for those horses who struggle to hold winter weight. On a personal note, a couple of winters’ ago our now 18yo TB mare, Carmen, started dropping a bit of winter condition, and with Murf being an old chap now, I switched them both over to Sainfoin for the winter - anything to help my old boy is high on my list. With a quick hot-water soak which literally takes seconds, they absolutely love it, and Carms looks great through the winters these days.

You’ll find sainfoin at Simple Systems .

Tapeworms

We’re also heading towards tapeworm test time, and again, nature can help here as pumpkin seeds are well known for their taeniacide and taeniafuge properties - taeniacides are phytonutrients that specifically destroy tapeworms, with taeniafuges expelling them.

Apart from this, pumpkin seeds are not only very palatable but also highly nutritious - higher in protein (at 29%) than almost any other nut or seed, they're also an excellent source of Zinc and Vitamin A.

In worming circles though, they have an important anthelmintic (natural wormer) property - meet cucurbitin , an amino acid said to be one of the most efficient taeniafuge remedies for killing intestinal parasites, including tapeworms and roundworms, by causing degenerative changes in the worms’ reproductive organs, with the seed's high zinc content also helping to expel them.

Last year we got Carms down from a 700epg tape count to low, just through adding ground pumpkin seeds, and as they’re so palatable and nutritious, I now feed them both a scoop every day.

And of course our certified organic ground pumpkin seeds are human grade, so sprinkle some on your winter porridge too!

Time for an Oil Change? The real skinny on healthy fats for horses

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:26:25 GMT

All fat is bad, right?

Actually, no. Total myth. We absolutely shouldn’t fear fats - in fact, they make food taste better (apologies to vegetarians/vegans but who can resist lamb chops?!), and best of all, they offer many nutritional benefits. Believe it or not, fats can even help the body lose weight (more on this further on!).

Fat is one of the body’s most basic building blocks. Whether human or horse, we all need fats to survive. Every cell is made of fat - nerve endings are made of fat; hormones are made of fat; the brain is over 50% fat; the metabolism runs better on fat. Fats help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins found in plant foods, and in humans certain fats can even reduce the risk of serious diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and dementia. The key is eating the right fats and steering clear of the bad ones.

Consuming natural, wholefood-based fats - including (shock horror!) saturated fats - is critical for good health. Yet we’ve been conditioned to believe that unsaturated fats from vegetable and seed oils are the best, while saturated fats like butter, coconut oil, lard, and ghee are toxic. In reality, it’s the opposite.

Just for the record, us humans today consume alarming amounts of refined vegetable and seed oils, loaded with omega-6 fats which contribute to inflammation and chronic diseases. These oils are industrially produced, heavily processed, and chemically treated - watch a YouTube video about how they’re made, and you’ll understand why we should never put these oils on our skin, let alone inside our bodies. The same applies to our horses.

In short, we need the appropriate fats which are the preferred fuel for the organism's cells, because healthy, nutrient-rich fats literally lubricate the metabolic wheels.

The truth about fats

As horse carers, many of us have been taught that fats and oils create body fat, but it's a bit of a bigger picture than this, with a healthy dollop of myth in there as well. Good fats, as in the species-appropriate fats, are super healthy, but the thing is that all fats aren’t created equal. As with feeds, there are good fats, questionable fats, and downright bad frankenfats, such as the man-made, horribly processed PUFA fats you see on supermarket shelves.

Vets and doctors often cling to outdated information and those myths about fats, which prevent them from understanding and accepting the latest science about achieving optimal health, so let's review some of the most common fat myths:

Fat makes us fat.
Fat causes heart disease.
Fat raises cholesterol.
One of the most common - fat leads to obesity.
And finally, the infamous myth - saturated fat is bad.

Simply put, this is wrong, but slowly, the message is now getting out there about the importance of fat in the diet. Fat doesn’t make us fat, but the wrong fats will wreak havoc on metabolism. Eating the right, healthy fat actually speeds up metabolism, releases fat from cells, and curbs hunger, while carbs do the opposite - they slow metabolism and store fat.

Benefits of healthy fat:

Fats help the body feel full and satiated.
Fats regulate inflammation and metabolism.
Fats are essential for healthy cell membranes and immune function.
Fats are necessary to produce hormones.
Over 50% of the brain is made of fat.

We also know that fat-soluble nutrients need fat for digestion - fat-soluble turmeric is a classic example of this; show me a feedroom that hasn't got a bottle of oil next to the turmeric supplement. For our horses, fat and grass are the perfect pairing because many key nutrients in grass - Vitamins A, D, E, and K - are fat-soluble. Without fat in the feed bowl, these important vitamins won’t be well absorbed.

The real skinny on fat

Let's go back in time for a moment - where did the idea that "all fat is bad" come from? And why do people believe that saturated fat and cholesterol are harmful to health? How did we get to the point where two thirds of our human society is overweight or obese? One thing I can tell you for sure - it didn't happen by accident, and we need to quickly hop back to the late 1950s, when the post-war western world had been in a panic over the rising tide of heart disease over the previous decade, which as far as anyone could see had pretty much come out of nowhere.

Now cut to 1955, and President Eisenhower had a massive coronary while playing golf. As the story goes, he had just eaten a greasy hamburger, which he did often, and at first, he thought the discomfort was indigestion. However, indigestion it wasn’t, and a few days later he breathed his last.

The news of his death rocked the world, and the stock market plunged by $14 billion in a day. And so began the beginning of decades of flawed fat research.

Cut to today, over half a century and a few more decades later, and we pretty much know the real skinny on fat. And if I had a quid for every time someone tells me they’d rather not feed linseed because (they think) it will make their horse ‘fat’ … well, I might not be able to buy a new 4x4, but it might stretch to a new feedbag.

I get it though. I completely do, because for decades, well-meaning diet gurus have preached that eating fat makes us fat. But it really is time to change the way we think about fat, and especially for our horses, because there's a whole other equine twist when it comes to fat.

From the get-go, from all those millenia ago to our modern day, the equine gut simply hasn’t evolved to digest fat like us humans, aside from the very low levels of essential fatty acids (EFAs) content in (what's meant to be) their natural low-nutrient diet of stemmy savannah plain grasslands. Specifically, horses get their EFAs from omega-3 and omega-6 found in grass forage, and this is all the 'fat' that a horse needs to eat to fuel their fat needs in their bodies.

And yet, it's now considered 'normal' for us carers to slosh in extra liquid oil to our horse's feedbowl, so here’s why we really shouldn't be doing this.

Cue a bit of a Science Alert �� ...

Horses can’t handle liquid oil

For starters, unlike us humans, horses don’t have a gall bladder. A gall bladder’s primary function is to store, then release, enough ' emulsifier ' – think washing-up liquid poured over a pile of greasy pans in the sink - aka bile , to degrade fat into tiny particles which can then be absorbed through the small intestine.

Not so for our horses. Instead, bile in horses is trickled directly from the liver to match their natural trickle feeding habits. This slow, steady release of just the right amount of bile, is perfectly matched for breaking down the small amounts of EFAs our horses should be getting from a low-nutrient grass diet.

So, three things here:

Our modern-day domesticated horse is no longer turned out on their historic low-nutrient savannah plains-style grasslands; since arriving in our western world they only know rich, high-carb, high-nutrient, short green grass blades (leaves).
And ... somewhere along the line, adding extra liquid oil into the feedbowl also became a thing. Except it really shouldn't have, because as the horse naturally produces just enough bile to manage a low-level EFA content from grass forage, they don't produce enough bile to break down all this extra oil, so it slithers all over the digesta in the small intestine. And we all know what a greasy layer does over anything - it acts as a barrier, blocking anything getting through. Which means ... it blocks the vital digestive enzymes from reaching the starches and proteins they’re supposed to digest.
Which means ... nutrients won't be assimilated or absorbed into the body to be utilised.

Worse, this excess oil keeps oozing onwards and eventually leaks directly into the hindgut, which is toxic to the hindgut fibre-fermenters. So a massive fault in the fermentation process is now triggered, causing a whole extra host of digestive problems.

Let's break this all down.

What actually happens ...

A quick reminder - fats aren’t water-soluble. If you add oil to another fluid, it floats to the top. If you mix your own vinaigrette you'll know what I mean - add vinegar plus oil into a jar, and watch the oil head for the top of the jar. Shake it, leave it, same thing. It separates and heads upwards.

Now to our horses, and pretty much most of what horses eat is water-soluble, as are their stomach fluids too. And here’s another thing – those digestive enzymes that digest starch and protein? All water-soluble too. As is also the digestive enzyme that degrades the natural EFA omegas in grass forage - lipase. I t’s water soluble, not fat soluble. Which I know sounds odd (considering it's a fat digester) but there it is. If lypase was fat-soluble it would dive right into the fat and get on with digesting it, but it isn’t.

So how do those EFAs convert to water-soluble? Bile. The magic slow-release bile trickle from the liver.

Converting fat to water -soluble

Bile is made up of bile salts and molecules that are both water and fat-soluble – these are the 'emulsifers' which act just like a detergent, like soap. And whether horse or human, all the eaten food is shaken about in the gut system via intestinal peristalsis, so the fat molecules that usually cling together are now shaken into smaller particles. The longer they’re shaken up, the bile continues emulsifying them into even smaller particles, eventually turning them into fat micelles – tiny fat bubbles but now with a water -soluble surface that the lipase digestive enzyme can now start doing its job. Digestive poetry literally in motion. ��

But - if we add extra liquid oil into the feedbowl, the delicate equine fat digestion process is put under huge strain because the bile trickle isn’t evolved to handle this. But also, and this is a big thing - all digestive enzymes are water -soluble and the liver only produces a tiny trickle of bile to convert fats to those water-soluble micelles.

So, since all this extra slosh of liquid oil can’t be immediately emulsified by a big hit of bile, it oozes over the rest of the digesta - the starches, proteins, forage – in the small intestine. This means that the starch enzyme digester, amylase , can’t reach the starch due to the greasy fat barrier, and the protein enzyme digester, pepsin , can't get at the proteins either to break them down into amino acids. Just like our sink full of greasy pans in the sink - without the 'emulsifying' washing-up liquid, everything in there will get smothered with a sticky greasy barrier.

Back to the equine small intestine, this means that the nutrients can’t be assimilated or absorbed into the bloodstream because the digestive enzymes can't get to what they're meant to digest. This carries the knock-on risk of large undigested starch and protein particles reaching the hindgut, which now puts the horse at a major colic and/or laminitis risk ☹.

There's another reason why we shouldn’t add liquid oil to our horse - it will also leak straight through the small intestine directly into the hindgut. And lest we forget, the hindgut microbes' role is to ferment the cellulose fibre from the forage and produce numerous vital byproducts – including the source of the horse’s energy. Worse, with oily undigested starches and proteins also getting into the hindgut, we’re now at serious risk of faulty fermentation and a significant colic and laminitis episode.

Cue the dysbiosis/SIBO/leaky gut/faecal water domino effect, along with those vital byproducts - activated vitamins B6 an B12, certain amino acids, and most critically, the VFAs which create the horse’s energy - no longer being produced.

In short? Adding extra oil in liquid form to the feedbowl creates a huge metabolic problem.

So, what fats should we add?

Horses that aren’t on fresh grass will have an omega-3 deficiency, especially those on a hay-only diet or track system. The best way to compensate for this deficiency is to feed micronised linseed , which is not only easily digestible and very palatable to horses, but - it also rather fabulously has the same omega-3 profile as fresh grass.

NB. If your horse can’t have linseed, alternatives like chia and hemp seeds are also great options.

Time for an oil change?

The higher the quality of the fat, the better the body will function. Every cell in the body needs high-quality fat to build its walls, so it’s crucial to recognise when your horse may be lacking good fats. Look out for signs like dry, itchy skin, tiny bumps on their coat, or achy joints.

Replenishing your horse's omega-3 EFAs with micronised linseed will help regulate inflammation and keep cells flexible and responsive. Whether it’s for us humans or our horses, the wrong fats - cheap, processed liquid oils high in omega-6 - lead to stiff, rigid cells that slow down the body’s functions and make it more prone to inflammation.

�� Micronised linseed is brilliant for joints, brilliant for skin, and a gut superstar to boot. Find it blended in the correct ratios in our VitaComplete mineral balancer, or as a straight in our Nutrients shop page.

Winter Equine Joints Care

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:49:24 GMT

Help your horse manage joint discomfort through the cold winter months with natural anti-inflammatory support, nutrition, and movement strategies.

Arthritic changes in the equine joints are sadly degenerative, hence irreversible, but they can be managed well through winter with plenty of calm movement, sufficient cartilage nutrients, keeping joints warm and reducing inflammation if necessary.

As soon as the wetter, colder weather arrives, we’ll likely start to see issues in our musculoskeletal-affected horses, so here are some great tips to support them.

1. Calm movement, and plenty of it

While the muscles are supplied with blood and nutrients courtesy of the heart pumping, joints aren’t – they’re not directly supplied with blood vessels. Instead, the articular cartilage is inertly supplied with nutrients via the synovial fluid, which only moves when the joint moves.

In addition, the cartilage matrix forms an essential part of the joint suspension and lubrication, but can only do its job if it’s soaked with synovial fluid. Lack of movement means the cartilage matrix can’t soak up sufficient fluid, which is why horses who don’t move much or stand for too long get joint issues.

A track system or 24/7 turnout is the most ideal solution, but if you’re on a stable/turnout yard like us now, you can still encourage your horse to move more in both their stable and turnout, by positioning numerous small haynets in different places, or tie up a root-vegetable selection in various locations as enrichment, to encourage them to move around to find them.

2. Warm up slowly

Remind yourself; if you’re feeling the cold while you’re brushing/prepping your horse for riding, your horse will be even colder because they will have moved a whole lot less than us while we were getting them ready. Warm up for at least 20 minutes - older horses may need longer - to warm up the joints. An ideal warm-up phase for horses is a short 20-mins trail step-out before the harder work begins.

3. Feed rosehips

Autumn time is also rosehip time! Rosehips are ripening everywhere, and most horses love them! If your horse is anything like my Murf (who will happily spend as long as he can nibbling his way through a hedgerow of dog rose) they’ll be trying to eat them at every opportunity.

Freshly picked rosehips are metabolic-friendly, packed full of high-quality fatty acids and high levels of natural Vit.C, so pick them fresh as a low-calorie treat. They’re also a useful mild anti-inflammatory so lovely for our seniors and our arthritic-y horses. With Murf now 30 and Carms 18, I give them both a heaped scoop of ground rosehips in their feed every day regardless.

4. Soothe inflammation naturally

Older horses in particular, as well as horses in regular hard work, may well show signs of wear and tear on their joints. This causes painful flare-ups of inflammation which further damages the joint cartilage, especially in colder, damp weather.

White Willow bark and Devil’s Claw tuber are both well known to support peripheral joint inflammation. For gentle comfort maintenance see our DuoBute , and our TriBute includes both White Willow and Devil’s Claw for more acute discomfort.

5. Support cartilage build-up

Joint cartilage tissue requires nutrients to nourish the cartilage cells, and ensure that fibre cartilage continues to form. Glucosamine sulphate is the natural form, well absorbed into the bloodstream, and the horse should show a positive improvement fairly quickly. Be mindful, though, that Glucosamine HCL is the synthetic form, and try as it might, the liver simply can’t convert it to the useable sulphate form.

See our JointReflexa which comprises both Glucosamine sulphate alongside L-Glutamine (the most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue), and MSM (methyl-sulfonyl methane), which is commonly found in the fluid around the joints and often combined with Glucosamine.

6. Finally, keep joints warm

If joints are particularly affected by arthritic changes, then the horse may show lameness on the corresponding leg – this is certainly the case with our 18yo TB mare, Carmen, who was born with a twisted LF hoof and pastern, so her RF pastern compensates and is more dropped as a result, with the knock-on effect travelling right up through her shoulder.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), osteoarthritis is a ‘ yin ’ disease that is associated with damp cold. Yin should be complimented with ‘ Yang ’ remedies, ie dry warmth, and there’s a great brand out there – CeraTex , produced by PharmaLight, Sweden – who specialise in laser/LED light therapy. They have a tendon boot made from ceramic fibres, and it's these fibres where the magic happens.

They reflect the infrared radiation of the tissue and warm it from the inside out, and they also do a rug to support the vertebral joints. Top tip – start slowly for a short while only and under supervision, before slowly increasing to overnight.

HERB NERD - The Role of Dopamine and Mucuna Pruriens for Cushing's Awareness Month

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 11:13:21 GMT

Supporting your horse naturally during Cushing's Awareness Month: the role of dopamine and Mucuna pruriens

As September arrives, it's a crucial time for horse owners to become more aware of Cushing's disease, especially since this month is often when vets test for this condition. Understanding Cushing's, the significance of dopamine in managing it, and how to support your horse naturally, can make a huge difference in your horse's health and well-being.

Cushing's disease, also known as PPID, is a condition that affects the endocrine system, leading to the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This excessive cortisol can cause a range of symptoms in horses, including increased thirst, frequent urination, a pot-bellied appearance, muscle wastage, and laminitis. One of the underlying issues in Cushing's disease is reduced levels of the dopamine hormone, which impacts the pituitary gland's function and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, often leading to elevated cortisol levels.

Dopamine plays a critical role in regulating the HPA axis by inhibiting the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. In healthy horses, dopamine ensures that cortisol levels remain balanced. However, in horses with Cushing's, dopamine levels are often deficient, leading to dysregulation of this system and excessive cortisol production.

Pharmaceutical vs. natural support for dopamine levels

The pharmaceutical drug Prascend is commonly prescribed to increase dopamine levels in horses with Cushing's. While effective for many horses, Prascend doesn't suit all due to potential side effects like loss of appetite, depression, and lethargy.

Recognising this, we've developed two proprietary Cushing's blends designed to support your horse, to cover whether they’re taking, or aren’t taking, Prascend. Our CushTonic-1 blend is suitable for horses not taking Prascend, aiming to enhance dopamine levels naturally, providing a holistic approach to managing Cushing's.

What is dopamine? A deep dive into the dopaminergic system

Dopamine is one of the brain's primary neurotransmitters, most commonly associated with reward, motivation, and pleasure. However, its role extends far beyond that, influencing focus, cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, motor control, hormone regulation, immune function, and coordination of body movements. In essence, dopamine is vital for both mental and physical health.

Dopamine is part of the catecholamine family, which includes other significant molecules like epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). Produced in the brain, dopamine also functions in various bodily systems, including the cardiovascular and immune systems. Despite comprising only 1% of brain neurons, dopaminergic neurons have a significant impact on cognitive performance and emotional well-being.

The role of dopamine in the brain

Dopamine is synthesised in small but critical regions of the brain, primarily the midbrain's substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). These areas are involved in controlling movement, reflexes, reward processes, and executive functions like decision-making, problem-solving, and behavioural flexibility. Dopamine is transmitted through nerve fibres to other parts of the brain, where it influences a wide range of functions, from motor control to emotional states.

Enhancing dopamine naturally: the power of Mucuna pruriens

In the world of natural remedies, few plants are as remarkable as Mucuna pruriens. This potent herb, deeply rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, offers a wealth of benefits through its naturally high levels of L-Dopa, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Whether you're familiar with Ayurveda or new to the concept, Mucuna provides a perfect example of how traditional knowledge can meet modern science to enhance health and well-being.

Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of medicine, has been nurturing health for over 3,000 years with its holistic approach. This traditional practice emphasises balance between mind, body, and spirit, using natural remedies, diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices to achieve and maintain wellness. Within this framework, Mucuna, also called the ‘velvet bean’, has long been revered for its therapeutic properties.

Mucuna is particularly celebrated for its high content of L-Dopa, a compound that the body converts into dopamine. In essence, dopamine is essential for a happy, healthy life, and Mucuna pruriens serves as a natural source to boost its levels.

The magic of L-Dopa: more than just a dopamine precursor

L-Dopa, or levodopa , is well-known in medical circles, especially for its role in treating Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. But its benefits extend far beyond these applications. As a precursor to dopamine, L-Dopa not only helps regulate mood and motor functions but also plays a key role in producing other important hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine - better known as adrenaline.

When L-Dopa enters the brain, it crosses the blood-brain barrier - a critical filter that protects our brain from harmful substances - and is converted into dopamine. This conversion boosts the levels of dopamine in the brain, enhancing communication between nerve cells and supporting overall brain health. This process is why L-Dopa is so effective in treating neurological disorders and why it's also associated with improved cognitive function, reduced stress, and better mood regulation.

Benefits of Mucuna and L-Dopa: from ancient wisdom to modern use

The traditional uses of Mucuna pruriens in Ayurveda are as diverse as they are profound. This versatile herb has been used to treat nervous disorders, improve sleep, combat parasite infections, enhance fertility, and even act as an anti-aging remedy. Its ability to balance hormones makes it a go-to for addressing conditions related to thyroid function, testosterone levels, and cortisol metabolism.

Moreover, Mucuna has found a place in modern wellness routines as a natural mood elevator, skin health enhancer, and even as a remedy for snakebites and scorpion stings in some African traditions. The list of benefits is extensive, and it underscores the herb’s reputation as a powerful natural medicine.

Contraindications

While the benefits of Mucuna and L-Dopa are impressive, they aren't suitable for everyone, and I quote this in terms of human research; whilst it's now known that mucuna is safe to feed to horses, we still sadly lack sufficient research on it. So, from a human perspective, it should be avoided if pregnant or nursing, due to its impact on hormone levels. Additionally, individuals with certain health conditions - such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, and mental illness, should consult a healthcare provider before incorporating Mucuna into their routine.

It's also important to be aware of potential drug interactions. Mucuna pruriens may lower blood sugar levels, so it's advisable to stop taking it at least two weeks before surgery. Furthermore, what we do know for our horses is that it should not be combined with Prascend, due to the risk of dopamine overstimulation. The same goes for humans - combined with certain medications, including MAOIs, methyldopa, and some antidepressants, may increase the risk of adverse effects.

In short, as with any supplement, it's essential to approach it with awareness and to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if there are other underlying health conditions.

Embracing the power of mucuna pruriens

For those seeking natural ways to enhance brain health, manage stress, or support overall well-being, Mucuna offers a promising solution. Its rich history in Ayurvedic medicine combined with modern research underscores its potential as a powerful natural supplement.

Equine Nutrition 2024 European Workshop - key takeaways

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 08:25:58 GMT

Insights on Equine Nutrition: exploring pasture mineral variations, natural steroid risks, and effective management of PPID and EGUS in horses

Note: the European Equine Nutrition workshop is aimed more at the more conventionally trained nutritionists; however, there are plenty of excellent tips and takeaway messages to be had from it, as it's always good to have a foot in both conventional and 'natural' camps and knowing when to use what.

Last month, our brilliant support team of equine nutritionists from Premier Nutrition attended the 11th European Workshop on Equine Nutrition in Norway. They had an inspiring three days filled with quality speakers, workshops, as well as the opportunity to visit the Equine Research Centre at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.

We’ve selected a few of the topics from the team's report for you.

Seasonal key mineral variations in pastures

Verena Schmidt’s presentation (SRUC Aberdeen), demonstrated how the mineral content in different types of pastures changes with the seasons. The aim was to improve understanding of factors influencing key mineral concentrations in equine pastures, in order to be able to have a more targeted approach to micronutrient supplementation.

She found that diverse grass-species pastures achieved significantly higher concentrations for all minerals, whilst the single species equine mix was consistently the lowest. By the 4 ^th grass cut of the year, mineral levels had dropped significantly, regardless of fertiliser use to improve nutrient yield.

It was noted that the swards with a mixture of long and short root systems gave the highest mineral concentrations, so Verena’s advice was to incorporate mixed species swords into equine pastures and forage to get a variety of root systems going, to maximise mineral concentrations.

*See our Mineral Solutions page in the Advice Centre (main menu above) for the latest updates.

Ecdysterone: a naturally occurring prohibited substance found on horse pasture

Another interesting, if not slightly worrying (!), presentation, focused on the occurrence of ecdysterone (ECD) in horse pasture.

ECD is a naturally occurring anabolic steroid found in horse pastures , and a banned substance under FEI rules. It comes with no limit of reporting, which means any level, no matter how tiny, will trigger a positive test. However, in nature ECD is used by plants and insects as a defence mechanism, which makes it one of the most common steroids in the plant world. This means unintended exposure – and ingestion - may be unavoidable.

The aim of this project, led by Martin Silence and Katherine Holt (Queensland University of Technology), was to examine the risk of dietary exposure and to raise awareness in owners and sports authorities. In their study, 54 weed species were tested, with low concentrations of ECD found in 6 species, and high levels found in 3 species. Low levels were also found in some of the feeds that were analysed.

The team presented a second paper where they looked at how this steroid behaves in horses. This study looked at the reaction of 8 horses fed 5mg/kg BW ECD for 7-days, with results showing that 90% of the ECD was excreted in the faeces when ingested. 10% appeared in the blood after 5 mins of consumption and then was excreted in the urine.

What was particularly interesting (and alarming!) was that some horses had detectable ECD levels before treatment, which adds to the argument that the FEI needs a realistic threshold, rather than zero tolerance. There was also significant variation in the levels seen after ingestion, interestingly thought to be due to differences like worm burdens, although not confirmed.

The study also demonstrated that repeat dosing does not cause accumulation, with 7 out of the 8 horses returning to pre-test levels after 3 days. The study also demonstrated 'horse individuality' perfectly – where 7 out of the 8 horses had declining levels after 3 days, one horse had higher levels after three days than they did at the start.

While the levels in most weeds and feeds are low, the fact that it’s out there is something we all need to be aware of - especially if your horse competes. It’s not as simple as what goes in must come out!

Herbal supplements and horse movement

Now, onto something a bit more uplifting - literally. Simon Daniels presented a paper which looked at the effects of supplementing sound horses with joint-supporting herbs to improve a horse’s stride .

In this study with 9 horses (a collaboration between the Royal Agricultural University and Hartpury University), videos of the horses working before and after supplementation were sent to vets for comment. Vets noticed that after the horses were given joint-appropriate herbs, their stride looked noticeably better . Free radicals in the urine also dropped by an impressive 24%, suggesting reduced oxidative stress following supplementation. This demonstrating that a nutritive herbal boost might just do the trick!

*See our Joints & Mobility page in the Advice Centre for the latest updates.

Managing PPID in horses

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses is becoming a real issue for horse owners with more and more horses being diagnosed with the disorder, and often at a much younger age than previously seen. The standard veterinary treatment is Prascend, which as we know doesn’t suit every horse, so managing the total diet is key to minimising the symptoms for horses.

Marie Hottat (Ghent University) shed some light on how horse owners are managing PPID, presenting the findings of a survey she'd carried out with owners in Belgium and the Netherlands. She found some interesting trends; for starters, a huge 80% of PPID horses were on Prascend , no doubt due to the effective collaborative marketing tactics between the pharma producer and vets. However, many owners were also tweaking their horses' diets and grazing habits, with a significant 80% of owners noticing improvement with other supplements.

Further interesting statistics from this survey include:

66% horse owners changed their hard feed choices.
50% horse owners reduced grazing time.
46% of respondents were using other supplement to control PPID symptoms,with 23% using 3 or more supplements.
80% of the supplements were herbal/plant based , with:
30% owners saying they saw slight improvement,
40% with strong improvement,
10% seeing complete removal of PPID symptoms in horses following use of PPID supplements.

I think you can tell that I was impressed that 80% of the horse owners surveyed felt there had been an improvement following PPID targeted plant supplementation. But it does perhaps beg the question that future research might necessitate randomised, double-blinded, long-term clinical trials to investigate what really works.

*See our Cushings/PPID page in the Advice Centre/A-Z Equine Condition for the latest updates.

Gastric ulcers and feeding

The conference finished with an engaging interactive workshop on EGUS, led by Pat Harris and Nanna Luthersson. There were several useful reminders and points raised, with the takeaway being that glandular ulcers are more likely to show behavioural changes . ( Note: With my EquiNatural hat on, we target both squamous and glandular ulcers very differently ).

Here are the top pointers from the session:

EGUS is (now) split into two categories – ESGD – Equine Squamous Gastric Disease and EGGD – Equine Glandular Gastric Disease. It’s important to remember the difference as they are often lumped together, but they affect different parts of the stomach, with EGGD trickier to spot as damage can be below surface, evading the gastroscope.
Behaviour clues : Cantering requires abdominal muscles to contract and so brings out behaviours not normally seen, which could explain why ulcer-like behaviour can be more evident in dressage horses. As for racehorses, adrenaline might be masking ulcer pain.
Time really can be the best healer for EGUS. A study on a semi-feral herd of Icelandic horses found that those who developed ulcers when taken off the hills to be broken for riding, then showed significant improvement within 8 weeks after initial scoping, simply due to them having had time to adjust to their new surroundings.
Omeprazole Isn’t a magic bullet : ( Note: again with my EquiNatural hat on, I think you all know my thoughts on PPIs ��). While it’s the vets’ go-to treatment, studies show that omeprazole doesn’t work for every horse. And even when it does, appropriate changes in diet and management were still vital to make, to support the horses following treatment.

*See our Ulcers page in the Advice Centre/A-Z Equine Condition page for more information.

Wrapping Up

The workshop was packed with cutting-edge research and practical tips. Whether it’s understanding the minerals in pasture, navigating the risks of natural steroids, or finding the best way to manage conditions like PPID and EGUS, staying informed is key to keeping our horses healthy and happy.

Looking forward to keeping you up to date with more insights as we hear them. ��

Why Does My Horse Stumble? Digging deeper into hoof integrity and health

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:47:57 GMT

Taking a different look at symptoms by digging deeper

Way back when, coming up to 20-years ago, we met a true gentleman of a horse. Kelso, aka Big-K, was a striking dun and former show cob, and we were lucky enough to later take over his care as my husband's horse. We knew Kelso well as we'd fostered him for 6-months when our trainer had previously been unwell. However, very unlike when we’d previously fostered him, he arrived under our care in August 2006 with brittle, crumbling hooves.

He also constantly tripped, badly, crashing to his knees, with whoever was on him ending up on his neck. He was also completely unable to keep a shoe on, and after relentless visits from the farrier I was at a loss as to what to do. (This was a good 6-months before EquiNatural started, which was actually all thanks to Kelso – see Our Story – so a classic case of wishing I knew then what I know now).

Understanding proprioception and hoof health

This was a true test of proprioception, meaning the sense of body awareness / the ability to sense/feel the limb placement. Poor Kelso was literally stumbling because he didn’t know where his feet were. Not too dissimilar to sleeping awkwardly on your arm and you wake up and can’t feel it. That’s proprioception. Or lack of it.

These last few weeks I’ve been getting a rash of emails about horses with poor hoof health, no doubt in part due to the relentless rainfall earlier this year significantly affecting the grass chemistry. But of course there’s often a deeper issue going on, and it reminded me of a brilliant blog I’d read, written by a holistic Ayurvedic vet in the US, Thomas Schell, who I follow. It went something like this …

He was saying that one of his clients was getting bloods done then wanting him to tell them what to do. Quote: “She then wanted me to do a consultation after the results were back. I told her that I didn't need the test results as those numbers on paper mean nothing.”

So, why don't they mean anything? Like us, this vet very much follows the principles of Functional Medicine , the practice of looking at the body as a ‘whole’, and digging deeper to connect the dots. These days, common links between many seemingly separate issues are now clear - we simply have to uncover the root causes in each case.

Back to his blog, and he’d recently been reading an article on Parkinson's disease and how the scientists had 'redefined' it. In short, it meant looking at something a little differently, but as is usual, this generally only comes after the current method of logic has failed. This is typical of many areas in health which are now being treated very differently as a result, i.e. Lyme disease for one.

I’ll now quote straight from his blog.

“ So, let's do a bit of 'redefining. Look deeper, what do you see? Most owners will see that their horse is 'off', maybe in soundness or under saddle or even behaviour. Something’s not right, so they call the vet and they test and then treat. Most do not recover or end up relapsing. So we dig deeper.

We know something is not right, so Why is something not right? We don't have to define what is not right in absolute, just generic. Maybe the horse is 'off' under saddle. Okay, what next? Look at the horse. How are their feet and foot placement? Landing toe first?

Now, look at them – what’s their body condition? What’s their diet – species appropriate grass forage or fast food from a bag with a fancy name like Musli? What’s their lifestyle – confined, solitary, or free to move with friends? What's their vaccine status and history?

All good questions, but no one seems to ask these things, including the vets doing the blood testing. Not much different from the average neurologist that is attempting to treat Parkinson's disease. We need to ask these questions and then address those items before any blood test is done. The result of any blood test, if it’s positive based on the (now mainly out of date) bars set decades ago, is just an effect, not the cause. It's like looking at your garden shed that’s falling down and seeing that the wood’s rotting. But the wood rot is the effect, not the cause. Correct those factors and you’ll be well on your way to actually curing what’s wrong in your horse. ”

Connecting the dots: diet, environment, and health

So what did M.Schell see? I’ll continue to quote:

“Overweight, meaning that you can’t feel the ribs; unenthused, and with a confined lifestyle, often dry lotted with no turnout. The BCS in a horse has been redefined (just like for us humans) - a BCS of 4 is NOT a horse with ribs covered by fat where they can’t be seen. The horses have poor hoof conformation, landing toe first with under-run heels. They are stressed mentally and physically. Their faeces are often either loose or they are excessively dry, indicating digestive issues.”

And there we have it. Dots connected.

So if we look back at Kelso, with his chronic allergy responses plus crumbling hooves, constantly tripping and completely unable to keep a shoe on …

Dot No.1: He’d been loaned out for 6-months previously to a teenager who had no clue what to feed to nourish, so poor diet had played a huge role in his general deterioration of health, which naturally affected his hoof integrity.

2 ^nd dot: I didn’t know it at the time (I still had 18-years of imminent intense studying ahead of me!), but he was classically autoimmune, hence his chronic sweetitch and pollen allergies, and borderline dangerous headshaking.

3 ^rd dot: This meant his hindgut biome was well out of kilter, with an overreactive and poorly functioning immune system. With hindsight, if ever there was a classic KPU case, Kelso was it, bred hard and fast in Ireland then shipped over to the UK, barely able to catch his breath before hitting the show circuit.

4 ^th dot: He was grazed on acidic soil, so very poor nutrient levels in his grass which affected his inner-engine chemistry. (Mineral balancing hadn’t been invented then).

5 ^th dot: He’d been fed haylage by his previous owner due to his chronic respiratory issues, a practice I then continued with him, because back then I didn’t know any better.

6 ^th dot: He got a daily feedbowl full of numerous fast-foods filled with sweet and tasty bulk-fillers, and horrors, I also gave him one of those uber-high 17%-sugar chaffs, the brand of which shall remain nameless because they’re still out there, because again back then I didn’t know any better.

Coincidentally, this was around when my horse world was changing (see Our Story ), so after finding the barefoot forum run by Nic Barker of Rockley Farm fame, I took his shoes off. I changed his feeds and got him off haylage. Not much I could about his naff grazing but once mineral balancing hit the scene a year or so later, he (and our other horses) became my crash test dummies.

Like magic, Kelso’s hooves became rock solid, he happily stomped barefoot and never stumbled again, and his allergy reactions lessened.

And there we have it. Dots. Connected. Food, quite literally, for thought … ��

Pain & Inflammation in Horses

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 10:20:30 GMT

Pain is probably the most disruptive symptom in life, where injuries and illness can outlive their original causes, worsening over time and taking on a debilitating life of their own.

Pain and inflammation are the single biggest factors that prevent our horse from staying fit and healthy. And pain can be complicated, as we can have it for a lot of different reasons. There’s pain due to muscle spasm and tension. There’s pain because of irritation and inflammation. There’s pain because of swelling. There’s pain because of a nerve being stimulated. All very different types of pain.

We know only too well that our beloved horses are prone to needing support to stay comfortable, especially as they get older. Certainly many racehorses have to be retired early through devastating tendon and ligament injury, with their joints degenerating long before their time. And while getting older is inevitable, the associated aging-effects are not - aches and pains are abnormal aging and it doesn't have to be like this for any of us, whether human or horse.

Pain is usually described as acute or chronic, and this is more based on the duration of the pain, rather than its intensity. Acute pain actually has a function; it occurs as an immediate protective response to prevent tissue damage due to a harmful event. The duration of acute pain is relatively short, usually measured in hours to days, and is typically the type of pain associated with surgery or trauma, i.e. laminitis.

Chronic pain, however, serves no function, protective or otherwise, and is of no benefit whatsoever, its duration being prolonged, usually measured in weeks to months or even years, and often permanent. As per its name, it's typically the type of pain associated with chronic conditions, i.e. arthritis.

Alleviating acute pain is very different from chronic pain, with chronic pain management very challenging for the carer. Research shows that chronic pain can also be destructive to the body - harmful hormones such as cortisol, the stress hormone, are released, which adversely affects the immune system and kidney function.

It’s also well known that conventional drugs such as bute can damage the liver, especially if the injury or illness is such that the horse has to spend months, if not years, on some form of synthetic pharma drug.

Worryingly, one method of dealing with chronic discomfort in our horses is to sever the sensory nerves, the thinking being that severed nerves can't transmit pain because they cause complete numbness. Emphasis on the numbness - I simply don't get this because certainly in humans, we all know what happens when a leg or foot becomes numb. Try walking - It's simply not possible! We fall over, literally, because we can't feel our foot, so how can this be an appropriate 'do no harm' method for our horses?

Worse, while these severed nerves usually stay dead, sometimes they grow back irregularly, or begin firing spontaneously, producing stabbing, shooting, electrical sensations.

Associated nerves also appear to recruit others, leading to the entire central nervous system becoming involved. Research has shown that with prolonged injury, progressively deeper levels of related cells are activated in the spinal cord. The science shows that appropriate management can help suppress this abnormal nervous system sensitivity, and that it's far easier to avoid these abnormal channels establishing in the first place, than have to treat them once in occuring. (University of California, San Francisco)

There's no question - long-term prescription of pharma drugs for chronic pain not only has questionable benefits but also significant risks, from physiological dependence and withdrawal, to depression and hormonal dysregulation to cardiovascular disruption.

Doing it naturally

Pain and discomfort should obviously be alleviated immediately - coping with acute levels is counter-productive as it can become deep-rooted and chronic.

Due to the potential medical complexity of chronic pain, a comprehensive strategy that includes an effective non-pharmacological approach can be vital. Amongst a range of complimentary therapies, research also shows that both nutritional modifications and supporting mitochondrial health are examples of promising therapeutic interventions for chronic pain.

Supporting mitochondrial function

This showing to be a promising strategy to alleviate or prevent chronic pain. Nerve cells' mitochondria have a variety of essential functions, with studies showing they play critical roles in neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Although this area of pain research is relatively new, mitochondrial dysfunction has been confirmed in both human and animal chronic pain patients. Flatters SJ. The contribution of mitochondria to sensory processing and pain & Sui BD, Xu TQ, Liu JW, et al. Understanding the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of chronic pain

Diet

In human health, there's a Functional Medicine stat that shows for every 10% increase of ultra-processed food in our diet there's a 14% increased risk for all-cause mortality, with junk food also linked to psychological distress. ⁣As I repeatedly say across this website, 'everything starts with the gut', and as a first step in supporting mitochondrial stability, and with increasing evidence that diet can contribute to systemic inflammation, focusing on supporting the microbiome and healthy mitochondria with species-appropriate feed alongside therapeutic foods (herbs) , will help support mitochondrial energy production, energy metabolism, and hence overall health.

There's increasing evidence that diet can contribute to systemic inflammation, with pain perception commonly related to inflammatory stimulus and mediators. Staying with human health, the most explored dietary triggers for chronic pain include cow’s milk antigens (alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, casein) and eggs, but also wheat/wheat gluten and soy proteins, both of which feature heavily in many processed feed brands, so if you've got anything wheat/soya listed as an ingredient, it could be that dumping the junk feed will make a positive difference to pain levels.

Therapeutic exercise

This also supports the mitochondria, promoting increased mitochondrial content and respiratory capacity of each mitochondria. Memme JM, Erlich AT, Phukan G, Hood DA. Exercise and mitochondrial health

For chronic musculoskeletal pain, dietary markers have been identified for inflammatory arthritis. A 2019 study suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with lower back pain, so rug-free turnout in sun, sun, and more sun. Dzik KP, Skrobot W, Kaczor KB, et al

Beyond diet - natural therapies

Meanwhile, if we're thinking about extending comfortable longevity we have to think beyond diet.

Massage - the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Theories of massage mechanisms for treating acute pain include blocking nociception (a signal arriving at the central nervous system due to stimulation of specialised sensory receptors in the peripheral nervous system called nociceptors), stimulating release of endorphins and serotonin, preventing fibrosis or scar tissue, and increasing lymphatic flow.

Physical Therapy - focuses on exercises for stretching, strengthening, and endurance, to help the return of normal function, and preventing the loss of mobility and flexibility before it occurs. Often accompanied by massage or other types of therapy. There are both acute and chronic pain management applications for physical therapy.

Hydrotherapy - utilises water as a vehicle to apply heat or cold, resulting in changes in blood flow to the area. A combination of heat and cold has become popular and is believed to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. It may also decrease injury in acute stages by stimulating blood flow and reducing swelling.

Therapeutic Ultrasound - utilises high-frequency sound waves to stimulate tissue beneath the skin surface, and is believed to provide three primary benefits: increased blood flow which may speed recovery; decreased swelling and edema which decrease pain; gentle massage of tissues.

Laser Therapy - its effectiveness is dependent on dose, wavelength, timing, pulsing, duration, and location (joint vs. nerve). Laser therapy is thought to decrease the mediators of inflammation which will decrease pain, and increase cell proliferation and wound healing. I'm a huge fan - after a nasty ankle double fracture I bought myself a hand-held infrared laser off Amazon and applied it regularly; the relief, as well as an immediate increase in flexibility, was tangible (alongside applying our JSTGel as well). I still use it regularly when the joint gets stiff, and a friend even borrowed it for her dog when her horse kicked - and broke - her dog's hip.

Acupuncture - based on the belief that disease results if the flow of qi energy through the body is disrupted, and that the stimulation of acupoints restores balance. Acupuncture recruits the body’s own pain reduction system, and release of endorphins, serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). There are both acute and chronic pain management applications for acupuncture.

Chiropractic - the relationship between structure and function. A form of manual therapy using controlled forces that are applied to specific articulations or anatomic regions, inducing a therapeutic response via induced changes in joint structures, muscle function, and neurologic reflexes. Equine chiropractic is a complementary modality that may be used for select musculoskeletal disorders in horses. Often supplemented with massage, physiotherapy modalities, and stretching or strengthening exercises.

The natural world has been very generous with superior support for our horses. Working in synergy, specific herbs enhance each others' active components for a superior, safe and effective solution, for extending longevity into those senior years as well as for both short-term acute and long-term chronic states.

* Our Pain/Inflammation product range.

Sarcoids? Let's break it down ...

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Sarcoids - a name given to:

"... a spectrum of skin tumours considered to be an inflammatory systemic condition that produces tiny lumps of cells (granulomas) in and on the body. Granulomas are a mass of chronically inflamed tissue with granulations linked to a form of infection."

The name ‘sarcoid’ was originally given to the human condition in 1936 by a Dr. Jackson, a pathologist in South Africa. He used the name to describe the condition’s generally sarcomatous (tumourous) appearance. Prior to that, the condition was simply termed ‘wart’.

When it comes to our horses though, and no matter what products are out there, you’ll read everything from ‘worked like a miracle’ to ‘didn’t help at all’. One thing’s for certain though; they provide us humans with a level of hair-pulling frustration rarely seen with other equine conditions.

Personally I’ve not owned a horse with sarcoids, although my first pony passion (pocket-rocket Charlie at the local riding stables when I was a child) had a horrid one on his left eyelid, year in and year out. It was the shape and size of an adult human thumb, and every year it was banded off, yet sure as eggs are eggs it would grow right back again the following year. Which makes perfect sense - the sarcoid itself may have died through having its blood supply banded off, but the virus was still in Charlie's body to regrow right back.

Cut to 50-years on, and my former neighbour had a very charming Appaloosa who, as long as I’ve knew them (several years), had been afflicted with multiple sarcoids on his body, the worst being a horrible knarly growth, the size of a fist, literally surrounding his entire left eye socket. It was incredibly sore for him, with many open cracks, bleeding and weeping. My neighbour spent every spare waking moment researching a fix for him, and trying just about every product on the planet, including expensive products from the US. Needless to say we shared lengthy chats on all things sarcoids.

Of course, over the years I’ve had my own thoughts and opinions on sarcoids. Nevertheless, without any concrete evidential proof of anything that actually works for definite, whether natural or conventional, I’ve always been reluctant to promote any herbal support for the many enquiries I get for sarcoids, other than based around supporting immunity.

I’ve always believed that a poorly functioning immune system was somehow at the heart of sarcoids, and as we all know, immunity is at the very core of, well, everything. If immunity is in some way compromised, ‘stuff’ happens, and we also now know that the immune system relies entirely on a healthy gut microbiome. So, with a healthy biome and a healthy, fully functioning immune system, in theory the body should be equipped and ready with a strong resistance to have a darned good go at fighting whatever's invaded the host body.

When it comes to sarcoids, though, we're talking about a very clever, cunning, stealth microbe

A quick reminder - all cells in all organs in the body are anchored in a huge connective-tissue network, and wellness boils down to one thing: the health of the cells of the body.

With research identifying a well-known cause of equine sarcoids being via infection from Bovine Papillomaviruses (BPV - we go into this in more depth below), the invading microbes settle deep into the body’s connective tissue’s cells, which are everywhere in the body, so deep-rooted connective tissue – including tendons, ligaments, joint cartilage - fits the bill perfectly for this virus (similar to the Lyme Disease bacteria) to stay well hidden.

Note: This is why legs very often become swollen, because the lymphatic system (the body’s toxin drainage system) is flooding the site with gallons of its congestion-removing fluid, lymph, desperately trying to weed out the invader, but failing badly because it's so well hidden.

Pulling this altogether, it’s that old catchphrase – ‘Fix the cell to get well’, which if you're a regular reader here you'll know it's a bit of a persona mantra of mine - I ramble on about this a lot on the website ��.

The good news is that cells can recover from being stressed because the body's cells are constantly in a state of regeneration - it’s what they do and it's what healing is all about. Cells can repair internal damage, and even when they’re injured beyond repair, other cells in the body can divide to make replacements. The body's cells are just a little bit awesome. ��

It's no secret that the immune system plays a vital role in the body’s healing process. However, when the immune system can’t do its job, all cells in the body suffer. It becomes a cycle that increases cellular stress throughout the body, and increases the burden on the immune system, which intensifies the process of chronic illness. It's important, therefore, to make sure we do everything possible to lessen the risk of cellular stressors.

Here are the main offenders:

Inappropriate diet – ensure your horse always has an appropriate grass forage fibre diet with plenty of hay going through the hindgut, and avoid all cheap feeds that have numerous bulk fillers in – always feed a grass forage fibre cob, nut or chaff as your base feed carrier.
Toxic environment - there’s no doubt we live in a modern-day toxic world; toxic substances in water, food and air, or those that come in contact with skin.
Chronic mental stress - disrupts the normal rest-and-digest mode, a necessity if cells are to have downtime to recover from being stressed.
Sedentary lifestyle – movement is Key! Until around 100 years ago, horses were our tractors and 4x4’s. These days? They’re pets mooching slowly around a field or standing for hours in a stable. Movement means increased blood flow, which flushes debris and metabolic waste away from the cells. Without regular movement, everything in the body stagnates; the vital toxin drainage channel, lymph, which needs movement to flow, comes to a standstill; toxic substances accumulate, muscles turn to mush, arteries become clogged, and cell loss is increased.
Microbes – every ‘body’, whether human or horse, shares itself with trillions of microorganisms known as the microbiome; they outnumber the rest of the body’s cells by an astonishing 10:1! T'is true; we're more bug than human (or horse)! The microbe list includes thousands of different bacteria species and though we all generally have a mutually beneficial relationship with most of them, some aren’t so friendly, and beyond this, foreign microbes from the outside are also constantly trying to get inside the body.

Long and short, if the immune system is healthy, there's a low risk of causing harm. However, if the immune system becomes compromised, pathogens become problematic, and here’s what we have with sarcoids - certain microbes have adopted stealth as a primary strategy for evading immune functions. First, they enter the bloodstream, then they hitch a ride inside white blood cells to all the tissues throughout the body — muscles, joints, heart, organs, intestines - even the brain and nervous system.

Termed intracellular microbes , they’ve adopted the ability to live inside cells by cannibalising them for nutrients to survive and make new microbes. When that cell is used up, they emerge to infect other cells.

Despite intracellular microbes’ manipulative ways, the good news is that the immune system is well versed in all of their tricks. It evolved over millions of years from repetitive exposure to many thousands of microbes, and each encounter was recorded in the genes for future reference. The better the immune system ‘knows’ a microbe, the better it can slow its growth rate and maintain ultra-low concentrations in tissues.

However, notice I didn’t say the microbes are eradicated, because they are very good at persisting. A much more common outcome is a stalemate in which the stealth microbes are relegated, and their potential for harm is minimised with their natural aggressiveness kept in check by a strong immunity. But - they can stay alive and dormant, deep in the tissues for a lifetime. All they need is a weakness gap in the immune system's strength, and they're off and running again.

Though science is just starting to understand the role that stealth microbes and other opportunistic pathogens play, one fact is clear: everyone, even the healthiest of us, harbours a variety of intracellular microbes that are low-grade pathogens. However, so long as the immune system stays healthy, we’ll never hear from them.

But - an impaired immune function allows the pathogens in the tissues and gut to kick off and start to populate, and it’s not just one microbe that becomes activated. All the stealth microbes that have been dormant in tissues, pathogens in the gut and on the skin, will now start to set the stage for chronic illness.

The associated symptoms result from the immune system’s reaction to the microbes and the damage the microbes inflict upon the cells directly.

And then the pan boils over - meet CID (Chronic Immune Dysfunction).

Sarcoids update (as at 2017)

* A quick heads-up here - all of the following are my condensed notes from my own research on sarcoids. Sources are below and equally it's all out there on the world-wide-web.

Continual research and studies of equine sarcoids are proving invaluable in our understanding of them, and thank goodness for it, because research at least knows what sarcoids are not. They’re not a form of cancer, neither are they AIDS-related or an airborne disease. They’re also not contagious.

Sarcoids are the most common skin tumours to affect horses. They affect horses of all ages, breeds and colour. Six clinical types of sarcoids are recognised including occult , verrucose , nodular , fibroblastic , mixed and, sadly, malignant types. There’re no guarantees on how sarcoids will behave on any horse or how they’ll respond to a product; one size definitely does not fix all.

So on that cheery note, the variety of product options used in clinical practice include everything from cryosurgery, laser surgery, BCG immunotherapy and chemotherapy, and yet surgery appears to have a high failure rate due to the recurrence of the tumours. There’s also an extensive range of every kind of topical formula, from manuka honey (of which I've read good reports), zinc chloride cream and oddly, toothpaste (which many swear by).

Opinion time – personally I'm a bit on the fence regarding topicals for sarcoids, as I feel any topical interference could exacerbate cellular stimulation. That said, I've not read any sound studies on this though; this is just my own take.

What we can't argue with, though, is that with hundreds of different products used world-wide for sarcoids, this is a huge sign that there’s no known guaranteed fix. Certainly, there appears to be nothing effective enough to help against recurrence.

So let's look at the bovine papilloma virus (BPV)

Research has identified that a well-known cause of equine sarcoids is via infection with Bovine Papillomaviruses (BPV) types 1 and 2. It's now even thought that strains of BPV may be equine specific.

However, the method of transmission is still unclear, although flies are thought to be a significant factor, specifically the Musca autumnalis (face-fly) breed. The adult M.autumnalis wakes up from hibernation mid-spring and they just love cowpats. Loaded with all kinds of yuk from the cow poo, they then feed on secretions around not only cattle but also horse eyes, mouths and nostrils, mainly the female flies as they need extra protein provided by the animal host. They also love feeding on blood from horse-fly bites. The female flies then lay their eggs on fresh cow poo which hatch into maggots pretty soon after. 10-20 days later, there’s gazillions of new pesky adult face-flies.

For the record, this is the route that my neighbour thought caused Appy’s sarcoids. She consciously remembers a fly biting his eye and drawing blood; in all likelihood a pesky female face-fly landed with cowpat dribble on her feet and mouth. As the saying goes, the rest is history.

Science Alert: For the scientists out there, BPV-1/2 are " non-enveloped double stranded DNA viruses with a genome of approximately 8kbp that infect their natural host, cattle, causing papillomas of skin or mucosa which generally regress without eliciting any serious clinical problems in the host. None of the strategies for sarcoids directly target the viral infection ."

Interesting study results

Individual equine sarcoid biopsies have identified both BPV types 1 and 2 but … It’s not yet known whether BPV is present in all sarcoids. It’s also unknown if the virus is found in other equine skin tumours or even in normal skin.

However, there are some pretty impressive statistics which prove it’s a major player. A study from the University of California, Davis, looked for BPV DNA in 55 sarcoid-affected horses, taking biopsies from both the sarcoids themselves and unaffected normal skin areas. A further 22 horses without sarcoids were sampled for comparison, as were several non-sarcoid skin tumours.

Here's the study result:

"Almost every sarcoid tumour observed (a whopping 98%) contained BPV DNA. 55% of horses with sarcoids had sarcoids with BPV-2, while 20% of those horses had BPV-1. 7% had both types of BPV present."

And the unaffected normal skin areas on the 55 sarcoid-afflicted horses? A surprising 63% of the normal-skin samples contained BPV DNA. All the biopsies from horses without sarcoids, as well as biopsies of other non-sarcoid tumors, were negative.

Wow. These findings suggest that BPV not only plays a role in sarcoid development, but is also capable of existing in a latent, non-virulent phase in the bloodstream/skin. This certainly gives a reason as to why surgical removal of sarcoid tumours is rarely successful because it just removes the visible presentation. There’s even a suggestion that surgery might actually activate the latent virus and trigger the formation of new sarcoids.

Top Tips to try

If one of my horses developed sarcoids? Fly masks for sure, although the mouth would still be available for the flies. However, I'd be focusing on immunity as my priority, with lashings of Pau D'Arco herb alongside natural antiviral/antibacterial phytonutrients - - see our BioCARE blend - and obviously addressing gut health.

Caroline Ingraham, founder of the Zoopharmacognosy field, has reported as a case study that a combo of rosehip shells (crushed, tea-bag cut, or ground) and barleygrass has been effective, fed as self-selection alongside other herbs including comfrey. See the full, fascinating chronical here: https://www.carolineingraham.com/animal-chronicles/horse-chronicles/equine-sarcoids/

I've also personally met a lady whose horse had eye sarcoids, and used the rosehip/barleygrass method. She offered both as self-selection and her mare dove on them! It wasn't cheap - her mare devoured each in vast quantities.It also wasn't quick - it took over a year, but she kept a regular photo diary on her phone and showed me the images. Her mare's sarcoids started to noticeably shrink within a reasonably short time (can't quite remember, think it was a month or two) until they finally - and completely - disappeared. However, like I said, it took over a year, so grit and patience are necessities. We sell rosehip shells and barleygrass as individual items.

Topically, Manuka honey is thought to help draw the virus out. Equally, as at Nov'20 in chatting with a client, she said she'd heard of an equal mix between flour and fine salt, smothered over the sarcoid. She reported that within 3-weeks the sarcoids had gone, but I'm not able to prove this.

Sources

American Journal of Veterinary Research, 62(5), 741-744, 2001. Editor's Note: No research has suggested any risk of sarcoids from housing horses with cattle or on land previously inhabited by cattle.
MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G61 1QH, United Kingdom
Division of Life Sciences, University College, London, 5 University Street, London, WC1E 6JF, United Kingdom Veterinary Research 2012, 43:81 doi:10.1186/1297-9716-43-81 http://www.veterinaryresearch.org/content/43/1/81 © 2012 Finlay et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Lyme Disease in Horses and Natural Support Strategies

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 11:04:07 GMT

The Silent Threat of Lyme Disease in Horses

Lyme disease is a growing concern among horse owners, primarily because it''s caused by a stealth microbe, Borrelia burgdorferi , that hides deep within the body’s tissues. This bacteria is transmitted by ticks, and once it invades the body, it becomes incredibly difficult for the immune system to detect and eliminate. The disease presents a unique challenge, much like equine sarcoids, because it can remain dormant until a window of immune system weakness presents itself.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the nature of Lyme disease, the difficulties in diagnosing and treating it, and how natural support strategies can help manage this chronic condition.

Is It Lyme Disease? The Challenge of Diagnosis

Lyme disease gets its name from Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first identified in humans in the 1970s. In horses, the symptoms can be elusive and non-specific, often including low-grade fever, stiffness, swollen joints, muscle tenderness, lethargy, weight loss, neurological issues, and behavioral changes. These symptoms are often described as ‘subclinical,’ meaning they don’t present as obvious illness but rather as a collection of subtle signs.

Borrelia burgdorferi is transmitted when a tick feeds on the host for at least 24 hours. However, diagnosing Lyme disease early is challenging because the symptoms may not appear for weeks, and blood tests often return normal results. Additionally, since the ticks typically drop off after feeding, you might never see the tick that infected your horse.

This disease is similar to fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome in humans, where the horse struggles with oppressive fatigue, muscle pain, and a range of vague symptoms that make the condition difficult to diagnose and treat effectively.

Diagnosis breakdown: a flawed system for chronic illnesses

Traditionally, diagnosis is used to categorise an illness to define a treatment plan. While this works well for acute conditions like a broken leg or appendicitis, it’s less effective for chronic illnesses like Lyme disease. The symptoms of many chronic illnesses overlap, making it hard to pin down the exact cause.

For horses, conventional treatments often involve repeated courses of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and steroids, which can further damage the immune system without resolving the underlying issue. This approach leaves the horse in a state of managed illness, where the symptoms are controlled, but the horse never fully recovers.

Tests that measure antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi can also be misleading. Horses may not produce these antibodies immediately after infection, leading to false negatives. Conversely, antibodies can remain in the bloodstream long after the bacteria are gone, which may indicate past exposure rather than active infection.

Antibiotic resistance: the stealth microbe’s defense mechanism

One of the biggest challenges in treating Lyme disease is that Borrelia burgdorferi is highly resistant to antibiotic therapy. This resistance, combined with the ability of the bacteria to mimic other illnesses, makes Lyme disease notoriously difficult to treat.

The bacteria prefer low-oxygen environments, so they settle deep within the body’s connective tissues, including tendons, ligaments, and joint cartilage. This deep tissue invasion explains why Lyme disease often causes swollen legs and persistent inflammation. The lymphatic system tries to remove the infection but often fails because the bacteria are so well hidden.

The bacteria can also affect the brain, spinal cord, and various organs, further complicating treatment. The mantra “ Fix the cell to get well ” is particularly relevant here because healthy cells are crucial for overall health. When cells are stressed or damaged, symptoms arise, and in the case of Lyme disease, it truly is a whole-body experience.

The role of a healthy immune system

The immune system is the body’s primary defence against illness, responsible for removing old or abnormal cells, clearing toxins, and fighting off pathogens. When the immune system is compromised, as is often the case with chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, the body’s cells suffer.

Several factors can stress the immune system, including an inappropriate diet, a toxic environment, chronic mental stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and harmful microbes. For instance, a diet lacking in essential nutrients or high in processed foods can lead to systemic inflammation and weaken the body’s defenses. Similarly, chronic stress disrupts the body’s natural repair processes, making it harder for cells to recover from injury or infection.

Microbes: the hidden cause of chronic illness

The body is home to trillions of microbes, most of which are confined to the gut, skin, and mucous membranes. These microbes, known as the microbiome, are generally kept in check by the immune system. However, when the microbiome is disrupted, harmful microbes can gain the upper hand.

Certain microbes, like the tick-borne B.burgdorferi , have evolved to evade the immune system by living inside cells, where they cannibalise the cells for nutrients. This intracellular lifestyle makes them difficult to eradicate. Even when the immune system mounts a defence, the microbes can persist in a dormant state, ready to reactivate when the immune system weakens.

Chronic Immune Dysfunction (CID): when the pan boils over

Chronic immune dysfunction (CID) occurs when the body’s cells are continuously stressed and unable to recover. This can happen due to a combination of factors, including infection, stress, and environmental toxins. Over time, the immune system becomes overwhelmed, leading to a host of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues, and neurological problems.

In horses, CID often manifests as chronic fatigue or generalised pain, conditions that are difficult to treat with conventional medicine. The immune system’s response to the microbes causes inflammation and tissue damage, further exacerbating the symptoms.

Supporting your yorse naturally: Alleviate, Detox, and Fortify

Managing Lyme disease and other chronic conditions in horses requires a holistic approach that focuses on restoring the body’s natural balance. The first step is to alleviate pain and stabilise cellular stress. This can be achieved through natural therapies that reduce inflammation and support adrenal function.

Next, a full-body detox is essential to remove toxins and pathogens from the body. A targeted detox program can help restore the microbiome and reboot the immune system, providing a clean slate for healing.

Finally, fortifying the body with the right nutrients and support is crucial for long-term health. This includes optimising the diet, ensuring the horse has access to high-quality forage, and supplementing with essential vitamins and minerals.

The Alleviate / Detox / Fortify Protocol

Alleviate : Start by reducing pain and stress. Use gentle, natural remedies like DuoBute or StressTonic to stabilise the horse’s condition.
Detox : Address the root cause of the illness with a comprehensive detox program like LymeCARE. This program helps suppress stealth microbes, balance the microbiome, and support overall health.
Fortify : Reinforce the body’s defences with a nutrient-rich diet and appropriate supplements. Focus on high-quality forage and balanced mineral solutions to keep the horse’s system running smoothly.

Considerations for post-treatment care

If your horse has undergone antibiotic treatment, it’s important to restore gut health before starting a detox program. A gut regeneration protocol, including SIBO-CARE and GutAminos, can help repair the gut lining and reset the digestive system.

Additionally, if you’re considering worming your horse, opt for natural methods and allow time for the liver and kidneys to recover before starting a detox program.

Conclusion: empowering your horse’s natural healing abilities

Dealing with Lyme disease in horses is challenging, but by focusing on natural support strategies, you can help your horse manage the condition and improve their overall well-being. Remember, the key to success lies in supporting the immune system, restoring balance, and providing the body with the tools it needs to heal.

Understanding the value of Certified Organic herbal supplements for horses - a comprehensive guide

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:23:30 GMT

Give your horse the organic edge for superior health.

Discover the benefits and reasons behind the higher cost of organic herbal supplements for your horse's health and well-being.

Learn about the importance of organic certification , the rigorous testing and standards involved , and why investing in quality leads to optimal health and longevity for your horse.
Understand the vital role of medicinal plants and the impact of phytonutrients in maintaining and restoring your horse's health.
Explore our regenerative CARE Immunity Programme and maintenance Tonic Blends to find the perfect fit for your horse's needs.

Understanding the cost and value of organic herbal supplements for horses

When I first began studying back in 2006, the first 'Aha' moment hit me from the get-go. As became apparent, my horses had become sick due to their toxic environment, toxic grass due to the vast array of chemicals in the air from their environment which landed on their grazing, and the toxins in their feeds, due to the chemicals used in our agricultural intensive farming industry. No question, back then I was buying the cheap fast foods for my horses. So, once I'd had a major wake-up call and started learning how to get my horses better, I made it my mission from that moment on to only feed my horses organically, without the use of agrichemicals*.

This also meant that I only wanted to produce organic herbal supplements for our clients. No compromise. The thing is, I think we'd all agree that we know 'organic' comes with a higher price tag, because the organic label means more expensive, due to a range of factors* that aren't captured in the price of conventional food (we only have to look at any aisle in the supermarket to see this). So, there's our elephant in the room; not hidden away in a corner - I’m bringing it right into the middle of the room, loud and clear, so we can talk about this, because of course, with my EquiNatural hat on, this also means that our organic herbal supplements come at a higher cost than other companies out there.

So let's start talking about it. Buying a herbal supplement for your horse's health and well-being is a bit like buying wine - there are always a lot of options out there. Some are cheaper, others more expensive. We've all probably got an amount in mind that we're expecting to pay, but do we know why the more expensive ones cost more?

The importance of Organic Certification

Being horse owners ourselves, we understand only too well that the cost of anything equine-related is a significant factor, so first up I want to assure you that the costs reflect the superior quality and value of our products. Unlike many similar companies who claim to use " organic where possible " without any proof, our commitment to quality is backed by rigorous testing, standards and certifications, including the prestigious Soil Association Certification attached to every one of our raw ingredients. This means you get a guarantee that our blends are produced ethically, without chemicals, which means you're investing in the highest quality ingredients to support your horse's health.

