The Girlfriend Doctor w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

We've always been told how important calcium is for our bone health, but did you know that collagen is perhaps even more important? Collagen makes up over 90% of our bones, joints, and skin and is responsible for giving your body structure and strength. Today's guest, Lillian Zhao, is the founder of Further Foods, a company designed to make natural health easier and more accessible. Surrounded by disease, Lillian knew there had to be another option to traditional medicine. Further Foods was developed as a platform for food-based solutions to health problems when nothing else was there. It's a women-founded and women-led business, one of the only supplement businesses run exclusively by and for women. Collagen is actually incredibly vital for our bodies, especially as we age. Our bodies start to lose collagen as we enter our thirties, so we should be supplementing it from a pretty early age. Not only is collagen important for our bone and skin health, collagen also plays a role in our pelvic and digestive health, as well. You can get collagen from cows and fish and in this episode, Lillian explains how they use these animals to create their natural supplements. Collagen is also full of anti-aging properties and helps reduce wrinkles, especially on your face. There are other delicious and natural food sources with anti-aging properties, too! Have you heard of the importance of collagen? Have you noticed your skin health decreasing as you get older? Do you take a collagen supplement? In This Episode: Why collagen is so helpful for our bodies How much collagen our bodies lose every year What impact collagen has on our bones and pelvic floor as we age Why you should supplement your diet with collagen How collagen helps your digestive health What natural sources you can get collagen from What other anti-aging food sources there are How you can vote with your dollar for the best products for you as a woman Quotes: "Our bones are made out of a matrix. That matrix is 90% collagen and the calcium fills it in. So calcium keeps our bones strong, but when we run, or even walk, all that shock is being absorbed by the collagen inside our bones." (6:52) "Collagen is really unique because it's almost a quarter glycine and you can't get that anywhere else. Glycine is so important for so many different metabolic processes in our body. And it also helps with the sleep!" (13:03) "What I think is really unique about our business is that we've kept it women-owned and women-run. We know that the majority of our customers are women. And if you think about it, there are almost no supplement companies out there that are women run. We think it's so important, because ss women, we understand our needs the best. So we continue to design products for people like us." (17:25) Links Get 5% off your order in the Further Foods Shop with discount code: DRANNA Find Lillian Zhao on Twitter | Medium Find Further Foods Online Follow Further Foods Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest Join the KetoGreen Community on Facebook Buy The Hormone Fix Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

If you've been struggling with your weight, feeling sluggish, and getting no luck with a doctor's diagnosis, you could still have thyroid disease. Unfortunately, most doctors don't have all the answers when it comes to correctly diagnosing hypothyroidism. Today's guest, Elle Russ, has taken her thyroid health into her own hands and now helps other women do the same. Elle has developed and written The Paleo-Thyroid Solution after years of undiagnosed thyroid issues. She has been through it all with the medical system, including being patronized by doctors who are uneducated about thyroid disease. She is a regular on The Primal Blueprint podcast where she discusses thyroid health and the paleo diet. An extraordinary amount of people have to figure out their thyroid problems on their own. Becoming your own thyroid advocate might be the only solution to your health problems. Therefore having a solid knowledge of what tests you should and shouldn't take is essential. Thyroid issues can be caused by a number of different lifestyle influences, some of which you may never have even considered. American diets are designed in a way that makes your body sugar-burning, which usually has a detrimental impact on your health. Optimizing your body to be fat-adapted, which takes at least a month, can already solve a number of health and thyroid issues. Undiagnosed thyroid disease can have an impact on your mental health, and not just hormonal and chemical reasons. But there are other people out there who have solved their own hormone issues. Finding online communities and reading books, like The Paleo-Thyroid Solution and The Hormone Fix, can help exponentially. How long can you go without food? Have you repeatedly been to the doctor without receiving any kind of diagnosis? Do you feel like you can't go more than four hours without food? In This Episode: How the paleo-primal diet works to treat thyroid disease What tests you should and shouldn't take to diagnose thyroid disease What type of influences can cause thyroid problems How stress can affect your thyroid and hormones Why there is more to thyroid treatment than taking medication Why you need to take your health into your own hands and educate yourself How your mental health can suffer when dealing with undiagnosed thyroid problems What the difference is between a sugar-burning and fat-adapted body is Why you need to deal with your hypothyroidism before becoming fat-adapted How following your intuition when it comes to food can have a positive impact on your body Quotes: "I didn't realize I was basically eating and exercising my way into a Type 2 insulin-resistant situation." (13:51) "People sometimes get all of the tests they should, except the Reverse T3, and it's just not comprehensive enough." (25:06) "Perseverance pays, no matter what. I wouldn't be here right now if I was unwilling to accept this state of being." (31:15) "This is a feeling of not being able to live in your own skin. Every minute of the day sucks. And all you can do is wait to go to bed so you don't have to exist." (32:28) Links Get your free Thyroid Health Guide Find Elle Russ Online Follow Elle Russ on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pick up your copy of The Paleo-Thyroid Solution Book your Ulta Lab Tests Join the KetoGreen Community on Facebook Buy The Hormone