Erica Ziel, deep core exercise specialist, talks about the deep connections throughout the body and how your fascia and muscles impact everything from your toes to the top of your head. Learn about how Erica helps her students heal and release their fascia from inherited patterns of movement that cause dysfunction, and how to properly train your core to support your body and move without pain. [0:30] As a child, Erica had daily knee pains that only got worse as the years went on. After finally seeing a specialist about the pain, she was told the solution was to simply strengthen her legs. This put her on the path to learn about exercise science and the body. She began developing her own methodologies through her experience, especially when it comes to pre and post-natal women. [2:30] The pelvic floor and the fascia is a very important area of the body but people don’t talk about it or how to address pelvic floor pain. The quality of your life depends a lot on the health of your pelvic floor. [4:00] So many women are told that healing isn’t possible and that they just have to live with the pain and discomfort. [4:40] One common mistake that women make is drawing their belly toward their spine during exercise. This restricts breathing and blood flow to the pelvic floor. Tucking in your pelvis is another mistake that’s come out of the fitness industry. You need to stop focusing solely on your glutes and think about your pelvic position. [6:15] Constantly rolling your shoulders is also an issue as the forceful movement shuts down your core. The more forceful you are in trying to force your body to do something, the more it rebels. [7:15] Be aware of how you are holding your body throughout the day. Try to stand more during your day and sit on a flat surface so you sit up taller. How you sit directly impacts your pelvic floor and lower back. Let your shoulders relax and use your mid back for support. [9:05] If you’re standing, be aware of your knees. If you are locking your knees, it puts a lot of pressure on your lower back. [9:50] Dr. Anna has been experiencing more soas pain since the beginning of the pandemic. Any negative innervation in the connective tissues of our body is not good. As we age that tissue becomes more stiff and less flexible, which is why Dr. Anna advocates for an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. [11:25] Fascia is connected from head to toe and fascia release is an important part of healing the body. A strong core is critical to the healthy function of the pelvic floor. [12:50] Our inner line that begins at the big toe and goes up the inner thighs, pelvis, and hips has a direct impact on pelvic floor health. Many women experience back pain or pelvic floor issues without realizing it may be related. Many times, where you feel pain and dysfunction isn’t the root cause. It’s just the weak link that gave way first. [14:25] Fascia goes through and around all of our muscles, organs and nerves. Fascia informs the way that we move, some of which is hereditary. It’s possible that you may have been walking wrong your whole life because of how you learned when you were a child. [16:10] The way that we have been moving in our life makes our fascia stronger for that movement pattern. As we walk we should be creating an oppositional spiral throughout our core, but many women are stiff and stuck when they walk. The spiral motion patterns allow the fascia to work throughout the body. [18:35] It’s hard to relearn how to move. You have to trust your body’s ability to move and change and improve. We can create new fascia and learn how to become strong in all movements by integrating the entire body as much as possible. [20:30] Functional exercise that incorporates moving the whole body is game-changing. Doing exercises correctly versus incorrectly makes all the difference in the world. Muscle is the organ of longevity, and women need to exercise to stay flexible, supple, and healthy. [23:00] Emotions are stored in the muscles of the body, with movement we can release these stuck emotions in the body. Our fascia system is so integrated, that when we start to increase the range of motion we can unlock a lot of feedback, especially when it comes to the pelvic floor. [26:00] Be ready to let go of the pain and dysfunction that is holding you back. It’s a big piece of our healing journey to let go of the emotions related to the pain. [26:50] During Dr. Anna’s healing journey, she learned from several spiritual healers that the breast holds relationships, the kidneys hold fear, the liver holds anger, the pancreas holds guilt, and the bladder holds the fear of letting go. In Eastern medicine, focusing on the emotional and spiritual aspects of healing is crucial and is something that Western medicine misses out on. [31:05] Your thoughts matter. Being grateful for the good things in your life will have a direct impact on your quality of life. Retrain your mind to focus on the positive instead of the negative and it will change your energy. Movement is an important piece in attaining a higher vibrational energy. [32:55] Women with dysfunction and pain can be consumed by it. We can become so used to the pain that the body doesn’t know what to do when it’s not in pain. Erica tells her students that it’s not just about healing the body, they have to be open to what else shows up for them in a positive way. [34:20] We don’t have a big enough vision for what our lives could be like, especially when we’ve been living in dysfunction and pain for a long time. [35:45] One of the first things to address is posture. Think about lengthening throughout the day. The pelvic floor has more surface area than you think. For optimal pelvic floor function, pelvic tilts are a good all around exercise to practice. As you work on your pelvis and become aware of your breath, you will get a lot of feedback from the body. [39:15] In order to change our habits, we have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable for a while. It takes time to train the neural pathways that connect your pelvic floor to your breath and to connect with your body. Always keep your movement out of the range of pain and work within that space. Over time your range of motion will expand as it heals. [41:50] You may have to pull back from high intensity workouts for a brief time as your body learns a new pattern of movement. Erica tells the story of a woman who retrained her body to run faster after giving birth to multiple babies than she did before becoming a mother because of the lack of pain. [44:40] If you’re stuck in a seated position for a long time, there are some simple movements that you can do to not become stiff. Don’t force your body to feel something, light movements, awareness of your pelvic position, and a taller posture are enough. [46:30] If you’re using an exercise ball to sit on, be careful about allowing your body to round forward. If you can stay seated more upright they can be a great way to exercise in a seated position.     Mentioned in this Episode: @ericaziel ericaziel.com Core Connections Podcast with Erica Ziel youtube.com/thegirlfrienddoctor dranna.com/show     Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

