The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Latest Episodes:

Increase Your Longevity! The Science of Telomeres Nov 08, 2018

Show notes

ON TODAY'S COUCHTALK WE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT "REVERSING AGING"… So excited to have as my guest today, Dr. Bill Andrews.

I've known Bill for almost a decade, and I've watched him really just push the envelope in so many areas of physical health, and in particular, relating to the science of maintaining healthy telomeres and literally reversing aging.

For those who aren't familiar with telomeres, they are the tips on every one of your body's chromosomes.

Why Are Telomeres Important?

Science has shown that our telomeres get shorter as we age. And they get shorter when we have a disease, are chronically stressed, etc! So clearly a better understanding of what will shorten and lengthen our telomeres is important to living longer…and living more healthily.

What's so interesting about our discussion during this awesome interview is the perspective between "slowing aging (or slowing decline in our health)" vs. "reversing aging". We discuss the science behind telomeres and telomerase (an enzyme identified as having the ability to lengthen telomeres) in an understandable way for such a complex area of science. This is definitely worth a thoughtful listen to and please post your questions.

SOME KEY POINTS WE DISCUSSED:

Telomeres really are the "end of life clock that is ticking inside all of us"…
Science has proven telomeres are shortened every time cells divide (Bill explains why in our interview), so diseases and lifestyle choices that cause greater cell division cause your telomeres to shorten more quickly! This includes chronic stress and anything that increases your inflammation!
Pessimistic thought has been linked to shorter telomeres!
Women who experience greater sexually intimacy – and who are in long-term, committed relationships – have longer telomeres!
People having more oxytocin in their lives have longer telomeres!
Mediation and yoga seem to result in longer telomeres!

BILL'S BOTTOM LINE:

Lifestyle choices can slow decline in your health (and can cause telomeres to shorten more slowly)…but there is no current solution to lengthen telomeres (aka: reverse aging).

But Bill is working on this!

Learn more by listening in to this fascinating interview.

MORE ABOUT DR. BILL ANDREWS

Dr. Bill Andrews is the president and CEO of Sierra Sciences. As a scientist, athlete, and executive, he continually pushes the envelope and challenges convention. He's been featured in Popular Science, The Today Show, and numerous documentaries on the topic of life extension.

In his 32-year biotech career, he's focused in the last 20 years on finding ways to extend the human lifespan and health span. It's not only enough to live a long life but to live a quality life. And that has been in his research on telomere maintenance. He's going to talk to us all about what telomere is and the importance of that.

As one of the principal discoverers of both the RNA and protein components of human telomerase, Dr. Andrews was awarded 2nd place as "National Inventor of the Year" in 1997. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Population Genetics at the University of Georgia in 1981. He has served as Senior Scientist at Armos Corporation and Codon Corporation, Director of Molecular Biology at Berlex Biosciences and at Geron Corporation, and Director of Technology Development at EOS Biosciences. He is also a named inventor on 45 US issued patents on telomerase and author of numerous scientific research studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

He is also at age 65—did we say 65? He does a hundred-mile runs, finishing at the top of his age group. We'll talk about that by doing grueling races including Death Valley races and races in the Himalayas.

Learn more at http://www.sierrasci.com/

He also has a book, Telomere Basics: Curing Aging.

I've included the link for it on Amazon (click on the photo), with a brief description if you are interested in more information.

In the book…

Bill Andrews explains the groundbreaking science of telomere biology, the first and only emergent technology that holds the promise of treating and reversing age-related diseases, including aging itself. Topics discussed include the biological basis for the human aging process, the basic science behind telomeres and telomerase, a history of Dr. Andrews' discoveries at Sierra Sciences, the most exciting experiments demonstrating the promise of therapies based on telomere length maintenance, and the diseases that could be treated or cured by this technology. Dr. Andrews is the President and CEO of Sierra Sciences, a biotech company focused solely on reversing aging through telomere maintenance. He is one of the principal discoverers of both the RNA and protein components of human telomerase, the enzyme most critical to this technology. He has focused the last 20 years of his career exclusively on addressing the problem of human aging. All profits from the sale of this book go to anti-aging research.