Fix Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Intermittent fasting is the best way of eating you can follow when you're trying to heal and strengthen your body. By restricting your food intake to a set number of hours a day, your body will look for sustenance from within when you're not eating. Dr. Mindy Pelz joins me today to talk about intermittent fasting. Mindy is a chiropractor and nutritionist, specializing in keto and intermittent fasting for women. It's a way of eating that is beneficial and supportive for the whole family. She started looking for solutions to her own health when she was 43 and felt she was doing all the right things but still wasn't at optimal health. On this episode, we're talking about the benefits of practicing intermittent fasting every single day. From regulating your blood sugar to weight loss, if you're following intermittent fasting and eating the right foods, there's very few people out there that this way of eating wouldn't benefit. Some people find that they have to experiment with their fasting window to find what works best for them. Our understanding of food and nutrition has changed over time, with the discovery of epigenetics and ketones. With this new knowledge, scientists and nutritionists have figured out that intermittent fasting, taking into consideration autophagy, is the way forward. If you're new to intermittent fasting, the best thing you can do is just to get started and learn what works best for you as you go. It might take some trial and error, but this way of eating is far better for you. It's also more effective than caloric restriction if you're trying to lose weight. Have you thought about practicing intermittent fasting? Do you have health problems or difficulty losing weight? Are you ready to take back the power over your own body? In This Episode: Why intermittent fasting needs to be completed along with a healthy diet How you can force your body to find the toxins in it How you can start training yourself to practice intermittent fasting Why you should find the fasting window that works best for you Why ketones are the best fuel for your brain Why you need to consider autophagy when you're fasting What the difference between a dry fast and wet fast is How epigenetics changed our understanding of nutrition What we can learn from a European diet Why fasting is a better way to lose weight than caloric restriction What fast mimicking is and how you should follow it Quotes: "We live in the most toxic time in human history and we really cannot be ignorant anymore, cannot turn our head the other way. We really need to ask ourselves, 'how do we minimize our toxic load?' because it's destroying people's physical and mental health." (9:02) "Ketones are neuroprotective. So the longer you can stay in a state of ketosis, the more healing that is happening, especially in the brain." (18:13) "If you cannot go without for food, if you're struggling to go 10 hours without food, there's a good chance you've got mitochondria that's got a tremendous amount of dysfunction in it." (33:57) Links Find Dr. Mandy Pelz Online Follow Dr. Mandy Pelz on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Join the Resetters group on Facebook Join the KetoGreen Community on Facebook Buy The Hormone Fix Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Have you ever had a disappointment that's turned out to be one of the best things that have ever happened to you? That's the concept of a beautiful no. Today's guest, author, and speaker Sheri Salata is here to talk about her new book and share some of the experiences she's had that led her to write it. Sheri is a writer and producer, co-host of her own podcast The Sheri & Nancy Show, co-founder of The Pillars of Life, and former executive producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is one of the most inspirational women I know, and I'm so happy to introduce her today as my friend. Sheri was 35 years old when she started working on The Oprah Show in an entry-level position. By the time she turned 50, she was working in her high-level position and living her dream career. But was it the life of her dreams? It's so important to know that it's never too late to start living the life of your dreams. But living this life takes regular check-ins with yourself and a healthy group of friends around you to act as a sounding board. You might need to push yourself to get outside your comfort zone. And, most of all, you need to become the expert on who you are, what works for your health, and understand what makes you different from everyone else. Have you experienced a no that turned out to be beautiful? Do you check in with yourself regularly? How do you incorporate meditation into your daily life? In This Episode: Why it's never too late to live the life of your dreams How a no can actually turn out to be an absolute gift to your life Why you need to regularly check in with yourself in order to live the life of your dreams What happens when you push yourself Why you need to become the expert on you and your health How meditation helps you center yourself in your own story Why we need each other to make sense of your life Quotes: "Recalibrating the way I moved through a day. It's an ongoing process, it's not one and done. It's not checking goals off a piece of paper. It really is about checking in with myself so consciously every day that even when I'm making mistakes or I'm not doing some of the things that I know make me feel good, I know I can make a different decision by 4 o'clock." (12:51) "Doing things that are good for me, like medicine, is not inspiring to me. What I've had to change, is that I'm leaning into all the things that really, really feel good. Because I understand how much easier it is to just shower myself with love for myself when I feel good. It's a love practice." (19:51) "Feel empowered and enlivened that you're the expert on you. You're getting to know yourself. You have your own recipe. What works for you is not the same as what's going to bright for me. Your joy is yours to define." (24:05) Links Find Sheri Salata Online Follow Sheri Salata on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Listen to The Sheri & Nancy Show podcast Get the book The Beautiful No and The Beautiful No Experience Join the KetoGreen Community on Facebook Buy The Hormone Fix Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Has your thyroid stopped working? An unhealthy thyroid, caused by Hashimoto's disease or Hypothyroidism, can make you lethargic, overweight, and