Couch Talk w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

Core Connections with Dr. Anna Cabeca and Erica Ziel

Food is medicine and food is energy. The energy you bring to your food matters almost as much as the physical ingredients you combine in the recipe. Chef Serena Poon talks about how to bring love and positivity to your culinary creations and a simple technique to shift your energy state, practice gratitude, and show up as the most empowered version of yourself.  [1:00] Serena’s journey started with her parents, who both contracted cancer when they were in their 40’s. Her father was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer and after he died, her mother was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. The passion that drives Serena is rooted in that experience and what led to her learning about holistic nutrition. [3:30] The kitchen is the heart of the house. Serena went on to school to study food as medicine and to help people understand its power in their life. [4:45] Because her mother’s cancer was so aggressive and she had lost so much weight during the ordeal with her father, they discovered the tumor during an exam. It highlighted what stress can do to our bodies, but Serena’s mom was lucky that they were able to diagnose her early and operate on her. [6:40] Since Serena didn’t have the same level of awareness that she does now, she had to have damaged tissue of her own operated on, and from that operation, she developed a deadly staph infection. That became her journey for the next eight years. It was during that journey that she discovered the power of energy and healing work. [8:30] Serena started working with an energy healer who helped her understand and release the energy she was holding within her body. Serena began experimenting with eating certain foods to complement the work she was doing with her energy healing. [11:40] What she learned became part of Serena’s practice as a chef and is where the idea of food alchemy came from. She decided to study reiki as well and use that learning to understand energy flow and how to amplify what people can do when it’s combined with food as medicine. [13:50] Reiki is an energy assessment and healing practice. Dr. Anna had her own healing journey and during her period of exploration after losing her son, she connected with a Reiki master who managed her practice and helped open her eyes to what was possible. [17:45] Reiki can enhance and elevate what you are already doing. Nutrition and using food as medicine can function in much the same way. [19:20] If you’re making a recipe that was handed down to you by your grandmother but it doesn’t taste quite the same, it’s because it was being prepared by her unique love and energy that she brought to the effort. [20:35] Serena starts her gratitude practice at the beginning of the day. Pick one thing or person that you love, focus your love and attention on how it makes you feel until you have an almost physiological response to that thought. Now that you know how that feels, take that energy into the kitchen and with intention send that energy into the food that you’re making. [23:05] This shifts your body from a sympathetic state to a parasympathetic state. Whatever you put into your body will be received differently as well. [24:20] You have opportunities each day to practice this technique and sit for a moment to connect with the energy of gratitude. If you can do that it will change your life. [25:00] Serena tells the story of a client in the entertainment industry that worked themselves to the point of being quite ill. Serena made some changes to their diet, but the main progress came from introducing meditation and sitting with a feeling of love and gratitude in an intentional way. [28:30] Dr. Anna’s experience with her mother and her natural intuition is what made her realize that we are more than just what we see. We are energetic beings and we are in control of how we feel. [29:15] When you’re stressed, you’re in a negative energy spiral. All the little triggers of gratitude and thoughtfulness are how you can escape the spiral. [30:45] We are powerful beings, we just forget our power. We are obsessed with our devices and technology and forget that our bodies are some of the most powerful and complex machines on the planet. [32:15] Affirmations and mantras are another extremely easy way to practice gratitude. When you are brushing your teeth or taking your morning shower, instead of thinking about all the things you need to do that day, think empowering thoughts. That’s how you start your day from a place of power and love. You don’t need to go searching for that energy, you just need to reconnect with the source. [34:50] Bad things happen to us, we can’t dismiss that. But we can shift our energy towards love so we can be fully in our purpose and connected. Every step in our lives has contributed to who we are. [37:30] When you are in a painful situation, it can be easy to ask why and focus on the negative. Serena believes that every part of our journey is meant for us, and is an opportunity to learn and then to teach. [39:30] Not everything is good, but you can create a reason from your experience that can serve the good. Living is giving.     Mentioned in this Episode: @chefserenapoon serenaloves.com youtube.com/thegirlfrienddoctor dranna.com/show     Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

