The big health shop chains may be able to offer fabulous offers and super cheap deals, but you…read morewon't get the service, advice and knowledge as this tiny place. Despite it's dinky appearance they seem to have crammed in any lotion, potion and herb you are ever likely to need. I was in enquiring about something I had read about online, and not only did they have it, but suggested something else that would be better, and it was. Google can suggest, but the nutmeg can advise- that is a big positive difference.

Nutmeg is a health food store in the centre of Belfast. I am the type of guy who takes little…read morephases. Lots of little phases. Quite a lot of them do revolve around places like this. I wanna start drinking a certain type of tea or heard that Miso soup is the healthiest thing on Earth (it tastes like unhappiness)and I turn to Nutmeg. It's quite a cramped shop and they have filled it as best they can. On the left hand side is the organic, whole foods that are all sourced from Fair trade marked groups keeping with the shops ethical policy. The right hand side is for the sweet, sweet drugs. They stock all sorts of natural remedies and pick me ups straight from natures pharmacies all over the world. The staff are passionate about what they are trying to promote and can get a little on the preachy side, but its their shop after all.

I have heard of this store before and the infamous Jan de Vries. Unfortunately I've never met the…read moreman or had him operate on me but reports say he's a bit alternative and could be a genius. Though my only experience here was on my way back from a jog that went marginally wrong and involved me hobbling back rather than running as I had originally planned. I called in here to see what the nice people recommended as I had no painkillers or bandages in my house. I got some anti-inflammatory cream which worked a treat and dose of painkillers for good measure. I'm all for alternative medicine if it works. The cream, though helpful, was nearly £10 and for the one occasion I used it, I felt a bit stupid. It was the most expensive jog I've been on but my foot has never looked so good.

Having sinus trouble for most of my life, I finally bit the bullet and went to the Framar Health…read moreClinic, for a much sought-after appointment with Jan de Vries, the well known homeopathic and alternative health care expert. I left with two things. The first thing was a prescription for herbal tablets to improve my sinus condition (expensive and didn't work - not a happy bunny.) The second thing was a new, fixed 'unclicky' jaw bone. Sounds weird, but he seems to have some knowledge of how to manipulate bones if they are troubling you - I'm sure there is some medical name for it but I've no idea. All I know is before I went in, my jaw would click like mad when I was eating, and after I left, no more clicking! Now, it was kind of weird - I thought he was going to choke me, as the manoevure involved putting me in a headlock type position, but it really did work! Now, I imagine if I had been able to afford to repeat the prescription for the herbal tablets, they may have helped me - but it was too pricey for me to maintain each month. I do know many people whom Framar have helped considerably, though. And on the plus side, I can now eat my dinner without the sound of drums...

If you need a supplement, a herbal remedy or an alternative potion for your piles this is the place…read moreto go. The German(?) lady who works here knows her stuff about all things alternative. I recently called in to get some vitamins that would help my hair and nails grow nicely before my wedding - she found me some herbal supplements and also talked me through my diet, advising me to add and cut certain things for maximum growth. This shop also has many additive and preservative free products such as jams and preserves. I bought some lovely rhubarb and ginger preserve to go on some wheaten bread my friend made for me. I nearly ate the whole jar in one sitting - so nice. Bizarrely, as I was leaving I noticed a poster asking if anyone had seen a white owl about the place. I saw one a few days ago in a tree in Portaferry so I rang up. Nothing to do with the shop but Bizarre all the same.

Some health shops are better than making you spend money than others. Iona is one of those. They…read morehave a particularly attractive variety of non irritating soaps and face creams such as Dr Hauska and Weleda and a range of Ecover cleaning products. It cost more, perhaps, but it all makes you rethink how you might best spend your money on this type of thing - cheap stuff can be a false economy. There are also many vitamin supplements and foods for special dietary requirements including almond milk, spelt, barley and kamut flours which all make the alternative diet route seem appetising and more satisfying.

There are many Chinese restaurants around Ballymena and I guess everyone has their favourite. I've…read morebeen buying from the takeaway part of this one for a couple of years now and I haven't been disappointed!

This place has only opened up recently on Royal Avenue and specialises in a selection of high…read morequality vitamins and weight supplements. It's really aimed at the fitness and body building market because they do stock a good range of the usual protein powders and other muscle builders like creatine. The prices seem reasonable although i only popped in for a look, a took protein once or twice but just ended up putting on weight because I didn't do much exercise. Ah well :)

Was in contact with these guys via Facebook. I was enquiring about the protein they have in stock…read more They were super helpful so I decided to call into the shop. I wanted to try some sample sizes of protein. They give me them for free!!!. I have had bloating with the protein I am on at the minute so was looking for an alternative. They answered all my questions over Facebook and helped me more when I came into the shop. Annoyed that I have not been in here before now. A lot of the stuff I looked at I pay more for online. Could have saved myself time and wasted money buying the wrong things. They have lots of stock from drink containers to snacks. The snack bars are the cheapest I have seen anywhere. Super impressed. The people that own the shop know their stuff and don't stock any junk products. It's very ethical and honest. As Arnie says; I will be back!

This is a first class supplements shop! The staff are trained nutritionists and are active…read morecompetitors in many bodybuilding comps so know their stuff. Huge range of whey, casein, amino acids, pre work outs, vitamins and general health products. Selling top brands at decent prices. Huge selection of protein bars.

Azora Health food and real food shop a total delight to find this with its 100% gluten free Cafe at…read morethe back of the shop with so much tasty gluten free food its a delight to sit down for a coffee and order without having to worry about what I am about to eat, no fear of cross contamination. I would recommend to all Coeliac's, muffin to die for Rhubarb & Ginger yummy. I just had to take some home with me and also the best carrot cake I have tasted. Give this a visit.