achy. Today's guest, Dr. Alan Christianson, is joining me to talk about thyroid health and how his new book, The Metabolism Reset Diet, can help you take back control of your health. Alan is a naturopathic physician who, like many of us, began his healthcare journey by treating his own problems. Through diet, nutrition, and exercise, he has more or less cured his cerebral palsy, with his last recurrence in 2016. Alan is using his experience and education to help others reset their bodies and heal "untreatable" conditions. On this episode, we're talking about what you need to know about thyroid disease. Alan explains what can cause a slower thyroid and what some of the symptoms of these diseases are. He also lets us know what the "normal range" for thyroid health is. Alan also talks about some of the natural methods of treating and maintaining thyroid health are and what supplements you can take. As with most health issues, eating the right food and taking daily exercise can only be a benefit. We also talk about Alan's new book, The Metabolism Reset Diet, and how it can help you when you're struggling to lose weight. Have you been tested for any issues with your thyroid? Do you struggle to lose weight? Do you know what you should be eating to support your thyroid? In This Episode: What we need to understand about thyroid disease What are the differences between Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism What can contribute to a slower thyroid What is the normal range for your thyroid What are some of the symptoms of thyroid disease What are some more natural methods of thyroid treatment What are some supplements you can use to support thyroid function What foods should you avoid for a healthier thyroid How exercise benefits thyroid health Quotes: "People with thyroid disease are at higher risk for thyroid cancer and thyroid structural complications. Not a month goes by in our practice where we don't find someone who has hidden thyroid cancer." (9:55) "It takes more than hormones to fix our hormones." (13:56) "For a subset of people who struggle with weight, the issue is that their liver is not working right." (16:18) Links Find Dr. Alan Christianson Online Follow Dr. Alan Christianson on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube Get The Metabolism Reset Diet Book Join the KetoGreen Community on Facebook Buy The Hormone Fix Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

In this episode of Couch Talk, I'm answering all your questions about Julva, my all-natural, anti-aging cream for your vulva. I get a lot of questions from women wanting to find a solution to their vaginal dryness and tightening. Women, maybe just like you, who are looking for something to help them bring that spark back to their sex life. The upcoming Summer of Love Julva Sale is the perfect time for me to let you know all about this product and share some testimonials from women who have been using and loving it! You'll find out how quickly Julva will start to improve your sex life and increase your sex drive… and as women over 40, we all know this is something important, right? I'm talking about what Julva's made of, how I discovered the key ingredients, and how long it took me to create the perfect formula. Julva is made to work for everyone, but if you're finding it too much, I'll explain the different ways you can incorporate it into your daily life. The fantastic thing about Julva is that it's not just for women - men can use it, too - and you can use it on other parts of your body. We're also looking at what other pelvic floor exercises and exercisers you can use in combination with Julva to improve your overall vulva health. Have you lost your sex drive as you've gotten older? Do you have vaginal dryness or pain? Are you ready to get back your libido and reignite your passion? In This Episode: How quickly Julva works to increase your sex drive How you can gain back the elasticity in your vagina What ingredients are in Julva How you can use Julva in combination with pelvic floor exercises to improve vulva strength How you can make your own lubricant What you can do if your vulva is very sensitive Whether or not men can use Julva What other body parts you can use Julva on What other pelvic muscle exercises you can use to improve your vulva health How long it took to create Julva's perfect formula Quotes: "Menopause is mandatory but suffering is optional." (7:32) "Julva's designed to work. Sometimes you need more, sometimes you need less. It's individual." (16:56) "Julva does not contain estrogen. If you are on estrogen, you can certainly keep (and start) using Julva." (18:06) "You want perfect results for a long time so you can enjoy your pleasure, connection, and enjoy your body. The freedom that your body gives you." (19:01) Links Join The KetoGreen Community on Facebook The Hormone Fix Teri Cochrane Follow Teri Cochrane on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Sexual CPR Workshop Series What's Happening to My Hormones? Contact me at: Email Dr. Anna Cabeca Email Dr. Anna's Team Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

A lot of people don't realize that grief and tragedy can take literally years to get to a point of acceptance with it. And while it's a very real process for anyone going through it, so many people around them want you to just "get over it" and stop feeling the way you're feeling. It's not that easy, and today's guest, Dr. Laurie Nadel, is here to tell you how you can use humanity's greatest gifts to work through your pain. Dr. Laurie Nadel is a writer and psychotherapist who spent 20 years on the front lines of many traumatic events, from wars to hurricanes. She's used this experience to fuel her quest and education into grief, trauma, and acute stress. Laurie tells us about another first-hand traumatic event she witnessed, when Hurricane Katrina flooded her house, and what it was like watching your heaviest furniture floating in the rising waters. In this episode of Couch Talk, Laurie shares with us how she was called to the premise of her book, The Five Gifts, and what each of these gifts are. It's easy to get stuck in a "woe is me" thought cycle when a tragedy befalls you. When you practice humility, you learn to reframe your question of "why me?" to "why not me?" This shift in attitude can completely alter your outlook on life and your current circumstances. Perhaps one of the most important parts of this episode is how Laurie explains you can, and should, be there for someone going through trauma