Food Alchemy and Energy Work with Dr. Anna Cabeca and Serena Poon

Feel like you’re hitting a plateau with your weight loss? Dr. Stu Schaeffer has been in the fitness industry for years and he’s on a mission to help people lose weight easier and faster than they thought possible by unlocking the power of the body and the thermogenic state. Find out about the food quadrant that gets your body burning fat like a furnace and the three biggest mistakes that people make that sabotage their fat loss efforts. [1:25] Dr. Stu discovered the thermogenic state in 2009 after working with a woman who came to him to lose weight. He was still a relatively new trainer so he thought the solution was simply to have her reduce calories but after five weeks she hadn’t lost a single pound. [3:00] Dr. Stu decided to offer his services for free until he figured out what was happening and dove into a two-week research process. He learned about repressed metabolic syndrome, where if you diet too long or exercise too often the body will basically prevent fat loss completely. He put his client on the counter intuitive “eat more, exercise less” plan and after 12 weeks she lost over 37 pounds of fat. [5:30] Dr. Stu began testing the plan out on other clients and they saw similar results. Because they were eating more, their cravings vanished, they had more energy, and their mental clarity increased. [6:20] Dr. Stu uses a tool called the food quadrant for his clients. There are four components to nutrition: what foods to eat, how much you eat, when to eat certain foods during the day, and when not to. When you combine the right foods in each meal you can enter a thermogenic state and start burning fat like a furnace. [8:20] Dr. Stu recalls a client who swore her hormones were off because she had 15 pounds to lose that just wouldn’t budge. Dr. Stu got her to her goal in 8 weeks after 7 years of her trying to do it on her own. [10:05] When you get to eat a lot it’s easy to maintain because you don’t feel the same cravings that you do on a restrictive diet. [12:10] The first mistake that a lot of people make when they are trying to lose weight is they believe they are eating healthy but actually aren’t. When you eat fruit by itself, it has the same impact on your body as eating a cookie. Fruit has the same insulin response as sugar. [13:55] Mistake #2 is eating carbs at dinner. In the evening, your body is getting ready to sleep and your metabolism starts slowing down around 4pm. Eating carbohydrates at dinner is like pumping raw energy into your body, and since it can’t be used, it gets stored as fat. [15:30] You become more insulin-resistant towards the end of the day. This is why you need to eat different foods in the morning than you do in the afternoon or evening. [15:50] The third mistake that many people make, especially women, is not eating a complete protein in every meal. Different foods have different types of proteins, which is why a lot of vegetarians and vegans struggle to get enough complete proteins in their diet. [18:30] Getting into the thermogenic state is very enjoyable because it gives you a lot of flexibility in what you can eat. In the thermogenic state, you literally become warmer. The main components of getting into this state are nutrition, weight training, and cardio. [20:20] A study done in 1997 looked at what the optimum amount of exercise was for health and fat loss. They found that three days of weight training for 30 minutes each day was the peak, and when you exercised more frequently it actually worked against you. Simple straight forward exercises yielded the best results. [22:05] When you weight train and do cardio for a total of 3 hours a week and combine that with the four quadrants of nutrition, your body goes into a thermogenic state and your body starts burning fat and preserving muscle. [22:40] A lot of women say they don’t want muscle and just want to look toned and tight, but that’s exactly what weight training accomplishes. [26:15] For most people, a simple approach is best. To keep things fresh, it can be as subtle as changing the order of the exercises you do or the style. The body also tends to acclimatize to eating the same foods all the time, so try eating a different kind of fish or switch from chicken to turkey. You don’t have to make huge changes to see results. [29:40] A good coach will look at you and customize a plan for you. There are three elements that need to be part of that plan for it to work: will it work, do you like it, and does it fit your lifestyle? Without those three, either you are not going to get great results or you won’t be able to maintain your results. [32:00] One of Dr. Stu’s clients was eating one meal a day, not feeling hungry, but couldn’t lose weight despite trying for 8 years. The plan was to ease into eating more, and exercising lightly because they were suffering from extreme repressed metabolic syndrome. Once the body starts functioning the way it’s supposed to, everything starts normalizing. [34:25] The most common mistake that people make is counting calories. Even trainers and coaches make this mistake. You have to find the right coach who understands how hormones and the body really work if you want to see results. Good coaches make tweaks to your plan in real time.       Mentioned in this Episode: dranna.com/stu youtube.com/thegirlfrienddoctor dranna.com/show     Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

The Secrets of the Thermogenic State with Dr. Anna Cabeca and Dr. Stu Schaefer

Have you felt more tired recently? Maybe more pain, brain fog, memory loss, trouble sleeping, or maybe all of the above? These are all symptoms of stress, whether that’s the everyday variety or unresolved stress hidden deep within your body. Dealing with your stress can unlock a new way to live your life. Dr. Nicole Huffman is on the podcast to talk about the emotional arm of your health and how you can release the stress from your body that’s preventing you from living your life to its fullest. [0:50] Dr. Nicole has lived in many different places, but after falling in love with horseback riding a couple of years ago, they were looking for a new home and found a place that came with a horse and two donkeys. It became the obvious choice. [3:00] Horses teach you about the energy that you bring into a room. If there is something going on with you, the horse is going to feel it. This plays into the idea that our physical health has an energetic component. Other people may put up with your energy but a horse will let you know right away. [5:50] Dr. Nicole’s practice is in-person one day a week at Dr. Jill Carnahan’s clinic and the rest of the week is spent in remote consultations. [7:30] Dr. Nicole uses muscle testing to communicate with a patient's nervous system. Whether an arm is strong or weak can tell you a lot about what is going on with the rest of the body. [7:55] Dr. Nicole looks at the body three ways. Is there something structurally wrong, chemically absent, or are there emotional issues? Unresolved stress has physical impacts on the body and dealing with that stress often results in the physical symptoms disappearing. [10:00] Dr. Anna went through a period of post-traumatic stress which resulted in early menopause and infertility. This put her on a journey to learn about stress and understand its impacts on the human body and how it can be reversed. [11:35] There are multiple forms of stress. It can come from your emotions, your food, or the electrochemical environment you are in. When you feel emotional stress that you can’t control, addressing your diet and removing those sources of stress can make your emotions easier to manage. [12:45] Dr. Anna recommends to her patients to write down their stressors and controls on a piece of paper. Pair each thing that stresses you with something you can control to minimize issues. [14:25] Unresolved stress is often deeply rooted in the body and the most common way of dealing with it is ignoring it (aka. Not dealing with it). If you are responding to a situation like a six year old, it’s probably due to an unresolved stress from when you were younger. [16:20] There are different techniques and treatments that can help deal with this kind of stress, you just have to test and experiment to find the one that’s right for you. [17:25] Adverse childhood experiences deeply affect us throughout life, but especially during periods like menopause where there is a drop in progesterone. Anytime cortisol levels are higher it’s going to ignite stresses that haven’t been resolved. [19:05] Dr. Nicole sees many women with low hormones living under the thumb of cortisol. The pandemic has only exacerbated the stress issues. [20:05] People with excessive stress experience low energy, irregular period cycles, and interrupted sleep. When you’re overwhelmed with stress, little things can really set you off. [22:30] Weddings are extra complicated and stressful right now. Dr. Nicole uses muscle testing tests to identify and clear emotions around the things they can and can’t control. Often, when past traumatic events do come up you will feel tired and exhausted for the following few days. [25:05] There are a few techniques that you can do at home to run a muscle test but you're best off being in an objective and clear space to get accurate results. Muscle testing is like a physical manifestation of your intuition. [28:45] Don’t let unresolved issues affect your physiology. You have to shed your old self and unresolved stresses. [30:45] When someone comes into Dr. Nicole’s practice, it starts with talking about their history and going deep on their life and what stresses them oute. Then she starts muscle testing to see what the body wants to deal with first. [31:45] When you work with the highest priority issue, everything else will fall into line. You may not need 10 supplements if you deal with unresolved stress or the primary cause of your problems. [32:10] Health is not the absence of symptoms, it’s feeling truly amazing.       Mentioned in this Episode: drnicolehuffman.com @drnicoleNMD on Instagram youtube.com/thegirlfrienddoctor dranna.com/show     Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

