Today’s world is so different to the world our parents and grandparents lived in. They didn’t have the problems we’re facing today and to survive we have to make ourselves aware of what is driving the ever increasing illness and disease all around us.
Why is there so much disease, why is it that everyone lives with a condition they would prefer not to have? In fact more than half the population has at least one chronic health condition—this is not right!
What are we doing wrong? What has changed?
Not all disease has to be permanent. NO REASON FOR DISEASE with The Gut Man, Don Chisholm, presents why we have so much disease, what we can do to reduce it and how we even start to prevent it.
Don will also be joining us live via video straight after the screening to answer common questions and help you get started on optimising your health.
Proudly hosted by Nyree of Unity Wellness. Tickets MUST be purchased by 10am on 13th March for the screening to go ahead and are available now from Fan Force. Please check the Facebook Event Page for further info and updates.
As you approach your 40s, your reproductive years are starting to wind down, and that means changes in your hormones. These changes are inevitable, but the severity of your symptoms depends on your overall health and your knowledge of what is going on in your body and what to do about it.
Let’s review the hormonal changes that occur at peri-menopause and menopause, and then we’ll look at how to optimize your health and avoid weight gain, memory lapses, hot flashes, moodiness and insomnia.
Menopause is when your period stops altogether, and the average age for this is 51. But peri-menopause, a word rarely heard in our culture, is the 5-10 year period of hormonal fluctuation that leads to menopause. It is usually these years that are most challenging.
During peri-menopause, your ovaries are not functioning as well; this is a part of normal aging. But your brain still tries to keep the ovaries working, and some months it’s successful and you ovulate; sometimes it’s not and you don’t. The varying hormone levels that occur in these monthly attempts to keep cycling are what can cause symptoms.
Tip #1- Avoid Estrogen Dominance
The main hormone imbalance you’ll experience is called estrogen dominance. The amount of estrogen you have is higher relative to progesterone (progesterone is only produced in high quantities after a strong ovulation). Estrogen can be extra dominant when you are are getting xeno-estrogens from things like plastics and fragrances, or if you’re overweight, as fat tissue produces estrogen.
Estrogen dominance can lead to the dreaded heavy periods, frequent periods and mid-cycle spotting of peri-menopause.
You can do many things to reduce estrogen. Here are a few:
1. Avoid non-organic, processed foods, plastics and artificial fragrances that contain xeno-estrogens.
2. Eat a wide variety of fruit and vegetable fibers that nourish your good gut bacteria. Your gut helps you clear used estrogens! How many strange vegetables can you buy & try?
3. Manage your weight. An easy way to slim down is to avoid sugars in coffee drinks, alcoholic drinks and treats. Stick to it for a couple weeks and watch your muffin top melt!
Tip #2- Love On Your Adrenals
As your ovaries slow down and produce less hormone, ideally your adrenal glands will bridge the gap and keep you feeling well. But you’re likely stressed with working, managing a household, and perhaps raising kids or caring for elderly parents. This often means your adrenal glands have been overworked for years as you’ve lived in ‘flight or fight’ mode. So now it’s time to really love upon your adrenals!
Here’s how:
1. Get to sleep by 10 PM. There is a deeper level of restoration that happens when you are asleep in the hours before midnight. Try it each night for a week and notice your energy improve!
2. Get vitamin C. Your adrenal glands use a LOT of vitamin C, especially when you’re stressed or dealing with chronic inflammation, viruses, etc. You can use ½ lemon in water first thing in the morning and again in early afternoon. You can also
look for a supplement with vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, and take 1,000 mg /day twice a day, if you doctor approves.
3. Take rest breaks. Do you want a break? Of course you do! As women, we drive ourselves hard. But you have to take care of you; there is no one else in charge of your care. Try these two tips: After lunch, take a 10 minute lie down. Yes, lie down flat and just rest. If you work outside the home, maybe bring a yoga mat to work and find a quiet place, or go to your car. If it’s nice you can go lie outside. Then as your day closes, but before dinner, take your 10 minute lie down again. You can’t just read this, you really have to do it! You’ll feel the reset when you do take these short breaks.
Tip #3- Get A Good Night’s Rest
Many women have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, and sleep is super important at this time in life. We produce growth hormone as we sleep, and this growth hormone repairs and rebuilds us; sleep is the fountain of youth! So here are a few ideas if you’re having trouble:
1. If you are having trouble falling asleep because of a busy mind, take time to wind down at night. Read a book, take a stroll or take a bath. Avoid screens and turn down the lights around the house. If you still need help, try drinking a ½ teaspoon of nutmeg in warm almond milk a bit before bedtime. You’ll be surprised how sleepy it makes you!