Re-Thinking Your Cervix: Pain, Orgasms and More Nov 08, 2018

Show notes

Today I want to start a conversation on a topic that you won't often hear about, and that is about connecting more positively with your cervix.

Meet Today's Couch Talk Guest, Olivia Bryant

On today's Couch Talk I interview Olivia Bryant, founder of Self: Cervix, a global project that aims to educate women on how to heal their cervix for more pleasure, deeper orgasms, and easier childbirth. To date over 2500 women have taken part in her project.

Prior to starting Self: Cervix Olivia worked as a sexologist and coach.

I recently met Olivia when she interviewed me on her podcast on the topic of how to have a more empowered menopause… and I absolutely loved her mission to help women with what has been a somewhat taboo and hidden subject – and that is a woman's cervix and how it is so much more than just the point of attachment between the uterus and vagina.

Olivia is opening up this type of communication worldwide and is really helping a lot of women. In many cases, she is helping women figure out what is causing their pain, lack of libido and lack of orgasms. And with others, she is opening up a new sexual awareness and awakening.

What IS The Cervix?

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that is within the vagina. It is the opening to the womb. Here is a photo (courtesy WebMD) of the cervix for an anatomical reference.

During a woman's pap smear a sample of cells are taken from the cervix and examined for signs of cancer or other issues.

The cervix can also be a gateway to both pain and orgasm.

And that is the focus of today's Couch Talk.

In Today's Couch Talk Interview You Will Learn

Why some woman have a numb cervix (and what that is and why it matters!)
Why many women don't have a cervical orgasm
What "armoring" is, and why it can interfere with orgasm as well as cause issues when having a pap smear or even using tampons or contraceptives
What the role of the vagus nerve is and how you can actually rewire your neural pathways
Why being able to relax your vaginal tissue is so important
How the state of your cervix and armoring can play a role in ease of childbirth
Why it is important to drop the perfectionism of sex

I hope you enjoy the interview! Let me know what you think or if you have any questions by commenting below.

Can You Do Me A Favor?

I am always excited to bring you the best – cutting edge and fun – conversations with my most trusted colleagues as part of my Couch Talk podcasts. In order to keep the podcast moving forward at full speed, I need your help!

Please leave me a review on iTunes and let me know what you think of it!

Here are the steps (it takes just a few minutes):

Go to your iTunes app on your phone or computer
Once inside the iTunes app, search for Dr. Anna Cabeca in the search bar, look for the image below and click on it
Click on 'reviews and ratings'
Leave a star rating and write us a comment (I will read each and every single one of these!)

Nuances To Exercising Over 50! Oh The Joys! Nov 08, 2018

Show notes

My Couch Talk guest today is Debra Atkinson, and we will be talking about exercising over 50 and how your bad exercise habits might not be serving you well.

The Perfect "after 50" Fitness formula!

Debra shares how you can get more energy with less exercise!

I like the sound of that!

And she is such an expert…love her videos on instagram!

If you are struggling with fatigue and reaching for caffeine in mid-afternoon, or if you can't rev up your metabolism and lose that unhealthy weight…this interview is for you!

Listen in to hear how in just 20 minutes a day you can achieve better hormone balance, longevity and JOY.

And also, learn how to have more energy…in a simple, sane and safe way!

During the Interview you will Learn

The #1 secret exercise weapon women have to keep their sexy, energy and confidence at any age!
How to easily change your exercise strategy to optimize your hormones
What's the biggest exercise mistake women make when it comes to mastering their metabolism during menopause
Why every exercise session should have a PURPOSE
The important difference between "exercise" and "movement"
Why no women needs to do burpees, sit-ups and crunches in order to get fit!
The importance of "rest and recovery" for women over 50
The importance of the "joy factor" when it comes to exercise and keeping healthy

Meet Debra Atkinson

Debra Atkinson is a personal wellness coach for CEOs and business leaders, an international fitness presenter, and prior Senior Lecturer in Kinesiology at Iowa State University. Building on her 32-year fitness career she's authored four books, including: You Still Got It, Girl: The After 50 Fitness Formula for Women. She also currently hosts the Flipping 50 TV show and Flipping 50 podcast.