Dealing With and Healing Unresolved Stress with Dr. Anna Cabeca and Dr. Nicole Huffman

Are you feeling crazy? It may just be your hormones talking. Dr. Anna explains how your hormones have a direct impact on your emotions and moods, and when things fall out of balance, you can feel like you’ve been swept up in a storm of anxiety, depression, rage, and everything in between. Learn how to rebalance your hormones with the Keto Green diet and supplements, and by doing the things that make you smile. [2:10] There are two days of the year where Dr. Anna allows herself some space, her son’s birthday and angel day. The day her son passed away is an important day for celebrating his life. [3:20] The loss of her son in 2006 took her on a journey, spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. It was a journey that took her around the world looking for answers in trying to understand how to live after such grief. [5:00] Dr. Anna was a researcher before she went to medical school, but all the schooling she had didn’t prepare her for living the experience. Our hormones can play havoc with our moods and physiology drives behaviors. Unhealthy choices can destroy our physiology. [6:15] There are many times in a woman’s life where these hormonal fluctuations occur, including pre menstruation and the hormonal transition into menopause. When you have had post traumatic stress or adverse childhood experiences, it generally translates to more challenges in menopause. [7:05] If you consider the hormonal milieu like a pressure cooker, progesterone acts as a lid to the pot. When you add in stress it increases the pressure, and in menopause when progesterone declines, it’s like taking the lid off the pot. [8:30] In December 2018, there was an article published that explored the second peak of age where women suffer from psychosis. [9:45] There are certain things you should not say to your significant other regarding their hormones. Behaviors that don’t normally bother you will suddenly cause you serious stress during certain periods. Our hormones are integrally related to our neural transmitters and have a serious impact on our emotions. [12:25] Progesterone is the main hormone that all other hormones are derived from. In times of stress our reproductive hormones are sacrificed to create cortisol. Gaba is a feel-good hormone that helps us relax, and it’s directly affected by the downstream direction of progesterone production. [14:20] During Dr. Anna’s second menopausal transition, she experienced severe hormonal disruption. It was a very difficult time before she made the decision to do things that increased oxytocin and supported production of progesterone. [15:55] Oxytocin is the most powerful hormone in our body. Doing things that we find fun and make us smile is crucial to a happy life. Supporting progesterone with supplements also helps with overdrive and burnout. [17:55] When you are experiencing mood swings, it’s a function of your hormones. Estrogen is essentially for the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Most of our serotonin is produced in the GI tract, which is why the microbiome is so important. [19:00] When estrogen and serotonin dip during perimenopause, it affects the amount of glucose produced in the brain which results in brain fog. [20:55] During PMS, women are often prescribed SSRIs. These might deal with some of the symptoms, but you aren’t increasing your natural production of serotonin, which usually results in progressively higher doses. This is why functional medicine focuses first on repairing the gut. [22:45] Dopamine is the other neurotransmitter to think about. It’s responsible for seeking novelty and to have healthy levels of dopamine. You also need healthy levels of testosterone which will increase dopamine, and in turn, can increase the desire for new experiences. [26:30] As our testosterone depletes we feel like we have lost our edge. It can lead to a loss of desire in doing most things. [27:10] We have to address our hormones in a holistic way. When your hormones shift, it’s your body sending out a cry for help. Avoid just powering through until “it gets better” because there is no telling what casualties will be left in your path from that approach. [29:00] There are over 200 symptoms associated with PMS and menopause. If you only hate your husband for two weeks out of the month, it’s not your husband, it’s your hormones. [30:45] Have a good night's sleep (7-9 hours) whenever possible. A relaxing night time ritual is critical. Avoid blue light generated from computer screens. Stretch before bed and do things that help you relax. [32:25] Supplement with progesterone. There are a number of different supplements on the market that you can use that will help balance your hormones overall. [36:20] The dietary changes that we make can improve our willpower and physiology. Break up with sugar and embrace the Keto Green lifestyle. [37:20] Indulge in dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can help with PMS at the time of your period. [38:10] Don’t forget to schedule some play time. Think about the people and activities that put a smile on your face and make sure you make time for those in your calendar. Restoring the hormones of connection will help balance the feelings of isolation and loneliness. [39:50] Nourish yourself so you are not pouring from an empty cup. Avoid things that disrupt your diet and damage your gut microbiome. [40:40] Supplement with herbal combinations like Mighty Matcha Plus and Omega 3. Over 10% of people are poor methylators, so adding methylation support to your supplements is crucial. [44:20] We want to do everything we can to clear our bodies of toxic hormones and endocrine disruptors. [44:45] Tips for helping your wife through hormonal symptoms: don’t mention hormones, be extra nice, helpful, and supportive, draw a warm bath with something sweet, cook a nice healthy meal, serve breakfast in bed, or take your kids out for a run. Every effort will be appreciated. [46:00] You don’t get a reward for being a martyr during menopause. Take care of yourself, and it will make a difference for yourself and your family.     Mentioned in this Episode: youtube.com/thegirlfrienddoctor dranna.com/show   Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