and grief. It's not always about being there when they're going through it and then leaving, but about sticking around and supporting them through the long haul. Our loved ones who need help will still need help 6 months and more down the road, too. We talk about the other gifts and how you should take each of them into consideration when you're experiencing and supporting through trauma. We also note that there is a difference between post-traumatic growth and post-traumatic stress disorder…. And bring up the many different experiences that can bring these mental health problems into being. How do you help support your friends and family who are experiencing trauma? Do you apply the five gifts to your life circumstances? When have you witnessed a tragedy bring out the best of humanity? In This Episode: How witnessing the horrors of war caused Laurie to examine different careers What it's like to experience your house flooding from a hurricane How tragedy can bring out the best in humanity What the five gifts are and how they came to Dr. Laurie Nadel How you can apply humility to your tragic situations and experiences What having humility can help us connect to How you can be there for other people who are experiencing grief What post-traumatic growth is and how it is related to post-traumatic stress disorder How extreme weather events can have an impact on mental health How long you should wait before connecting with a friend experiencing grief Quotes: "Healing very often takes 3-5 years and people stop wanting to help after 2-3 months. They want you to be over it." (11:15) "Nobody gets a free pass from suffering. Money doesn't buy you the free pass from suffering. Tragic loss can happen, and does happen, to people on the planet every single day." (16:10) "Patience is the gift that allows us to accept that we are where we are. And it's okay. The heart has its own timetable for healing." (19:08) Links Find Dr. Laurie Nadel Online Follow Dr. Laurie Nadel on Instagram | Twitter Buy The Five Gifts: Discovering Hope, Healing, and Strength When Disaster Strikes Find out more about Zen Mind Space Join the KetoGreen Community on Facebook Buy The Hormone Fix Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

A staggering 30 million women worldwide suffer from pelvic pain, and it's not only those who have had children. In fact, most women go without talking about their pelvic floor out of embarrassment and confusion. A proper pelvic floor exercise routine will help so many aspects of your life, from your sexual and anatomy health to your physical health and wellbeing. Today's guest is Isa Herrera, pelvic floor physical therapist, and we're talking about everything you need to know about having a healthy pelvic floor. Isa first began her research into the pelvic floor after having a baby but also gaining a lot of pelvic pain and frustration. Her leaky bladder and feeling pressure and pain all the time led her back to her OB/GYN who just told her to do Kegel exercises. But they didn't work for Isa. Kegel exercises. Most women have heard of them, but do you know how to do them properly? We move away from the term Kegel to talk about the over 25 different pelvic floor exercises to support female health. By learning how to connect with your body and your pelvic floor exercises, you'll start to improve your problems, day by day. We also talk about how important it is to educate our daughters about their anatomy and Isa gives a surprising example of her daughter's classmate's lack of knowledge. We need to empower and honor our pelvic floor health in a way our children can grasp and understand so they don't have these problems or questions later in life. Do you practice pelvic floor exercises every day? Are you in a constant state of compression? How do you talk to your children about their sexual health? In This Episode: What Kegels are, how to do them, and who they're not good for What a proper Kegel is and why you need to know about the other ways to do a pelvic floor exercise How women should connect with the pelvic floor exercise What strong pelvic floor muscles help with How sitting incorrectly and for long periods of time can impact your pelvic floor muscles What positions are the best to start doing pelvic floor exercises in How to talk to your daughters about their anatomy and pelvic floor Why vaginoplasty isn't the answer to your pelvic floor health problems Quotes: "All pelvic floor exercises, when it involves a contraction, have three things in common. The clitoris should nod, the area between anus and vagina should pucker, and the anus should wink. Those three parts should happen simultaneously. " (7:32) "If you can see it, then you can fix what's not working." (8:51) "Before you can do a pelvic floor exercise, you've got to bring the mind-body connection to it." (12:31) "How do I go about this in a very holistic, honoring way for my child that she gets it, honors it, and knows that she can communicate and ask questions." (21:01) Links Grab your Free The Perfect Kegel Checklist Find Isa Herrera, MSPT, CSCS Online Follow Isa on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Keto-Green is the way of eating, and living I developed when I entered perimenopause, and I've shared it in the hope that it helps other women combat the changes their bodies go through during this time. With a foundation in the keto diet, I emphasize alkaline foods and ensuring your body maintains a neutral pH. Not only has KetoGreen helped women manage their changing bodies, many of lost weight following it! Have you ever wondered how to know if your body is in ketosis? In this episode, I talk about why you need to test your urine to make sure you're in - and staying in - ketosis. When our bodies metabolize in ketosis, we're functioning at our best, and this promotes weight loss, as well. However, while it's important to stay in ketosis, it's also super vital that we're maintaining a neutral pH level. By eating alkaline foods and regularly testing our urine's pH levels, we can keep some of the side effects of the keto diet at bay. I also cover what a typical Keto-Green plate consists of, and what foods we should all be striving to eat every single day. Eating a variety of food is important, but we all need to make sure we're consuming lots of leafy greens daily. Then I take some questions from within my KetoGreen Community on Facebook and answer them! These questions are so insightful and have definitely brought up points that so many people on the Keto-Green diet have