Why organic costs more

Our commitment to certified organic products means that we also adhere to strict guidelines at every step, from sourcing to production. The growers are meticulously monitored and must comply with stringent regulations to maintain their organic status. This comprehensive approach ensures that our herbs retain their natural bioactive compounds, free from harmful residues that could disrupt your horse's health.

In contrast, non-organic products will contain pesticide residues, heavy metals, and other contaminants that can negatively impact your horse's well-being. By choosing us, you're providing your horse with the most effective, toxin-free natural supplements available.

While some companies may misuse organic claims, we can provide you with the certifications and accreditations that guarantee the authenticity of our products. This commitment reflects our passion for equine health, because your horse deserves the best, and we are dedicated to delivering just that with our products. Here's what you're going to get in return.

The benefits of phytonutrients

When we think of 'food' we probably think of protein, carbs, fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

However, it could be that the most important foods are the thousands of medicinal compounds embedded in plants that regulate, modulate, and influence the billions of chemical reactions that occur in the body every second. These compounds? Phytonutrients. Which is why herbs are amazing nutrient-rich, functional plant foods, and one of the most important aspects of nutrition. ��

The number of distinct botanical species recorded in the world is impressive. 500 species of conifers, 12,000 species of ferns, 14,000 species of mosses, and a staggering 300,000+ different species of flowering plants. Through evolution, humans and animals have digested the molecular magic embedded in foods and plants for centuries to supercharge our biology. We also need to get many of these constituents directly from nature as our bodies are unable to manufacture certain nutrients, i.e. omega-3 fats and vitamin E.

There are over 25,000 phytochemicals in the plant kingdom identified to date, and they’ve only recently been deemed critical for health. While a deficiency of these phytochemicals may not necessarily result in an acute disease or malnutrition, it can lead to well-known labels that we're only too familiar of, certainly in human health, i.e. heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, dementia, depression and more.

The only way to take advantage of these disease-fighting compounds is to focus on quality . Plant foods grown without the use of agri-chemicals are abundant in those compounds that protect the body’s cells and fight off toxic invaders. With every bite, we literally program the body’s biology, right down at genome/DNA level, for health or disease. Eating healthy, species-appropriate 'food' is literally eating medicine.

The key to wellness? Simple - remove the bad, add in the good

And would you believe, the body’s natural intelligence and healing mechanisms do the rest! We start by removing the cause (or causes) and then replacing what the body needs to thrive. ⁣⁣

Almost all diseases (other than dominant inherited genetic conditions) have the same few causes:

Toxins - both internal and external, such as pesticides, herbicides, plastics, heavy metals, etc.
Allergens - environmental and food intolerances.
Microbes - imbalances in bacteria, especially in the microbiome, as well as viruses, parasites, worms, ticks etc.
Poor diet - because how we feed our horses really matters , more than we can imagine.
Stress - physical, psychological, or environmental.

These triggers of disease interact with the body's genes and all the basic biological networks — gut, immune system, hormones, brain chemistry. Then there's the body's natural (and very sophisticated) detoxification system, specifically the liver, kidneys and lymph nodes, or as I like to call them, the 3-Amigos. Plus there's energy production, circulation, and even the body’s structure (cells, membranes, muscles, bones). ⁣⁣

While most vets and doctors haven't seen the power of food, mainly because they're not trained in using food as medicine, with my EquiNatural hat on I've seen astonishing results over the last decade-plus. I've seen autoimmune syndromes disappear, shut-down horses reawaken, foundering horses gallop again, red-zone horses turn into cuddly marshmallows, and metabolic syndromes controlled and even reversed, where previous grass-intolerant horses can graze again, and yes, I count my own horses here, i.e. Murf, Cookie and MacAttack. These are not anomalies or spontaneous remissions but reproducible results based on applying food as medicine. ⁣⁣

The role of herbalism in equine health

Herbalism, aka Herbal Science/Herbology, is the cornerstone of any restorative approach. Over millions of years of evolution, plants have developed an impressive array of protective phytochemicals that offer very sophisticated biochemical solutions to the same stress factors that threaten health and wellness, including every variety of microbe, free radicals, toxins and radiation, as well as physical and emotional stress.

Medicinal herbs are plants that mesh particularly well with mammalian biochemistry. Evidence supporting herbalism includes historical information from traditional use by just about every culture on earth, population studies of current use, lab-based studies, animal studies, and human studies. Put together, we know more about medicinal herbs than any other modality currently available.

Generally, herbs fall into 5 categories ( Maurer, S. (2013 ) 'Sacred Plant Medicine' apprenticeship class handouts, Gaia School of Healing and Earth Education ) :

Nutritive herbs - food-like herbs with no known side effects, and can be used daily, i.e milky oats, sativa, chickweed, dandelion leaf, nettle.

Nourishing tonics - gentle herbs that help to nourish and 'normalise' an organ or body system over time; can be used daily over a long period of time, i.e. ashwagandha, burdock, hawthorn, marshmallow, mullein, plantain, rosemary.

Stimulating tonics - stronger tonic herbs that are more stimulating to an organ or body system (not the same as CNS stimulants), i.e. astragalus, dandelion root, echinacea, ginger, ginkgo, liquorice, tulsi.

Acute-use herbs - moderately active stimulant herbs that work to adjust a body process due to their narrower therapeutic range, best for acute use and limited to 2-weeks' use, i.e. andrographis, artemesia.

Low-dose herbs - strong herbs with potentially dramatic effects, can be toxic if used incorrectly, i.e. arnica, belladonna, bloodroot, foxglove, lobelia, poke root. NB. We don't use any of this herb group in our blends.

Herbalism is the practice of using plants and fungi to support health, whether through offering nutrients, vitamins, minerals, or other constituents that act on body systems, organs, and/or the body as a whole. While the botanical definition is 'a plant without a woody stem', herbalism uses the leaves, flowers, buds, stems, roots, bark, berries, seeds, rhizomes - any plant or part of a plant, including mushrooms.

Our herbal supplement categories

Our range of regenerative herbal blends are primarily organised into two categories (for individual herbs see our Individual Items/Herbs Shop page).

- Our CARE Immunity (regenerative) Programme - Cleanse, Activate, Restore, Energise

Fed when either a full-body requirement or specific system needs a deep clean/reset due to a chronic, ongoing condition, to restore optimal health. To quote Juliet Getty of Getty Nutrition, " The only way to fix your horse is to help him return to his natural state. " Or as a preventative, as the saying goes - " Perfect practice makes perfect prevention ".

The herbs used in our CARE Programme are primarily immunostimulants, immunomodulators and immunoregulators, working synergistically with proprietary cleansing and purifiying herbs indicated for the particular system. See our Immunity page for more information.

- Our Tonic blends - tonifying maintenance nutrition

I'm often asked what a tonic herb is, so here's an explanation. While our CARE range is about strengthening/regenerating, our Tonic range 'tones' a system to function comfortably and effectively - it's more about preventative maintenance.

Here's a way to look at this. Imagine you were to lift weights with your right arm for 8-weeks but not your left. Your right arm will be more tonified . This means it’ll work more efficiently, there'll be less stress, and it won't fatigue as quickly.

This is how tonic herbs work, and how they've been used for centuries as everyday foods. They have long-term, gentle, slow-acting benefits for a wide range of supporting actions in the body, usually enhancing immune function, mental clarity or muscular strength, and with the ability to maintain consistent stamina throughout the day and promote longevity – even improving libido!

All these characteristics pulled together perform the action of tonifying - they’re gentle, they're rejuvenative, they act over a long period of time, and of course non-toxic (unlike pharma drugs) so no side effects.

Certain herbs also have an affinity for certain parts of the body - certainly in Ayurvedic and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) it’s well recognised that you can take a tonic herb on an ongoing basis which will strengthen either a particular system or the overall body.

Adaptogen herbs are an excellent example – they have gentle benefits on the endocrine and nervous system, helping the body 'normalise' it's stress response to respond more appropriately, physically and emotionally, to recover quickly and suffer less damage during the stressful event.

Then there's nutritive herbs that can have digestive system benefits due to their defined nutritive value - vitamins, minerals, special starches, sometimes protein value, to help the body assimilate nutrition.

Many herbalists describe tonic herbs " herbs for healthy people ", as in, why wait for when health is broken? Tonic herbs simply sustain health on an ongoing basis.

Quality

I've taken great care over the years to source the best quality human-grade, Certified Organic, Fairwild and Wild-Harvested botanicals, in order to harvest the most nutritionally diverse and bioactive phyto-constituents that are scientifically recognised for supporting the individual biological health, and regenerative nutritional requirements, of our horses. See our Quality page for information on quality management, certification documents, and what organic certification means, and importantly, why it matters.

Tincture v. Dried Herbs

The quick answer - tinctures give you the best bioavailability for the medicinal benefits to rapidly reach the bloodstream and then to the body’s cells.

As for dried herbs, while very lovely (full disclosure: I give my horses dried herbs), from a bioavailability standpoint they aren't as immediately effective as tinctures. Dried herbs are generally preferred for ongoing tonifying maintenance. As a 'food', dried herbs need to permeate the GI tract for absorption, with the phytonutrient uptake having to then pass through the intestinal wall before reaching the blood circulation.

In short, If you need fast and effective, in my humble opinion tinctures come out on top. Tinctures provides a more immediate, readily absorbable, and potent source of phytonutrients at the highest-strength maceration, so if you need swift alleviation of pain, stress, or chronic respiratory symptoms, a tincture will work more quickly. However, for ongoing for maintenance support to sustain ongoing health, dried herbs' flavour and texture fit this bill perfectly.

A final word

No-one knows your horse better than you, so always trust your gut and relationship with your horse when making your decisions.

* Chemical products used in industrial agriculture. Agrichemical refers to biocides (pesticides including insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and nematicides) and synthetic fertilisers.

Summer's Ultimate Natural Horse Fix-Kit - natural remedies for a happy horse

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 11:59:10 GMT

Your herbal go-to for equine bumps, bruises, and bug bites (and some human tips too!)

Summer is the season of endless adventures with trail riding and outdoor arenas. But with these also comes the inevitable bumps, bruises, sprains, and bug bites, whether human or horse. Our collection of easy, effective herbal recipes will help you create a natural first-aid kit, ready to tackle anything that summer throws at you and your horse.

Echinacea tincture (to disinfect and reinforce)

Echinacea tincture is a must-have in any equine herbal first-aid kit. Known for its antibacterial and immune-stimulating properties, it’s so versatile for all kinds of uses. Cleanse cuts and scrapes by diluting it with water, or feed/take it internally at the first sign of infection to boost immunity. Find our organic Echinacea tincture here .

Calendula salve (for bruises, burns, and bites)

Calendula is a time-honoured herb for soothing minor wounds, bumps, bruises, burns, and bug bites, due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, and astringent properties. It’s no wonder that it’s a key herb for salves and lotions.

If you fancy having a go at making your own Calendula Salve , here’s a really easy recipe:

·Dried calendula flowers – find our organic calendula flowers here .
250ml oil for infusing the flowers, i.e. olive, coconut, and/or sweet almond
28g Beeswax
Optional essential oils - 10-20 drops

First up, make the infused calendula oil. Here are some different options:
This first method is probably the easiest – it’s as easy as putting two ingredients together and letting them sit on a sunny windowsill for a few weeks - but it does take the most time. Exposure to sunlight can degrade some oils more quickly so this method is best for oils that don’t go rancid quickly, i.e. coconut. If you’re using more light sensitive oils such as sweet almond oil, put the jar in a cool place such as a cupboard.
Add the dried calendula flowers into a jar and cover them with the oil. Stir gently to get any air bubbles out, then leave in your chosen location.
For a quicker way of making infused herbal oils, use a double boiler by putting the herbs and oil in a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water. Make sure that the oil doesn’t get too hot so as to fry the herbs, and it should be done in a matter of hours.
I’ve also used a mini slow-cooker on the warm setting to make calendula oil with good results.
When ready, strain the infused oil using a cheesecloth and strainer, squeezing out as much of the oil as possible.
Now pour the oil into a double boiler, i.e. a stainless steel bowl that fits over a pot with an inch or two of water in it.
Bring the water to a simmer to gently heat the oil.
Add in the beeswax, and stir till it’s completely dissolved.
Now add essential oils if using, and stir to combine.
When all melted, carefully pour the hot salve into your chosen tins or jars. Let cool completely before using, and enjoy!

Brilliant for our horses, and I personally use this salve almost daily, usually to nourish dry hands and skin, plus it’s also brilliant for chapped lips.

Yarrow Styptic Powder (to stop bleeding)

Yarrow has been used since ancient times to staunch bleeding, making it an essential addition to your equine herbal first-aid kit. If you’re lucky enough to have yarrow growing naturally in your field, simply grind dried a few yarrow leaves and flowers into a fine powder and transfer to a clean, airtight container.

Apply a pinch to minor wounds to help stop the bleeding, or to stop heavier bleeding and disinfect a wound, apply a poultice of fresh yarrow leaves and a pinch or two of ground powder. Find our organic Yarrow herb and flowering tops here .

Aloe Gels

Remember we’ve got a useful selection of soothing, organic aloe vera gels to topically support your horse through the summer, plus regular aloe vera gel with lavender essential oil is perfect for sunburns, scrapes, and as a hand cleanser.

Your summer travel kit - first aid essential-oils

Travelling with your horse? Essential oils are perfect for your kit due to their portability and potency. They can handle various first-aid and travel issues, fitting easily into your travelling kit.

Four essential oils that should be in every equine travel kit:

Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ): For bug bites, sunburn, cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
Tea Tree ( Melaleuca alternifolia ): Again for bug bites, cuts, scrapes.
Helichrysum ( Immortelle ) or Cistus ( Cistus ladaniferus ): For bleeding, wound healing, pain, and bruises.
Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita ): For cooling down, and muscle pain. Also offer as an aromatic for concentration and focus, several inches below the nostrils.

Us humans need TLC too!

Try our travel sickness, jet lag blend, and a hotel bedtime linen spray to make your travels more comfortable.

Travel motion sickness

Blend 20-drops of Ginger, Peppermint, and Lemon essential oils into a small amber therapy bottle, and keep on hand to breathe in slowly when required.

Jet Lag

4-drops Fragonia TM (Agonis fragrans) essential oil
2-drop Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) essential oil
10ml fractionated coconut oil

Mix into a small amber therapy bottle, then massage a few drops round the back of the neck and behind the ears every few hours.

Hotel room bedtime linen spray

Arrived at your holiday hotel? Make a strange room feel more like home and make it easier to fall asleep with this aromatic spray formula to spritz the bedroom and bed linens with. Safe to use on children’s bedding as well. Spray 10-minutes before retiring to bed.

Equally, if you’re on an overnight flight, carry this spray in your hand-luggage and spritz on the airplane seat arm rests or table.

Add all the following into a 50ml spray bottle, and shake well before using:

- 1 teaspoon vodka
- 14 drops cedar wood (Juniperus virginiana) essential oil
- 24 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
- 10 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil
- Distilled or purified water

That's it for now - here’s to a lovely summer!

Till next time,
Carol

Beat the Heat - Keeping your horse hydrated

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 10:16:14 GMT

Beat the heat with these essential tips

Let’s talk about heat exhaustion – a serious consequence of exposure to high temperatures and intense physical activity. We'll explore the physiological processes and biochemical pathways that contribute to this condition and discuss herbal preventatives, including the importance of electrolytes. But first, let’s identify its signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is characterised by various symptoms, including:

Profuse sweating.
Weakness or fatigue.
Increased heart rate.
Increased respiratory rate.
Decreased pulse pressure.
Decreased jugular refill.
Pale to white mucous membranes.
Cool extremities (distal limbs and ears).
Low blood pressure if your horse gets up from lying down.
Muscle cramps.
Dark-coloured urine.

The biochemical pathways involved in heat exhaustion

Understanding the biochemistry behind heat exhaustion involves understanding the body’s thermoregulatory processes. The body meticulously maintains a balance, called homeostasis , where heat production equals heat loss. Disruption of this equilibrium can lead to heat exhaustion.

Thermoregulation and dehydration - When the body’s temperature rises due to external heat or physical exertion, the hypothalamus – the body’s thermostat – springs into action, prompting sweating as a means of cooling. Sweat, composed of water, sodium, and other electrolytes, serves as a cooling agent – it’s why the far-east diet is full of chilli, to make you sweat! ��. However, when sweating is excessive and not matched with proper fluid and electrolyte intake, dehydration can set in.

Impact on cells - Dehydration may provoke hypovolemia (low blood volume), tampering with nutrient and oxygen delivery to cells. Consequently, cells convert from aerobic (oxygen-dependent) to anaerobic (non-oxygen-dependent), producing lactic-acid and other metabolites that can disturb cellular function.

Stress proteins - Furthermore, heat stress can trigger the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs). These proteins, commonly called stress proteins, work hard to minimise damage by binding to other proteins, ensuring accurate folding and function. However, prolonged heat stress can overwhelm this protection, causing protein damage and cell death.

Causes of heat exhaustion

While heat exhaustion often stems from a mix of intense physical activity and high temperatures, other factors can also play a part:

High humidity, hindering sweat evaporation – a key body cooling mechanism.
Dehydration , undermining the body’s cooling capacity.
Rugs! How many times have we all seen a pony stuck in the middle of a field with no shade on a hot day – with a flipping rug on?
Specific medical conditions , i.e. heart, lung, or kidney issues.

The role of electrolytes and preventing dehydration

Electrolytes – i.e. sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, are essential minerals that carry an electric charge. These minerals conduct electrical impulses, facilitating vital processes such as muscle contractions, nerve signalling, and maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Replenishing electrolytes is crucial during heat exhaustion, as they are not only lost via sweating but are also essential for sustaining proper hydration and preventing dehydration.

NB. We sell pure, unrefined, unpolluted, coarse sea salt , certified by the Soil Association, available in bulk at seriously good prices compared to the supermarkets from just £12.00/kg.

Homemade electrolyte solution

Whip up a simple yet effective electrolyte solution at home for you horse (and us humans too):

1-litre water
½ teaspoon salt
6-teaspoons sugar in a water bottle or resealable container.
Shake well until salt and sugar are completely dissolved.

I know, I know, sugar for horses is the devil’s food, but sugars form an integral part of the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism - and remember, this is for necessary hydration , not everyday use. This biological process is how the body absorbs water.

In simple terms, glucose and sodium are absorbed together in the gut. The presence of glucose facilitates the absorption of sodium, which in turn pulls water into the bloodstream. Which means … sugars in rehydration drinks significantly enhance the absorption rate of water and electrolytes, helping to accelerate recovery from dehydration.

Top tip – For a great way to avoid the bleached supermarket sugars, head to your local health food shop, or hop online, and get some Coconut Sugar. Pure, natural, and a whole lot less loaded with unhealthy sugar.

If you're making this solution up for yourself, a hands-up from me - from a human perspective I personally don’t enjoy the taste of electrolyte solutions. I prefer licking a big pinch of salt off my hand and chasing it with fruit juice. Not exactly precise, and I wouldn’t recommend it for any human that’s acutely dehydrated, but it’s effective for prevention if/when needed.

Hydration superstars - mineral-rich herbal infusions

Rehydrate your horse with mineral-rich herbal infusions which can help prevent heat exhaustion during summer. These herbs are packed with vitamins and minerals, including electrolytes, improving hydration levels and providing a nutritional boost.

I like to infuse them in my horses' feedbowl soak water, then slosh the lot in (soggy herbs and all) into the feedbowl.

Mint - Mint cools! It's a natural menthol coolant, with a high content of calcium, potassium, and magnesium; either peppermint or spearmint infusions are wonderful hydration aids.
Raspberry leaf - Rich in minerals including magnesium and potassium, raspberry leaf is a revitalising and cooling tea that can help with muscle cramps.
Lemon balm - An excellent source of potassium, lemon balm is a horse favourite with a hint of citrus and a soothing flavour, and its gentle nervine properties will help to ease anxiety and promote relaxation.

Top tip - as above, remember, when using herbal infusions for hydration it’s important to sweeten them.

Supporting and prevention of heat exhaustion

If your horse is struggling, initiate the following immediately:

Obvious I know – find cool shade .
Hydrate – water of course, and if you can’t get your hands on an immediate electrolyte supply, make up the homemade electrolyte solution above.
Cool down - a cool hosedown (always start at the hooves and slowly work your way up the body), or use damp towels to lower body temperature.

Prevention is far better than cure

Practice perfect prevention – again all obvious stuff but all useful strategies:

Ensure your horse is well-hydrated .
Avoid intense activities during the hottest part of the day.
Take periodic breaks if active on hot days.
Incorporate mineral-rich herbal infusions (as mentioned above) into your hydration strategy to maintain your horse's electrolyte balance.

Keep in mind that heat exhaustion can quickly advance to something more serious, so if symptoms persist or intensify, never hesitate to call your vet.

Conclusion

Understanding the intricacies of heat exhaustion is vital. These simple prevention techniques are easy to apply so we’re better prepared for summer. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and have a fantastic summer with beloved Ned! ��

From Glastonbury Knees to Galloping Hooves - navigating joint health

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 14:01:43 GMT

From festival fatigue to equine safety - strategies to protect joint care on hard ground

Hello again, and I hope you're enjoying the long-awaited sunshine! ☀️

So, the husband came back from Glastonbury Festival with knees the size of rugby balls. No surprise, considering his FitBit said he’d walked 75-miles over the festival duration.

Agreed, not bad for a bloke whose only exercise is a daily dog walk and standing up for a few hours (on an ortho support mat) putting together our products and orders. However, hindsight is a wonderful thing, and later on I gently reminded him that he’s no spring chicken now. He's turning 60 this year, and even though we all know that 60 is the new 40 (at least that’s what we tell ourselves), perhaps next year he ought to put in a bit of training beforehand. After all, no one can run the London Marathon without a bit of preparation.

So, he’s been slathering on our JSTGel for a few days, and I’m pleased to report that his knees now look normal again.

Which links us nicely to the hard ground out there and its impact on our horses' limbs.

A horse's hooves and legs are designed to absorb force, but the increased force on firmer ground means their muscles and joints take the brunt of the impact. Hard ground heightens the potential for injury to all parts of a horse's body as tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, and muscles are put under increased stress. Factor in uneven or rutted ground, excessively hot conditions, and poor conformation, and these can further influence a horse's predisposition to injury.

We all wince if we hear the sound of hooves clattering on hard ground, especially if they've got shoes on - it’s concerning for anyone mindful of a horse’s long-term joint health. However, it’s not the unyielding surface that will break under pressure - it’s our horse’s limbs that will bear the brunt.

When a horse gallops on a firm surface, the impact forces are primarily absorbed by the hoof structures and then transmitted up the leg into the bones, joints, and soft tissues. Repeated exposure can lead to severe issues, including nerve damage. Nerves are particularly sensitive to continued jarring and irritation, and damaged nerves can prevent a horse from feeling pain when injured. This lack of pain sensation can worsen injuries and result in muscle weakness or affect the horse's sense of balance.

Meanwhile, for our showjumpers and eventers, we risk subchondral bone disease from repeatedly landing over large fences or galloping on firm ground, with early lameness often preceding significant damage.

Common injuries from hard ground

Concussion and jarring
Bruised soles
Splints
Tendon injuries
Sore shins: common in racehorses, but also seen in other horses on hard ground, marked by swelling in front of the cannon bone, potentially leading to fractures if not rested
Laminitis: not always due to weight; some cases in summer result from concussion affecting the sensitive laminae

Early warning signs

Not all horses feeling the effects of hard ground will be obviously lame. Subtle indicators include:

Shortened stride: The horse will likely reduce their stride length to minimize jarring.
Increased muscle tension: Muscles work harder to stabilize limbs, affecting overall performance.
Reluctance to jump: Another reason why a horse might refuse to jump; they know it’s going to hurt when they land.
Flattening and rushing over fences: If your horse is giving you a less smooth jump, it could be about intentionally lessening their landing impact.

If this resonates with you and you’re looking to support your horse through the summer hard-ground season, we can help.

Our comprehensive range of functional, regenerative supplements is specifically formulated for your horse's joint comfort and mobility. Supporting flexibility, joint stiffness, arthritis, tendons/ligaments, collagen/cartilage formation, natural anti-inflammatories, comfort. You name it - whatever the reason, our joint and soft tissue range is here to support your horse’s therapeutic mobility routine.

��Explore our Joints & Mobility shop for tailored, certified organic solutions.

��For our comprehensive guide to natural approaches for optimal equine joint comfort and health, visit our Nutrition by Condition / Joints & Mobility page.

Till next time,

Carol

Founder, EquiNatural Ltd

Unlocking the secrets of equine digestive health. Part 2 - Digestion! It's All About the How

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 05:20:53 GMT

Image : EquiNatural's Kelso having a good old rootle in the bushes

A healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy life. That’s not an exaggeration. A healthy gut is about so much more than eating the right foods and making sure it's all digested and moving smoothly.

In Part 1 , we explored how crucial a healthy gut is for overall well-being, highlighting its connection to the immune system, brain function, and behaviour. We delved into the horse's natural eating habits and the role of the hindgut biome in producing vital nutrients ( postbiotics ).

Now, let's move to the next stage and examine the fascinating process of digestion, where the gut transforms food into essential energy and nutrients for our horses. And it all starts with the stomach, aka the foregut. We look at how food is broken down with the help of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. We also discuss the crucial role of the small intestine in nutrient absorption and the importance of maintaining a healthy hindgut biome.

By understanding and supporting this complex system, we can drastically improve our horse's health and well-being.

The stomach/foregut

We left Part 1 with our horse’s back molars having ground down the mouthful of forage, with the now chewed food 'bolus' swallowed, passed through the lower oesophageal sphincter, and into the stomach.

Remember that saliva from the chewing process? This has already activated the stomach’s digestive ‘juices,’ so specific digestive enzymes are now on standby to begin the protein and starch pre-digestion process. The stomach’s muscle wall now starts agitating like a washing machine, churning and liquefying the bolus before it gets 'disinfected' by the stomach acid and turned into a soupy mix called chyme. This chyme will then pass easily into the small intestine (SI).

But let’s stay with the stomach acid for a moment. The foregut is the only part of the whole gut system that's meant to be acidic. Once digesta moves into the small intestine and onwards, the gut environment should sit at a neutral pH for the rest of the journey. Yet many of us have seen the symptoms when the intestines become acidic, which sadly is all too common these days.

Why stomach acid is important

Stomach acid serves two really important functions:

Converting pepsinase into pepsin : This is all about protein digestion. The stomach acid converts the protein digestive enzyme, pepsinase , into pepsin , without which proteins won't get digested. And on a serious note - if undigested proteins get into the hindgut, this will cause serious problems for the horse.
Killing off contamination : Stomach acidity is the body's first defence against harmful bacteria, so here’s a stomach ulcers thing. If we suppress the production of acid with PPIs - proton pump inhibitors, aka any of the ulcer pharma drugs ending in 'zole', we let harmful pathogens in through an open door into the intestines, which will have a profound effect on both the gut biome and hindgut function. Without this vital acid, we risk (a) contaminants entering the small intestine and (b) impaired protein digestion.

The Three Sections of the Stomach

The stomach pre-digests food via three anatomical sections:

Pars Nonglandularis : This section has a reasonably high pH (between 5-6) and contains no stomach acid. Instead, it houses resident lactic-acid bacteria (LA), usually ingested by our horse from feed/forage. Under normal circumstances, the last thing we want anywhere near the intestines is LA bacteria, but in this front section of the stomach, they actually have a useful job, producing lactic acid from eating starch and sugar in the feed, making starch molecules easier for the small intestine to digest further on.
Middle Section : This is where the pepsinase enzyme (protein digester) is produced. This then needs to be activated into pepsin to perform the protein pre-digesting. This activation can only happen when the stomach pH drops to below 4, when the digesta hits the hydrochloric acid in the back section of the stomach.
Pars glandularis is where the hydrochloric acid sits, to disinfect any contaminants in the broken-down digesta. This is how dogs survive eating other dogs' poop and other revolting rotting foodstuffs (if anyone has a labrador you’ll understand … ��), as their acid pH value is a super-severe 1. The equine stomach acid has an acid pH of around 3, less harsh than a dog or cat, reducing microbial contamination in the feed but not eliminating it entirely. PS - this is also the region where the horse experiences glandular, aka pyloric ulcers , caused by stress resulting in poor blood flow which is then unable to produce the protective mucus layer on the mucosa membrane.

In summary, here's the normal foregut process

Starch pre-digestion occurs via LA bacteria in the first section, producing lactic acid.
Pepsinase , the precursor to pepsin , the protein digester, is produced in the middle section.
Acid in the back section converts pepsinase to pepsin to begin protein pre-digestion, while disinfecting any remaining LA bacteria and microbial contaminants in the food.
Once pre-digestion is complete, the chyme (pre-digested starches and proteins, along with fibre matter) is now ready to exit the stomach and move into the small intestine.
And to keep this all working as it should, a horse should always have a constant uptake of grass forage to keep the stomach full, active, and operating.

Digestion! The small intestine

Now the hard work starts! Proteins, starches, carbs, and fats (EFAs, i.e., Omega-3 from grasses) are fully digested in the small intestine. This is where micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc.) are assimilated and absorbed into the bloodstream to nourish and/or repair the body. What remains – forage fibre/roughage - continues on to the large intestine (the hindgut), where the fibre-fermenting microbes get to work on the fibre to produce essential postbiotics which keep our horse thriving, i.e. activated B6, B12, amino acids, and the all-important short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) responsible for the horse's energy production. The leftovers - 50/50 fibre/microorganisms - eventually exit as perfect poo parcels. ��

Horses normally consume 2-2.5% of their body weight in dry fibre matter each day, although this can exceed 3% if they’re on grass pasture 24/7. Remarkably, the capacity of the horse's stomach is small, about the size of a rugby ball, 8-15 liters depending on the horse's size. So, how can a horse consume such large amounts of food/water when constantly grazing?

Here’s how:

The time for food to transit from the stomach to the small intestine is between 2-6 hours.
As the horse continues to eat, the digesta continues to trickle into the small intestine, hence the term ‘trickle feeders.’
The rate of passage through the small intestine is about 1-ft/minute, with the total length of the small intestine being around a whopping 70 feet.
Meanwhile, fluids and mucus keep everything lubricated and moving along the way as well.

The rest of the journey - the hindgut

Finally! We’ve reached the hindgut – the Mother of all the organs, where the vital fibre fermentation by the hindgut's friendly biome begins. If this process is impaired, a cascade of chronic disease can start. Wild horses manage their gut systems naturally, but domestic horses rely on us to maintain their gut health, to prevent hindgut acidosis/dysbiosis/SIBO, which if left untreated can lead to leaky gut syndrome, which is so prevalent these days that it’s now considered an epidemic. See our Blog Post on The Misery of SIBO for more details.

Note : Foals have undeveloped colonic digestion compared to adult horses, with minimal microbial digestion before 3-months of age, so during this time foals require a low-fibre diet that’s easily digested in the stomach while they’re building their hindgut biome. Foals seen eating their mothers' droppings ( coprophagia ) are attempting to obtain a healthy bacterial culture for future microbial digestion. Encourage this behaviour! See our Creating the Foal's Microbiome page.

A quick digress to the all-important microbiome

Due to the obsessively sanitary nature of modern existence, bacteria tend to have a bad reputation! However, the microbes in the gut biome play an immense role in helping digest food and sorting nutrients for absorption. They regulate the immune system, improve mood, stabilise weight, and remove environmental toxins. Focusing on improving gut health by nurturing the friendly bacteria is key to achieving optimal physical and mental health because gut health IS health.

Collectively, the beneficial friendly and unfriendly microbes outnumber the regular cells in the whole body by an astonishing 10:1 (at least!). Think about that for a second - that's at least 10 times more bugs in the intestinal tract than in the rest of the body. Which means - if the microbiome is disrupted, the whole body’s disrupted. The gut biome is the body's CPU - it literally runs the show. The difference between healthy and unhealthy relies entirely upon the gut biome's performance.

So what Disrupts the Biome?

Plenty, unfortunately. Certain medical protocols can really mess with the gut ecology, such as antibiotics, bute, PPIs, and chemical wormers. They disrupt the relationship similarly to how chemotherapy affects the human body, which wipes out healthy non-cancerous cells along with cancerous cells, significantly compromising the immune system. Similarly, antibiotics wipe out the gut bacteria, the bad as well as the friendlies the body relies on. Activated charcoal has the same effect because it doesn't discriminate between good and bad bacteria. It's great for stomach pumping in an A&E emergency, but not so great for selective bacterial removal.

A healthy gut biome also significantly minimises the risk of laminitis and colic, and protects the horse against infections such as diarrhea-causing organisms like salmonella or clostridium.

No question - the horse’s gut microbiome is the cornerstone of health, influencing systems far beyond digestion alone. By understanding and supporting this complex system, horse owners can drastically improve their horse’s quality of life and prevent a host of health issues.

For the full story on the microbiome's critical role in overall health, see our separate chapter - The Microbiome - the Missing Organ? I promise it's an eye-opening read ...

Prioritise gut health

Lest we forget, the equine digestive system is extremely sensitive, so it doesn't take much to upset the delicate gut ecology and environment. Obviously poor diet/dietary management, i.e. letting our horse run out of forage, is a given, and chronic stress can equally affect gut health. Poor gut health can manifest itself in so many ways, from loose droppings and pain to allergies and lack of overall vitality.

It's a no-brainer that we should always prioritise our horse's gut health, right at the top of the list. And the good news is that maintaining a healthy, functioning digestive system is really straightforward, so long as we feed our horses what they’re meant to eat.

Coming up in Part 3

You’ve probably heard about prebiotics and probiotics, and we’ve already touched on postbiotics. That’s a lot of “biotics,” I know – and it can be confusing. In Part 3, we’ll walk you through how they’re different, why each one matters, and the most effective ways to give your horse’s gut the nutrition it deserves.

Unlocking the secrets of equine digestive health. Part 1 - How a horse eats

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:49:01 GMT

Image : EquiNatural's Kelso having a good old rootle in the bushes

A healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy life. That’s not an exaggeration. A healthy gut is about so much more than eating the right foods and making sure it's all digested and moving smoothly.

For starters, more than 70% of the immune system is produced and housed in the gut. And those 'gut feelings'? There’s more to them than we think. The gut and brain are actually connected, and actively communicate with each other. The brain can even impact both the quality of the digestive tract lining, as well as the release of chemicals into the digestive process. It's also the brain that controls the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract. Even certain neurotransmitters, like those associated with mood - think serotonin - are actually produced in the gut.

Poor gut health not only negatively affects digestion, but it can also drive autoimmune diseases, thyroid imbalances, chronic illnesses, and mood disorders like stress and anxiety. Whether human or horse, looking after the digestive system should be an absolute priority, as the overall health of the gut is going to influence everything from behaviour, how the body responds to stress, and even basic survival.

Immune function may also be impacted if we don't get it right, as specialised immune tissue called GALT (Gastric Associated Lymphoid Tissue) is found in the intestines. And no surprise to those regular followers here who know me, one of my favourite subjects - Diet , plays a huge role in gut (and thus brain) health.

No doubt about it - the gut is doing a whole lot of important work that we're probably not even aware of. It's where everything starts. So let’s start at the beginning.

Introduction to gut health

"All dis-ease begins with the gut." So said Hippocrates, who was way ahead of his time because all these centuries later, science proves he was right all along. The digestive system is the Mother of all the body's systems, with the large intestine, aka the hindgut, being the Mother of all the organs. Everything starts with the gut and the integrity of the gut biome, with everything depending on the health of those friendly fibre-fermenting microbe colonies in the hindgut, who produce all the vital metabolites ( postbiotics ) that fuel both the horse's energy and the body's ability to thrive.

The horse's hindgut region, and specifically the colon, is the deciding point as to whether we have a healthy horse or not. And it's largely governed by the hindgut biome - a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, to name a few. Yet w hile many of us associate bacteria with disease, the body is teeming with both beneficial and more questionable bacteria, inside and out, good and bad. We want to nourish the good and eliminate the bad, so that the friendly fermenters continue to process the fibre from the grass forage that their host (our horse) consumes, and keep producing those essentail metabolites.

One of which is a type of fat known as a short-chain fatty-acid, the “short-chain” term describing its chemical structure. These fatty acids are one of several naturally produced postbiotics , a nd it's these which nourish the cells lining the colon, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall gut health. Fibre literally feeds the good bacteria and encourages their growth, ensuring this production line of nutrient vitality continues.

But it can all go horribly wrong. In a healthy horse's hindgut, the friendly biome colonies coexist peacefully with smaller colonies of less friendly bacteria. However, if that delicate balance is disrupted, a rapid overpopulation of acidic unfriendly microbes can occur, forcing a drop in pH level and leading to a condition known as hindgut acidosis. The bad news? Those vital friendly fermenters can't survive in such high acidity.

And so begins the domino-effect of dysbiosis in the large intestine/hindgut, which if left unattended can lead to SIBO - small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Hang on. Small intestine, I hear you ask? 'Fraid so. What happens is that some of those unfriendly acidic bugs from the hindgut find their way into the small intestine, which isn't good at all, because the small intestine is meant to be mostly sterile (minus a small amount of beneficial bacteria) and needs to remain that way at a neutral, non-acidic, pH.

If the unfriendlies move in and take over, they'll start fermenting the digesta in the small intestine, i.e. the sugars, starches and proteins. And when fermentation occurs where it's not meant to, it creates inflammation, causing the belly to become bloated. In humans this is what causes IBS.

Worse, if this inflammation in the small intestine becomes pressurised (think of a balloon being pumped up more than it should be), it will rip apart the very fragile intestinal wall.

Meet leaky gut.

NOTE: Full disclosure - I should add that this lining can also break down from other factors, i.e. stress, antibiotics, or NSAIDs such as bute and steroids, even a relentless low-fibre/high-sugar diet, etc etc. If you've ever had a vet say your horse has a gut yeast overgrowth or infection, as they sometimes like to call it, this is also triggered by these same factors.

The Gut-Brain Connection

Now let's make matters more interesting. The small intestine is also the home of the gut-immune system, which accounts for around 70-80% of the body's total immune system. So, if we've got a leaky gut, we're now in real trouble because harmful substances will now leak into the bloodstream. We're talking about unfriendly pro-inflammatory bacteria, along with particles of putrefactive undigested matter from the small intestine, which once in the bloodstream will start to wreak toxic havoc in the body. This activates an emergency immune response, driving the immune system into a manic, panicked overdrive.

The body is now in a critical toxic state. Cue all kinds of disruptive gut issues, alongside and a tired/wired/foggy brain, and other system-wide problems including allergies, arthritis, autoimmunity, mood disorders, colic, and the dreaded laminitis.

Sound familiar? Welcome to the world of the equine gut system gone wrong.

The importance of the gut microbiome

A healthy gut is the ultimate gatekeeper of good health, and a healthy microbiome the game-changer. It's even been said (in human biome research) that this may well be the decade, or even the century, of the microbiome, with medical science increasingly exploring the interplay between the intestinal biota and the immune system. Those 70-80% immune cells present in the gut need a healthy biome to flourish, which in turn requires different strains of beneficial microbes.

The gut biome is probably the most important regulator of health. There are over 100-trillion gut microbes sending messages throughout the body, interacting with the hormones, the immune system, brain chemistry, and every other system. But w hen the gut biome's microbes are out of balance, a malfunctioning body is the result - it really is as simple as that. Even in a perfect world, and whether human or horse, the gut has a hard enough time keeping things balanced, because in our modern world there are many things that knock the digestive system off balance.

Here's a thing - our modern-day horse's digestive tract still looks and functions exactly the same as their ancestors' gut systems did from millennia ago. The most common issue, however, is that we've taken our eyes off how and what we should be feeding our horses , and what should - and shouldn't - be passing through their intestinal tract.

And there's a very good reason for this shift. For the last half-century or so, the animal feed industry has capitalised on the growing demand for horse feed, emerging alongside intensive farming practices . And in order to mass produce crops, chemical sprays, i.e. fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, have been utilised by the billion of gallons to improve yields, saturating our soils. To harvest the crop, it's then sprayed with glyphosate to kill it, thus making harvesting quicker and easier. The final cherry on top is a chemical mould inhibitor while the harvested crop is stored in the barn.

And lest we forget, everything we have eaten for millennia contains the chemical makeup of the soil it grew in or grazed on. A soil biome will have a direct effect on the equine gut biome.

For starters, this means that unless a feed is grown organically, you'll be feeding a product that's been chemically sprayed, and grown in a chemically saturated soil, which our horse then ingests. Additionally, many of today's feeds have strayed from what horses are naturally meant to eat. Instead, some manufacturers have produced feeds that may include cheaper ingredients, without a hint of any grass forage , which can be pro-inflammatory and potentially harmful to the gut. These products are often marketed with shiny healthy images and all kinds of health promises, making it all too easy for us to be swayed by the convenience and attractive packaging.

NB: If you want to find out more, we've got this all covered in depth in our Feeding our Horses Healthy section (main menu bar).

Of course, I could point fingers and name specific companies, but that's not the focus here. Instead, it's up to us to take responsibility and get it right, because as our horses continue to tell us, when we mess with their natural diet, the consequences can be significant. So, let's take a moment to remind ourselves of the basics of equine nutrition and get it right for our horses.

How a horse eats

" Anything that's going on in the digestive tract is influenced by what you put in the digestive tract. You put the wrong fuel in a Ferrari and we know what's going to happen there."
Dr Tom O'Brien, Big Bold Health

The gut system isn't just a tube where food gets shovelled in one end and eventually comes out the other end. Well, it kind of is, literally speaking, but the whole gut system, from one end to the other and with all its integral parts in between, has a massive job to do in between. The good news is that our horse knows exactly how it all works, so we need to start taking our lead from them all over again ��.

First up, it's all about the forage, and trust me - size matters

Let's start where it all starts - the initial rip/tear off the top of a bunch of long grass, followed by the chewing process by the back molars. This mechanically breaks down the forage they've bitten off into tiny pieces of between 2-5mm. Remember right - millimetres . This length is vitally important as the whole digestive process, including peristalsis motility, takes place through a very long - and very thin - tube, aka the small intestine. And successful hindgut fibre digestion, which is where all those vital metabolites/postbiotics are produced, is entirely governed by the length of those chewed, ground-down forage fibres.

Which means ... perhaps we need to take a closer look at chaffs. Chaffs are generally cut into fibre lengths nearing 5cm - that's centimetres. Thing is, this length is too short for a horse to thoroughly chew . Remember the grass lengths a horse naturally rips off with their teeth - we're not talking about short, overgrazed paddocks here. However, 5cm is also too long to be properly digested in the hindgut.

So, when a horse swallows these too-long fibres, it can then alters gut motility (the rate food passes through the small intestine) to slower, because the digesta gets stuck, slowing everything down. This means the fibres can remain festering in the small intestine and/or the colon for several days, leading to a gut-disruptive cascade and various metabolic disorders - an obvious sign is if your horse's droppings are a bit stinky, or smell 'rotten'.

Problem solved

Now, before everyone gets their rulers out, I completely get that it's nigh on impossible to find a chaff made from tiny cut fibres, so my own personal take on this is not to get too anal about it. I personally can't find a chaff that's cut less than 2mm (virtual dust, i.e. mash-like, which I'll never feed unless a horse is sick enough to need help eating again, but that's a whole other subject ), or greater than 5cm, and especially one that follows my own personal ethos of organic, diverse, multi-grass species. But - there's also a very simple solution to this, so here's how we solve it.

Don't feed a chaff. Seriously. A horse doesn't need a chaff in the feedbowl, or rather, the feedbowl doesn't need several different allsorts in it. All it needs is a simple grass-forage carrier, i.e. an appropriate 'right-size' cut of meadow grass forage that soaks down, and a Meadow Cob does this perfectly. Think Agrobs, Thunderbrook, and now even Baileys do one! Job done.

NOTE: Since I originally wrote this in its previous form in our main Nutrition by Condition/Gut System page, in 2022 I then discovered that the Agrobs' Pre-Alpin Senior chaff is cut near as dammit to the perfect length. The annual dental revealed that my Murf (ancient connie) had lost a tooth with his others described as 'worn' So I went hunting, et voila! He's now going to stay on dampened Pre-Alpin Senior chop forever as his feedbowl carrier, to save chew effort and more of the safe swallowing. Happy days.

Back to chaff and ideally, the optimal chaff fibre length is around 8cm minimum, which to the naked human eye is pretty long, but this is the minimum length that will encourage a horse to chew what's in their feed bowl, instead of inhaling it as they usually do. For the record we've heard of dramatic improvements in gut health when clients have sourced a more appropriate chaff length, or ensured adlib hay, with plenty of fibre going through the hindgut, features as the main grass forage.

*Choke Alert - if the food isn't chewed small enough, this can also make horses prone to choking. We know that horses don't generally chew the contents of their feed bucket slowly, so it's all the more important to be aware of the particle sizes, especially if you're also including pieces of carrot or apple. It's really important to make sure they're chopped into tiny pieces - no more big carrot chunks - because if theses aren't chewed thoroughly into little bits, they may get stuck at the bottom of the oesophagus, being too large to pass through the sphincter entrance to the stomach/foregut. Cue choke.

Now to the grinding/chewing ...

In a natural, free-growing landscape of long, stemmy grasses (not what we usually have here in the UK!), the horse will tear off the perfect sized mouthful with their front teeth, then ‘roll’ it into the toothless gap where we put the bit. This is a tasting area - horses are very particular about what they eat as, once they've committed to chew and then swallow, this means the job's done, ready for the complex process of digestion. And a reminder - unlike us humans or dogs, horses don't have the luxury of being able to vomit anything nasty back up, so this tasting area allows them to sort out any toxic plant and spit it out to the side, because once it's swallowed, there's no going back.

Once they’re happy with the taste, a horse will roll the forage into a ball - the 'hay roll' - and now here’s where the grinding of the forage takes place, breaking down the grass stem wall and exposing the inner cellulose/hemicellulose fibre that the hindgut microbes break down to produce those vital postbiotics. Grindgrindgrind, until it’s all broken down to 2-5mm pieces, ready to be swallowed. The saliva produced while grinding/chewing adds moisture and mucus to the mix, as well as bicarb which starts to regulate the oesophageal pH level.

Daily trivia - did you know?
To chew 1Kg of hay takes up to 3,500 chewing motions over 40-50 minutes, and generates 3-5 litres of saliva!
(You read that right - an astonishing 3-5 litres !)

Let's just nip back to a reminder of why the fibre length is so important. Remember, i f the forage stem isn't ground down to the right size by those back molars, this means that inner cellulose fibre won’t have been exposed. Hence why unchewed fibres will stay in the hindgut for longer (potentially rotting), while the biome microbes try their hardest to get to the inner fibre so they can produce those vital postbiotics.

Back to it, and once the grinding is done, the horse is now ready to swallow and pass the ground 'bolus' into the oesophagus. Now picture a short garden hose, around 1.5-meters long (in an average horse), but only about 1.5cm wide, so you can see how each bolus needs to be finely ground down to pass efficiently. The bolus then finally moves through the lower esophageal sphincter and into the stomach.

Part 1 done! Next up, the art of digestion itself.

Part 2 - Digestion! It's all about the how ...

Calendula – summer flower power for our horses

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:06:30 GMT

I think – I hope! – we’re all feeling a bit like we’ve now transitioned out of winter and are seeing sunnier glimpses of spring (it was a long time coming this year for sure). With the arrival of warmer weather, this is the perfect time to delve into the many benefits of the wonderful Calendula officinalis for our horses.

If you’re familiar with herbal systems that place a strong emphasis on the energetics of herbs, i.e. Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), you’ll already appreciate the subtle effects that herbs can have on our bodies and minds. For example, there are warming nervines like ashwagandha, valerian, and tulsi, and cooling nervines like gotu kola, skullcap, and lemon balm. Depending on whether you run warm or cool, and depending on the imbalance you're addressing, you might prefer one over the other.

Equally, if you’re into astrology, it may come as no surprise that planetary bodies can (apparently) also correspond to different herbs! Either way, an astrological perspective on plants can add a dimension to how we view and work with them, and this is the perfect time of year to start looking at plants associated with the sun. ☀️

When you think of the sun, you’ll likely think of it as warming, energising, fiery, life-giving, strong, powerful ... Plants associated with the sun also have similar qualities, i.e. Cinnamon is warming, St. John’s Wort is uplifting, and you can’t help but think of sunshine when you look at Sunflowers or Calendula.

The good news is that Calendula is a valuable food for our horses, and here at EquiNatural we use a lot of Calendula, as you'll see below in our product list. So, what better than a Calendula Herb Nerd ?!

We all know Calendula, sometimes called ‘ Bride of the Sun ’, as it's all over our gardens and packed full of cheerful yellow-orange blossoms, which bloom from late spring all the way through the first frosts of autumn (and self-seed like rabbits as well so you have been warned!). These sunny-looking flowers, like many other orange-coloured foods such as sweet potatoes and pumpkin, are remarkably rich in carotenoids , which benefit the eyes and immune system. We’ve all seen numerous salves and oils where Calendula is used extensively to soothe skin irritations and inflammation.

And as a member of the Asteraceae family, Calendula is a relative of other helpful plants such as Chamomile, Yarrow, Dandelion, Echinacea, and Arnica. And just like its family members, Calendula has a plethora of wonderful benefits and uses.

Uses

Calendula has a long and extensive history of use and is probably best known as a skin herb. It soothes irritation and the discomfort of skin afflictions, while promoting skin repair through its vulnerary actions, curbing bleeding, and addressing infection. The German Commission has approved Calendula for easing inflammation of both external and internal mucous membranes and promoting healing of external wounds, which makes Calendula well known as beneficial for wounds, abrasions, rashes, burns, and bruising.

Beyond skin injuries, Calendula can be used as a bodycare herb to help keep skin healthy and strong, reason being that is has a direct affinity with the lymphatic system. Why? Because Calendula has a direct affinity with the lymphatic system , helping to drain infection and reduce congestion from the skin and lungs, soothing swollen lymph glands, and along with Cleavers keeping the lymph fluid flowing.

Calendula’s properties

This awesome flower is full of so many useful properties. It assists in promoting healing of tissues ( vulnerary ), eases inflammation ( anti-inflammatory ), helps to stanch bleeding ( hemostatic ), and eases pain ( analgesic ). It also promotes tightening and toning of tissues ( astringent ), prevents or stops microbial growth ( antiseptic ), assists the body during illness by promoting perspiration ( diaphoretic ), and stimulates the lymphatic system ( lymphagogue ). Its slightly bitter flavour also supports digestion by gently stimulating the liver ( cholagogue ) to release bile, and it can equally stimulate menstrual activity ( emmenagogue ). As if that's not enough, it’s also used to soothe gastric irritations including ulcers.

Calendula in the kitchen

Calendula’s also been used for centuries as a food - its blossoms were used as both a soup starter and as a saffron substitute in the Middle Ages. To this day we can still enjoy Calendula flowers as a regular addition to many foods, the mild tasting flowers being easy to include in a wide array of foods for their nutritional content and herbal benefits. Simply pull the petals off fresh or dried flower heads and toss them into stews, soups, casseroles, sauces, egg dishes, rice and other grains, veggie and fruit salads, cream cheese, muffins, cookies, whipped butter, puddings, and so much more … ��

A herb with history

Calendula has an interesting history, much of which is based on the way it behaves, because it’s a phototropic plant, meaning it spends its days following the sun across the sky, hence why in days of yore it was called ‘the calendar flower’ because people could tell the time of year by its blooming.

It was also extensively used for wound care in both the American Civil War and WW1, particularly when other emergency medical supplies had run low. With its potent anti-inflammatory and astringent actions, combined with its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, it was a common choice for a wide variety of topical issues.

Calendula in the herbal remedy cabinet

Calendula is a sunny, cheerful herb that brings numerous benefits to both humans and horses alike. With spring well underway and summer soon to come, Calendula is a great herb to have on hand as it can be used in many simple herbal preparations. A simple cup of Calendula tea can be an extremely useful as a topical wash, or soak a cloth in the tea to make a compress for cleaning and soothing skin wounds, rashes, bug bites, and bruises. Dunk a cotton wall ball in cold Calendula tea and you have the perfect eye wash.

From soothing skin irritations to supporting the lymphatic system, and even adding a nutritional boost to your meals, Calendula is a versatile and invaluable addition to any herbal repertoire. So with the sun out, here's a nifty home recipe to embrace the healing power of Calendula.

Home recipe - frozen aloe & calendula cubes

If you've ever wanted a quick sunburn cooler and soother, look no further. There are few things finer than getting the shorts on for a hot day's poo-picking, but we all know how it feels if we've been out in the UV rays longer than we should. But have no fear - herbalism is here!

Ingredients

250g calendula-infused aloe vera gel

250g calendula flowers, either dried or fresh

Create a calendula-infused aloe vera gel by filling a washed jam jar ½ full with 200g of the calendula flowers - keep the other 50g aside for Step 2. Pour in the aloe vera gel; make sure it covers the flowers, then cap the jar and store it in the fridge for 2-weeks. Strain out the calendula flowers after 2 weeks.
Make a strong calendula tea by steeping the remaining 50g calendula flowers in 100ml hot water for at least 1-hour or better still, overnight.
Drain, then combine the calendula tea with the calendula-infused aloe vera gel.
Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze. When frozen, store in a Ziploc bag in the freezer.

To use, remove an ice cube from the tray and glide it over those hot spots for a cooling effect that will instantly soothe burns and other hot skin issues. The moisture and benefits from the aloe vera gel act like a cooling protector, while the calendula soothes while it works its magic as it’s absorbed into the skin.

Safety

Calendula is generally considered to be a very safe herb. However, due to its action as an emmenagogue , it should not be used during pregnancy. Always ensure open wounds are fully cleaned before applying Calendula as like Comfrey, it rapidly repairs tissue.

Where to find our organic Calendula

Our individual Calendula officinalis - available in both organic tincture and dried flower form.
Tincture - Calendula officinalis (Marigold) Petals, Cold Macerated 1:3 90%, Organic Cultivated
Dried Flowers - C alendula officinalis (Marigold) Flowers, Organic Cultivated, Origin Egypt

Calendula&Cleavers - Puffy legs or swollen lymph glands? our Calendula&Cleavers tones the lymph and keeps it moving.

LKLCARE - supports and restores the body's vital detoxification organs, the liver, kidneys and lymph nodes, aka what I call t he '3-Amigos'. Recommended to feed twice a year just before each coat change, to assist in the protein biotransformation.
LymphCARE - supports the healthy function of the equine lymphatic system, in the event of lymphangitis/CPL.
OptimaCARE - our superior, functional 3-stage full-body cleanse/detox programme of regenerative phytonutrients (organic), known to clean up the gut function and detox/tone the body's natural detoxification organs and circulatory systems (blood and lymph). Supports the elimination of toxins, chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, toxic moulds etc.
SwItchTonic - with antipruritic (anti-itch) properties from Chickweed , known to support and tone an itchy, irritated coat and skin.
DermaCalm Gel - our antimicrobial derma support. An easily-absorbed synergistic blend of organic antimicrobial oils, known to support equine derma issues. Ideal for mud issues/cellulitis/rain-scald.
JSTGel - topically supports stiff joints, soft-tissue injuries, and swelling. With healing comfrey and cooling menthols. (We have more reviews from us humans using this than we do horses! And I can speak from broken bone experience too ��)
SwitchGel - topical support for itchy, irritated coat/skin, with the potent anti-itch powers of Chickweed , and healing Calendula and Lavender oils. Particularly beneficial for sweet itch.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT - meet our client, Nayana Morag, Master Herbalist, founder of Essential Animals & Over the Edge Farm, Portugal

Tue, 28 May 2024 18:12:34 GMT

Meet Nayana, founder of Essential Animals & Over the Edge Farm, Portugal. Animal (and human) Aromatherapist and Master Herbalist.

Nayana's bio is amazing - she makes her home in Portugal where she lives what she teaches every day. She has created a dream environment for her herd of 9 horses, 3 dogs and 3 cats, where they can roam freely and select their medicine every day. She learns something new every day through observing their interactions with nature and the aromatic plants that abound at Over the Edge Farm .

It's probably easier to say what Nayana doesn't she do, as she's the full package - a complete holistic animal wellness therapist, trained in kinesiology, post-grad 5 Element Theory and Aromatic Energetics, Equine Acupressure and natural nutrition. She has been teaching about essential oils for animals since 2000, lecturing worldwide to vets, trainers and animal lovers of all kinds, combining her varied skills and the understanding that reducing stress is essential for health. Just to name a few ...

Introduce yourself

I live in Portugal at Over the Edge Farm, 30-hectares of wild land where my horses roam while I harvest and distill essential oils. I always dreamed of having a horse farm when I was growing up, and after decades of travelling the world, living and working with horses on four continents, here I am. Unbelievably.

(Of course I wanted to know how Nayana had ended up in Portugal, so we’re digressing a bit here …)

I met my husband on horseback while in USA working as cowboys – we’ve been together since 1985! We lived in various countries in our time together, but I never lost my longing for a horse farm. And once I had learned about self-selection I just wanted to live with horses in a natural setting so I could really understand what they choose.

In 2012 it was finally time to find my horse farm. I originally started looking in Spain, then a friend suggested Portugal. Meanwhile, other friends/clients also wanted to move. We looked at Portugal and liked what we saw. They had four horses, my two lived with theirs, so we moved with them. I flew with the horses from Israel to Belgium, picked up my English horse at the airport and travelled down to Portugal overland!

We stayed with those friends for a year or so, then we continued looking for our own place. I found Over the Edge Farm on the internet on a random ’sell everything’ site, and despite it being completely impractical and the worst property investment ever (!), we bought it in 2015.

There was nothing on it but trees, land, a water well, and a ruin; we had no idea about the cork oak woodland eco system or how to care for it. It just looked like a great place for the horses to roam free. And here we still are!

How did it all start?

This is a really hard question for me to answer, because one thing led to another and then there it was! Also, I have two businesses. But lets see.

In 1997 I returned to the UK after living abroad for 20 years. I was working in equine rehab as a freelancer, when a friend said, “You need to check out Caroline Ingraham’s work with essential oils.” So I did. After reading an article by her, I experimented with offering an oil to a client’s horse and was blown away by the response.

I trained with Caroline, thinking essential oils would be a useful tool with the ’problem’ horses, but found myself training in more and more healing modalities. My focus shifted and I found myself working with behaviour problems with horses, dogs, cats, llamas - anyone that needed my help.

In 2000 I built my first website and the name ‘Essential Animals’ became official. I was working with oils and animals, based in the UK, teaching on the certification course run by Guild of Essential Oil Therapy for Animals (now defunct), visiting clients of course, and also travelling around giving talks and teaching in the UK and America. Also doing a bit of racehorse rehab and still helping the horses and people get along better. I continued learning - kinesiology, acupressure, TCM and oils, nutrition, and so on.

In 2006 I developed my own certificate course, combining all my skills, and Animal PsychAromatica was born. The same year we moved to Israel to care for my father-in-law. It was supposed to be for 6 months to a year max, but we ended up staying till 2012, when we moved to Portugal.

Now to your business, and the part you play in it

I have two businesses, Essential Animals and Over the Edge Farm. I call myself creative director, slightly tongue in cheek, at both places. Everyone else calls me Boss. ��

Over the Edge is based in Portugal, hosting people so they can learn here, or just enjoy the atmosphere of empowered horses and aromatics at their leisure. We also distill and sell hydrosols as a way of supporting regeneration of the Cork Oak woodlands where we live.

How did you want to change the world?

A prime motivator for me is to see people being more aware of each animal’s right to self-determination. I would like to help humans recognise that all beings are intelligent, with their own unique expression and preferences and importantly, the right to choose. This basic principle reduces stress and allows health and happiness to grow for all species. I would also like humans to be more self-aware and kind to themselves so we can grow a more compassionate world together.

What’s unique about your businesses?

Pretty much everything!

Who and where are your customers?

Animal lovers worldwide, who want to see their animals live a healthy natural life.

The future - any plans?

We are always flowing and changing with life. This year I am launching an exciting new course called “Let Her Speak!”, focusing on healing the blocks that inhibit our intuitive senses. This is online through Essential Animals. At Over the Edge we’re also opening up to more visitors this year, for the first time since the pandemic. I am also working on a line of tree essences channeled from the OtE herd, super-powerful healing potions for the horse world and beyond.

The essences started when I made some tree essences from particular trees, rather than just a species. Then a friend came to visit and asked, ‘Why not essences from horses?’ Hence it started.

We’ve trialled them around the world and have amazing feedback. It seems to really help stabled horses get out of depression, and horses who are having trouble in their herd. They generally relax them and make them more connective with people too. The essences can be used with horses, humans, dogs or cats; the animals select them, and can also select for their people. I’m now working to get them out worldwide now, hopefully before the end of year.

Tell us about your horses

I live with nine beautiful horses - two Quarter horses who came with me from Israel, four Lusitanos who were on the way to slaughter when they were miraculously diverted; a mother and son of Iberian mix type rescued from the local gypsy camps, and one Arab from France left here by a friend. They live in a herd and are free to roam over 30 hectares of rough land in South Portugal. I endeavour to give them as natural a lifestyle as possible, and they in return teach me about what horses really need, what they choose to eat and how they choose to interact with humans.

(Hang on – four Lusitanos on their way to the kill-pen?)

There was a huge herd that had lived on 500-hectares for several generations; a few stallions, lots of mares and offspring. The land was sold to become a golf course, and while the horses’ owner sold what he could, there were about twenty-five left who were going to slaughter when some non-locals heard the news and mounted a rescue operation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/612856625469332

Why do you buy from EquiNatural?

I love that your minerals are just that, no fillers or anything else. Your herb blends are great quality and effective, and Carol is extremely helpful.

Is organic/provenance important to you?

Yes, very. Our home, Over the Edge Farm, is built around sustainability and chemical free living, so this fits with our ethos.

How have you seen the horse world change?

Oh my gosh! On one hand it hasn’t changed nearly enough (why do people still ask me “So what do you do with your horses?” as a standard normal question, and look at me like a madwoman when I say “Nothing, I just enjoy them”?). Why does racing still exist? Or other horse sport for money? I can also get annoyed when I see ponies in rugs and all the other massive over-pampering that goes on with horses as pets. And the massive rise in metabolic diseases.

On the other hand, many people are more considerate of a horse’s needs and aware of the need for forage and freedom. And the fact that using natural supplements is now commonplace. When I first entered the world of health for horses in 1995, and importing herbs to the USA, we were the first people selling herbs. Now they are easily available. I think that’s a good thing.

Who’s your favourite equine guru, and why?

My horse herd. They teach me something every day.

What’s your favourite drink – a cuppa or something long and cool?

It depends on the time of day. Tea in the morning, organic red wine in the evening.

Who knew?! Tell us one unusual fact about you ��

I have only ever bought one horse in this lifetime.

Final word?

Thank you for being such a great shining light in the world of horse wellbeing. ��

Follow the herd

Website - https://essentialanimals.com/ and https://otefarm.eu/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/essentialanimals and https://www.facebook.com/overtheedgefarm

Trust me when I say you'll be lost for hours in blissful browsing ��

Buttercups - beautiful blooms or harmful weeds?

Mon, 27 May 2024 12:29:14 GMT

I think we know the answer - the real deal on the buttercup's impact

As the spring grass flush finally starts to settles down, it’s time for the buttercups to show themselves. And how! They're everywhere here in Somerset, their seed-filled stems already standing tall in the fields, seemingly overrunning the grass. Charming they may be, but deceptively so, not only for soil quality but also our beloved Neds.

Buttercups are more than widespread, and no surprise - there are well over 50 species in Europe alone. Us horse owners will be familiar with the two common types: the ' creeping ' buttercup and the ' sharp ' buttercup. They thrive in our horses’ fields, with the creeper growing low and sprawling across the ground; its sharp cousin standing taller. The creeper prefers richer conditions, but if you’ve got less fertile, acidic soil, you’ll see more of the taller sharp buttercup.

Now here’s the thing: buttercups contain a toxin called protoanemonin , which can cause skin irritation. And how! (Again.) Horses typically avoid them while grazing, so an allergic reaction is rare. Unless, of course, you’re my connie, Murf, with his white nose.

In 2005, we were not long on a new rented field, so we didn’t know much about the pasture quality, but it was ours, and it was private! But it soon proved to be a nightmare. We moved in in the March, put up a shelter and new fencing (which killed us - 2-decades on I still remember the pain, and yes I've been a fence-nerd ever since), and sat back happy that we had our own place. Yet six weeks later, Murf was covered in what looked like a thousand bee stings on his muzzle.

Cue nasty buttercup pollen burns that took several pots of Sudocrem and a good couple of weeks to start clearing up (this was before I began studying herbalism - I'd now use our Calendula Cream of course ��). It was torture for him – our field was overrun with more buttercups than grass - they were everywhere! So I had to keep him on box rest while he recovered, and meanwhile, we had the field savagely topped. Of course, his face blew up the day before we were due to go on holiday as well, so husband and stepdaughter went by themselves while I tended to my boy.