Debra combined her undergraduate education in kinesiology with a master's degree in Exercise Psychology, is a Medical Exercise Specialist, and has been a Certified Life Coach for over 16 years.

Debra is a frequent contributor to Huffington Post, Sharecare, Easy Health Options, Prime Women as well as other online and print magazines. She is the Subject Matter Expert for leading organizations like American Council on Fitness and frequent presenter at the top fitness industry associations.

On top of all of that, Debra is a triathlete, who currently swims in paper work, runs her own business, and rides the desk more than she exercises.

She's cracked the code on more energy in less time for thousands of private and corporate clients…and she is here on Couch Talk to share her secrets with you.

Get your Free 5 Day Flipping Fifty Kickstart Program!

One you sign up Debra will send you one exercise video every day for five days—a short 15- to 20-minute energy boost just to show yourself it doesn't take a ton of time. You can do it in your own living room or your bedroom. You don't need a gym. Try it!

Can You Do Me a Favor?

I am always excited to bring you the best – cutting edge and fun – conversations with my most trusted colleagues as part of my Couch Talk podcasts. In order to keep the podcast moving forward at full speed, I need your help!

Please leave me a review on iTunes and let me know what you think of it!

Here are the steps (it takes just a few minutes):

Go to your iTunes app on your phone or computer
Once inside the iTunes app, search for Dr. Anna Cabeca in the search bar, look for the image below and click on it
Click on 'reviews and ratings'
Leave a star rating and write us a comment (I will read each and every single one of these!)
THANK YOU!

Replenishing Our Spirit and Mind Nov 08, 2018

Show notes

Have you ever struggled with your emotions on your birthday? Missed someone you loved? Felt a need for peace and quiet?

I know I have! Well, that is exactly what I am going to talk about here.

Well…. I taped this for you after my birthday last week...an emotional time for many reasons... and it made me realize the importance of resting our spirit and mind, and not just our body!

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST! So That Is My Message For You Today....

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to!

I am 51 today but I am not out celebrating.

In fact, I am in quite a different situation.

I am tucked away at a hermitage which is a quiet retreat space .. in Washington D.C. at the Franciscan Monastery of the HolyLand.

And I am grieving the loss of both of my parents at this time of my life.

Missing My Father Who Recently Passed

I came to D.C. for my father's interment at Arlington National Cemetery, which we had on July 26th. My father William V. Cabeca, Jr., passed away April 9th, but due to a long waiting list, some 3 months, this was the earliest day for interment that we could get.

I honor all the families, and all the military men and women and their spouses, that have sacrificed so much for our country. I am truly proud to be among them. My mom was buried there nearly 20 years ago, and now my father. And so we celebrated the life of a good man.

The Healing Power Of Spiritual Rest

After the interment I retreated to the monastery for some time to reflect.

I spent some time looking back, on the loss of my parents...and my earlier loss of my young son.

And also some time looking forward, as one daughter leaves home for college and I look to my current list of priorities before me.

Is it the right list? We all need to take some time and ask that of ourselves.

The quiet of the monastery, tucked away in the woods, allowed me to completely disconnect from media, world events and office happenings.

And I focused on all the positives and gratitude that I have in my life.

We know from scientific studies and research that prayer, meditation, and even mindful wandering is beneficial to our body, mind, and spirit.

Not that I needed an excuse, but it's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to!

Confused About Bio-Identical Hormones During Menopause? Nov 08, 2018

Show notes

Controversy and Clinical Insights into the Health Effects and Breast Cancer

Today on Couch Talk I am talking with Dr. Edwin Lee. He is a past Couch Talk guest and one of the best physicians I know.

And we're talking about one of my favorite topics, the use of bio-identical hormones in the treatment of menopausal symptoms in women.

Dr. Lee believes that the best way to treat hormonal imbalance is by natural bio-identical hormone therapy. Natural hormones are the exact and identical hormones that are made in your body (versus synthetic hormones which are not chemically structured the same as in your body).