Bipolar or Hormonal? with Dr. Anna Cabeca

Nourish your body from the inside out to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Dr. Anna breaks down the science behind longevity and explores the key supplements to promote health and reduce inflammation, how to reduce and avoid the toxins and endocrine disruptors we face everyday in our lives, and why love is the best medicine of all. [0:15] Longevity begins in the womb. What we do for our health matters for generations. In the past episode Dr. Anna talked about a number of different treatments that were meant to help maintain a pregnancy, but instead resulted in a plethora of negative effects generations down the line. [1:05] There are age reversal techniques that everyone can do that can have tremendous genetic and generational positive benefits. [1:40] The healthier we are as a community and with our relationships the longer we live with a high quality of life. Love, laugh, and give is a great mindset to start your day and end your life with. [3:50] Treatments can have generational effects. Endocrine disruptors like Diethylstilbestrol (DES) were touted as a wonderful, universal drug for pregnant mothers but resulted in numerous negative effects. [4:50] Dr. Anna recently attended the Da Vinci 50 conference and Dr. Gregory Church recommended that the FDA should require third generational animal studies before releasing a medication out to the public. Most medications today do not meet that standard. [6:30] Protect yourself from toxic overload and hormone disruptors. In many places, disruptors can even be found in tap water. [7:30] Another key area that affects our longevity is our epigenetics. If you don’t have your 23andMe health yet, it can be a good idea to get it. Knowing how well you methylate will determine the best types of supplementation for you. [8:40] You also need to pay attention to toxin exposure. Things like fireproof treated fabric can be absorbed through the skin, and particular GMOs can cause issues. [10:05] Anything with PCBs is considered highly toxic. Dioxin, a byproduct from chloride containment processes, can linger in the environment for years and diminishes the production of thyroid hormones. [10:50] A recent patient came to Dr. Anna with low testosterone. Before dealing with the symptom, it’s important to address the cause of the problem. Her approach was to do an endocrine toxicity screen and address the thyroid issues. [12:40] If you’re suffering from low testosterone, we have to ask where the testosterone is going. Is it being converted to estrogen? Is it becoming dihydrotestosterone? These could result in either man boobs or hair loss, so it’s important to understand what is going on. [13:55] Most of us haven’t been aware of the potent complication of endocrine disruptors. We are seeing an overall increase of infertility, early menopause, and early andropause. [14:20] Phthalates are very common in the plastic drinking bottles we use. Avoiding BPAs is also important, which are found in plastics as well as metal food containers. The rule of thumb is to reduce our exposure to toxins as much as possible. [17:30] Off-Gassing of chemicals can also occur in your shower curtain and dry cleaning bag. Switching to a natural fiber shower curtain is an easy, quick fix. [18:00] Even something as innocuous as the receipts you get at the store have BPAs on them. Cashiers should think seriously about using gloves while handling receipts all day. [19:10] Seek out products that have the FDA-certified Organic label. The reverse should be the norm, where foods are labeled as grown with pesticides, but that’s the reality we live in. [20:55] Heavy metals are major endocrine disruptors. Mercury from fish, and lead in air pollution, all impact fertility and cause complications in pregnancy. Dr. Anna often tests patients for heavy metals and recommends natural chelators. Vitamin C and certain foods like garlic, ginger, broccoli sprouts, and more help reduce toxic heavy metals in the body. [27:00] Chromosome maintenance and repair will improve all the downstream symptoms. Telomere erosion and genetic errors age us rapidly. Natural aging can be accelerated through life and environmental stresses like smoking, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and inflammation. [27:50] Inflammation accelerates aging universally, from your hair to your skin to your brain cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, and when they are functioning poorly for a number of different reasons, it leads to rapidly declining energy and fatigue. [29:15] Anyone with autoimmune issues is affected by rapid aging. The lower your basal metabolic rate, the more unhealthy you are. [30:30] Glucose regulation is the number one recommendation from experts in longevity. Keeping your glucose levels steady throughout the day with a diet like Keto Green will certainly help. Especially for women going through menopause, a stable blood sugar and a habit of fasting can drastically improve the quality of your life. [34:10] Sticking with the Keto Green lifestyle leads to more benefits the longer you persist. [34:40] Maintaining a stable glucose level and avoiding the peaks and valleys of snacking and card heavy meals throughout the day is a true hack for longevity. [34:55] If you’re a poor methylator because of your genetics, you will age faster if you don’t intervene. [36:20] We live in a climate-controlled world, and exposing yourself to extreme temperatures can have a major positive impact on your metabolism. Cold plunges have been used for thousands of years to improve performance. [37:10] Supplements can also promote longevity. Things like turmeric, green tea extract, and resveratrol increase antioxidants in the body and promote healthy aging. [39:10] DHEA levels are something you should also try to keep high. Supporting the adrenal gland can help your body produce its own DHEA and keep your levels in the optimal range. [40:35] MNM is a precursor to NAD, a powerful anti-inflammatory and supports the mitochondria. [41:25] Dr. Anna breaks down her daily supplementation regimen which can be found in her Super Woman packs. [45:15] Another supplement mentioned during the conference is spermidine. Certain exercises can help you increase your flow of this natural longevity-promoting substance. [46:40] Stem cell injections have also shown anti-aging effects. As more science is produced supporting those results, the more likely it will be the future of anti-aging treatment. [48:10] If we have an unhealthy gut, we are unhealthy. Keeping the gut as healthy as possible is crucial to hormone balance and longevity. [48:25] Gratitude, meditation, being out in nature, and getting a good night's sleep are all components of a long, healthy lifestyle. [49:25] Most of the time, it’s the things we say no to that make the most difference in your life. [49:50] Love is the best medicine. Love, laugh, and give is the mantra that Dr. Anna lives by and recommends others to do as well.       Mentioned in this Episode: youtube.com/thegirlfrienddoctor dranna.com/show     Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