(The good news is that this toxin decomposes during the hay drying process, so if you see buttercups in your hay, your horse will be fine.)

Long and short, buttercups are horrible – they’ll not only burn your horse's muzzle but destroy your grass and herbage, significantly reducing the soil quality. The more buttercups you have, the more acidic your soil becomes, which links us nicely to ...

And then come the docks

Did you know a single dock plant can occupy the space of up to 30 grass plants? Even more space-hogging than buttercups, meet the dock and meadow sorrel, which grace our lands with over 120 species.

Sorrel thrives in acidic soil. And when its seeds hit the ground, they need soil to cover them in order to germinate, which our horses’ hooves unwittingly manage very nicely. As for dock seeds, they can germinate for up to 40 years (yes you read that right), so when you’ve got docks, you’ve got docks forever . And they just love poorly drained, wet soil - the more naff your soil quality is, the more docks you're going to get.

Preventing the spread

Buttercups and sorrels need light to grow, so with dense grass reducing light penetration, this will reduce seed germination and young plant growth.
If you see buttercups and horsetail growing together , it's a clear message that you've got poor drainage and your soil will likely be too wet. Top tip to do something about it.
Overgrazing should always be avoided – keep that grass growing. I know it sounds nigh on impossible with our Neds chowing down daily on the grass, but if you can keep at least 10cm of grass blade coverage going, in order to lower the amount of light hitting the ground, this will make it harder for those seeds to germinate. If you're lucky enough to be able to rotate fields, this will help.
Dense pasture vegetation will help stabilise the turf, so try to avoid turnout on wet soil to prevent hooves cutting up the ground.
For areas heavily infested with buttercups or sorrel, a mulch close to the ground can be useful as other plants can outgrow them and shade them out.
Sorrel is deep-rooted, with its roots reaching an astonishing depth of up to 3 metres! (Yes you read that right as well). This means it thrives in dry conditions. Summer heatwave? No problem. Back to that grass or mulch cover to keep out the light, preventing them from growing.
If/when you spot the young plants, pull them out before they seed . Otherwise, you’ll have thousands of seeds lying dormant for decades.

With the right pasture management, you can keep buttercup, dock and sorrel species in check, ensuring a healthier environment for your horses.

PS - Trivia Time: contrary to popular belief, nettles mean a moist and humus-rich soil. Get your tomatoes, pumpkins or potatoes growing on it!

Breeding and raising a foal

Wed, 08 May 2024 08:45:33 GMT

Breeding a foal can be an incredibly fulfilling experience for any horse owner, but there’s more to it than simply finding a handsome chap ��

Okay, come on, admit it - don't we all go googly-eyed when we see a foal? Full of fluff, and cheek, bouncing around happily with the world at their feet? And doesn't every proud owner of a beautiful mare dream of one day raising their own foal? I personally get flushed with all kinds of happy stuff and start talking in a ridiculous squeaky voice at the sight of a bub in a stable next to their mum. They're just wayyyy too gorgeous ... ��

But there's no doubt that there's many considerations to carefully plan, to ensure a healthy start for both mum and foal, From considering the social birthing environment, feed and nutrients, just how much should us humans get involved in those early days, and the common issues that may crop up. And lest we forget - the often completely ignored yet vital consideration of creating the foal's microbiome, which will determine their future immunity. How the foal's hindgut biome is established will literally determine their health – or unhealth – for the rest of their life.

The social birthing environment for both mum and foal

Remember that horses are social animals, and in nature a mare is never alone. One of the first and most important considerations is ensuring that the about-to-foal mare is not going to be isolated in her usual stable. Nearby mares acting as aunties - and in the perfect world, their own foals as well - are so important, not only for the emotional well-being of the birthing mare but also for the development of the newborn foal.

Those aunties all help in caregiving, helping the mare to recover between nurturing her own foal and ensuring her foal learns essential social skills early on to facilitate a smoother integration into the world, not to mention reducing stress during the birthing and postnatal phases.

Similarly, foals require foal buddies for play. By the time they're weaned, these buddies become crucial for the youngster, easing the separation from mum and reducing potential trauma. Within their group, foals learn to navigate their social environment, enhance their physical agility, and learn to stand their ground when they need to.

Nutrition - the foundation of health

I get many enquiries from owners who are unsure about the correct dietary regime for their broodmare. What's the right amount of this or that, and how much and what's best? Fundamentally, feeding a broodmare is not that different from feeding any other horse, other than she's going to need more forage - up to 3kg/100 kg bodyweight per day of adlib, high-quality meadow hay, to ensure her hindgut biome stays healthy and continues to produce her energy source and those other essential metabolites that help any horse thrive.

Meanwhile it’s a no-brainer to avoid those bulk-filler junk feedbowl feeds high in quick sugars and starches, and the buffet of pro-inflammatory molasses, soya, alfalfa, synthetics etc, to prevent elevated blood glucose levels which your mare won't be able to burn off via sufficient exercise. Feed quality meadow hay cobs and sainfoin to the feedbowl, which are rich in fibre and proteins. The tip of the day is that if the feedbowl carrier isn't made from grass fibre, don't feed it. Simples. ��

Post-birth, her diet should support her in producing nutrient-rich milk, particularly rich in essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine, both of which you'll find as standard in our mineral balancers ; these amino acids are vital for the foal to build their own proteins, essential for their growth and development.

NB - If the mother is milk-deficient, her body will begin to break down its own muscle protein for energy to enrich her milk supply, depriving herself in order to nourish her foal. Sadly we see this too often, especially with rescue mares in foal who have suffered from severe neglect and cruelty. We see this regularly with the wonderful equine charity SAFE - Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines , whom EquiNatural supports.

It's also vital to maintain constant access to roughage to prevent colic and maintain a healthy gut flora balance, both crucial for the foal's development. The usual rule applies to feeding straw, as in Don't , as apart from many other detrimental reasons it can lead to constipation and colic, particularly towards the end of pregnancy. Don't go near haylage either, as it will cause significant hindgut dysbiosis, leading to irreparable damage in the foal's own hindgut biome and immunity during their first few months.

Meanwhile, Raspberry leaf is the ultimate pregnancy herb. It tones the uterine muscles and is high in beneficial vitamins and minerals, and will also help with increased milk production. Feeding raspberry leaf during the last 45-days of your mare's pregnancy is thought to help the mare during delivery, with success noted for mares with chronic delivery type problems (eg, prolonged delivery, retained placenta, little or no milk production, excessive bleeding during delivery).

Optimal foal feeding

Initially the foal should rely on breast milk, supplemented by nibbling on hay and grass - these will provide all the necessary nutrients for the early days. Meanwhile, owners should be cautious of commercial foal feeds high in sugars, such as 'foal muslis', which can predispose foals to various health issues.

Minerals

Since foals derive their nutrients solely from the mare in the initial months, if you're not doing it already, it's important that during the critical last 2-months of pregnancy the mare’s diet should be supplemented with minerals , particularly copper and zinc , to support foetal development for a strong and healthy start to life. This will also help the mare recover more swiftly post birth, and help the foal build a strong musculoskeletal framework to enhance overall vitality and strong hooves from birth.

Worming before birth

It's said to be a recommendation to worm the mare towards the end of her pregnancy, although personally I'd be a tad nervous about chemically worming. The main threat apparently comes from the dwarf threadworm, despite them allegedly being relatively harmless to healthy adult horses with a healthy immune system; however, they can cause severe diarrhea in newborns who have yet to develop any immunity. I'd suggest regular FECs and a herbal intestinal cleanse along the way with our SiboCARE - which will also benefit her hindgut biome integrity - followed by a handful of our BiomeTonic at regular intervals.

Stable or field?

I'm pretty sure this is a given, but here's a thing - in nature, wild horses living outside can delay the birth if they feel stressed, suggesting there may be benefits to a less 'controlled' environment. Birthing outdoors offer natural conditions (that oddly are said to be more hygienic than a stable); however, show me anyone who wouldn't be bringing in to a comfortable barn for monitoring, especially in the event of complications, plus there's always our typical british spring torrents to consider - the last thing we want is a foal born in a thunderstorm.

Whichever way we go, while first time mums (both horse and the human owner!) will of course benefit from monitoring, it's important not to confine the mare too much as this may induce stress.

Human bonding

Okay, so we all know a newborn foal is irrestible, but - early human socialisation should be approached with care as, much as we all want to get involved with a ton of the love stuff, too much of us humans immediately after the birth may interfere with the natural bonding between mum and foal, which could lead to behavioural issues later in life. While our presence is of course important, it shouldn’t disrupt the mare's and foal's initial bonding.

Time for the great outdoors!

Get that baby outside with mum from the get-go, literally Day-1, and especially if there are other foals to play with.�� Ideally foalie should be able to integrate into a herd where they can learn appropriate social behaviours, which will be really important for later training and interaction.

Exposure to outdoor space for movement is also so important for physical development and social behaviour, whereas foals raised in confined conditions, or with just adults, often show developmental and social deficiencies compared to those raised in more open, natural environments with foal buddies.

Gut health - healthy mum's hindgut means healthy foal

The mare’s hindgut health plays a direct role in how a foal will develop their own gut biome and immunity, as foals inherit their initial gut flora from eating their mother’s faeces, a well-recognised process known as coprophagia .

A healthy mare passes on those beneficial fibre-fermenting microbes in her faeces that aid in the foal's ability to themselves digest and absorb nutrients from their forage. However, if the mare has a disrupted hindgut biome, or has been fed haylage (which introduce lactic acid bacteria into the hindgut), the foal will ingest harmful bacteria which trust me, will lead to lifelong metabolic disorders such as autoimmunity (allergies such as equine asthma or sweet itch) and KPU. We've got this all covered in our Creating the Foal's Microbiome page.

Common health issues in foals

The last thing I want to do here is frighten anyone with unpronounceable scary foal-related disease names, so I'll pull this para together by saying suffice to say, foals, like our own human infants, have immature immune systems that need to develop through exposure to their environment - they need to learn to recognise the pathogens so their immune cells can build an immunity against them.

Monitoring for signs of common ailments like diarrhea and respiratory issues is of course really important, but medical intervention should be cautiously sensible, opting more for natural recovery whenever possible rather than the use of antibiotics, in order to build a strong and effective long-term immunity. Because these days we all know that antibiotics will annihilate a gut biome, upon which all health depends ...

To conclude ...

Raising a foal is awesomely rewarding but it's going to need a bit of careful planning. By having an understanding of the social, nutritional, and health needs of both mum and her baby, you’ll be ensuring the best start to their new life together.

I'll end with some heartwarming images of my dear friend Sarah's new foal and her mum, nicknamed Chip, born April 2024. So named after the Blue Chip Championships they were meant to be going to, so Sarah had to stay home while daughter went to the show with dad instead. What a homecoming present though! ��

Safeguarding our EMS horses from hyperlipidemia - vital insights for optimal well-being

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 09:13:44 GMT

As if us carers of EMS horses haven’t got enough to focus on, along comes something else to think about … hyperlipidemia.

Not wishing to sound like the Grim Reaper here, but if you google it you’ll see terms like ‘life-threatening’ and ‘potentially fatal’ ... No question - hyperlipidemia is a serious condition, so we need to be aware of it, and above all, super vigilant when it comes to managing our EMS/IR equines.

So what’s it all about? It’s where us reducing feed/calorie intake (thinking we’re doing the right thing) reduces energy levels, triggering a reaction by the equine body to draw on its muscle protein and fats reserves, in order to them into the blood to be used for energy.

Thing is … the horse’s body can’t utilise fats or proteins as primary energy sources, so the result is a dangerous accumulation circulating in the bloodstream. Worse case? Liver and renal failure, and yes, it’s potentially fatal.

So how do we prevent it?

Proper diet and weight control. And above all, avoiding the temptation of rapid weight loss methods such as underfeeding, and/or … using indigestible feeds such as straw as a primary feed.

Horses evolved to thrive on energy derived from cellulose fibres found in grasses - not fats, or proteins, or straw. So, it’s down to us to ensure our EMS horse maintains an optimal weight through a meticulously balanced species-appropriate diet, while significantly limiting access to fresh green grass to manage the IR.

Low sugar, low carb, high fibre hay diet - I know we all know this, but this really is the cornerstone of managing our EMS horses. A diet low in sugars/carbs and rich in fibre helps regulate blood sugar levels, avoiding the excess calories that contribute to obesity, to prevent fat accumulation.
Mineral balancing – essential to offset the known nutrient deficiencies in our UK forage, to ensure we keep our horse’s inner chemistry balanced.
Adlib hay - essential to satisfy hunger and nutritional needs.
Avoid starvation diets - restricting access to food not only risks stress and ulcers, but mistaken practices such as extreme calorie reduction, or feeding straw, can dangerously backfire. It's vital to maintain a balanced, nutritious diet that supports weight loss without nutrient deprivation. Which links us nicely to …

Starving our horse slim is not a solution

No question, the best prevention for IR/EMS horses is simply by not allowing our horses to become obese. However, it’s crucial not to starve the weight off your horse.

To quote Dr Kellon:

“The primary treatment for horses with IR and/or Cushing's is a low carb and mineral-balanced diet. Any pasture turnout should be eliminated until all signs of IR are totally absent, and reintroduced only with extreme caution. Hay with low carbohydrate content is recommended, ensuring total feed intake never drops below 1.5% of body weight.

Attempting to achieve weight loss by reducing feed intake below 1.5% can worsen IR and precipitate Hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia is potentially life threatening, especially in ponies, so DON'T STARVE the weight off your horse or pony.”

I can’t emphasise enough how important it is for the IR horse, well - any horse for that matter - having adlib hay, otherwise, apart from the acid-related stomach ulcer risk, they’ll go into a state of manic stress, literally panicking about where their next food is coming from.

This brings on hormone-reactive stressors of their own which we must always try to prevent, in order to avoid the release of the unfriendly stress hormone, cortisol, which for the record also induces further elevated insulin. A wild horse can simply wander off and find more grasses, but the domesticated horse is entirely dependent on how – and when - we're going to feed them next.

Avoiding the dangers of improper feeding

Both Dr Kellon and Dr Fritz warn against the dangers of excessive feed reduction or relying on indigestible feeds like straw, so let’s summarise the risks (see the full details in our 'Straw - Don't Feed It ' page):

Calories between hay and straw, and there’s not much difference . If you’re already feeding a mature hay or one chosen for low sugar and starch levels, the difference is only a 7% calorie reduction.
Straw’s sugar levels can be as high as 6.2%, and starch up to 4.3%.
Now to digestion difficulties . With significant differences in the fibre ratios, straw is difficult to ferment in the hindgut, which may result in bloated belly/diarrhea/faecal water, especially in older horses.
Straw also provides poor prebiotic support for the hindgut biome, meaning poor production of those beneficial metabolites which produce the source of our horse’s energy, and the beneficial B6 and B12 vitamins in their appropriate activated form.
Protein ? Deficient, around half that of hay.
Mineral levels - lower phosphorus and magnesium than hay.
Worse, there’s a high risk of toxic nitrate levels in straw.

Long and short, despite straw filling the horse’s stomach, it starves the horse of energy, which triggers the equine body to try and find other stored energy resources. Cue hyperlipidemia.

As Dr Kellon says, we’re better off double netting our hay , or investing in a slow-feeder system .

Understanding the liver’s role

When our horse eats, the liver decides what to do with the nutrients – if they’re needed, they get sent out into the bloodstream to be utilised; if not, they’re sent off to either the kidneys or the large intestine for excretion. And when it comes to our EMS horses the liver is already busy enough, having to process the excess sugars.

The takeaway message? Too high levels of fat or protein circulating in the bloodstream puts enormous strain on the liver, overwhelming its ability to detoxify the body.

The ‘don’ts’

�� Don’t resort to starvation diets - severely restricting your horse’s feed will backfire significantly.

�� Don’t use straw as a primary feed - straw lacks nutritional value and can’t be properly digested, leading to energy deficiency and potentially triggering hyperlipidemia.

�� Don’t overlook exercise - alongside diet, regular, appropriate exercise is vital to manage a horse’s weight and overall health.

�� Don’t forget well-being - stress will exacerbate health issues, so manage any obvious stressors.

Preventing hyperlipidemia in EMS horses requires a balanced, well-managed approach to diet and weight management, no different to taking care of a family member with specific dietary needs. By feeding low sugar/low carb/high fibre forage, and a meadow grass feedbowl carrier, while adding in what’s nutritionally missing and avoiding shortcuts, you can help prevent hyperlipidemia.

The Methionine v. Laminitis connection

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:36:54 GMT

A closer look at methionine's role in combating the laminitis risk

No doubt like many of us out there, I have a very worn t-shirt having spent each spring on edge, worrying about laminitis while managing three 'metabolics' over the last two decades. Laminitis isn't just a word that echoes around yards come spring; it's a reality many of us face, particularly as the risk increases with the season's fresh grass growth.

But what if there was a way to help fortify our beloved horses against the threat, through the power of amino acids like methionine? A recent study shows we may be able to avert the shadow of laminitis through nutritional insight.

A closer look at methionine's role in combating the laminitis risk

As we’re now well into spring, many of us yet again find ourselves faced with the all too familiar risk of laminitis, characterised by damage to the laminae within the hoof capsule, causing intense pain and mobility issues. There are many causes of laminitis, one of which is hyperinsulinemia , also known as insulin dysregulation (ID), and commonly associated with our EMS horses.

A pivotal study spearheaded by Stockle et al. (2022) highlights methionine as a potential game-changer, suggesting that this amino acid could be a key strategy in supporting horses at risk of ID and, consequently, laminitis.

Their study delved into the resting plasma amino acid concentrations in horses deemed at risk, and pointed to an innovative approach: could supplementing with amino acids, specifically methionine, offer much-needed support for horses battling ID?

Beyond Glucose - the role of insulin in protein metabolism

While most of us are well-versed in the need to carefully monitor the starch and sugar in our horses' diets due to insulin's role in glucose metabolism, insulin's impact on protein management is less well known. Beyond its role in managing blood sugar, insulin also influences how our horses' bodies use proteins, with disruptions in insulin regulation disrupting the absorption and utilisation of amino acids.

However, the study results suggest that with adequate levels of certain amino acids, the body can actually ramp up protein synthesis, tipping the scales back towards balance to counteract the negative effects of insulin dysregulation.

Methionine – a vital nutrient for hoof health

The study focused on the plasma amino acid profiles in a group of horses with varying levels of insulin regulation. Of the 16 amino acids included in the study, 3 were found to be statistically significantly different. Among the findings, differences in the levels of GABA ( gamma-aminobutyric acid ), citrulline, and methionine were observed.

GABA , functioning mainly as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, was found in one study to accelerate wound healing, and potentially influence skin elasticity and collagen expression. Considering the degradation of the laminae during laminitis, the study hypothesised that GABA could very well play a role in the healing aspect of laminitis. However, the not-so-good news is that GABA's a banned substance due to potential doping concerns by the FEI (2024).

Citrulline , meanwhile, converts to arginine , a key player in vasodilation ( the widening of blood vessels as a result of the relaxation of the blood vessel's muscular walls. Vasodilation is a mechanism to enhance blood flow to areas of the body that are lacking oxygen and/or nutrients ). This pathway, however, becomes potentially impaired in ID horses, restricting lamellar blood flow, which as we know is a major factor in laminitis. However, the study showed uncertain benefits due to inconsistent findings on arginine levels between ID and non-ID horses, indicating that supplementing arginine needed further investigation.

However, methionine stood out as a super-nutrient, crucial for maintaining hoof integrity and antioxidant metabolism, suggesting that supplementation with this amino acid could benefit horses prone to laminitis, and play a vital role in combating oxidative stress.

Methionine's role in the equine diet cannot be overstated. This essential amino acid is known for its sulphur content, important for keratin formation, the protein that forms the structure of the hoof. It's also involved in glutathione metabolism, the body’s natural master antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative stress damage.

Typically, horses get adequate methionine from grass. However, common practices aimed at minimising the laminitis risk, such as soaking hay to reduce water-soluble carbohydrates, leads to nutrient loss, including methionine. This is where methionine supplementation steps in, offering a straightforward solution to bolster hoof health and potentially lower the risk of laminitis.

Looking forward

As research continues to unfold on the connection between nutrition, ID, and the laminitis risk, the role of methionine in managing laminitis risk emerges as a promising strategy.

The path to protect our horses from laminitis doesn't end with just awareness – it's about taking proactive steps to ensure their well-being. Our EquiVita & VitaComplete mineral balancers include 3-grams of premium methionine , as standard, in each formulation, offering a straightforward solution to support hoof health and mitigate the risk of laminitis.

With methionine's proven benefits in supporting hoof health and its vital role in combating oxidative stress, we're supporting our horses in a more targeted and effective way, and hopefully giving us all some peace of mind over the seasonal laminitis concerns. ��

Leptin Resistance - the permanently hungry horse.

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 11:04:32 GMT

Harnessing Hormones - the science behind leptin resistance.

(Leptin resistance - a condition that complicates weight management by disrupting the horse's natural appetite control mechanisms, leading to overeating and weight gain)

In the complex world of bodily functions, hormones play a pivotal role, orchestrating everything from metabolism to circadian rhythms to mood. These chemical messengers, very often underestimated, have a profound impact on one of our most basic functions: appetite .

We’re going to take a look at two of the lesser-known hormones, leptin and ghrelin , and how their critical roles regulate both hunger and fullness, and not just in our horses, but us humans too.

To put some perspective on this, have you ever wondered why, when you break out the box of chocolates, you literally can't stop eating them until the box has gone? Have you ever wondered why you can devour an entire packet of choc-chip cookies, yet you wouldn't do the same for a whole side of wild salmon?

It's not because we're weak-willed or lack self-discipline. It's not that we have no willpower. It's a biological reaction to sugar and carbs, and willpower won't work here.

Personally? I consider myself lucky - I have a savoury palate. Give me Marmite anyday, and no I don't touch sugar - we don't even keep it in the house. If we have visitors and I put the kettle on, suddenly I'm having to apologise profusely for the lack of sugar for their tea or coffee. But if husband brings home a box of Maltesers or Quality Street on a Saturday night, they're gone in one sitting. Shared, of course, but they're gone, and I'm both deliciously happy, courtesy of the massive dopamine reward hormone hit, yet horribly guilty (never mind feeling a bit ick) as it's always completely beyond my control. Sound familiar?

The overweight epidemic – it’s a hormonal perspective

Our modern world presents a paradox where, despite an abundance of food, the majority struggle with being overweight. So what’s driving our eating habits? The answer lies partly with leptin and ghrelin, two hormones that dictate when we feel hungry and when we've had enough. If their respective messages aren’t getting through, or if one is overriding the other, this will affect how appetite is regulated, triggering widespread weight issues.

This has only really been studied since the mid/late 1990s, but is very much an integal part of the IR/EMS horse and Diabetes type II human syndrome. And when it comes to our EMS horses, it's really important for us human carers to understand how and where it fits in.

First up, meet ghrelin , the ‘hunger hormone’, which is produced in the stomach, signalling the need to eat. Its levels fluctuate, peaking before meals and lessening after. On the flip side, leptin , the ‘satiety hormone’, signals fullness, which in the perfect world helps to regulate long-term body weight. However, if these signals are compromised, this leads to a perpetual state of hunger or overeating, despite the body's actual needs.

Ghrelin - the drive to eat

Ghrelin's role extends beyond simply signaling hunger; it also stimulates the release of the growth hormone from the pituitary gland, which has wide-ranging effects on energy metabolism and physical growth, i.e. height, bones and muscles. Interestingly, ghrelin levels increase not just before meals but also during periods of calorie restriction, affecting its role in long-term energy balance. Ghrelin's activity is modulated by factors such as sleep, stress, and exercise, making it a target for interventions such as dieting and promoting a healthy weight.

Leptin – the satiety instruction

Leptin, produced by adipose (fat) tissue, acts on receptors in the hypothalamus of the brain, where (sorry – science-y bit coming up …) it inhibits hunger by counteracting the effects of neuropeptide Y (a potent feeding stimulant secreted by the hypothalamus) and by stimulating the synthesis of α-MSH , an appetite suppressant. However, leptin's effectiveness can be weakened by inflammation and a diet’s fatty acid composition. Cue leptin resistance , which is what we see so often in our EMS horses.

It means that less leptin crosses the blood-brain barrier to signal satiety, so the brain thinks the body is still hungry, making our horses think they're still starving, so they continually eat despite adequate or even excessive fat stores.

Obesity - a hormonal mismatch

The discovery of leptin and ghrelin in the 1990s was a breakthrough for science in understanding obesity. It's not simply a matter of willpower; it's a complex interplay of hormones gone wonky. Leptin resistance, for instance, shows how the body ignores the signals of fullness, leading to continuous eating and weight gain. Similarly, elevated ghrelin levels, especially if stressed or sleep-deprived, makes the brain increase cravings for carbohydrates and sugars, i.e. the bad stuff.

Correcting the imbalance of leptin and ghrelin requires more than just dieting or exercising; it needs a functional approach to lifestyle changes. Dump the junk for real food, get adequate sleep, reduce stressors to lower cortisol levels (which when higher trigger more insulin release), and implement a regular exercise routine, even if it’s just walking – all foundational elements.

Equine insights

Back to our horses, and here’s breaking news – those crests and fat pads aren’t officially made of ‘fat’. Those crests are adipose tissue , formed as a result of the excess insulin/blood glucose, and are almost a separate organ in themselves, created by the endocrine (hormone) system, because the body has now become leptin resistant , a condition that complicates weight management by disrupting the horse's natural appetite control mechanisms , leading to overeating and weight gain.

So, knowing that it’s the adipose (fat) tissue cells which produce the leptin hormone, you’d be forgiven in thinking that our IR cresty equines would produce even more of the leptin’s 'stop eating' instruction to signal the body to eat less food and normalise weight. Well, you'd be right. But because our cresty metabolic/IR/Cushings horses have become leptin resistant , overridden by the brain's demand for carbs, the vital message that they’re no longer hungry isn't being heard. They're only hearing the ghrehlin hormone telling them that they're still hungry and to eat more and more.

As with all hormone issues, leptin resistance is a complex issue and as I type, probably still not fully understood in the horse-world, but there are many factors that can negatively impact leptin levels including (and I quote from esteemed sources) :

High fructose, simple carbs and grain consumption.
High insulin levels.
High stress levels.
Overeating.

Kind of obvious I know …

Thing is, we’re up against powerful biochemical mechanisms created by food addiction - willpower becomes useless when sugar is in charge of the brain chemistry. It hijacks the brain, hormones, and metabolism, and the only way to fix this is to rewire the brain. A researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) actually theorises that the real regulator of a body's weight and metabolism isn’t so much the stomach but the brain chemistry - the brain can only hear the carb cravings, so we need to rewire the brain to send the opposite message and shut down that hunger, while working on reducing that crest where the adipose tissue sits. Don't panic - we go into how to do this a little further on ...

Now here's a thing. For those of us who've already been there, we already know how difficult it is to shift that crest! We know our horses are overweight and we need to do something , so thinking we're doing the right thing we restrict their feed/calories, but this doesn’t work and our cresty equines stay cresty. As Juliet Getty (Equine Nutritionist) says:

“The reason is simple . Dieting restricts calories, which lowers the metabolic rate. Weight loss may occur at first, but the body then goes into 'survival mode' and starts to hold on to fat and becomes sluggish in burning calories, making it extremely easy to put all the weight back on.”

Restricting forage is also detrimental, especially for our metabolic equines, because, as we know, the stress involved increases the stress hormone cortisol , which then induces elevated insulin, which as we know promotes the very thing we're trying to reduce - fat storage. And so we’re back where we started.

For the record, Dr Kellon says that all IR horses have leptin resistance, so there we go. Whether we like it or not, we should be factoring leptin resistance into the whole IR/EMS scenario.

Research, implications, and strategies

Recent human studies have shed light on how high-fat diets can lead to alterations in gut microbiota, which in turn impact the production and function of ghrelin and leptin. No surprise, the conclusions suggested a (very obvious) link between diet, gut, and hormonal regulation of appetite.

Furthermore, research into intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding has revealed significant impacts on the regulation of these two hormones, offering promising avenues for managing appetite and metabolic health. Which of course, we can’t ever do with our horses. But here’s what we can do, and yes, I know it’s all obvious stuff:

Nutritional interventions - research and anecdotal evidence shows that Acetyl L-Carnitine (Alcar) plays a significant role in managing leptin resistance, supporting more effective metabolic regulation.
A species-appropriate fibre-rich diet will improve leptin sensitivity and reduce ghrelin levels, promoting satiety and reducing hunger, so I can’t emphasis enough how important it is to dump those feeds with bulk fillers that trigger gut sensitivities (see our ‘T he Feedbowl ’ page for the main offenders).
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3 fatty acids ( linseed ) can combat inflammation and improve hormonal signalling.
Lifestyle – I know, I know, but you can’t dispute the science. Regular physical activity, even if it's just walking, is shown to enhance leptin sensitivity and reduce ghrelin levels. Additionally, prioritising rest/sleep and managing stress can help normalise ghrelin and leptin levels.

So let's talk a bit more about Alcar ...

The amino acid Acetyl L-Carnitine (Alcar) - the leptin resistance game changer

When I was swatting all things leptin for Murf (around 2013/14), I came across an interesting article on a forum, written by another horse owner who was also struggling. Quote:

“I read one piece of equine research (a 2004 study by Woolworth et al) ... on the specific subject of l-carnitine and leptin … which indicates that l-carnitine boosts blood concentration of leptin .”

So, more leptin hormone in the bloodstream courtesy of L-Carnitine (Alcar)? So surely a greater chance of the leptin message being heard? The author also wrote that coincidentally she saw Alcar being advertised as a potential human weight loss drug:

“The last time I spoke to a physician about this, albeit not an endocrinologist, I was given to understand that the advertisement isn't entirely spurious, so I assume there is something I'm missing about how leptin resistance works and/or about how l-carnitine works with leptin.”

Very generously, she edited her post 6-months later to say:

“Update … after 6 months of l-carnitine supplementation, leptin blood levels decreased from abnormally high to within normal range. Not a controlled experiment though.”

So to the good news - research and anecdotal evidence shows that Acetyl L-Carnitine (Alcar) plays a significant role in managing leptin resistance. By addressing leptin resistance, we can support more effective metabolic regulation.

Final thoughts - a multifaceted approach to appetite control

The Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Insulin Resistance (IR) both highlight how modern management practices have drifted from their natural evolutionary needs, promoting leptin resistance. It’s a given that addressing these issues through diet and lifestyle adjustments is crucial for their well-being.

By understanding the science and addressing the dysregulation of leptin and ghrelin’s place in appetite control, we can look towards improved wellness for our EMS horses. It's perfectly possible to reset their biology rather than fighting against it, by adopting a functional approach that combines dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and, where appropriate, targeted interventions to restore hormonal balance.

Personally? I can honestly say, no word of a lie, that getting diet right and feeding Alcar to my metabolics - Murf, Cookie and MacAttack - was a game-changer. It made a profound difference to their original fat-pad, cresty state. Pro-Found. I started feeding it in 2014 and still do to this day. Our TB mare, HRH Queen Carmen, also gets it to help with her musculoskeletal issues (all explained on our Acetyl L Carnitine product page). I swear by it - even take it myself.

Now meet EquiNatural's MetaCOMBO – a powerful 3-in-1 EMS/IR/Leptin Resistance solution, formulated with:

• DuoBute – natural anti-inflammatory

• MetaTonic – supports metabolic balance, hindgut health & hoof integrity

• Acetyl L-Carnitine – helps boost leptin sensitivity

MetaCOMBO is the go-to supplement for horses facing the challenges of leptin resistance. It’s about resetting the metabolic signals – calming the hunger cues, reducing that crest, and helping the body listen to leptin again.

HERB NERD - Berberine vs. Ozempic – a metabolic health showdown

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 12:03:42 GMT

Meet berberine – barberry’s active alkaloid

Look into any garden or park and you'll likely see barberry, a striking ornamental maroon shrub. But did you know - rooted deep within traditional medicine practices from Western to Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, barberry has a powerful secret - its active alkaloid, berberine .

Barberry’s benefits were being recorded from as far back as 650 BC, when blood-cleansing properties of the barberry were noted on a clay tablet in the library of King Ashurbanipal of Assyria. These days? Its diverse uses range from purifying blood to combating microbial infections and enhancing digestive health, as well as antimicrobial actions against diarrhea, dysentery, and parasitical infections.

With mild laxative effects, it's also used as a bitter tonic to improve digestion, alongside its efficacy in managing inflammatory conditions, gynecological issues, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. And all due to berberine, a compound showing its potential in managing the effects of type 2 diabetes by reducing serum glucose, insulin, and lipid levels.

With its powerful metabolism-enhancing properties, berberine is making waves as ‘Nature’s Ozempic’ in human health. But how does this natural powerhouse compare to the synthetic marvel Ozempic, especially when it comes to regulating blood sugar, fat storage, and energy metabolism?

A closer look at Ozempic

Let's delve into Ozempic for a moment. Known scientifically as Semaglutide , this injectable treatment for Type 2 Diabetes has has been a contentious topic since its introduction. Originally only available through prescription, its approval for obesity treatment thrust it into the spotlight. This propelled it into the global spotlight, so much so that the UK government recently unveiled a £40m initiative to explore its efficacy in weekly weight loss injections, in an effort to address the obesity epidemic.

However, the widespread adoption of Ozempic has raised important questions on the ethical and social consequences regarding the preference for pharmaceutical quick fixes over sustainable lifestyle changes, particularly given its severe side effects (including a serious black box warning for thyroid cancer). Crucially, its soaring popularity among individuals without a medical necessity for the medication has caused widespread shortages, jeopardising access for those genuinely in need due to obesity-related health risks. Not to mention that the lost weight also seems to be regained when they stop taking it.

The comparison between berberine and Ozempic arises from their shared ability to influence metabolic health. Berberine offers a natural alternative, with a history of safe use and a broad spectrum of actions that support metabolic health without the severe side effects associated with pharmaceuticals.

Berberine or Ozempic - weighing the options

No question – berberine will not induce the swift weight loss seen with Ozempic. But then berberine’s mechanism of action differs from that of Ozempic; being a synthetic medication, Ozempik operates through mechanisms that are not only unnatural but also potentially hazardous without a medical necessity for its use.

While Ozempic works on GLP-1 receptors, berberine operates its metabolic effects through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a central regulator of energy and is involved in a number of metabolic pathways involved in blood sugar management and glucose metabolism, insulin signalling, mitochondrial biogenesis, food intake and body weight.

Berberine boasts intriguing effects on gut health as well. Preliminary research suggests its antimicrobial properties may benefit the gut biota as it appears to suppress harmful pathogenic bacteria, while encouraging the growth of beneficial ones, such as Akkermansia spp .

This mechanism supports its application in functional medicine as a beneficial supplement for managing SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), hence why we include it in our SiboCARE product. A 2014 study further supports this, finding that herbal approaches to SIBO can match the effectiveness of antibiotics without the associated adverse effects.

Integrating barberry bark into equine health

Incorporating barberry into our EMS equines’ diets and health regimes helps support blood sugar and metabolic health, and can be a useful alternative to Metformin, as is Goat’s Rue , from which the pharma drug Metformin was originally synthesised from. Hence why both play a primary role in our synergistic EMS/IR herbal formula, MetaTonic , which when integrated into our horses’ targeted nutritional and health regime complements can help manage EMS/IR effectively.

We sell barberry bark in both dried, cut bark and organic tincture form.

As always, just a reminder that this blog is for information purposes only, and any opinions are my own.

It’s not a substitute for professional care by a qualified medical professional.

Sources

1. Chaoran Dong, Jiaqi Yu, Yanan Yang, Fang Zhang, Wenquan Su, Qinhua Fan, Chongming Wu, Shengxian Wu. Berberine, a potential prebiotic to indirectly promote Akkermansia growth through stimulating gut mucin secretion, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.Volume 139, 2021.Doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111595.

2. Chang W, Chen L, Hatch GM. Berberine as a therapy for type 2 diabetes and its complications: From mechanism of action to clinical studies. Biochem Cell Biol. 2015 Oct;93(5):479-86. doi: 10.1139/bcb-2014-0107. Epub 2014 Dec 1. PMID: 25607236.

3. Dong H, Wang N, Zhao L, Lu F. Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:591654. doi: 10.1155/2012/591654. Epub 2012 Oct 15. PMID: 23118793; PMCID: PMC3478874.

4. Aribeygi, H., Jamialahmadi, T., Moallem, S.A., Sahebkar, A. (2021). Boosting GLP-1 by Natural Products. In: Sahebkar, A., Sathyapalan, T. (eds) Natural Products and Human Diseases. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology(), vol 1328. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73234-9_36

5. Francini F, Schinella GR, Ríos JL. Activation of AMPK by Medicinal Plants and Natural Products: Its Role in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2019;19(11):880-901. doi: 10.2174/1389557519666181128120726. PMID: 30484403.

6. Chedid V, Dhalla S, Clarke JO, Roland BC, Dunbar KB, Koh J, Justino E, Tomakin E, Mullin GE. Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 May;3(3):16-24. doi: 10.7453/gahmj.2014.019. PMID: 24891990; PMCID: PMC4030608.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT - meet our client, Susie Little, of Tower House Horses - changing lives with equine-assisted learning

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:15:42 GMT

Meet Susie, founder of Tower House Horses

Equine-assisted learning can involve observing and interacting with horses to support a variety of mental health conditions, from alcoholism and addiction to depression and disordered eating.

Studies have indicated its effectiveness across age groups; adolescents with depression and anxiety have shown a 60% improvement in symptoms after a 12-week programme, while 80% of veterans with PTSD reported a significant reduction in symptoms. Interacting with horses creates a non-judgmental environment for self-expression and has been shown to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and decrease stress, whilst improving interpersonal skills, enhancing self-esteem and confidence, and increasing mindfulness and presence.

Meet Susie Little , a certified equine-assisted learning facilitator with a lifelong passion for horses and a background in business. Inspired by the success of equine-assisted treatment centres in the United States, she founded Tower House Horses in 2011. This initiative is driven by the undeniable powerful yet gentle healing that horses offer, changing lives in profound ways.

Since its inception, Tower House Horses has become a beacon of hope, healing and recovery, to date helping more than 1200 clients. Survivors of domestic abuse have found strength to reclaim their lives, while individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and previous offenders have embarked on journeys of recovery and transformation.

Additionally, Tower House Horses provides invaluable respite for healthcare professionals and carers, alleviating the enormous stress of their demanding roles.

With a dedicated team and their remarkable horses, the story of Tower House Horses is rooted in a passionate belief in the transformative power of horses to effect meaningful and lasting change.

Introduce yourself

Hi, I’m Susie Little. I live in a beautiful, rural part of Hampshire with gorgeous views across open farmland. Horses have been important to me all my life – I was “that kid” who drove their parents crazy until I wore them down and they allowed me to have riding lessons. Growing up in the southern part of the Lake District, when my parents eventually caved and bought me a pony, I was fortunate enough to have the beach at Morecambe Bay and the moorland above the coastline to roam around.

How did Tower House Horses start?

I started my business after becoming interested in the work being done in treatment centres in the US, with horses being a catalyst for change for people in recovery from substance misuse. I became fascinated and wanted to learn more about this rather different way of interacting with horses. I trained as a facilitator 15 years ago and co-founded the charity with Jo Simpson, whom I met while training.

We set up Tower House Horses initially as a Community Interest Company, becoming a charity in 2019. I am CEO, so I do most of the running of the charity, overseeing our fundraising efforts, facilitating client sessions and looking after the horses. Jo shares the facilitating and takes care of all the financial aspects of the charity. I am lucky enough to “live over the shop” as the charity operates from my home so I don’t have to commute to work ��.

How did you want to change the world?

I can only directly change things in my corner of Hampshire, by helping people with mental health issues or life trauma to regain some confidence and emotional resilience, and relieve their anxiety and depression, through spending time with our horses. If I do have a hope/dream on a more global scale, it’s that everyone comes to see what an amazing contribution to emotional health and wellbeing horses can bring to the world.

They have the power to help and heal people, and as we move further away from historical ways of thinking about horses – as beasts of burden or sports vehicles – I would like everyone to recognise how much we can learn from their extraordinary emotional intelligence and empathetic nature.

What’s unique about Tower House Horses?

Hopefully our way of working with horses is no longer unique, as the equine-assisted services industry is growing fast, and increasingly being seen as a powerfully effective contributor to people’s health and wellbeing.

What is special about our charity is that the welfare of the horse is at the heart of everything we do. We want them to live their best life. The horses live outdoors, 24/7, with access to shelter and each other at all times. They are never confined to stables and only occasionally segregated (one or two are prone to weight gain!).

It is important to us that we, and our clients, treat the horses with the utmost respect. All interaction with humans is ground-based – there is no riding involved in our work – and as far as possible, the horses have a choice as to whether they want to be involved. Our aim is to always seek the horses’ consent to be with us, rather than controlling or coercing them to “perform”.

Our client sessions centre on making a connection with the horses and gaining their willing cooperation. In the process, clients learn how to change their own thinking and behaviour, and to find peace from the cause of their distress in the company of the horses, who are perfect role models of mindfulness and presence, just by being themselves.

How does Tower House Horses operate?

As a charity, we fundraise so that we can offer our services free to those who otherwise would be unable to benefit from our programmes. We have a number of beneficiary groups, including adults coping with anxiety and depression, those in recovery from substance misuse, survivors of domestic abuse, previous offenders, refugees, and care professionals. We also work with young people who are struggling at school for whatever reason. We can help them build their confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem, so that they are better able to cope with life’s challenges.

What our work relies on is the natural ability of the horse as a flight animal, to attune to subtle shifts in energy and behaviour in the human. Horses have survived for centuries because they know when it is safe for them to stay or when they need to leave. The feedback from the horses' reaction to the human, sometimes through very small changes in body language and facial expressions, can reflect the human's inner feelings and emotions.

Horses are perfect role models for how to be mindful and present. They help humans to quieten their minds and be in the moment with the horse. The experiential nature of equine-assisted learning helps people to gain insights into their own state of mind and way of being. and can be a powerful catalyst for change.

We introduce clients - either one-to-one or in small groups - to the horses very gradually, with plenty of time to observe them initially from a distance. Over the course of a series of sessions, as familiarity grows and confidence builds, clients progress to very simple, hands-on activities with the horses. The act of leading a horse, for example, requires them to build trust, and develop a connection based on cooperation and consent, rather than coercion or control.

These skills are transferrable to every situation in life. Clients can not only improve their emotional health and wellbeing in a beautiful outdoor environment, they can improve communication skills, develop emotional resilience, and acquire techniques for becoming mindful and reducing anxiety.

There are many studies which confirm the strength of the human-animal bond. Research confirms that when interacting with horses, people can experience a calming effect caused by the release of a hormone called oxytocin , coupled with a significant decrease in blood pressure, a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol and an increase in endorphins and the reward hormone dopamine , all of which add up to an improved sense of wellbeing.

Clients are referred to us from many sources, including GP practices, treatment centres, schools and other charities. We make it clear that, while equine assisted learning is therapeutic in nature, as facilitators we are not therapists, and our work does not provide a replacement for clinical therapy. We provide a safe, nurturing environment in which our clients can relax and gain a different perspective on their situation.

Tell us about your horses

We have six horses and ponies. Four of them are rescues and have been re-homed with us by World Horse Welfare. Rocky is a New Forest pony who is on permanent loan and enjoying a second career with us. We have a small Dartmoor Hill pony, Woody, who chose to come home with me after I met him at a re-homing centre in Devon - he followed me around all day and practically loaded himself in my trailer.

Only one of the group has ever been ridden. The four rescues – Blackie, Tommy, Paddy and Kite - all come from backgrounds of abuse and/or neglect.

The photo of the herd shows, from l to r, Paddy, Blackie, Kite, Rocky and Tommy - Woody is hidden behind Rocky. They are all wonderfully engaging, special characters, ranging in age from 6 to 34 years old.

Why do you buy from EquiNatural?

I am impressed by the quality of EquiNatural products, which were recommended to me by someone whose knowledge of nutrition and opinion I respect. With such a diverse group of horses, all with different needs and limited alternative grazing, I rely on EquiVita as an all-round mineral supplement to keep them in great condition.

Throughout the year their coats reflect the fact that they are getting what they need. Not that we can see much of their coats right now, under layers of mud, but when we do scrape off the layers we can see a lovely sheen. I also use their Boswellia for a couple of the ponies who are experiencing arthritic changes to relieve their aches and pains.

Is organic/provenance important to you?

Provenance is very important. I like the fact that EquiNatural products are not produced using agri-chemicals.

How have you seen the horse world change?

The horse world is constantly evolving as recognition of horses as sentient beings changes attitudes. I think greater scrutiny of horse sport – our social licence to operate – is broadly a positive thing in ensuring the horse world is accountable for how we treat our equine partners. I am relieved to see that transport of horses for slaughter will soon be outlawed, thanks in large part to World Horse Welfare’s tireless campaign.

I also love the fact that the horse world is increasingly accepting of the fact that not all horses have to be ridden, and that they can contribute to the quality of our lives just by being there.

Who’s your favourite equine guru, and why?

If you mean who is my favourite human guru, I don’t really have one. I follow a number of horse handlers and behavioural practitioners whose approach I respect. My real gurus are the horses themselves. My original inspiration to pursue this career came from the wonderful thoroughbred in the photo with me – sadly Pooks is no longer with us – but he was the founder member of the Tower House herd and taught me more life lessons than any human guru ever could. I am forever in debt to this beautiful soul.

What’s your favourite drink – a cuppa or something long and cool?

I enjoy my first cup of tea in the morning, but the occasional glass of champagne hits the spot!

Final word?

Thanks for taking an interest in Tower House Horses ��

Follow the herd

Website - www.towerhousehorses.org

Case Studies - https://www.towerhousehorses.org/case-studies-1

FB - https://www.facebook.com/towerhousehorses

Unveiling the Endocrine System – the body's vitality maestro 🌟

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 06:32:17 GMT

When you hear the word ‘endocrine’, what do you think of?

You might vaguely remember hearing the term in science lessons way back when, but if not it could be as mysterious as a planet in a recently discovered solar system. But … the endocrine system is actually one of the most complex and important systems in the entire body, housing some of the most important chemicals that the body needs for optimal health and vitality.

Think of it as the backstage crew of the body, working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. But don't let the scientific jargon scare you off – we’re going to break it down into bite-sized pieces, and cover the common sources that disrupt this vital system and the simple ways that we can avoid - or at least minimise - coming into contact with them.

The Endocrine System’s Impact

Imagine your horse’s inner engine is a bustling city, and the endocrine system is the network of posties and couriers delivering everything you need to ensure everything runs smoothly. These messengers, or hormones, come from a network of glands located throughout the body, each with its own special role. From regulating metabolism to managing stress, they're the unsung heroes of the body’s health.

You’ll no doubt recognise some of the glands names - the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pineal body, the reproductive organs (ovaries and testes), and the pancreas, which has both hormone production and digestion duties.

Each gland produces different hormones that have different roles, i.e. regulating metabolism, growth, reproduction, sweating, stress response, and so much more. The pancreas, for example, secretes insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar, and the thyroid produces hormones for regulating metabolism. The pituitary gland regulates physiological processes such as growth, but for those of us familiar with Cushing’s/PPID , we’ll know the pituitary gland more for producing the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

The reproductive cycle is also influenced by pituitary hormones. follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) act on the ovaries in mares and the testes in stallions. In mares, FSH stimulates the development and maturation of the follicle leading up to ovulation. In males, FSH aids in sperm maturation. LH plays a major role in the production of sex hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen in both sexes.

Now let's meet the stars of the show

The Pituitary Gland Nestled near the brain's center, it's like the boss, overseeing everything from metabolism to reproduction. The pituitary’s hormones have a variety of functions from metabolism to reproduction, but probably the most well-known function of the equine pituitary is the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pars intermedia, which acts directly on the adrenal glands to stimulate the production of steroids, most notably cortisol in response to stress. It's dysfunction of the pars intermedia that triggers Cushing’s/PPID.

More importantly, the overproduction of ACTH has a direct effect on the immune system, which is why our Cushing’s horses show signs of poor immunity such as chronic dermatitis, abscesses, and poor wound healing.

Then there’s the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) - it's like the unsung hero of the body's fluid balance system. ADH is produced by the hypothalamus, then stored and released by the posterior section of the pituitary gland. But that's not where its journey ends – ADH plays a crucial role in the kidneys too.

The kidneys aren't just filters; they're also secret endocrine agents, quietly regulating blood pressure behind the scenes. If they detect a case of hypotension (low blood pressure), ADH springs into action to signal the kidneys to hold onto sodium like it's the last drop of water in the desert, thereby retaining water and boosting blood pressure.

You can dive deeper into the intricate world of renal function on our Kidneys page.

The reproductive cycle is also influenced by pituitary hormones, with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) being the key players. In mares, FSH kickstarts the growth and maturation of follicles, paving the way for ovulation. Meanwhile, in stallions, FSH lends a hand in sperm development. As for LH, it's a crucial driver in the production of sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, essential for reproductive functions of both sexes.

Then there are the adrenal glands that sit above each kidney. They may be relatively small in size, but they play an almighty role in metabolism, behaviour, and – probably what we deal with the most when it comes to the adrenals - stress .

The adrenal glands also produce the catecholemines - epinephrine and norepinephrine – most of us know these well as these hormones are responsible for the fight/flight response when our horses sense a perceived threat.

The thyroid gland holds a significant presence. While it's more prominent and active during the growth phase of foals, it’s often difficult to palpate in adult horses.. This gland concentrates the iodine in the body and produces thyroxine (T4) and the more potent triiodothyronine (T3) in response to signals from the pituitary gland.

In young horses, thyroid hormones play a pivotal role in fueling growth, nurturing organ development, and regulating metabolism. But irrespective of age, thyroid hormones continue to play a role in protein synthesis, modulate body temperature to combat prolonged cold spells, and set the basal metabolic rate, ensuring vital functions like breathing and maintaining warmth hum along smoothly.

Additionally, the thyroid gland keeps tabs on calcium levels in the body through its regulation of calcitonin, ensuring a delicate balance between bone health and circulation.

Top tip - in older horses you might notice what seems like a small egg-shaped lump intermittently protruding from behind the larynx, just above the trachea. No need to panic though - this is often just the thyroid gland making a cameo appearance as collagen in connective tissue weakens with age.

The parathyroid glands are closely linked to the thyroid gland and found in discreet clusters in other regions. These glands house specialised cells that produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), a key player in calcium regulation throughout the body by orchestrating several processes. It can stimulate osteoclasts to reabsorb bone, releasing calcium into the bloodstream. Additionally, PTH has a hand in kidney function, retaining calcium while releasing phosphorus through urine.

Now we get to the pancreas , which lies within the abdominal cavity adjacent to the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestines). As an endocrine organ, it's tasked with the production of two crucial hormones: insulin and glucagon. Insulin holds the key to ferrying glucose into cells for energy utilisation, thus holding the mantle of primary blood sugar regulator.

Quick side note - while we all know that insulin resistance (IR) is a major player for our EMS horses , rest assured that it’s not due to pancreatic dysfunction. It’s due to the cell receptors failing to respond to the circulating insulin and not because the pancreas isn’t producing insulin. But we knew that, didn’t we ��

Glucagon also steps up to the plate when blood sugar takes a nosedive, drawing glucose out of storage to balance the scales. But that's not all the pancreas has up its sleeve. It moonlights as a digestive maestro, secreting digestive enzymes into the small intestine, primed and ready to tackle food breakdown.

Turning our attention to the sex glands – the ovaries in mares and testes in stallions - these glands double up as endocrine powerhouses, producing the essential sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

These hormones don't just play a role in the reproductive cycle of mares and sperm development in stallions; they also contribute to the feminisation or masculinisation in the development of foals, as they develop and drive sexual behaviour.

However, it's not all smooth sailing. Occasionally, ovarian or testicular tumours can throw a spanner into the works, leading to an overflow of reproductive hormones. This hormonal imbalance can manifest as behavioural changes in mares and potentially affect the quality of semen in stallions.

Now to Endocrine Disruptors

So what triggers the hormones to be released? Simple – a stimulus, literally, which triggers a response in the brain. Depending on whether the endocrine system is functioning happily in sync with the body will determine the levels of hormone production and whether it will deliver a positive or negative experience. Which leads us nicely to the unfriendlies which can upset the balance completely.

Now to the bad guys – endocrine disruptors, or EDCs; chemicals that throw a spanner in the works of our endocrine system.

EDCs are found pretty much everywhere, lurking in our environment, food, and even health products. They infiltrate our bodies through various avenues - inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, so they can be difficult to avoid.

How do they wreak havoc? By meddling with hormone production in three primary ways:

• Blocking pathways between natural hormones and their receptors.

• Triggering abnormal hormone production - either excessive or insufficient.

• Mimicking natural hormones, throwing the body's responses out of whack.

EDCs have led to negative effects on our domestic animals as well as wildlife, a fact that is well-documented. Pesticides and herbicides often contain endocrine-disruptor chemicals that then leach into the soil, water, and air, causing harm to animals.

The most famous example is DDT, an insecticide that causes several bird-of-prey species to lay eggs with extremely thin shells. This led to a dramatic decrease in their population when DDT was heavily used in the agriculture industry.

As I type, there’s a growing body of scientific research pointing to a link between endocrine disruptors and adverse health outcomes, albeit on human health only at this time, but all can translate directly to our horses:

• A reduced ability to handle stress.

• Obesity and type 2 diabetes.

• Decreased sexual health, including decreases in sperm count.

• Negative neurological and behavioural changes.

• Endometriosis.

• Cardiovascular issues.

The bottom line is the more we’re learning about EDCs, the more we’re realising just how destructive they can be for all of us, whether human, our horses or wildlife.

Common Endocrine Disruptors and How to Avoid Them

Similarly, endocrine disruptors are all over the place - it’s impossible to eliminate all contact with them, but thankfully, there are plenty of ways to reduce contact. For a comprehensive inventory , have a look at the Environmental Working Group’s list of Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptors . Again, this research is based on human studies but many areas can be correlated with equine health as well, as indicated below by an asterisk *.

Bisphenol A (BPA)* - lurks in canned foods, bottles and packaging, posing risks of obesity, heart disease, and premature puberty. Opting for BPA-free alternatives and steering clear of plastics marked with a #7 recycling label can help mitigate the risk. And don't forget about horse care products - checking labels for BPA is equally important.

Dioxins - by-products of industrial activities, contaminate meat and dairy products, posing threats to reproductive health. Choosing organic options can help minimize exposure.

Phthalates* - found in plastic, so again, as for Bisphenol A, for our horses be mindful of horse shin/shampoo products. Some children’s toys also contain phthalates, so best to be careful if your children are young and teething. Many skin/beauty products also carry phthalates, so avoid products that contain ‘fragrance’.

Atrazine* - a herbicide used on corn crops. Atrazine has been shown to turn male frogs into female frogs and has been linked to prostate inflammation in animals. Atrazine is regularly used in agriculture, so checking feedbag ingredients can help limit your horse's exposure to this harmful chemical.

Mercury - found in seafood, poses risks to the endocrine system and fetal brain development. Opting for wild or sustainably-raised fish can reduce the risk.

Organophosphate* - pesticides. These chemicals were developed to target the nervous systems of insects, so no surprise that studies have shown them to be linked to brain-development defects in humans. Opting for organic produce and feeds can minimize exposure for both humans and horses.

In other words, organic is always going to be best, but if you can’t then feed whole/minimally processed foods, and avoid plastic bottles/pots/tubs whenever possible.

To conclude

Safeguarding our horses' (and our own) health requires a proactive approach to minimise exposure to endocrine disruptors. By making simple yet impactful changes in our daily habits and choices, we can significantly reduce the risk of adverse health effects associated with these harmful chemicals.

Whether it's opting for organic foods and products, avoiding plastics with known endocrine-disrupting chemicals, choosing sustainable alternatives, or carrying out a regular detox , every action counts to minimise exposure to endocrine disruptors.

The takeaway? The endocrine system is like a finely tuned orchestra, with hormones keeping time from the musical score. Look after it and it'll keep the body singing in tune for years to come ��

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT - meet our client, Larri Davison-Bowes of Horse Haven Holistic Track Livery

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:15:17 GMT

Meet Larri, founder of Horse Haven, nestled in the serene valleys of West Wales.

Encompassing track-based living, individualised care plans, and a deep-rooted commitment to the well-being of each resident, Horse Haven is an extraordinary equine sanctuary which stands as a testament to Larri's lifelong passion, nurtured through decades of diverse experience, and always with the force-free, positive reinforcement ethos behind everything she does.

Introduce yourself

I grew up up in a completely un-horsey family, living in a tenement in Paisley. My mum said I was born neighing and would crawl around pretending to be a horse. My only access to these amazing animals was the weekly visit from the rag & bone man, where I would tear out of the flat and attach myself to his long suffering pony’s legs!

As I grew up I devoured all things equine and as soon as I was old enough did numerous paper rounds 7-days a week to be able to afford fortnightly lessons. All school holidays were spent helping in a riding school and every waking minute was spent reading and daydreaming about horses. Not dreams of glory, just being around them was enough.

When I left school I did my BHS stages whilst working on an Arabian stud in Wiltshire. A break to have my daughter, then back to work with horses at the incredible Turville Valley stud where my love of all things classical and Iberian was born.

Following that have been careers in other areas - bringing me other life skills and allowing me the time and money to buy, bring on and train my own and other people’s horses. All done with other equine work, education and training on the side. Finally, a move to our beautiful holding in a quiet valley in west Wales in 2014 and back to immersing myself in all things equine professionally again.

In my equine career over the last 40 years I’ve worked on stud farms, at riding schools, livery yards, a classical riding centre, with hunters & show ponies, done retirement and youngstock livery, taught and held groups at a bitless riding centre and with individuals for confidence, riding, groundwork, classical dressage and positive reinforcement coaching.

How did Horse Haven start?

Horse Haven was borne from a desire to do better for my own horses and any others that came my way. I had Ziggy, a severely emotionally and physically compromised Lusitano gelding; Chica, another Lusitano, with complex metabolic health issues; and RD, a PRE Fusion, who needed controlled weight management. The move to Wales was with the intention of a healthier lifestyle for all of us and it has organically evolved into the amazing track-based facility it is today. I don’t feel I’ve ever been in charge of the growth or direction, there was no master plan - I just followed my instincts and here we are!

The name hopefully explains my goal of providing a place where horses can truly be their best selves in a way that meets all their needs. It’s about the track based environment making the most of the wonderful and plentiful natural resources we have; the movement, the choice of being where and who they want to be with, the individual care plans for hoof care, diet / gut health, body work & training with positive reinforcement, knowledge and use of allopathic as well as herbal and homeopathic healthcare, and paying close personal attention to their physical, emotional and behavioural needs as individuals as well as within the herd.

I guess I actually am Horse Haven too – where the horses are concerned it is just me, totally hands on, making decisions on and providing every single aspect of the horse care and management that’s needed. I know the land and oversee its maintenance by my lovely hubby. We grow our own forage, I work out the diet and supplementation plans, I do the hoof trimming, the bodywork, the training, get to have all the smooches and cuddles … and yes I still muck out and do all the yard / track work five days a week too.

How did you want to change the world?

I want every aspect of horses’ welfare needs to be properly met, and sadly in many facets of care, management, training and sport I’m afraid we fall far short; just one look at many social media post responses will show you that. But with every new scandal comes a greater groundswell of support for much needed change.

What’s unique about Horse Haven?

I think I bring a very broad-based life of experience in many facets of horse care and training that’s shown me as much about what isn’t right as what is. I’m a hoof trimmer, body worker, perpetual equine behaviour student, and I’m a proficient and experienced trainer using positive reinforcement / LIMA principles. I think I’m currently the only yard owner with that skill set offering a whole horse health package and residential training in the UK? We most definitely need more for sure!

I’ve also somehow managed to build one of the largest track systems in the UK, with 2 miles of tracks that wind around and loop through 22-acres of meadows, woodland and riverside, with another 13 acres of woodland still to develop!

I offer a fully inclusive service where everything I can think of to be included is included, so no matter how far away owners live they know everything is taken care of. That and my willingness to offer each individual horse or pony what they need rather than a one-size-fits all policy. I’m adept at accommodating and adapting to find solutions for complex cases and unusual requirements.

Who and where are your customers?

The horses in my care here have ranged from much loved family friends both young and old, blue blooded broodmares, right up to international competition horses of all disciplines (one previously trained and competed by an Olympic gold medalist). They come from all corners of the UK, and a couple from Europe. The furthest flung enquiry was from Singapore!

The future - any plans?

For the moment I am sorry to say I am winding things back a little and offering less spaces – from 22 down to just 8. I’d love some more time with my own horses after a very full-on ten years caring for the more than forty horses and ponies I’ve helped here. So, I’m concentrating on rehab track livery moving forwards, and as demand is so great spaces are reserved for the horses living compromised lives due to metabolic dysfunction who really need the specialist care we can offer.

I’m hoping to run more training courses from home to share some of the HH magic that way though – watch this space!

Tell us about your horses

Of the horses I moved here with to start my HH journey, sadly I lost Ziggy last year as his numerous issues finally caught up with him. RD lives a wonderful life with friends in Cornwall, and Chica has been on loan to a friend locally for a couple years having the most wonderful time, but is coming home for some targeted rehab.

I’m also owned by the lovely Mr P, aka Pie pony, who is the aforementioned rather grand competition horse. He was a successful last-chance-saloon rehab livery that was so very kindly gifted to me by his owners Katie & Liz, as we clicked in the most amazing way and he thrived away from the demands of competition life. I am eternally grateful for their kindness and generosity. He is super kind but challenging, and as he’s one of the most accomplished horses I’ve ever ridden I’m on a constant journey to be a better person for him.

Recently, after years of dreaming, I was lucky enough to buy Artemis, a stunning Rocky Mountain x PRE filly foal from the wonderful Mistrals Stud. She is everything I love in a horse – kind and loving but bright and feisty - and I hope to have many years of fun learning with her. My wonderful long-suffering hubby Gi joined in with the foal fun, so we also have Hercules, another gorgeous PRE Fusion boy from Mistrals. He’s an absolute darling with a lovely steady nature and sense of humour, perfect for Gi to learn and grow with.

Why do you buy from EquiNatural?

I absolutely love the quality of the products and the science and knowledge behind them. Customer service is fabulous and Carol is always on hand to offer great advice. I’ve been buying Equivita minerals from Equinatural since 2016 and I feed it to all the horses here. I’ve seen improvements in hoof and general health on every horse, even those arriving fed on far more expensive products.

Is organic/provenance important to you?

Indeed it is! My horses were very badly affected by chemical run off from intensively farmed agricultural crops before moving here, so I try to keep all the horses and the land as chemical free as possible.

How have you seen the horse world change?

Slowly … too slowly! I love that tracks and ways of looking outside the box for horse care are becoming more commonplace, but do caution against jumping on a bandwagon of a new way of doing things without truly understanding how and why tracks work, whilst conversely wishing there were lots more of them! There’s a good few of us who’ve been doing this a long while and are always up for offering advice and help to anyone starting up – it’s not a competition; we all want a better life for horses.

There is a noticeable shift towards a desire to see more ethical practices in sport and welfare generally too; it’s nice to be joined by so many other voices calling out malpractice on social media – some of us were getting hoarse. ��

Who’s your favourite equine guru, and why?

Hmmm, I’m not a fan of blind faith in ‘ my way is the only right way ’ gurus. That leads to us all putting ourselves into little boxes of ignorance and I’m all for being outside the box in every way possible!

There are lots of people I admire and enjoy engaging with though. Alicia Harlov’s Humble Hoof podcast is a great hoof resource, Kate Sandel writes beautiful empathetic training thoughts on her Soft and Sound page that always resonate, and I love Trudi Dempsey of Understand Horses’ Lead a Horse to Water podcast for behavioural insights too. And of course who couldn’t love the Equinatural blogs – always so informative and thought provoking.

What’s your favourite drink – a cuppa or something long and cool?

I’m so boring! It’s sparkling mineral water with a slice of lime, although I am a slave to my coffee in the morning habit too.

Who knew?! Tell us one unusual fact about you ��

I used to deal with long-tail, multi-million pound international liability claims, my investigation skills are legendary!

Final word?

Be happy! Seriously we only get one go at this mad thing called life so we should enjoy every moment we can. I always try to find a bright side in everything and that keeps me going when times are tough.

Follow the herd:

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/HorseHavenWales

Instagram : @horsehavenwales

Website : www.horse-haven.co.uk (needs updating terribly, not enough hours!)

Navigating the Forages - hindgut heroics and the feedbowl fiasco

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 12:40:46 GMT

A gut-busting journey through how to feed our horses

Grass, hay, haylage, drylage, alfalfa, straw … so many different forages out there for us to feed to our horses. But why? I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that a horse is nothing more, and nothing less, than a hindgut (large intestine) grass -forage fibre-fermenter .

