My top 5 rides to visit at Universal Studios Orlando*

Hi loveys,

This is a collaborative post (written by me).

[By NBCUniversal - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link]


Are you a rollercoaster fan? I haven't been on a rollercoaster in years but I grew up going to Dreamland in Margate and regularly got my thrills there as a teen on the American Looping Star and the Scenic Railway. I'd love to visit Universal Studios in Orlando. Opened in 1990 and co-founded by Steven Spielberg it's one of the top theme park destinations in the world.

Here are the 5 rides at Universal I'd most love to go on. Some of them are rollercoasters and some of them are virtual reality simulations. There are a couple of really family friendly rides in my picks as I'm basically a 5 year old in a 45 year old's body!

HARRY POTTER AND THE FORBIDDEN JOURNEY 

I'm a massive Harry Potter fan (and proud Slytherin) so this ride is right at the top of my list. Harry Potter is great escapism from reality and what better way to do that than by flying over Hogwarts?



THE SIMPSONS RIDE

When I was with James we used to watch The Simpsons almost every day of the week. I'm a huge fan of the dysfunctional yellow family so this virtual reality coaster ride would be a beeline for me. It's good family-friendly fun.



DESPICABLE ME MINION MAYHEM

I don't know what it is about me and cute yellow critters, but I also love Minions. They're cute and silly and they love ba-na-nas, so what's not to like?! This ride is pure escapism and very family friendly, featuring a dance off at the end of the show.



THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SPIDERMAN

This is another virtual reality ride rather than an actual rollercoaster. Watch Spiderman save the day as he soars over New York. Just make sure you don't lose your lunch when he drops 400 feet!



REVENGE OF THE MUMMY

This indoor rollercoaster takes you on a dark and scary ride complete with fire and insects as the Mummy Imhotep tries to steal your very soul! This ride looks really scary and would be sure to get your heart pounding.



Have you been to Universal Studios Orlando? If so, what was your favourite ride?

Get your Universal Studio Tickets for the family.

Thanks for reading.
Leah xoxo

How The Gut Affects Mental Health*

Hi loves,

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).



Michael Schiffer

Gut bacteria or the 'good bacteria' in your gut helps to regulate your bowel, assists with digestion and maintains healthy levels of microbes. In case your gut bacteria is not functioning properly then you may suffer from constipation, flatulence, diarrhoea, acid reflux, bloating, and a lot more gastrointestinal ailments. If your gut isn't working correctly for a long time period it may result in serious illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome or perhaps diverticulitis!

Gut bacteria are necessary since they are the bacteria that keep your entire digestive system secure. They are the bacteria that antibiotics kill, so if you are ill frequently and will need to take a great deal of antibiotics afterwards your gut bacteria will be deficient. This is going to cause diarrhoea. If you choose antibiotics, all of the gut bacteria can be ruined. However, your gut bacteria isn't often considered as being the probable cause of a mental health issue.

Latest research, however, indicates that a number of bacteria known as Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA, may influence somebody's emotional health if there's a scarcity of this substance. If you are missing GABA, you can be identified as suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and fatigue but what is often ignored is that you may be also afflicted by susceptibility to stress, causing nervousness, depression and possibly autism.

GABA has a role as a neurotransmitter, sending messages to the mind and nervous system. It is also involved in regulating the communication between our brain cells. Studies have proven that GABA can restrain anxiety and affect our behaviour, so when it's low we don't feel as calm or relaxed or having difficulty sleeping too. Dealing with anxiety, we may turn to cigarettes (much worse than even the best vape). More studies will need to be carried out in this area, but this new information is possibly a good insight to explain the link between our bowel and emotional health problems.

The good thing is that GABA may be raised naturally with foods high in magnesium and vitamin B. It is a fantastic idea to have an organic multi-vitamin daily, as nobody eats perfectly every day - a supplement will make sure you don't become deficient in minerals and vitamins. Green tea and chamomile are also good for increasing those bacteria levels. These foods and vitamins have shown in certain tests to increase gut bacteria and consequently an increase in an individual's mental health capabilities. Additionally, there are a number of other all-natural approaches to improve mental wellbeing, manage stress, anxiety and depression. Ask your therapist to learn what you will need to do if you suffer from one of these ailments.

GABA hence has the capability to be a fantastic supplement if you're feeling a little away or have been suffering from poor anxiety, depression, or even PMS. Bear in mind your mood may be changed by levels of hormones and also how the thyroid is working. Conversely, GABA can improve your mood, impacting your emotions and putting a positive slant on your perspective.

Thanks for reading. 
Leah xoxo