A Long, Healthy Life with Dr. Anna Cabeca

It’s important to be empowered regarding your health and any intervention you are considering, especially if you are pregnant. Dr. Anna discusses two cases from recent history of medical interventions that were once approved for use with pregnant women, but turned out to have serious side effects, and explains why it’s important to make your own decisions regarding your health.  [0:05] Do no harm is part of the Hippocratic Oath that doctors take which essentially means that doctors are students of harm, and deeply understand the risks and benefits of medicines and procedures. [0:45] There have been a couple of interventions done in the past that were approved until we better understood the long-term consequences, but the initial push back on an intervention is often met with ridicule. [2:00] Dr. Anna recently published a Facebook post saying that pharmaceutical companies should be held liable for vaccine injuries which was met with not one, but two people shaming her for her viewpoint. [3:30] DES was initiated in 1941 and was originally meant to reduce the risk of miscarriage. It wasn’t until 1971 did the FDA pull the drug from the market. It was found that not only did the drug not have the intended effect, it increased the risk of a clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina in girls as young as 8 among other side effects like increased risk of breast cancer and infertility. [5:35] There is an ongoing study of people exposed to DES in utero going into the 2nd and 3rd generations. [7:10] Dr. Anna looks at a study published in 2018 looking at the genetics of grandchildren of people exposed to DES as well as advertisements used to promote the intervention at the time. The advertisements essentially guaranteed a live birth, which was definitely not the case. [8:45] For sons of women who took DES while pregnant, they had a higher percentage of epididymal cysts and smaller testes. If your partner has experienced these symptoms, it’s important to check out the medical records and find out if their grandmother may have taken DES in the past. [10:05] In any case, it’s always better to diagnose cancer sooner rather than later. Research is showing that the third generation of men have an increased risk of hypospadias. [10:35] Gender orientation studies showed a slightly higher percentage of men reporting being gay or bisexual as a result of being exposed to DES in utero. [11:40] More recent studies have revealed a correlation between early exposure to DES and cancer, cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, depression, earlier menopause, and infertility. [12:50] We need to look at the studies and consider the risks of any intervention. We should be accountable for the effects that may happen to not just us, but in additional generations. [13:25] We are what we eat, ate. What our food has been injected with and treated with has an impact on us, especially hormone disruptors which have been shown to have a history of genetic effects. [14:25] We need full transparency of the risks and benefits of any intervention, especially in pregnancy. [15:10] Thalidomide was also FDA approved for pregnant women in the United States in the past and was first thought to help with morning sickness. It was removed from the market in Europe in 1961 because of an incredibly high number of birth defects linked to the intervention. [17:05] Thalidomide can also be transferred through a man’s semen, which can expose their partner to an increased risk of blood clots and autoimmune issues. [17:40] Many drug reps have approached Dr. Anna with some fantastic-sounding treatments, but they often end up having unintended consequences. [18:20] Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis was the first to recognize that children born in midwifery centers did better than children born in a medical center. He showed that by simply having the doctor wash their hands before handling the baby they could reduce childbirth fever to below 1%. For his efforts, he was ridiculed, stripped of his medical license, and had a nervous breakdown. [19:50] It wasn’t until the work for Louis Pasteur confirmed the germ theory did people understand what Dr. Semmelweis was saying. [20:25] Practice medicine that makes sense. Use the best information we have at the time and empower the individual in physical, mental, and spiritual health. We can support our immune system with good nutrition. We can support our minds with gratitude practices. [21:30] Empower your health, regardless of what you may have been exposed to in utero. Treat your body like a temple and do what’s right for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about a treatment. [23:05] Empower oxytocin to be the leading hormone in your body. Every decision you make will lean towards fear or love. Choose love.       Mentioned in this Episode: youtube.com/thegirlfrienddoctor dranna.com/show     Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

First - Do No Harm! with Dr. Anna Cabeca

Dr. Anna talks about turning 55 and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She reflects on how her body has changed and the wisdom she learned from her role models growing up, including a couple powerful insights from her mother, and the unique challenge that is going through menopause while raising daughters going through puberty. [0:25] Dr. Cabeca recently celebrated her 55th birthday on July 28th and managed to do it with her friends and family around her. This experience really emphasized the gift of life to Dr. Anna and made her realize how much you should avoid taking things for granted. [1:30] Aging is inevitable, along with the grey hair and wrinkles that come along with it. The interesting thing is that, despite her age, Dr. Anna has more energy now than she did over a decade ago and is in the best relationships of her life. [2:25] Being 55 is a time of reflection. She has to pace herself and sleep more than before, but after reinventing herself personally and professionally in her 40’s, she is able to have the independence and freedom in her 50’s that she never thought she would. [3:10] The hardest job she’s ever had has been being a single mom, but it’s been a wonderful experience being a part of her daughter’s lives as they grow. Going through menopause at the same time as a daughter going through puberty has been uniquely challenging though. [4:15] What were your dreams as a child? Tapping into that vision can have a powerful influence on your future and the rest of your life. Dr. Anna is not living the life she expected, but one that’s even better. [4:50] Having the time to be there for her daughters has been a big improvement, which wasn’t possible when she was a busy OBGYN being run off her feet. [5:20] Dr. Anna had a number of role models growing up, each of them strong, powerful women. She witnessed her mother in life and death give love everyday of her life and the lessons she learned from her shaped Dr. Anna deeply. [6:05] Your education is something that no one can take away from you and you won’t put your hand out to anyone. Travel is your best form of education. Learn from the languages people speak and the way they greet you. That’s how you get to know culture and understand people better. [6:40] What are you teaching to your children? What will your legacy be? [7:00] Keeping a vision for the future is a powerful gift. At 55, Dr. Anna is able to appreciate the smallest things and understands that she often needs to do less instead of pushing for more.       Mentioned in this Episode: youtube.com/thegirlfrienddoctor dranna.com/show     Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