And for a very good reason. Those friendly hindgut fibre-fermenting microbes produce vital metabolites from cellulose fibre, which is only found in grass stems , that help our horse thrive, i.e. those volatile fatty acids which create the horse’s energy ( butyrate , acetate and proprionate ), as well as other essential nutrients such as certain vitamins (in an equine-appropriate ' activated ' form, and not off-the-shelf synthetics).

So, grass it is then. However, we won't find cellulose fibre in the short neon-green grass blades that we see in every turnout field, although our horses will still chow down on this bright green stuff because it’s sugary and carby and therefore yummy. And why these days so many of us spend more time keeping our horses off the grass as we watch them become miserable and in pain from hindgut acidosis/dysbiosis , which turns the faeces into very unwelcome faecal water - the first red flag that trouble's brewing.

Why? Because those grass fructose starches are what the unfriendly gut microbes feed on. Meet lactic-acid bacteria (LA bacteria). And the more they feed on starch and sugar, the more they’ll multiply by the billion and kill off the friendly hindgut microbes that do all the beneficial fibre-fermenting work.

Once the LA bacteria are in control and have colonised to bursting point – and rest assured this will happen unless we’re onto it – they’ll then leak up into the small intestine, taking the acidic faecal water with them, so we now have SIBO (small intestine bacteria overload). We now have a horrible mix of putrefactive undigested food matter, faecal water and toxic pro-inflammatory, gut-damaging LA bacteria swilling around in the small intestine, which creates intensely uncomfortable bloat in the horse’s barrel.

Eventually this inflammation will disrupt the cellular structure of the intestinal lining, tearing it apart like a zipper, creating leaky gut syndrome . This now means we’ve now got that highly toxic swill leaking into the bloodstream. Now we’re really in trouble.

Cue an almighty immune system panic, now desperately going into overdrive to try and control the toxicity, while the liver will now be under massive extra strain trying to metabolise them all. Meanwhile, the kidneys are unable to keep up with the huge queue of toxins to excrete. We’re now approaching meltdown. Cue exhaustion, laminitis, auto-immune syndromes, even potential toxic shock. Basically one very sick horse. And this is the very topic that make up most our client enquiries here at EquiNatural.

The haylage/LA bacteria connection

So how do LA bacteria get into the hindgut in the first place? By eating haylage/drylage. Both are plastic-wrapped, and now here's a thing. Any natural plant produce wrapped in plastic will ferment – you’ve probably seen what happens when that out-of-date salad bag has wilted in your fridge, and it's bacteria that triggers fermentation . I f you’ve pickled onions, beetroot, red cabbage, whatever ... you’ll know this. Kombucha? Bacteria. Kimchi? Bacteria. Live yoghurt? Bacteria. Lactic-acid bacteria to be precise, which is a perfectly well-recognised and accepted member of the human gut biome, but not the equine gut biome .

The equine hindgut depends on a very precise neutral pH value of around 7, which makes LA bacteria the hindgut’s worst enemy. The clue's in the name - their 'acid' nature converts the hindgut pH to acidic, sometimes as low as 1.3, and this acidic environment kills off the friendly fibre-fermenters in the process. Result? Dysbiosis - an imbalance between the types of organism present in the gut's natural microflora in the microbiome - with an ever-increasing population of LA bacteria crowding out and continuing to kill off what’s left of the friendlies. Which also means … that vital job of fermenting the fibre is no longer happening.

Of course there'll be many people shouting out that their horses are fine on haylage. I get this - a couple of winters on haylage and all may seem fine for typically the less metabolic, native-type horse or pony. However, it's all about accumulation - the systemic acidic haylage-effect can take time to accrue before we see symptoms - apparently round 2-3 years, so don’t be misled into thinking a horse is fine on haylage. All explained in more detail in our Haylage page.

And just as an aside, if a mare with foal was fed haylage, it's likely that the foal will start life with an imbalanced biome, as a foal will eat their dam's droppings to build their own microbiome ( coprophagia ).

Prebiotics - grass-species diversity is key

Back to grass, and it’s a bigger story than making sure we feed stemmy grass for the fibre, because … we should never feed just one grass species, i.e. rye that’s typically found on a former dairy farm, or those pre-wrapped bags of timothy haylage we’ve all seen in the feed merchants.

Why? Because those essential hindgut fibre-fermenting biome colonies need to feed themselves from a multi-diverse range of different grass species’ prebiotics , so they can do their job properly.

So what are prebiotics? They're compounds in food that enable growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in the GI tract, whether human or horse, and our horse’s hindgut biome will only get these from multiple different grass species. Same for us needing a variety of different veggies or different salad leaves on our plate to feed our own differing colonies of microbes in our own gut biomes. 'Feed the rainbow,' as the saying goes for us.

So for our horses it has to be meadow hay. And lots of it, on an adlib basis so they never run out, otherwise they’ll stress and get ulcers. (Which is a whole other story – see our Ulcers page).

Straw & Alfalfa

I won’t blurb on about these here as they both have their own pages on the website, but in a nutshell - straw ? It's a No. Alfalfa ? Agreed, some horses may seem fine on it, but certainly for the metabolic horse it's best avoided, so says Dr Kellon. Long and short, alfalfa doesn't suit every horse.

Finally, the feedbowl

On top of us potentially feeding the wrong forage, us humans then go and spoil it further by giving our horse a feedbowl full of what I call C.R.A.P. ingredients. That’s not me being deliberately rude; it stands for Carbs, Refined, Artificial, Processed. Aka fake junk and bulk fillers. We can’t even call it junk food , because it’s not food. Food is meant to nourish and fuel, whereas for starters these C.R.A.P ingredients aren't equine-gut appropriate, and are known to be gut damaging and pro-inflammatory; they don’t nourish the cells one iota.

Another quick digress, and a quote for you from our Why what we feed has to be right page (which is also where you'll find the pages on Alfalfa, Hay, Haylage, Straw, and many more). Back in 2006 when my horses became chronically sick, and I was starting to learn how what we fed our horses significantly affected them, I spent a ton of time on Google and many forums. There was a post I came across on the HHO forum, around 2006/7 which resonated so much with me that I kept it and quoted it in our first website. It read:

"I worked for a feed company for a couple of years. We were encouraged to sell their feed of course and diss other brands. What went into them was whatever was cheap and laced with molasses, add a few aromatic herbs and Bob's your uncle, ****** feed. I don't do that anymore."

The poster actually mentioned the brand she worked for, which sad to say is a very well known brand that we all see in every feedroom, but I took the name out in case I got sue’d.

So how do we know if we’re feeding our horses C.R.A.P.? The best suggestion I can give you is to always check the ingredients on those shiny feedbags, then compare them with what’s on our https://www.equinatural.co.uk/the-feedbowl . page. Definitely food for thought …

The syndromes ...

You'll usually see the red flags because things haven't been right with your horse for a long time - you may have read our ' Everything's Wrong ' page already. But long and short, it all starts with the gut , which then triggers dysfunction in the detoxification organs, i.e. the liver/kidneys, so you're likely looking at;

Mallenders - now thought to be connected to the multi-detoxification issue, KPU.
KPU - full name Cryptopyrroluria , affecting the gut:liver:kidneys pathway, caused by long-term dysbiosis in the gut microbiome, iwith a multitude of health issues that go unresolved despite heroic best effects from the carer.
Hindgut Acidosis/Dybsiosis/SIBO/Faecal Water/Leaky Gut - pretty self-explanatory, usually recognised by the obvious faecal water, major barrell discomfort, and a horse constantly looking back towards their right hand side.
Ulcers - gastric stomach ulcers, either squamous , caused by poor feed practices, or glandular , caused by stress, possibly related to those same poor feed practices.

All gut related . And all needing resetting with a gut regeneration programme. This won't be a sprint; it's a carefully formulated marathon, in the case of KPU sometimes well over a year, and with several parts to each programme, i.e. alleviation of pain/inflammation, deacidifying, a gut cleanse, intestinal repair, liver/kidneys/lymphatics toning ...

Which means ... it can be a minefield to choose what's needed to help your horse back to recovery . We know only too well how confusing it can be when presented with numerous different products forming part of a health-collective jigsaw, The good news is that we've taken the guesswork out for you with a regeneration programme for each syndrome, and each part is collectively combined in our specific COMBO kits. That said, if you're stuck and not sure which way to go, always contact us first so we can identify the triggers to the root source of the issues.

Of course each individual product is still separately available for you to pick and choose to suit your horse’s specific needs, but if you need the full package of the key elements, our COMBOs make each programme a whole lot easier to navigate.

Alleviate, Detox & Fortify COMBO
KPU COMBO
Mallenders COMBO
Sibo COMBO
Ulsa COMBO

*Available in both pony and horse size.

We also have our Yard First-Aid COMBO, a selection of useful tinctures to have on the shelf as an emergency; this is what I personally keep on the shelf in our feed room. Each comes in 100ml bottles with a 5ml pipette measure to see you through short-term if and when needed.

I'll end by requoting from early - grass it is then. And here's a useful tip if ever you’re stuck as to what/what not to feed your horse. Always ask yourself – is it made from grass? If it’s not, don’t feed it. Cows, sheep, goats, moose, camels, deer, giraffes, buffalos - fine. But not a horse. Simples. ��

Histamine Intolerance - the new kid on the block

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 07:11:31 GMT

Histamine intolerance? What the heck is it? For that matter, what is histamine, and why is it so important?

Thing is, these days there's too much histamine going on out there, and it's making many already established health syndromes even worse, with humans and horses alike suffering all the more.

Histamine in the right balance is the body’s friend, released when there's an allergic reaction. Simples. We know this. Histamines are a bit like a club's bouncer on the door, helping the body get rid of something that's bothering it, as in an allergy trigger, aka ‘allergen’. Histamines start the process that hustles those allergens out of the body or off the skin.

Thing is, there’s a new kid on the block and we need to take notice of it because it’s a now a Big Thing - histamine intolerance. What is it? It's when too much histamine is being made by the body which causes its own allergic response, and the body feels seriously crap. The symptoms can be anything and everything from swelling to fluid retention, and so much more. It’s now recognised as a spectrum illness, with mild, moderate and severe levels to it. So let's dig a little deeper into what histamine is, and why the body is now developing a resistance to it.

NB. As is usual, there's very little equine research out there, so this is based on recent human research and comparisons made to our horses.

Histamine

Histamine itself is found naturally in the body; the body makes it and, yes, we also consume it. It’s released by ‘mast cells’, one of the white blood cell team (the immunity protector cells) and they sit in the body’s connective tissues’ interstitial fluid, which is the thin layer of fluid which surrounds each and every one of the body’s cells. Ideally situated for when they have to spring into action.

Mast cells are one of the body’s best friends, having recently been shown to have key roles in the initiation of adaptive immune responses, literally the body's killer army, and specifically relating to their role in allergies . They possess multiple pathogen recognition systems, and store large quantities of fully-active inflammatory mediators, which make them superior immunity sentinels, releasing the very earliest alarm when an offending allergy-triggering offender dares to land on the doorstep.

Mast cells contain granules rich in histamine (and also heparin, the blood clot preventer), and release histamine as a first responder to those offending organisms.

Yet histamine intolerance is now becoming a new label – it’s become so prevalent these days that there’s even a new medical diagnosis for it – MCAS - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome .

MCAS is not just on the rise, it’s significantly on the rise. Most of us are familiar with typical raised histamine conditions/MCAS, i.e. hives, peanut allergy, raised welts from a bee sting, and dermatographia – sounds weird but you may know it - essentially it’s where you scratch your fingernail on your skin and it creates a raised red welt – you can literally write your name on your back in raised letters. Doctors actually use this letter-writing method to determine histamine levels in a patient, because when the mast cells have either excess histamine in them or they release histamine too easily, the body will develop dermatographia, so seeing letters swell up on the skin before your eyes is a surefire way to determine if there are excess levels of histamine in the body.

However, there are a whole host of other multiple symptoms now coming to the fore, related to histamine intolerance, but sadly they’re poorly diagnosed, often mistreated, and they're causing real suffering.

So, what’s behind this increase in mast cell activation?

Here’s one clue for starters, and it’s all to do with our mobile phones and wifi, seriously. A recent Swedish study (Johannsen et al) shows that the effect of EMF - electro magnetic frequencies (mobile phones, mast towers, wifi, you name it) - on mast cells causes susceptible individuals to release more histamine that drives this allergic inflammatory response.

Most conventional doctors don’t know about MCAS – their current approach remains that if there’s too much histamine, take an antihistamine.

Trouble is, histamine also works as a neurotransmitter – when you take an antihistamine, what happens to you? You get drowsy. Exactly! Because – histamine’s actively involved in the sleep/wake cycle. When histamine’s at high enough levels it stimulates the brain – too much or too little histamine is bad, so when you attempt to block histamine, TaDah! You actually get sleepy.

(Science nerd alert - one particular pharma drug out there, Modafinil (sold under the brand name Provigil, among others), is a pharmaceutical medication to treat sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea - it actually targets histamine to keep levels higher to keep the brain awake.)

What symptoms are now being triggered by MCAS?

Food intolerances are common, as many histamine triggers are in the diet, so much so that some people are on restricted diets because certain foods trigger histamine release. Equine-related Clue No.1 .

Some foods also contain an amino acid, histadine, mainly found in meat, which when digested is converted into histamine. Normally the body can process this but when there’s too much ingestion of histamine, or too much production of histamine, enter histamine intolerance, typically affecting people with food allergies.

So what foods are high in histamine, and best avoided? Bacteria produce histamine, so leftover food, aged cheeses, cured meats - bacteria will start to break down histadine - that's me being careful with last night's leftovers then. I hate to kill the love for fermented foods as well – which for the record also feature highly in our kitchen - but fermented foods are fermented by ... bacteria!. These amazing health foods, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, yogurt … this is where eating these wonderfully healthful foods, in a person with histamine intolerance, is like putting petrol on a fire.

Other symptoms that tend to be misdiagnosed? Allergy brain for starters, feeling fuzzy/foggy in the brain, often with associated bad headaches/migraines, due to excess amounts of histamine which is now known to have an impact on the brain.

Then there’s nasal congestion, sinus issues, fatigue, digestive problems, menstrual cycle problems, nausea, vomiting … and if it’s really severe we’re into cramping, palpitations, anxiety, wonky temperature regulation. Then there’s oedema, fluid retention, swelling, puffy legs – sound familiar? Cue equine-related Clue No.2.

Why? Because histamine has a direct action on the lymphatic system . Those mast cells, filled with too much histamine, sitting in the interstitial fluid surrounding every cell in the body, are now leaking the excess histamine straight into the lymph fluid, which, when it’s overburdened with toxins and twinned with lack of movement, becomes sluggish and the flow slows down, resulting in swelling/oedema.

Another connection – and yes it relates to my favourite topics – leaky gut and the microbiome - cue equine-relatied Clue No. 3. When the body has dysbiosis of the microbiome (SIBO - small intestinal bacterial overload) , the negative gut microbes (bacteria again!) cause the mast cells to produce more histamine. When there’s excess histamine in the digestive tract, enter food intolerances. Equally, the negative bacteria may be causing the digestive breakdown of histadine into histamine, so it’s that old dodgy-gut thing again.

Diagnosis

So how does a doctor diagnose these various symptoms as a histamine intolerance? What tests - other than a SIBO test - are there? Well, as per usual, testing hasn’t reached our horse world, so we can only go by the human world. Currently, histamine can be measured in the blood; another marker for mast cell activation, the enzyme tryptase, can also be measured; also n-methyl histamine, a breakdown product of histamine, can be measured. There are many more methods, i.e. enzyme testing and so on, but if I ran through them all here your eyes would glaze over.

Ultimately it all comes down to one size does not fit all . We’re all unique, whether horse or human, and it’s all about precision food medicine, as in precision nutrition. Some people do great on vegan diets; others do terribly. Some do brilliantly on Keto, others not so. Eating avocados and shellfish might be great for some, but might be killing others, never mind the wine and beer we (I) love so much as well! And as for our horses, some aren't bothered at all by the spring pollens - others are floored by it. It’s very much about personalising what’s right for that particulary genetic make-up – every individual body is different. To quote one of my favourite Function Medicine doctors, "Genes load the gun, but it's diet, lifestyle, and environment exposures that pull the trigger."

Where does Functional Medicine fit in?

Which links us nicely to one of the many concepts of Functional Medicine , where one disease (as in dis-ease, where the body is ill at ease) can have many causes - histamine intolerance is not alone here as it can have many causes. And one cause, such as that great masquerader, Lyme disease , can create many diseases across the board, such as neurological issues, joint and skin issues, chronic fatigue, dementia ... the list goes on. And … lyme is also associated with histamine intolerance because the lyme bacteria resides/hides in the connective tissue in the body, which in turn can activate the mast cells.

There are also a lot of drugs that can interfere with histamine and warning, this list is scary – antibiotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretics; even muscle relaxants, pain meds, my nemesis PPIs ... even over the counter meds like Aspirin – all can be driving this histamine intolerance. Cue equine-related Clue No 4 - several meds here relating to horses ☹

It’s been shown that certain nutrients can break down histamine, i.e the B-vits 1, 6 and 12, folate, vit.C, copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium - all critical nutrients, and foods high in Quercetin, a natural antihistamine.

Ginkgo biloba is high in quercetin (also said to be beneficial for Covid), as is good old Turmeric . As is my friend, the odd glass of red wine �� The wondrous and super-nutritious Nettle is also known as a beneficial antihistamine as it can block the receptor sites that histamine usually latches on to, all due to its antagonist/negative agonist activity but I won't blind you with the science behind that one. And remember the enzyme tryptase from earlier, that's released alongside histamine and which promotes its effects? Nettle also inhibits tryptase - clever nettle. Both Ginkgo and Nettle feature in our PollenTonic blend.

Which links us nicely to our horses

Definite clues and comparisons to be had here – certainly the lymphatic connection, i.e. puffy leg syndrome, lymphangitis, CPL (chronic progressive lymphodema). And of course, all those spring tree pollens and summer grass pollens are all dumping themselves on our horses’ grazing, with no doubt plenty of pollen residue in their hay as well, which they’re then ingesting.

When you look at the Big Picture, ultimately it’s yet another case of removing the bad, replacing with the right food and nutrients, looking after the microbiome, fixing the leaky gut, and letting the healing begin.

Originally written Jul'21, copied over from our old website

Client Spotlight - meet our client, Jenny Jones, organic farmer

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:09:37 GMT

Meet Jenny, who with her partner runs two organic farms in Cornwall.

Almost a qualified BHSAI until a back injury ended her equine career, she still had driving instructor, PADI diving instructor, pet shop owner, Life Coach, Reiki Level 1, and now the UK's sole Zeolite Distributor waiting in the wings, before meeting her partner and running the farms alongside a stunning 5* campsite.

Introduce yourself

I’m Jenny Jones, I’m 47, and originally from St Albans in Hertfordshire. Horses entered my bloodstream when I was 5, and have circulated my body ever since!

Aged 14 my family moved to Bournemouth where I worked in my mum’s Post Office and General Store. We also got our first ponies then, two rescue New Forest yearlings, who were with us until the ages of 27 and 30.

After school I started a full-time live-in job at the local riding school, my dream being to become an instructor and ride dressage. I got as far as BHSAI, PTT and Riding 3, and NVQ L3 in horse care, management and riding with additional business section, before a back injury forced me to end my professional career. The sheer heavy work in a riding school with 120 boxes had taken it's toll, and the GP said if I didn't stop, I could be in a wheelchair by the time I was 30.

I was devastated, but at least I still had my ponies at home. Being a bit of a petrol head and loving teaching, I decided to become a driving instructor at 23, becoming the youngest female on the register, and with a pass rate within the top 5% nationwide!

Six years later I then went to Egypt, and overcame a water phobia to train as a PADI Divemaster and work as a dive guide in the Red Sea – it was either that or bar work! Returning to the UK, I then trained as a Life Coach and Dog Behaviour Coach, then in 2011 I bought a pet shop in Cornwall as I badly needed to work with animals again, and I introduced a second-hand equestrian department as I was missing the connection.

Tell us about Hall Barton organic farm

I met my partner 12 years ago. He’s a 3 ^rd generation organic farmer on two farms, one family owned, and the other as a Duchy tenant, Soil Association certified in 2000. When Covid arrived I became full time on the farm, and that was it, I became an organic farmer! We supply organic beef and lamb to Riverford, and organic barley which goes into milling or animal feeds.

I absolutely love it. Working with the cattle, sheep (including several pet sheep), the chickens (all rescues through the British Hen Welfare Trust), and my horses of course, I’m living the dream! It’s a 14-hour day, 365 days a year, so yes, it’s hard work, but for me it’s not work, it’s a lifestyle.

Our two farms are Hall Barton and Waylands, just 3-miles apart in the beautiful East Cornwall countryside just outside Looe with stunning sea views across Talland Bay. We farm 450 acres across both farms, and I run the Hall Barton Camping and Shepherd’s Huts on the family farm, which has been running for around 35 years. We have 5 hook-ups, the Shepherd’s Hut and the Pig Pod. Over on Waylands we also have a holiday cottage which is situated right in the middle of the farm, which proves very popular as our guests are surrounded by the cattle, sheep and horses.

What’s unique about it?

We’re one of two organic beef and lamb suppliers in Cornwall for Riverford Organic Farmers nationwide veg box scheme.

Also, in February 2023 I came across Zeolite, an incredible natural mineral which I’ve been detoxing with. It effectively removes heavy metals and pollutants from the body that we absorb on a daily basis. I was so impressed with the difference it made to me that I became the sole UK supplier for Zeo Natural, an Australian family-run company. Their zeolite, dating back 305-million years, is also the only one I could find that is Organic Certified, so I knew it was the one for me. I'm so excited to share this knowledge and offer their products to the UK.

We have a FB group called Zeo Natural UK for interested people to join and learn more about it - https://m.facebook.com/groups/1697624500735499/?ref=share

Who and where are your customers?

Our customers come from all over the world. They read all our 5-star reviews, and because we’re small and intimate our guests know they’re going to get a peaceful, quiet, relaxing holiday, and that’s why they keep coming back.

I love helping our guests have a fantastic holiday with us - meeting everyone brings really interesting conversations and lots of laughter. They tell me they want to come back year after year, saying they don’t want to tell their friends about us in case they can’t get booked in because we’re full!

Future plans?

Our future is to continue with our cattle and sheep; we’ve increased our suckler herd of organic Herefords, while reducing our flock down to 34, which includes the breeding stock, rams, and my pets and retired sheep. Our campsite and holiday accommodation is just right for what we can manage ourselves. We don’t employ anyone, we run everything ourselves. Then of course, I have my horse and two ponies who are my world.

(which links us nicely to ... ) Your horses

I’m the proud owner of Chumley, a rising 10yr old rescued DHP; Santos, another rescue DHP, rising 4, and Matilda, who is rising 3 and a Cluffolk! Aka a Suffolk Punch x Cleveland Bay (it’s not a registered breed!). Matilda is going to be my next riding horse, whom I’ll be backing myself when she’s 6, at least. I’ve raised her since she was 5 months old, and she currently stands at approximately 16.1hh, so she’s a big girl in every way!

Why do you buy from EquiNatural?

My EquiNatural journey started about 7 years ago, when my last dancing partner, my beautiful Dutch Warmblood, Vico, got diagnosed with navicular. Deciding to take him through barefoot rehab was the start of a very long, but very exciting journey, but little did I realise just how much of an impact this was going to have, not just for him, but for me also.

Diet, diet, diet, along with all the other key elements of rehab, was how I heard about EquiNatural. I was initially looking for a balancer to help Vico’s barefoot transition, and was on the look out for what was going to give him the very best. I wasn’t interested in who had the biggest presence online, or the biggest number of followers. I was only interested in the important details - what’s in it.

What do you buy from EquiNatural and how do you use it?

EquiNatural's certified organic herbs drew me in, and exploring their website was a revelation – what a find that was! The depth of information, articles, blogs, the science, the biology, how all the systems function, it just made perfect sense to me and I knew I could learn so much here.

When you see the products, you can just tell the pureness and quality of them. My late WB thrived on EquiVita, as do all my horses, living on a track system with a hay-only diet, although Matilda gets a few hours on grass as well.

Chumley is a complicated soul, having been rescued off the moors and didn’t get a good start. Every day my little Chum has her favourite ‘gloop’ of MetaTonic and DuoBute that I syringe in, and she can’t get enough of it! We’ve seen remarkable improvements with her leukocyte levels normalising, she’s lost weight, she’s softer throughout her body, more relaxed, and so much happier in herself. When she hears me shaking the bottles to measure it out into the cup, she’ll walk over to the shed and stand at the door waiting for it - it’s her special time and she knows it, her special treatment.

Matilda’s also had the BioCare as a natural antibiotic, and the SiboCARE for hindgut discomfort. Little Chum had a liver, kidneys, and lymphatics cleanse with the LKLCARE when I first got her. An annual detox with OptimaCARE and Wildfed enrichment are part of their routine, along with DuoBute in the cupboard for when they need it. They love their herbs!

Carol is my go-to every time. Honestly, I’d be lost without her now, and my horses wouldn’t be so happy, healthy, and look so well, because there’s no other company like EquiNatural.

Is organic/provenance important to you?

I’ve always been mindful to avoid chemical-based products/foods etc, and certainly as an organic farmer, using organic products is very important to me, as is knowing where those products have come from. It’s really important to us here that we know how our livestock have lived and what they’ve been fed on. We also grow our own fruit and veg in season.

How have you seen the horse world change?

During my training almost 30 years ago, there was very much an ‘old school’ mentality of “ This is how we’ve always done it ”, and sadly so many still keep doing what they’ve always done.

It doesn’t mean it’s right. Horses had a very different purpose years ago. They’ve gone from our transport and working the land etc, to more recreational and competitive, with welfare being sacrificed for ego, money, and reputation. We all know that there are some serious welfare issues within the equestrian world going on right now in all disciplines.

Fortunately, there’s now ongoing research focusing on pain indicators, the use of gadgets, riding practices, the age that young horses are being started, and the young horse’s skeletal development. Thankfully there’s a positive shift happening and it’s long overdue.

When I was teaching full time, everyone also seemed so obsessed with how the horse’s ‘frame’ looked when ridden. Even then, I was more interested in focusing on the rider to make the horse’s job easier. Since taking Vico through barefoot rehab, this completely changed my focus for life, teaching me the importance of prioritising the horse’s welfare and happiness over riding, and putting their needs first.

We must always stay open, quiet, listen, observe, absorb, engage, connect, trust, respect, give, to enable horses to show us what they want to say and how they’re feeling. It’s all there, if we just pay attention.

Who’s your favourite equine guru, and why?

This has to be the one and only Tristan Tucker, of TRT Method, aka Brett Kidding! Since joining his online training program, Matilda has become a completely different horse. I love the fact that the majority of his training is groundwork. I love the fact that it’s not about us trying to control our horses. When you’ve got a 600kg+ horse wanting to do their own thing or going into flight mode, you have no chance trying to control them! However, when you teach your horse how to control themselves in response to external pressures, this is where it becomes so easy.

As owners, it is our job to be the greatest mentors for them, to guide them and show them how clever and capable they are. TRT is not only a great training method for our horses, it’s also an amazing method for us to become aware of ourselves and our own behaviours.

I’ve backed horses over the years in the old-fashioned way, and I now look back and cringe. If anything, over the last 10 years, I’ve un-learned as much, if not more, than what I was taught. Every day when I’m with my horses, I take that moment to realise and appreciate just how lucky I am.

What’s your favourite drink – a cuppa or something long and cool?

My favourite drink is the cuppa I wake up to every morning. It’s a combination of two herbal teas, YogiTeas Feel Pure with Lemon, Dandelion & Liquorice, and Pukka's Three Ginger with Galangal & Turmeric, then I add in organic ground shatavari, ashwagandha, and more liquorice. It’s so refreshing and gives me a lot more energy to get going than a coffee!

Who knew?! Tell us one unusual fact about you ��

Hmmmm. So about 20 years ago I was the Assistant Manager of a hotel where the then Prince William would come regularly for dinner with his friends. I was waiting on them for the evening and at the end of the night, having consumed a bottle of Courvoisier VSOP between them in the lounge bar, I was given about 12 cards to make payment. They were having a bit of fun with me, asking if I knew who people were (which of course I didn’t) which they found highly funny. So I thought two can play at that game!

When it came to the last guest’s payment, I entered the card into the machine and put in the amount. Fortunately back in those days there was always a delay while the machine was connecting to the server, so I looked at the chap and said “I’m ever so sorry sir, do you have another card?”

Well, his face was a picture, chin on the floor. Then the receipt started spewing out, so I ripped his copy off, took the card out, handed it back to him and said “Only joking!” Needless to say they all found it very funny!

As he’s now our Landlord at Waylands Farm, I’ll be looking forward to our next visit from him where I’ll enoy reminding him of that evening!

Oh, and a useless piece of trivia about me - I'm also an alcohol licensee!

Final word?

I love coaching, opening people’s minds to new things, learning and developing new skills. And have happy horses! And happy guests! And happy livestock! Oh, and I suppose I’d better add a happy OH! ��

I’m all about keeping life natural, using our earth's natural supplies to keep healthy. I also believe everything in life happens for a reason. Stay true to yourself, follow your passion, do what feels right for you regardless of what everyone else is doing. Trust your gut instinct, your inner guide. That’s my philosophy anyway. It has taken me 47 years to get to this point though, and I’m not finished yet, I’ll never be finished…

Links

Hall Barton Organic Farm Camping & Shepherds Hut - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054252110099

airbnb.com/h/cornwallfarmholidays

Ploughmans Cottage, Waylands Farm

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/43957638?guests=1&adults=1&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&fbclid=IwAR0Ys9rO07oyOSxBVR3HWft12xKC_rC8YCvmm5w48n4KFD0oyBlUynEwRL0&source_impression_id=p3_1705761070_45CgzZAHWbcAviXa

Zeo Natural UK - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1697624500735499

The January Wellness Kickstart

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:50:33 GMT

Introduction to 'functional' equine wellness

I mage - our horse herd, winter 2020. L-R - Cookie , Murf , Pops and her lime-green feedbowl barely visible behind William, who's half-hidden behind Carms, and finally MacAttack

Back when I started EquiNatural in 2008, amidst my makeshift office on the dining room table and juggling part-time pub jobs to keep me in an occasional glass of red wine or three, I found myself drawn to using the term 'holistic' in our social and blog posts. It seemed appropriate for the direction I wanted EquiNatural to follow - treating the whole horse, and to enlighten towards a more naturopathic approach to support a healthier lifestyle for horses with the highest quality, organic herbal supplements.

Now cut to 2014 and my ever expanding studies and research led me to the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) - the medicine of ' why ', which is deeply rooted in medical science but which also revealed that the ethos behind 'holistic' and 'functional' is similar, just articulated differently. Whichever way we call it though, it's about treating the ‘whole’ by exploring the interconnected aspects then connecting the dots, rather than addressing only the surface symptoms and ignoring what's going on below. I've been studying with the IFM ever since.

So, for our January Wellness Kickstart , let's delve into equine ‘functional’ wellness for the year's first quarter, outlining how embracing these principles can contribute to the well-being of our horses.

It also helps to stay mindful that horses are instinctive, sensitive beings who absolutely live in the rhythm of nature. Each seasonal change provides a structure and guideline for our horses’ overall health, specifically how they naturally maintain their wellness, and importantly how they avoid illness. Each season puts different demands on different internal systems, so the related organs need to be in optimum health to provide the necessary protection as the seasons change.

The basics of equine functional wellness: treating the whole horse

Functional equine care means considering the complete horse, taking into account their physical, mental, and emotional dimensions. This will ensure that we recognise the interconnections of these factors which will keep us focused on the overall health of our horse.

Equally the mind-body connection emphasises how a horse's mental and emotional state can impact their physical health. Stress and anxiety , for example, can manifest in exhaustion with poor digestion and stomach ulcers, alongside a compromised immune function and significantly reduced overall performance.

Fueling the equine engine

A species-appropriate, nutritionally balanced, grass-forage diet lays the foundation for our horse’s health. Integrating the highest-quality, certified organic phytonutrients , grown without the use of agri-chemicals, and hi-spec natural (non-synthetic) mineral balancers provides their additional nutritional needs, while encouragement of hydration further contributes to their well-being.

Preventive care: a proactive approach

Taking a proactive stance towards our horse’s health proves more beneficial than having to react to issues as they arise - many herbalists actually describe tonic herbs as " herbs for healthy (people) ", as in, why wait for when health is broken? Implementing preventive measures for known seasonal challenges before they escalate is a key aspect of maintaining ongoing well-being.

Natural movement and exercise: embracing the equine spirit

Recognising the value of natural movement for a horse's physical and mental well-being is paramount – in the wild a horse is meant to walk with their band for at least 20-30 miles/day, seeking out a diverse variety of low-nutrient high-fibre grasses to eat. From our side this means providing opportunities for turnout freedom, natural foraging, and allowing horses to express their innate behaviours with their buddies to ensure a healthy and mentally balanced lifestyle.

Natural therapies: complementary well-being

Complementary therapies, i.e. acupuncture, different bodywork modalities, physiotherapy or chiropractic care, to name a few, can work beneficially alongside traditional approaches. These therapies can promote deep relaxation and balance, and are guaranteed to contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

Emotional well-being: nurturing bonds

Positive human-horse relationships are central to our domestic horse’s emotional health. Engaging in bonding activities, playing and spending quality time together, understanding our horse's body language, and always looking to minimise stressors, will all play a beneficial role in shaping our relationship, as well as our horse’s trust in us and again, their overall well-being.

Environmental considerations: creating a safe sanctuary

Creating a horse-appropriate natural environment involves more than just providing shelter. Friends, forage, and freedom form the trinity of a safe equine home. Field turnout or implementing a track system, ad-lib hay stations, making sure they have freedom and choice, and designing shelters or stables that prioritise their comfort and safety, will all contribute to a beneficial living space.

Owners/carers community and support: strength in numbers

Being part of a supportive equine community, whether through social media groups or local networks, can be an enriching, positive, and really valuable practice for us. Sharing our experiences and always questioning will further our approach to support our horse’s care.

Continued learning: adapting with the latest health updates

Staying informed and updated is really important to move with the times. Research and studies evolve, meaning we need to adapt our equine care practices to ensure our horse’s continued well-being. Maintaining an open-minded approach to continual learning will help us continue to create an environment where our horse will continue to thrive.

Summary

The January Wellness Kickstart encourages a functional approach to equine well-being. Whether we label it as holistic or functional, the underlying principle remains unchanged – a commitment to treating the whole horse, acknowledging the intricate web of factors that contribute to their health, happiness, and their welfare. ��

So, here's to January continuing to embrace functional principles, promoting our horses’ health and nurturing the bond we share with them. The goal is to ultimately bring fulfillment, knowledge, and positive outcomes, ultimately contributing to laying the well-being groundwork for the forthcoming seasons.

Coming up

- Tips, quotes, and other useful bites to start the year with a functional focus.

The Winter Fix-Kit (for us humans 😊)

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 14:18:51 GMT

Tis’ the festive holiday season! And for most of us, we’ve probably just worked the last day before four days off, so we’re now demob happy, relaxing, taking the pressure off, and … Boom. Sure enough, this is when those winter lurgies come and hit us with their full force ��.

For us horse folk, this can be a right royal nightmare as we still have to hoik ourselves out of the warmth and into the howling winds and gales to make sure beloved Ned gets their room service.

This winter has already seen its fair share with covid still lingering, a flu doing the rounds, and a really nasty cold starting with a sore throat like razor wire, and rendering everyone I know who’s had it unable to get out of bed on Day 3. Including me, followed by the husband because of course I gave it to him.

No surprise, winter brings an increase in respiratory infections (whether horse or human), because we're spending more time indoors with the heating on and lower air humidity. And here’s the thing - lower air humidity dries out the mucosa - that's the soft tissue lining of the respiratory system (plus digestive and reproductive systems) - which is usually covered with a friendly, moist and gloopy mucous, hence why it’s also called the mucous membrane. And when it comes to our respiratory mucosa, if it dries out, viruses and bacteria can travel a whole lot further inside us than they usually would.

So, time for a bit of perfect prevention ��.

Perfect prevention

I used to be terrible at looking after myself when the winter lurgies hit. I’m great at dishing out the advice and lugging buckets of soup, herbal teas and tinctures to sick family and friends, but when it hit me, I easily forgot the ‘how to’, then failing miserably to find any energy to blend teas in the middle of a fever.

These days? I’ve now got it covered with my Winter Fix-Kit, which is permanently set up on the long oak shelf in my Zen Den. It’s the smallest room in the house which I bagged after we moved EquiNatural out from every spare inch of space in our home to our new unit up the road back in April this year. (I say ‘new’ – it’s not, far from it, more like a crumbling 1960’s converted-cow-barn, but we love it all the same ��).

Anyway, Zen Den is all mine, where all my Fix-Kit tinctures sit alongside all my well-thumbed and much-loved herbal medicine reference books from when I did my medical herbalist training back in the day. It’s also where the exercise bike, yoga mat and Body-Pump bar and bench sit, which admittedly haven’t seen much action of late. Hmm … this could well be the time of year to set some NY goals, starting with rejigging my Time Management!

So, here we are in lurgy season so I thought I’d share a few of my Winter Fix-Kit tips which are so easy to set up and keep on hand for when the winter bugs hits. My personal preference is tinctures; for some reason I'm not genetically designed to enjoy the taste of herbal teas other than my beloved green tea or a spicy chai, so for me it's tinctures all the way. And while a freshly brewed herbal tea is wonderful, what’s equally great with tinctures is that while they officially keep for up to 3-years, unofficially they’re perfectly fine for 10-years or so, which makes them perfect to sit on a shelf gathering dust until we need them for emergencies or as seasonal preventatives. Or, if/when the dreaded viruses hit we can then support ourselves through them and hopefully have a much less stressful recovery.

So, here we go. My Winter Fix-Kit top-tips for us humans, covering perfect prevention, the 'how to' if we get sick, and managing that all-important recovery. First up ...

Keep mucosa moist

When temperatures dip below freezing, there’s significantly less moisture in the air. Pair that with indoor heating and it’s a recipe for dryness, and trust me when I say that dry, sticky mucous can’t do its job effectively. And one of the body’s first layers of defence against infectious organisms are those valuale mucosal membranes. Mucous contains important components so important for immune health, which literally break down unfriendly microbe cell walls and prevent them from attaching to the mucosal cells.

So how do we keep our mucusa moist? This one's nice and easy - drink plenty of water and herbal teas! I’m never without a mug of (organic of course) green tea on the go (at home we call it magic tea, as it literally in a blink kills that I-may-have-drunk-a-glass-too-many-last-night feeling). And always with lemon to kickstart the liver and kidneys. It’s my first-thing cuppa while I’m still in bed creating that day's DPD labels and replying to your emails, so if you've ever been on the receiving end of an early morning email, that's me still under the duvet with Broo the dog wedged between me and husband, with his nose up Henry's bum (huge ginger cat) who's draped over my left arm (we've perfected how to type without disturbing him), and Thomas (Henry's brother) snuggled up on my right ��.

Several more mugs later through the day, and it’s also my winter go-to when I get home after the horses. If I feel I need a boost I either add 15ml of varying tinctures straight into it, or take a mouthful of tea then squirt 3 x 5ml pipette-fulls into the corner of my mouth. When desperate I’ll squirt straight in under the tongue, the taste of which can be a little ‘interesting’ (think a botanical-tasting squirt of vodka, which, er, it actually is). Persevere though, because the gum membrane is permeable so you get immediate absorbtion into the bloodstream.

Here's a brilliant herbal tea or tincture blend you can make to moisten the mucosa - it will also help soothe an incoming sore throats.

Equal parts:

Liquorice root
Marshmallow root
Wild cherry bark
Fennel seed
Cinnamon bark (make sure you get Cinnamomum zeylanicum – cassia isn't as medicinally potent)
Orange peel

Sleep

The average person needs a minimum of 8hrs sleep every night, with many needing more (fat chance!). It’s said that losing just one hour of sleep per day builds up a ‘sleep debt’ of an hour per day, which can then add up. And no surprise, our immune systems are most efficient when we don’t have sleep debt.

I’m a proper winter hibernator. Completely beyond my control, but it’s actually a good thing as this is exactly how it should be for the ideal seasonal circadian rhythm. I’m also a committed lark (I’m a hopeless owl), usually awake anywhere from 5am depending on when dog/cats demand breakfast, so a perfect time to check emails but also why I rarely make it past 8pm. Currently, or so the FitBit says, I’m getting a good 8-hours sleep per night so pretty much bang on.

Here's the sleep checklist:

Consistency I know, obvious, but going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate the body’s internal clock (this also does double-duty for mental health, as our circadian rhythms affect mood).
Environment Create a comfortable sleep environment by controlling light, noise, temperature, and of course a comfortable mattress and pillows.
Pre-sleep routine Engage in calming activities before bed such as reading, meditation, a warm bath … these all signal to the brain that it’s time to wind down. If you’re one of those who finds it difficult to get to sleep, try taking magnesium half an hour before bed – I personally like this one . I also find a combo of magnesium and 15ml of our CalmTonic works a treat for me, so if you’ve got a 500ml CalmTonic on the shelf for Ned, decant some into a small amber tincture jar, with pipette to make life easier, otherwise measure out a tablespoonful.
Avoid stimulants Again an obvious - avoid caffeine and other stimulants close to bedtime, as they will 100% interfere with the body’s ability to fall asleep.
Mindful eating and drinking Always try to allow at least 3-hours between last meal and sleep time as this affects digestion, triggering the risk of GI/acid reflux and heartburn. Research also shows that eating high-calorie meals with large amounts of fat or carbs less than an hour before bedtime can extend the time it takes to fall asleep. Equally our metabolism slows down when we fall asleep so if digestion’s still going on while we’re asleep, this can cause weight gain as the calories will be stored as fat.
Physical activity Regular physical exercise can promote better sleep, but strenuous workouts and getting the adrenaline buzz going too close to bedtime will guarantee you taking ages to fall into sleep.
Limit naps While brief naps can be beneficial for some, long or late-day naps can negatively affect night-time sleep.
Technology restrictions Another obvious - reduce exposure to keyboard screens and smartphones, as the blue light emitted can interfere with melatonin production (melatonin is a natural hormone which plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle, with natural levels in the blood being highest at night.)
Managing stress Practice techniques to manage stress and anxiety, and my goto is meditation. I know it might seem a bit bonkers to some, but I discovered it when I was having what I call my ‘bad year’ of 2014 (won’t bore you with the details but oh boy did I need some help). This was the year I discovered the Institute of Functional Medicine ( IFM ), and one of the IFM doctors recommended learning meditation in a totally non-hippy way with Ziva Meditation . Cost me £50 to do the numpty course (you get a certificate of which I was very proud!). A decade on and I try (emphasis on 'try') to grab 10-15 mins each day for when I feel I need a pick-me-up or I'm a bit fried and need to ground myself. If I'm having a frantic day I'll happily sit on the edge of our horses' field, shut my eyes and do a 10-minute session - I woke out of one a few years ago to find Carmen in front of me with a very weird expression on her face! I felt a whole lot better though - it really does rejuvenate and refresh you, as well as totally improving sleep quality too.

Which leads us nicely to …

Stress Relief

There’s a whole lot of not so great news going on in the world right now. Twin this with the festive season craziness and for some, stress levels are at an all-time high. And when we’re getting frazzled our bodies need more sleep, better nutrition, and downtime to relax, which can be nigh on impossible to find the time for.

This is a good time to integrate nervine and adaptogen herbs into our daily routines. These herbs tonify the nervous system’s response to challenges, and help to reset our stress response, hence why these herbs are called adaptogens , because they literally help our bodies to 'adapt'. They’re also okay to take consistently, even when we’re feeling perfectly okay.

This class of herbs is relaxing and anxiolytic in small to moderate doses, and sedative in larger doses. Linden and lavender are popular, and let’s not forget our old friend chamomile , which works really well with passionflower . Adding in lemon balm as well is said to “ add some joy into melancholy, ” ( Culpepper ).

For a gentle effect I personally love milky oats and skullcap tincture 2-3 times per day. When I’m really feeling the pressure, ashwagandha with passionflower and vervain are my no-brainer goto’s - I can even at a push drink a passionflower and vervain tea, but for a swift effect (15-mins max) I take these three in tincture form. I also make sure I’ve always got L-Theanine in capsule form to gulp a couple down if I know my day’s going to be ‘interesting’ – easily available from most health shops or Amazon.

Movement

Exercise of all types, but especially the gentle stretching of yoga/pilates/tai chi, will increase endorphins and decrease stress levels. Importantly though, any movement moves the lymph fluid which gets toxins shifting out. If we do moderate-intensity exercise, of which I consider the daily muck-out (Murf’s stable is a full-on daily deep-clean as he’s knocking on now and his bed's revolting – put it this way; deep litter is no longer an option ��), it promotes the circulation of the killer army of white blood cells and other immune system warriors. Regular exercise also reduces inflammation and can help our immune cells to regenerate regularly.

Immune nutrients

In an ideal world we'd all be eating a wide variety of dark green and colourful fruits and vegetables, with high quality fats and proteins every day. Winter’s a whole different matter though. I’m brilliant at a great diet and supplementing myself nutritionally throughout Spring to Autumn, but once we’re down to 7-8hrs daylight and I kick into hibernation mode, I forget all about the greens as more starchy comfort food starts appearing on the plate – I literally have to remind myself to cook/eat greens. And then with all the festive socials going on, will-power takes on a whole new meaning!

For starters it’s not a bad idea at this time of year to take a quality multivit in your toolkit, and personally I'm a fan of the Viridian Supplements range. These nutrients won’t boost immune function if you’re not deficient in them, but being deficient will definitely suppress your immune function. Vits A and D deficiencies are particularly common in winter, but you should get enough of the other nutrients below if you’re eating a couple of servings of fruit/veggies per day, along with taking a quality multivit.

Vitamin A – Contrary to popular belief, beta carotene isn’t a great source of vit.A, with studies apparently showing that around 50% of people don’t convert beta carotene to vitamin A. The cheapest way to get a large loading dose is via liquid emulsified vitamin A. Most products are 10,000iu per drop, so 10 drops (100,000iu) per day for 3 days brings levels up rapidly, but - don’t take more than 10,000iu a day after this loading dose. NB. Definitely don’t take supplemental vit.A if you have liver disease or alcohol issues.
Vitamin D – Unless you supplement with vit.D your blood levels are unlikely to be at that optimum stage to maximise immunity and minimise inflammation, especially in winter when we have less light and lower temperatures keeping us inside more. Make sure you find a supplement that combines vit.D with K2.
Vitamin C – Eat a few servings of fruits and veggies and you’ll get enough. If you think you need more, 1000mg of supplemental vitamin C per day is all you need to quickly boost stores. There will also be some vit.C in all multivitamins.
B2, B6 (P5P), Folate (B9) and Selenium – Like vit.C, a few servings of fruits and veggies daily should give you most of what you need. That said, a decent quality multivit should have enough of the B’s, selenium and zinc to supplement even a SAD diet up to normal levels within a couple of weeks.

So, there we have it. Prevention done. Moving on, what if you wake up with that sore throat?

OhOh – I can feel it coming on

Flu tends to hit hard and fast, but colds, even the nasty ones, tend to come on more slowly. We might feel extra tired, a little achy, feeling the chills, but then those throat glands come up and with it the slow realisation that we’re going down with something. This is the perfect time for some herbal help, and if you catch it in time it may even prevent a full blown episode.

Fast-acting immune stimulants work well on the innate immune system, such as echinacea and cat’s claw in tincture form - mix together in equal parts. Warming, pungent aromatics are also excellent here - think a spicy curry or chicken soup with fresh chillies .

Top tip - I always keep a week’s supply of organic chicken soup made with bone broth (which is jam-packed full of nutrients) in the freezer. Hands up, I don’t make it – I buy it in from Ossa Organics . It’s a bit pricey (I get the 6 x Chicken&Veg ) but tucked away in the freezer then whipping out when you’re feeling crap is worth every penny. I also add lots of garlic, chilli and astragalus , which IMHO is the best immunostimulant adaptogen out there. If you’re a veggie or vegan, they also do a veggie broth which you can jesse up with extras.

Meanwhile, if you fancy a go yourself, here are two recipes for you.

Vegan Broth

1. Fill a pot with roughly chopped carrots, onions, celery, a handful of kelp or seaweed of choice (if you can stand the flavour - I can’t sadly; I’m rubbish at sushi), fresh mushrooms, 5-10 dried shiitake mushrooms, a full head of garlic rough-chopped, a couple of slices of astragalus and as many sliced hot chillis as you can bear.

2. Season well and cover with water, simmering gently with lid on for 2-hrs.

3. Cool, strain, bag up, and stick in the freezer.

Fire Cider Recipe (courtesy of ‘The Modern Herbal Dispensatory’)

This is a great cold and flu remedy made as a herbal vinegar, originating from Rosemary Gladstar, a renowned American traditional herbalist who I’ve been following for years, hence why the recipe's in 'cups':

½ cup fresh horseradish root, grated (key)
1 medium onion, chopped (supporting)
½ cup fresh ginger root, grated (key)
¼ cup garlic, mashed (key)
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped (catalyst)
1 lemon (zest and juice) (balancing)
2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves (optional balancing)

1. Place everything in a jar and cover with raw apple cider vinegar, preferably organic with ‘the mother’. If your jar’s got a metal lid use waxed or greaseproof paper before closing.

2. Keep the jar in a dark place and shake daily for 4 weeks.

3. Strain, add honey to taste if you need it, and rebottle.

Take 2-tbsp up to 8 times daily as needed. Trust me, this is awesome.

My final recommendation is to take Zinc in citrate form. At the first sign of feeling horrible, get this into you – it literally hunts down the virals and blows them to smithereens. I personally like this one - Cytoplan’s Zinc Citrate .

Too late - I’m sick. Now what?

Now it’s time to discontinue immune stimulants, get plenty of fluids into you, and use herbs to support your body’s natural processes while working on symptom control so you can rest. Seriously, go to bed.

Fever

Fevers are the worst. Uncomfortable, achy, hot, cold .... It’s understandable that we want to take NSAIDS to reduce the aches and chills that come along with it, but try try try to resist. Fevers are there for a reason - it's your body's way of literally burning the pathogens away by intentionally raising your core temperature.

Traditionally, fevers have never been suppressed with anti-inflammatories – it’s always been about working with the body's natural processes. Instead, herbal remedies were given to help move blood to the surface of the body which facilitates sweating, and it’s the sweating which lowers the body temperature. This way you’re not suppressing that all-important fever. And as for those herbs to facilitate this process - meet diaphoretics .

(This is the same principal used for staying cool in hot countries. If you look at the far-east and Indian continent, this is why they eat so much chilli – it keeps people cool! I learnt this back in the 1990s when I travelled round the world with my backpack. I was never particularly brave at eating chillies, but I got better the more I travelled. To this day I'm still a fan, especially from a medicinal point of view, although I’ve still got my limits �� ).

There are two different types of diaphoretics: stimulating and relaxing . First up, stimulating , and if you’ve ever eaten too much cayenne and broken out in a sweat, then you've already felt the action of a stimulating diaphoretic! Stimulating diaphoretics are indicated when you feel the chills but aren’t running an actual fever yet, or at least just a low-grade one. Stimulating diaphoretics are specific for the pre- and early fever phases, but use carefully as they may dry out the mucosa.

Think ginger, cayenne, horseradish, and mustard , which you can easily get from any supermarket. Equally, one of my favourite less-spicy stimulating diaphoretics is yarrow , either as a tea or tincture. It’s not so pungent but very aromatic, so less likely to dry out the mucosa than the pungent herbs are. Cardamom is another favourite, a widely available stimulating diaphoretic that doesn’t tend to dry out mucosa.

Now to relaxing diaphoretics, and these promote peripheral blood flow by relaxing physical muscle and tissue tension that’s inhibiting the peripheral blood flow and sweating. Relaxing diaphoretics are indicated when there is a fever but no sweating, and you’re typically feeling very tense and cranky. My favourite relaxing diaphoretics are elderflower and peppermint .

A nice classic formula for fevers combines equal parts:

Yarrow as a stimulating diaphoretic.
Elderflower and peppermint as relaxing diaphoretics.
Best taken together as a hot infusion.
Add honey liberally as a demulcent to balance the drying actions of the herbs.

Fever aches and pains

One herb which can support the aches and pains that accompany a fever is boneset - it's indications include bone-deep and deep muscles aches. Try 2ml of boneset tincture with a cup of chamomile tea. If you’ve got a blinding headache, drink a strong cup of green tea with 15ml skullcap tincture – pure magic ��.

The yukky bit – the snots

There’s no getting away from it - respiratory irritation involves the production of mucous in all shapes, sizes and colour hues, whether we like it not. Once the infection brings on an immune response, the role of mucous shifts from being primarily a barrier, to then playing a major role in the expulsion of the ‘irritant’. The traditional herbal approach to respiratory infections has focused on herbs that directly modify the composition and rate of clearance of that mucous.

In case you’re interested, there are six tissue states, and the respiratory system is a perfect place to see all six in action:

- If it’s cold, warm it up.

- If it’s hot, cool it down.

- If it’s tight, relax it.

- If it’s lax, tighten it.

- If it’s damp, dry it up.

- If it’s dry, moisten it.

Now to the yuk, and yellow and green mucous is coloured by the presence of neutrophils , indicating heat, with white mucous traditionally considered a cold condition. This means we can opt for warming or cooling herbs in our respiratory formulas based on this.

The cough

And so to the inevitable cough, which unfortunately is a given. Flipping inconvenient and equally torturous, especially at night when the cough’s in full flow. The good news is that there are some excellent herbs we can use to support a cough, but just as I say when I talk about our horses’ coughs , the aim is never to suppress a cough as again, it’s there for a very good reason – to shift the irritant out.

For a dry wheezy cough, consider demulcent (moistening and gloopy) herbs to moisten and soothe. We’re talking marshmallow root, liquorice and mullein leaf , my absolute favourites when it comes to demulcent expectorants. If the mucous is particularly stubborn and sticky, get yourself a pack of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) capsules from Amazon and take 800mg 2-3 times a day for a couple of days, but not if you are taking nitroglycerin (for angina) or have kidney or liver disease.

And while we’re talking wheezy, elecampane is probably the best herb for asthmatic symptoms, blended with mullein .

If the cough is productive, meaning it’s bringing up mucous, expectorant herbs can be helpful to support this as they help with the expulsion. Aromatic expectorants such as thyme, elecampane and ginger also trigger mucous production via chemoreceptors in the nose, and through transient tissue stimulation/irritation as they're exhaled - these are also good for sinus congestion. Pair these warming herbs with demulcent herbs as needed.

Finally, I know I said we don’t want to suppress that cough, but when we’re coughing so much that we can’t sleep, sometimes we need a little help. Time for antitussive (anti-cough) herbs which are useful for that never-ending frequent unproductive cough. Classic antitussive herbs are coltsfoot or wild cherry bark , and plantain is a good one too. Or if you've got one of our KoffTonic's on the shelf for Ned, decant some off for yourself.

Herbal Hot Toddy

Here's a herbal spin on the classic hot toddy to help relax and calm a cough in the evening.

2 droppers of coltsfoot or wild cherry bark tincture
5-10 single drops of lobelia
½ -shot of whiskey
A lemon wedge
Honey to taste
1-tsp of ginger juice or a couple of shots of ginger tincture

Mix altogether in a finger or two of water.

Onion Syrup

Onion syrup is excellent for coughs and sticky, thick mucous.

1. Slice onions and place about a quarter inch in a jar, then cover with an ⅛ to ¼ inch of sugar.

2. Repeat until the jar is full.

3. Refrigerate.

4. Take 1-tsp of the honey onion juice syrup 6-10 times a day. More is better here unless you feel like it’s drying your mucosa out.

Lasts 1 week. Discard and make a fresh batch weekly.

Herbal Cough Syrup (Drying)

This formula is an expectorant and decongestant for damp coughs when there's a lot of mucous production and sinus drainage.

2 parts wild cherry bark (key)
2 parts white pine bark (key)
1 part elecampane (supporting)
1 part liquorice root (balancing)
½ part thyme (catalyst)
½ part cinnamon (catalyst)

This blend can also be made as a 1:5 tincture in 40% alcohol.

Herbal Cough Syrup (Moistening)

If the cough is dry and unproductive, the following formula can moisten the lungs and help expel trapped mucous.

2 parts mullein (key)
2 parts marshmallow root(key)
2 parts plantain (key)
1 part liquorice (supporting)
½ part lobelia (balancing and catalyst)

This formula works best when made into a decoction (a method of extraction by boiling herbal/plant material).

Finally, if your lungs are tight and tense, use a simple bronchodilator like lobelia . If there’s tension from dryness, add demulcents.

Top Tip : Keep a Pulse Oximeter in your fix-kit. Covid and flu are no joke and can cause serious breathing problems. If your oxygen saturation is less than 90, take lobelia , sit down and test again 10-mins later on a different finger. If it’s still under 90, get to A&E.

Sinus Congestion

For upper respiratory symptoms we can use the same tissue state principles we went over for coughs to make formulas for our nasal issues.

For thin drippy mucous, use organically grown (not wildcrafted) goldenseal , 1-2mls. It costs a bomb but it’s worth it.

For thick congested mucous that’s difficult to blow out, aromatic herbs like thyme paired with demulcents ( mullein ) should do the trick to ease stuffiness and that stuffy, headachy feeling.

Aromatic herbs are also excellent for sinus and lung congestion made into a simple steam. Here’s a recipe to make your own herbal steam blend.

Herbal Steam for Congestion

2 parts thyme
1 part peppermint or spearmint
1 part eucalyptus (or 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil added right before you begin your steam).

1. Gently simmer a handful of the herbs in a pan with a few inches of water and lid on for 8-10 minutes.

2. Let sit for another 5.

3. Get a towel, remove the lid and drape the towel over your head, bending over to cover the pan. Make sure to keep your eyes closed, and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes. Heaven ...

Sore Throat

A sore throat is usually caused by irritation from bacteria or viruses causing inflammation of the pharynx. It can also be caused by chronic coughing and dryness from mouth breathing due to sinus congestion.

NB . Strep throat is a common cause of throat pain and will present with white spots on tonsils and pharynx tissue. If you think you have strep throat, you may need antibiotics.

Sprays are excellent to keep around for soothing sore throats because they’re ready made, unlike gargles where you need to brew tea. Look for ingredients such as propolis and/or myrrh, echinacea and sage . Keep in mind that throat sprays made with alcohol may be best for the earliest stages of illness, but the alcohol can become irritating as the throat becomes more inflamed. Add a touch of honey if making your own to avoid this.

Demulcents also soothe irritated tissues:

2 parts Marshmallow root
1 part Liquorice root
1 part Cinnamon bark
A slug of honey

A salt-water gargle can also be an excellent way to help with throat pain. Mix ¼-½ teaspoon of salt into warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, then spit out. Repeat 3-5 times each day.

If you’re nauseous

It’s not uncommon to have nausea with the newer covid variants, and sometimes with respiratory illnesses if mucous is draining into the stomach.

With any illness that causes fluids to leave the body we need to watch out for dehydration, especially if we’re having a difficult time keeping fluids and/or water down. Signs of dehydration can include darker urine/less frequent urination, dry mouth and tongue, and dry eyes. You can also check this by pinching the skin upwards on the back of your hand; if you’re dehydrated, the skin will take longer to snap back into place.

If you’re dehydrated, use electrolyte mixes and demulcents as well as water to hydrate. Drinking broths and soups are also a good way to hydrate while taking in nutrients.

Homemade Electrolyte Solution

Mix 1-litre water, ½-tsp salt, and 6-tsp sugar in a bottle or jar with lid.
Shake well until salt and sugar are completely dissolved, then drink.
To improve the taste, add a cup of freshly-squeezed orange or lemon juice.

If using herbal infusions for hydration it’s important to sweeten them. Sugars in rehydration drinks significantly enhance the absorption rate of water and electrolytes.

Meanwhile If you’re getting the hot, churny, acidic nausea common between acute vomiting sessions and right before you jump up to run to the bathroom, worth trying is peach leaf tea sipped slowly, or 5-10 drops of peach tincture in a little warm water.

We also shouldn’t forget about ginger as a tea or tincture, which I personally swear by. This pungent carminative (intestinal gas soother) is excellent for the stagnant nausea that makes you feel like vomiting would make it better but it’s not happening. This type of nausea is common with covid and as a side effect in respiratory illnesses. Ginger is also excellent when paired with fennel for gut cramps.

It’s also a good idea to keep demulcents on hand for diarrhea. A tea made from marshmallow leaf (not root) and plantain can be helpful here, with added honey if need be.

Aromatherapy inhalers for nausea can make a great addition to your kit too – try peppermint essential oil, or a combo of peppermint and grapefruit .

Recovery

Finally we're coming out the other side, and Alteratives support the body’s elimination channels, as well as overall metabolism and assimilation/absorption of nutrients. They’re indicated for the end of illnesses when there’s been stagnation and lingering symptoms, especially the achy cold that isn’t bad enough to keep you from going to work, but is bad enough to keep you from concentrating on it.

To quote Ed Smith, founder of Herb Pharm, “ Alteratives’ primary action is to favourably alter disordered metabolic and catabolic processes, especially those associated with the breakdown and elimination of metabolic waste. ”

The exact mechanism of action isn’t well understood, so let’s call them magic too. ��

Following illness, I prefer alteratives that also have a lymphatic action.

Gentle Alterative Formula

4 parts Echinacea
2 parts Burdock
2 parts Cleavers
1 part Violet
1 part Red Clover

As important as herbs are, physical movement is even more important for fluid movement in the body. The combination of lack of movement with the increase in metabolic waste from immune cells fighting viruses and bacteria can build up in the extracellular fluid, causing that total lethargy and everything feeling rubbish.

Movement alters fluid metabolism by pumping fluids through the body, allowing the metabolic waste that were in those fluids to be removed, so gentle exercise like walking, deep breathing and yoga/stretching are important.

If you’re struggling with a slow respiratory recovery post infection, Codonopsis pilosula , also known as Dang Shen, is a sweet, moistening, nourishing remedy that stimulates appetite, improves digestion and absorption, and respiratory function. Take 6-30g as a decoction, or a low-alcohol fluid extract.

Finally, for lingering digestive upset, regularly drink green tea with ginger and take gentle bitters before meals to help get your digestive system back to normal.

NB . if you’re unlucky enough to have had covid with lingering digestive issues post infection, take cinnamon and andrographis capsules for a week or so to knock out any lingering infection in the gut. 3-caps andrographis with 1-cap cinnamon, three x day for 2-weeks.

**********

TaDah! I really hope some of the above is useful - even if you've got just a few of the tinctures on a shelf somewhere, they'll be a great help for you.

Meanwhile I'm already racking up lots of new blogs to publish, with a ton of latest updates to go on the editorial web pages. There's also some new products on the cards, so stay tuned for much more to come in 2024.

It goes without saying to send you all my heartfelt thanks for supporting us again this year, and here’s wishing everyone health, happiness, and a wonderful Festive Holiday ��.

See you on the other side,

Carol

Following on from our recent blog on autoimmunity … Antibiotics

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:24:10 GMT

There’s a new NHS study out that says “ One dose of antibiotics a year raises risk of sepsis by 70% ”.

Image - our Carmen, who came to us with joint sepsis back in 2014.

Scientists from the University of Manchester have stated that exposure to antibiotics and the associated " adverse effects on the beneficial bacteria in the gut" could lead to "increased risk of infection" . They found that the risk of sepsis, which is fatal in around a fifth of (human) cases, increased with the number of antibiotic courses a person took.

NB. The whole subject of antibiotics is a deep-rooted pet subject of mine, and one I feel very strongly about because due to a dental treatment that went wrong many years ago, I was put on 2 courses of 'very strong' (to quote my dentist at the time) antibiotics, which not only didn't do anything to fix the dental massacre but then sent my health spiralling out of control over the course of several months, losing half my bodyweight in the process and nearly dying. It was only after I recovered (which involved being hospitalised) that I searched long and hard to track back to what the trigger had been, because I sure as heck never wanted to go there again. And it all started with those antibiotics. So I'm afraid I'm not a fan. Which means I'm going to try really hard to sit on my hands and not snark during this blog, although I may not be able to help myself, so try to forgive an aging post-menopausal old thing. And following that particular opening para, all I want to say is No sh** Sherlock. Moving on ...

Their research revealed that people who had taken a single 1 or 2-week course of antibiotic tablets within the previous 12-months (my two rounds of antibiotics were 2 x 2-weeks' worth, one straight after the other, because the first round hadn't worked) , were 70% more likely to develop sepsis than those who didn’t use them at all. And no surprise, this risk increased with the number of times a person used antibiotics.

