Master Your Health Podcast

Latest Episodes:

42: The 80/20 Diet: A Balanced Approach to Nutrition Sep 06, 2020

Show notes

What you eat can be broken down in many ways, however it's important to not obsess too much over your "diet" and maintain a flexible approach when it comes to your nutrition. That's why we love the 80/20 guideline vs the restrictive diet approach. In this episode, we break down some of the research behind the 80/20 mindset, why it's effective, and tips to help you achieve possible success with shifting your mindset from an all-or-nothing restrictive style of eating to a more flexible lifestyle.

Special thanks to Organifi and their slew of delicious and high quality products like the chocolate plant protein powder that we love! What's so great about this specific shake is that it's full of vitamins and minerals, protein, enzymes to help you break down and better utilize nutrients more easily, and it tastes amazing! The rich, chocolaty flavor makes it hard to believe that it only contains 2g sugar and 20g of fiber. Plus, it uses multiple soy-free and gluten-free sources for its protein and isn't full of heavy metals like some other brands! Check out their products here: https://www.organifishop.com/pages/masteryourhealth and use our code MASTERS for 15% off your order. Check out more details from this episode below:

In this episode you'll learn:

Why we don't love to use the term "diet" in terms of weight loss
About the term "clean eating" and that healthy eating looks different for everyone
Why we encourage you to always take an individualized approach to find what works best for you, your body, and your lifestyle
Some benefits of approaching your diet with the 80/20 mindset
About the concept of "fun foods" and how to identify them
How eating a whole foods diet may even help you hit your fitness goals
Why it's important to get enough protein and fat and to not spike your insulin during the day
Why thirst is so often confused for hunger
What the 80% of 80/20 should typically consist of (fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, & lots of water)
That taking an approach that's overly restrictive has been shown to be unsustainable
It's almost impossible to be eating 100% "clean" 100% of the time
That the 80/20 guideline a general mindset trick and not an exact calculation
It can be flexible and you can adjust based on what you have going on
You can average it out in terms of the entire week and not just in terms of the day
How your body metabolizes alcohol compared to food
How poor sleep can affect insulin
Things that can throw off your metabolism (poor sleep, alcohol, stress, etc.)
Why it can be beneficial to eat the the bulk of your carbs after your workout
Some examples of how to set up an 80/20 diet
Examples of foods that could fit into the 80% category as well as indulgence foods
That 25% of the population is a hyper responder to dietary cholesterol
Why high quality cheese can be a good choice for some people but not everyone
That making too many foods "off limits" can hinder your adherence to your nutrition plan
Why it can be helpful to include some of your favorites in moderation rather than cutting them out completely
That food shouldn't be viewed in a dichotomy of "good" or "bad"; its more of a spectrum
About flexible control and how it has been shown to affect binge eating and weight loss over time
Some studies that explore how taking a break from calorie deficit can affect weight loss
How cycling calorie deficits can affect muscle loss and fat loss
That being overly restrictive with your eating can lead to an unhealthy mindset
About Orthorexia
Why tracking calorie and macros, especially at the beginning, can be so helpful
That meal prepping can be a wonderful resource

Resources:

Reverse Dieting: https://masteryourhealth.net/episode-31-reverse-dieting-is-it-right-for-you/

41: How to Make Fitness Fun for Your Kids with Anna Forcelledo Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

The habits that we create in our childhood play such a huge role in the rest of our lives- especially when it comes to physical health. That's why it's so important for kids to learn about proper nutrition, exercise and overall physical education. In this episode we talk with, Anna Forcelledo, a 7th grade PE teacher who is a pro when it comes to creating programs/circuits, motivating children, and teaching PE in a way that makes it enjoyable, fun, and informative.

Special shoutout to Organifi and their new supplement Balance that we are so excited about! What we love about Balance is that it contains prebiotics and probiotics which help support a healthy gut microbiome, has 5 different strains of bacteria and a diverse group of 20 billion cells- it's the real deal. Gut health plays such a huge role in many aspects of health including neurotransmitter connection, immune support, brain health/mood, and so much more. Check out their products here: https://www.organifishop.com/pages/masteryourhealth and use our code MASTERS for 15% off your order. Check our more details from this episode below:

In this episode you'll learn:

About how Anna's independence as a child led to her love of teaching Physical Education
How Anna makes PE fun for kids
What it's been like to experience PE through virtual learning
That music can have such a positive impact on exercise, for kids especially
Why getting kids involved in the process is great for PE
Some challenges of teaching physical education to kids
Tips for working with kids who don't normally have an active lifestyle
About S.E.L. (Social Emotional Learning) and the impact it has on how kids feel overall
How Anna approaches physical fitness and cases of childhood obesity
Why it's so important to get to know children on a personal level, especially when it comes to their physical health
About when it's appropriate to introduce weights with kids
Why it's crucial for kids to learn proper form and nutrition as well as exercise
About body weight exercises and when it's better to introduce some weights (with proper form)
Some of the main elements to include when building a PE program
How Anna help kids set up personalized fitness goals
How setting personalized goals and plans can be helpful
About why personal accountability and reflecting on progress/goals is important
How Anna has adjusted her teaching style among Covid-19
Why Anna starts her classes with a "Mindful Minute"
What she finds most rewarding about being a PE teacher
About the Pacer test given to evaluate aerobic capacity
Why having a good mindset is crucial for growth

40: Unlock Your Full Learning Potential with Jim Kwik Aug 23, 2020

Show notes

Learning is one of those things we've done our whole lives, right? Well Jim Kwik, a widely recognized world expert in memory improvement, brain optimization, and accelerated learning, has broken down how to learn efficiently through investigating the learning process in conjunction with how the human brain works. In this episode, Jim shares his personal experience with learning, why knowing how to learn is just as important as knowing what to learn, game-changing tips to help retain the information you learn & grasp new pieces of information without having to repeatedly learn it, and so much more!

In this episode you'll learn:

About Jim's origin story and struggles with learning in his childhood due to a brain injury
Why HOW you are smart matters more than how smart you are
That everyone has different learning styles
About neuroplasticity
Why it's so important to continue creating new brain connections
That Einstein's brain was actually smaller than the average man's, but he had more connections and nueroplasticity
About ways to strengthen brain connections
About Jim's experience learning how to learn
Why he thinks remembering is one of the most important neglected skills not taught today
Why Jim believes "leaders are readers"
The importance of asking questions
How Jim's life changed when he finally learned how to learn rather than just what to learn
Why learning is a superpower
About the "4 supervillians of learning" or 4 horseman that can hold you back
How technology affects learning
About the 4 D's (1-digital deluge, 2-digital distraction 3-digital dementia 4-digital deduction)
How information anxiety affects productivity, peace of mind, and so much more
That dependence on technology has affected memory in most people
How your brain remember things
Some tips for studying in intervals including the pomodoro technique
The importance of brain breaks
How to optimize brain breaks (move, hydrate, breathing)
That hydration affects thinking speed and reaction time
About speed reading why reading faster actually helps you retain information
Why self vocalization is an obstacle to effective reading
About why using your finger/highlighting the words on paper helps with reading speed
Why it helps to not touch your phone for the first hour or so of the day
About the body/brain connection
How to solve problems using use "The Six Thinking Hats" by Dr.Edward de Bono
That the human brain does not learn by consumption, but rather creation
About trained memory vs untrained memory
Why it's important to keep a "to-learn" list
That teaching others can be an effective way to learn

References:

Connect with Jim here: JimKwik.com | kwikbrain.com | Instagram

Where to buy Primary Limitless - limitlessbook.com

"Start with Why" by Simon Sinek

39: Metabolism: Balancing the Focus Between Calories & Hormones with Dr. Jade Teta Aug 07, 2020

Show notes

There is much debate over the "best way" to optimize a person's metabolic health. The truth is that your metabolism requires a more complicated approach than one "this or that" answer. That's why we asked Dr. Jade Teta, a naturopathic physician and metabolic expert, to break down the science for us and share what he has learned. In this episode, Dr. Teta explains his fantastic analogy for how the metabolism operates, why everyone's metabolism is unique, how to optimize it, and so much more.