considered. What can help one can usually help many! If you have any questions about following the Keto-Green diet, definitely join my Facebook group and share with the community. Do you know when your body is in ketosis? How do you maintain a healthy pH balance to do your best to avoid symptoms like keto breath and keto crotch? What kind of foods are you eating on your Keto-Green diet? In This Episode: What Keto-Green actually is How Keto-Green can help reduce the changes caused by perimenopause What changes perimenopause can cause in your body What benefits does an alkaline urine pH have for the body What kind of vegetables you should eat on the Keto-Green diet How being in ketosis helps your body lose weight and balance hormones What a typical Keto-Green looks like and where you can find some delicious recipes Why you should use pH strips to test your urine Quotes: "Keto-Green is getting our body into a state of ketosis and working together to get our body nourished so that our urine pH is alkaline." (2:22) "Greens add fiber, they add alkalinizers, they're loaded with nutrients to help support detoxification, as well, and that's critical to healthy hormone balance." (6:24) "I recommend drinking a tall glass of water when you wake up, because you want to rehydrate right away." (11:44) Links Join the KetoGreen Community on Facebook Buy The Hormone Fix Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Autoimmune conditions are becoming more and more common, especially among American women. Why is that? And is it possible to reverse these conditions to live a healthy, happy life? Our guest, Palmer Kippola, has successfully reversed her Multiple Sclerosis and now works with others to naturally reverse their autoimmune diseases. Palmer was a healthy teenager, but one day when she was 19, she woke up with pins and needles in her feet. When they didn't go away, and, in fact, got worse, she went to a doctor who told her that, at 19 years of age, she had Multiple Sclerosis and would soon be in a wheelchair. Determined to discover the root cause of her MS, Palmer thought back on her life, and considered whether chronic stress could have been a factor. When she started managing her stress levels, changing her diet, and exercising regularly, Palmer noticed improvements to her autoimmune condition. In this episode, we talk about what it was like getting diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at only 19 years old. Palmer shares how identifying her triggers was crucial to curing the disease and why we need to look at external environmental indicators. She also shares the acronym FIGHTS that she lives by every day and encourages others to, as well. A common question Palmer is asked by others trying to reverse their conditions is "what should I eat?", so she explains what type of diet works well to for autoimmune conditions and gut health… and what foods you need to avoid and cut out of your diet. We also look at clear infections and what these have to do with chronic disease. Then, we look at both the internal and external factors that make up our health and what we can do at a personal level to reduce our exposure to them. And finally, we explore all the different medical tests you can take to truly get to the bottom of your gut health, food intolerances, and autoimmune diseases. Have you been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease? Do you eat a diet designed to give your gut the best food for it? How do you consider FIGHTS in your everyday life? In This Episode: How Palmer reversed her Multiple Sclerosis, healed her gut, and reclaimed her health What can happen when you identify your autoimmune disease triggers Why stress can have a dramatic impact on the development of autoimmune disease How you can keep your immune system healthy during perimenopause and menopause Why the factors of our health are not solely linked to DNA anymore as once thought What FIGHTS stands for and why you should approach your health with it in mind What you should eat to help heal your gut and, more importantly, what you should cut out of your diet How infections are linked to autoimmune disease What the difference between toxins and toxicants is and how you can start to reduce them in your life What medical tests you should consider if you're trying to figure out what gut issues you have Quotes: "We are way more in control of our health outcomes than we ever imagined possible. And even though your doctor may be telling you, "there's nothing you can do, except take medication," I really would encourage people to become the CEO of their own health and well-being, and to do the research, it's there." (11:28) "Food [is] the first place to start because it's the highest leverage of any of the categories that they've examined. And [medical practitioners] often told me that 60 to 80% of their clients or patients saw symptom improvement, or complete resolution, when they addressed their inflammatory foods, took them out of the diet, and added in the nourishing foods." (13:08) "Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, in fact, I've heard that it's found in all grains, different types of gluten, maybe 23,000 different proteins. And it's about as digestible as human hair, which sounds terrible, gross and awful. So it's very difficult for anybody to be able to digest. And more recent research has come out showing that it creates a leaky gut in anyone who eats it." (20:35) Links Get your Free Optimal Food Guide! Find Palmer Kippola Online Follow Palmer Kippola on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Buy Beat Autoimmune: The 6 Keys to Reverse Your Condition and Reclaim Your Health Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Feeling stuck in a rut and in need of a change is an incredibly common feeling. In fact, as we mature and age, this feeling will intensify as we find our priorities and motivations change. Finding you're at a fork in the road can be an exciting time full of possibilities, and today's guest, Sheree Clark, has built her midlife around this concept. Sheree didn't always live and breath change and helping other women in midlife as a health and life coach, but she has embraced this role. Originally, Sheree actually owned an advertising agency with her partner that ran for 25 years - until her relationship ended, too. She was faced with a choice: continue with what she knew or branch out and try something different. Now a healthy living coach, TV presenter, accomplished author, and aspiring speaker, Sheree helps us all learn