Dr Colin Brown, head of antimicrobial resistance and sepsis at UKHSA, and one of the PhD co-authors of the study, said “ This may be due to underlying differences in their immune status or conditions that predispose them to repeat infections. ”

Apparently there are around 250,000 (human) cases of sepsis every year in Britain, with around 50,000 dying from the infection - more than bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined. Just a simple minor cut or chest infection can trigger it, but it’s hard to diagnose because (what’s left of) the body’s immune system overreacts to the threat and begins attacking its own tissues and organs (because the immune system is so wrecked that it can no longer cope, so the body’s now in a state of autoimmune syndrome). Cue emergency intervention, usually involving more antibiotics, otherwise we could be looking at multiple organ failure and death.

And no surprise, since the pandemic there’s been a huge surge in antibiotic prescriptions and resistant infections, with our GPs doling out antibiotics like sweets. Shocking numbers show that in 2022 alone, one million of us were taking an antibiotic on any given day.

It’s now got so bad that Dame Jenny Harries, CEO of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has called on us – the public - to “ treat antibiotics with respect ”. ( Really sitting on my hands here ...)

The simple truth is that antibiotics destroy the body’s immunity - they indiscriminately kill the gut bacteria, both good and bad. A single course of antibiotics will permanently change an immune system, especially that of a youngster (horse or human), and because a majority of neurochemicals are also made in the gut – serotonin for one, the body’s neurology is also altered. What was once heralded as the saviour of all disease is now costing us in degenerative, chronic diseases.

When antibiotics are administered, the immune system’s ability to manufacture new immune cells is permanently altered. The unfriendly bacteria in the gut is now unobstructed and begins to proliferate, unchecked by the now diminished friendly bacteria. Parasites and pathogens now move in to share the nutrients meant to feed the body. This is the first step for chronic disease, and from here on in, every -thing changes.

Sadly this isn’t new news either – the medical industry as a whole has known for yonks that antibiotics don’t work anymore. The bugs out there are now so resistant to antibiotics that the term ‘superbug’ is now a household name – think MRSA.

The inflammatory double-whammy

Once the bad bacteria sets up shop, the intestinal wall becomes leaky , allowing partially digested, putrefactive toxic foodstuffs and dead bacteria to cross through into the blood. The already weakened immune system now has twice the work to perform, trying to clean up the gut while urgently tracking down these new threats to the body.

And so begins an inflammatory response. The leakage of particles into the blood crossing the now compromised gut barrier, causes inflammation throughout the body – one of the main triggers of laminitis. Chronic digestive and immunity stress weakens the major detoxification organs (liver, kidneys, lymph nodes), which prevents them from functioning properly, and so makes the body more susceptible to disease and toxin overload. It’s worse still if we’re feeding our horses chemically-treated, refined, artificial, processed and sugary junk from those shiny bags that their gut hasn't evolved to eat anyway.

So is the post-antibiotic era on our doorstep?

We know that drug-resistant bacteria is nothing new, just like the majority of worms and parasites that are now resistant to chemical wormers. The pathogens are continually adapting and developing resistance to the very substances originally designed to kill them, yet there are simply not enough new antibiotics being developed to tackle all these new and virulent superbugs. Bacteria is now outsmarting the best that modern medicine has to offer.

And horrors, but no secret - one of main reasons responsible for antibiotic resistance is the widespread use of antibiotics in factory farm animals, which apparently accounts for a staggering 80%-plus (!!!) of antibiotic use. Administering antibiotics to perfectly healthy livestock for the purpose of bulking them up faster - which for the record is a practice that has been taking place since the 1950s - represents just one of the many ways in which antibiotics have been widely overprescribed.

The poultry industry specifically is renowned for administering growth hormone to their stock ��, which we then consume when we sit down for our Sunday roast. Yet another reason to avoid factory-farmed and buy organic instead. Is it any wonder that we’re now staring down the barrel at a superbug epidemic?

To quote Alexander Fleming (the creator of penicillin), back in 1945 when he received his Nobel Prize for medicine: " It is not difficult to make microbes resistant to penicillin in the laboratory by exposing them to concentrations not sufficient to kill them. There is the danger that the ignorant man may easily underdose himself, and by exposing his microbes to non-lethal quantities of the drug, makes them resistant. ”

Once upon a time the solution was simple - develop new, safer, and more effective antibiotics to replace the old ones. However, this approach is no longer working, and is further exacerbated by the drug industry's actual refusal to develop new antibiotics, because . . . they’re not nearly as profitable as other areas of drug research. ( Really sitting on my hands not to type what I think of that … Sorry, cant’ help myself. That dirty ‘profit’ word again - keep ‘em sick, keep us rich. )

And many vets are in on it as well, chucking antibiotics at us for our horses for the most irrelevant of issues. Bonkers. Back in lockdown our MacAttack had a swollen sheath due to a bean which needed removing, and afterwards the vet gave me antibiotics which needless to say I didn't give to our little chap. I also still shudder at the memory of Carmen when she came to live with us back in 2014, where I inherited a nasty wound on her RH fetlock which blew up a week or so afterwards. Joint sepsis, I was told. Bute and antibiotics (of course) and if not improved within 3-days it was PTS. No ifs, no buts – her life was over. At just 7 years old.

Then the vet told me that the antibiotics only had a 5% chance of working anyway. Seriously? Just 5 measly percent? Was I really putting all my hopes of her recovery - her survival , on just a pathetic 5% chance? As the vet left, her final farewell comment was something along the lines of us speaking in a couple of days to set up the appointment of death.

Needless to say, as before with our Kelso , my desperate emotions turned to fire-breathing anger. Cue a blend of nature’s finest antimicrobials (what became our BioCARE ), and Carms abscessed beautifully 2-days later through her coronet band. She limped out of her stable back to her field without looking back. Needless to say I didn’t make that follow-up call, and I'm pleased to say she’s happily still with us today, now aged 17 and thriving.

Then there was a recent client’s email which struck at one of many thorns in my side. The issue? Scabby eruptions on the horse’s back. “ Vet was consulted and prescribed antibiotics, these did not work, so after calling him out again he examined her and said it was possibly sweat .”

Altogether now - raise those eyebrows. This was clearly a simple case of toxin overload being excreted via the skin. And yet the vet went straight in with antibiotics, whereby the owner had to fork out not only for a costly script for a hefty measure of inappropriate gut-damaging chemicals into their horse's already compromised system, which also put huge extra strain on their liver and weakened their immunity even more, but she had to pay for a 2nd call-out to boot. And to add further insult to a world of pain in her bank account, the antibiotics didn’t bluddy work anyway.

And another just last week. A client’s horse got a hind hoof abscess back in June. Quote - “ Came back again quite soon after once she started work again (been barefoot most of her life and always had great feet). Has recurred a couple more times. Vet prescribed antibiotics and box rest (which she hates). ” Hang on ... Box rest? For an abscess?

I replied back asking if she was brave enough to stop the anti-b’s immediately, but it was too late – she’d already finished the course. Her reply - “ The antibiotics are finished and surprisingly didn’t work .”

Okay. And b-r-e-a-t-h-e … because ...

What if there’s no choice though?

We need to put some balance in here, and I need to stop feeling snarky. Of course it’s vital to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, but what about those cases where there really is no choice? Is there any hope for recovering the gut microbiome? The good news is that there is hope – it'll take some time and effort, but there are a few useful tips to follow both before, during and after a course of antibiotics, to lessen the damage and encourage regrowth and diversification of the gut biome.

Prebiotics
Not pro biotics but prebiotics, which are much more effective at promoting the growth of the beneficial bacteria in the hindgut. Agreed, there’s not much research in the use of probiotics specific to the equine gut, and the fact is that science is still learning about the human gut microbiome. However, what the human studies are currently showing is that adding just a few species of a small quantity of bacteria inside the gut … well, it just doesn’t cut the mustard.

Far better to look to prebiotics, as they’re the food that feed the live, friendly bacteria, so keeping them fed and happy is the only effective way of promoting the growth of their colonies. No doubt about it - prebiotics are an incredibly important part of any regimen to protect and rebuild a healthy micro-organism community.

What’s also known to help are phytonutrients, which you'll find in abundance in our old friends, herbs ��. For starters they're jammed with awesome antioxidants, and there are so many to choose from – turmeric, andrographis, garlic … plus what we know as the ‘ oily herbs ’, all thought to suppress pathogens and yeast overgrowth in the gut, which once out of the way gives the friendly microbe colonies a chance to repopulate.

The thinking now is we should be focusing on promoting the growth of the hindgut cellulose fibre-fermenting microbes in the hindgut, and not chucking in a spoonful of a few bacteria species that aren’t known for definite to be recognised friendly members of the equine gut biome. And the only source of cellulose comes from stemmy hay , which is rich in cellulose/hemi-cellulose fibre. Gentle reminder though - if you're soaking your hay for a long time, make sure you rinse and repeat repeatedly, as that soaking liquor becomes a toxic bacterial soup which the horse will then ingest as they’re chowing down on their soaked hay.

It should also always be about diversity of the grass forage species our horses eat, because it’s all about enrichment of that species-appropriate forage fibre (cellulose); different grasses have different prebiotics, just like we have a whole different range of salad leaves on our plate – they may just be salad leaves, but they each have their own different nutritional superpowers ��. And don’t forget important roughage either – barks, leaves, and roots , all passing through the equine hindgut and with their own benefits.

Gut and liver support
When antibiotics throw the gut biome into turmoil, the gut lining and digestive function as a whole take a hit too. This is where ginger can be extremely helpful in reducing inflammation and calming the digestive system, and horses generally enjoy ginger. It’s always best to use fresh, fine-chopped ginger, or you could make a ginger tea by infusing it in hot water for a minimum 20-mins, then use it as your feedbowl soak. Ginger will not only boost a horse’s immune system and support the gut, but it also helps with mobility & respiratory function.

Top ginger tip though - ginger's main energetic is 'hot', so if there's existing inflammation elsewhere in the body, i.e. a lame leg, then it's best avoided.

Antibiotics will also take one heck of a toll on the liver, particularly if a horse is on them for a long time. To quote Charlotte Gerson of the Gerson Institute, “ All pharma meds are damaging to the liver bar none .”

Not only is the liver responsible for processing and biotransforming those pharma meds, but it also has to deal with all the extra circulating toxins from the increased bacterial death and intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Milk thistle is a given here – it’s said to have no pharmaceutical equivalent when it comes to liver support. Alternatively, see our LiverCARE blend.

To conclude

So there we have it – i know, a bit of the same-old same-old from me, but whether human or horse it’s always about the right diet, supported by nutrients, herbs, and equine-appropriate prebiotics (diverse cellulose fibre), adding valuable natural roughage diversity into our horse's diet to restore and maintain a healthy gut biome.

It should never be just about profit – for sure, a business needs to make a profit but not at the expense of the buyer. We all have the absolute right to be concerned when it comes to our horses suffering the consequences, especially when the doctors and vets are getting a free lunch and a handshake because they’re allianced to a particular pharma company. This just makes it so wrong. I’d like to think that there are many disappointed vets as well - a lazy vet who blithely writes inappropriate and pointless scripts, to keep their fat commissions rolling in, potentially risks the whole veterinary profession’s reputation, and there’s already a catalogue of material out there for that.

Our vet should be worth their weight in gold. God forbid we could be heading to a point where we're having to decide whether we submit our horses to any medical treatment or procedure. Are we entering a new arena – having to make decisions that we would never have had to make previously?

There’s a massive message in all of this, and you don’t need me to spell it out. In the meantime, as far as the future of antibiotics are concerned, who only knows?

Sorry this was all a bit doom and gloom, but I promise to see you on the other side with my next Blog full of smiley cheer ��. I mean, we're just 3-days away from 1st December (December newsletter out soon), the Christmas Lights are up on our high street, and last night as I drove home someone had already put up their twinkly Christmas tree in their front window. What's not to love?!

Sources:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00498-4/fulltext

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/study-links-deprivation-with-risk-of-dying-from-sepsis/

Reversing autoimmune disease

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:58:56 GMT

Autoimmune diseases are a huge problem in our western world.

In humans you’re probably familiar with the most common autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS, IBS, type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, colitis … the list goes on, and there are many more autoimmune diseases that affect the nervous system, joints and muscles, skin, endocrine glands, and heart.

And all due to an overactive immune system attacking parts of its own body that it misidentifies as foreign, causing what’s known as an autoimmune disorder .

Yes it’s Functional Medicine podcast time again, and this week I've been following a training module on the latest strategies to reverse autoimmune disease, and with one heck of a (human) case study in there as well, which I really wanted to share in a Blog so you could see how this could so easily translate to our horses, and ultimately how we can put a programme in place to get our horses better when nothing’s worked previously.

In our horses, autoimmune disease is not so well identified but there are some clear examples and markers, i.e. if an antigen enters through the skin or mucous membranes, typically we’ll see a localised reaction such as unexpected itchy skin, sweet itch, or hives ( urticaria ). Then there’s equine asthma, sometimes called ‘heaves’, thought to occur due to an allergic reaction caused by long-term exposure to allergens such as pollens, mould, or dusty forage, and often connected with poor ventilation.

We can also see syndromes along the lines of muscle disorders, repeated episodes of pneumonia and/or infections, and recurrent abscesses.

So let’s talk about the main causes of autoimmune disease, the conventional medicine approach versus the Functional Medicine (FM) approach, and what you can do to help reverse the course of these devastating illnesses.

So, staying with us humans, how many of us have allergy responses? Are there gluten sensitivities that might be confusing your immune systems? Or could there be toxins like heavy metals or pesticides? What about diet (now there’s my favourite subject ��). And how are we dealing with stressors?

Apart from the gluten, these same allergies could equally relate to our horses, so if you or your horse has an autoimmune syndrome, this blog is for you. We’re going to look at why there’s so much autoimmune disease, what the real causes are, and how to deal with them other than taking eye-wateringly expensive medication that can also have significant side effects. So, let’s get into it.

Staying with human numbers, autoimmune diseases affect around 10% of the global population, with 13% of women and 7% of men said to be affected, and with around 10% of the UK population being affected. If we combine all the autoimmune diseases together, it’s apparently more than those who have cancer, heart disease, or diabetes put together. Which is huge. So how come we don’t hear about it? Because … every separate medical specialty has their own autoimmune disease to look after, and each department keeps it to themselves.

For example, you’ve got the neurologist who looks after MS, and the gastroenterologist who’s got colitis. The endocrinologist looks after Grave’s disease or Hashimoto’s, the rheumatologist has rheumatoid arthritis and the dermatologist’s got psoriasis. And so it goes on; essentially every specialist is ‘siloed’ - an attitude where departments or teams don't share knowledge or collaborate with one another, leading to difficulties in achieving long-term goals. Or in this case, autoimmune disease recovery .

Unlike what we may think, autoimmune disease is not a bunch of different diseases - it may affect us all differently, but there are common principles that address the root causes and get the body healthy again. The frustration is that they’re a consequence of our modern western lifestyle – you simply don’t see this in countries that follow a more traditional way of living, people who still live the way that they’ve always done. No wifi, no pressure, just the simple life living naturally like a shepherd or farmer - check out the Blue Zones on google then tell me you don’t dream of that life!. And guess what - they don’t get autoimmune disease, they don’t get allergies – nothing.

However, here in our Western society it’s all about allergies, asthma, skin disorders et al, so the question has to be, Why ? Deep down we all know the answer but we rarely have time to think about it because it’s basically all due to how we live our lives, based on high-pressure lifestyle choices in our modern, western world.

Interestingly, just as infectious diseases went down back in the mid last century, the rates of people with autoimmune diseases went up, and yes there’s a huge connection here. These days we know what the causes are, even though most regular medical professionals don’t treat the cause, staying with symptom blockers to suppress the inflammation, which will make us feel better in the short term, but won’t actually deal with the problem. A bit like taking morphine with a broken ankle and being able to walk on it. It’ll work, but it’s really not the best plan ��.

It’s not that medications are all bad, but by not addressing the root cause may present more serious consequences such as eventual joint destruction or kidney failure. There is a better way.

We’ll get to the case study, which clearly emphasises the message behind the long-term implications; in this case of a young girl, just 10-years old, who suffered from one of the worst autoimmune conditions seen. And it really really begs the question that if even one case could get better using a different approach than our traditional thinking, shouldn’t our goverment be spending money studying this?

Thing is, it’s unlikely to ever happen because the solution isn’t a pharma drug, and no surprise, one of the biggest profit centres for many of the pharma companies are, you’ve guessed it - autoimmune drugs. We’re looking at around £50k per person per year for these autoimmune meds, so that’s a huge chunk of profit that Big Pharma understandably won’t want to let go of.

What is autoimmunity?

Let’s take a step back and look at what autoimmunity is; what causes it and why should we be so concerned? We know it’s when the immune system is out of control and creates systemic inflammation, and depending on genetics and other various issues there may be, it can also attack different parts of the body. Essentially though, the process is the same as when the body creates antibodies which are normally designed to fight infection, even to kill cancer. It all goes wrong with autoimmunity because these antibodies then do a 180 and attack the body’s own tissues, so basically we have a very confused immune system which creates an ever-increasing runaway inflammation.

The immune system is supposed to step up when we have foreign invaders like an infection, or when we have cancer to kill the cancer, or creating antibodies to varying food sensitivities which can lead to – and here’s a huge connection to our horses - a leaky gut. Our immune system is meant to be our first line of defence, but when it gets muddled, it causes widespread destruction in the body, with the cells, tissues and organs getting caught in the crossfire. What we’re seeing now is an immune disease epidemic that’s being completely misunderstood.

Somewhat worrying, these days in FM world there’s now a trend showing what’s loosely being termed as ‘pre-autoimmune disease’. Around 30% of the people that the FM medics see – and we’re not even talking really sick people; we’re talking regular young people, all reasonably healthy yet whose lab tests are already showing elevated levels of an anti-nuclear antibody , which is an early sign of autoimmune disease. This is alarming for sure, so the question is, why is the body doing this?

A case study

And a quick reminder that how it currently happens is that we’ll get lab tests which concur with the presenting symptoms, and the system stops there. The results are given a named disease, as in “You’ve got X,” so we’ve then got a disease name to blame.

Now meet Isabel, a 10yo girl who had a severe autoimmune disease ‘label’ called dermatomyositis. If you google it you’ll see it’s an “uncommon inflammatory disease marked by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash. The cause of dermatomyositis is unknown. Experts think it may be due to a viral infection of the muscles or a problem with the body's immune system. It may also occur in people who have cancer in the abdomen, lung, or other parts of the body. Anyone can develop this condition.”

Dermatomyositis is nobody’s best friend. Essentially it’s one of the worst autoimmune diseases a human can have. Everything - joints, skin, liver, blood vessels, muscles - gets affected so we’re talking widespread destruction throughout the body. Unfortunately, what Isabel’s previous doctors didn’t say was, “Wow, why is her immune system so p***ed off?” Instead, they gave her a pile of drugs including steroids and – wait for it - cancer drugs to suppress her immune system.

They were then about to put her on an antagonist immune blocker, to basically block the inflammation marker in the blood that’s responsible for a lot of autoimmune diseases, which (fair play) can be helpful. But still, nobody was asking the very simple question as to why she was so inflamed in the first place. By this time her mother had had enough and found a FM doctor. So here’s what he said (quoted directly from the Podcast – yes, that’s me audio typing again ��):

“Now, as I mentioned, Isabel had one of the most severe cases of autoimmune disease I’d ever seen. At 10 years old, she had severe skin rashes. That’s the dermatitis. ‘Itis’ means inflammation. She had every kind of itis. She had vasculitis, which is inflammation of your blood vessels, causing ray nodes. She had gastritis causing inflammation of her oesophageal tract and causing terrible reflux. She had hepatitis affecting her liver. She had inflammation of her blood cells. I don’t even know what to call that, but she had low white count and low red cells. She had severe muscle damage, so she had myositis and very severely elevated muscle enzymes. She had also severe arthritis and joint swelling. So basically everything was under attack.

Now, this cute little girl, just 10 years old, she loved riding horses. But she couldn’t do the most basic things anymore. She couldn’t squeeze her hand or make a fist. Her tips of her fingers and her toes were totally numb all the time from Raynauds disease, which is the damaged blood vessels’ autoimmune condition. She had rashes all over her body that were irritated. She was exhausted. She felt miserable. Her hair was falling out, and she was being treated by doctors who were doing the best they could, but were using the old theory. They were saying, okay, well she’s got inflammation so let’s get that under control, so they give her a huge dose of steroids, Solumedrol (a corticosteroid hormone – we know it as Prednisolone) at essentially a horse dose of 1200mg intravenously, and intravenous steroids every three weeks just so she could sort of be able to function.

She was also on Methotrexate, which is a chemo drug to depress immunity. Also Aspirin to thin her blood because the inflammation caused her blood to clot. She was on acid blockers because of the reflux from her stomach. She was on calcium channel blockers to help open up her blood vessels because of her ray nodes, I mean literally, she was on more drugs than you see 80-year olds and beyond on.

And despite these mega doses of medications, she wasn’t better. I mean, she was managed, you call it managing her disease, yet her labs were all abnormal. Her skin was still inflamed, her joints were shot. She should have been in hospital basically. And her doctors wanted to add another drug called the TNF alpha blocker. Basically this drug can be helpful if you don’t have anything else to fix the problem and turn off the inflammation, but it increases the risk of cancer and also infections because it suppresses the immune system. So that’s a problem.

So I asked some questions. I didn’t ask “What’s the inflammation”, but “What’s the cause?” Not what’s the name of her disease, but what’s the cause of her disease? What’s making her immune system so sick? I always say FM is the medicine of ‘why’ medicine, conventional medicine is more the medicine of ‘what disease do you have and what drug do I give’? Never ‘why’. Just because you know the name of your disease, it doesn’t always mean that’s what’s wrong with you. And here, just because the name of Isobel’s disease is dermatomyositis, it doesn’t mean we know what’s wrong or what’s causing it. Dermatomyositis just means skin and muscle inflammation. Those are the two most prominent symptoms. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s just a fancy medical word describing the symptoms. So FM gives us a map to help understand why.

So when we look at the causes, how do we start to think about causes systematically? How do we have a organised approach to diagnosis about what is causing the body to react to something? What we do know is that the body’s not really attacking itself on purpose. It’s trying to do the job that it’s supposed to do, which is fight bad things, right? Allergens, bugs, microbes, and mostly imbalances in your gut or your microbiome. We’ll get to that.

Toxins and also stress and poor diet also drive inflammation, psychological stress, physical stresses. But basically there are just five causes of almost all disease allergens. And that can be a food sensitivity, it can be a true allergen like peanut allergy, it can be microbes, it can be something like Lyme disease or hepatitis, plus it can be just dysbiosis imbalances in the gut. It can be toxins, petrochemical toxins, environmental toxins from pesticides, herbicides, plastics, as well as heavy metal toxins, flame retardants. I mean the list goes on and on down the road.

In fact, there’s a whole school of research now on environmental toxins that trigger an autoimmune response, so all these factors need to be investigated. We need to look at each person and say, do they have any allergy stuff? Is there gluten sensitivity? Are they harbouring latent infections that might be confusing their immune system? Or do they have a toxin like heavy metals or pesticides? What’s their diet - are they eating an inflammatory diet? How much stress do they have? All these things need to be considered and need to be investigated, so you can figure out the cause. If you want to fix autoimmune disease, you got to get to the cause. And unfortunately in medicine, we don’t do a good job at that. We get a little bit of it right, but not much, right?

I’d never seen a case of dermatomyositis in my life other than in traditional medicine care when I was in residency and early practice. But as a FM doctor I knew exactly what to do because I followed the FM methodology to provide the fundamentally different way of solving medical problems, getting to the root of the illness and understanding the disturbances that really are going on.

So let’s talk about Isabel a little bit more. She was seeing good doctors and their response was “let’s shut down this kid’s immune system”. Let’s just throw the whole kitchen sink, the whole barn, everything, at it. She might’ve had improvements in her symptoms, but she would’ve been a high risk for cancer, infection, osteoporosis, muscle issues, weight issues, psychiatric illnesses. And by the way, it would’ve cost a huge amount of money forever, right? This is a 10-year old girl. She’s going to be on drugs that costs £50-grand a year for the next 60 years. And that’s just one person. Not acceptable.

So I started with simple questions with Isabel, not focusing on the name of her disease. I wanted to know why her inflammation started, how we could find the root causes and how we get to restore balance in her immune system. So some insults usually are triggering some confusion. We call it molecular mimicry. There’s a theory of immunity called molecular mimicry that, for example, some food you’re eating or gluten somehow confuses your immune system and it thinks your thyroid is some foreign object, but it’s just reacting with the gluten antibodies, and that’s why you end up with autoimmune disease.

So I was looking for toxins or looking for allergens or for bugs for dysbiosis. And by the way, a lot of autoimmune disease starts in the gut, and a lot of it starts with leaky gut, which clearly she had. So when I did her history, she had exposure to severe toxic mould in her house. And her mother also worked in limestone pits when she was pregnant, and she was exposed to a lot of toxins and fluoride, heavy metals. And she also had her immunisations before 1999 and before this, Thimerasol hadn’t been removed from childhood vaccines, so they were getting mercury in the vaccines until they said, ohoh wait a minute (it’s since been removed from child immunisations). So that’s a lot of mercury that we’re never going to get out. And if you’re also getting multi-dose flu shots you get Thimerasol, and she was getting flu shots every year.

And she also loved to eat sushi which she ate regularly, adding more mercury. She also had a diet that was very high in sugar, with lots of dairy. She also had many infections during her life, ear infections, sore throats, because remember she was on a lot of immunosuppressive drugs as well as the steroids which also cause problems. And she had lots of antibiotics, so that’s real damage to the gut. So mould, mercury, antibiotics, sugar, dairy, gluten, junk food, all were potential irritants.

So then I looked at her conventional lab tests pretty carefully, and there were high levels of CPK muscle enzymes. Her liver function tests were off the chart. She had many autoimmune antibodies that were not just slightly high, they were off the chart high, like the highest I’ve ever seen. Anti-nuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor antibodies, anti-double stranded DNA, anti-RNP antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, a lot of big mumbo jumbo medical terms. But basically the whole soup of autoimmune antibodies were just off the chart with her. And by the way, most autoimmune specialists do not check antibodies after the initial check because they don’t ever go back to normal because they don’t get rid of the cause. And we saw that with Isabel.

So she had a lot of other problems, lots of elevations in other markers of inflammation, her white count was really low, her red cells were low, her vitamin D was severely low. She had really high antibodies to gluten, which by the way is a common cause of autoimmune disease, probably the most common and can trigger a significant inflammation and leaky gut, her mercury level was off the chart at level 33. Normal is less than 3, so it was very high.

That first visit I simply didn’t do too much. I just put her on an anti-inflammatory elimination diet, so no gluten, no dairy, no sugar, no processed foods, to get rid of the most common allergens. I gave her a multivitamin. I got her on vitamin D. I gave her some B12 and folate because of the acid blockers, and anti-inflammatory evening primrose oil. So I kind of gave her some basic nutritional support and I also gave her an antifungal to treat yeast overgrowth in her gut which I suspect that she had due to the multiple courses of antibiotics. Also liver support with N Acetyl Cysteine to boost her glutathione.

And I told her parents probably over time, she’d be fine, and meanwhile to come back two months later. Have to say I didn’t know what to expect because there was still the acid blocker, the calcium channel blocker and the steroids to wean out.

So she came back and she said her symptoms were completely gone. Her rash was gone, her joint pain was gone, her hair was growing back, her muscles weren’t hurting. Her autoimmune markers were much, much better. Her muscle enzymes, her liver function, her C-reactive protein, all normal. Now this is just two months. Then I added probiotics to help her digestive system heal a little bit and reduce the gut inflammation, and got her on an accumulating drug called DMFA to combine the metals from her tissues and help get off the Prednisolone.

I also gave her some herbs to help her adrenal glands to counter all those steroids and she tapered those down. A few months later, everything was normal. All of her lab tests were normal, including her white count, her liver function, her muscle enzymes, the autoimmune antibodies, you never see that, right? Her mercury came down from 33 to 16. After 11 months, her mercury was down to 11. Her gut inflammation was gone.

After a year, she was off all her medications. Her labs were normal. She felt great. She was able to ride horses again, and she was just so excited. I checked in with her many years later and she was still doing great, she was still fine. We fixed the problem.”

To conclude

So there we have it. Get rid of the cause, fortify the diet, and stuff won’t come back - simples. And you probably won’t be surprised to hear that Isabel’s case isn’t rare, which makes it all the more important that there really should be a major effort from the government to fund research along these lines, but currently everyone’s stuck in their silos, practicing their own specialties and keeping it all unconnected. Our medical system still isn’t looking at the body as a whole system, despite cures like Isabel’s being achievable.

And so to the simple, yet so important, steps to think about to reverse autoimmune disease, and it really couldn’t be easier. And this is where we can translate it to our horses who are day-in day-out fed the same C.R.A.P. diet (Carbs, refined, artificial and processed) from shiny bags, turned out on the same small, spoilt, acidic paddock each day, fed haylage, given annual jabs and toxic wormers, and often stabled in winter alongside damp and stable moulds etc etc.

Alleviate . There's going to be pain, and it's very likely there's going to be stress, so these need alleviating.
Detox and eliminate . We’ve got to get rid of the bad stuff, and you have to find it all. In Isabel’s case it was mould, mercury and heavy metals, with yeast in her gut alongside a processed-food diet and gluten. When it comes to our horses there are other factors - parasites and Lyme disease has been linked to autoimmune disease. You really need to think outside the box and get your detective hat on - check for environmental chemicals, i.e. crop-spraying, but what’s really important is to fix that leaky gut and get rid of the toxins, bad bacteria and parasites circulating in the bloodstream.
Fortify . Now add in good stuff for good health - whole foods and nutrients. Eliminate pro-inflammatory gut-damaging processed, refined, artificial foods, and fortify the diet with prebiotics and nutrients for gut lining healing. Vitamin D is essential for autoimmune disease prevention; it’s apparently well known that there are low levels of vitamin D in MS sufferers, so vitamin D (for our horses that means rugs off for skin exposure), omega-3 oil (micronized linseed for our horses), vitamin C (our horses produce this via the liver), prebiotics - see our Gut System page, and there’s a wonderful selection of anti-inflammatory herbs to take, curcumin for one.

For us humans who have an autoimmune disease, I really encourage you to find a FM doctor and work with them. Get your labs done to see if you have pre-autoimmune disease, hidden infections or other markers. Of course a horse can’t do this so we have to think outside the box, but when I say hidden infections, we’re talking our old friend, dysbiosis - imbalances in the gut flora and where, lest we forget, at least 70% of our horse’s immune cells are created and housed. Interestingly, vets actually call leaky gut an ‘infection in the gut’ then prescribe antibiotics. Hmm …

I’ll end with a final thought, and that’s to always question the traditional view of autoimmune disease as it's so important to connect all the dots. You won't be surprised to know how many client enquiries I get from desperately worried owners whose insurance is maxed out and nothing's worked for years and years.

If we take ownership by digging deep and figure out the cause, then the rest is straightforward - it's all about following follow the Alleviate, Detox and Fortify protocol.

"The only way to fix your horse is to help them return to their natural state."

Juliet Getty, Getty Nutrition

As always, just a reminder that this blog is for educational purposes only, and opinions are my own. It’s not a substitute for professional care by a qualified medical professional.

The Gut:Brain connection

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 06:34:41 GMT

Healthy digestion is about more than eating healthily and making sure things are moving smoothly

For starters, more than 70% of the immune system’s cells are located in the gut.

And then there are certain microbial neurotransmitters, including serotonin for one, which is also produced in the gut, which as we all know is associated with mood, but is also directly connected to gut function.

And what about those ‘gut feelings’ we all get? There’s more to them than we think as well! There's no mistaking the power of a gut feeling, and horses are experts at them!

But it’s even bigger than this – the gut and brain are actually connected. That gut feel we experience is the brain telling the body how to feel or what to react to, and it goes the other way too, all courtesy of the gut microbiome – those clever multi-trillions of gut bacteria speak directly to the brain, and brain fog is one such message that they send.

How? Introducing the gut-brain axis . The gut and brain are indelibly connected and in constant communication with each other, and this back-and-forth chit-chat is what’s known as the gut-brain axis, with the main communication channel between the two being the vagus nerve , with the entire gut enmeshed in nerve cells that are gathered up into the vagus nerve that travels to the brain.

The vagus nerve is the main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system - this is what controls the body's ability to relax, also known as the ‘rest and digest’ state. Its partner is the sympathetic nervous system which control's the body's fight/flight response, which let’s face it, we’ve all seen on more than several occasions from our horses, i.e. that pheasant flapping suddenly out of the bushes. You’ve also no doubt seen your horse suddenly lift his tail and evacuate a very urgent, and often squitty poo if they’re suddenly panicked - if you yourself have ever had to run to the loo when you’ve had a momentary scare, you’ll know what I mean ��.

This is because as well as neurotransmitters, hormones are also involved in the gut-brain communications. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis controls the stress response, so when that pheasant suddenly flaps (back in the day it was more likely a sabre-toothed tiger or a wild boar – to this day my Murf is terrified of anything porcine), it produces hormones that stimulate the neighbouring pituitary gland, which then triggers the adrenal glands to produce our old friend cortisol - the stress hormone.

Cortisol acts as a threat warning and ramps up glucose production, supplying the energy needed to escape the ‘predator’. For the record, this is the same hormonal circuit that trainers exploit for racing ☹.

Cue the fight/flight response (as in that nervous poo), and it happens in a nano-second, often well before we’ve even seen the threat. Brain says ‘Yikes!’, pituitary sends an instant message to the adrenals saying ‘Over to you!’, so the adrenaline hormone is pumped out to focus on surviving the threat, while cortisol , the stress hormone, instantly releases extra glucose so horse can Run Fast Now!, while switching off other stuff that uses up of energy, so the horse doesn’t have to worry about anything other than the Run Fast Now! thing.

And ... one of those energy sapping areas it turns off is … digestion, twinned with a command to ‘Empty the bowels right now so we can focus on Running Fast Right Now!.’ Because let’s face it, we don’t want to have to stop for a polite poo behind a bush when a tiger’s on our tail …

Thing is, cortisol also floods the body with acid, so if the tiger bites we don’t taste so good to him, plus it inhibits the immune system; by redirecting the energy to the heart, lungs and muscles to Run Fast Now!, it comes at the expense of the immune system. From an evolutionary point of view, the trade-off makes sense - first escape the predator and worry about infections later.

Once said pheasant has flapped off, what should then happen is that the cortisol will message the HPA to say all's fine again so let’s return to normal – the calm after the storm. However, if we’re dealing with continued ongoing stress, that cortisol production will stay switched on which then causes anxiety and diminishes the brain’s function (particularly in storing memories). And just for fun, the body stays flooded with acid which feels horrible.

To make matters worse, ongoing stress can also induce the release of norepinephrine , which promotes the growth of pathogenic bacteria including Campylobacter jejuni , Listeria , Helicobacter pylori and Salmonella . Cue the increased risk of leaky gut , leading to infection and further compounding the situation.

Understandably, the vagus nerve is pretty busy - it manages numerous bodily functions including mood control, immune response, digestion, respiratory and heart rate, as well as certain reflex actions such as coughing, swallowing, and for us humans sneezing and vomiting. So it’s not hard to see that an overload of stress on the vagus nerve can impact both the gut and brain, and it’s a no-brainer that looking after the beneficial bacteria in the gut will improve mood and brain health.

So, the gut-brain axis allows the gut to influence the brain and vice versa, and with microbial neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine) allowing certain microbes to communicate directly with the brain via the vagus nerve, managing stressors to ensure your horse has a healthy happy gut biome means healthy communication, which is key in making sure everything runs smoothly. A balanced microbiota can tolerate moderate amounts of stress; however, excessive stress can lead to a leaky gut, which over time can result in systemic inflammation.

How we feed our horses and look after their digestive system plays a huge role in gut, and thus brain, health. The overall health of their gut will completely influence how they feel and how they respond to stress, never mind how their immune function may also be impacted.

Overall, there’s no denying that the gut-brain axis is a powerful connection and feeding our horse as they should be fed, alongside foods high in prebiotic fibres to optimise the health of the hindgut's microbiota, will help maintain both a healthy digestive tract and brain function.

How stress derails the gut-brain connection, and a small mention about SIBO

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 08:20:06 GMT

I heard a great phrase the other day - 'Silo mentality'.

- An attitude within an organization where departments or teams don't share knowledge or collaborate with one another, leading to difficulties in achieving long-term goals.

I heard it during a recent IFM podcast, when the GP said that " traditional western medicine is based on a 'silo'd approach' to treating disease and dysfunction ." I hadn't a clue what it meant so went and looked it up, and then it made a whole lot of sense to me.

What it means is that apart from other organisations, certainly under our conventional medicine system, if you’re having gut issues, you’ll likely see a gastroenterologist. If you’re having issues with your joints, you might see an orthopaedic specialist or a rheumatologist . And if you’re having trouble with your ability to focus or concentrate, your GP might send you to a neurologist . (If you can even get an appointment these days ... whoops - shouldn't have said that should I ...).

What this all basically means is that in essence, every specialist has been taught to stay in their own lane.

While this may seem like a good idea on paper, an unintended consequence of these silo'd specialialties is that the conventional medical community usually focuses on dealing with presenting symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of disease, which may involve other parts of the body. How come? Because, while the body comprises many systems and organs, they're all interconnected in a thousand different ways. And if you're not looking at these interconnections, you’re going to be missing a lot of information, as well as missing the opportunity of connecting the dots.

Instead of seeing specialist after specialist in an unconnected series of doctor’s visits, the IFM asks the question, “What if all of these symptoms are related or linked together by a common cause?”

A perfect example of this is the relationship between stress, the gut, and the brain.

How stress derails the gut-brain connection

If you look at the leading causes of death in us humans, it's unlikely that you'll find chronic stress listed among them. However, the reality is that long-term stress can, and does, drive all sorts of disease and dysfunction, much of it directed at the gut-brain connection.

Stress disrupts the communication between the brain and the gut ( microbiome ), leading to increased pain, bloating, and discomfort. However, the gut’s bacteria also influence the brain’s health and emotions, hence why these days the gut biome is often referred to as the body’s ' second brain' because of the amount of communication going on between it and the actual brain.

Additionally, chronic stress affects eating habits, switches off digestion, and radically affects bowel function. It weakens the intestinal barrier, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream ( leaky gut ) and causes truly chronic symptoms. For our horses, chronic hindgut disorders are particularly affected by stress due to heightened sensitivity, changes in the gut biota, digestion and peristaltis speed, and weakening immune responses.

Long and short, it doesn’t take a medical degree to understand that the cumulative effects of chronic stress aren't good for the gut or the brain, leading to an unwelcome cycle of disease and dysfunction.

A (human) case study featuring SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

This real-life example really emphasises the effect of stress on the gut-brain connection involving small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO is a phenomenon where unfriendly gut microbes grow in the small intestine, turning it into an acidic environment when normally it should always be sterile. This can lead to issues like bloating and a distended stomach - it’s said that people with SIBO may feel like they have a 'food baby' after they eat or that it doesn’t feel like they've 'fully evacuated' (to put it politely) when they have a bowel movement.

A quick digress back to our horses, and we all know these days that it's the hindgut region/colon which is the deciding point as to whether we have a healthy horse or not. Those friendly hindgut fibre-fermenting microbes, as in the biome that reside in the colon, normally live perfectly happily, fermenting all the lovely fibre from the grass forage that our horse has eaten. However, if that delicate balance between friendly v. unfriendly microbes becomes disrupted, triggering a rapid overpopulation and colonisation of the unfriendly acid-forming microorganisms, this forces a drop in the pH level, creating an acidic environment known as hindgut acidosis. Cue the domino-effect of dysbiosis in the large intestine/hindgut, which if left unattended can lead to SIBO - small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Hang on - small intestine, I hear you ask? 'Fraid so. What happens is that some of those unfriendly acidic bugs from the hindgut find their way back up into the small intestine, which isn't good at all because as said earlier, the small intestine is meant to be mostly sterile (minus a small amount of beneficial bacteria) and needs to remain that way at a neutral, non-acidic, pH. If the bad bacteria move in and take over, they'll start 'fermenting' the digesta in the small intestine, i.e. the sugars, starches and proteins, which isn't how these nutrients should be digested - they're broken down by digestive enzymes, so if this starts to happen we're in trouble. In humans this is what causes IBS.

However, SIBO can lead to a number of other seemingly non-gut-related problems as well. People dealing with this issue can experience fatigue, anxiety, and even depression. And while there can be a number of causes of SIBO, stress also plays a major role. This means, ironically, that stress can cause SIBO, which in turn can cause the body to become even more stressed!

The podcast illustrated how bad the effects of SIBO can be, with one of the well-know IFM GPs citing a recent case where he saw a patient suffering from vestibular migraines , which is essentially the migraine from hell. By the time she got to him, she’d seen close to 45 doctors and was rattling from being on all kinds of pharma meds, but nothing was working.

He investigated her situation further and discovered that she was also feeling bloated all the time and her belly was distended - classic signs of SIBO. She had also gained a chunk of unwelcome weight, she was deeply depressed, and she was experiencing terrifying anxiety attacks that at times were driving her to feeling suicidal.

Instead of focusing on just the symptoms – the migraines, depression and anxiety, he looked to what he thought was the root of the problem - SIBO. And cut a long one short, he helped her clean up her gut, removed all the gut-damaging inflammatory foods from her diet, and gave her gut a detox which included antifungals to kill off the bad bugs.

Six weeks later, she looked - and felt - like a different person. Not only had all the inflammation gone out of her body, but she had also lost 10-kilos. Her gut was back to normal and apparently to date she hasn’t had a migraine since. A classic example of the gut:brain:stress connection, when malfunctioning due to stress can lead to symptoms that reinforce themselves which may not seem related to the gut at all.

Pulling this all together, and whether human or horse, there are lots of positive changes we can make:

Prioritize exercise and rest - this is the foundation of a healthy life. You simply can’t deal with stress well when you’re treating the body like junk. Consistent exercise, even gentle, and quality rest can drastically lower stress levels over time.
Remove gut-busters from the diet. A rubbish C.R.A.P. diet (carbs, refined, artificial, processed) is a major contributing factor to issues like SIBO, so get them gone. For our horses, we know they’re evolved to eat only grass forage, so if a feedbowl isn’t made from grass, don’t feed it - simples ��. Oh, and avoid haylage . For us humans, try eliminating known inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, soy, and anything that contains sugar, caffeine, or alcohol.

In addition, consider reducing or eliminating non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), unnecessary antibiotics and steroids, as well as the dreaded acid blockers .

Environmental toxins , many of which we can’t do much about. We’re bombarded with toxic materials from every front, and once in the body – and be assured they’re going to come in – they're stored in tissues and cells, right down at molecular level throughout the body, and they'll affect every one of the body’s systems, including the ones that life depends on - immune, digestive, nervous and circulatory. Either way, a regular detox will go a long way to help.

Add in biome-builders . The best way to promote a healthy gut is with gut-supporting foods that the friendly gut bugs love.

For our horses it’s about supporting a healthy intestinal tract environment for the beneficial microbiome biota with what's commonly known as the 'oily herbs' - see our BiomeTonic . Also, add valuable and natural prebiotic roughage diversity into their diet, i.e. roots, barks, berries, moss, leaves, nuts, flowers etc., to get variety and essential nutrients into their diets to support their metabolism - see our WildFed .

For humans there’s so much more we can do:
aim for at least 25g of fibre/day,
eat an abundance of polyphenol-rich veggies – look to fill your plate ¾-full with non-starchy veg,
include plenty of prebiotic foods such as Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, onions, leeks, dandelion greens, asparagus,
include plenty of probiotic foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, fermented soy, unsweetened yogurt or kefir, and miso.

These days we’re learning more and more about how the gut and brain communicate, and how stress can impact this relationship. While I know we’re covering just the tip of the iceberg here, the takeaway message is that it’s really easy to take some basic steps towards healthier living for both us and our beloved Ned's ��.

Why we should feed hay all year round

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 13:38:21 GMT

Once upon a time we had what turned out to be a very short stay at a (conventional stylie) BHS-Approved livery yard.

Why so short? It was mainly due to two particular issues (sadly many others but these were the main two) which made me literally lose valuable sleep and send my BP over the edge. First up, when I originally went to view I naturally asked about turnout rules, and was told that if there was prolonged heavy rain, the horses may be kept in for a day or two. Fair cop, I thought, and as the rest looked quite nice, we signed up.

Well, as it happens, the day we moved the horses they were then immediately on rain lockdown for Nine.Weeks.Solid. T’was only then that the other liveries explained that the YO’s husband (a former cattle farmer) insisted that the ground have at least 3 clear days to dry out before the horses could go back out, so we’d bite our nails to the quick watching two sunny days go by, while horses stayed locked up in their stables, only for it to rain again on day 3 and we were back to square one.

(As it turns out, we were lucky with just 9-weeks. Another livery told us that when she moved in 6-years previously, her horse was then on 5-month’s solid rain lockdown! And yet oddly she was still happy to be there , which I really struggled to get my head round ...)

Needless to say I was in bits over this, waking each night worrying myself sick for our horses’ sanity, never mind my own which was slowly crumbling. Interestingly, they seemed to cope a whole lot better than I was, although in fairness I had them on our StressTonic for the whole time …

Finally, the sun broke through, a May heatwave hit, and the horses were allowed out. And then came the final punch in the face. The farmer was clearly more pro-cow than pro-horse, and he didn’t like the horses’ tiny individual paddocks to look untidy. And for what turned out to be our final 3-weeks, the heatwave shrivelled all the grass to crispy, so naturally I put out adlib hay for our horses.

Until one day, when husband did our horses’ evening shift by himself, and the farmer cornered him and told him to stop putting hay out because, and I quote, “Your horses are old, they don’t do any exercise, therefore they don’t need to be fed. ”

Well.

I think I’ll just give you take a second or two to let one that sink in …

The next day, hoping to get this sorted, I knocked on said farmer’s door (his YO wife was away for the weekend) and tried to politely point out we had to put hay out because with this heatwave there was absolutely no grass, and I was really happy to pay more for extra hay, and that unlike a cow the equine hindgut very much needs fibre going through it on a constant trickle basis because of the 24/7 acid production, plus the hindgut fibre fermenters needed to work 24/7 otherwise they'd die and that makes horses really sick etc etc, blablabla …

No surprise, he wasn’t having any of it. He steam-roller’d over me saying he didn’t like ‘the mess’ we were making with the hay, while flatly telling me, and again I quote, “I know exactly how all farm animals should be fed”.

Hmm. So our horses were nothing more than livestock eh? As I headed off to the naughty step, I was acutely aware that I’d just been shot down in flames by an equine-clueless running an equine livery, and he’d just tried to make me feel that I should be grateful to be there …

Takes all sorts to make a world I guess. Needless to say we were gone in 48-hours.

And so to the real world

FACT - Rationing hay risks compromising a horse’s health.

But why? Surely if a horse consumes fewer calories, it might help them lose some extra summer weight? After all, this is how it works for us humans …

But, it’s not just about calories – food is functional; it’s about the information and instructions that the food/fuel gives to the body, and while we're at it, a horse is not a cow, nor a human. Evolution designed the horse to be fundamentally different to us all, and not just because they can run much faster or cope with a whole lot less sleep - their digestive system also differs fundamentally from ours.

Biologically speaking, us humans are omnivores (food sourced from both plants and animals), and over millenia we’ve adapted to obtain our nutrients and energy primarily via the small intestine because for starters, we’re designed to consume much higher protein levels from meat/dairy (okay, hands up to those vegan/veggies out there) which have a significantly higher energy density than sugars. Proteins generally come in at 1.5 times sugar energy, with fats twice as much, never mind our higher carb ratios as well.

And due to the higher energy and nutrient content in our human food, we only need to consume small amounts of it per day to meet our needs. Imagine if we hit the sofa and trickle-fed ourselves with our nutrient-rich high energy food all day long with no breaks … yikes! ��

Meanwhile the horse has evolved completely differently to a diet of low sugar/ high fibre - being herbivores they’ve not adapted to food with such a high energy and nutrient density as us. Over millenia horses have primarily thrived in harsh landscapes (i.e. tundra, steppe, desert) where many other species can’t, simply due to the lack of easily digestible food sources.

So, our clever horses have very successfully evolved by developing a hindgut that generates the energy they need from plant fibres, with the help of special cellulose-loving microbes that happily colonise themselves in the large intestine. They can convert the leanest food source - plant fibre - into their own energy source in their hindgut, which our human gut can’t do. For us, plant fibre acts as exactly that - fibre , vital for peristalsis motility and as prebiotic food for our colon biome, but absolutely not as an energy source.

So what’s this cellulose stuff all about?

Cellulose is found in the stems of long grass (hay), and is basically a complex chain link of a type of sugar molecule, but this complexity makes it difficult to digest. Compared to the molecular energy density of other nutrients, i.e. fats and proteins, cellulose contains the lowest energy value. And because it’s so difficult to break down, this means a horse has to eat huge amounts of cellulose fibre to obtain enough energy from it, and they can only do this if they eat stemmy grass continuously .

We all know a horse needs 2-3% of their bodyweight in grass forage to meet their energy needs, so for a 500kg horse we’re talking 10-15kg per day, and … the less nutritious the forage, the more of it needs to be eaten. And remember, a horse is an almighty big animal, yet they have a really small stomach, so they can’t absorb large quantities in one go, hence the trickle-feeding technique. Their stomach should be constantly full, unlike a typical predator like us, or a dog/cat, where we tend to overstuff then have a long break for digestion and a snooze.

Then there's the issue of stomach acid, and again we’re completely different. A horse’s stomach constantly produces hydrochloric acid , which is continually absorbed into the continually eaten food and buffered by bicarb-containing (acid soothing) saliva.

Emphasis on ‘ constantly produced ’ - whether the horse's stomach is empty or not, the acid keeps on coming , hence why it’s so detrimental for a horse to run out of grass forage. Cue squamous stomach ulcers developing as the acid burns both the oesophageal and intestinal mucosa.

Again this is the complete opposite of us predators – when our stomachs are empty, our acid production stops .

And so, after the stomach-acid wash, the food digesta heads into the small intestine where the expected low amounts of sugars, starch, fat and protein nutrients from the grass forage are assimilated and absorbed into the bloodstream, ready to be utilised as either metabolic energy suppliers or building materials.

Another emphasis - note ‘ low amounts ’ of these nutrients. Remember, the horse’s gut is evolved to eat low-nutrient grass forage. However, these days we have a tendency to overstuff our horses from shiny feedbags full of inappropriate sugary carbs and bulking fillers , plus sloshes of liquid oil , unnecessary higher protein forages, i.e alfalfa , and way too many sugary treats.

Result? The digestion process goes into meltdown because the equine gut simply hasn’t adapted to process such large amounts of these nutrients. And if any of these manage to get into the hindgut due to overload, we’re instantly risking upsetting the hindgut biome balance, triggering acidosis/dysbiosis/leaky gut/faecal water, as well as IR, kidney overload, obesity, laminitis, colic …

(A Top Tip re those shiny feedbags. Remembering that a horse is nothing more, and nothing less, than a hindgut grass-forage fibre-fermenter, if ever you’re stuck as to what feedbag to feed from, or not, simply ask yourself – is it made from grass? Check the ingredients, and if it’s not, don’t feed it. Simples. �� )

Now to the most important organ in the horse’s gut system - the large intestine, aka the hindgut, and its microbiome

So, after those potentially hindgut-biome-harming nutrients have all been dealt with in the small intestine, the friendly hindgut fibre-fermenters will now merrily get stuck into the plant fibres, and this is where the magic happens because ... This creates a whole load of extra vital nutrient metabolites that the horse can absorb and utilise as energy, such as the volatile fatty acids - butyrate , acetate and proprionate , along with certain amino acids and the B-vitamins 6 and 12 in their necessary activated form. (See our KPU page as to why activated B6 is so vital for the liver’s biotransformation process).

But – now to the bad news. If there isn’t enough fibre going through the hindgut, these vital fibre-fermenters will starve, then die , each releasing a harmful endotoxin which puts a huge extra burden on the liver which is now trying to biotransform them all, and all the more so if it’s no longer getting its vital B6 from the hindgut's metabolite production. Meanwhile, the remaining microbes will begin to eat away at the protective layer of the intestinal mucosa because they’re still starving, so we’re now talking inflammation of the gut wall which can further risk the leaky gut/faecal water syndrome.

Then there’s the psychological stress effect

FACT - If a horse is hungry/starved, they get seriously stressed.

For the hungry wild horse, a weakened horse is easy prey. For the domestic stabled horse who isn’t given enough hay to last the night and has no opportunity to go in search of more, they’ll likely develop those well-known stable habits, i.e. weaving, wind-sucking, cribbing, box-walking et al. Remember, if there’s no food available the stomach acid will burn their oesophageal and intestinal mucosa so they’ll very quickly become very uncomfortable, and hugely anxious with it. This leads to the release of the stress hormone, cortisol , which will stay switched on until you change your feed management and the gut eventually heals, which could take weeks if not longer.

This is a not a situation you want to prolong, as cortisol isn’t necessarily a friendly hormone; it’s fine for a perceived short-term threat because it has a vital protective job to do, but for a prolonged state of anxiety it not only permanently floods the body with acid, making the peripheral limbs feel like they’re on fire, but it also switches off several vital metabolic functions (including digestion!), while suppressing immunity and increasing blood glucose levels, which means more insulin will be released to counter this.

Not great for the already diagnosed IR/EMS horse when the vet says to reduce feed intake to below 1.5% bodyweight, as this can precipitate Hyperlipidemia . This is potentially life threatening, so we should never, ever , starve the weight off an IR/EMS horse. (See our EMS page for the full story).

Staying with our IR/EMS horses ... Reminder - a horse’s digestive tract has adapted to a constant supply of low-nutrient, cellulose fibre-rich forage. But back in the 1950s/60s along came intensive farming, its progressive high-performance agriculture systems dramatically changing agri-crop production forever. Where once pastures were a diverse range of beautiful, natural, wild meadow grasslands waving in the breeze, today we’re more likely to have uber-rich neon-green grass species genetically modified for cows (to produce high milk and meat yields), and grown in historically chemically-soaked soil. Absolutely not suitable for horses to feed on. If you’re interested we’ve got this all covered in our And so began the world as we know it chapter on the website.

Of course our horses are going to want to eat this dayglo-green grass because it’s like sugar lollies on tap (worse, a grass ‘blade’ has no fibre in it whatsoever, because it hasn’t had time to grow its stem yet, which is where the vital cellulose fibre sits).

And herein lies the problem that you don’t need me to tell you about – the equine metabolism simply isn’t designed to process such nutrient-rich high-sugar grass designed for cows.

So what to do?

First up, stop all refined, processed, nutrient-rich (small intestine digestible) feed . Seriously. Dump all those shiny brands promising allsorts with an ingredient list of weird stuff as long as your arm , and switch to a basic, simple, soaked grass-forage-only cob, nut, or dampened short-cut grass-fibre chaff. This is all you need as your base feedbowl carrier to add in the supplements needed to balance their diet, i.e. a mineral balancer . And just one feedbowl a day is all that’s needed - just because we eat three meals a day doesn’t mean our horse has to. ��
Now to adlib access to hay , if necessary via small-holed slow-feeder hay nets (makes a whole lot less mess - our Murphy spreads it around, walks all over it, poos on it, then gets the mixer blender out), whether turned out or stabled, and spread out so the horse has to move between them.
Top tip – don’t feed straw! Straw is not a substitute for hay - it can lead to constipation colic and more, and should only ever be offered in small rations mixed in with hay, if at all. Straw isn’t necessarily safe from a sugar and starch standpoint either - sugar levels as high as 6.2% have been reported and starch up to 4.3%; straws with a large amount of grain left in the seed heads will be even higher. Again covered on the website in our Straw page.

To conclude

Long and short, if there’s no grass, or if your horse is on skid-row grazing, or if/when stabled, it’s a given that not making enough hay available at all times is counterproductive and not in the best interests of a horse’s welfare. Certainly for the IR/EMS horse, grass access should always be restricted and hay should be permanently available 24/7.

Apart from anything, it’s vital that the horse can trickle-feed on grass-forage fibre, to prevent any acid splash onto the fragile gut mucosa due to an empty stomach, and for the hindgut microbes to have a constant supply of fibre to digest, so they can do their job round the clock.

In return, these fabulous friendly bugs will reward you and your horse with equally fabulous nutrient metabolites which will see beloved Ned thrive with boundless health, instead of causing massive stress, depression, aggression, stable vices, stomach ulcers, immune deficiency, IR, laminitis, colic, and hindgut acidosis/dysbiosis, leading to leaky gut and faecal water syndrome.

I’ll end with a final comment from that farmer who implied that I didn’t know how to feed my horses. I’ll quickly add here that I always keep quiet about my job on livery yards, as it’s my special private time with my horses and I’m not there to ‘work’ – yes I’ve had queues in the past. Plus if my secret's out the uber-conventionals tend to become my personal lynching mob, thinking I’m akin to a medieval witch and should be drowned in the village ducking pond – I’ve had to leave yards because of the, er, shall we say, unfriendliness?! It's much better for me just to keep quiet, stay private, and turn a blind eye (which sad to say can sometimes be really hard ...).

So in fairness, this farmer had no idea of my training, so I'll give him that. He finished his rant at me requesting that I start to weigh my hay like the other liveries there. Thing is, just about all bar two of the other liveries on that yard were under vet supervision, which, as no doubt they were following his rules (or didn't dare not), explained a lot.

Anyway, nuff said. As a courtesy I emailed the farmer’s wife to let her know that on the grounds of what her husband had said, together with his surprising lack of knowledge of the very animal that he was responsible for hosting, this made it untenable for us to stay. Not unsurprisingly she didn’t bother replying …

Thankfully, these days the world of equine livery has significantly Moved On from the BHS days – it’s wonderful to see the huge number of track systems opening up, and growing! I'm now so lucky to be on an amazing livery yard where the equally amazing team can’t do enough for their clients. I’m genuinely so happy to be there, if still getting used to it – I’ve never been on a livery yard where first up there's even a team on hand, never mind that they're so friendly, knowledgeable, experienced, and so willing to assist - nothing seems to be too much trouble for them, regardless of the request.

However, judging by my inbox I’m one of the lucky ones being on an equine-experienced, knowledgeable yard, but it’s taken a few decades to find it. Surely, though, regardless of what yard you're on as a client, and at the very least if said yard is including hay as part of the deal, the YO really should have a basic understanding of equine anatomy and physiology, and above all, always ensure that their 4-legged clients’ welfare and best interests are paramount. Which means adlib hay for all, and no restrictions at any cost. It's really not good enough to switch from farming cows to then thinking, "Hey, let's put some stables up, fence off a bit of a field, and get some of those hoss people in to get a bit more cash in the bank."

It's so much bigger than that, and I really don't think this is too much to ask. Is it?

Boswellia or Frankincense?

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 07:17:17 GMT

Frankincense is not just for those wise men anymore ...

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, gifts from three certain wise men back in the day … well, we all know the story.

There are many other stories; for example, the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Israelites and numerous others used frankincense and myrrh as part of their religious ceremonies. They were also extensively used in burial rituals as an embalming material, an offering to the departed (and a means to cover a certain decaying body odour). Then there’s Nero, the Roman emperor, who burned an entire year’s harvest of frankincense resin at the funeral of his favourite mistress.

To this day, frankincense is still celebrated, not only for its awesome fragrance but also for its superior medicinal properties. Personally, I’m a huge user of frankincense essential oil, and together with myrrh the two oils feature often in our topical aloe gels.

These days there’s another name on the block – Boswellia, and until recently, the term ‘boswellia’ wasn’t used so much. It’s easy to be confused between the two different names, but they’re one and the same. The tree that frankincense comes from is the Boswellia tree, which creates a precious resin long used in perfumes and natural medicines. The resin itself is soft, sticky and rich in oil, and when it's ground down to a fine powder it's what we know as Boswellia extract, a food supplement to be taken internally. The oil produced from the resin is known as Frankincense oil, which is usually used topically but the oil is so kind that it can be taken orally as well (dose dependent of course).

What science is showing is that the mechanics of frankincense/boswellia's actions significantly reduce inflammation by reducing the production of cytokines , those annoying inflammatory-producing enzymes that we’re all too familiar with. It’s so effective that it reduces inflammation right down at cellular level while calming the body’s systems, soothing the tissues, and basically making the organs, muscles and nerves less hot, less angry, and less painful.

It’s thought that the Boswellia serrata tree produces the most potent source of boswellia/frankincence, and these days science is all over it as it’s also proving very useful in helping with cancerous tumours. Research has shown that it can stop the progression of breast cancer cells, pancreatic cancer cells and bladder cancer cells; studies are also now showing that it could be beneficial in the treatment of leukaemia. Another of the most promising uses in cancer is that it’s showing it can trigger cancer cell death, a process called apoptosis , and prevent or slow the growth of new ones.

It’s also been researched for liver and brain cell protection, and as a potential anti-inflammatory treatment for ulcerative colitis.

We probably know it best for it's anti-inflammatory benefits though. It has one of the most effective inhibitors of a particularly nasty inflammatory enzyme, namely 5-LOX ( 5-lipoxygenase ), which can lead to tumour formation and inflammatory digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular conditions. It also has a chemical called AKBA ( acetyl-11-keto-B-boswellic acid ), a primary beneficial anti-inflammatory compound. AKBA’s strength has been shown in lab studies where it’s inhibited the replication of leukaemia and prostate cancer cells, oral pathogens and bacteria, pain from osteoarthritis, and the release of NF-kB – a marker for many diseases, including clogged arteries. It’s thanks to AKBA that’s now making boswellia a major focus of research.

For topical use, frankincense oil gives us an effective natural substance with proven analgesic effects, and one of the best benefits is that unlike most other pain relievers, it can be used on a regular basis, multiple times a day if needed, without risking addiction or a decrease in effectiveness. It’s specifically useful during overuse of joints, muscles and tendons – if you’ve ever experienced tendonitis, you’ll know only too well how spectacular that pain can be. Enter frankincense, helping to relieve the pain and support inflamed, overworked tissues.

I can speak from personal experience as I’m a big user of frankincense ess.oil for a little touch of arthritis in my hands, and boy does it work. Wherever you've got hot, sore, stiff, angry, simply apply a few drops of frankincense ess.oil and rub in; relief comes within seconds, hence why it's the main essential oil in our JSTGel for joints and soft-tissue stiffness or injury, while we use the ground boswellia resin in our JointReflexa feed supplement, alongside glucosamine, glutamine and MSM, to support musculoskeletal flexibility. We also sell certified organic boswellia in both ground resin and tincture form.

By also breathing in its fragrance, frankincense creates a proven, mildly sedative effect by noticeably slowing the breath, which makes it useful in managing the stressors that naturally come with chronic pain - when we’re calmer, we’re better able to manage pain. It's also said that burning the resin as incense can also lift the spirits and transform the energy of a room. Since ancient times, incense has been used in rituals and religious practices and still is a powerful tool for spiritual use today. You’ve probably seen religious images of a ‘thurible’, a metal container suspended from chains in which incense is burned and wafted into the air during worship.

For topical use, frankincense oil is top of my personal list for all-things-inflammatory – when liberally applied and rubbed in, whatever was there before is gone, and quickly with it. Whether you’re using boswellia extract as a food supplement or frankincense oil topically, you’ll get less swelling, less tissue damage, and definitely less pain. The ancients well knew what we moderns are only just learning, that the Boswellia tree is as powerful medicinally as it is fragrant.

The incredible world of phytonutrients

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 11:26:52 GMT

Just like us humans being a reflection of our environment and what we eat, it’s exactly the same for our horses – you’ve all heard me banging on about it for long enough ��. And when it comes to extending our health span, as in the number of healthy years we exist on this planet, it’s good to be aware of what we feed our beloved Ned, and this means also being aware of what their food itself 'consumes'. Bear with me – this will make sense in a mo …

Our horses’ feedbowl diets have drastically changed in the last half-century, if not longer, because our agricultural system has moved from heirloom high-nutrient plants to a subsidised production of highly modified crops - corn, wheat, rice and soya, which directly reflect the health and quality of the conditions under which they’re grown.

We now know that it’s not about the calories – it’s about the information that the nutrients in the food gives to the body. If the crops aren’t grown the right way, the nutrients don’t end up in what they absorb, and then they don’t end up in our horse – or us, for that matter. And when it comes to our horse feed, unless a brand is labelled ‘organic’ (meaning grown without chemical sprays and in healthy nourished soil), or if said feed contains refined, artificial, processed junk fillers, there’s going to be limited – if not pro-inflammatory and gut-damaging – information in that food that then becomes part of them. In our modern-day human diets alone, intensively farmed rice, wheat and corn account for 40-60% of our calories in the form of ultra-processed food.