2. For an aromatherapy approach, dab a few drops of pure vetiver and pure lavender oils under your nose and at your temples. Or use a cold mist diffuser to spread this goodness into your bedroom air.
3. If you wake up during the night, you can still try the above tips, and you may need to look at your blood sugar and liver function. You should be able to burn stored energy as you sleep. If you body can’t do this, your body will spike your energy levels to release blood sugar, and you’ll wake up.Be sure to avoid alcohol, sugar and high carbohydrate foods before bed. Try not to snack between meals and get plenty of healthy fat in your diet from coconut oil, raw nuts, avocados, grass-fed butter or ghee, etc. If you have a great diet, don’t snack, and go to bed early, waking up in the middle of the night may indicate a more complex problem. If your liver is working overtime at night to deal with parasites or other infections, it can’t manage your blood sugar at night as well. This is no diagnosis, just something to consider with your functional health practitioner!
There are MANY more tips on how to thrive in peri-menopause and menopause on the upcoming free summit, Hormone Balance After 40. You’ll hear 30+ experts on the topics like:
• Boosting your Metabolism
• Reclaiming your Sex Drive
• Restoring Mental Clarity.
The best part is that it’s all free and you can attend online from any computer or smartphone! Register here for your own Hormone Balance After 40!
Guest post by Bridgit Danner,
LAc, FDNP, founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Unity Wellness provides health-related information to assist people in making their own choices. While we have exercised due care to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, it is not intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice. Unity Wellness does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
AFFILIATE & ADVOCATE LINKS
This post/site may contain Affliate links or links to my Independent Advocate store. By clicking these links, you pay no more for the products/services, but I will receive a commission on purchases to keep this site running & support my family (thank you!). I will never promote any products or services that I would not be happy to use myself.
This website is owned and operated by an independent InnerOrigin Advocate and is not endorsed by InnerOrigin Pty Ltd or InnerOrigin Australia Pty Ltd or any of their respective associated companies. Any opinions expressed on this website are made by, and are the responsibility of, the individual Advocate and should not be construed as a representation of the opinions of InnerOrigin Pty Ltd, InnerOrigin Australia Pty Ltd or any of their associated companies.
Pretty much straight after Christmas, the shops start filling their shelves with Easter goodies – usually starting with hot cross buns, but the chocolate easter eggs & rabbits are never far behind.
While I prefer to avoid those that are filled with sugar & soy lecithin, or the brands that are not Fair Trade &/or support child slavery, I’m certainly not immune to the temptation of the cacaophany (see what I did there ;-)) of cocoa-based offerings.
However, I was reading a report recently which showed that many brands of chocolate contain heavy metals like lead & cadmium. Of 70 products tested in an independent laboratory, 45 of them had levels of lead &/or cadmium at levels higher than allowed under Californian law (Prop 65), including some organic brands (brands that are available not only in the US, but here in Australia & other countries). Although heavy metal contamination of soil is not uncommon these days, there is no known safe level of lead for children or pregnant women. Some of the health effects of lead toxicity include:
neurological damage, sometimes irreversible
lowered IQ
kidney damage
developmental delays, both psychological & physical, including ADHD that can persist into adulthood
decreased blood haemoglobin levels, which reduces the oxygenation of blood
increased risk of hypertension
interferes with Vitamin D, which affects multiple processes including cell maturation & skeletal growth
anaemia
abdominal pain
immunotoxicity
impaired fertility
The other metal of concern is cadmium, a known human carcinogen, which is also correlated with:
Although eating a bit of chocolate is unlikely to result in the worst outcomes of chronic lead exposure – coma & death – it is important to reduce over-all exposure, especially for children. This is why it is so important to have ‘truth on labels’. Good health comes from making informed choices. Although lead & cadmium exposure can happen at any point, from “bean to bar“, I find it interesting that with the products tested, there were different results (some passed, some didn’t) from different products made by the same brands, which would presumably use the same source of cocoa for their products & use the same processing facilities. That being said, there are some brilliant health benefits to eating small amounts of quality chocolate & there are obviously some reputable sources of chocolate available. Part of my mission is to seek out & promote with those companies who hold your health at the core of everything they do.
Rather than panicking about “heavy metal chocolate” this Easter, here are some alternatives:
Make Your Own
Making your own chocolate is rewarding & super-easy (especially if you have a Thermomix or similar)! You could either do some sneaky chocolate making “Easter bunny style” while the kids are at school or sleeping, or you could get them involved in the process of making goodies for friends & family. I have some great childhood memories of helping my Mum to make chocolates as gifts for Easter & Christmas!