He feels that the use of bioidentical hormones with estradiol, estriol, progesterone and or testosterone in women is essential, whereas the use of testosterone in men is crucial to prevent early mortality.

Dr. Lee combines functional medicine to determine the root problem with the use of bioidentical hormones to help his patients achieve wellness – along with an emphasis on improving on diet, lifestyle, and nutrition.

Listen to the interview:

A Great Way to Kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

It's the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month, so this Couch Talk interview was very well timed!

We talked a lot about our own patient and clinical outcomes over our decades of combined practices in using bio-identical hormones to treat hot flashes, depression, anxiety, mood swings, vaginal atrophy and other symptoms commonly seen in menopause. We also talked a lot about the confusion relating to breast cancer risk.

In thisinterview, you will learn,

Why Dr. Lee tells his menopausal patients that menopause itself is a dangerous disease with a higher rate of Alzheimer's or dementia, heart disease, and osteoporosis…and what he feels they can do to prevent all of this.
The importance of both an individual patient's ability to detox and their current lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep, etc.) in determining the right menopausal treatment plan for them.
Why he doesn't recommend oral estrogen therapy (Premarin, Prempro) ever be used.
Why bio-identical progesterone is truly the "wonder hormone" that helps with sleep, anxiety, irritability, PMS…and more…and how it is protective against breast cancer (and could save your marriage!)
Why oral synthetic progesterone (Provera) is a bad choice, clearly linked to increasing the risk of strokes and heart disease.
Why just taking a hormone is never enough (hint: you need to improve your lifestyle decisions)!
What plant-based estrogen SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) Dr. Lee has recommended that helps with hot flashes (and is safe).

And We Covered So Much More!

Why is it that less than 1% of women who have taken HRT therapy in his clinical practice have developed breast cancer (compared to 11% of women developing breast cancer in the general population)?

We discussed both of our clinical observations as to what the answer to this might be.

Finally, we talked about our "polite disagreements" with the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (of which Dr. Lee is a member) recently stating in a position paper that they do not recommend the use of bio-identical hormone therapy in many cases… What? Well...we both feel that endocrinologists already use bio-identical hormone therapy all of the time for standard care with insulin, cortisol, thyroid, progesterone, testosterone, transdermal estradiol, etc.! So what is going on in this position paper? Is it the definition of what is "synthetic" versus "natural"? Is it a bit of bias from the Big Pharm companies? Such an interesting discussion with my favorite endocrinologist!

Meet Dr. Edwin Lee

A little bit about Dr. Edwin Lee, and I hope you'll listen to our interview in the audio posted above!

He's board-certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, and has completed special training in regenerative and functional medicine.

He is an author and an international speaker and educator. Dr. Lee founded the Institute for Hormonal Balance in 2008. Currently, he is the Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine.

In addition to writing his books, including two awesome children's books, one called, Your Awesome Brain, and the other is Your Amazing Heart—I highly recommend these—he's written, for those of us that really want to get a better understanding on hormones, a couple of other books. One is called Feel Good, Look Younger: Reversing Tiredness Through Hormonal Balance, and the book, Your Best Investment: Secrets to a Healthy Body and Mind. Dr. Lee has also published many articles on internal medicine and endocrinology. He is an author in the fourth edition of Textbook of Critical Care. He's an active member of the Age Management Medicine Group and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.

Find out more about Dr. Lee at http://instituteofhormonalbalance.com/

Your Vibe, Energy and Life Nov 08, 2018

Show notes

Today, my very special guest on Couch Talk is Robyn Openshaw.

Robyn is an author of 15 books and is known as the "Green Smoothie Girl"… but she is so much more. Our conversation was fantastic and far-ranging…we talked about her reality TV show gig on the program, "Wife Swap"…oh, my goodness…so interesting and hilarious, too.

But more importantly we talked about the stunning revelation that changed her life and her family's as well… and that went on to change the lives of 100's of thousands of people worldwide.