But – there’s some exciting new research from a recent clinical trial, carried out by a favourite of mine in The IFM, Dr Jeffrey Bland, who’s a nutritional biochemist by training and founder of a lovely company called Big Bold Health. This trial shows the incredibly positive impact of phytochemicals on immune system aging, and how to utilise the power of nature’s anti-aging wisdom through food. NB. Again, as per most of my IFM study blogs, it’s based on human studies, but again we can absolutely relate it to our horses.

It's only recently that science has started to uncover the mysteries of human aging, learning that harnessing the wisdom of nature may provide some important insights for longer, healthier lives. Immune system aging is now being evaluated with the help of plant genetics, cracking open the incredible world of phytochemicals, and how these plant compounds may be the key to avoiding and reversing chronic disease. The message is that there’s more to it than just the molecules of which the food is made up of.

So what causes the immune system to become dysfunctional as we age, what causes the acceleration of inflammation, and how does it all connect to the aging of the body as a whole?

We are what we eat, and food is information for the body, full stop. And particularly, phytochemicals are the plant’s direct chemicals, and it’s now known that as food, these phytochemicals are massive bioregulators.

Now here’s a thought, and let's go back to those calories. Previous thinking was that nutrition was just that - calories, and we either ate too few, too many, or got it just right. And within those calories you had the three principle calorie contributors - protein, carbohydrate and fat. And then there were some accessory factors that were helpful to support metabolism to use those calories – we call them vitamins and minerals.

This was nutrition back in the day. But then when we started asking questions, and when the chemical composition of plant food was analysed, there was other stuff, but no-one knew what to do with it when it came to thinking of it as food for us. Food producers would say, “Nah, that other stuff is kind of pointless. We’ll take it out and throw it away. Maybe put it in pet food, but it’s not important for humans.”

And what was this flotsam stuff? Phytochemicals, aka phytonutrients. Back in the old days, if you went to a traditional nutrition textbook that generations of nutrition experts were trained in, and checked how many pages in those huge textbooks mentioned ‘phytochemicals’, it would be a matter of a few pages. They were considered non-essential because back then secondary compounds weren’t known about, so weren’t even considered.

(Same for our vets and GPs - during their very extensive medical training, studying using food as medicine was/is virtually non-existent.)

Now, one of the most exciting singular geekisms that I’ve learned since training as a herbalist is that these compounds, these literally thousands and thousands of different plant-derived secondary metabolites that the genes of plants make for us, or rather for them actually – they all have a major purpose for the plant itself, and then when we eat them they’re also incredibly beneficial. They’re not just there because the plant didn’t have anything better to do with its time; they weren’t that bored that they thought, “Today I’m going to make glucosinolates ( sulfur-containing phytochemicals which make cruciferous veggies like broccoli or cabbage so healthful) , then tomorrow I’m going to make catechins because I like green tea.”

No. The plant does this because it gives them a selective advantage based on their own individual immune systems. And these compounds that are found in plants, these secondary metabolites, are amazing agents that regulate the expression of genes at the executive centre of function (sorry, bit geeky there). But knowing this, you might very well ask the question, “What’s most important? The genes themselves, or the way they’re expressed?”

Well, that’s a difficult question to answer because they’re both pretty important. But if you don’t express your genes in the right way, you’re a mess. I mean, remember that every cell in your body contains the book of your life of all the chromosomes that allow your body’s DNA to be accurately copied with each and every cell division (and remember, there are trillions of different cell types in the body), which ensures that our inner workings proceed smoothly and efficiently.

So, how does this happen? How does a liver cell stay a liver cell when it has a message for a brain cell or a skin cell? It does so by regulatory elements that are directly tied to the phytochemicals in the diet as to how they actually function. And they’re not only regulators, or antioxidants or anti-inflammatories – they’re also signal transduction agents , which are incredibly important – they block bad signals in a cell which may produce cancer cells.

Science now knows that phytochemicals have purposeful action in specific cell activities, and in specific cell types, to regulate their function so that particular cell will do something in response to a signal. But - that signal could be a stress; it could be exposure to an antibiotic, or a foreign chemical, and so on. So, if you have a diet that’s rich in glucosinolates like sulforaphane (found in broccoli which suppresses cancer cells), then the liver cells pick up the message.

And what does it then do? Sorry - here we go: �� ScienceAlert! �� And very KPU-connected . It activates and upregulates the involvement with Phase 2 conjugation , which sounds horribly nerdy but if you’ve been supporting your horse as a KPU candidate and have read our KPU page , this will make perfect sense! (And why we're adding P5P - activated B6 - into their diet ...).

In simple terms, what it means is that the liver can biotransform toxins into a water-soluble excretable form for the kidneys to excrete, so playing a direct role in protecting the body against toxic agents that might create dysfunction.

Pulling this together, what we all learned in school about phytochemicals, if you even studied it at all, is old news. And that’s the beauty of science. We like to think that the human body of knowledge is advancing to answer questions that previously we just glossed over and thought they weren't important, because we didn’t think we needed them so no one ever proved they’re useful. Until now ��. Now we know that these molecules interact with our receptors, our cells, our hormones, our brain chemistry, our microbiome, our immune system … in so many different, fabulous, ways.

However, there’s also a conversation going on that with these compounds being the plants’ defence mechanisms, their pest deterrants, their immune system to fight off bad things - isn’t there a risk that if we consume them, we’re ingesting little poisons that we’re putting in our body that could potentially harm us?

I mean, there’s phytates – a plant’s primary protector for bacterial infections and insects; in the human diet it's thought phytates may affect the absorption of important nutrients such as zinc, iron, and calcium. Then there’s oxalates , which plants use to regulate their own internal mineral content and help defend against predators, yet if us humans eat them it's thought they can bind to minerals like calcium in the kidneys and form calcium oxalate kidney stones.

But … there’s also a school of thought that thinks that perhaps we're missing the fundamental point of what’s going on, so now we need to introduce a new word – hormesis; this is the theory that something that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, a bit like exercise or fasting. And it’s thought that these phytochemicals are hormetic agents , and yes, these are compounds that may be a little bit irritating to the body, but that irritation, just like exercise or fasting or hot or cold therapy, may actually trigger a response to create a benefit.

So, let's go back to those broccoli compounds – glucosinolates; they’re basically a signal to upregulate the body’s own enzymes for detoxification. And this is now thought to be incredibly important. This concept of hormesis - we have to differentiate between the mechanism of treating a disease with a drug (that may have significant side effects) and eating foods that have bioactivity ingredients in them.

Plants as food have undergone the largest scientific study in the history of any living species. They have survived in their environments as a consequence of the process of natural selection, to hermetically contain substances that allow them to have an immune system to defend against some of the most hostile environments. For example, if you think about a corn plant out there every day with its arm stretched up to the baking sunshine with no protection ... seriously, that’s going to mean instant sunburn, so how does corn protect itself?

Well, rather cleverly it develops xanthophylls - molecules that protect photosynthetic organisms from the potentially toxic effects of light, and carotenoids - what give plants their vibrant pollinator attractants colours and antioxidants, but are also SPF compounds that prevent them from oxidative injury from ultraviolet light. And so they have these natural protectors at the right levesl to provide the optimal protection against their environments that they've been living in for hundreds of thousands of years.

If you think about it, plants have had to survive in really hostile environments - bad soil, bad weather, baking sun, hard frosts, intense heat, bugs that want to eat them; they’ve had to develop by a natural evolution of hormetic compounds that make up their own immune system, which now, as it turns out, help us too. When we eat these plants that contain these hormetic defence immune substances, they transfer that immune principle to us. Which is now becoming the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in our modern-day way of life.

Another example, and there's a new foodie buzz going on out there – google it, it’s everywhere! Meet Himalayan tartary buckwheat. A 4,000-year-old domesticated crop that is some 50-times higher in immune-potentiating nutrients than common buckwheat. And why does it have that extraordinary power? Because it grew on the slopes of the Himalayas in extraordinarily bad soils that were high in aluminium. Which means … it has an aluminium-detoxifying gene. It’s frost-resistant, it’s drought-resistant, it’s-bug resistant, and it doesn’t require irrigation. You just throw it on the ground with decent soil and Boom, one crop of Himalaya tartary buckwheat, which by the way makes great pancakes ��.

Thing is, it’s also been ignored for the last century of so because … it has a flavour, and food labs don’t like naturally flavoured foot because they want to add sugar and fat and synthetic junk to sell it as a refined, artificial, processed foodstuff and make a profit …

Back to what causes the immune system to become dysfunctional as we age. What causes the acceleration of inflammation as we age, and how does that connect to the aging of our whole body? And how do we use plants to affect this?

So, the body responds to the experience of life which is then directly associated with biological aging. Plans and goals go to hell and back, stuff comes up, and that’s life. It happens and we have to be resilient. But how is resilience manifested in the body?

We’re talking mainly via three different cell types, three different tissues that are constantly sampling the outside world, 24/7/365:

The nervous system.
The mucosal tissues in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.
The immune system.

They’re all cross-talking one to the other all the time, and so when we start talking and thinking about, and feeling our life’s experience, this in-built information system picks up the bad news because there's always going to be some kind of trauma somewhere along the road.

The question is, how do we deal with the trauma? Does it stick and stay there irreversibly? And if it does, does it simply accumulate over a lifetime? Some people call these immune scars, and let’s face it, we’ve just had a big episode of immune scars called COVID. And probably the majority of people are carrying some legacy of what that virus left on their immune system that’s now permanently altered from that experience. So, is this a one-way street?

The good news is that No, nothing in life is a one-way street ��. Where there’s damage, there’s repair – it’s called rejuvenation , and the body is capable of rejuvenating. Every -thing can be modulated by a reversible set of principles that’s in our physiology, but only if we give it the right tools to work from , otherwise we’ll be leaving it to the luck of the draw and we'll get worse as we grow older.

And for the record, we're not just talking physiologically or metabolically damaged - it can be behaviourally damaged. It can be about feeling rejected, unloved, unappreciated. It’s a form of deficiency - not like a vitamin deficiency but a social support deficiency, and it leaves marks. All of these deficiencies collectively work together to create who we are and how our aging process manifest in our body.

So now let’s go further down the rabbit hole, with a little bit of the science of what’s happening to our immune system as we get older, which then causes it to generate more of this chronic inflammation that’s at the root of what we call inflammaging . And then how we combat this to change it and reverse the process.

�� ScienceAlert! �� Okay, so there are these cell types that are associated with biological aging – they’re called SASP cells, which stands for the mouthful that is senescent-associated secretory phenotypes . So what does this mean in English? Zombie cells! Zombie cells that don’t die, and run around bring inflammation in their wake.

Here’s where feeling sad has an effect. These zombie cells’ genes are the same as other cells in the body, but they’re communicating a different message because they’ve been modulated by life's experiences to be shifted into an alarm state.

So, once we've got a zombie cell, does this mean that a zombie will live in your body forever? Good news again - No. Science only recently now knows that there are processes in the body - for which Nobel Prizes have been won – for this discovery. Rejuvenation is making them better. However - it doesn’t mean that you’ve completely eradicated aging because the clock still ticks, but it’s removing these accelerants of the process of chronic inflammation that’s associated with all the health issues that we commonly associate with the physiology of aging.

Pulling this together, we know that these zombie cells accumulate as we get older, thanks to seeing more of life’s great tapestry of crap for longer, and meanwhile other things happen to our immune system which decreases our ability to fight infection and so on - the ever increasing ripple effect of increasing inflammation on one side, and a decreased ability to respond to threats on the other side. And yet there’s this fabulous concept called immuno-rejuvenation, and it’s all about particular unique phytochemicals (such as those in Himalayan tartary buckwheat) which have this remarkable ability to not only rejuvenate the immune system, but can actually turn back the biological age clock by (apparently) five to seven years.

Here’s how

When you think about a longevity diet, these are the foods that we should be thinking about if we’re going to focus on rejuvenating our immune system, reversing the hallmarks of aging, and reversing our biological age through food:

First up, and whether human or horse, low glycemic (foods that affect blood sugar/glucose level) and steering clear of processed foods .
Humans - eat the rainbow (and not foods that are coloured from synthetic food dyes!). You’re going to get a whole different array of carotenoids and flavonoids and polyphenols and quercetin from a selection of rainbow coloured foods.
Horses and humans – think prebiotics ! Always think of the rich diversity of prebiotic-rich fibre foods that are beneficial to the fibre-fermenting microbes in the large intestine (horse’s hindgut).

Let’s nip back into the rainbow because we can’t just live on berries alone - there are a lot of different plants that can help activate our longevity pathways. There are those foods that provide maximum benefit because they provide protein, carbohydrate, good fats, and all the vitamins and minerals that we could live off. Then there are others that should be include in the diet that we wouldn’t necessarily consume as a major food stuff, i.e. cruciferous vegetables - cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts - a really important part of a complete diet. Nuts and seeds because they carry the germ seed of the germinating plant (but not peanuts because they’re a legume).

And then there are the controversial foods like soya. And I don’t mean GM soya - I’m talking about non-GM soya. Soya’s got a pretty bad reputation due to its GM connection, but non-GM soya has a whole remarkable portfolio of phytochemicals. Soya in its natural state and particularly cultured soy like tempeh, is an excellent protein food, in moderation.

So there we have it - food as medicine when it’s appropriately applied. The rather brilliant news is that there are now major business foundations (The Rockafella Foundation for one) who are independently funding multi-million studies on food as medicine, moving it more to regenerative agriculture. This is really starting to happen in an area where I can clearly remember when I even suggested food as medicine, I'd be ridiculed and laughed out of any conversation - DEFRA and the VMD still hold the reins very firmly on that one ...

The tide is turning - it’s so exciting to see these things starting to move forward, and who knows … maybe in time we’ll actually transform from a conventional pathology-focused pill-for-every-ill system, to a more natural health-focused culture, to help both us - and our horses - recover through chronic injury and illness, and even live longer ��.

Proactively maintaining quality of a longer life - natural cellular therapy

Sat, 22 Jul 2023 08:10:59 GMT

"Fix the cell to get well."

Let's start with highlighting the fact that for the last century or so (when original, natural medicine was replaced with pharmaceutical medicine), conventional medicine has been focused on trying to shut down or stop or interfere or block some process in the body, using a huge range of pharmaceutical, made-in-a-lab, synthetic chemical medication.

No question, it’s been amazing, and especially brilliant at neo-natal and emergency medicine, but we shouldn't forget that the body itself has this extraordinary healing power, this innate intelligence, this capacity for regeneration, renewal and repair, that we have yet to unlock.

As I'm sure you all know, I actively follow the ethos of the Institute of Functional Medicine, and I've recently listened to another of their podcasts, as always relating to human health, but again the theory of which we can easily translate to our horses.

The podcast talks about the latest in the world of stem cells and cell therapy, which some may say is the absolute future of medicine. We’ve likely all heard about it but don’t know much about it, including me, so this was a whole new area for me.

Meet Dr. Bob Hariri, a surgeon, biomedical scientist, and CEO of the world-leading human cellular therapeutics company, Celularity Inc., which pioneers the use of stem cells to treat a range of life-threatening human diseases. With over 170 issued and pending patents for discoveries, including placenta-derived stem cells, Dr Bob has also authored over 150 published chapters and articles. Oh, and he likes to fly jets – he’s a jet-rated commercial pilot with thousands of hours of flight time in over 60 different military and civilian aircraft. ��

The podcast goes into all the nitty-gritty of stem cells, what they are, what they do, what the options are, how they can be used, and basically unpacks why this is such an important part of the future of healthcare and medicine. And it's one heck of a therapeutic concept, especially considering that we probably don't know it but we all actually have this within us - whether human or horse.

This is where we are now in the world of functional medicine. Locked within us are these innate longevity pathways, switches, systems that we can activate, and all through the power of understanding stem cells and cell therapy.

Back in the real world, though, we’re all sicker than ever, despite so many different therapies, techniques, knowledge, technology. So what are we doing every day to screw ourselves up and shorten our lifespan? We have all the tools - nutrition, exercise ... yet we’re still suffering from many of the same chronic degenerative conditions that have eroded our quality of life and performance for decades as we age.

We seem to continue to negatively affect the fundamental toolkit we naturally have in our body that is grounded in these remarkable stem cells, whose job it is to continually repair and renew and renovate the body during its lifetime.

The way we fuel ourselves through what we eat, what we consume - the nutritional platform; there’s now a lot of attention being paid to preservatives and other chemicals that are not necessarily natural (I’ve blogged about it many times ��), and there’s no doubt that these chemicals are a burden on the body. The body’s natural detoxification organs (liver, kidneys, lymph nodes) are designed to deal with foreign chemicals, but when they have an impact on the programming of the body’s cells, or if they in some way disrupt the normal metabolic processes, the cells suffer, and so does the body’s stem cell population.

We all know excessive sugar and processed/refined carbohydrates are incredibly damaging; factory-made processed (fake) foods, supposed nutritional supplements that are produced in a chemical lab rather than from nature, clearly all have a negative effect.

Then there’s stress. We still don’t recognise how important the neuro:immune axis is - the immune system is a giant stem cell factory and repository. What we do to ourselves creates a signalling from the nervous system to the immune system that over time will create chronic, cumulative damage, so avoiding stress could not be more essential.

Then there’s one of the most important areas we have to preserve, which is to take care of skeletal muscle tissue, because without it we don’t move, and nothing ages the body more than lack of movement.

Skeletal muscle is the largest wet body mass of the body compared to everything else, which means it’s the largest venous capacity organ in the body. This means that all the biological stuff that circulates around the immune cells and the stem cells will feature highly in skeletal muscle as well.

So, by looking after our skeletal muscle tissue, we’re helping to mobilise these cells into our body, which is how we effect the repair and renewal and renovation process that keeps the body healthy, and hold back the aging process.

So there we have it; nutritional issues, stress and declining muscle mass - the three weakest links. Long and short, we need to cut out processed, fake, junk food and sugar, deal with stress, learn how to regulate the nervous system, and make sure we build and keep our muscle as we age. Whether human or horse.

Pulling this together, it makes perfect sense to look at what we naturally have and use these tools, and why not create a really proactive approach to maintaining the quality of our lives and our performance into our older age? Healthy, comfortable aging is basically about maintaining mobility, cognition, and immunity, all addressable with the tools the body already has.

Whether human or (how we keep our) horse ��

So that was the short version of this blog ��! The rest delves deeper into the latest on human stem cell and cellular therapy, but the good news is that when it comes to equine stem cell research it's already out there in equine joint-related injuries, with a reinjury rate of less than 30%, so all promising stuff!

Stem cells

“When you deliver a stem cell to a site like the liver, it is capable of restoring any of the corrupted software in that organ and tissue.”
Dr. Bob Hariri

Why do we have stem cells? What’s the big hullabaloo about them? Why is everybody talking about it and why is this the promise of the future of medicine?

Stem cell therapy started to hit the airwaves back in the 1980s, but if we start at the beginning, we all originate as a single cell, created by the fertilisation of an egg by a sperm, a direct composite of the parental DNA. From that original single cell a further trillions upon trillions of cells then take on a very specialised form and function.

Which means, every cell in the body of every being, regardless of age, has its origins way back to the placenta. These placental cells retain their versatility, their ability to mature and specialise into a very specific form, i.e. a brain cell or a heart cell or a bone cell, with the ability to be one of these driven by signalling that occurs at the site of the tissue or organ that calls upon a repair and renewal process.

Every human is made up of about 25 to 30 trillion cells, so if you think about this for a second, from that original one single cell, our body then produces trillions more cells which are then continually being renewed in the body during the lifetime. All originating from that original single cell, and each one of them capable of performing a vital function in the body.

Stem cells, first and foremost, are incredibly important because none of us would exist without them; they’re what builds us - you could say that the placenta is nature’s 3D printer that prints babies. They could also be thought of as a master boot disc that you’re using constantly to renew and restore the functions of the information system in your body. (For those too young to remember the early days of computers, we all had a ‘floppy disc’ kept in a drawer, and if our computer went on the blink, we’d stick it in a drive and reboot it from the original software on that disc. Oh yes - we’ve moved on – a lot!)

However. We know that even the best software in the best computer gets glitches over time, and can get corrupted. Our DNA is no different – it’s our biological software, a programming language, and the body’s stem cells are basically the delivery system for information. A stem cell literally has the full complement of biological information stored in an uncorrupted form.

Now to where the magic happens - when you deliver a stem cell to a site like the liver, or a joint, it’s capable of restoring any of the corrupted software in that organ and tissue. A stem cell is literally the master boot disc that can be used to recover the quality of that information, which is necessary for everything in biology.

So where do we find them? They’re in the bone marrow, they’re coming from the fat tissue, and we’ve all heard of placental and umbilical cord stem cells. They can be injected into the venous system or they can be directed into a particular organ like the heart or liver, or to tissue such as in a joint.

To quote Dr Bob, “When we are built, when we are going through the process (of embryogenesis and ketogenesis) to create the newborn baby. That newborn baby has every specialised cell type they need for their future mature functioning system. The cells that go on to build the liver of a newborn will be the source of cells to continually renew that liver during our lifetime.

That’s done not by the cells that you’re born with in that specialised tissue, but by the cells that are resonant there in this versatile stem cell form, which get called upon to repair and renovate the tissue. And so when you consider that when we’re 100-years old, we want to have a liver and a brain and a heart that have the elements that build that particular organ or tissue that are of the highest quality. As long as you have a healthy uncorrupted population of stem cells in your organs and tissues.”

Let’s just repeat that last sentence – “ As long as you have a healthy uncorrupted population of stem cells in your organs and tissues. ” Which means that stem cells will repair and renew us to perfection each time.

However. The problem is that our stem cells are subjected to all the bad stuff as well - bad nutritional factors, too much glucose, chemicals in our foods, etc etc. All creating cumulative damage to those stem cells, which means when they need to do the repair job that they’re supposed to do, it’s not going to be as good a quality job. Stem cell exhaustion is one of the hallmarks of aging.

What we’re talking about is all the trials and tribulations we go through throughout our life - the crappy food we eat, the lack of exercise, the stressors, the lack of sleep, the environmental toxins, nutritional deficiencies - all of this does a job on our stem cells and so we get less than perfect stem cells.

For us humans there is a medical way round this, when needed, but it’s far from easy. We’ve all heard of bone marrow transplants but it’s a painful, expensive procedure, and there’s always the risk of rejection. The good news is that stem cells are now being cultured, apparently without the problem of rejection. Again not easy; it’s only available in certain countries – Panama, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia to name a few, and it ain’t cheap, but at least it’s out there.

Science now knows that stem cells can go in and totally replace and remodel an organ like the bone marrow. They go in and fill a gap because the cells there are missing, dying or diseased. Stem cells are apparently so clever that they know, when injected into the body, where they are in the body and/or where they need to go. This is how precise today’s cellular medicine is - they don’t necessarily have to be put in a specific location; they’ll find their way, and when they get there they do what they’re supposed to do as nature designed.

This means that if there’s a patient who’s got, say, liver damage as a consequence of cancer treatment, their chemotherapy or whatnot, if they then get an intravenous infusion of stem cells meant to replace the bone marrow, the cells that wind up in the liver actually help rebuild the liver too. This versatility and this very mission-focused ability of stem cells to replace and renew our tissues in an appropriate way, is fundamental to stem cells.

There’s a lot of other awesome ongoing work with publications out already on cellular therapy to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, with research having now identified the defective cells in the part of the brain that’s damaged. It’s a very exciting future for sure.

Let’s not forget, though, that the body has its own innate healing system, and it’s way smarter than pharma meds. A lot of the cancer immunotherapies are actually taking advantage of the body’s own army, its own defence system to help go and find and kill cancers. Rumour also has it that it’s working better than any therapies we’ve had for a number of different things. It’s not universally effective across all cancers, but it’s all very promising.

The thinking is also about prevention – preventing getting joint disease and having to replace the joint several times times in a lifetime with prosthetics. And it could go further, i.e. dementia prevention to clearing up arterial plaque. As I type there are several cases of rotator cuff and degenerative back pain having been successfully reversed courtesy of private stem cell culture therapy.

It's still early days – science is just at the beginning of starting to dig into the field of longevity, looking to activate the body’s own repair systems that then activate the body’s own innate intelligence. This is a field that’s going to continue to explode; we just need the regulatory boffins to do their job now and make it more readily available for everyone, including our horses ��.

Sugar content in our paddocks

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 07:17:50 GMT

Needing a break from the new website design, I went off surfing for a blog subject, and very topically came across a seasonally appropriate article on sugar content in our paddocks, which I'm pretty sure is right up there at the top of the list for every one of us at this time of year!

So, after an ‘interesting’ start to our year - almost 4-months of torrential deluge which triggered the highest levels of tree pollen allergies and laminitis that we’ve ever seen here with our EquiNatural clients, followed by an almost overnight drought with soaring temperatures and dried, cracked, baked paddocks with zero grass - what better time to do a quick blog on this very subject?

All courtesy of Dr Christina Fritz, with a guest article from Helmut Muß of Die gute Pferdeweide , translated as ‘The Good Horse Pasture’, who breaks this all down for us and explains what factors influence sugar in grass.

Quick reminder -

Sugar is the fuel for plant growth and forms the main source of energy for our horses – cellulose, which consists of complex linked sugar molecules and sits in the stems of grass that’s been allowed to grow.

Then there’s our old friend fructan, a short-term sugar storage that the plant produces to store its sugar when it produces more than it uses.

Now to the three important factors that determine our grass’s sugar content - the weather , the soil's nutrients , and the various grass species themselves.

Weather

We all know that grass needs heat, sunlight, water, CO2, and specific minerals, to produce its fuel - sugar.

Temperatures below 5-8 C° or above 25-30 C° will cause the rate of photosynthesis and growth to drop sharply. If it’s too cold, the biochemical reactions take place too slowly, growth will stop, and the sugar is stored as fructan. Too hot, and the plant’s stomata - its cellular breathing pores on the leaf blades – close up.

During normal temperatures, water naturally evaporates with new water being drawn from the soil into the leaves, but if it’s too hot, the plant will lose too much moisture, so the stomata are closed so the cellular biochemical processes can temporarily shut down. However, don’t think this means the grass is safe - fructan values naturally increase at this time in order to store the sugar for later growth.

Grass will also happily grow when it’s cloudly, provided there’s enough sugar in it’s stores and the right temperature. For example, on a warm night much of the fructan stored during a hot day will be converted into cellulose/hemicellulose, pectin and other structural carbs, so the fructan content the next morning after a warm night will be significantly lower than the previous evening.

Cool nights and/or a morning grass frost? The conversion of sugar/fructan into structural carbs slows down, but, if the next day is sunny and warmer, the fructan content will also rise due to the magic of photosynthesis, which will produce ... more sugar.

If it’s really hot? 30-C plus, photosynthesis comes to a standstill. If it’s also bone-dry, like the recent spell we’ve just experienced, growth also stops and the sugar/fructan content remains stable. If we’re lucky enough that the overnight temperature drops to below 25 C° at night (so at least we can sleep through it) the grasses will use the remaining sugar/fructan reserves for growth, but the overall sugar/fructan content will decrease if there’s no rain, which is what we've just had in Somerset till last week.

Here's a snapshot:

• Daytime sunshine/cold night – very high fructan content

• Daytime sunshine/warm night – middle

• Daytime cloud or rain/warm night – low

• Daytime cloud or rain/cold night – middle

• Persistent dry - high

Kind of obvious I know, but shady areas such as under trees, will have a lower fructan content than open areas thanks to the reduced sun power, so we'll get longer grass during dry spells due to the higher soil moisture in the shade.

Mineral nutrients

Here’s a perfect analogy that The Good Horse Pasture website uses - "If there’s no bricklayer, a house won’t be built, no matter how many electricians and carpenters are on the construction site."

Same with grass growth and its nutrient needs. As always, the correct balance of nutrients can be complex as the grass plant needs all its required nutrients in both balanced, and sufficient, ratios to grow. If a nutrient is missing, the grass’s metabolic growth processes won’t happen, hence why a basic soil analysis is always a good plan as each grass species has its own requirements, strengths and weaknesses. Exactly the same as our horse’s chemistry; their body needs all its required minerals in the right ratios/balance to each other, in order to grow and thrive, hence why we have equine ' mineral balancers '.

And, of course, the nutrient requirements of the grass type will depend on the soil nutrient quality and the climate, i.e. alfalfa/lucerne requires practically no nitrogen in the soil for its growth, whereas every horse’s nemesis, ryegrass, becomes stressed if there’s not enough nitrogen in the soil. Don’t think this is a good thing, though, as when stressed, ryegrass will form very high sugar values with low protein values (never mind that it’s also considered toxic due to its high endophyte content, which as we all know too well can trigger laminitis, as well as foetal abortion).

Grass-species sugar differences

In a US study from 2018 (Utah and Colorado), total sugar levels were measured on 24 different types of grass over two years.

No surprise for guessing which came out of top – ryegrass! Up to a whopping 36% was measured, yet you’ll still see ryegrass in paddock seed mixes, and even often described as ‘low-fructan’ ��

The ryegrass was closely followed by tall fescue, then a bit of a gap to timothy, red fescue and meadow foxtail.

To conclude

No need to suggest to any horse carer to watch what the weather’s going to do ��, but if you can provide a shaded area for persistent drought and warm, sunny days with cold nights, you’ll get less sugar/fructan than areas open to the blazing sun.

Also, it may pay to be mindful of a needs-based supply of nutrients in your pasture. A soil analysis isn’t expensive, but definitely a whole lot cheaper than acute laminitis or colic.

It would seem that the more a horse reacts to sugar/fructan, the more diverse the grass species should be, with ryegrass completely banned. I’m still shocked to hear of former cattle farms who have diversified to offer equine livery facilities, still with visible and abundant ryegrass in the pastures. To quote one of my favourites, "A horse is not a cow." Despite what some farmers might think ...

I’ll leave you with a final thought - apparently, just because your grass has been eaten down to the ground, it’s not necessarily poor quality! How sugar-rich the grass is will always depend more on the grass species, the weather, and the soil nutrient levels, so maybe it’s not a bad plan to be factoring in a routine annual health plan for our grasslands. Our beloved metabolic-sensitive poppets will definitely thank us for it ��

Minerals – and it’s All-Change for the Spring Grass

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 07:14:48 GMT

Finally. Finally! The never-ending rainfall that lasted the entire month of March seems to have passed, and our horses are now back out on the spring grass, which thanks to all that rain is now surging through like a runaway train.

After 3-days our 29yo connie, Murphy, came in looking like he was in shock and could barely move, so needless to say I’m restricting his grass access significantly, doubling up on our MetaTonic and with added Alcar , plus our WildFed going into his feedbowl to give him plenty of natural prebiotic roughage. Thank all the gods that his pulses were nice and slow ...

And so to balancing the minerals to the change of seasons, and it's a given that the grass chemistry has changed significantly following the barren winter growth, so it’s really important that we’re mindful of what changes, if any, need to be made to our horses’ nutrients.

When it comes to vitamins, a horse will (apparently, according to Dr Christina Fritz) absorb sufficient A and E vitamins from just 30-minutes on growing grass. Apart from the fact that an oversupply of vitamins can cause just as many issues as a deficiency, most vitamins supplied in feeds or as a supplement are synthetic so completely pointless anyway, as the liver will simply discard them as unrecognisable and unusable, and send them straight out for excretion in the waste. As the saying goes, “An expensive way to make urine,” (and a Top Tip - always check the ingredients of what you're feeding).

Equally, Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the form of brewers yeast should also be reconsidered, especially if you’re still feeding it as a source of the B-vit complex, which as we've now known for a couple of years is unnecessary as they’re not in the necessary ‘activated’ form. With many peer-reviewed studies out there now questioning feeding S.cerevisiae generally, it's also now known that brewer's yeast promotes the colonisation of lactic-acid bacteria in the horse's hindgut, causing a major issue in the gut microbiome generally because they acidify the GI tract with lactic-acid, which lowers the pH value, which is never ideal as the microbiome is dependent on a neutral pH environment, and especially so for foals ( https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jpn.12923?campaign=wolearlyview&fbclid=IwAR1mDtjhJ-NWnZy7w9ifZOdAOHzz_I9Qqitb8WKCYDl1THhZOybZMbfwGLM ).

It’s also useful to be aware that the hype about ‘organic’ (chelated) minerals is not what it seems, and is more about the goal of the various marketing departments promoting what they think is a USP over competitors’ ‘inorganic’ (natural) minerals. So, a perfect moment for a well-timed reminder of the actual science.

If you hark back to our June’21 Blog – ‘ Minerals and it’s All-Change ’, you’ll see the very first sentence saying “ … synthetic - and organic - minerals, are the same thing.” Yep, I was baffled too. How can synthetic be organic? Have to say that it was a real hands-in-the-air moment for me, having spent years previously and proudly promoting the fact that we (used to) only used organic ‘chelated’ minerals in our EquiVita/VitaComplete range.

It was the 'organic' word that really put the cat amongst the pigeons, because it suggested that ‘chelated’ minerals were a more natural, uncontaminated product, which made the former mineral type used, ‘inorganic’ sulphates, sound chemical, themselves being the synthetic version, and therefore completely inappropriate to feed.

Wrong! As it turns out, when it comes to minerals, the term 'organic' has a very different meaning to what we all think of when it comes to plants/veg/fruit. In mineral terms, organic is actually the chemical, made-in-a-lab chelated version; 'inorganic' is the natural mineral form such as sulphates, coming directly from soil or rock. So, in this instance, organic v. inorganic is completely the reverse to our normal way of thinking, unless you're a biochemist, of course.

And here’s the rub. Sorry to say but organic chelated minerals aren't recognised by the gut mineral receptors/transporters or the liver, which then has to try and biotransform them to be utilised by the body. (And if you’re doubting what I'm saying here, sign up to the ‘Feed your horse fit’ course run by Dr Christina Fritz. It's intense science, just a bit mind-blowing, but worth every penny and second of your time - it'll change everything you ever thought you knew about caring for your horse.)

Back to organic chelated minerals aren't recognised, and here’s why. Horses actually have a very sophisticated absorption system for minerals in their intestinal wall, which works via specialised receptors and transporter molecules. These transporters are individually tuned to recognise a specific mineral (or vitamin, or any other nutrient such as amino acids), and are only activated when the levels in the body of the relevant mineral (or any other nutrient) are low, with the transporter deactivating as soon as the specific nutrient's level is full. Which means - minerals are only absorbed when the body needs them , otherwise they remain in the digesta and are excreted on out with the waste.

With me so far? Okay, so now we get to those ‘organic’ synthetic minerals, as in not the real deal, because they’re man-made in a lab by scientists who (very cleverly) bind the perfectly healthy, recognisable mineral to another molecule, usually an amino acid. Which isn’t how nature made them. And no surprise - the horse’s gut receptors don’t recognise them as a mineral, because something synthetic isn't natural nutrition (even if the word ‘organic’ suggests it).

So what happens? This 'organically'-bound mineral bypasses the actual mineral transporter in the intestinal wall and is taken up by the amino acid transporter instead. However, when this tweaked amino acid with the attached mineral reaches the liver, the liver realises that a mineral is mistakenly attached so considers the amino acid defective. It then splits it off and converts it ready for excretion, sending it on its way to the kidneys for elimination via the urine, while sending the perfectly fine inorganic mineral out into the bloodstream to be utilised.

Great! You'd think ... However, what we have now is a mineral stowaway, happily circulating in the bloodstream whether the body needed it not because remember, the mineral gut receptors ignored it, because they didn't recognise it, so never had a chance to decide whether the body needed it or not. So we’re now risking potential toxic overload, and especially when it comes to selenium (see further on).

To be fair, you could say that these synthetic chelated minerals could be useful in the case of proven mineral deficiencies, because they’ll certainly replenish the stores in the shortest possible time, but emphasis has to be on the word ‘proven’. However, they’re pointless for use in a mineral balancer which are only ever intended to compensate for the well known, and let's face it, fairly minimal deficiencies in our grass and dried forage.

However, with selenium it's a completely different case. When we look at organically-bound selenium (known as selenium yeast in your list of ingredients), we need to take this seriously as there’s a very fine line between safe selenium intake and selenium toxicity. And here I’ll quote from our original 2021 Blog …

“So, as before, the liver meets the tweaked 'chelated' selenium, usually attached to either cysteine or methionine amino acids (so hence known as selenomethionine or selenocysteine). Gets a bit science-y now but hang in there as it all comes out in the wash, promise, and it's only one sentence long, so stand by your guns and here we go …

�� Science Alert! �� In nature, cysteine/methionine are usually bound to sulphur in a specific position, which stabilises the protein structure, but the protein can only work when this structure is fixed , which is only completed by that sulphur bond .

I know, I know ... read it again, rinse and repeat. But put simply (I hope ...), when the liver sees selenium inside cysteine or methionine, instead of the sulphur they’re normally bound to, it recognises these amino acids as – you've guessed it - yet another unstable, defective protein!

But - here's where selenium is now different to those other chelated minerals. The liver doesn't know what to do with these particular unstable proteins so instead of sending them on to the kidneys for excretion, it sends the whole thing out to the cellular tissues to be stored. (Don’t ask me why – I’m no biochemist, but Dr Christina Fritz is!)

Now here's the thing - it can take up to a year for these proteins to be degraded – seriously. Yes you read that right - up to a year for these proteins to be degraded . Which means ... they remain in the body, unused, for a very long time, which risks considerable selenium excess being stored in the tissues, which means there's now the risk of subclinical selenium toxicity bubbling under the surface, and worse, can apparently only rarely be detected via bloods, so there may be subclinical selenium toxicity and we won’t even know it.

So how might we see the effect of this? Typically we'll see this in the hooves – we know both cysteine and methionine as important proteins to build hoof wall/keratin and body hair, but when you feed chelated selenium it's been noted that the hoof capsule's quality changes. The hoof wall may become weaker/softer, as well as being behind multiple hoof abscessing, white line disease, and a brittle mane/tail that breaks.

Back to today, and as at 2023, a number of other health conditions such as coronet ruptures to EOTRH, or EMS/IR and Cushing's symptoms are now suspected to be related to selenium oversupply due to chelated selenium yeast. Courtesy again from Dr Christina Fritz.

The take-away message here is that it's absolutely not advisable to supplement the diet with chelated selenium, and only replenish the deficient selenium requirement with inorganic, as in natural, selenium - sodium selenite - in the mineral feed. Which for the record is what we use here at EquiNatural.

WIth us you can be assured that we only use inorganic ‘natural’ minerals throughout, balanced to our UK grassland deficiencies (as per the NRC guidelines), and with no palatability additives such as molasses, apple pectins, wheatfeed, or any other junk filler. Our EquiVita and VitaComplete are formulated to be fed safely and gut-appropriately, i.e. feed our VitaComplete during winter/if your horse is on a full hay diet, and our EquiVita during summer when out on grass. Or if your summer routine is out during the day/in at night, so grass and hay, add in a pro-rata amount of micronised linseed to balance the omega-3. Oh, and don’t forget the salt ��.

Happy Spring,

Carol

Edited to add ... So now we get to the potential backlash :

(Again copy/pasted from our 2021 Blog post)

"Of course there will be some that say they've been feeding chelated for years and their horse is fine. There'll be others that say that the associated liver stress hasn't been well documented, or that chelated minerals behave like inorganic minerals anyway.

As for selenium yeast, again some will say there's no more danger of toxicity than with inorganic because with selenium it's dosage dependent, and that subclinical (aka asymptomatic) toxicity is a meaningless claim unless toxic levels are confirmed by blood work. Thing is though, like chelated copper and zinc, the selenium in bound in the protein, hidden like a Trojan Horse, so bloods won't show selenium levels, just the proteins.

For me this has to be a no-brainer, and with my EquiNatural hat on, the clue's in our name - we are nothing if not as natural as we can be, and this is no exception. Evolution has made the gut receptors only recognise the natural, inorganic mineral form and they know whether the body needs it or not, which means evolution’s design for the horse’s natural gut:liver function operates as it’s meant to. Whereas ... chelated minerals mess with the body’s biological metabolism and confuse the whole process, putting extra work on the liver and kidneys, as well as risking dysbiosis in the microbiome.

And, lest we forget, chelated minerals also provide a lot less mineral for your buck - they provide much less elemental mineral compared to the sulphate form, so we need to feed much more of it, and they're considerably more expensive so the overall cost of the balancer is higher. Sulphates go a lot further, so your balancer lasts longer, and is cheaper with it.

To conclude, and in my humble opinion, In order to ensure a natural, evolution-appropriate absorption of what's needed into the bloodstream to then be utilised directly by the cells, thereby avoiding stressing the liver biotransformation process and the already fragile equine metabolism, inorganic natural minerals in sulphate form have to be the better choice."

For numerous peer-reviewed studies, see our 2021 Blog Post Minerals - and it's All-Change .

Originally posted 22.4.23

Why does my horse react to the spring pollens?

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 06:52:52 GMT

The latest on Histamine Intolerance, aka MCAS - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Editor’s update 2026 – Since this article was first written in 2023, research into mast cells and histamine signalling has continued to evolve. While the core principles discussed here remain relevant, our understanding of mast cell behaviour in complex immune conditions is still developing.

Back in 2006, a rather fetching former show-cob named Kelso joined our family. We knew him already as our trainer’s riding horse, but then she got sick so needed to rehome him. We leapt at the chance as he was the nicest big chap you could ever meet, a soppy dollop of a gentleman and seriously handsome to boot.

We knew about his chronic sweet itch, and that he was also a chronic springtime headshaker, yet when he came to live with us in the August, he also had a severe hacking cough. Within a week Kelso had confined himself to barracks because he literally couldn’t get enough breath to step out of his stable.

Of course I called the vet, who diagnosed ‘chest infection’ and wrote him the usual script of ventipulmin, antibiotics and bute (what we now know as the very cocktail of pharma meds that destroy immune cells when Kelso needed his immunity at its strongest, never mind annihilating his gut microbiome, but in fairness, back then no-one knew about the microbiome).

No surprise, Kelso got sicker, so 2-weeks later he got another round of the same drugs, and another 2-weeks after that, when Kelso could barely breathe anymore and was on a slippery downward spiral, the vet told me to have him PTS. His reason? Wait for it – because “He’s old,” and therefore "wasn’t going to get better." Er ... Kelso was only 17, so not exactly ancient. Far from it. Never mind that he’d only been with us for a month, and seriously unwell for the entirety …

That’s when I turned into fire-breathing dragon-lady and did what any reasonably intelligent woman would do – I hit the world-wide-web, googling anything, anything, that could help our big man. I finally landed on those whacky things called ‘herbs’, and the rest is EquiNatural history . Kelso was better in 3-days.

Definitely one of life's hindsight moments - "If only I knew then what I know now." �� As we now know, what Kelso had was a chronic pollen allergy, with his respiratory responses moving seamlessly from the spring pollen classic symptoms - extreme nose-rubbing, head-burying and violent headshaking - to the summer grass pollen symptoms, where the hotter summer’s humidity holds the pollens in the air and creates a catastrophic chest congestion. Kelso's airway inflamed and narrowed, and his lungs became so congested that his nostrils desperately flared as he tried to breathe, and with each agonising wheezing breath he developed deep heave lines along his sides.

It wasn’t a chest ‘infection’ as the vet (expensively) diagnosed, and yes, those prescribed drugs nearly killed him. Yet those herbs I found opened up his upper respiratory tract, soothed the irritation, calmed the asthmatic symptoms, and overall alleviated his torture. With a few tweaks later, that herb mix eventually became our BreathePlus , and gave Kelso a further six comfortable summers, with (what also became) our PollenTonic from March-ish till the weather got hot and we then switched him over to the BreathePlus. Oh, and not forgetting what also became our SwItchTonic for his sweet-itch. No doubt about it – ‘Allergy’ was Kelso’s middle name, but back then we simply accepted that this was Kelso’s lot, and so long as we could alleviate his symptoms we could keep him comfortable.

Fifteen years later ...

Cut to spring 2021, and with my EquiNatural hat on, for the last 15-years I’ve been deeply entrenched in all things Functional Medicine , where new research on 'Histamine Intolerance' crossed my path, and because it was very much connected to pollen allergies I wrote a blog on it - Histamine Intolerance - The new kid on the block .

Of course it was all based on human research as very little money is spent on equine research, but as with many human health issues we can translate the knowledge to our horses. And this was no exception - recent human research was now showing that all-things-allergy were connected to the body producing too high levels of histamine, with the triggers being our old friends - bad diet/lifestyle stressors/unhealthy environment, so the immune cells were going into overdrive, producing too much histamine which – and here’s the quirk of it all – caused its own allergic response! And amongst other issues, this worsened already established respiratory allergies, with humans - and our horses - suffering all the more.

The research noted that this syndrome of excess histamine production had become so prevalent that a new label was created - 'Histamine Intolerance', with its own allergic response making the body feel seriously crap, so much so that it became recognised as a 'spectrum' illness, with mild, moderate and severe levels to it. And by digging deep into the syndrome, it was established that :

histamine was being overproduced, which created it's own added allergic response into the mix,
the body reacted and developed a ‘resistance’ to it,
it was triggered by mast cells, one of the white blood-cell team of immunity-protector cells.

The only remaining question was Why?

Mast cells

Now, mast cells are actually one of the body’s best friends, having a key role in the initiation of adaptive immune responses, literally the body's defense system killer army, and specifically relating to their role against allergies.

* A quick digress on the immune system, because the body has two versions of immunity:

The Innate, or nonspecific, immune system, is the first-line defense system that we're all born with. It protects us against all antigens/toxins/pathogens, putting up barriers that keep harmful materials from entering the body. The 'non-specific' label means it doesn't differentiate between different types of pathogens.

Then there's the Adaptive immunity, which is built up as we're exposed to diseases or get vaccinated. It involves specialised immune cells (lymphocytes) and antibodies that attack and destroy foreign invaders, and what's funky about it is that it remembers those invaders for any future attacks. Mast cells are part of the Adaptive immunity.

Back to mast cells, and as at 2021 it was now recognised that they can over-react, meaning that everything basically goes horribly wrong, triggering an intolerance to the very chemical compounds the body was releasing to fight the allergy.

As this syndrome was now all too prevalent, it was given a new medical diagnosis – MCAS - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome , which is not just on the rise, it was significantly on the rise, as shown by the huge increase in humans experiencing more severe hay-fever symptoms in spring, and chest congestion in summer. Just as we've been seeing in our horses, with this same intolerable allergic response also very much on the rise over the last few years.

So that was 2021, and two years on, 2023, there’s more development. Meet one of the pioneers of mast cell disease research, Dr Lawrence Afrin. Dr Afrin has many publications to his credit on mast cell disease outside the medical literature, which has given new hope to (human) patients struggling with it long-term. He’s contributed to numerous peer-reviewed research studies on the subject and has served on several medical advisory boards, as well as also establishing a centre for advancing research, education, and patient care for mast cell activation syndromes.

So all in all, Dr Afrin’s the goto for the latest on this relatively new medical disease, and ... I've recently listened to an awesome podcast on this very subject featuring him. Of course this is my manna from heaven and what floats my boat, so I took copious notes and transcribed the salient points here in this blog. So, if you or your horse suffers from spring through summer pollen-related allergies, or any allergy for that matter, here's where the latest research sits which may resonate with you, because this is where it's all at. So here we go ...

MCAS - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

To kick off the podcast conversation, Dr Afrin was asked to introduce the biological purpose of mast cells in the body and give us an example of healthy mast cell function versus unregulated, hyperactive function. As he put it, we only get to hear about mast cells when they’re the villains, but they’re there for a reason, and when they function normally they’re a critical part of the adaptive immune system, helping the body to resist and recover from assaults, traumas, infections, and so on.

What’s now clear is that hypersensitive mast cell activation is an underlying cause of illness with many diagnoses, presenting as episodic inflammatory symptoms that come and go over time, which historically (no surprise) has made them difficult to diagnose. These fluctuating symptom patterns include allergic-type responses and non-specific symptoms ranging across the cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and - as we know only too well as we head into spring - the respiratory system. And it’ll probably come as no surprise to you that it affects the overall immune system as a whole.

Mast cells usually sit in all the different tissues in the body fairly quietly, keeping sensory tabs on the environment around them, largely doing nothing as long as we’re healthy. However, the moment they sense an assault they swing into action, producing and releasing various of their many, many, different mediators, namely various signalling chemicals that float out into the surrounding tissues. And when these mediators bind with other cells in the vicinity, this then influences those cells to adjust their own function to help the body best resist, and recover from, the specific insult that just hit. In other words, this is as it should happen normally.

Usually this system works very well; mast cells really are the frontline sentinels of assaults on the body, swinging into action faster than any other type of immune cell. And as long as they’re putting out the right mediators in the right amounts, at the right times for the right durations, and in the right places in the body, all is well, giving the body an amazing capacity to resist and recover from assaults. However, if some of these mast cells start misbehaving, and they start putting out the wrong mediators in the wrong amounts, at the wrong times for the wrong durations, and in the wrong places, the other cells and tissues on the receiving ends of those mediators don’t realise they’re getting the wrong signals, because they’re biologically programmed to react when these mediators come at them, irrespective of whether the mediators are right or wrong.

So, what you get with a mast cell activation disorder, aka MCAS, is that you have all these different tissues and organs and systems in the body that are reacting differently to how they should, so a positive recovery doesn’t happen, with the reaction entirely dependent on which mediators are coming out of these dysfunctional mast cells in which amounts, times, durations, locations, so … Phew. It’s an extraordinarily complex situation.

So why don’t our GPs (and vets) know about this? Simple. Because this is really new research, and has never been recognised until recently. Medical practitioners get about one-minute in their decades of training on mast cell biology and disease, and this is because the science didn’t start to understand that mast cell activation syndrome even existed up until about 15-years ago. Hence why all we've ever been able to do is block the symptoms over the decades because the science hasn't caught up with it. Until now ��.

What basically gets covered in that minimal training is the general understanding that mast cells produce just a couple of mediators, our old friend histamine and tryptase. We've always had a fairly good idea of what histamine does in the body, i.e. in the right quantity it mediates/normalises the allergic reaction, but when there’s excess histamine production, the allergic reaction becomes significantly amplified. As for tryptase though, and despite it being studied for more than half a century, the science still doesn’t fully understand what the principal role of tryptase is in human biology, so the whole subject is challenging for sure.

The only other known mast cell disease over the last century or so is an extremely rare disease, a cancer of the mast cell called mastocytosis, that most doctors will never see a case of in their lifetime. And this is kind of why, if it’s unlikely that a doctor isn’t going to see, or at least recognise, any kind of mast cell disease, why spend time learning about it? However – cut to today and the research is breaking through, starting to understand that firstly, the root of allergies lies with mast cells, and that they can go wonky and disrupt other cells’ function, aka an 'activation syndrome'. And it's now recognised as incredibly prevalent, presenting a need for doctors to learn and understand a whole lot more about the biology of it all.

As it happens, the biologists have long known that mast cells produce not just these two mediators but actually more than a thousand, each of which has a huge range of very potent effects on different systems and tissues in the body. And this is the fundamental reason why this one disease, so to speak, with a myriad of different variants, is actually capable of presenting in so many different fashions at a superficial clinical level. Hence why the research is starting to understand why this area of medicine is so complex, and why basically, to date, there’s not been an effective cure.

So, two major pointers here:

First up, it’s relatively new knowledge on the frontline that mast cells release more than a thousand different mediators.
Second, mast cells have a instant, nano-second response to an assault, which is fairly profound.

So what triggers a mast cell response, and what might be the underlying causes of an inappropriate mast cell release?

Sorry - a bit of a ��Science Alert!�� coming up ...

Bear in mind that the research to date is based on around 15-years’ worth since the first case reports were published (which is not a long time for scientific research), not that it’s a new disease but more a newly recognised disease. But what seems to be emerging from the preliminary research fairly consistently is that in almost every MCAS patient, what’s seen is a bevy of different mutations in various genes inside the dysfunctional mast cells, the very genes that are important in regulating the behaviours of the mast cells.

The research also makes clear that pretty much every different MCAS patient has a different set of these mutations. There might be some overlap from one patient to the next, but by and large, each patient seems to have a unique set of mutations. And it’s the totality, the net result of the particular set of mutations, that are present in any given patient, that drives a certain baseline level of misbehaviour of those dysfunctional mast cells. The science is not saying that all the mast cells are mutated; what’s being seen is that it’s actually only a minority of them that are mutated.

Dr Afrin says they also know that these mutations, by and large, are not inherited. Yep, you’ve guessed it – it’s the old lifestyle thing again . They’re largely acquired at various stages in a patient’s life, although the research is still looking at how and why they get acquired. However, what’s absolutely known is that these mutations create a certain baseline level of misbehaviour of the mast cells. And then when you add into the mix the exposures that different people have to different elements of diet, lifestyle and the environment that these dysfunctional mast cells will excessively react to, you multiply all these variables together and you get an almost infinite number of permutations of different ways this disease can behave in different people. And our horses.

So, if these appear to be acquired mutations, here’s the question … if we tweak the lifestyle factors, could the responses perhaps be modified?

Our old friend Inflammation

Thing is, like every fingerprint is unique, the disease behaves differently in every patient. However, there appear to be some general themes to it. There are actually patterns, and they tend to follow along the lines of the general effects of the majority of the mediators that are produced by the mast cells. And given that a recurring effect is multisystem inflammation , inflammation is now known to be the universal, constant clinical feature of this disease.

And one of the many patterns often seen are allergy issues . Emphasis on ‘often’ but not always, as there are many MCAS patients who don’t get allergy-type issues, but there are also those at the opposite end of those spectrums, who are unfortunately in a 24/7/365 risk of anaphylaxis, so total misery.

So, we now know:

There are these vast spectrums of the allergic issues.
Inflammation is the universal constant to this disease.
However, there are lots of other mediators that have effects that don’t fit into either of these categories.
So, broad description? It’s chronic multisystem inflammation plus/minus allergic issues .
And remember, when you dive into the details, the specific inflammatory – and/or allergic - issues that are going on in any patient, is a different assortment of unique issues in each patient.
Which of course presents real challenges for the treating physician (GP or vet) who might not see this regularly in their practice, or, they do see it frequently but just don’t recognise it.

And there we have it. There’s Kelso and me back in 2006, and a vet who had never seen MCAS, so assumed a chest 'infection', and while the bute and ventipulmin no doubt helped to alleviate the discomfort and swollen airway, the antibiotics were the culprit that helped make him so much worse, destroying an already damaged immune system.

Back to the human research, and the preliminary epidemiologic research (the method used to find the causes of health outcomes and diseases) is showing that up to 30% of the population is affected, which when you think about it means that every GP has been seeing this all day long, every day, during their whole career, without recognising it, because they were never taught that such a disease exists. And what also doesn’t help is that the biology is so complex that it’s guaranteed to present in thousands of different ways at the superficial clinical level.

However, if you look at what’s typically been a long problem list over a few years, it’s all about -itis, -itis, -itis – as in inflammation, inflammation, inflammation, in one system, one tissue, one organ after another. And then you look at the allergy list, and you see the patient has quite the assortment of allergies and sensitivities, many of which really don’t make any sense at all. And then we have a lightbulb moment ��.

As Dr Afrin says, he can’t now say that MCAS is the explanation for every patient with chronic, mysterious, multisystem illness. What he can say, though, is that the research now understands that a disease exists that is capable of behaving like this. So now, when a doctor sees a patient who superficially has these features, it now becomes reasonable to at least consider the possibility that maybe this is what’s at the root, or maybe the patient really isn’t so uniquely unlucky as to have coincidentally acquired so many different problems, all of them developing independently of one another. And maybe what’s been going on is just one thing that really is biologically capable of driving most, or all, of the issues the patient has been suffering. Confusing? Just a bit ...

The good news is that at least in our human world, there’s now testing that’s available to prove this. We’re not talking routine testing, i.e. routine blood counts, chemistry, thyroid, nutritional tests and so on - more often than not these don’t reveal anything or at worst demonstrate very modest abnormalities that the practitioner knows can’t even begin to explain the patient’s symptoms. You have to look fairly specifically for the mast cell mediators, which can only be measured in a research laboratory. Then once a diagnosis is established, it’s like any other diagnosis - you apply the right treatment for the right diagnosis, and the patient actually gets significantly better. Now there’s a concept - give the right treatment for the right diagnosis, and the patient gets better! ��

Meanwhile, what can we take to fix it?

Don't get too excited - there's not much to report, but there’s some (human) research that talks about antihistamine therapies, i.e. vitamin C and quercetin, but remember, it’s different with each patient as you might expect, because the disease is fundamentally biologically behaving in quite different ways in different patients. From a pharma perspective, the general starting point is with antihistamines, because in most mast cell patients this does bring significant improvement in at least some of their symptoms. And antihistamines are cheap, and they’re long-term safe. NB. For our horses, there are herbal antihistamines and antiallergenics, both of which we combine in our respiratory blends.

That said, Dr Afrin himself doesn’t regard the antihistamines as the first step in managing this disease. His approach is to identify the triggers as precisely as possible then recommends we do our level best to avoid them. As he says, "for the simple reason that it’s actually hard for any drug to gain good, sustained control over dysfunctional mast cells as long as the patient is simultaneously and persistently ingesting or otherwise exposing themselves to a trigger."

So to begin with, identify the triggers as precisely as possible and avoid them, but this won't necessarily be easy either, as they can be anything from certain substances, activities or physical forces, or various physical or psychological stressors. For example, where were you at the time, what were you doing at the time, what had you most recently ingested, what was the weather like in the area at the time, any noticeable odours or other major sensory stimuli that had been in the area at the time, and so on ... At least with our horses, we can pretty much identify that those affected react as soon as the tree pollens land, or the midges or flies start biting, or there's stable dust or mould, and so on ...

It’s also thought to be common for mast cell patients to suffer adverse reactions to certain medications, although it’s also thought that it’s often not necessarily the drug that’s triggered the dysfunctional mast cells but the fillers, the binders, the dyes, the preservatives - you get the gist. The same argument can be said for food, and especially junk/ready-meal foodstuffs, so check ingredients, fillers, binders, dyes, preservatives, whether human or horse food.

Finally, is recovery possible?

For now it’s still about blocking the symptoms for a more comfortable life, and certainly for our horses we’re well down the line in being able to make them significantly more comfortable. But meanwhile it’s about monitoring for the triggers, looking to antihistamines, and tweaking diet, lifestyle and environment wherever we can.

To finish with quoting Dr Afrin, “Give it 50 years, and every doctor coming out of training will know about this like they know about diabetes and hypertension today, but it’s going to take a long time to get there.”

Still a long way forward from 15-years ago though ��

Originally posted 22.3.23, copied over from our old website.

An EquiNatural Australian Christmas Adventure

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 06:39:30 GMT

... and a kind of testimonial ��

Meet Sol, a very handsome OTTB living in Victoria, Australia.

We first met Sol's owner, Lizzie, on Christmas Day 2022, when she placed an order for what was clearly a severely disrupted gut going on with her boy. She'd ordered our gut regeneration programme ( SIBO-CARE , GutAminos & LKL-CARE ), and our DuoBute & StressTonic to alleviate Sol's pain/inflammation/stress.

Her message in the order Comments box said it all - “Thank you! I have fingers crossed this will help my lovely but very touchy and aggressive OTTB.”

Sol's story in Lizzie's words was that he was "4 years off the track, with chronic girthiness, very sensitive to touch, particularly on his abdomen, very bitey, some windsucking. Great to ride, horrid to groom. We’ve changed his whole living situation (friends, forage and freedom), tried ulcer treatment, gelding scar manipulation, Craniosacral treatment. Everything helps a tiny bit but the issue is still significant."

Then I noted she had an Australian address - aha. She obviously hadn’t seen our website statement that we currently keep our operations to UK/Europe-based, as shipping outside Europe (which by the way Brexit only just about allows us to do), costs an astronomical arm and a leg, literally twice the order cost and more, plus there’s the dreaded import customs nightmare at the other end where orders literally disappear into the ether once landed. We have so many requests for business in US/Canada and I wishwishwish we could help, but the costs and customs issues simply make it impossible.

So of course I replied politely …

“Hello Lizzie, and thanks so much for considering our service. However, I’m afraid we’re not able to ship to Australia as we’re a UK-only business. We’ll refund you immediately.

Best wishes, Carol @ EquiNatural”

Lizzie, however, wasn’t having any of that.

“Oh no! Is there any way I can arrange shipping? Lizzie”

“The problem over here,” I replied, “is the crazy customs issues - not sure if it's Brexit-related but it all seemed to go badly pear-shaped afterwards. We used to successfully ship all over Europe with wonderful loyal customers, but now it’s really tricky, with some countries refusing to let any parcels further than import customs and simply returning them to us (if we’re even that lucky!).

For further afield, the cost to ship is a joke as well – to ship just 3kg to you in Oz costs almost as much as your order cost again (which was over £100), plus exhorbitant insurance costs.

It’s all a little bit crazy. Who’d have thought it – our modern techno world of 2022, and we can’t even get a parcel off our tiny island?! I’m sincerely sorry as I’d love to help you help your boy.

Best wishes, Carol”

Lizzie remained determined though …

“Hold that thought! I might be able to arrange to post to a friend in the uk who can then post it on to me �� Lizzie”

“Okaaaay ...” I replied hesitantly. “I’ll hold till I hear back from you. Oh, and by the way, Happy Christmas! ��”

Boxing Day …

“Ok, my lovely friend in Yorkshire is happy to help. Everything can wait until after the Christmas chaos. This is a long term issue - I’m only getting in touch now because I just heard about you through the Equibiome chat group and it just sounded like you may have a solution. I’d so love to help this beautiful boy to be happy and comfortable.

I’m so relieved that we may finally have an answer and a path forward for Sol. I have my heart in my mouth about the chance of fixing this ongoing issue. I can’t wait to see if this is the solution we’ve been searching for.�� I’ll certainly let you know how we get on. L”

And with that, off went her order the next day. All was quiet until … Nearly a month later ...

19 January 2023

LIZZIE “Hi Carol, the package arrived safe and sound from my friend but the order has now reached Australia and is being held by customs pending a manufacturer’s declaration that all ingredients contained in the products are approved by the Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry.

I have sent customs the list of ingredients from your website in the hope that may reassure them. However, I wonder if you do have a declaration in your system left over from pre-Brexit days when you were able to distribute more widely? If you have anything like that which you could share with me, I would be very grateful.

I am sorry to be a high-maintenance customer – I certainly didn’t intend to be this painful and this will be our last hurdle. Many, many thanks, Lizzie”

ME - “Morning Lizzie, OMG I’m so sorry to hear this. Okay, point them to the fact that we’re registered with Trading Standards, as detailed at the bottom of our home page on the website - Trading Standards EC Feed Hygiene Regulation (183/2005), Registration No. GB280/4203, plus forward them to our Quality page off the top menu bar - https://equinatural.co.uk/i/quality, which details the Quality Management and Certification Documents of our raw ingredients from our suppliers.

Crossing everything for you, Carol”

LIZZIE “Thanks ever so much Carol. I’ll send those details through to customs and will keep my fingers crossed it does the trick for them to release the package. I’m so excited at the prospect of finally being able to sort out poor old Sol. (Friend) also popped in some Bassets Jelly Babies – because I miss them! �� Which I now can’t get my hands on!

Here’s hoping! I’ll let you know how we get on. Lizzie”

A couple of weeks later ...

Friday, February 3, 2023

“Hi Carol, I’m sorry to say we didn’t manage to convince customs to allow the parcel through. It has been returned to the UK and (friend) will be able to put the products to good use. You were right – but thank you so much for working with me to try.

As a different approach … assuming Australia has all the necessary ingredients, would you consider working with me to compile the treatment here? I am only interested in treating this one horse and am very happy to sign anything necessary to protect your IP. Let me know what you think and whether this might be possible.

I do appreciate I’m not being a straightforward customer and do understand if you need to just draw the line at this point. I really love this pony and would be delighted to make him happy and comfortable so am keen to explore every avenue.

Many thanks, Lizzie”

So of course I agreed - how could I not?! A month and a bit later, and just this morning I woke up to an email from Lizzie.

Saturday, March 11, 2023

“Wow Carol! We are now three weeks into my Aussie versions of your SIBO and Gut Amnios in the morning, and Stress Tonic and DuoBute in the evening - and I have witnessed an extraordinary transformation!

Thank you for finding the lovely gentleman hidden inside my very angry TB. I knew he was there - and am so grateful to you for helping me find him.

My body thanks you - I haven’t been bitten for a fortnight :)

I’ll keep you posted. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Lizzie”

I love my job … ��

The Power Of 'Epigenetics' To Transform Health

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:58:47 GMT

- Turning the good genes on and the bad genes off

NB. Most of this blog is based on recent human research, but we can relate it all to our horses too.