In this episode you'll learn:

-About the quality vs quantity debate when it comes to nutrition

-That there is no hormonal formula for fat loss

-About why Dr. Teta compares the metabolism to a thermostat

-What the metabolism is and how it functions

-What Dr. Teta thinks the biggest hurdles are when it comes to losing weight in regards to metabolism

-That each metabolism is unique and what works for one person won't necessarily work for another

-Why it's key to understand how your metabolism works

-About what Dr. Teta calls structured flexibility

-The metabolism talks to us through biofeedback like hunger, energy, mood, etc

-What he tells his clients to listen for in terms of biofeedback (SHMEC/HEC- Sleep, Hunger, Energy, Mood, Cravings)

-Why stress is so important and how the body responds to it

-About why intermittent fasting doesn't work for everyone

-That the hourglass shape/V shape is determined by hormonal balance

-That estrogen amplifies alpha receptors in certain areas of the body

-About the role that body shape plays in metabolism

-Why measuring shape change and how it can be helpful

-That intuitive eating and counting/tracking work together to create a flexible metabolism

-About the body's starvation response and how it plays a role in metabolism

-That basal metabolic rates can quickly change and how it can affect SHMEC

-How calorie gaps play a role in metabolic health

-About some studies that examined metabolic health in post-menopausal women

-That walking is one of the only activities that simultaneously lowers your cortisol and sensitivities your body to insulin

-What EPOC is and the role it plays (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption)

-That walking naturally suppresses cravings

-About how saunas affect cortisol levels

-The difference between a fast metabolism and a flexible metabolism

-Ways to create a flexible metabolism

-About persistent organic pollutants (POPS) and how they're excreted from our bodies

-Why it's crucial to differentiate hunger vs cravings

-Why chicken and broccoli is a popular combo

-About the neuro-lingual response and how it affects hunger

-One reason why the ketogenic works for some people and not others

-Things that can help with muscle loss

-About the link between calories and hormones

-The importance of quality sleep and having purpose

References:

Connect with @jadeteta on Instagram | Next Level Human podcast | https://www.jadeteta.com/

38: How I Overcame My Eating Disorder Jul 27, 2020

Show notes

Having a healthy relationship with food is crucial to your health journey whether you're eating too much or you're eating too little. In this episode, I (Amanda) share about my past experience with an eating disorder that I had going into high school, how it affected my life, and how I overcame it. We also talk about some common dangerous effects of disordered eating and tips to help with recovery/supporting your body with the right nutrients.

In this episode you'll learn:

About my struggles with food going into high school
What body dysmorphia is
That there is a lack of education around healthy ways to lose weight
Why over-exercising and intense diet restriction can become addicting with eating disorders
That is can be helpful to have supportive family members/loved ones involved in recovery
That eating disorders can greatly affect sports performance
It can be helpful to look for positive reinforcements when recovering
How important and beneficial it can be to get professional help
That under-eating can affect menstruation
How much of the American population is affected by eating disorders
About the stigma around males that have eating disorders
That comparing yourself to other people can be damaging in multiple ways
About some of the health issues that arise from eating too little calories (low energy levels, imbalance in reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones, sleep issues, etc.)
About the link between nutrient deficiencies and eating disorders
That eating too little can cause muscle loss and lead to injuries
Why reverse dieting can be helpful for some people
That going too low-calorie during the day can lead to increased binge eating at night
About some common things that trigger disordered eating habits/emotional eating
Healthier ways to cope with stress and emotions
Why it's so important to reach out for help if you need it

References:

Reverse dieting: https://masteryourhealth.net/episode-31-reverse-dieting-is-it-right-for-you/

Organifi: Used our code MASTERS https://www.organifishop.com/pages/masteryourhealth