how to truly appreciate life and teaches us how we can find insight into all the lessons life has brought us. In fact, Sheree actually specializes in raw food and how to overcome career burnout - both incredibly important topics for our physical and mental health. On this episode of Couch Talk, we're talking all things change. How do you know when it's time to make a huge life-changing decision - because knowing when is one of the hardest things to figure out. Sheree also gives us her best method for connecting to your heart and truly listening to find out what it wants to do. She also encourages us all to set up informational interviews with the women who inspire us. Perhaps most importantly, she talks about the difference between feeling stuck with where you are in life and actually feeling content with where you're at. Have you been feeling stuck and not sure what to do about it? When's the last time you made space to truly listen to your heart? How have your motivations changed as you've gotten older? In This Episode: How to know when you need to start doing something else with your life How to ask and listen to what your heart what it wants What an informational interview is and how this can help you find your authentic voice Why our motivations change as we age How to know when you're at a fork in the road What the difference between feeling stuck and content is Quotes: "I loved it until I didn't, and when I didn't, I decided I needed to do something else." (2:06) "I think it's okay to feel done with things." (8:45) "When we don't feel our best, we can't be our best." (16:22) "I want to be the best I can be in this body because it makes me smarter and funnier and happier and better to be around." (17:31) Links Grab your Free Gift: What the Fork are you Waiting for? Find Sheree Clark and Fork in the Road Online Follow Sheree on Facebook | Instagram Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Falling in love is the easy part. The chemical reaction in your body when you find someone to share your life with is fun, exciting, and adventurous. It's staying in love that's hard. Today, I'm joined by relationship expert, Arielle Ford, about how keep your relationships alive, thriving, and full of love. Arielle has been in the relationship game for a long time and has researched and written so many books on the subject, including The Soulmate Secret and Turn Your Mate Into Your Soulmate. Her work has helped women across the world find love and connect with their husbands on a deeper, more understanding and emotional level. I actually met Arielle through JJ Virgin who met the love of her life following Arielle's advice. Being in a loving marriage herself, Arielle expresses that while she was in love with her husband, when they first got married she wished she knew more about how to make relationships work. There's a lot more to it than just a feeling of love. She describes some of the 9 irreconcilable differences that most relationships face and how you can come up with creative solutions - not compromises - to get around them. Statistically, one of the biggest causes of divorce is differences in opinion about how to spend money. Arielle shares a very personal story of the creative solution her and her husband came up with when they first got married and had different financial backgrounds. Open and honest communication is paramount in a relationship and so many issues can be reconciled just by talking about them. We talk about the concept of women being pleasure puppies, which, essentially, means that women need to make self-care a priority in their everyday life. In the same vein, women need to be aware that we are responsible for our own happiness, not our husband's, though of course, when you're working together as a well-oiled machine, mutual happiness will come much easier. Arielle gives some helpful tips on how to use positive reinforcement with your husband to help get rid of any bad habits - that's right, no more screaming matches!! It all comes down to making your husband feel like your hero. Do you withhold sex from your husband out of punishment or just not being in the mood? How do you prioritize your husbands wants and needs and show him that you love him? What do you do to reignite a spark that's maybe starting to go out in your relationship? Let me know in the comments. In This Episode: What the 9 irreconcilable differences in most relationships are How coming up with creative solutions to your differences is the key to a lasting relationship What to do when you disagree about money in a marriage What to do when you're starting to feel out of love with your partner Why you should have sex with your partner even when you're not in the mood Why women need to become pleasure puppies How to make your husband feel like a hero What The Platinum Rule is How to have clarity on what kind of partner you want to manifest into your life Why you need to have S-E-X before a first date How to fast track or reignite a relationship spark Why it's sometimes okay to go to bed angry Quotes: "So the truth is real, adult, mature, love is a behavior. It's a practice, it's a decision, it's a choice, it's an action, it's a way of being. And yes, you can be with your true soulmate, and have days or moments when you hate them. And that is also normal. It doesn't mean that you don't love them." (11:33) "[Understand] your husband isn't there to make you happy. But you can train them how to make you happy… It's called positive reinforcement. And for those of you who are thinking, "well, this is how you train dogs or dolphins." Yes, yes, it's the same technique. But it works." (16:08) "And the reason for [your 2nd and 3rd divorce] isn't that you keep choosing the same person over and over again. The reason is you have not grown and changed. Because if you had grown and changed, you would be attracting a better partner." (28:29) Links Join Arielle's Masterclass to Attract Your Soulmate Find Arielle Ford Online Check out Areielle's Books Follow Areille on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