Have you heard of ‘ epigenetics ’? If you’ve managed to wade through our Immunity section on this website without your eyes glazing over, you may have found a small paragraph on epigenetics at the bottom of the ‘ Fix the cell to get well ’ page, but understandably you may have glossed over it, as the science-y word ‘Apoptosis’ was in the para title as well. I mean, what the heck is that? Fair cop …

However – epigenetics is becoming a new buzz word in the science world, and just as well because it’s a seriously cool process in the body – it’s about how lifestyle choices influence every-thing, including how the body’s genes express themselves.

To sum it up in shorthand, epigenetics is how everything we’re all exposed to throughout our life (so we’re talking biology, genes, environment, social relationships, diet and so on) impacts how the body's genes are expressed - whether human or horse. You may have also seen me quote the saying, "Genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger." Never a truer word …

There are about 20,000 genes that make up the human genome, with the equine gene set being a similar number. Every protein, cell, and molecule that make our bodies who we are comes from the genes that are given to us by our parents, and those genes never change.

However, how our genes then express themselves can change. For sure, some genetic variants may make us more susceptible to chronic disease than others, but through the power of that magic word epigenetics, we can change how our genes are expressed by altering the environment we expose them to internally, for better or worse.

The APOE4 gene, for example, is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease but that doesn’t mean it's a life sentence, because even though we can’t change our genes, they’re not our fate – they’re only part of the story. If we eat a high-quality diet, incorporate daily movement, get plenty of rest and sunshine, manage our stress, and limit our exposure to toxins, our genes (and how they express themselves) will be more likely to promote health and longevity.

However, if we’re chronically stressed, eating junk, drinking too much vino, not exercising, and not getting enough sleep, this puts a lot of stress on our bodies, damages our DNA, and expresses genes that are consistent with disease.

To a degree our bodies, whether horse or human, are equipped to handle stress. We all have natural – and very sophisticated - detoxification and antioxidant systems built inside of us that work hard to keep inflammation at bay, but … it’s a toxic world out there. We’re constantly being exposed to stressors, even if we practice a healthy lifestyle, so it's inevitable that we'll accumulate some damage along the way as we age.

There is a silver lining though. Epigenetics can also help repair the wear and tear that happens as we all age. Using tools like nutrition, exercise, sleep and relaxation, we can change the body's genes' environment to modulate gene expression to promote health. Which is pretty awesome.

So how does this happen?

This is where DNA methylation comes in. Methylation is a biochemical process that occurs in our bodies billions of times every second. Cell division, DNA repair, detoxification, development, and so much more – it all depends on this thing called methylation. But how does this fundamental-for-life process work? And what's the connection to epigenetics and gene expression?

�� Science Alert! �� For methylation to occur, a methyl group (-CH3 - that’s a carbon element attached to three hydrogen atoms) - is added to, or removed, from the body's DNA, hormones, neurotransmitters and immune cells. When a gene is methylated, that usually means the gene is turned off. When a gene has little-to-no methyl groups, that means the gene is turned on. Whether we want a gene turned on or off depends on the methylation of that specific gene. (Now rinse and repeat ...)

Basically, DNA methylation is responsible for how our genes express themselves at any given moment and can shift our biology to have either a positive or negative effect.

An example - we all want our tumour suppressor genes turned on all the time to prevent the devastating proliferation of cancer cells, because if tumour suppressor genes are turned off, tumours can develop.

Think of it like this: genes are the body’s hardware and epigenetics are like the software . And unless we’ve been living under a rock where smartphones/tablets/laptops/smart tvs haven’t crossed our path at all, we should all by now know that software is something that can be debugged, tweaked and upgraded to make life a whole lot more convenient and pleasurable.

This is what this blog is all about - understanding, demystifying, and harnessing this thing known as epigenetics, and hopefully unravelling what can appear to be a complicated science-alert subject into a way we can actually understand and put into effect, to help not only us but our horses as well. We’re talking about how to prevent disease and reverse aging (seriously), as well as lessening the impact of stress and trauma at any stage of life, which is why epigenetics is an incredible area of current research that can help us do amazing stuff, because believe it or not, our genetics aren’t set in stone, even if we’re already well into adulthood.

And of course, being EquiNatural, we’ll be going into the amazing connection of plant phytochemicals for health and aging, way beyond their antioxidant properties, and how to get more of these into both our and our horses’ lives.

This is a relatively new area of research that provides tremendous hope for changing the operating system of the body’s biology, so let’s dive in and learn how to upgrade the body’s software.

“When you put all this together, this transforms all of healthcare. This transforms all of medicine. This to me is the thing that we’ve been looking for.”
Dr. Jeff Bland, Big Bold Health, one of the leading companies studying immuno-rejuvenation through the rediscovery of ancient food crops and super foods

Science these days is at an incredibly exciting time of advancement – the last decade has without doubt been the decade of the microbiome, and we’re now edging into the natural laws of body systems' biology as the scientists understand more about how genetics and environment interact.

Biology is actually incredibly complex because unlike physics, there are just so many variables thanks to billions of chemical reactions happening in the body every second - we're all one big chemical machine. And when you start to think about how science is now measuring this, looking at all the different influences, I mean, how does even one molecule, let’s say one tiny molecule of vitamin C, find its natural receptor in all the billions of blood vessels and tissues and cells? How does it even know where to go? It’s all a biological miracle ��.

And … what’s being studied now is helping us to rethink our approach to disease in a powerful way. Historically, we’ve always believed that our genes are pretty fixed, that our genes are our destiny; that we evolve through natural selection and have pretty hardwired genetic traits that are unmovable. Yet today's science is now learning that it’s the opposite – for sure the genes, the body’s hardware, is fixed, but the software, the code – the epigenetics – is changeable ��.

The way our genes ‘express’ themselves is highly influenced by everything around us, our entire environment, and this is known as imprinting. So how do we modify our lifestyle to drive us towards health? Or looking at it another way, how is it driving us toward disease? How can we understand this whole field of epigenetics? And what can we, us, you and me, actually do to modify our - and our horse's - genetic code and reverse disease, and even reverse biological aging at any age?

* Warning – animal testing statement, because this is where we have to start.

We’re talking mice being used for research on diabetes and obesity, and a particular breed of mouse that was historically known for getting genetically ill and not living as long as most mice, so it was studied as a disease model for diet and lifestyle-related diseases like obesity.

So, the scientists fed the pregnant dam mouse very high levels of specific nutrients of vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folic acid in methylated form, a more bioabsorbable form that has a significant positive impact on many biochemical reactions in the body.

What happened? The mice that were then born from that dam mouse were like no other mice that had ever been seen before, and more importantly, as they grew older, they didn’t get obese, nor did they get the diseases that their parents got. They also lived almost 35% longer, so the scientists scratched their heads and wondered what the heck was going on?

So they started studying and found out that by feeding high levels of these methylating nutrients, they were able to imprint the DNA, aka the genome (which is the complete set of the body’s genetic instructions), of the dam and that of the offspring, so that they then didn't express those characteristics that were locked into the genes of the mother that had produced years of generations of obese and disease-prone mice. WIth me so far?

Basically, these methylated B-vitamins were able to change which genes were turned on and off - the disease genes were switched off and the health and longevity genes were switched on.

Obviously the human - and horse - body is way more complex, but what these initial tests showed was that for the first time ever, it was discovered that a series of nutrients could actually reprogram how genes were expressed . And since those original studies were published, extraordinary amounts of work have been done much more precisely, to where literally hundreds of scientists around the world are now studying this concept of modulation of the epigenome (sorry, more science - the epigenome is the set of chemical modifications to the DNA and DNA-associated proteins in the cell, which alter gene expression, and are heritable).

Okay, let’s do a quick summary

Science now know that we can regulate our function based on the experiences that we have in our lives at imprint, as in prenatal influences. But - the question is, do we have these same capabilities as a later-aged adult - can our genes still be modulated, as in, can we change our genes after we’ve been born?

The answer is … Yes we can! Science has discovered that even in the adult, there are still a series of genes that regulate many other genes, sitting upstream of a lot of other genes that can still be imprinted and modulated epigenetically by experiences that we have, meaning throughout all of our life, and not just in foetal development or in infancy. It’s been found that there are maybe hundreds of these genes, which means – and this is a biggie - our genes are not our destiny and we can actually make choices in our life and implement protocols - medical protocols, nutraceutical protocols, lifestyle protocols - that can influence the future, instead of an almost certain future of dementia, diabetes or heart disease, to name a few dead certs.

Another example. We all pretty much well known now that following a Mediterranean diet can reverse biological age and keep us healthy. Another study by Dr Kara Fitzgerald in her book Younger You: Reverse Your Bio Age - and Live Longer, Better (which I thoroughly recommend and from where a lot of this blog came from) used lifestyle intervention, showing a reversal biological age of up to three years. And other studies show that using various kinds of medication that effect aging, i.e. various kinds of mitochondrial regulators, can influence the biological age as well.

So whether we’re looking at diet, or a multimodal intervention via functional medicine , or pharmacological interventions, there’s increasing evidence that we can not only stop, but actually reverse our biological age, which will also determine our health because we’re only as healthy as our biological age. And lets face it - the single biggest risk factor for every disease is age.

So how do we start to think about this?

Let’s start at the biology – let’s look at changes in diet , or various supplements , or various medications that can actually influence the epigenome, and delve a little deeper into methylation , because this seems to be the key that regulates and turns the epigenome on and off, determining which proteins get made, which affects which part of the body is working or not working, because proteins in the body are what DNA is made of - DNA is simply an assembly line for new proteins. So, if we look at the effect on proteins, and the changes in proteins that happen with the epigenome, this seems to be where it all starts.

Now let’s talk about ‘ energy ’, as in a vibe or vitality, as in the energy we project - never mind humans (I know plenty that I want to run a mile from, without having even met or spoken with), but how many horses have we met that project a profound 'energy'?! There’s a concept that the ‘energy’ that we’re involved with, that we’re exposed to, or that we give off to others, is an energy that transforms itself into a material influence on the molecular actions of our body and affects how our genes are expressed.

I know this sounds a little whacky, but believe me when I say it influences our genes and how they’re expressed. Our interaction with our environment, our social factors, the people we interact with, our sense of fulfilment, our appreciation of being alive, feeling supported, being in a community, being loved - these are all signals that are picked up by our genes and ultimately epigenetically modify our genes.

This is what connects socialisation, anthropology, sociology, psychology. It hardwires itself into each and every one of our biological system’s thinking, and ultimately how we look at it all. This is what’s so amazing about it – it’s all doable by practicing ‘life’ in a positive way. We can send the right signals to our genes that modulate these epigenetic patterns in such a way as to favourably express our bliss genes. And ... they can equally downregulate the expression of our negative genes.

If you look at the big picture, ultimately this transforms all healthcare, and all medicine. Scientists can measure before and after methylation patterns in people involved with lifestyle changes; they can measure the effect that diet has, the effect of exercise and sleep effects on the epigenome, and what happens when a person is loved versus unloved.

The University of North Carolina medical school has related the concept not only in psychiatry and psychoneuroimmunology (yep, that's a thing!), but also in the field of molecular genetics, publishing papers that are truly revolutionary showing that under control conditions in both animal models and in humans, social deprivation, anxiety, stress and fear all send signals to the epigenome that completely modulates it, as well as the stress survival fight/flight hormonal cortisol and epinephrine responses.

It literally means that the interface between all this and the epigenome are now singularly being defined as being connected in the whole field of healthcare. We’re talking being able to treat the whole person to modulate their genes to be performing at optimal enlightenment. We can actually change harmful epigenetic tags, even after we’re born, by doing modifications in life and lifestyle.

And here’s another fascinating thing - these tags can be cross-generational. As in, it's been shown that the epigenome of children or grandchildren of Holocaust survivors are naturally imprinted with changes that lead to increase in anxiety, psychosocial stresses, and a whole series of health consequences that are really staggering. But it can then be un-tagged, because there’s this control system on the epigenome which can be modified through various types of interventions, to improve the genes to create health from the ones that create disease, which means ... we can now literally be rescued from our bad genes.

Every bite of food we eat influences our genes through this mechanism; our nutrient status, our activity and exercise, sleep, stress of all kinds, our relationships, love or lack of love – they all modify the epigenome in ways that are actionable and changeable, and frankly, astonishing.

And we can even change the process of aging on our genome. We can not only stop aging and stop chronic diseases, but we can literally reverse them. And that’s why some of these new studies are so remarkable, showing the DNA methylation patterns that change with intervention.

So how does this change medicine for us?

So, given that the scientists now know this mechanism, that they now understand how relationships, thoughts, feelings, toxic exposures, activities, sleep, diet, and everything else influences our genes - how does this change medicine for us? Because we know they’re all linked by a very few common mechanisms and systems in the body via a few common laws of biology.

When those underlying systems are dysregulated and disturbed in the ways that we’re talking about, through inflammation, mitochondrial function, detoxification, hormonal regulation, gut function - all the stuff we talk about here on EquiNatural for our horses - and let’s not also forget that our gut microbes are listening to our every thought ... let’s also not forget that we’ve got to be seriously nice to those bugs in there because they’re affecting how we feel and what we think, our disease risks and everything else.

Long and short, we now have this amazing opportunity to rethink disease from the bottom up. We can look at aging and disease differently because we now understand that there’s this imprint that regulates everything about health.

These days, and whether horse or human, we know that there are essential amino acids that we have to get from our diet, i.e. lysine and methionine. There are essential fatty acids that we have to get like omega-3; interestingly it's said that there’s no such thing as an essential carbohydrate because we don’t actually need them to live, hence why people do so well on a ketogenic diet. That said, there may be a missing part of the jigsaw here in that while the actual starch itself is not essential, the components that come with carbohydrates, i.e. phytochemicals in plants, are actually very essential. You just have to look at the polyphenols in cacao, for example, and the research that’s coming out now about the incredible health benefits in it.

Let’s talk about where there are deficiencies, and not just in vitamins and minerals, but also a deficiency of phytochemicals that we need to include in our diet every single day. They regulate our immune system, our microbiome, brain chemistry, hormones, our structural system - everything is controlled by these phytochemicals. Food is absolutely medicine, it’s information. Food is immuno-rejuvenation, it’s epigenetics, it’s biological clocks, and it connects to DNA methylation in immune cells and white blood cells.

So, how can we change our diet; what phytochemicals can we take to actually help improve and regulate the epigenome to create health and longevity and a long health span? We’re not just talking antioxidants; we’re talking specific targeted molecules that signal the messages to our genes in unique ways to modulate how our genes express their function. This is a much more powerful, directed, natural pharmacology than antioxidants - it’s about different bioflavonoids, different members of the polyphenol family having different effects on different cells to produce different outcomes.

Take one of my favourites - resveratrol. it’s different to EGCG (from green tea), which is different to curcumin, which is different to quercetin. They have different impacts upon cell biology, but the new ‘Aha!’ discovery is that all of these regulate the epigenome in such a way that they can help switch on and off messages to rejuvenate cellular function and give us the full potential of our genetic arsenal of fabulous-ness.

This is powerful new science . It puts all this together to say, we are part of how we eat . We are part of the way those plants were growing, and part of the soil in which those plants were nourished. Plants have the ability to respond to their environmental stress, whether its biological stress from organisms like infection, or environmental stress such as too hot, too cold, not enough water, whatever ... plants activate their genes epigenetically to produce their own phytochemicals.

When we eat the right plants that have those messenger molecules that create the same exact effects in our bodies, it connects plant health to soil health to human – and horse - health. It’s changing our exposure to toxins, determining outcomes in terms of health and disease, and science now understands how to actually modify them. They now know, for example, that if a baby, mother, grandmother is exposed to glyphosate, then those markers from the glyphosate are going to cause cancer and endocrine disruption and all sorts of problems two generations down. And we all know how much glyphosate is in much of today's horse feeds. (Which is why here at EquiNatural we're all about organic ...)

But the good news? We can undo those markers through three various interventions - lifestyle, diet and environment .

So, pulling this altogether, how is the future looking?

What are doctors going to be testing? What are they going to be recommending? And how is that going to impact the path of chronic illness and death?

Here’s a thing. Let’s for a moment go back to something that we’ve no doubt all experienced in life, or at the very least know someone who has – an experience of some kind of trauma.

If we think about Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome , this is a condition where the genes have been imprinted so strongly by a traumatic event that they’re locked into a cycle of hyper-vigilance, as it relates to the activation of their immune response and the fight/flight adrenaline/cortisol response.

So, is it possible to modify people with PTSD? These people have had extreme examples of such acute stress that have then heavily marked their genes to create alarm responses in their daily living, no matter what environment they find themselves. This is one area that’s being looked at as we speak, specifically a ‘hub gene’ which is abbreviated as F-K-B-P-5.

This hub gene is controlling the activity of the glucocorticoid receptor, which relates to rogue cortisol responses activated when the body is in a state of PTSD. So, the first question is, how does PTSD get turned on into a hyper[functioning way in the first place? It does so because it gets negatively epigenetically modified, which switches off what would normally suppress its activity, which means it then goes wild, with rampant cortisol coarsing through the body. But can we then modify the epigenetic control of the FKBP5 gene by reprogramming the epigenome? The answer appears to be ... Yes, we can.

What the science has learned is that the more traumatic a situation, the more the epigenome becomes more imprinted. So how are these imprints undone? What are the techniques, the tools, the systems, the mechanisms? Is it seriously just about consuming certain vitamins?

Of course it’s a whole lot bigger than that, bringing in the whole arsenal of tools that have historically been marginalised in medicine - stress reduction, behavioural modification, cognitive therapy, exercise, meditation even - all factors that are now signalling to the genes to re-establish a different imprint on those genes that regulate PTSD.

It's not just about a script of antidepressants – they’re only a small part of the bigger picture of imprinting those genes that regulate these responses, that give the body this heightened place of alarm that prevents us from sleeping, that keep us tired and wired and miserable. But science is really seeing a better understanding of the emerging biology for the body to be more healthily balanced.

Overall it’s about the Big Picture - the microbiome, the toxin load, toxic relationships, the things that are all affecting the epigenome to create a regular pattern of continued alarm. And when we're in an alarmed state, we feel like we're in jeopardy at every moment because the body is fighting back all the time in survival mode. Whether human or horse.

To conclude

This field of epigenetics is relatively new, but it gives us tremendous hope for changing the operating system of biology. Back to genes being the hardware, with the epigenetics the software - basically like Microsoft Word or whatever program we've all got on our laptops. When we have MS Word open, all the different features of Microsoft aren't being expressed at the same time - it’s only ever about whichever keys we’re pressing at any given time.

It’s the same with biology - we can actually learn how to press the biological keys via lifestyle. It’s almost as if a bit more of the code of longevity, disease and aging has been cracked, in a way that goes straight to the root of the problem.

Get the diet right, get the phytochemicals right, and we drive immuno-rejuvenation, which helps the body’s epigenome.

And even better, it can taste pretty good too. Again whether human or horse ��.

Originally posted 2.11.22

Connecting Bone and Gut Health

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:39:53 GMT

- Continuing the importance of feeding appropriate prebiotics

(See our previous Blog Prebiotics for Postbiotic Abundance )

Image - EquiNatural's Carmen, 10-months after we adopted her, aged 7.

Caring for our TB mare, Carmen, has been a special project for me since we took her on in 2014.

Carms came to us as a 7yo with an inward-twisting LF hoof and pastern from birth, with a vet label pronouncing her 2/10 lame, although I’m sure she’d prefer to disagree as no-one field-hoons quite like Carms.

She was discarded to life as a brood mare, until by the age of 6 she'd been passed from home to home, and was found by her former owner abandoned in a field when they were looking at another horse for their daughter. They didn't buy said horse, but saw the whip scars on Carmen's rump and how she hobbled, and took her home there and then on an alleged rescue mission.

Thing is, there’s rescue and there’s rescue. Sadly, when I met her a year later she was isolated in a field with no buddies nearby, on a permanent script of pain-meds and annual steroid jabs. Her hooves hadn't seen a rasp for months - they were all overgrown and dished with very poor quality hoof capsules, eached scarred with lami event lines and underrun heels. She was also on a feedbowl regime of high-molassed, 17% sugar chaff (you know the brand) and cheapo grass nuts containing all the ingredients I avoid like the plague. She looked sad, undernourished, and lonely, despite the owner bigging herself up as having done a good deed.

She then said she was planning on selling her on for £500, because being an overindulged daughter of rich parents, she could no longer be bothered with her. That was it for me ... and yes, as if you need to ask, Carms came to live with us literally the next day, and so began her new life, starting with a major detox and diet change. Several years on? She’s our sassy, gleaming,16yo herd boss, sensitive and soft to cuddle yet oh-so intelligent, and one thing’s for sure – if you mess with her you’ll know it! Oh, and needless to say she does not get those annual steroid jabs ��.

However, because of her limb distortion, arthritis for Carms is pretty much a given, and we’ve had numerous blips when a field hoon (which she’s very good at, and very fast!) has rendered her a bit 3-legged. But overall it's very obvious as to how the rest of her skeletal frame compensates for her LF; she transfers weight to her right side to relieve the pressure on her left, so her RF takes all the strain, hence why she throws a major flare between each trim for balance, and her RF pastern is noticeably more dropped. Despite this, her bodyworker reports that all things considering, she’s a calm and happy mare, and in pretty good shape ��.

All this means that I’m permanently on it for her, and always swatting all-things-osteo to keep her mechanicals as comfy as I can. And being a studious student of Functional Medicine, I’ve recently attended an IFM seminar about the connection between bone health and the gut, so naturally I thought I’d share with you all, as I know many of you have older horses with all kinds of arthritis, never mind us too! Kind of comes with the cold, damp, wintry territory over decades of shovelling sh1t and having a deeper relationship with a wheelbarrow than with our patient OH’s.

Connecting Bone and Gut Health

The skeleton is a metabolically active organ that undergoes continuous remodelling throughout life. This is where osteoclasts and osteoblasts come into the great scheme of things - osteoclasts are responsible for aged bone resorption (the removal of mineralised bone) and osteoblasts follow this with the responsibility for laying down new bone formation.

Known as the ‘bone remodeling cycle’, it’s a vital part of the body’s natural systemic regulation processes. It adjusts bone architecture when skeletal mechanical needs require it, helping to repair microdamages in the bone matrix to prevent the accumulation of old bone, and it also plays an important role in maintaining plasma calcium homeostasis. Multiple hormones are involved, most notably PTH, the parathyroid hormone, as well as growth factors and proteins, all working together to maintain skeletal integrity.

And our old friend, the gut microbiome, is very much involved as well, because the various tissues of the skeletal system are intricately connected to the health of multiple body systems, including the GI tract and the gut microbiome. Bone-related disorders such as osteoarthritis have been associated with dysbiosis in the gut microbiota, while an increased prevalence and development risk of low bone mineral density has been associated with gut disruption/intestinal inflammation.

These days we know that a healthy intestinal microbiome completely influences what goes on in the body, everything from nutrient absorption and metabolite synthesis to immunomodulation, and now there are also studies showing that it also affects bone homeostasis; if the bone remodelling cycle is out of kilter, with resorption rates outpacing new formation, it’s now thought that an impaired gut may be involved.

Knowing that a healthy fibre intake and a variety of prebiotic foods support gut balance and maintain the beneficial microbiota colonies, research investigations continue to reveal the connection between the mechanisms of the gut microbiota and bone cell communications. They also show that the microbial landscape impacts nutrient absorption and metabolism, with some commensal bacteria believed to promote the intake of bone-related minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous.

Gut Microbiome Impact on Bone

If you regularly read our blogs you’ll have seen me recently posting about the hindgut microbes’ fermentation process producing numerous, and vital, bioactive compounds – metabolites/postbiotics (provided we feed the gut right, that is ��) - that are also important for bone health, including B vitamins and vitamin K.

One critical area of beneficial hindgut postbiotic production are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which play a regulatory role in osteocyte metabolism and bone mass. Furthermore, an abundant SCFA, butyrate, is believed to promote osteoblast diversity and stimulate mineralised nodule formation to support bone growth. And a recent animal study found that butyrate was required for the important parathyroid hormone (PTH) to stimulate bone formation and increase bone mass. Research also suggests that gut-derived hormones also play an important role in bone homeostasis and metabolism (see numerous source data below).

Interestingly, the use of pro-biotics to support healthy bones has shown some conflicting results depending on dosage and species, where a recent review and meta-analysis evaluated the probiotic consumption effects on bone health from 44 studies, and before you ask, 37 were animal models. Researchers found that in clinical trials, probiotic consumption negatively affected bone health parameters such as serum calcium levels, urinary calcium levels, and PTH levels.

This continues to suggest that maybe there’s no guarantee that feeding a probiotic supplement will establish the species-appropriate microbe colonies in the biome, endorsing the new thinking that it’s more about feeding the existing beneficial colonies more ‘probiotically’ via prebiotic foods. For our horses the thinking is clearly heading more towards the fact that by feeding appropriate prebiotic fibres to our horse (cellulose/hemi-cellulose fibre from stemmy hay), there may be no need to feed a probiotic.

As for us humans? It’s the good old mediterranean diet, which is a well-studied example that's been evaluated on numerous occasions specific to its impact on bone health. Just this year (2022) a systematic review and meta-analysis (eight observational studies with 13,209 participants) investigated the relationship between the mediterranean diet and bone mineral density values in adults, indicating small but statistically significant increases in bone mass density in the whole body, but especially at the lumbar spine, neck and hip, which for us horse folk with knackered lower backs is no bad thing!

Specifically, inulin-type fructans (prebiotics) were found to promote an abundance of beneficial human biome bacteria colonies, and had a range of beneficial health effects from improved intestinal barrier function to increased absorption of the bone-related nutrients calcium and magnesium. So that'll be chicory and jerusalem artichoke on the shopping list then ...

To conclude, as more gut microbiome research continues to develop, there’s no doubt that prioritising the health of the beneficial microbiome colonies with prebiotics is proving to be a promising component for therapeutic interventions that help mitigate or prevent bone loss.

Sources

1. Bhardwaj A, Sapra L, Tiwari A, Mishra PK, Sharma S, Srivastava RK. “Osteomicrobiology”: the nexus between bone and bugs. Front Microbiol. 2022;12:812466. doi:3389/fmicb.2021.812466

2. Szafors P, Che H, Barnetche T, et al. Risk of fracture and low bone mineral density in adults with inflammatory bowel diseases. A systematic literature review with meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2018;29(11):2389-2397. doi:1007/s00198-018-4586-6

3. Kärnsund S, Lo B, Bendtsen F, Holm J, Burisch J. Systematic review of the prevalence and development of osteoporosis or low bone mineral density and its risk factors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastroenterol. 2020;26(35):5362-5374. doi:3748/wjg.v26.i35.5362

4. Ding K, Hua F, Ding W. Gut microbiome and osteoporosis. Aging Dis. 2020;11(2):438-447. doi:14336/AD.2019.0523

5. Wallimann A, Magrath W, Thompson K, et al. Gut microbial-derived short-chain fatty acids and bone: a potential role in fracture healing. Eur Cell Mater. 2021;41:454-470. doi:22203/eCM.v041a29

6. de Sire A, de Sire R, Curci C, Castiglione F, Wahli W. Role of dietary supplements and probiotics in modulating microbiota and bone health: the gut-bone axis. Cells. 2022;11(4):743. doi:3390/cells11040743

7. Uebanso T, Shimohata T, Mawatari K, Takahashi A. Functional roles of B-vitamins in the gut and gut microbiome. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2020;64(18):e2000426. doi:1002/mnfr.202000426

8. Chen Y, Wang X, Zhang C, Liu Z, Li C, Ren Z. Gut microbiota and bone diseases: a growing partnership. Front Microbiol. 2022;13:877776. doi:3389/fmicb.2022.877776

9. Li JY, Yu M, Pal S, et al. Parathyroid hormone-dependent bone formation requires butyrate production by intestinal microbiota. J Clin Invest. 2020;130(4):1767-1781. doi:1172/JCI133473

10. Hansen MS, Frost M. Alliances of the gut and bone axis. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2022;123:74-81. doi:1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.024

11. Jensen NW, Clemmensen KKB, Jensen MM, et al. Associations between postprandial gut hormones and markers of bone remodeling. Nutrients. 2021;13(9):3197. doi:3390/nu13093197

12. Noori M, Jayedi A, Khan TA, Moradi S, Shab-Bidar S. Mediterranean dietary pattern and bone mineral density: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies. Eur J Clin Nutr. Published online February 16, 2022. doi:1038/s41430-022-01093-7

13. Hughes RL, Alvarado DA, Swanson KS, Holscher HD. The prebiotic potential of inulin-type fructans: a systematic review. Adv Nutr. 2021;13(2):492-529. doi:1093/advances/nmab119

14. Malmir H, Ejtahed HS, Soroush AR, et al. Probiotics as a new regulator for bone health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:3582989. doi:1155/2021/3582989

15. Xu Q, Li D, Chen J, et al. Crosstalk between the gut microbiota and postmenopausal osteoporosis: mechanisms and applications. Int Immunopharmacol. 2022;110:108998. doi:1016/j.intimp.2022.108998

Originally published 6.10.22

Prebiotic foods for postbiotic abundance

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:34:48 GMT

Look after the gut, and the gut will look after you

Image - Murf, Carms, MacAttack, Cookie & Pops, Mar'2020

Following on from our blog post last year on the friendly commensal gut bacteria ( We are what we eat - meet Commensal Gut Microbes ), we touched on the importance of feeding specialised prebiotic fibres to feed those commensal bugs. This in turn stimulates the growth of the friendly gut biome colonies, producing the positive knock-on effect of maximising a plentiful production of beneficial metabolites - those hindgut fermentation by-products necessary for the body’s metabolism, aka postbiotics.

With new microbiome evidence hitting the headlines by the day, I think it’s fair to say that we all now pretty much know that a balanced and healthy gut microbiome is essential for optimal immune function, and that the intestinal microbial community - as well as their metabolites - impact the health of the host body system-wide. And when it comes to our horses, supporting those friendly commensal gut microbes via a diverse range of grass species' fibres and prebiotic foods will not only ensure a biome full of friendly bacteria, but also those fermentation by-products, postbiotics, that will guarantee nutritional, metabolic, and immune health benefits.

The evidence is out there – feed the gut right and you have effective therapeutic strategies that combat chronic diseases, i.e.:

• Decreased risk of EMS/obesity.

• Slower progression of liver and kidney issues.

• Lessening of anxiety symptoms, chronic fatigue and pain.

• Prevention of ulcerative colitis relapse.

The list goes on, but how exactly do the benefits work? Simple – it’s all about the relationship between fibre-rich foods that include prebiotics and the hindgut microbiota’s fermentation by-products.

What are prebiotics?

Soluble and insoluble fibres are indigestible carbohydrates that are available in plants and plant-based foods, the difference between them being that soluble fibre easily dissolves in water and is broken down into a gel-like substance in the colon, with insoluble fibre remaining intact as food moves through the gastrointestinal tract. Soluble fibre helps improve digestion and lower blood sugar, while insoluble fibre can soften the faeces, making them easier to pass. Just to confuse matters, psyllium husks , a renowned digestive aid, are both soluble and insoluble, which is why it's uber-fabulous to clean up the intestines.

While insoluble fibres help with the efficient elimination of wastes, it's soluble fibre prebiotics that promote fermentation by the hindgut microbe community. And it's these that are selectively used by the host's microorganisms, from where our horses get their nourishment.

Put simply, it’s a non-digestible plant food ingredient that promotes the growth of the beneficial microbes in the intestines; in other words, prebiotics feed the friendly,commensal gut microbial community. The hindgut microbes ferment these non-digestible compounds and obtain energy through the degradation process so their activity and growth can thrive. Long and short, prebiotics completely influence the gut microbiome environment, and literally make or break the health-protective gut microbe communities.

For us humans, well-known prebiotic foods are chicory root, dandelion greens in salads, Jerusalem artichoke (but watch out for the, er, flatulence effect), garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus and bananas, to name a few. For our horses, it’s so much simpler – the cellulose fibre inside all those lovely multi-grass species' stems, and various roots/barks/mosses (such as our WildFed blend), are our horses' ideal, and beautifully natural, prebiotics.

As far as the science goes, to be classified as a prebiotic, certain criteria are required, such as documented beneficial health effects, with selective microbiota-mediated mechanisms. You may have seen names of prebiotic examples that naturally exist across the board for our horses, such as:

Fructans, including inulin (a soluble starch fibre, found in abundance in chicory and jerusalem artichoke) and fructo-oligosaccharide. Bear in mind that these are appropriate for the human gut biome (very different to a horse's) and on which studies are based on, yet you'll commonly see these in equine feeds and gut supplements. So what does Oligosaccharides mean? Well, it's Greek for ‘a few sugars’, or to be more specific, carbohydrates combined of simple sugars (monosaccharides) and starches (polysaccharides). You'll usually see them listed as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS prebiotic) and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS prebiotic), with fructo and mannan indicating where the sugars come from; fructo refers to plant sugars and mannan refers to yeast.

Polyphenols, a category of plant compounds packed with antioxidants and potential health benefits, protecting the body's tissues against oxidative stress and associated pathologies such as cancer and inflammation. You may have heard of the 'oily herbs' that are now an equine gut support trend, all being high in polyphenols. See our BiomeTonic as an example, useful to feed as ongoing support to maintain a healthy intestinal tract environment for those beneficial biome microbes.

There are numerous human-based studies showing the significant health benefits. In a 2015 randomised controlled trial, participants replaced refined wheat with whole grain wheat in their diet and noted a significant increase in ferulic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, as well as an increase in its metabolite dihydroferulic acid, one of the main metabolites of curcumin (found in turmeric root ) which has potent antioxidant/free radical-scavenging properties.

In another human study in 2019, a small, single-group design trial evaluated health impacts in healthy individuals after the daily consumption of vegetables rich in inulin-type fructans, aka ITFs (before you twitch at the mention of fructans, remember this is a human study, but you'll get the point of the study results in relation to 'species-appropriate' prebiotics).

Assessments included nutrient intake, faecal microbiota composition, microbial fermentation, gastrointestinal symptoms, and food-related behaviour. During the two-week intervention period, participants followed a controlled diet that was based on ITF-rich vegetables and included an intake of 15 grams of ITF per day. At the end treatment, one primary microbial modification included an increased proportion of the health-promoting Bifidobacterium genus. In addition, participants demonstrated greater satiety and improved intestinal comfort by the end of the study.

Postbiotics and their health benefits

The concept of postbiotics is based on the observation that a host’s health benefits from gut microbes is due in part to their secretion of metabolites and fermentation by-products. As the hindgut commensal gut microbes break down prebiotics through fermentation, the resulting postbiotics demonstrate positive health effects from their potential immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It's also thought that they help to inhibit pathogens.

As this science continues to evolve, the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) recently declared a standardised definition of a postbiotic as "inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that demonstrate host health benefit".

As mentioned often across this website, our friends butyrate, propionate and acetate, the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), are examples of postbiotics being produced by prebiotic degradation. Their range of health benefits include providing the main energy source for ATP , as well as enhancing the integrity of the intestinal barrier, and satiety signaling to positively impact glucose and energy homeostasis. All positive health benefits, as well as promoting the growth of thge other beneficial microbe colonies through bacterial cross-feeding.

SCFA abundance may also be involved in the prevention of chronic conditions. Another human study in 2019 evaluated the faecal samples of 300 one-year-old infants, and suggested significant associations between the levels of SCFAs due to an infant’s diet and development of atopy (a problem with the immune system that increases the likelihood of developing allergies, i.e. asthma). The analysis indicated that those children with the highest levels of butyrate and propionate in their faeces at the age of one, had significantly less atopic sensitisation and were less likely to have asthma between the ages of three and six. In addition, those with the highest levels of butyrate were also less likely to have a reported diagnosis of food allergy or allergic rhinitis.

There's no doubt that the composition of the gut microbiota colonies is really important when it comes to the metabolism of prebiotics, and their resulting postbiotics. For polyphenols, for example, certain fermentation products will only be present, and their health benefits fully realised, if specific bacteria - or groups of bacteria - are present within a gut landscape. Depending on the gut microbiota composition, a prebiotic could be metabolised via different pathways, resulting in different fermentation metabolites being produced, so for our horses it’s so vital that we feed them as they’ve evolved, as in cellulose fibre from stemmy multi-diverse grass species and roughage (fruits, berries, leaves and barks) – it’s an absolute cornerstone of how we need to care for our horses.

To conclude

Get the diet right and we optimise our horse’s gut function and improve their overall health. Here's a thing though; no biome is the same – every horse’s biome (and human’s, for that matter) is unique, which means that the individuality of each and every gut microbial landscape needs a diverse diet of plant foods and roughage, as well as the all-important fibre sources, which will help to ensure a varied intake of prebiotic fibres and maximise an abundant production of beneficial metabolites.

Sources:

1. Tuso PJ, Ismail MH, Ha BP, Bartolotto C. Nutritional update for physicians: plant-based diets. Perm J. 2013;17(2):61-66. doi:10.7812/TPP/12-085

2. Adair KE, Bowden RG. Ameliorating chronic kidney disease using a whole food plant-based diet. Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1007. doi:10.3390/nu12041007

3. Dinu M, Abbate R, Gensini GF, Casini A, Sofi F. Vegetarian, vegan diets and multiple health outcomes: a systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017;57(17):3640-3649. doi:10.1080/10408398.2016.1138447

4. Sterling SR, Bowen SA. The potential for plant-based diets to promote health among Blacks living in the United States. Nutrients. 2019;11(12):2915. doi:10.3390/nu11122915

5. Null G, Pennesi L. Diet and lifestyle intervention on chronic moderate to severe depression and anxiety and other chronic conditions. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017;29:189-193. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.09.007

6. Chiba M, Nakane K, Tsuji T, et al. Relapse prevention by plant-based diet incorporated into induction therapy for ulcerative colitis: a single-group trial. Perm J. 2019;23:18-220. doi:10.7812/TPP/18-220

7. Gibson GR, Hutkins R, Sanders ME, et al. Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;14(8):491-502. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2017.75

8. Salminen S, Collado MC, Endo A, et al. The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of postbiotics [published correction appears in Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;18(9):671] [published correction appears in Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022;19(8):551]. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;18(9):649-667. doi:10.1038/s41575-021-00440-6

9. Davani-Davari D, Negahdaripour M, Karimzadeh I, et al. Prebiotics: definition, types, sources, mechanisms, and clinical applications. Foods. 2019;8(3):92. doi:10.3390/foods8030092

10. Vitaglione P, Mennella I, Ferracane R, et al. Whole-grain wheat consumption reduces inflammation in a randomized controlled trial on overweight and obese subjects with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors: role of polyphenols bound to cereal dietary fibre. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(2):251-261. doi:10.3945/ajcn.114.088120

11. Hiel S, Bindels LB, Pachikian BD, et al. Effects of a diet based on inulin-rich vegetables on gut health and nutritional behavior in healthy humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;109(6):1683-1695. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz001

12. O’Callaghan A, van Sinderen D. Bifidobacteria and their role as members of the human gut microbiota. Front Microbiol. 2016;7:925. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.00925

13. Zólkiewicz J, Marzec A, Ruszczynski M, Feleszko W. Postbiotics—a step beyond pre- and probiotics. Nutrients. 2020;12(8):E2189. doi:10.3390/nu12082189

14. Aguilar-Toalá JE, Garcia-Varela R, Garcia HS, et al. Postbiotics: an evolving term within the functional foods field. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2018;75:105-114. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2018.03.009

15. Wegh CAM, Geerlings SY, Knol J, Roeselers G, Belzer C. Postbiotics and their potential applications in early life nutrition and beyond. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(19):4673. doi:10.3390/ijms20194673

16. Collado MC, Vinderola G, Salminen S. Postbiotics: facts and open questions. A position paper on the need for a consensus definition. Benef Microbes. 2019;10(7):711-719. doi:10.3920/BM2019.0015

17. Oliphant K, Allen-Vercoe E. Macronutrient metabolism by the human gut microbiome: major fermentation by-products and their impact on host health. Microbiome. 2019;7(1):91. doi:10.1186/s40168-019-0704-8

18. Toca MDC, Burgos F, Fernández A, et al. Gut ecosystem during infancy: the role of “biotics.” Arch Argent Pediatr. 2020;118(4):278-285. doi:10.5546/aap.2020.eng.278

19. Rowland I, Gibson G, Heinken A, et al. Gut microbiota functions: metabolism of nutrients and other food components. Eur J Nutr. 2018;57(1):1-24. doi:10.1007/s00394-017-1445-8

20. Fu X, Liu Z, Zhu C, Mou H, Kong Q. Nondigestible carbohydrates, butyrate, and butyrate-producing bacteria. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019;59(Suppl 1):S130-S152. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1542587

21. Venter C, Eyerich S, Sarin T, Klatt KC. Nutrition and the immune system: a complicated tango. Nutrients. 2020;12(3):E818. doi:10.3390/nu12030818

22. Roduit C, Frei R, Ferstl R, et al. High levels of butyrate and propionate in early life are associated with protection against atopy. Allergy.2019;74(4):799-809. doi:10.1111/all.13660

23. Cortés-Martín A, Selma MV, Tomás-Barberán FA, González-Sarrías A, Espín JC. Where to look into the puzzle of polyphenols and health? The postbiotics and gut microbiota associated with human metabotypes. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2020;64(9):e1900952. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201900952

24. Mayo B, Vázquez L, Flórez AB. Equol: a bacterial metabolite from the daidzein isoflavone and its presumed beneficial health effects. Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2231. doi:10.3390/nu11092231

Originally published 29.9.22

Naturally regenerate body tissues with nutrition

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:29:00 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

I think we all know that the default state of the body is to continuously regenerate, and whether human or horse, without this continual cell turnover within the body, our bodies would simply not exist.

However, when the body’s sick, those regenerative processes are overcome by degenerative ones, and it’s well known these days that drug-based medicine invariably uses chemicals that have little regenerative potential, simply suppressing symptoms and burying them deeper, which almost always interferes with natural self-renewal.

There’s good news though – the natural world can step in here, bringing the body back into balance with food, herbs, and nutrients.

Nerve Regeneration

There are a broad range of natural compounds with proven nerve-regenerative effects. A 2010 study published in the journal Rejuvenation Research found a combination of blueberry, green tea and carnosine have neuritogenic (promoting neuronal regeneration) and stem-cell regenerative effects in an animal model of neurodegenerative disease ( https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20586644/ ).

It gets better - other researched - and safe for horses - neuritogenic substances include:

1. Curcumin (from Turmeric )

2. Berberine (found in bitter herbs such as Goldenseal and Barberry )

3. Blueberry

4. Resveratrol

5. Ashwaganda

Berberine is also specifically beneficial as a remyelinating compound, which stimulates the repair of the protective myelin sheath (a sleeve (sheath) that's wrapped around each nerve cell (neurons), and which is often damaged in neurological injury and/or dysfunction, especially autoimmune and vaccine-induced demyelination disorders ( https://greenmedinfo.com/pharmacological-action/neuritogenic ).

Liver Regeneration

Glycyrrhizin, a compound found within liquorice, has been found to stimulate the regeneration of liver mass and function in the animal model of hepatectomy ( https://greenmedinfo.com/article/compound-found-licorice-known-glycyrrhizin-accelerates-liver-regeneration-and- ). Other liver regenerative substances include:

1. Carvacrol (a volatile compound in Oregano )

2. Curcumin

3. Vitamin E

Hormone Regeneration

Hormones can degrade into potentially carcinogenic metabolites, courtesy of our old friend the free-radical (molecules with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons so an unhappy molecule that then wreaks cellular havoc). Yet another old friend, good ol' Vitamin C, is a powerful electron donor, and can regenerate estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone hormones which have degraded.

Cardiac Cell Regeneration

Until recently it was thought that cardiac tissue was incapable of being regenerated, yet a rapidly growing body of experimental research is now showing that there are heart-tissue regenerating compounds known as neocardiogenic substances. These include :

1. Resveratrol

2. Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero)

3. N-acetyl-cysteine

Cartilage/Joint Regeneration

When it comes to degenerative joint disease, there are a broad range of potentially regenerative substances:

1. Curcumin

2. Resveratrol

3. Vitamin C

4. Vitamin E

5. CBD Oil

6. Boswellia

7. Glucosamine.

8. Eleuthero & Panax Ginseng - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1988502

NB - Glucosamine sulphate is recognised by the liver as the natural version of glucosamine (the more commonly used Glucoamine HCL is synthetic) and gets into the joints with positive improvement; Glucosamine HCL doesn't because try as it might, the liver can’t convert HCL to a sulphate.

Our JointReflexa is formulated using Glucosamine sulphate.

Originally published 21.9.22

Coat Change Time

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:21:56 GMT

Updated Sept'24 (Originally published 13.9.22)

Not that I'm wishing to rush the year towards winter, but what a difference a couple of weeks make. There we were a couple of weeks ago melting in a heatwave and droughts everywhere; two weeks on and we've thankfully had the desperately needed heavy rain and - relief all round - cooler temperatures. And ... two of our horses are already showing they've noticed because they're already going through their autumn coat change.

My retired connie, Murf, is no more my sleek, silky, dappled summer boy - he's now sporting a thicker, coarser, coat, oily to the touch. As for 22yo Cookie, our beloved PPID traditional gypsy cob pony, she's been growing her thick winter coat for a few weeks now, which made my heart break for her during the heatwave.

The spring and autumn coat changes are demanding times for our horses, putting their internal systems into overdrive. Specifically, the liverandkidneys - the two main detoxification organs - are under enormous strain as the horse’s protein metabolism is renewed. Old proteins are degraded and biotransformed for excretion, while new proteins are formed, the process of which puts added pressure on firstly the liver, which has to metabolise the protein waste, then on the kidneys which have to excrete all the excess urea generated by this increased protein metabolism.

The autumn coat change is particularly taxing, often coinciding with a shift in forage as grass nutrients start to decline and hay is reintroduced. This adds an additional burden on the liver and kidneys, as well as the lymphatic system, which can become overloaded with protein toxins, which risks the lymph fluid becoming sluggish. This typically presents as lymph pads over the body and a rough looking coat, often accompanied by unexpected itchiness and poor quality hooves. Owners can understandably become confused, thinking their horse is laying down fat, when it’s actually stagnating lymph building up over the body.

To support your horse during this time, consider our LKLCARE , specifically formulated to tonify the liver, kidneys and lymphatics. Also useful is our WildFed blend, either added to the feedbowl or sprinkled over hay, which adds beneficial, prebiotic nutrient diversity to support the hindgut biome, which in turn enhances the hindgut:liver:kidneys pathway.

The winter coat has a clear energy-saving function, giving horses their thick winter protection until the nights begin to warm up again. However, this can be challenging for our older horses, as they tend to hold onto their winter coat for longer as we head into spring. If you’re seeing clear markers for kidney issues, such as poor coat quality, thrush-y hooves or abscesses, or general immunity issues, then this might also a good time to consider a full-body detox.

Our OptimaCARE programme offers a comprehensive 3-stage protocol; stage-1 addresses hindgut function, stage-2 supports the liver/kidneys, and stage-3 tones both circulatory systems, blood and lymphatics.

Equally, if your horse has chronic, unresolved issues that never seem to clear up, it's worth exploring whether they might be dealing with KPU (Cryptopyrroluria). Check out our KPU page to see if any of the symptoms resonate with your horse's condition.

Sulphur deficiency

Sulphur is essential for keratin formation, which is crucial for new hair growth. Although sulfur deficiency is hard to detect through blood tests, we can visibly see it present in skin, hair and hooves. If your horse is prone to eczema, mud fever, a thinning mane or tail, or they're struggling to grow a decent winter coat or shedding it in spring, this could well be a sign of sulphur deficiency.

As for hooves, issues such as slow growth, weak or soft soles, footiness, or poor hoof capsule structure, are also likely indicators of sulfur deficiency, and all kidney markers. It's now also thought that horses with chronic respiratory also have an undiagnosed sulphur deficiency.

We offer sulphur in the form of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) .

In summary, it’s always a good plan to support liver/kidney function as we hed into autumn and spring, as our horses' vital detoxification organs have to work extra hard when the coat changes. Giving them a little help can make all the difference for their health and vitality.

Bones, Hormones & the Mitochondria

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:14:54 GMT

When it comes to bone health they're all connected

Bone hormones - a complex web

Bone is a living tissue that not only mechanically supports the body and protects vital organs, but also produces blood cells, stores minerals, and impacts endocrine regulation, with skeletal muscle also being an important component of bone health, with age-related degradation of muscle mass being a continuous process.

So many factors contribute to reduced bone quality – aging for one (tell me about it ��), medications, menopause (tell me about it again ��), and let’s not forget an inflamed, disrupted gut, poor liver/kidney function, and IR. But did you also know that a complex network of regulatory hormones modulate and support the skeletal system and bone health? The body’s hormones operate within a web of interconnection impacted by many factors, ultimately affecting the balance, function and health of body systems, and the skeletal system is no exception; multiple hormones modulate and support bone health - even gelding our boys can affect their bone health as it changes their sex hormones for a lower sex drive, aka hypogonadism.

Responding to changes in blood calcium and phosphorous levels, these regulatory hormones affect the formation and turnover of bone throughout the life stages, which makes supporting the lifelong bone remodeling process, maintaining or influencing bone homeostasis, essential for optimal bone health.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) - this calcium-regulating hormone controls the level of calcium in the blood and stimulates both resorption and formation of bone.

Calcitriol (1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D) - also a noted calcium-regulating hormone, calcitriol is produced from vitamin D and is required for calcium absorption.

Calcitonin - calcitonin protects against excessive blood calcium levels during early life by inhibiting bone turnover and decreasing reabsorption.

Sex hormones - estrogen is a key regulator of bone remodeling, with testosterone important for skeletal growth.

Growth hormones - growth hormone and its production of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) influences bone formation.

Thyroid hormones - these hormones are required for skeletal maturation and influence adult bone maintenance.

Cortisol - large amounts of this adrenal gland hormone block bone growth, with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis being the most common secondary cause of osteoporosis.

Insulin - important for bone growth, insulin signalling regulates both bone formation and resorption.

Leptin - this circulating hormone has direct and indirect influences on bone metabolism.

And then there's the mitochondria connection

The equine bone fragility syndrome (BFS) or silica-associated osteoporosis (SAO) is a chronic and progressive disorder of horses characterised by increased respiratory issues, exercise intolerance, skeletal deformation, lameness, stiffness, fractures, low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. Sarcopenia, aka muscle-wasting, is a progressive decline of muscle mass with loss of strength or physical performance, common in our senior horses that gradually results in overall weakness.

There’s now growing evidence indicating that both disorders share many common biological pathways – there’s even a newly identified age-related musculoskeletal syndrome termed 'osteosarcopenia', highlighting the pathologic connections between simultaneous bone and muscle disorders. It’s characterised by porous and fragile bone as well as low muscle mass and function, and can contribute to an increased risk of falls, fractures, and dare I say it, mortality.

So, it’s no surprise to learn that the body’s mitochondria play an essential role in the health of the bone-muscle unit. Mitochondrial function and quantity are important in the maintenance of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in bone and for optimal function of myocytes in muscle. A recent study focusing on mitochondrial performance suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction impairs bone formation (osteogenesis), increases osteoclast activity, and accelerates age-related bone loss.

Related to overall muscle aging, mitochondria are central regulators; specifically, the loss of mitochondrial integrity in myocytes has been recognised as a potential factor in age-related muscle degeneration.

Connecting Musculoskeletal & Mitochondrial Health

Senescence - the condition or process of deterioration with age; loss of a cell's power of division and growth.

Cellular senescence has been implicated in the progressive, age-related loss of function across various body tissues, including muscle and bone, and the quality of mitochondrial performance is a key component of senescence, with impaired energy metabolism and dysregulated mitochondrial homeostasis both contributing to the negative impact of senescence.

Which means … when we have sub-optimal mitochondrial quality and function, musculoskeletal health is negatively impacted:

Mitochondrial bioenergetics regulate stem cells in bone homeostasis, indicating that compromised energy metabolism and oxidative stress contribute to age-related stem cell dysfunction in bone.

Mitochondrial quality plays an important role in maintaining muscle health, with dysfunction linked to age-related muscle atrophy and sarcopenia.

Studies are now suggesting that specifically targeting mitochondrial health hold promise for improving musculoskeletal function during aging. A 2020 study also investigated the beneficial effect of the aforementioned butyrate on mitochondrial pathways and function, with results showing that butyrate promoted mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes and energy metabolism, preserved bone microstructure and calcium homeostasis, and activated bone metabolism, reversing bone loss. Yet more evidence as to why the cellulose fibre in stemmy hay is so crucial to provide the fibre necessary for the fermentation process of the hindgut and production of those all-important VFAs.

Lifestyle-based support

Lifestyle approaches can help restore hormonal balance - no surprise that an anti-inflammatory diet is a priority, hence avoiding ultra-processed feeds alongside stress management. In addition to a nutrient-dense diet, specific minerals and nutraceuticals help to positively impact bone density and quality - calcium and magnesium are vital, alongside vitamin D from the great outdoors, as it helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. Finally, ensuring the omega-3 EFAs are balanced to the levels in forage (all explained in our Linseed page).

Feeding the appropriate cellulose fibre (from hay) through the hindgut is crucial as well; as well as the hindgut biome producing the three volatile fatty acids – butyrate, acetate and proprionate – all naturally derived from the fibre fermentation that create the horse’s energy, compelling results from a 2020 animal study suggest that butyrate is required to stimulate bone formation and increase bone mass, highlighting the relationship between how maintaining a healthy gut microbiome optimises bone health.

And another No Surprise – exercise! Other studies have suggested that exercise increases levels of PGC-1alpha, which regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and reduces the loss of skeletal muscle mass through the PGC-1alpha/SIRT1 signaling pathway. In other words (and plainer English) exercise promotes the remodeling of muscle tissue. �� Apparently, endurance training is of particular benefit, as it improves energy metabolism, metabolic flexibility and muscle quality.

Additional therapies that may help enhance muscle strength include increasing quality protein - have a look at Agrobs’ MyoProtein Flakes or Simple Systems’ Sainfoin pellets – not alfalfa !

Finally, and somewhat ironically, the use of Corticosteroids – the very drugs that are frequently prescribed to treat lameness - carry bone health risks. Always better to follow an anti-inflammatory diet and support with phytonutrients .

References

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19. Nilsson AG, Sundh D, Backhed F, Lorentzon M. Lactobacillus reuterireduces bone loss in older women with low bone mineral density: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial. J Intern Med. 2018;284(3):307-317. doi:10.1111/joim.12805

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9. Kim MJ, Kim SN, Lee YW, Choe YB, Ahn KJ. Vitamin D status and efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2016;8(12):789. doi:10.3390/nu8120789

10. Ford AR, Siegel M, Bagel J, et al. Dietary recommendations for adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis from the medical board of the National Psoriasis Foundation: a systematic review. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(8):934-950. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.1412

11. Nosrati A, Afifi L, Danesh MJ, et al. Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017;28(6):523-538. doi:10.1080/09546634.2016.1278071

12. Vaughn AR, Foolad N, Maarouf M, Tran KA, Shi VY. Micronutrients in atopic dermatitis: a systematic review. J Altern Complement Med. 2019;25(6):567-577. doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0363

13. Navarro-López V, Martínez-Andrés A, Ramírez-Boscá A, et al. Efficacy and safety of oral administration of a mixture of probiotic strains in patients with psoriasis: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Acta Derm Venereol. 2019;99(12):1078-1084. doi:10.2340/00015555-3305

14. Ko SH, Chi CC, Yeh ML, Wang SH, Tsai YS, Hsu MY. Lifestyle changes for treating psoriasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;7(7):CD011972. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011972.pub2

15. Gamret AC, Price A, Fertig RM, Lev-Tov H, Nichols AJ. Complementary and alternative medicine therapies for psoriasis: a systematic review. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(11):1330-1337. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.2972

16. Malmir H, Saneei P, Larijani B, Esmaillzadeh A. Adherence to Mediterranean diet in relation to bone mineral density and risk of fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Eur J Nutr. 2018;57(6):2147-2160. doi:10.1007/s00394-017-1490-3

17. Hettchen M, von Stengel S, Kohl M, et al. Changes in menopausal risk factors in early postmenopausal osteopenic women after 13 months of high-intensity exercise: the randomized controlled ACTLIFE-RCT. Clin Interv Aging. 2021;16:83-96. doi:10.2147/CIA.S283177

18. Shen D, Zhang X, Li Z, Bai H, Chen L. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women: systematic review and meta-analysis. Climacteric. 2017;20(6):522-527. doi:10.1080/13697137.2017.1384952

19. Lambert MNT, Thybo CB, Lykkeboe S, et al. Combined bioavailable isoflavones and probiotics improve bone status and estrogen metabolism in postmenopausal osteopenic women: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;106(3):909-920. doi:10.3945/ajcn.117.153353

20. Nilsson AG, Sundh D, Bäckhed F, Lorentzon M. Lactobacillus reuteri reduces bone loss in older women with low bone mineral density: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial. J Intern Med. 2018;284(3):307-317. doi:10.1111/joim.12805

Originally published 3.6.22

How Common Mineral Deficiencies Impact Health

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 06:24:00 GMT

I’ve been having a variety of interesting email chats recently regarding feeding minerals, with differing opinions coming from all angles. Some positive, some unsure of the benefits, others convinced their horse gets ‘everything they need’ from their forage but still wanting to hear why they should be fed.

With different views and different science news coming out by the day from highly respected equine professionals, I get the confusion. Dr Christina Fritz’s ‘Feed Your Horse Fit’ course content last year added valuable new science to the mineral-balancing jigsaw, with one of the standouts being about the effects of feeding synthetic minerals to our horses, and that synthetic selenium may also cause subclinical toxicity.

A year on and now we now have Dr Kellon telling us not to 'fear selenium’, and suggesting that if we’re concerned about it, maybe consider blood testing. Yet Dr Fritz says that selenium levels can only rarely be detected via blood tests.

We all have our equine gurus that we personally swear by; our preferred farriers, vets, nutritionists, body workers et al, all with differing opinions and science, and yet I hear too often from people feeling like they’re caught between a rock and a hard place when their vet says one thing and their farrier says another. It's also sometimes not that easy to explain the benefits, to give some clarity, because we have to get a bit science-y with it - I can still clearly remember the agony of chemistry lessons at school – I couldn’t relate to them at all because I needed a ‘story’, the How&Why, and not just a times-table of facts and figures.

So yes, I get it, and having once trained in salesmanship around 4-centuries ago, I learned a very useful catch-phrase – “Telling isn’t selling.” You can’t sell a concept/product by telling someone only about the features, i.e. this bottle has a flat bottom. You have to turn those features into benefits, what it's going to mean to the client, or as the salesmanship saying goes, the WIIFM’s – 'What’s In It For Me’, using the phrase "which means", i.e. this bottle has a flat bottom which means ... it'll stand up.

As for selling the concept of why someone should feed minerals to their horse, I can tell anyone that feeding magnesium to their horse helps balance calcium, but how does this benefit their horse? What's the ‘ which means … ’? In this particular case it means their horse may seem calmer (because of the healthy chemical cellular exchange, although it's always going to be much bigger science-y picture ��).

So. Back to those recent e-chats and Ding! I had a lightbulb moment - how about if I tried a different tack ? How about I explained how minerals benefitted us humans versus how a deficiency caused us to feel - maybe my clients could relate more to that and it would paint a clearer picture? Cut a very long one short, it worked.

What also helped was that I’ve recently finished reading a fairly impressive monster of a book - ‘The Mineral Fix - How to Optimise Your Mineral Intake for Energy, Longevity, Immunity, Sleep and More’. Yes I know, a bit nerdy, but this kind of thing floats my nerdy boat. Written by Dr. James DiNicolantonio, a well-respected and internationally known scientist, and the author/co-author of over 250 publications in the medical literature, he’s also a Doctor of Pharmacy, and an expert on health and nutrition.

He also just happens to be connected to the Institute of Functional Medicine , which is My Thing (medicine by cause, not symptoms), so this also floats my nerdy Functional Medicine boat as well �� And when it comes to mineral deficiencies, in his opinion Dr James considers our modern day’s lack of human nutrition in our diets as a potential pandemic. So, I leaned very heavily on his book to put together my all-things-human-minerals to our clients.

And … as is my way, the more I got involved in cross-referencing the human mineral story to our horses, you’ve guessed it - I felt a Carol-Ramble blog coming on … So, here it is, and it's one heck of a story.

Hope it makes some sort of sense to you. ��

How common mineral deficiencies impact health

��Mini Science Alert!�� If we start at the very beginning, in our human bodies, we are one big engine of chemistry. Every second of every day, there are 37-billion-billion chemical reactions (yes you read that right) happening inside our bodies. And each and every one of these chemical reactions needs enzymes to occur, and guess what those enzymes need to do their job - minerals. TaDah!

So there are the facts, the features, but what are the WIIFMs? Big picture, this means minerals have an enormous impact on our health, whether horse or human. But … and also whether horse or human, we’re seeing an epidemic of mineral deficiencies, in an age of over-nutrition courtesy of our old friends - starch and sugar, alongside an epidemic level of under-nutrition of these absolutely essential mineral nutrients.

It’s easy to think that minerals are just not really that important, or that we can easily get them from our food, or we’re not really that deficient. I mean - how could we be deficient? We’re such a well-nourished country - just look at the high obesity levels; we are far from a starved nation. But … there’s also the phenomenon that the more obese we are, the more nutrient-deficient we are. It’s remarkable to see this paradox of obesity and malnutrition going together.

If you’ve ever wondered how we got here, as to why we’re all so low in minerals, the same factors relate to us both - horse and human again. And one thing’s for sure – modern-day industrial agriculture has a whole lot to do with it, but so does chronic illness (brought on by the nutritional imbalances) and the medications that we all then have to take as a result, as well as insulin resistance and inflammation – something we can all relate to when it comes to our horses.

The problem is compounded. These days there are less minerals in our food than there used to be, due to modern farming practices using chemicals like glyphosate and post-harvest sprays (carrots these days have 75% less magnesium than 50-years ago). Then that food gets ultra-processed (aka CRAP - Carbs, Refined, Artificial and Processed) then plastic-wrapped before landing on our supermarket shelves. Now factor in pharma drugs and inflammatory, sedentary lifestyles, and collectively they all contribute to depleting our bodies even further of what minerals we can get from our food.

Same for our horses here in the UK. Their food – neon-green uber-starch/sugar-rich grass, of which they eat far too much of, is then fed alongside their own ultra-processed CRAP feeds, sprayed with those same chemicals then squished into shiny plastic feedbags, together with pharma drugs and inflammatory lifestyles depleting their bodies even further of what minerals they can get from their food.

Even if we do our level best to get us - and our horses – real food, if it’s not grown on a regenerative no-spray farm we can pretty much guarantee four main minerals are depleted - magnesium, phosphorous, copper and zinc. It’s no coincidence that these are the four main deficient minerals in our horses, and the four main minerals you'll see in any decent equine mineral forage-balancer, including our EquiVita/VitaComplete mineral balancer range .

When we generally think about ‘food’ for our horses, we probably think more about fibre and protein, and we might talk about minerals, but most of us don’t recognise how mineral-deficient our horses are. And no surprise because there’s nowhere near the amount of research done on equine health compared to human health, where the stats for us humans alone estimate that one in three of us are deficient in at least 10 minerals, and this is insufficient deficient.

Back to Dr. James, and to quote him, “ It really started around 1940. There are three primary reasons why most of us are actually deficient in minerals. The number one reason is the foods that we eat are now just simply more nutrient-depleted compared to 50 to 80 years ago, because of how we grow our food. The second reason is 60% of our calories come from processed foods - flour, sugar (aka the white menace) and seed oils, the processing of which essentially eliminates 80-100% of the minerals in those products. Then the third factor is that the majority of adults have at least one chronic health condition, that condition depleting the body of minerals, and the medications used to treat those disease states further depleting the body of minerals. ”

So:

1. The way we grow our food today means less nutrient content .

2. Processing food further eliminates 80-100% of the mineral content.

3. Continually eating carb-rich, refined, artificial, processed food creates chronic health conditions which further depletes the body’s mineral levels.

4. The pharma meds needed to support those chronic conditions also further deplete the body of minerals.

This means there’s a whole Big-Picture effect on the body’s biology which eventually shows up clinically as symptoms, and if not addressed, those symptoms will lead to disease.

So, let's delve deeper.

Why is our soil less nutritious than it was 50 years ago, and what does it have to do with the way we grow feed crops on it?

(Quick apology up front to all veggies/vegans out there, which for the record include me ...)

Two main reasons why. First up, we now grow food for yield, so essentially we’re growing plants and animals quicker. These days our crops are chemically sprayed during the growth period and/or genetically modified for a faster turnround and harvest. As for our meat animals, they’re slaughtered much earlier than before, i.e. cattle are being slaughtered at 14-months instead of at 2-3yo. This all basically means that the animal or plant simply don’t have the time to actually take up all the nutrients from the soil, meaning they’re literally more diluted in nutrition.