37: What's in Our Water Supplies? Jul 20, 2020

Show notes

So much of us is composed of water, so it's really important to pay attention to where you're getting your water from and how you're filtering it. In this episode, we break down the facts about what's in our water supply, how it can affect the human body, and why we encourage you to filter your water when possible.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why it's so important to pay attention to where your water comes from
Some common toxins that have been added to our water over the years
About fluoride and chlorine and why they're added to tap water
Some of the adverse effects of drinking tap water
About the EWG (Environmental Working Group) and how they approach water safety
How toxins in our water are evaluated for adverse effects
That every human responds differently to different environments
The average person number of toxic chemicals in his/her blood and urine
About multiple contaminants commonly found in tap water
That there are 316 contaminants in the public water supply, 202 of which are unregulated
About contaminants found in tap water that exceed the EWG health guidelines
Some ways that the body naturally excretes toxins
That the scientific community still debates what amount of these toxins are safe for to be in our water
Why Chris and I chose to err on the side of caution and avoid unfiltered tap water
About anthropogenic contaminants and the variety of different risks they pose
Where some of the EDCs in water come from
That EDCs in the water can cause adverse reproductive effects in animals and humans
About the disinfecting products in our water
About how chlorine affects the water
That chlorine can lead to an increase in DBPs and affect the microbiome in your gut
About natural and synthetic estrogens found in our water
The 3 types of estrogen that are found in pregnant women's urine and leak into the water supply
That BPA is an endocrine disruptor and is in our water supply and other commonly used products
About ways to avoid BPA
Why we encourage you to filter your water source
About phthalates and some reasons they're found in the water in such high amounts
That heat affects the amount of toxins that are leached into plastic products
How urinary concentrates affect the water supply
About some toxins that have been used as pesticides throughout the years
That many synthetic organic pesticides are found in the water supply
That water quality and restrictions are much different in Europe than the U.S.
Common sources of pesticides and how they're leached into our water
That coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world
About Fluorinated substances and PFAs
That the EWG has a database in it's website where you can search what's in the water supply for your zip code
How Brita water filters compare to carbon-based water filters like BIRKE
About reverse-osmosis water filters and why you need to add minerals to the water
Some more affordable/effective water filters like the Zero Water filter on Amazon
That eating a nutrient dense diet can help your body better filter out toxins
That you can only sweat out certain toxins but it's still helpful

References:

EWG water database https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/

Berkey carbon-based water filter https://www.amazon.com/Berkey-Gravity-Fed-Filter-Purification-Elements/dp/B00CYW3EVO

Zero Water Filter https://www.amazon.com/ZeroWater-Pitcher-Quality-BPA-Free-Certified/dp/B0073PZ6O0/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/131-0827737-3858264?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0073PZ6O0&pd_rd_r=6a876114-a766-4538-ba6d-f959be786ae4&pd_rd_w=zOr4Q&pd_rd_wg=I6aQ7&pf_rd_p=ce6c479b-ef53-49a6-845b-bbbf35c28dd3&pf_rd_r=VZH22QKZJH5112BAPK7G&psc=1&refRID=VZH22QKZJH5112BAPK7G

Studies:

-Increased risk of bladder, kidney, and rectal cancers:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3377557/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8213753/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1694065/

-Reproductive problems like birth defects and low birth weight: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1739910/pdf/v057p00073.pdf

-Chlorine and chloramine vapors are associated with greater risk of asthma, and may damage the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract: https://oem.bmj.com/content/oemed/60/6/385.full.pdf

-Chlorine has been shown to significantly alter the microbiome by altering bacteria diversity in mice. Unfortunately there hasn't been many studies in humans to prove this crossover, but usually these rodent studies pave the way for human studies:

https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/60903/#:~:text=Chlorination%20significantly%20altered%20the%20microbiome,important%20implications%20for%20human%20health.

Estrogen can disrupt the endocrine system, impair reproductive function, and trigger adverse health effects: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1080/109158198226675

-Multiple studies have demonstrated a shorter AGD in males exposed to environmental anti-androgens: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/anogenital-distance

-Pesticides have been detected in drinking water sources, and some of these compounds are known reproductive toxicants. For example, exposure to some pesticides is associated with low sperm count and adverse pregnancy outcomes in non-human animals and humans: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139484/

-This study showed a link between prenatal fluoride exposure and a reduction in IQ: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/EHP655

Additional Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139484/

https://www.ewg.org/research/minority-cord-blood-report/bpa-and-other-cord-blood-pollutants

36: How to Optimize Recovery Part 2: Post-Surgery/Injury Jul 07, 2020

Show notes

Recovering after an injury or surgical operation takes time and patience. However there are some simple things that you can do afterwards to help speed up the recovery process and make it as seamless as possible! In this episode we share some of our top tips for optimizing recovery when it comes to injury or post-surgery.

Special shoutout to our newest podcast sponsor, Organifi! We are loving their dairy free plant-based protein powder that provides digestive enzymes, MCTs, and tons of vitamins and minerals and is packed with organic, whole food ingredients like pea protein, quinoa, pumpkin seed, coconut, monk fruit, + more. The perfect addition for your overall health and immune system support. Check out their products here: http://organifi.com/masteryourhealth and use our code MASTERS for 15% off your order. Check out more details from this episode below:

In this episode you'll learn:

Where you can find 101 healthy snack ideas 101healthysnacks.com
Why we recommend high protein diets
About how Chris and I (Amanda) met
About Chris' experience with a partially torn ACL and his recent hernia surgery
How food can affect the recovery process after injury
Why limiting sugary, sweetened beverages and ultra processed foods can help with the recovery process
That eating plenty of protein can help with recovery
Why vitamin C can be extremely helpful with the recovery process
That Omega-3 rich foods can be beneficial
About why it's important to balance your omega-3 and omega-6 ratio
About some foods that are a good source of omega-3
That zinc-rich foods or supplements may help speed up the healing process
Why copper should be taken in conjunction with zinc
Magnesium rich foods for all kinds of things
Why Vitamin D should be taken with calcium
Why calcium rich foods can be beneficial
About fermented dairy and why it's easier to digest for some people
About vitamin D rich foods
How fiber rich foods can play a role in the recovery process
About why fiber-rich foods are so important if you're on antibiotics
That collagen helps to promote healing
About curcumin supplements that may help with inflammation/pain
Why CBD oil may be beneficial and which kind to look for
That amino acids play a key role in wound healing
About some amino acids that play a key role in wound healing
That beta hydroxy may help promote lean muscle mass
That sleep is crucial for recovery
That light walking after the first few days of surgery can help with the recovery process, if your doctor recommends it
Add in some stretching to help facilitate proper mobility and function
Why it's so helpful to have a family/support system throughout the recovery process
That saunas can help prevent muscle atrophy and multiple other benefits
About the sauna that Amanda and Chris use at home

References:

The Truth About CBD and Cannabis w/ Dr. Jess Peatross

Studies:

https://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(06)01023-6/abstract

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3273886/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26899740/

35: How to Optimize Recovery Part 1: Workout & Training Jun 29, 2020

Show notes

If you absolutely crush your workouts but don't do anything after for muscle recovery, you're doing yourself a great disservice. Skipping muscle recovery can lead to injury, decreased performance, poor sleep, etc. In this episode, we discuss the many benefits of post-workout muscle recovery, how to speed it up, different methods, and so much more so that you can make the most out of your exercise.

Special shoutout to our newest podcast sponsor, Organifi! We are loving their green juice that is packed with real, organic, whole food ingredients like moringa, chlorella, mint, spirulina, lemon, ashwagandha, turmeric and beets. The perfect addition for your overall health and immune system support. Check out their products here: http://organifi.com/masteryourhealth and use our code MASTERS for 15% off your order. Check out more details from this episode below:

In this episode you'll learn:

About our new sponsor Organifi
Why the ingredients in your juice matter
15% off with code: MASTERS
What happens to your body when you workout
Why skipping on recovery can lead to injury, decreased performance, poor sleep, decreased immune strength, and more
Why it's so important to honor what stage you're at
About the main pillars of recovery
How sleep can affect workout performance and recovery
Why going to bed and waking up at same time matters
How often an intense workout is needed and when to slow it down
About why intense workouts multiple days in a row may not be the best idea
Why cool-downs after training are crucial to recovery
About DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) and a longer perceived time of recovery
Drinking coffee in moderation may help with muscle soreness
That incorporating massages may help reduce muscle soreness and help with DOMS
About the difference between perceived recovery and actual recovery
How stress and cortisol affect recovery
About foam rolling for muscle recovery
That massages may not actually affect your muscle recovery the way you think
About LISS (low intensity steady state cardio)
Why walking can be a great tool
That Epsom salt baths can be helpful for soreness
That magnesium can be extremely beneficial for most people
About the different types of magnesium and when they may be best taken
About tart cherry concentrate and how it may help with inflammation and recovery of isometric muscle strength after intense workout
How adding probiotics into your diet can help
About the role your immune system plays in recovery
The importance of getting adequate protein post-workout
About cold therapy for muscle recovery
That some inflammation is good
Why you may want to be careful with using too many anti-inflammatories
About what deloading and periodizing your programs means and how to do it
Why your training routine matters depending on your goals
Ways to test to see if your nervous system is too taxed
How to safely and effectively deload
Why it's good to be careful with cryotherapy

Studies:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180226122548.htm#:~:text=American%20Osteopathic%20Association.,is%20magnesium%20deficient.%22%20ScienceDaily.

Bell PG, Walshe IH, Davison GW, Stevenson E, Howatson G. Montmorency cherries reduce the oxidative stress and inflammatory responses to repeated days of high-intensity stochastic cycling. Nutrients. 2014;6(2):829-843.