From Green Smoothies and Whole Foods, to Energetic Frequencies

Some 10 years earlier than her "Wife Swap" exploits Robyn was in her 30s and on many medications, weighed over 200 lbs.; was struggling after miscarriages and had finally been able to conceive only to have a son who's health started to fail when he was 7 months old, his illness eventually threatening his life.

No-one could seem to help and she took over her family's diet, got rid of processed foods and focused on a strictly whole foods diet. That's when she went out to her garden and started her Green Smoothie drink…eventually enabling her young son to thrive. Many years later…that son just turned 24 and is a healthy 6' 3"! And Robyn not only went on to have 3 more healthy kids but lost 70 lbs.! She is now at a very healthy weight and is an active athlete and business entrepreneur.

As Robyn focused on getting the word out about the energy and health one can get from clean, healthy and live nutrition…it started her thinking about how different foods, medicine and even people seemed to create different types of energy…some good, some bad.

And that started her down the road of researching energetic frequencies, and how they can impact one's health and life.

Listen to the Interview and Learn

Why she believes in the Einstein quote, "Everything in life is a vibration"
Why measuring vibrations can be more effective than counting calories!
That healthy people vibrate at a higher frequency than unhealthy people…it has been measured! And the same goes for foods…colorful plant foods vibrate at higher frequencies than processed food from a can!
How your thoughts, emotions, and even music all have a specific energetic frequencies…and that there are healing frequencies and destructive frequencies, too.
Why connecting with the earth's energy is so important to increase your own healthy vibration.(Love this!)
How when we choose to live our lives at a higher vibration we are more apt to stay in that flow…there is an energetic momentum. One high vibration decision (showing compassion, for example), can lead to a flow of many other high vibration decisions and rewards.
Why our emotions are just energies in motion. And why they can sometimes get stuck.
How 20% of us are highly sensitive people and may express our vibrations uniquely, such as Intuitive people who are very tapped into every energy source in a room…you've met those people, who walk into a room and immediately know what little dramas have gone on…and know who might need a kind word, etc. So fascinating…and you'll be able to think about where you might fit on this energetic scale.
And much more…

Listen to the Interview Now! Her latest book has great VIBES…

We also talk about her latest book which is called, Vibe: Unlock the Energetic Frequencies of Limitless Health, Love & Success

Check out her current book offer!

Clear the clutter from your cells to achieve high frequencies for more health and high-vibe feelings of peace, calm, and flow!

Thanks for a great interview Robyn…

Methylation and Your Health: What You Need to Know Nov 08, 2018

Show notes

Today I have a very exciting guest on Couch Talk, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald.

I'll tell you more about Dr. Kara in a moment, but want you to know that she is absolutely brilliant…and she will be talking with us today about methylation.

By now, I'm sure you've heard conversations – and a good deal of buzz – around the topic of methylation… and even more likely, you are probably a bit confused about what it really is and why it matters to you!

It is such an important topic…as many significant health conditions, including: autoimmune diseases, metabolic syndrome, dementia, accelerated aging, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases have been associated in some degree to the issue of methylation imbalance.

So, we're going to dive in deep today and talk about what YOU need to know.

Meet Dr. Kara Fitzgerald

First, let me introduce you to Dr. Kara and tell you a little bit about her.

She received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed the first Council of Naturopathic Medicine accredited postdoctoral position in Nutritional Biochemistry and Laboratory Science at Metametrix Clinical Laboratory (now Genova Diagnostics) under the direction of the brilliant and kind Dr. Richard Lord, who I've known well for some time. Just brilliant! These two, just brilliant, let me tell you.

Dr. Kara's residency was completed at Progressive Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia. And now she is up in Connecticut where she has a clinical practice also involved in the research.

She's the lead author and editor of Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine. She's a contributing author to Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine, The Institute for Functional Medicine's Textbook for Functional Medicine.

She recently co-authored the ebook called The Methylation Diet and Lifestyle and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in multiple journals. She is also on faculty at The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).

As a final note…she does an awesome podcast as well. One of my favorite all-time podcasts that I have done was on Dr. Kara's podcast.

So, What Is Methylation And Why Is It Important?