When it comes to the food we eat daily, it's astonishing to learn how our farming practices have changed so much over the decades. It used to be possible to consume all our necessary vitamins and minerals through food. But now, it's become a bit of a minefield to ensure we're reaching recommended daily values and consuming food from sustainable sources. On this episode of Couch Talk, I'm joined by Autumn Smith, co-founder of Paleovalley, to talk about how she healed her body by switching to a paleo diet. It was almost out of nowhere that, as a teenager, Autumn started showing symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as SIBO and IBS. However, at the time, not much research was done into this area of health, so doctors were stumped as to what was causing her to feel unwell. As a professional dancer, Autumn was fit, but she describes herself as unhealthy as she gives us a glimpse into what a typical day in her life would have been. But with the help of her husband, she completely overhauled her diet. These changes included grass fed and grass finished beef, plenty of leafy greens, and getting loads of Vitamin C in her daily diet. In fact, her healthy changes supported her through a wonderful pregnancy and postpartum experience! Her companies, Paleovalley and Wild Pastures, offer customers a chance to get the highest quality beef and other meat products, supplements, protein, and snack bars that you know will be of the highest quality and freshest ingredients. Through our chat, it becomes clear how passionate Autumn is about the paleo way of life and how this is reflected in her healthy vibrance that exudes throughout this episode. Autumn tells us what micronutrients she feels are vitally important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and I have to agree with all of her recommendations! We also talk about how exercise is so necessary and beneficial to support your healthy lifestyle. Do you think about your micronutrients on a daily basis? What type of exercise makes you feel like you're bursting with joy? How do you prioritize you and your health every single day? In This Episode: What a day in Autumn's life looked like before and after she found the paleo diet How you can be fit but unhealthy How you can heal both SIBO and IBS through the paleo diet How to have a healthy, vibrant pregnancy and postpartum Why you need to prioritize yourself How our food culture has changed over the decades Why we should strive to get our micronutrients through food, not supplements What micronutrients we need on a daily basis How you can work an active routine into your daily life What the benefits of yoga are to a stressful life How we can start raising our children with healthy habits Quotes: "But what I was noticing is I was really fit, but I wasn't well. And it was kind of like my clients, people I was working with, they were working their buns off to look great, but not necessarily energized. They weren't joyful all the time." (4:55) "[I had to] prioritize my health in every sense of the term. And that's kind of what it's been like to get me here. [Even now,] it's not like I've arrived. I'm still working at trying to prioritize appropriately." (9:36) "Ask yourself, if everything burned the same amount of calories, what would you do? Like, don't listen to me. Go out there and find something that makes you feel like happy in your heart. For me, it's like a little dance party that I never dread. I look forward to it. I leave feeling amazing." (28:45) Links Find Paleovalley Online Find Wild Pastures Online Follow Paleovalley on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Follow Autumn Smith on Facebook Products Mentioned on the Show: Use code cabeca10 to get 10% off! Grass Fed Organ Complex Essential C Complex 100% Grass Fed Bone Broth Protein Superfood Bars Wild Pastures Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter If you liked this episode, you should probably check out these past episodes: 139: The Hormone Fix w/ Dr. Anna Cabeca 137: How Essential Oils Can Help Reduce Chronic Stress, Migraines & More! w/ Dr. Mariza Snyder 036: Are You Paying Attention To What Your Poop Is Telling You? w/ Dr. Marisol Teijeiro

Whether you've never been in a long-term relationship, feel like you need to grab the next man you meet, or you're finding your way back to life after a divorce, it's never too late to find love. As our guest, Dr Diana Kirschner, explains, when you're willing and ready to put yourself out there to find Mr. or Mrs. Right, miracles happen. The perfect mate for you is out there. Dr. Diana is a psychologist and renowned love expert who has helped millions of people find their soulmate, written multiple books, and frequently appeared on TV programs to help the nation find love. Being born into a world where she wasn't part of a loving family to finding and marrying her soulmate of 35 years, Dr. Diana is definitely someone to admire. She attributes her healthy relationship to all the techniques that she uses in her newly re-released book, Love in 90 Days. These methods include falling deeply in love with yourself, mindful talking and listening exercises with your partner, and being intimate regularly. It's about restoring our confidence and feeling so comfortable with who you are that your partner never wants to let you go. In this episode, we're talking about the rule of three and why you need to apply it to every aspect of your dating life. We share how to find the essence of who you are and the importance of renaming yourself. And, maybe most importantly, how you can live with love in your life every single day. I share that after my divorce in 2010, a phrase I felt connected to was "I can't go back, but I could have stayed in." Dr. Diana explained to me why this type of thinking is counterproductive to healing after a divorce. And on top of this, why you should be on the lookout for an upgraded model of your ex, a "Jim+", so to speak. Have you recently gone through a divorce or breakup that's left you reeling? Are you in love with yourself? How do you prioritize sex in your relationship? In This Episode: What the Rule of Three is and why it's important to follow this when you first start dating How you can learn who the essential YOU is and rename her How you can rely on the same inner confidence you've had since you were a teenager What the 8 habits of living love are Why you should always prioritize sex with your partner How you can practice listening to your partner for a healthier relationship Where you can search for a new relationship Quotes: "So even if you're 63, you are feeling like you're 18! You are programming yourself to be the Vivacious Vixen, right? You are dressing that, you are playing with that, and it works! It really, really, really works. And so what happens is you get all the wisdom of your age, but you also get all the youth and vitality which makes you unstoppable." (9:30) "The friendship is the basis of the whole thing. And if you're alienated, you don't know what's going on with each other. So you don't have the friendship. So you want to really make the friendship happen. And you don't know, so you need to hear. You really need to hear." (17:19) "There are a number of proven ways to heal heartbreak. Heartbreak actually causes pain in the physical part of the brain that registers physical pain. Like if someone punches you, that same part of the brain registers heartbreak. That's why it's so horrible." (23:06) Links Buy Love In 90 Days and get $1000 in Freebies Find Dr. Diane Kirschner Online Follow Dr. Diane on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter If you liked this episode, you should probably check out these past episodes: Nuances to exercising over 50! Oh the joys! Re-thinking Your Cervix: Pain, Orgasms And More Turn Your Mate into Your Soulmate