As well as traditional molded chocolate & eggs, there are plenty of ways to show your creative flair – think chocolate bark with different combinations of nuts, seeds & dried fruits….bliss balls made with raw cacao & medjool dates then shaped like eggs & rolled in coconut or finely chopped nuts (DIY Ferrero Rochers!)….Rocky Road with macadamias & home made marshmallows.
One of my favourite recipes is Jo Whitton’s Dairy-free raw chocolate on her Quirky Cooking blog. To make it, you’ll need:
200g Raw cacao butter (you can use coconut oil for a more budget-friendly option, or a combo of the two, but the chocolates must then be stored in the fridge so they don’t melt)
There’s also a fantastic special from Changing Habits available which you can use to make your chocolates, or give it as a gift! Treat yourself to the Chocolate Making Ultimate Pack with all the ingredients & instructions you need to make your own healthy, delicious chocolate at 20% off RRP!
Drink It
As an alternative to solid chocolate, give a gift that can be enjoyed right through the cooler months, long after Easter has passed. Perfect for those wanting or needing to avoid sugar such as diabetics, there’s now a superfood hot chocolate powder available that combines the well-known benefits of chocolate with hormone-balancing maca & immune-boosting reishi mushrooms.
After Midnight Dark is organic, non-GMO & low-GI/low carb as it’s sweetened with xylitol.
Another great chocolatey drink option is the Changing Habits Cacao Quick Hunger Fix. High protein, low GI and full of essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, copper & dietary fibre. It’s also Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Egg Free, Grain Free & Vegan. You can read more about the ingredients & buy it here.
Both powders are also great to use when making other snacks like bliss balls, chia puddings, raw slices, biscuits, etc or mixed into smoothies. In my experience, coconut milk or coconut cream make the best tasting chocolate drinks & coconut water is fabulous in smoothies, but you can use any liquid you prefer .
Wear It
Cacao doesn’t only have benefits when consumed. Having a higher antioxidant capacity than green tea, black tea, or red wine, raw cacao helps to prevent against free radical damage in the skin & has UV protectant qualities when used topically. It also helps protect collagen in the skin & increases blood flow, giving skin a brighter, more youthful appearance. Skin hydration & elasticity improves & your skin loses that dry, scaly look.
One skin product I LOVE that contains cacao is the Zk’in Brightening & Hydrating Masque. I remember the first time I tried it. I’d just used their Clarifying Exfoliator which has coffee grounds in it & although I don’t like to drink coffee, the combination of the coffee aroma with the mandarin essential oil was DIVINE! I was already in Heaven from the smell of that when I opened the Masque. O…M…G! It was like liquid chocolate covering my fingers. I smoothed the silky, chocolately gel with soothing aloe vera & hydrating Tasmanian seaweed extract across my face & just inhaled deeply for 10 minutes. After rinsing it off with water, my skin was deliciously soft & smooth. I think it would make a gorgeous Easter gift either on it’s own, as part of a smaller gift set with the Exfoliator & brilliant Line Smoothing Serum, or the amazing ‘Complete Pack For Her‘.
Here’s a video so you can see the chocolately goodness for yourself:
So as you can see, there are many options for a healthier Easter, free of heavy metals & sugar comas. I’d love you to share this post so we can get this information out to as many people as possible & feel free to comment below if you have any questions or have tried any of these products yourself. I love to hear feedback so I can keep providing you with value & bringing you information that positively impacts you & your family.
Unity Wellness provides health-related information to assist people in making their own choices. While we have exercised due care to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, it is not intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice. Unity Wellness does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
AFFILIATE & ADVOCATE LINKS
This post/site may contain Affliate links or links to my Independent Advocate store. By clicking these links, you pay no more for the products/services, but I will receive a commission on purchases to keep this site running & support my family (thank you!). I will never promote any products or services that I would not be happy to use myself.
This website is owned and operated by an independent InnerOrigin Advocate and is not endorsed by InnerOrigin Pty Ltd or InnerOrigin Australia Pty Ltd or any of their respective associated companies. Any opinions expressed on this website are made by, and are the responsibility of, the individual Advocate and should not be construed as a representation of the opinions of InnerOrigin Pty Ltd, InnerOrigin Australia Pty Ltd or any of their associated companies.
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About Me
Nyree Yali
Hi, I'm a former Naturopath-turned-unschooling-parent to a toddler & a tween living in the beautiful South of Tasmania. I'm now helping others on their own journey to wellness & abundance through connecting with their community. I look forward to getting to know you better!Read more...