Methylation is often a tough topic for people to understand, so remember that as you listen to our interview…even if there are a few minutes here or there that go "too deep", hang in there…you'll still be able to get a lot of true gems out of the rest of our conversation…including dietary and lifestyle suggestions that will help support your methylation balance today.

At a high level, just so you have some background, methylation is a biochemical process that happens in every cell in your body. Our bodies use methylation to support,

Neurotransmitter production
Healthy immune cells
DNA production
Estrogen, histamine, and fat metabolism
Detoxification
Cellular energy
Eye health, and…
Regulating how our genes get expressed

This last point is so important! Healthy methylation turns on the genes we want turned on for greater health and turns off the ones that we don't really want to get turned on (like the ones for cancer and dementia). Think about how important this is…as it means that even if you have a gene that predisposes you to a disease like Alzheimer's disease, healthy methylation can keep that gene turned off.

So you can see that methylation supports many vital functions! We talk more about exactly how methylation works in the interview.

If we aren't a good methylator our body won't create enough of the important molecules that it needs (molecules like glutathione, melatonin, serotonin, taurine, nitric oxide, etc.) to support these functions. Impaired methylation can also lead to anxiety and depression, increased risk of cancer, hormone imbalance, poor detox capacity, infertility, birth defects, and fatigue.

So are you a good methylator or a bad methylator? (And how do you know! And what can you do about it?)

Listen To The Interview Now! LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW NOW, AND YOU WILL LEARN,

What methylation is and what clinical issues are associated with methylation imbalances
The simple test that can identify if you have a methylation issue (and it is likely covered by your insurance!)
The importance of homocysteine to your overall health (it's not just a cardiovascular marker!)
All about what the epigenome is and how it regulates how our DNA expresses itself
Why "the methylation diet and lifestyle" is important and what it includes
The importance of methylation adaptogens and what they are (and guess what, Mighty MacaⓇ Plus has several methylation adaptogens in its formulation!)
What is Dr. Kara's favorite spice that is a methylation superfood!
And so much more…

A Special Gift For You!

As a special gift to my community, Dr. Kara is offering her ebook, "Methylation Diet and Lifestyle" at a discounted price. Just use the code, Anna10, to receive a 10% discount.

It's an incredibly informative ebook and you'll find a lot of the same messages you are always hearing from me (as I talk about Keto-Alkaline® principles) relating to the importance of lifestyle decisions in creating optimal health!

Feel free to ask Dr. Kara some questions below…we will follow-up with her to get her responses.

Love this important area of medicine.

Thanks Dr. Kara!

Hypothyroid Mom: From Miscarriage to Empowering Millions Nov 07, 2018

Show notes

Today on Couch Talk I have a very special guest who has a million followers on Facebook!

Really!

My guest is Dana Trentini, also known as the "Hypothyroid Mom". We will be talking about all things thyroid, including Dana's own fascinating story relating to her personal healing journey (which continues today)…and she'll be sharing many insights and pearls relating to thyroid health. She began her award-winning website, HypothyroidMom.com in 2012. She started her blog to tell her own story about her lifelong impacts from hypothyroidism, including an earlier miscarriage in 2009.

First, a Little Bit About Dana. She began her award-winning website, HypothyroidMom.com in 2012. She started her blog to tell her own story about her lifelong impacts from hypothyroidism, including an earlier miscarriage in 2009.

What's so amazing is that she started her blog just to tell her singular story and to share some personal learnings relating to her miscarriage…and that grew into what the site is today; a means to educate and empower millions of people on all things hypothyroidism.

Dana has been featured on The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic, is widely sought after for interviews and advice, and has written the book, Your Healthy Pregnancy with Thyroid Disease.

I have often recommend Dana's Facebook page to clients, not only for its educational content on thyroid disease…but frankly, for its humor! We all need that, especially when we are feeling like our bodies (and perhaps the traditional medical system) are working against us!

There Is So Much We Aren't Told About Thyroid Dangers

Thyroid disease can be silently problematic for a long time before we are "clinically hypothyroid", so how do you know if your thyroid is the reason for how terrible you feel every day?

