As a trace mineral – meaning one that we need in smaller amounts than say magnesium or potassium – zinc doesn’t always get a lot of love. However, zinc is essential for hormone production and maintenance it is one of the most important minerals to ensure a healthy response to stress, strong adrenal and thyroid function, fertility and regular cycles and a less symptomatic journey through menopause.
For a very little gland, the thyroid can create a lot of havoc. Located right at the base of the neck, our thyroid gland is like the drum majorette for our body controlling the pace at which everything runs. In fact, the thyroid stores and produces hormones that affect the function of virtually every organ in our body and impacts our metabolic rate, energy production and ability to manage our weight.
Magnesium is like the PTO president in your body… active behind the scenes in so many functions that almost nothing can get done without it. In fact, magnesium is involved in over 300 reactions in the body and is an especially important mineral for women’s health. And yet, up to 80% of us are likely not getting enough magnesium despite the fact that it is abundant in many delicious plant-based foods.
Many of us are led to believe that a juice fast or cleanse is the only way to truly detoxify our bodies from all the toxins we breathe, eat, drink and even create through the body’s natural processes. This accumulation of toxins can lead to sluggishness, fatigue, nausea and bloating, brain fog, skin issues, dark circles under the eyes and lowered immunity. Luckily, however, the body is incredible at detoxifying on its own and we can just help to support this activity through gentle and simple nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
Many times our lives can feel so hectic and stress-filled that the idea of “passion” and “romance” are almost laughable. But fostering a healthy sex life has tremendous health benefits even beyond pleasure and intimacy with our partners that women shouldn’t ignore.
For one thing, sexual activity is a major stress reliever and confidence booster. And, regular sexual activity has been shown to boost immunity, foster healthy hearts, relieve pain and actually make women look and feel younger!
Women all too regularly consume an average of 22 teaspoons of added sugar each day in spite of the recommendations of the American Heart Association that we consume no more than 6 teaspoons. Clearly, we have gone beyond the occasional indulgence and into obsession territory.
Stress plus unmanaged blood sugar can create a perfect holiday storm of excessive fatigue, disrupted sleep, mood swings, brain fog, gut problems and that unwanted holiday weight gain.
Tea can be an essential part of letting your body recover and heal from the damage that living this go-go lifestyle can create.
Bone broth seems to have taken last year's health food conversation by storm with bone broth take-out windows popping up to bone broth diets and celebrities marveling about its benefits. Hey, we all adore Salma Hayek but should we all be drinking bone broth to age and curve as gracefully as she does?
Everyone always hears that they should be eating fish twice a week. But do you ever wonder how important eating fish is for women? What kinds are better for you? And is it really that safe?