Q&A Exclusive: Grounding, Vitamin D, & Essential Aminos For Menopause

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Today, I'm excited to discuss your questions about midlife health and wellness. It's all about us today, so grab a cup of tea and let's chat about 

I love hearing from you and answering your questions and this episode is packed with hacks that can make a big difference in your midlife.

Menopause Hacks: Practical Tips for Midlife Health and Wellness

The Benefits of Grounding

Let's start with grounding. What exactly is it? Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of physically connecting with the earth by walking barefoot outside or using grounding mats or patches. 

I started using a grounding mat several months ago during a time of intense detox to help me reset my body for better sleep. I can’t say it’s helped my sleep much but I have felt the effects of lower cortisol and my husband has benefited greatly with grounding mat use and seeing his cholesterol levels shrink.

Health Benefits of Grounding

Here are some amazing benefits:

• Reduces Inflammation: Grounding helps decrease inflammation in the body, which is crucial for overall health.
• Lowers Cortisol Levels: It can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, helping you shift from a state of stress (sympathetic nervous system) to relaxation (parasympathetic nervous system).
• Improves Mood and Autoimmune Issues: Grounding has been scientifically proven to improve mood and support autoimmune health.
• Aids in Wound Healing: It even promotes faster wound healing.

How to Ground Effectively

Aim for at least 30 minutes daily. Here are some tips:

• Outdoors: Spend time barefoot in the grass, soil, or sand. Water bodies like lakes and oceans are great too.
• Grounding Mats and Patches: Use these indoors, especially if outdoor grounding isn't always possible.
• Avoid Electronics: Try to unplug from electronic devices while grounding to maximize the benefits.

I personally love sitting outside with my feet on the ground, reading a book, or simply walking around barefoot. Combining grounding with relaxation activities can be incredibly rejuvenating.

Research and Resources for Midlife Health

Importance of Continuous Learning

I'm a firm believer in continuous learning, especially when it comes to health and wellness. My primary focus is on midlife women's health, hormones, and weight loss. Keeping up with the latest research helps me bring the best advice to you.

Key Influencers and Resources

Who do I turn to for reliable information? Here are some of my go-to experts and resources:

- Dr. Stacy Sims: Her work on women's health and fitness is groundbreaking.

- JJ Virgin: A fantastic resource for health and nutrition tips.

- Flipping 50: A program that focuses on fitness and wellness for women over 50.

- Trim Healthy Mama: Offers cutting-edge information on nutrition and health.

I also love exploring diverse perspectives and science-based information to provide you with the most comprehensive advice.

The Importance of Vitamin D

Role of Vitamin D in Health

Let's talk about Vitamin D. Why is it so crucial, especially for us in midlife? Vitamin D plays a vital role in:

- Hormone Balance: Helps maintain hormonal equilibrium.

- Immune Support: Strengthens your immune system.

- Diabetes Prevention: New research shows it can prevent or slow down diabetes.

Strategies for Optimizing Vitamin D Levels

How do you know if your Vitamin D is optimal? Here are my tips:

- Regular Testing: Get your levels checked regularly, ideally every three months.

- Seasonal Supplementation: Adjust your dosage based on sun exposure. During sunny months, you might need less supplementation.

- Proper Absorption: Use a combination of D3 and K2 for better absorption.

I aim to keep my Vitamin D levels between 70 and 80 for optimal health, and I encourage you to find what works best for you and talk to your Functional Medicine doctor for recommendations.

Essential Amino Acids for Midlife Women

Why Essential Amino Acids are Crucial

Now, let's discuss essential amino acids. Why are they so important? These amino acids are the building blocks of protein, crucial for:

- Muscle Health: Supports muscle maintenance and growth.

- Hormone Production: Essential for hormone synthesis.

- Overall Cellular Health: Vital for metabolism and overall cell function.

Daily Use and Benefits

How can you incorporate essential amino acids into your daily routine? Here’s what I do:

- Daily Protocol: I use essential amino acids daily to meet my protein needs and support muscle health.

- Post-Workout Recovery: They are fantastic for muscle recovery after a workout.

- Versatility: They fit easily into various dietary preferences and schedules.

I personally love using Trim Healthy Mama's essential amino acids because of their high bioavailability. You can use them anytime—pre-workout, post-workout, or even as a part of your daily protein intake.

To sum up, here are the key takeaways from today's episode:

- Grounding: Helps reduce inflammation, lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and aid in wound healing.

- Vitamin D: Crucial for hormone balance, immune support, and diabetes prevention. Regular testing and proper supplementation are key.

- Essential Amino Acids: Vital for muscle health, hormone production, and overall cellular health. Easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

I encourage you to try grounding for at least 30 minutes a day, check your Vitamin D levels, and consider incorporating essential amino acids into your diet. These small changes can make a big difference in your health and wellness.

For more detailed insights, listen to the full podcast episode. Feel free to engage with our community by asking questions and sharing your experiences. I can't wait to hear how these tips work for you!

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Honeycast #53  - How I started using a grounding mat
• Minimalist podcast Ep. 340 | Grounding: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever!
• My Favorite Bamboo Sheets 
• Grounding mat 
• Flipping 50 Debra Atkinson 
• Pearl & Serene Trim Healthy 
• Dr. Stacy Sims 
• Dr. Amy Hornaman  
• Menopause Brain - how our brain changes in menopause

• J J Virgin 
• Dr. Mary Claire Haver  
• Vitamin D 
• Essential Amino Acids: Trim Healthy, Perfect Aminos

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