Looking Back At What I’ve Learned Over The Past 55 Years with Dr. Anna Cabeca

Shawn Wells is on the Girlfriend Show to talk about why purpose and intention, when combined with exercise and nutrition, is the foundation for a healthy long life. Learn how to detox your body and your life with the ENERGY formula, how to biohack your body with powerful natural supplements, and the secrets to making the most of the ketogenic diet. [1:25] Writing a book is a major undertaking. Shawn recently spent the last year and a half of his life working 30-40 hours each week, getting all of the pieces together for his latest book. [3:05] The ENERGY acronym stands for Experiment, Nutrition, Exercise, Routines, Growth, and Your Tribe. For the last 20 years, Shawn has been accumulating and amassing all of this knowledge and the book was his attempt to put it all into one easy-to-consume format. [5:35] What does biohacking mean? There are shortcuts to improving your vitality and biological function, like bulletproof coffee, sun gazing, cold plunges, and red light saunas. It’s the mashup term for hacking your biology. [7:10] Hacktivism is the use of hacking for the greater good and Shawn used this idea for the basis of the book. The more you are energized and alive, the more you can connect with the world around you. [8:00] Before going to medical school, Dr. Anna worked with the military training deep sea divers. This experience came into play in Dr. Anna’s own journey of being stressed and depressed after going through early menopause and living a difficult, fast paced life. [10:00] The less mitochondrial function you have, the less energy you have. Not having sufficient cellular energy will lead to more inflammation and stress the mitochondria even further. [11:20] There is a psychological component at play. You can be your own placebo by shifting your mindset and reframing a situation in a positive light. The trouble is that most people reframe things negatively by default. [13:40] There is a positive or negative charge to your thoughts and those thoughts can affect the smallest physiological processes in your body. [16:10] Exercise snacks are a unique idea that’s floating around where small bursts of movement spread out throughout the day are more impactful than one hour of concentrated activity. So many of our physical issues are a result of the typical sedentary lifestyle as our bodies adapt. It’s important to keep our bodies in motion, whether that’s planks or squats for a few minutes each hour. [20:30] 88% of the population is in a state of metabolic dysfunction and heading toward insulin resistance. This resistance will exacerbate the energy gap and the fastest way to solve this issue is having an alternate source of energy in ketones. This is where the keto diet comes in. [22:45] Insulin resistance is the hallmark of all biological aging. Around 1% of disease is genetic; the 99% is metabolic and driven by being insulin resistant. The standard American diet and lifestyle is mainly to blame for why so many people in the West are getting sick and tired. [26:10] When Dr. Anna shifted to a ketogenic diet, she saw a major shift in her energy level and focus. Getting into ketosis is incredibly powerful for healthy brain function. [27:10] If you’re not getting the results you want from your keto diet, you are probably not eating enough fat. You have to shift away from the idea that “you are what you eat,” to “you burn what you eat.” If fat is the number one macronutrient in your diet, your body will optimize to become a fat burning machine. [28:40] The latest keto snacks and treats may also be a source of problems. Trying to eat a ketogenic version of the traditional Western diet may put you in the awkward state of not being optimized for either mode. It’s also very easy to go overboard on these types of products. [30:15] Your energy level is your best indication that you’re succeeding on the ketogenic diet, not your level of ketones. If you’re not testing your ketones, you’re guessing. [32:40] Don’t worry too much about your glucose levels going up after eating food; the important thing to watch is how quickly it comes back down. Feast days are good for making sure you don’t become metabolically inflexible. [34:05] Snacks destroy men’s and women’s metabolisms. The idea of balancing your blood sugar by snacking all day has not worked out well for people. [35:50] The number one place to start is to dump ultra processed food, move your body, stop snacking, and stop thinking you need dessert after every meal. Eliminating the snacks before you adopt a ketogenic diet will only make it more effective once you do. [37:55] Nootropics are substances that grow your mind and enhance brain function. One of the reasons that keto is so effective for most people is that it turns the lights back on in your mind so they don’t have to compensate with caffeine and sugar. [38:40] Healing your metabolism and allowing it to properly use glucose is going to enhance your energetic states and grant better brain function. [41:30] When your mitochondria can’t get the fuel they need, everything in the world starts shutting down. With the ketogenic diet, it reduces oxidation and inflammation, and without it, the cells become overworked and stressed and just break down into disease states over time. [43:40] MCT oils, especially C8 MCTs, are effective ketogenic supplements. Berberine has also been shown to be effective at helping type-2 diabetics, but it also has effective anti-aging properties. [48:00] Metformin was originally brought to the market to combat influenza and not type-2 diabetes. There is a chance that Metformin and Berberine may actually help with viruses like Covid-19. If diabetes and obesity are comorbidities for Covid-19, they should be focused on as therapeutic pathways to treat the virus. [51:15] Dr. Anna goes over her favorite supplements. Creatine is associated with reproductive health and is naturally found in red meat. Shawn discusses a trace amino acid that is being considered for vitamin status. [54:10] Shawn’s typical morning routine starts with going to sleep at the right time the night before. We are the only species that deprive ourselves of sleep on purpose. Be mindful of your light exposure and proper sleep hygiene so you can get to bed on time. [57:35] Not getting enough sleep makes you acutely insulin resistant. When you chronically don’t get enough sleep, you are chronically insulin resistant, which leads to 2-3 times higher risk of heart attack and being 5 times more likely to have diabetes. [1:00:35] If you ease into waking up, everything is different. Start with gratitude and begin your day with positive thinking and affirmations, some light stretching and a glass of water, and you’ve got a good foundation for a great day. To change your life, you have to change your morning.       Mentioned in this Episode: @shawnwells on Instagram Shawnwells.com energyformula.com youtube.com/thegirlfrienddoctor dranna.com/show     Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