Second, it’s about the phosphorus fertilisers that are being used that inhibits the uptake of numerous minerals. Using raspberries as an example, clinical studies have shown that using phosphorous fertilisers decreases the raspberry’s calcium, magnesium, boron and zinc levels by 30% each. Farming is shifting away from regenerative to mono-cropping yield-increasing, and it’s led to nutritional dilutions – not to mention loss of flavour - compared to 50-60-years ago.

Aside from this – and important when it comes to our horses – because of the increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the plants are absorbing it, with the end result causing them to become more starchy and less nutritious, with less protein and minerals. And with the soil having been damaged by all these chemical fertilisers, fungicides, pesticides, herbicides and glyphosate, the soil’s microbiome is destroyed, which kills off the symbiotic relationship between the soil microbes and the plant - it’s the job of the microbes and the organic matter in the soil to extract the nutrients from the soil and put in the plant.

Which means ... even if the soil’s full of nutrients, if there’s no organic matter or microbes in the soil, the plant can’t get access to those nutrients.

Fortified with artificials (aka, an expensive way to make urine …)

So, we now have nutrient-deficient food being ‘processed’ en-masse, with 60% of the calories having been deliberately stripped of all of its nutrients due to the chemical processes during the growth period. So how do the BigFood corporations get round this? They fortify this non-food with artificial, made-in-a-lab vitamin and mineral premixes to compensate (Top TIp - check on the back of your feedbag to see if there’s a vit/min premix included ��).

And, as before, being synthetic, this means the liver won’t recognise these fake vitamins/minerals in order to biotransform/metabolise them for the body to then utilise. Instead, the liver sends these imposters straight to the kidneys for excretion. To repeat, “An expensive way to make urine …”

An interesting digress – ever heard of rice ‘polishing’? It’s basically a process by which the outer layers of a grain of rice (the bran) is ‘polished’, aka milled off. Yep, I know – begs the question ‘Why?’ But back in the 70s some numpty thought this would be a good idea, and what followed was a vitamin deficiency – remove the bran, remove the nutrients.

The problems were first identified when this polished rice was given to chickens in european prisons; said chooks were then fed to the prisoners who subsequently all got really sick with vitamin deficiencies. And … this crazy process still happens today! These days both rice and flour has to be enriched. Bonkers! Why not ditch the processing part, and provide the whole actual foodstuff with all the nutrients still in it?

Loss of copper’s also been a main contender. Vegetables have lost around 75% of their copper, with meat losing on average around 50%. 80-90% of copper is lost in cheese, and we’ve lost almost all of it in milk. The only way to make a beneficial difference to the nutrient density of food is by sourcing crops and animal products from regenerative farms where the farmers use natural manure, and not these phosphorus, artificial NPK fertilisers and bluddy glyphosate.

Cue chronic conditions

So, we’re feeding ourselves this chemically-soaked, artificially fortified, ultra-processed fake junk and no surprise, this significantly damages our gut microbiome so we end up with chronic diseases, which then need medications to block the symptoms. And so continues the domino-effect cascade of mineral depletion.

Human stats show 6 out of 10 people have one chronic disease, with 4 out of 10 having more than one, and here’s scary – a huge 81% of people aged over 50 are on one or more medications. So, let’s look at how this affects the body’s mineral status.

First up, all those pharma meds further damage the microbiome, some completely annihilating it, and as we well know, a damaged microbiome means what's left of the friendly gut microbes won't be able to assimilate then absorb the nutrients effectively. In humans this means gluten intolerance, celiac disease, Crohn’s, IBS, ulcerative colitis, acidosis, SIBO, leaky gut, autoimmune syndrome. Take away the gluten intolerance and celiac/Crohn’s, and our horses are prone to all the rest.

Here's another thing. Even if the GI tract could absorb the nutrients, it then requires insulin to drive numerous minerals into the cells, including magnesium and potassium. Here’s more human stats - these days a whopping 75% of humans are insulin resistant, with high levels of insulin in the bloodstream shifting magnesium and calcium straight out in the urine. Now how many of our horses are insulin resistant? Thousands upon thousands …

Long and short this means the body can’t even get these essential minerals into the cells when it’s insulin resistant, and when insulin levels are elevated, this means there’ll be no magnesium and calcium either because they get wee’d out. So basically, if our horses feast on sugary starchy neon-green grass and their insulin levels whomp upwards, they’ll be weeing out vital magnesium before it's even had a chance to be driven to the cells, let alone utilised.

Let’s recap. Deficient soils mean mineral-deficient foods that are then processed into fake foods which need to be artificially fortified , which damage the gut microbiome , ultimately creating chronic diseases , so we take medications which further damage the gut microbiome which directly disrupts the nutrient absorption into the bloodstream.

Cue one nutrient-deficient, very sick, body.

The human pharma med effects

How many of us have seen a warning on an innocent supplement advising us not to take it if we’re on X meds because it may interfere with blablabla? Don’t take fish oil if you’re on Coumadin, or don’t take vitamin E if you’re on blood thinner.

Well, never mind those contra warnings on nutrient drug interactions - the opposite is also true - drug nutrient interactions! Medications themselves can cause massive nutritional deficiencies, whether it’s an acid blocker causing B12, zinc, magnesium and calcium deficiency, leading to osteoporosis, depression, cognitive impairment and neuropathy. Or certain antidepressants causing B6 deficiency, or diuretics causing magnesium deficiency.

Let’s stay with diuretics, as this is incredibly relevant for most of us aged over 50. We’re talking high blood pressure , a chronic age-related disease that many of us are familiar with – me included. And there's a tiny bit of irony involved here, because we're prescribed a diuretic for blood pressure, and it causes us to lose magnesium. Yet what’s the cause of high blood pressure? Low magnesium.

Here's the How&Why. One of the first meds a doctor will throw at someone with high blood pressure is something called a thiazide diuretic, a drug that increases urine flow, i.e. Hydrochlorothiazide or Chlorthalidone. Thing is, they also cause potassium loss, so to get round this, the medical community consider that to counter this potassium depletion they can simply prescribe more potassium. Just for the record, for heart failure they have to give us extra potassium because it's known that the heart meds cause potassium to leach out in the urine.

Back to high blood pressure, and it’s actually a magnesium depletion that these thiazide diuretics are causing, which makes the body unable to hold onto potassium. Which means, 80% of people who are on a thiazide diuretic for six months or longer are deficient in magnesium. That’s a massive Eighty-Percent. And … these diuretics are one of the most prescribed medications in the western world. It’s said that 50% of people with high blood pressure or heart disease have a magnesium deficiency, with at least half the population not even getting the RDA of magnesium.

(Quick digress - the RDA is the absolute minimum amount we need to prevent deficiency diseases, and not how much we need for optimal health. As in, the absolute minimum vit.C we need so we don’t get scurvy, or the absolute minimum vit.D for rickets. The RDA isn't the amount the body needs for optimal functioning - it doesn't match the optimal intake for nutrients. More often than not, if we don’t hit optimal intakes for nutrients, this may be just as damaging to the body.)

What makes this all the more ironic is that it's magnesium itself that lowers blood pressure, so we’re kind of getting rid of the very mineral that we need to keep our blood vessels relaxed and not have high blood pressure. In fact, this is what women are given when they have high blood pressure during pregnancy (known as pre-eclampsia), with the treatment being intravenous magnesium.

Another magnesium factor; it prevents calcium from accumulating in the arteries. One sign of mineral deficiency is coronary artery calcification, with some doctors now starting to use magnesium instead of simply going by cholesterol tests. Essentially magnesium is nature’s calcium channel blocker; it prevents the endothelial cells that line the arteries from accumulating calcium. Another example of getting the mineral ratio balances right - it’s not just about the overall amount of minerals we’re getting, it’s the balance between them.

Another common medication is an old favourite of mine - Proton Pump Inhibitors , aka PPIs (if you’ve ever contacted me regarding your horse’s stomach ulcers , you’ll no doubt have been on the receiving end of one of my PPI rants ��). PPIs are prescription acid-suppressing therapies, well known in our horse world as they're the vets' go-to for stomach ulcers, plus us humans also have antacids available to us sold over the counter.

Trivia time – in our human world PPIs are a leading class of drugs; after statins and antidepressants, PPIs are the third leading class of drugs. If we have heartburn or reflux, most doctors will throw these at us. We’re not really supposed to be on them for longer than two to three months at the most, yet most people are prescribed these for years. And no surprise … gradually the medical world started noticing that long-term PPI users were becoming deficient in numerous minerals, particularly magnesium.

These days? There’s now a black box warning on (human) PPI’s advising that taking PPI’s can lead to magnesium deficiency. An actual black box warning that a pharmacist has to apply that says if you take this medication, stuff is going to happen to you. In other words, a bit of a big deal.

Another old favourite - high cholesterol . If we're on statins for cholesterol (for years, mind), it blocks the enzyme that makes CoQ10. CoQ10 is necessary for our mitochondrial function, so our energy, our longevity, our vitality, is depleted - we don't have any of this without the mitochondria. If we're on statins we're gumming up our mitochondria so our body will struggle to produce energy, which is why our muscles hurt. But when our muscles hurt without exercising, because of a drug, it’s because we're depleting the energy in the cell with a drug that blocks a key compound, CoQ10, which is essential to make energy.

Thing is, to lower cholesterol - and I'm talking the bad small-particle LDL cholesterol - we could take any drug in the world but if we're not going to change our diet and get rid of the starch and sugar, it’s not going to get fixed. The reason our LDL particles are small is because we have pre-diabetes. So, fix the pre-diabetes and reverse it with lifestyle and exercise, and it’s going to work way better. Do a 10-day detox, do some exercise and be amazed at what happens.

Another study of note was where a group of women were put on a diet that contained just 100-milligrams of magnesium – a tiny amount by any stretch. Within just a few weeks, a third of those women developed atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter , showing that arrhythmia could be induced simply by lowering the magnesium content of the diet. This has since been seen with numerous nutrients and is really concerning.

And lest we forget, mineral losses also occur through sweat. Original copper studies testing for the RDA looked at just urine and stool copper loss, yet failed to show daily losses of 0.3mg of copper through sweat, before sweat was finally included in the tests as well. And just for fun, low copper levels have been shown to induce high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and our old favourite - insulin resistance. All common issues that would be induced with a high starch/sugar diet, but also induced by not consuming enough copper. Something we can definitely relate to our horses’ health. Which links us nicely to:

Insulin Resistance, aka Pre-Diabetes

The drug Metformin has also been in the news recently - Metformin is medicine's No.1 go-to medicine for pre-diabetes, and also our vets' No.1 drug when our horses are diagnosed EMS/IR, and when it comes to being prescribed for our horses, it's eye-wateringly expensive.

A quick digress - our bodies have nutrient-sensing pathways that regulate our ability to actually build and grow new tissue or to clean up and recycle. Metformin acts on one of these nutrient and pathways - called AMPK - by switching it on, which is a good thing because it helps improve blood sugar control. But - new science is now showing Metformin is no silver bullet, so we should really be paying attention to the science of how we can regulate these pathways without pharma medication.

Specifically, CNN have recently reported that men’s use of Metformin just before conception is linked to a 40% increase in birth defects. As in, a 40% rise in birth defects directly linked to the biological male parent taking the drug.

There's still a lot that we don’t know so this still needs a deeper dig into, but there's also a huge study showing compliance and results for diabetes - a publicly funded trial, and not funded by the drug companies (always a good thing) - which looked at Metformin v. placebo v. people who were given lifestyle coaching with exercise and taught how to cook from scratch instead of buying junk ready-meals. No surprise - the group that did the best was the latter.

It's really simple - upswitch lifestyle basics and there's evidence out there showing we don't need this drug. If we have more of an understand about the body's natural pathway intelligence, we'll learn that the pathways that these drugs act on are not drug-receptor pathways. These pathways are the body's way of listening, like a satellite dish, listening to the communications from our lifestyle and our environment. This is how these pathways are activated - naturally, evolved over millenia and before plastic-wrapped ultra-processed junk food. The answer? Phytochemical-rich food alongside exercise, both factors that the body has naturally done as part of evolution that it's completely adapted to.

Immune Health

As for immune health , and we all know that zinc and selenium are extremely important, yet simply being deficient in selenium can essentially turn non-virulent viruses into something that could potentially kill us.

There’s a fascinating study on COVID in China where they looked at areas where there was high selenium in the soil versus low selenium, where people were tending to be deficient in selenium. These selenium-deficient people had a 3-times higher risk of ending up in hospital, a dramatic difference between the adequate and the deficient selenium groups. And this is just one mineral. More on COVID further on.

Now let’s move to brain health . So many issues relating to sleep, anxiety, mood disorders, depression, are literally being driven by mineral deficiencies. If we want to create the two feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, i.e. serotonin and dopamine, the enzymes to create these require magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron and copper. These enzymes are also responsible for our sleep pattern, converting tryptophan to serotonin then melatonin, yet if we suffer from insomnia most doctors won’t even look or test for a mineral deficiency. They simply give us a script for sleeping pills and benzodiazapines, which as we know can lead to addiction …

So why don’t we test?

The problem is that mineral deficiencies are very tricky to test, with part of the problem being that some minerals are what are called acute phase reactants, meaning if there’s inflammation in the body (which there will be if the body's sick), the levels of those minerals will either go up or down, depending on the inflammation. For example, if the body’s inflamed, zinc, selenium and iron will go down.

On the flip side, inflammation will increase copper levels, so you might already be deficient in copper but the inflammation will drive the levels up because it’s an acute phase reactant.

The other problem is that most minerals don’t stay in the blood; they’re mostly in the soft tissue or bone, so if we take magnesium as an example, just 1% of the entire body’s magnesium is actually in the blood. 99% is elsewhere, and of course no GP is going to take a bone or soft-tissue sample to test for a magnesium deficiency.

So, how can we actually look for mineral deficiencies? Dr James says it’s really about looking to see if a blood test shows at the lower end of normal. With mineral deficiencies we don’t typically fall below the normal threshold unless we’re significantly deficient; if we’re sitting on that lower end of normal, especially if we have a low amount coming out in the urine, this could be indicative of mineral deficiency.

Of course in the real world all we hear is, you’ve got high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, so here’s this pill, this pill and this pill, then we’re sent on our way. We could always try hair analysis; it’s not perfect, but it holds a 3-month reflection of blood, so it’s potentially a better way to spot various mineral deficiencies.

Premature aging versus longevity

These days there are many fad diets for energy and longevity focusing on macronutrients, i.e. carbs versus fats and high carb/low carb, yet it’s actually our mineral levels that determine how well our body converts those macronutrients into ATP energy , and how well our muscles perform.

Everything is dependent on it – weight loss isn’t about calories; it’s the fat burning machinery that depends on minerals to function. Someone might be eating a low calorie diet, but this will be nutrient-deficient. We’ll lose more weight by improving our mineral intake than someone eating less-nourishing calories, because the fat burning machinery will actually work better.

Again good old magnesium is vital here, as the body can’t activate ATP without magnesium - it binds to ATP then releases it, as well as producing protein, DNA, RNA. There’s not a single function in the body that doesn’t work without ATP and protein and DNA, so literally everything depends on minerals, and especially magnesium.

Is salt the enemy?

A quick nip back to high blood pressure. We’re taught that we shouldn’t have too much salt because it (allegedly) causes high blood pressure, yet Dr. James challenges this whole hypothesis of salt being the enemy that we thought it was. Apparently it’s sugar and refined carbs that cause our body to over-retain salt, so we need to cut back on the refined carbs and sugar.

We also need to make sure we’re getting enough magnesium and enough potassium, as mentioned earlier. Provided we get this balance right, only 1% of the population would probably have a significant rise in blood pressure with a normal salt intake. In other words, it’s not the salt.

This is a relatively easy fix as well. We get magnesium and potassium from vegetables and plant foods, then when we cut out starch and sugar, the body starts to dump huge amounts of salt. However, one tiny point - we need to keep up the salt intake, otherwise we may experience negative side effects such as feeling achy, tired, wiped out - essentially like having electrolyte depletion.

It’s not because our body’s doing something wrong; it’s because before when we were having all this sugar and starch, our body was holding on to all the salt, then suddenly it's dumping fluid and salt (which is a good thing) but we have to make sure we’re getting adequate salt while we’re doing this, because if we don’t we’re going to feel like crap, so it’s really important if you're switching your diet around to understand this.

The same thing happens with what’s commonly referred to as Keto Flu. We go Keto, we cut out carbs, then we get flu-like symptoms, all because of the mineral depletion from the dumping of the salt once we lower insulin levels after we cut out the starch and sugar.

That said, there are people who are salt-sensitive or have salt-sensitive hypertension, but typically this will be because their dietary potassium and magnesium is already very low, and they continue to eat high amounts of carbs and sugars. Change the diet and you’ll very likely find blood pressure coming down, and before long we’re weaning ourselves off the meds.

So, eat a banana for potassium, and also make a big vegetable soup, chuck in a bit of seaweed if you can stomach it, and there’s your potassium and extra minerals. And … getting a normal salt intake is actually one of the best ways to reduce sugar cravings – it’s a natural survival mechanism, and our horses know it too. The body craves salt if it’s depleted which triggers the reward centre in the brain to hyper-activated, so it will naturally head for salt.

However, if we don’t get enough salt, the hyper reward center will take what it can get so long as there’s a dopamine response, so it’ll be happy with sugar, or any other type of addictive substance to release the dopamine 'happy', so there's another factor - low salt can literally drive sugar addiction.

The COVID connection

Let’s flick back to COVID, and it’s clear that minerals play a role in the prevention, and even treatment, of COVID. One huge factor for me was that the government recommendations didn’t include any guidelines for us to upgrade our nutrition, or improve the quality of our food, or to take any nutrient supplements. Not sure if anyone remembers but I thought it was interesting when Trump was hospitalised for COVID, and the news reported that he was given zinc and vitamin D. Practicing it in the hospital, but not telling us regular folk to do this, when they knew doing this might help.

In his book Dr. James puts together a useful chart on the top nutrient deficiencies and how much they increase the risk of having a poor outcome from COVID, with the top nutrient deficiency being vitamin D. The chart shows that if someone was significantly vitamin D deficient they were at a 15-fold higher risk of dying from COVID. As well as vit.D, both selenium and zinc sit somewhere between a 3/5-fold higher risk of having a poor COVID outcome. So why weren’t we all told this? Zinc plays a huge role in immunity - personally, whenever I feel the first effects of something viral invading my body, I dive on zinc citrate as it has a direct anti-viral effect in reducing viral replication and penetration into the cell. (And Oregano-Oil as well ��).

Our old friend magnesium is also one of the most important antiviral minerals because the ionic magnesium in immune cells actually controls their receptors to be able to attack viruses.

Collectively zinc, magnesium and selenium are vital for antioxidant functions. Basically the body makes its own natural, very powerful antioxidant system – i.e. glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase – which are way more powerful than any antioxidant we can take via a supplement, but in order for them to function they need the right levels of specific minerals to function.

To conclude

Given that we’re more nutrition-deficient than ever, especially with COVID also exposing that we’re under-nourished of real nutrients. It won’t hurt to pay attention to our mineral intake. Minerals are so critical to our biology - by tweaking our nutrition naturally, even in small amounts, can have really profound effects, whether human or horse.

I’ve seen first-hand with my own horses that feeding our EquiVita range of balanced minerals in their diet over the last 10-years has been one of the most powerful factors in improving their overall well-being and health, and many of our clients concur.

And because we don’t use any synthetic minerals in the composition, it’s also all been without making expensive urine ��

Improving the nutrient-rich human diet

If you're interested from a human perspective, and want to know how to Improve your own nutrient-rich diet, here’s Dr James' guide on how to increase our mineral intake.

First up, another apology to the veggies/vegans out there but it’s red meat . But not just any old red meat. True ancestral meat, i.e. bison/venison, has around 50% more minerals than grass-fed cattle. If we’re not getting even a little bit of red meat in our diet, it’s going to be difficult to get B12, protein, zinc and iron, because these four nutrients are packed in animal foods.

That said, these days we don’t typically eat true ‘fresh’ meat, so we’ve diminished our natural vit.C sources simply by buying supermarket meats which have been hanging for 2-3 weeks, which have a whole lot less vit.C than fresh meat. The key is to try to eat as fresh as possible when we can.

We also do well with just 30g of liver per day for copper, folate and vit.A, as well as liver being a great source of vit.C – 100g of apple provides 7mg vit.C whereas 30g liver provides 27mg – some call liver a seriously powerful superfood.

Once we have our red meat sorted, then we can start adding plant foods into our diet. Plant foods are really great for things like potassium, magnesium and calcium. Many of us are deficient in these three, but the dark greens, i.e. kale, spinach, broccoli, are super-high in them, with magnesium also high in beans and nuts.

Some fish have a decent amount of magnesium, lobster and crab particularly. We can get folates and vit.A from eggs , which are also a source of vitamin D, pretty much the only dietary source of vitamin D. They’re also good sources of lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3.

To recap, and unless you’re a veggie/vegan, eat eggs, some red meat, 30g liver per day, then add in plant foods for magnesium, potassium and calcium, and don’t forget nuts and seeds - selenium is high in Brazil nuts with pumpkin seeds high in protein and zinc. Seaweed and fish gives us iodine if we need it, and calcium from chia and sesame seeds/tahini.

By understanding where our nutrients come from, we can start to build a more nutrient dense diet, but is this enough? If we’re eating our 3 brazil nuts and 17 pumpkins seeds each day, and we’ve made all these great dietary changes that help us upgrade our mineral intake, do we still need to be taking supplements?

At the end of the day it all comes down to the difference between the RDA and the optimal intake. What’s interesting is that us humans only need around 150mg magnesium to live per day, but the optimal intake sits more at around 700mg. Generally it’s a 3-fold difference between just maintaining balance and having optimal mineral intakes, so, if we’re building our diet appropriately and hitting optimum nutrient intakes, we shouldn’t need to supplement.

Originally posted 12.5.22

Genetic Ancestry - what horse 'type' have you got?

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:37:24 GMT

Different horse breeds/types mean different microbiomes/metabolisms, and can shed a whole new light on gut function, especially with an imported horse. These days, perhaps when we look at a horse we should try to take into account what their dominant type is, to be mindful of their potential metabolism and microbiome type.

Once upon a time I dabbled in hospitality and ran a small catering business. We’re talking late 1980’s/early 1990s, I’d just come back from living in France for three years through work, and came back to the UK with no job but a determination to feed us Brits like the French. I’ve always been a foodie, and the French cuisine (not to mention their fabulous wines) had taken my palate to another level.

After retrieving my house from a long-term tenant, I decided to buy myself a small van and go round the local industrial estates with baskets of yummy French-style baguettes and pastries, cheerfully accessorised with the typical red-checked french bistro-style gingham. I loved it - it went down a storm with the clients, and have to say it was the easiest money I’ve ever earned.

I called my little van ‘Froggie’s Deli’, reason being that the company I worked for previously who’d sent me to France also had a Carol in Germany, so as I was the Carol in France everyone called me Carol-Frog (which became ‘Froggie’), while the Carol in Germany (who’s still a great pal some 30-years on) was called Carol-Kraut, with the 'Carol' name eventually dropped - Frog and Kraut we became, and to this day we're still Frog and Kraut in that same circle of long-term friends. All probably very un-PC these days and no doubt the woke mob would have a field-day with me. Different times ... sigh ...

I digress. Over time, and as my client base grew and grew, I started to get interested in the importance of nutrition and started doing a bit of swatting; cue adding yummy salad cartons to my baskets. Then one day one of my client's receptionist, not dissimilar to Hyacinth Bouquet (remember her?!), and I say that with affection, asked me for some nutrition help – she was carrying a little more weight than she wanted and had started dining on my salad cartons. “Leave it with me,” I said, enthused, and went back home and put together a dietary programme for her.

Typical me, of course I wanted to explain all the ‘ Why ’ behind it all, and I still remember very vividly going in to see her the next day with my gingham-checked baskets on my arms, beaming a huge smile at her and presenting the printed toils of my all-things-nutrition studies to her with a flourish.

She beamed back at me, took it gratefully, read the document title, then swiftly averted her eyes while a huge red flush of embarrassment swept over her face. Suddenly focusing intently on her ringing phone with no eye-contact, she crisply thanked me through tight lips before getting very involved with desk-stuff. I’m a fairly sensitive soul so was cut to the core; really worried that I’d done something wrong but equally a bit peeved because I’d spent hours on that document and thought it was pretty impressive.

It was only with a bit of afterthought and re-looking at what little she’d read that I finally understood her embarrassment.

The title was: “The secret to a healthy life is a healthy colon; it’s all about how we poo!”

Doh! Bang head on brick wall, rinse, repeat. Of courrrrrse! Poor Hyacinth - there was no earthly way that Ms Bouquet would ever have said the word ‘poo’; no doubt didn't even acknowledge the stuff. It was the late 1980s after all, and apart from us horse-folk who dealt with poo on a daily basis, middle-class Britain back then was generally a very reserved lot who didn't talk about such vulgarities. And there I was, shoving the dreaded 'poo' word at her in Big Bold Type.

I can’t recall seeing her at her reception desk thereafter – probably saw my van arrive and had an urgent need to suddenly deliver memos around the building (yes, for those of you who weren't around then, back in the day with no internet or emails, inter-office messages were typed up on IBM golf-ball electric typewriters by secretaries, stuffed in envelopes (oddly with holes punched in them), then hand delivered to desks). No doubt to Hyacinth's great relief, the company also relocated not long after so that was the end of them on my gourmet round.

Apologies for the fairly typical Carol-style intro ramble, but the clue is all right there in the details – the secret to a healthy life really is a healthy colon, and poo quality tells us everything we need to know about what's going on inside us, whether human or horse.

Thankfully we’ve moved on a few decades since my encounter with Hyacinth, and I think we can safely say that certainly for us horse folk the word ‘poo’ and its various derivatives is second-nature for us all ��. And thanks to the last decade or so being the era of the microbiome – and getting it tested - for both humans and our horses, we’re all now much more well-versed in the importance of a healthy microbiome, and more easily able to connect various equine whole-body metabolic disorders with microbiome disruption.

Although … just to put a fly in the ointment, we should perhaps be mindful when getting our horse’s biome tested as to what type of test we’re getting. Some labs only analyse the types of bacteria and ignore the complex interaction between the other microorganisms such as fungi or viruses. This may well mean that we’ll not necessarily get a comprehensive picture of whether our horse’s gut biome is actually healthy or not.

Plus, and this is the bit that's really fascinating me now, and also the point of this Blog - there’s new thinking that it’s actually a whole bigger picture than just a test; maybe now we should be thinking about what ‘type’ of horse we have too, and take into account its genetic ancestry . Don’t worry – before you start getting brain freeze, this blog will gently lead us to this eye-opening stuff as we go.

Before that though, let’s just stay with the gut bugs for a bit longer …

How do we tell what microbes are good or bad?

What we do know at this stage in our science is that certain feeding patterns create dis-ease, and in our horse world our old friend lactic-acid bacteria seems to be at the root of many metabolic problems. So, it’s fair to say we can lump LA bacteria in the ‘bad’ category’, as we know its presence lowers the pH value to acidic in the GI tract, which is never a good thing (the GI tract should always remain at a neutral pH).

What we also know, without question, is that the cellulose fibre-fermenting bacteria in the hindgut are definitely good guys. Fact is, the overall health of our horse completely depends on the hindgut bugs. The better the fibre fermentation, the better the production of the vital metabolites, i.e. the B-vits (in their activated form), certain amino acids and the vital volatile fatty acids which produce our horse’s energy .

Quick digress - hence why there’s some thinking out there not to recommend feeding probiotics containing forms of LA bacteria (i.e lactobacillus) to our horses, not that I'm personally comfortable feeding probiotics anyway, as currently there’s no probiotic available that truly mimics any of the equine microbiome bacterial colonies. Even with prebiotics, the most important prebiotic fibre for the hindgut is 'cellulose', sourced from stemmy hay, with the current thinking now being about feeding more ‘probiotically’ - i.e. provided the appropriate prebiotic diet is fed to our horse (cellulose/hemi-cellulose fibre from stemmy hay), there may be no need to feed a probiotic. At least that’s what the scientists are saying (a ton of source material on this particular link). Sept'22 - Edited to add: we've since written a blog based on new research on this very subject - Prebiotic Foods for Postbiotic Abundance ).

Back to it, and nor should we be feeding haylage which is a haven for LA bacteria during the fermenting process of the wrapped cut grass into haylage (any plastic-wrapped grass for that matter - wrap it, and it'll ferment, full stop). And we certainly shouldn’t be feeding certain manufactured feedbags which contain the buffet of junk food full of completely equine-inappropriate C.R.A.P. (stands for Carbs, Refined, Artificial, Processed) which do nothing but feed the many bad bugs, including LA bacteria in the GI tract, allowing them to multiply their populations by the gazillions while crowding out the good guys that do the actual job of proper digestion.

That aside, now to throw another fly in the ointment. Not too massive a fly, but certainly something for us all to think about, because all this new (and very wonderful) science is showing that – the balance of bacteria within the gut and throughout the body is as unique as a fingerprint from horse to horse. And especially when it comes to genetic ancestry ...

In other words, no horse (or human) will ‘read’ the same in any analysis, and here’s another sticky fly … Different feeds, different breeds, and different ‘types’ of horses from different continents, are all going to have a different biome to each other.

Depending on where a horse is originally from, it’s microbiome is going to be different to a horse from another continent, based on how it's been raised as a foal and continued to be fed. How and why? Because different soil types around the world mean different forage types which means different biomes. So, perhaps there’s a bit of open-minded thinking in here for us all along the lines of ... for all this wonderful testing, is blanket-comparing one horse's microbiome to another the right way to go? Should we perhaps be taking into account where a horse is from, how it was raised, and what forage type was it fed? Horses for courses perhaps?

No question, we all know now that everything starts with the gut, but everything begins in the microbiome. And then last year, 2021, I attended an intensive training workshop with Dr Christina Fritz, where in the final module of Part II she explained about the different 'primal types' of horses. I found it absolutely fascinating, took a ton of notes, and finally after several months have untangled them to produce this blog, and here's where possibly the whole big genetic ancestry picture not only comes together, but could also be a missing part in the great what's-going-on-with-my-horse jigsaw. So, here we go.

Genetic Ancestry - what 'type' of horse have you got?

Evolutionary-speaking, our ancient horses originated elsewhere, until humans started shipping them around the world. So, historically our ancient horses were born, raised and fed in different climates and environments (i.e. steppe, tundra, swamp, desert), with different styles of keeping, and different feeding and forage types, everything from scrubland to lush meadows. And we only have to look at how many imported horses we have today with the same factors - born in different climates and environments, with different feeding and forage types, and different medication protocols unique to that country – all will have an effect in establishing that horse’s biome at birth to how it’s then fed and kept as it gets older.

Then along come us humans and ship said horse raised in, say, Spain or Iceland, over to the UK. Now imagine the effect of how that dramatic change in environment and climate, not to mention the change in forage type/pasture composition, is going to have on that imported horse’s gut biome as it tries to adjust. Is it any wonder that a horse imported from Spain to the colder northern reaches of say, Scandinavia, might have a hard time adjusting? (I hear this often from very lovely and well-meaning clients - most recently, "My Lusitano who I saw in Spain and was calm and beautifully trained, has turned into a stressed mega-spooky riding nightmare since arriving here.")

Maybe we also need to factor in the different ‘primal types’ of horses out there, and take into account the very constitution of the horse in front of us. Then again, what’s a ‘normal’ horse these days? Take a typical mixed herd that we all see today in various livery yards, where during summer with most veering on the chubby side, we all know this isn’t necessarily ‘normal’. Or is it, depending on the 'type' of horse? (Keep reading - the answer to this is further on ��). Alternatively, if all the horses looked underweight, would a ‘normal’ horse seem fat? Quick note here - lest we forget, muscle is heavier than fat - a fat horse may weigh less than a well-exercised muscular horse so looks may be deceiving ��.

These days the overweight horse seems more normal in our perception, especially in the show world which demands a bit more chub. These days we have the body condition score so we have certain parameters to determine ‘normal’, but the problem here is that it’s basically set towards the WB horse. What about our regular horses and everything in between – from 80cm-high minis to the shire at over 2-meters?!

And just to throw more in the mix to think about, there’s the multiple different breeds out there carefully created by mankind for all the different jobs back in the day. A fast horse was bred with long legs and a slim body, with fine muscles and no bulk; for heavy work, i.e. the carriage or the plough, we needed strong muscles with power, wide front legs to give a really broad shoulder but not necessarily speed.

Then there’s the height v. body-type comparison - take the arabian horse versus the welsh cob; both the same height, but different 'types'. Put them next to each other and you’ll think the welsh was overweight, but is it?

So where did this all start?

Equine ancestry shows us 4 original types –

- Primal pony

- Primal tundra horse

- Primal steppe horse

- Arab desert horse

All different, all developed in different regions, climates and landscapes, all with different feeding patterns based on what available forage there was, each adapting to their own environment, climate, the mileage they had to cover, and with the modern horse of today reflecting these different types, breeds and metabolisms, all created on breeding requirements over the centuries which has resulted in many different mixes.

Take the haffy as an example, originally a mountain workhorse, an original tundra horse type (explained further on), yet the modern sports haffy has been bred more like a steppe – same breed, no other blood lines crossed in, still the pure haffy genetics, but bred for different parameters/aspects in the conformation.

Our horses of today generally have all four ‘types’ in their genetics, depending on how they’ve been bred over the centuries for different confirmation or appearance, which create different microbiomes and as a result different metabolic health issues. What makes it interesting, for me at least, is that as a result there are reasons why different metabolic conditions exist between various pony/working breeds and sport horses, and it’s all to do with the original primal 'type' which has then been messed up by mankind's earlier breeding goals.

Let’s look at each original ‘type’ in turn.

The Primal Pony

Many of us will recognise the primal pony - think Thelwell! Developed in regions similar to Europe with long summers of lush green pasture so plenty of summer feed, hence summer weight gain (!), followed by long, harsh winters with lots of snow where finding feed underneath the snow was tough. This meant they went hungry through winter, aka ‘the hungry gap’, so that fat storage in summer was then utilised during winters due to sparse winter forage supply.

This gave them a pretty constant high-calorie sugar feed during summer, which easily laid down fat from the starch in their forage. We all recognise our modern day pony equivalent – I’ve got two of them! Highly sensitive to sugar so easily gaining weight (which for the record is the hardest weight to lose) and prone to building fat, so it’s all about exercise exercise exercise, otherwise cue one EMS pony.

How do we recognise the primal pony? Simple – they typically look like three rounds balls ��. Small shoulder ball, larger tummy ball, with a smaller bum ball, and a wedge shaped head. A rounded ribcage so they always look ‘round’, even at normal weight. Short legs, lots of mane/tail and a thick coat, brilliantly protective against summer insects and extra thick in winter. No insect ever bites our Cookie, while my connie and TB go nuts, and come winter Cookie turns into a polar bear.

The shetland is a perfect example of the primal pony; this is the typical genetic heritage found in shetlands as well as our stocky working horses, but not with too much height so we’re talking haffies, freisians, the QH, plus would you believe the Spanish/baroque/PRE, which I had no idea but were all former cattle horses.

The Primal Tundra horse

These developed in open ‘tundra’ landscapes, typically high-latitude landmasses. A harsh environment due to very dry, freezing winters with temps getting down to –50deg-C, but oddly not much snow so they could usually find enough feed in winter for energy, albeit very low in nutritive levels.

During summer though, tundra regions can become swamplike, so the tundra horse developed really large hooves – think the Camargue horses. Move a Camargue horse to a different area and their hooves shrink – move them back to their swamp and their hooves grow into dinner plates again ��.

In summer the tundra horse would move to the hills where it was constant wind and coarse grasslands, so they were used to low starch roughage all year round, hence they evolved with a very low tolerance to sugar/starch.

Here’s where it gets interesting metabolic-wise – because of this very low sugar/starch tolerance they don’t build fat tissue (unlike the primal pony type), but if we feed them starch their body builds glycogen from the sugar, depositing it into the connective tissue which leads to water retention. So, while this may look like fat deposits, it’s actually lymph build-up. Long and short, the tundra-type horse becomes lymphatic, not fat.

The typical tundra horse has a large head with small eyes and a roman nose (think Barbara Streisand); a large body like a rectangle, oval ribcage and wide girth, so generally a huge body with thick column-like, heavy feathered lower legs with plates for hooves. Their legs had to be protected against the constant higher altitude wind, so they developed hairy legs with thick summer and winter coats as protection to the tundra winds and insects.

Typical tundra type horses are our small/large drafts – huge heads but apparently these days that concave nose has pretty much been bred out of them. Then there’s the Icelandic – again apparently most with the original features now bred out. Then there are our stocky working horses – the haffy, QH, and Spanish – PRE and lusitanos who no longer look much like they used to, and some of the baroque, i.e. Lippizana.

With these horses we need to take a different feeding approach as if they’re fed a high sugar/starch diet they’ll develop lymph pads, not fat. Keep carbs low but not calories as it’s not laying down fat that’s their issue – in other words, don’t starve the tundra horse slim! If you skinny down the calorie/energy intake, their body will hold onto even more lymph so they’ll seem like they’re actually putting on weight, so they need a completely different approach to feeding, hence super low starch/sugar, i.e. major restriction of green grass and plenty of coarse, stemmy hay as their forage.

It’s also about focusing on maintaining a healthy lymphatic system (which relies on healthy liver/kidney function) to prevent lymph buildup in the connective tissues. Get the feed right and typically you’ll have a horse where you can - and should be able to - count every rib ��.

The Primal Steppe Horse

Steppe landscapes are more the grassland and shrubland plans with few trees apart from near water, typically eastern Europe through central Asia, as well as the western United States and west Canada. They’re more temperate, not too cold, don’t really have much of a winter, and have a short span of lush grass during or after a rain season.

Outside of this it’s very dry with constant coarse fibrous grasses with little nutrition but readily available, as well as plentiful nuts, fruits, seeds and berries if forage is less available – the steppe horse will take what it can find. They’re not that particular about what they feed on so long as they get energy from it – they can tolerate high nutrition (starch, protein, fat) without showing metabolic symptoms.

Typical steppe landscapes also mean extremely long distances between water sources so the steppe horse can move for miles at low energy consumption.

(Quick digress for a bit of trivia - during WWI the military selected this type of horse because the logistics of transporting bulky hay for 2-million+ horses moving around countries was very difficult; concentrates were easier to transport and easy to store, and provided high nutritional value.)

Because of the scarce water supplies, steppe horse had to have long lean legs to cover the miles to find it – we’re talking 30-60 miles/day, plus the steppe territory had many unfriendly predators so the steppe horse also had to be able to run seriously fast to outrun them.

They typically have long elegant heads with a roman nose, and a lean tube-like body - they often look slim no matter how much they feed, and never look fat. They have an unremarkable mane/tail, with a thin silky coat because by rarely experiencing severe cold it never evolved further.

Many horses we see today are steppe types, their genetic heritage being typically TBs, TBxWBs and sporthorses, i.e. Hanoverian, Bavarian. It’s almost impossible to feed them either fat or lymphatic – they usually look slim to normal; no matter what we feed them they still look okay, and can tolerate and compensate for most feeding mistakes on our part.

That said, if we have a WB with sweet itch or a TB with mud fever, we need to seriously ring the alarm bells because their body has compensated to the near-point of no return where it’s potentially too late to get them back on track. See our KPU page for more info.

The Primal Arab Horse

We find this type in many breeds we see today, developed in even more dry landscapes than the steppe – half-desert and sometimes going without rain for years, sometimes blossoming after rain then barren again for several years. Hot days, cold nights, and long stretches with little food, only coarse scrub or succulents as they’re happy to eat thorny plants. Oasis feed provided very lush green with seeds and fruits so again like the steppe horse they can tolerate high nutrition.

They have a high tolerance for sugar/starch but will lay down fat as stored energy for famine stretches and long walks to next waterhole - they don’t lay down lymph.

We all recognise the arab-type head - small with a concave dished nose and large eyes, slender body with slim legs as they haven’t evolved to carry weight – they’re more endurance athletes able to run for miles. Relatively little mane as no cover was needed against the cold, with an agile tail to swish against flies but with little reaction to flying insects.

Genetic heritage is of course found in the berber Arabian horse, some TBs and some Spanish. When they first came to Europe people were fascinated by the arabian-style horse – depending on breeding goals many breeds were refined with arabian bloodstock, i.e. the Trachener and some WBs, so there’s a lot of arabian blood in many of today’s breeds.

Interestingly breeders tried to cross-breed the haffy with the arabian to get a more elegant haffy type, but this idea was soon shelved as it changed the haffy character, and not for the better – not good for a stoic haffy to have a heap of arabian temperament!

These days?

Pretty much most horses carry a degree of all four primal types in its genes, but when we look at a horse we should try to take into account what their dominant type is, to be mindful of their potential metabolism and microbiome type. A tundra type will be different to a steppe type, even though they’re the same height; a gypsy cob and an arab may be the same height but have completely different weight and confirmations – it doesn’t mean the gypsy cob’s fat just because it’s different to the arabian.

So what ‘type’ of horse do we have? Once we’ve got a feel for this then we can start being mindful of what metabolism – and microbiome - fits our horse. And remember, some horses will be the type to lay down fat; others will store lymph which can so easily be mistaken for fat. Whatever the type, they may need managing in a different way.

Is it fat or lymph?

So, how do we distinguish muscle from fat or lymph storage – we want to have a well muscled horse, but of course we don’t want to see either fat or lymph storage. Let’s take a closer look at what we find where, and how we interpret the neckline and hind region of the horse to know if our horse is prone to laying down fat, storing lymph, or simply well-muscled.

First up, fat is stored in muscle – a ‘fat’ horse will lay it down above the tail and above the neck (think crest). A ‘lymph’ horse will lay it down in the connective tissue, so the ‘saddle bag’ area behind where the saddle goes; take the saddle off after riding and you’ll see saddle pressure marks.

Also, the lymph horse will develop a thick neck below the top of the neck – this is a soft-tissue ligament region so if the neck changes overnight you can be sure it’s lymph (apparently it’s said that if the neck swells and gets hot, lami is on the way in 3-days-ish). When this horse type looks swollen this is known as ‘psuedo-EMS’, when lymph is in the connective tissue and not muscle fat. Real EMS shows as the final stage of the neck crest above the neck and with bum bags above the tail.

It’s vital we distinguish between the two different types because the therapeutic approach is completely different between the two. When a horse is fat, there’s too much energy in its feed which isn’t being used up via exercise, so we have to reduce the energy and increase exercise so the horse will use up the fat deposit and slim down.

With lymph pads, it’s not stored energy, it’s stored waste products – sorry, but yes we’re talking toxins. So, if you think it’s fat and reduce the fed energy intake and exercise more, the horse won’t lose any weight. Au contraire – they’ll gain weight because they’re producing even more waste product that the body is struggling to excrete, and these toxins have got to be stored somewhere, so the liver sends them back out into the bloodsteam to be stored in the soft tissue. By reducing fed energy their energy demands will start to turn on themself, breaking down muscle tissue to gain energy from the proteins stored in the muscles, which ultimately reduces muscle mass. Absolutely not the right way to treat the lymphatic horse.

NB - we’re actually talking a multi-detoxification disorder from the gut:liver:kidneys pathway – this is a whole other subject as there’s every likelihood that we have a KPU candidate – see our KPU page for the full story.

For the lymphatic horse we need to feed enough energy for the intake needs of the horse and get the liver/kidneys functioning again so the whole biotransformation and excretion process can be reestablished. How? By reducing crap feeds - toxins, sugar, starch, fat, proteins in the feed which is currently overloading the metabolism. Clean up the gut function, detox the liver/kidneys, and feed adlib hay only, 24/7, so the metabolism resets and the liver biotransformation process starts running properly again. Over time the stored toxins in the connective tissue will eventually be drained off into a cleaned-up lymphatic system and excreted out via the kidneys.

Gradually you’ll see your horse start to lose that apparent ‘weight’ despite feeding adlib, because the body’s starting to shift out all the toxins it’s been storing in the connective tissue.

It’s different for ‘fat’ horses though - if our 600kg should normally weigh 500g, that’s 100kg of fat we need to shift, so no ‘extra’ feed – no concentrates/feedbags, just hay plus exercise! Interval training – pick up the pace as long as horse can manage then back to walk till the breathing settles, then pick up pace again. And weigh the hay out into small-holed nets – 1.5-2kg / 100kg bodyweight.

How can we tell? 4 Belly types

Pear-shaped/pregnant – this is an overfilled colon full of gas (emitted as the waste product from those unfriendly gut bacteria, i.e. LA bacteria), with poor stomach muscles, so restart peristalsis and build up the hind quarter muscle strength – movement enhances motility of keeping the food moving along in the gut. This is also when size matters - seriously. The initial chewing process mechanically breaks down the forage in the mouth into tiny pieces of between 2-5mm - this length is vitally important as the whole digestive process, including peristalsis motility, takes place through a very long - and thin - tube, the intestines to be exact, from start to finish, so an effective digestive process is entirely governed by the chewed length of the fibre. See our Gut System page for the full story on how a horse digests.

Peach – way too much fat in the muscle above the hip joints and on the ribs, unless it’s a chunky hind-end worker, i.e. a carriage puller or woodland log puller, in which case it's likely to be muscle.

Strawberry – not much muscle around the ribs or above the vertebral column, with lymph pads that drift to the sides, i.e. saddle bags.

Oval – normal horse!

Pulling this altogether

By being more mindful of the ‘type’ of horse we have, we could be more mindful of their microbiome and the correct feeding approach. So ...

What type of horse do we have?
What type of belly do we have?
Is our horse a fat -prone or lymph -prone?

Food for thought indeed ��

Trivia-time again ...

It was only when proof-reading my wordery above that I got curious about the phrase ‘ fly in the ointment ’, as in, where did it come from? I find some of our old sayings fascinating, i.e. ' Paid through the nose ', which horrifyingly originated from the Danes in the 9th century conquering Ireland and imposing a "Nose Tax." Excessive taxes were imposed on each “nose” (bit bonkers? Would love to know that reason!). Accordingly, one had to 'pay through the nose', and if someone failed to pay their nose tax, it was said that they had their noses slit in punishment. Yikes ...

Back to the sticky fly, and I looked it up. Courtesy of Wiki, “ In English, the phrase 'fly in the ointment' is an idiomatic expression for a drawback, especially one that was not at first apparent, for example: "We had a cookstove, beans, and plates; the fly in the ointment was the lack of a can opener. "

The likely source is a phrase in the King James Bible - " Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour. " (Ecclesiastes 10:1)

For four centuries, a fly in the ointment has meant " a small defect that spoils something valuable or is a source of annoyance. The modern version thus suggests that something unpleasant may come or has come to light in a proposition or condition that is almost too pleasing; that there is something wrong hidden, unexpected somewhere. "

Who knew?!

Originally posted 30.4.22

The Great Magnesium Calming Debate

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 10:52:46 GMT

- aka the Spring Grass Effect

It’s that time of year again when many of us are experiencing hyper-horses – everything from way too much energy, way too spooky, or way too stressy. Aka the Spring Grass Effect. Suddenly our horse seems high as a kite and has turned into Tigger with extra-boinggg, but not in a good way.

This is also the time of year when I get many emails saying “Help! My horse has gone nuts! I’ve been told magnesium is a calmer – should I feed it?!”

First up, magnesium is not a ‘calmer’, per se. That said, it’s easy to think it is, because it has a vital role in ‘balancing’ the spring Tigger effect. So, here's a revamp of a previous blog we posted in 2016 on this same subject.

The How and Why

Why do many horses seem so much more hyper, irritable, unable to relax and full of bolshy attitude when the spring grass comes through? Simply put, it’s a chemistry thing. The new spring grass shoots produce a whole lot more calcium than magnesium, and calcium produces … muscle energy! It’s basically about the changes going on in the grass chemistry, thanks to the warmer temperatures and sunshine, and what’s happening now is the natural calcium:magnesium ratios in those new grass shoots are shifting significantly out of kilter, with way higher calcium than magnesium.

How does this affect our horses? Calcium fuels the muscle/nerve reactions, and magnesium balances them; calcium enters the muscle cells’ mitochondria (each cell's engine) as the fuel to produce the muscle energy ; magnesium then stabilises it back to normal- it's all about healthy cellular exchange. Thing is though, as the spring grass calcium production is way higher than the magnesium production, the ratio between the two nutrients goes out of balance and means there’s not enough magnesium in the grass blade to balance that higher calcium production. Cue Tigger.

Most of us blame the increased sugars and carbs in the new grass shoots, and while this is absolutely part of the story, it's not the real deal. Which is ... Calcium and magnesium work closely with each other, each requiring the other for balance. However, the growth spurt of our spring grass creates much higher than normal levels of calcium, without increasing the levels of magnesium, so unbalances the two. As a result, and to quote from our website, ' The changes in the chemistry in the grass affect the chemistry in the horse' . In other words, if our horses are grazing on growing spring grass, they'll become deficient in magnesium.

That’s all well and good, but without having a Chemistry Degree, what does this actually mean ? What actually happens? How does supplementing magnesium actually help rebalance our horses and make them nice again? Here’s the science, deconstructed.

Just like our car’s accelerator and clutch pedals work in sync together to make the engine run smoothly, calcium stimulates the energy in readiness to perform, by contracting the muscle cell. Magnesium then follows to relax the cell after that contraction.

This chemical process happens very rapidly, just like our car engine's RPM. When a muscle cell is triggered, the cell membrane opens, in pops the calcium, setting off a reaction so the muscle contracts, instantly ready for energy work. When the contraction is done, the magnesium inside the cell helps to push the calcium back out of the cell, so releasing the contraction. But - when there’s not enough magnesium in the cell, the calcium stays put, continuing to stimulate the cells so the muscle can’t completely relax, and makes the body seem wound up in a continually stressed state. And because magnesium is also required for healthy nerve function, low magnesium will make the nerve endings hypersensitive, thus exacerbating the hyper behaviour and attitude. Simple when you know how …

If magnesium deficiency becomes the norm, the body eventually reacts by triggering adrenaline, which only adds to the hyper state our horses are already in. This allows calcium to overload muscle and nerve cells, causing a rise in the release of stress hormones and excitatory chemicals. This can cause stress, erratic behaviour, aggression and/or muscle tension.

What also doesn’t help is that when a horse becomes more stressed, anxious, nervous or excited, they burn off more magnesium. They can also sweat and pee it out, hence why some performance horses can become quickly deficient as their competition season progresses, because they’ll use the available magnesium more rapidly.

More irony? In order to manage our hyper horses, us humans think that we can get them back to normal by over-exercising to tire them out. Nooooooooo! The more they work and sweat, the more magnesium they’ll use from their reserves. Factor in the extra side-effects such as muscle cramping, fatigue, soreness, post-exercise stiffness, and you can understand why they then become unwilling to work or ‘misbehave’ at competitions.

Long and short, magnesium deficiency is much more prevalent than we think, yet much less recognised as a reason for why our horses seem to be 'misbehaving'. It’s a good time to remind ourselves that horses don’t have bad intentions - they're simply reacting , and this is one example where their reactions are completely beyond their control. Getting this chemistry balance right is absolutely down to us humans - we just need to know what steps to take, and it's a whole lot simpler than we might think.

The good news

The solution is simple - it’s about upping the magnesium levels to support the calcium boost, which may explain why magnesium is thought of as a ‘calmer’ ingredient. In theory it isn’t, but by upping its ratios to the calcium, the body appears to ‘calm’ and return to some state of ‘normal’.

So, how much magnesium should we be supplementing? More good news is that it’s a very safe mineral to feed as any excess is simply excreted out via the urine. That said, there a contraindication if a horse has poor kidney function so always check with your vet first. You should already be feeding a mineral balancer , so you can safely add 2g/100kg bodyweight elemental magnesium (which means 3.3g/100kg bodyweight of our low-iron high-purity magnesium oxide ). Remember that sweating/hard work may also affect absorption and utilisation.

All of us, human or horse, need to have the correct balance of calcium:magnesium, and there’s another easy way to get magnesium into our bodies using magnesium chloride (Epsom Salts), which many of us humans, and especially athletes, are now keen on utilising as a bath soak with a mugful of Epsom Salts chucked in - not as a feed supplement - to replenish tired muscles and rejuvenate the body after a hard day.

Known as trans-dermal application (delivered through the skin), it’s an efficient way to therapeutically deliver magnesium to muscle tissue because it bypasses the digestive system altogether and can be taken up by the muscles rapidly.

This works equally well for our horses. Trans-dermal application can be very beneficial prior to athletic competition, especially for the nervous horse, and also post-work to help the body recover and relax muscles. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a generous handful of Epsom Salts. Allow it to dissolve then sponge on, rinsing off after 20 minutes.

NB. Our EquiVita/VitaComplete range of forage-balanced mineral solutions includes as standard the recognised 12g of elemental magnesium known to be deficient in our UK grasslands. Our Magnesium Oxide is a pharmaceutical-grade low-iron powder, high purity 98.0% - 100.5%, providing 60.6% elemental magnesium content for horses.

( Our Mineral Solutions are formulated to the NRC guidelines, with no added iron, no synthetic minerals, and no molasses, fillers, stabilisers, binders, grains or preservatives. Certified to, UFAS, FEMAS, BETA NOPS, and ISO 22000, so you can be confident in the product you receive. )

Originally published 24.6.22

Energy - what zaps it, and how can we get more?

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 10:47:15 GMT

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A common enquiry I get from clients in winter is that their horse is lacking energy, or worse is in a state of chronic fatigue. Apparently in our human world around 30% of all doctor visits are due to exhaustion and/or chronic fatigue.

‘Energy’ comes from the body making what we call ATP, aka Adenosine Triphosphate - ATP is a molecule of energy made when the body breathes oxygen and eats food, which then gets metabolised in the body’s cells’ tiny mitochondria. Whether horse or human it’s a common problem, and very often related to lifestyle and habits which either drive energy, or don’t.

So, how do we increase the production of ATP and improve the body’s mitochondrial function? What zaps it, and how can we get more of it? Let's talk all-things-energy, and first go through a few things that we often associate with what causes energy to diminish.

First up, adrenaline and cortisol , the two major stress hormones, are usually triggered during fight/flight to ‘wire’ the senses when there’s a stress response in the body. All well and good when they’re needed, but when everything calms back down, the body becomes depleted with something called adenosine in the mitochondria, which causes the body to biologically crash with fatigue.

So, short term high followed by the body feeling wiped-out-tired and a crash of low energy. Hence why keeping stressors down is so important.

Second, quality rest/sleep . As humans we know if we don’t sleep, the body becomes tired and wired at the same time. Lack of quality rest/sleep weakens the immune system making the body prone to illness and impairing the body’s ability to fight it off. It also has a negative impact on heart health, is associated with higher rates of cancer, and leads to major cognition issues, having a direct impact on learning and memory.

Finally, our old friend sugar . Like caffeine, the body gets an immediate short burst of energy from sugar, and then it crashes – us humans have all experienced this after a major cake fix, or a can of Coke. So, sugar is another No if we want to keep energy levels even all day, but not so easy when it comes to our horses and the constant battle to keep their sugar levels low.

Which links us nicely to blood sugar levels , and how blood sugar is completely connected to energy levels going up and down throughout the day, with the body on a rollercoaster of energy/crash/refuel, rinse and repeat. Cue the weight gain/fatigue/mood-change cycle alongside all kinds of other health complications. Sugar.Is.Really.Mean.

Now we introducing the Glycemic Load, and here’s a thing - this is about eating a little bit of fat, protein or fibre, for example, instead of eating just berries on an empty stomach. Yes, fruit contains many amazing phytonutrients and polyphenols, but - if we eat a ton of fruit on an empty stomach, that’ll completely upset our blood sugar versus if we have it at the end of a meal where we've had some healthy fat, protein or fibre.

The glycemic load is basically about what the total composition of a meal does to the blood sugar. So, if we add in fat or protein or fibre, these act like a sponge and slows the sugar absorption. By preventing the spikes, this lessens the insulin surges, so no blood sugar crashes. And so it all evens out.

Which is why, for our horses, it’s so important for them to eat hay all year round, as the hay stalks are where the vital, hindgut-essential, fibre is.

Let’s hop back into our human-world for a moment. Fatigue is obviously a catch-all basket of symptoms that doesn’t really specifically denote a particular disease, but it can depend on the fatigue. In conventional medical practice it’s normal to look for common factors such as thyroid issues, certain vitamin deficiencies like B12, or something chronic going on below like heart disease or cancer. However, more often than not our GP’s won’t find much, so very often they’ll simply say we’re depressed and tell us we need Prozac.

However, if we look at it another way, i.e. the world of Functional Medicine, we really only need to ask two questions to learn pretty much everything we need to know:

First, what is it that’s bothering the body’s system? What is it that we need to get rid of, so the body can function properly? What is it that’s causing the imbalance?
Second, what does the body need to thrive? That it needs more of? Rest, or minerals?

So what’s the list that I go through in my mind when a client contacts me? I look at the major factors that are the cause of almost all imbalances in the body, and with a bit of consideration towards genetics thrown in, as follows:

1. Diet - poor nutrition plays a huge role in lack of energy – gut-inappropriate foods do not ATP fuel make.

2. Stress - whether physical or psychological stress - emotional stress, including past traumas, can contribute enormously to zapping energy, as mental stress causes huge changes in the brain chemistry and metabolism, and leads to overwhelming fatigue.

3. Allergens - what’s inflaming the body? Are there food allergens/sensitivities or an environmental allergen such as pollens?

4. What about toxins ? Anything and everything from environmental toxins, moulds, pesticides, heavy metals, internal toxins, metabolic toxins ... the list goes on.

5. Finally, microbes - not just the gut or skin microbiome, but also pathogen bacteria, which are a huge cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, i.e. Lyme disease.

It’s really about looking at the Big Picture, the overall symptomatic presentations, looking for clues about what’s really driving the fatigue. Is it nutrient depletion? A microbiome issue? An infection? A hormonal imbalance? Some kind of stress? What’s behind it all?

Either way, we generally follow the Alleviate, Detox & Fortify protocol, which involves taking out the bad stuff – ultra-processed food, poor rest/sleep, excess stress, lack of movement, too much sugar - and putting in good stuff, i.e. a clean diet to get rid of all the inflammatory foods, and a detox . Fortifying with nutrients to replace any mineral deficiencies , and gentle exercise to get everything moving again. Really simple changes can make a huge difference - focusing on balancing sugar/starch levels and doing a detox is essentially an amazing way to recalibrate metabolism, brain chemistry, and energy.

Long and short, fatigue comes from mitochondria damage. Mitochondria, the energy factories in each and every cell, produce the ATP energy that runs everything in the body. They’re critical for everything in the body to function, and for aging and longevity. Fuel them wrong and we have elevated muscle enzymes, meaning the muscle cells are damaged. We also have a damaged metabolism, a damaged immune system, brain and hormones. Fuel them wrong and we’re looking at far-reaching effects across the body that basically screws everything up.

So if you’re looking to get your horse back to being like the Energizer bunny, we need to burn clean fuel, so we can create and repair the energy systems in the body – the mitochondria.

However – everything starts with the gut, and every horse, every human, is different – it’s called biochemical individuality. Two people eat an apple, yet it can be a different experience for each of them once they eat it. Some are creating huge spikes in insulin, others aren’t, yet they can have very different responses. How? Why? Look first at the microbiome.

And let’s not forget about healthy ratios of the Omegas 3-6, which is directly connected to feelings of depression. The horse’s natural diet of grass has an omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio of around 4:1, similar to other browse foods like leaves and buds, with summer growing grass coming in at around 4% fat.

This level of intake isn't available all year, hence horses not on fresh, growing grass will have a dietary deficiency of omega-3. Equally, when grass is dried and baled as hay, the fragile omega-3 fatty acids are lost so it has to be supplemented, especially if a horse is on a hay-only diet.

Micronised Linseed comes in at the same omega-3 profile as fresh, growing grass, with blood tests showing that 100g/day of linseed equals the same daily omega-3 intake as a horse on pasture – this applies to the average 500kg horse, so pro-rata it works out at 20g/100kg bodyweight.

If your horse is on part grass/part hay (say, overnight), then feed 10g/100kg bodyweight daily.
If your horse is on a full hay diet with no grass, or during winter, feed 20g/100kg bodyweight daily.
If your horse is permanently on growing grass during the summer, there's no need to feed linseed until winter.

To summarise

The fundamental factor is that we appreciate that fatigue is a symptom of something else, so we have to become detectives to figure out what’s behind the fatigue. Is it from eating poor-quality food, or not exercising, or not having field buddies to play with, or overloaded with past traumas/stressors? Or is it due to a nutrient deficiency, or Lyme, or toxins? Is it because the microbiome is out of kilter? What’s driving the fatigue?

Identify where the bad is, take it out and put good stuff in instead. Alleviate if needed, detox and fortify.

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Reversing Metabolic Mayhem - what human science can teach us about helping our EMS horses

“If you don’t take the toxin, you don’t need the antidote." Dr Mark Hyman, Founder & Medical Director, The UltraWellness Center ( IFM )

The core message - it’s not about fat. It’s about carbs

Diet as medicine - literally

So what does this mean for our horses?

The solution?

Repeating patterns

From chronic to reversible?

Let’s keep the conversation going

Vaccines, Inflammation, and Your Horse - looking beyond the jab

Understanding the link between vaccines, inflammation, and recovery – plus how to support your horse naturally

Vaccine ingredients & sensitive horses

What the research tells us

Understanding inflammation in horses

Should vaccination plans be individualised?

The role of diet in managing inflammation

Stress: the inflammation trigger

The bottom line

A word of thanks

The Spring Reset - helping your horse shake off winter’s metabolic hangover

Planet Earth was created perfect. And so were we.

The metabolism

Perfect prevention makes perfect practice

“Healing is a process that always starts with stabilisation. Until the body's stable it cannot heal. The body then needs to remove the roadblocks. The body also needs the nutrients required for repair. When these elements come together the body can begin to heal.”

Dr Nuzum, Toxicologist & Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Alleviate

Clean-Up

Top Tips

Fortify

To conclude

The Seasonal Equine Cycle - unlocking nature's rhythms.

A proactive approach to sustain equine circadium rhythm year-round

Feeding patterns across the seasons

The five-season theory

Seasonal care system organ guidelines

Spring

- supporting the liver after winter's overload, managing fresh spring grass chemistry (laminitis risk), spring tree pollens and sweet itch (KPU/autoimmune reactions), spring worming, spring Cushing's ACTH testing, mares coming back into season

Summer

- keeping horses cool and hydrated, joint care, summer grass pollen allergens

Indian Summer

- metabolism starts to change, preparing for the autumn coat change

Autumn

- winter preparation, lung health, forage nutrient changes, Cushings/PPID ACTH testing, feed protein levels

Winter

- energy levels, hydration, colic prevention, senior horse health

The Most Overlooked Winter Organ – the Kidneys

Supporting our horses - especially our seniors - through the coldest month of the year

Why winter belongs to the kidneys

How winter shows up in our senior horses

Understanding Yin and Yang (in simple, horse-owner language)

What we can do in February

Looking toward early spring

A nod to Dr Tom Schell, D.V.M, CVCH, CHN

Supporting the liver:kidneys:lymph pathway

Winter Laminitis - the Hidden Risks of Cold Weather, Drought Stress, & Sudden Rainfall

A straightforward look at why winter isn’t always the “safe season” for laminitis-prone horses

Part 1 – Why winter grass can trigger laminitis

- Drought Stress, Sugar Storage & the Post-Rain Spike

- After rain - a surge of sugary new growth

- Why this matters for hindgut laminitis

- Weeds - the winter wildcard

- Practical winter prevention

❄️ Part 2 – Cold-induced hoof pain

- A second winter syndrome – brilliantly described by Dr Eleanor Kellon, VMD (26 December 2024)

- When hooves react badly to cold

- What’s actually happening?

- Support strategies (Dr Kellon’s recommendations)

Bringing it all together – a safer winter for sensitive horses

Why a Mineral Balancer Matters – Especially in Winter

“My horse has grass and hay – does he really need a balancer?”

The modern world problem – for us and our horses

Why nutrients matter so much more than we realise

‘Frank’ deficiency vs ‘subclinical’ deficiency

“First things first – addressing frank nutrient deficiencies must remain a priority in the age of precision nutrition." ( https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)46263-6/fulltext )

Optimal vs adequate – the real difference

Where minerals meet hydration - the winter twist

Winter hydration - the hidden colic trigger

Bottom line - minerals + hydration = winter resilience

Energy – The Missing Dimension of Health for Horses

“If you don’t take the toxin, you don’t need the antidote."
Dr Mark Hyman, Founder & Medical Director, The UltraWellness Center ( IFM )