With all the health-related information available these days, do you ever wish someone would just simplify it all into a few easy steps you could understand?
I’ve had the pleasure of listening to Sydney Cardiologist, Dr Ross Walker speak twice in as many months. The first time, I was blown away! Although I certainly knew of him, as someone who does not have (known) heart issues, I’d never listened to his radio show or discovered his view on health issues. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he’s been championing preventative medicine for 20+ years. He’s very much a man of science & that science backs up the power of lifestyle choices in maintaining optimal health.
On the second training call last night, he spoke again about what he believes are ‘The 5 Keys to Good Health’:
He says by following these five keys, you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by a massive 83%!!!!! Given that 1 person has a heart attack every 12 minutes in Australia and 1 in 3 people will have a heart attack in their lifetime, that’s a lot of lives that can be saved….as well as a lot of tax-payer dollars.
To reduce the risk even further, one of the products he’s been involved in developing is Bergamet Pro+, based on the bergamot fruit which grows only in the rich volcanic soil of Calabria, Italy. He’s had some amazing clinical results with his patients who are able to reduce or stop other medication. He recommends it for anyone over the age of 50 because of the following effects:
It activates AMP-Kinase (AMPK) which is the master metabolic switch that triggers the breakdown of sugar & fat in the gut. This results in a reduction in belly fat
It inhibits PDE-3 & opens the arteries to improve blood flow (no more ‘little blue pills’ for the older men)
It contains 5 polyphenols which have antioxidant properties
It converts the small, dangerous cholesterol particles into the large, desirable variety & reduces triglycerides
It protects against fatty liver – something 1 in 4 people in Western society have to some degree
Used as a treatment for metabolic syndrome (sometimes called ‘Syndrome X’). 30% of white people, 50% of Asian people & 100% of black people have the gene for insulin resistance. From an evolutionary standpoint, this was useful as it allowed us to store belly fat for energy until we could hunt/gather our next meal. However, these days there’s an abundance of food & we tend to be much more sedentary, so that benefit has become a liability.
There are a number of complementary supplements he also recommends particularly for people aged 50+, but also for anyone with ongoing lethargy:
Ubiquinol – Active form of CoQ10. Increases mitochondrial energy production which decreases significantly around the age of 50 due to hormonal changes. Low ubiquinol levels result in tiredness & muscular aches. Statin medications also reduce ubiquinol levels, so anyone on statins MUST supplement with ubiquinol. Insufficient ubiquinol can result in heart failure.
Vitamin K2 – decalcifies arteries & returns the calcium to the bones (better at preventing osteoporosis that calcium supplements, which increase the risk of heart attack in women by 30% with no reduction in the risk of bone fractures)
Ateronon – excellent source of lycopene (equivalent to 30 tomatoes per dose) which is a well-recognised antioxidant. It reduces risk of breast & prostate cancer & is beneficial for men with prostatic enlargement (BPH). Also acts as a vasodilator to improve blood flow & reduce blood pressure.
Because he knows how effective these products are not only individually, but synergistically, he has bundled them together in a ‘Heart Health Pack‘, available here.
**UPDATE 15 March 2018** Dr Walker has now released his own brand of supplements, which can be purchased individually or as a pack. You can see the full range HERE under ‘Shop > Supplements’.
As always, check with your health care provider to ensure the products are suitable for you (and get some “before” blood tests), but if you try the products & love them, leave a review on the website & also comment below. I’d love to hear what a difference they make to you 🙂
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Unity Wellness provides health-related information to assist people in making their own choices. While we have exercised due care to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, it is not intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice. Unity Wellness does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
AFFILIATE & ADVOCATE LINKS
This post/site may contain Affliate links or links to my Independent Advocate store. By clicking these links, you pay no more for the products/services, but I will receive a commission on purchases to keep this site running & support my family (thank you!). I will never promote any products or services that I would not be happy to use myself.
This website is owned and operated by an independent InnerOrigin Advocate and is not endorsed by InnerOrigin Pty Ltd or InnerOrigin Australia Pty Ltd or any of their respective associated companies. Any opinions expressed on this website are made by, and are the responsibility of, the individual Advocate and should not be construed as a representation of the opinions of InnerOrigin Pty Ltd, InnerOrigin Australia Pty Ltd or any of their associated companies.
About Me
Nyree Yali
Hi, I'm a former Naturopath-turned-unschooling-parent to a toddler & a tween living in the beautiful South of Tasmania. I'm now helping others on their own journey to wellness & abundance through connecting with their community. I look forward to getting to know you better!Read more...
Because he knows how effective these products are not only individually, but synergistically, he has bundled them together in a ‘