The Energy Formula with Dr. Anna Cabeca and Shawn Wells

In this couch talk clip, Dr Anna Cabeca & Dr Jack Kruse discuss how natural light is linked to dopamine. Dr. Anna Cabeca empowers the modern women to escape the suffering and stereotypes of menopause, returning her to an energetic body, a clear mind, a connected spirit, and a shining example of feminine love.    Come along on a fantastic health journey with Dr. Anna Cabeca and join our thriving community to learn tips to keep you happier, healthier and thriving!!!  Join her community to gain knowhow,  pure inspiration and motivation with Dr. Anna at DrAnnaCabeca.com   -ABOUT DR. ANNA-   Dr. Anna Cabeca is an Emory University trained and board certified Gynecologist and Obstetrician.  In addition, she is board certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and an expert in Functional Medicine and Women’s Health.  She specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and natural alternatives, successful menopause and age management medicine.     Dr. Cabeca is a frequent national and international speaker on restorative and women’s health issues. She serves as a consultant and trainer for other physicians in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Functional Medicine Principles.   Dr. Cabeca is the creator of the highly acclaimed virtual transformational programs: WomensRestorativeHealth.com, SexualCPR.com, and MagicMenopause.com. She is also the creator of the superfoods drink Mighty Maca™ and the new feminine anti-aging cream, Julva™. -CONNECT WITH DR. ANNA-   Website: http://drannacabeca.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Drannac/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cabecahealth Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drcabeca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor

How natural light is linked to dopamine - Couch Talk Clips

Dr. Anna tells the story of how she got a big wake up call about her life and health after she got shingles during a recent vacation. Find out why Dr. Anna felt betrayed by her body at first but then came to realize that the shingles were a sign that she needed to slow down and reconnect with what her body needed to thrive and what you need to do to do the same. [0:55] We often get wake up calls in life that tell us there is something better we need to be doing for our health. [1:55] Dr. Anna recently had an experience with shingles after traveling and working across several states. While shooting a documentary with Dr. Trevor Cates in Park City, Utah. she woke up with a lesion on her back. The next day, the number of lesions increased to four. [4:10] Her first response was to be angry at her body and frustrated that, despite eating healthy foods and living a healthy lifestyle, her body still became infected with an uncomfortable disease. But was she really as healthy as she believed? [4:50] Shingles is a disease caused by the chickenpox virus and often ends up buried and dormant in a particular nerve dermatome. Shingles tend to wrap around and stay limited to one half of your body, and often causes a lot of pain, including long-term neuropathic pain after the disease is gone. [7:05] Roughly 1 in 1000 people will experience shingles in their lifetime and the number of adults over the age of 30 getting it has been increasing since 1998. We have to look at what is compromising the immune system of young adults and causing this increase. [7:50] When we are stressed, our body is producing cortisol which is a natural anti-inflammatory hormone. If there is inflammation in your system and you go on vacation, underlying infections can flare up. This is the likely scenario with Dr. Anna’s shingles infection. [10:05] As soon as she realized that the infection was shingles, she immediately started antiviral therapy and increased the immune boosting supplements she was taking. [10:40] Eventually, she was no longer angry at her body for “failing” her but, instead was thankful for her body showing her that she needs to slow things down and take the rest her body was asking her for. [11:40] Between the treatment and rest, Dr. Anna was able to beat the shingles within the week. [11:55] Dr. Anna’s Immune Protocol was crucial to her success in treating the shingles in addition to the power of alkalizing superfoods and higher vitamin intake. [12:50] When it comes to shingles, vitamin D3 is especially powerful as a treatment. [14:25] Vitamin C is our immune champion. It’s necessary on a regular basis because it supports so many vital functions of our bodies. Added together with the other elements of the Immune Bundle, you have a powerful support system for your health and immune system. [17:10] There is a shingles vaccine that you can get if you’re in the US called Shingrex. If you’re over the age of 50 and may have a weaker immune system, it may be a good option for you. [18:15] You need to be thinking about how you are treating your body. Are you taking time to destress? Are you nourishing your body with healthy foods that support a strong immune system? Get ahead of shingles before it becomes a major issue for you.       Mentioned in this Episode: Mama Doctors Immunity Bundle: drannacabeca.com/products/mama-doctors-immunity-bundle Daily Dose Supplements Girl Power - drannacabeca.com/collections/best-sellers/products/girl-power-daily-dose-monthly-pack Hottie - drannacabeca.com/collections/best-sellers/products/hottie-daily-dose-monthly-pack Superwoman - drannacabeca.com/collections/best-sellers/products/daily-dose-monthly-packs Man of Steel - drannacabeca.com/collections/best-sellers/products/man-of-steel-daily-dose-monthly-pack youtube.com/thegirlfrienddoctor dranna.com/show     Always seek the advice of your own physician or qualified health professional before starting any treatment or plans. Information found here and results are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.

Getting a Shingles Wake Up Call with Dr. Anna Cabeca

Couch Talk w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca is an intimate place for intimate conversation about tackling menopause, hormonal imbalance, and sexual health issues with grace and ease. Join Dr. Anna and the world's top experts, and discover how to naturally burn fat, boost energy, sleep better and stop hot flashes the Keto-Green way!

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Couch Talk w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

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