Dana talks about the core issue of testing; how needed testing just isn't done, inside or outside of pregnancy. During pregnancy there is not a universal thyroid screening done. That was really the issue that kick-started Hypothyroid Mom into being. After her miscarriage Dana did a deep dive into the scientific research and found there were a lot of known dangers of her having maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy. And her doctor hadn't done any tests even though she had had many thyroid symptoms.

Outside of pregnancy, many doctors still do not focus on comprehensive thyroid testing, and the standard care model is to wait until things worsen and then prescribe medication versus doing preventative interventions like changing diet and lifestyle.

Listen to Today's Couch Talk and You Will Learn,

How statistics show that over half of thyroid patients are undiagnosed! And why that might be so.
The importance of knowing your TSH… as well as…
The importance of lab tests beyond TSH, including two important antibody tests…
And why you can have thyroid disease even with a normal TSH.
The number one cause of hypothyroidism.
How effective the top-selling thyroid hormone replacement meds are…and why one size doesn't fit all.
How your cholesterol levels can be a symptom of thyroid disease.
How candida, mold, metal toxicity and gut issues affect your thyroid.
Why it's important to understand the "why" behind the disease. Why did it develop and/or worsen?
What the "good girl" syndrome is and how that affected Dana's pregnancy.
That hypothyroidism in pregnancy can result in miscarriage, ADD/ADHD, deficits in intellectual development in infants and more…
And you'll hear so many jewels from Dana…a great interview!

If you have questions or comments please let us know and we'll try and get responses from Dana for you.

Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs & Transforming Your Life (It's Possible!) Nov 07, 2018

Show notes

Imagine someone shows you a graphic that has a number of items on it. There is a yellow banana, a yellow scarf, red apples, a red truck, a blue dish, a green vase, and so on… If someone quickly flashed you that graphic and then took it away you might remember a few of the items. Or you might not!

But what if you were told to focus on the red items only. You are quickly shown the graphic and then asked about the red items you saw…I bet you'd remember those red items. But… could you answer the question, "how many green items were there?" Probably not, because you were focused on the red!

You see what you are focused on.

This is a very simple illustration of a more complex concept…but I thought it was helpful when I saw it on today's Couch Talk guest Natalie Ledwell's website. You'll see what I mean in a moment.

Natalie is here today to talk about how using a type of visualization can help you overcome self-limiting beliefs and step into the best new version of yourself.

If you can create, reinforce and focus on new dominant thoughts about what you want to "attract" to your future…you can create the new neural pathways necessary to help you re-orient your energies and emotions, and gain whatever results you are hoping for.

If you focus on debt…you'll never get out of it. Focus instead on an abundance mindset and how it will feel to lay on that beach in Bora Bora without a care in the world! (I can taste the pina colada already!)

If you focus on your lack of energy and feeling fat….you'll never get to the gym. Focus instead on how it will feel to fit into that size 8 again, be able to shop off the rack… and to exude your "back in the day" energy again! (I'm feeling ready for some kick-boxing!)

If you focus on self-doubts and the lack of love in your life…you'll never connect with people who will love you. Focus instead on how it will feel to put an end to negative self-talk and to truly feel great about yourself! (I'm feeling confidant and sexy, time for date-night!)

Meet Natalie Ledwell… Best-selling author of "Never in Your Wildest Dreams"

Natalie is a risk taker, non-conformist, rule breaker and maker who believes nothing is impossible.

She's also an authentic and internationally renowned motivational speaker, best-selling author, Law of Attraction guru, host of "The Inspiration Show" and co-founder of the revolutionary Personal Development company, "Mind Movies".

She's a founding member of the Association of Transformational Leaders (ATL SoCal), member of the Transformational Leadership Council (TLC), and The Evolutionary Business Council (EBC) whose main mission is to connect individuals like her together, make a greater and meaningful impact in the world through empowering the lives of other people in their respect fields.

Today's Couch Talk: Exploring the Law of Attraction

In today's interview you will learn how Natalie and her incredible team at Mind Movies have empowered over 4 million people around the world to see beyond their own circumstances, to break down the boundaries real or perceived in their lives… and truly begin to find the lives and success they deserve.