Bowtell JL, Sumners DP, Dyer A, Fox P, Mileva KN. Montmorency cherry juice reduces muscle damage caused by intensive strength exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(8):1544-1551

https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/JP272881

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5350472/#tjp12176-bib-0003

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4586380/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468781219302036

34: How to Build a Better Brain Jun 17, 2020

Show notes

When it comes to the human body, one of the most crucial organs that sets us apart from other species is the brain. In this episode we dive into all things brain health, including what makes it unique, ways to optimize it, how it can affect other aspects of your health, and so much more.

In this episode you'll learn:

-How much the average brain weighs

-How much of your brain your actually use

-That the brain is one of the fattiest organs in the body

-Why cholesterol is key to learning and memory

-How to build a strong foundation for brain health

-About some methods of mental stimulation for improved cognitive function

-Why reading educational books can be beneficial for brain health

-How exercise affects the brain

-That exercise can affect brain function

-About the connections between brain cells and how they form

-Some benefits of exercise in your physiological body

-At what age the brain begins to atrophy

-Why it's important to eat a wide variety of whole foods

-About the Mediterranean style diet

-How diet can drastically affect cognitive function

-Why the brain needs a variety of proteins, micro-nutrients, and healthy fats

-What percent of the body's calories are used by the brain

-Why healthy fats are thought of as "brain fuel"

-About certain nutrients the brain requires

-How omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants affect the brain

-About some foods that are good for brain health

-Why magnesium is crucial for brain health

-How blood pressure can affect the brain

-Why it's important to reduce stress

-About some breathing techniques that can help

-Why high blood sugar can affect brain health

-How tobacco affects the brain

-That over-consumption of alcohol can be detrimental to brain health

-How alcohol can affect sleep quality

-How the state of your mental health affects brain function

-Why it's beneficial to build strong social ties

-About Blue Zones

-How saunas and hyperthermic conditioning affect the brain

33: The Truth About Birth Control with Dr. Jolene Brighten Jun 02, 2020

Show notes

Birth control is a very important women's health issue that is not often talked about or explained in detail. Whether you're on the pill or not, it's important to know how different forms of birth control work in order to make the most-informed decisions for yourself. In this episode, we discuss all things birth control with Dr. Jolene Brighten, who brings a unique perspective on the pros and cons of hormonal birth control, how to find what works best for you, and so much more.

Dr. Jolene Brighten is a prominent leader in women's medicine and the emerging science of Post-Birth Control Syndrome — studying the effects of hormonal birth control on female health. A fierce patient advocate and completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalances, Dr. Brighten empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and their hormones. She is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on women's health. Dr. Brighten is also part of the MindBodyGreen Collective and a faculty member for the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine. Her work has been featured in the New York Post, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, Bustle, The Guardian, and ABC News.

In this episode you'll learn:

-The pros and cons to birth control and why each person needs to make that decision for themselves

-Some major benefits that have come from birth control

-About Dr. Brighten's journey with learning about birth control

-Why there is no "one size fits all" birth control method

-What are some indications that you may not be a good candidate for birth control

-About the different types of birth control

-That doctors can gaslight patients (even accidentally) and how you can handle it

-Why it's important to write down your specific period-related data regularly

-About the link between birth control and autoimmune diseases such as Chrohn's disease

-About the mental health component of birth control

-Questions you can ask yourself before going on an oral contraceptive

-How hormone contraceptives can affect mood.

-That there are many formulations of birth control to try if one type doesn't work for you

-Why it's so important to be educated about the different types of birth control

-What actually happens in your body when you take a birth control

-What progesterone can help with and how your body makes it

-About the difference between natural hormones that your body produces and synthetic hormones

-About 3 types of estrogen in females

-How birth control affects ovulation

-About the history of birth control in America and why it was developed

-About "Pregnenolone steal" and what really happens with the hormone pregnenolone

-Things to look for when choosing your doctor

-Why you can't have fixed beliefs in science

-About how having "Good guy vs Bad guy" mentalities can cause problems

-How synthetic hormones can affect your gut, heart, brain, hair, skin, and more

-About all types of birth control (including F.A.M., IUDs, gels, and more)

-About the Natural Cylcles birth control app

-Why being on birth control long-term has risks

-About Amenorrhea

-About mail-order birth control

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Brighten:

Dr. Brighten.com | PBCS Free Ebook | Instagram | Youtube | TikTok

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