You'll learn about,

The power of visualization: create it, watch it…live it!
Why long-term planning is self-defeating
Why you have to "feel" the emotions of your new future and what you really want in life
Why the most effective visualization tool needs to incorporate positive affirmations, powerful images of the things that most inspire you, and your own personal soundtrack!
What the Law of Attraction is and why you can only attract what is at the same frequency as you are
Why gratitude is so important and can get you into a higher vibration (and why that's a good thing)
And more….

Listen to the interview and you'll also hear how YOU can get Natalie's wonderful free gifts!

6 pre-made Mind Movies just for you!

You'll get the following:

Courage & Confidence (Release your fears and conquer your dreams faster)!
Loving & Appreciating Myself (Put an end to negative self-talk and improve your relationships by loving yourself first).
Attracting Friends & A Great Social Life (Have a more fulfilling life by sharing it with like-minded people)!
Vibrant Health (See your health and energy soar after you watch this).
Inner Peace (Release stress and experience complete bliss in your mind, body, and spirit)
Wealth Abundance (Tune into an abundance mindset and effortlessly attract the money and prosperity you deserve).

You'll simply watch one of these 3-minute Mind Movies morning and night and get ready to experience the amazing results hundreds of thousands are already seeing worldwide.

I know you will enjoy "meeting" Natalie and trying out her Mind Movies…a great start to 2018!

Let me know how you like them…I'm working on creating my own Mind Movie right now!

Periods, Moods and Menses & Perimenopause, too! Nov 07, 2018

Show notes

Today on Couch Talk I have brought back a previous – and popular – guest, Dr. Lara Briden.

Lara is here to talk with us about her recently updated book, Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods.She is a naturopathic doctor with some twenty years of experience in women's health and she runs a hormone clinic in Sydney, Australia.

With 4 daughters I can tell you that this is an important resource book – and required reading – in my household!

What I love about Lara's book is that it contains important information for women as they transition through all ages (including having teenage daughters!)…and in her 2nd edition she added an entire new chapter on perimenopause and the menopause transition…!

What Happens in Our 40's? The Good, the Bad…and the Ugly, Too

Lara's key message is to focus on the things you can do in your early 40's to:

stabilize hormone receptors (not too much estrogen and nurturing your natural progesterone production),
support your nervous system and your adrenal function, and
monitor thyroid health!

Why? Because the focus you put into these things early-on is going to translate to an easier transition later after your periods stop.

Listen to the Interview and Hear About,

What's happening hormonally in your 40's? (how progesterone has left the building and estrogen may be wreaking havoc on your periods, mood, sleep and life!)
All about "Thyropause", the intersection of thyroid disease and perimenopause (and how hypothyroidism can cause heavy periods)
What you can do about "flooding periods"
The number one vital hormone for our 40's! (and it isn't estrogen)
Lara's "rescue prescription" for better mood and sleep…(a super little over the counter combo that supports GABA, our calming neurotransmitter, that can REALLY help...)
How histamine intolerance may be impacting your estrogen levels (resulting in headaches, insomnia and hives…)

And so much more…

I also love that Lara tells her patients that it is important to recognize that this phase won't last forever, that it is not the new normal! I often tell women in my menopause programs the same thing…you are in a state of transition!

And with a little knowledge you can get through it with a lot less misery!

Lara Has a Gift for You!

You can also get 2 chapters of Lara's newly revised book as a free download! Check it out!

You and all the women in your life will benefit from it.

Let me know how you like it!

(and apologies for the clicking heard during the interview…I've now replaced my microphone!)

NOTE FROM DR. ANNA:

I receive a lot of questions from women relating to hormone imbalances during menopause, but also many questions and concerns relating to fertility issues. Such "transition" times for women are when our hormone balance is most likely to be affected.

Times of stress will also challenge our adrenals, which can worsen hormone imbalances.

You might be interested in reading the story of a young women who was dealing with fertility and thyroid issues…and hearing about her journey to delivering a healthy new baby!

Focusing on improving her adrenal support likely increased her bio-available progesterone levels… it is a beautiful story with a very happy ending!

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