Brain fog, menstrual memory, dementia, and Alzheimer's are all conditions and diseases that affect our brain. All of us worry about those times when we forget something, and in our 20s and 30s it's usually not a big deal. But when we get older, into our 50s, 60s, and beyond, the concern can definitely be real -- are we losing our memories for good? Oftentimes, the cause for these illnesses starts well before we're even aware that we have a problem, but there is good news. You can fix your brain! And today's guest and expert, Dr. Tom O'Bryan, is here to tell you how. Dr. Tom O'Bryan is a leading expert, author, and specialist, studying how gluten-containing foods impact our gut. He's basically the Sherlock Holmes of chronic disease. His latest research shows the links between gluten, the gut, and the brain and highlights how important it is to have good immune health. Today we're talking about the changes your body goes through that means you might test positive for Celiac disease later in life. We learn about oral intolerance and explain why it's something you need to understand to start managing your gut symptoms. Plus, we're looking at the factors in early to mid-life that can contribute to issues, gut symptoms, and poor brain health later in life. Dr. Tom also goes over what simple changes you can make in your diet and fitness routine to help promote healthy brain function. Finally, we're looking at the blood tests you can ask your doctor for if you're really worried. Are you worried about your memory? Do you suffer from brain fog? What changes to your diet have you made to try to help your symptoms? In This Episode: Why everyone should know what their normal fasting glucose is What the connection between the gut and the brain is What happens to cause Celiac disease later in life What loss of oral tolerance is and why it's important to understand Why wheat can change from a minor to a major irritant Why living a stressful life can cause menopausal memory What simple and basic food changes you can make to improve your brain health What tests you can ask for to help diagnose these health problems Quotes: "These tests that - in general doctors use that tell you are you sick? Or are you healthy?- Can actually be interpreted from 'where are you on the scale?" (6:45) "70% of people with a sensitivity to wheat have hypoperfusion of the brain, a decreased blood supply to the brain." (12:58) "When your ovaries start shutting down it's the job of your adrenal glands to start ramping up and making about 1/10th the estrogen that your ovaries used to make." (27:48) Links Find Dr. Tom O'Bryan Online Follow Dr. Tom O'Bryan on Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter Pick up your copy of You Can Fix Your Brain and all of Dr. O'Bryan's bonuses Download the first chapter of You Can Fix Your Brain Learn more about Vibrant Labs Check out the full episode page Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

When you're going through menopause, gaining weight, suffering through hot flashes, and having trouble sleeping are just the tip of the iceberg. You're probably feeling forgetful, anxious, and moodier than ever before. Not to mention your sex drive has probably gone kaput. It's all over from here - or is it? Fixing your hormone issues naturally sounds too good to be true, right? Well, I'm here to tell you that it's not! Getting your hormones back on track is within your reach - all it takes is a little bit of determination and know-how. And I know you can do it. In this solo episode, I'm sharing with you what makes my new book, The Hormone Fix, so special. It's full of practical advice from years of my own personal experience fixing my hormones, plus working with thousands of women to support them through menopause. These methods work, plain and simple. I'm excited to share with you what my book is about, but most importantly, why it exists. Thank you so, so much to all my friends, family, fans, and clients - without YOU, I wouldn't be here writing this book. I appreciate you all so very much. Throughout the episode, I'm reading excerpts from The Hormone Fix to tell you what my story is and why I started on this journey. You'll learn what the diet plans in the book are and why I've developed them specifically to help guide you through menopause. And how these diet and lifestyle changes helped to heal my daughter from a young age. Do you want more energy? Are you having trouble losing weight or keeping the pounds off? Do you wish you had a clear head, instead of this constant brain fog? In This Episode: My personal story and why I started trying to fix my hormones Why I'm eternally grateful for my clients What my new book, The Hormone Fix, is about and how it can help you How going through menopause doesn't have to be the end of your libido Why you're probably feeling tired and hot all the time once you hit menopause What hope is out there to help you through your menopausal years and beyond How The Hormone Fix can help you live a longer, healthier life What diet and lifestyle plans are included in The Hormone Fix Quotes: "So I know that moment when you're ready to do anything. You want things fixed - now! But you may also have lost hope that it is still even possible." (9:58) "I know this because I often meet women after they've tried everything else and have gotten fed up with their medical care and yet still haven't given up given up hope. And I also know what you're going through because I've been in this terrible place twice." (12:02) "With The Hormone Fix, you'll be well on your way to slimming down, feeling more energized, and enjoying clearer thinking." (22:22) Links Buy The Hormone Fix Find Dr. Anna Online Follow Dr. Anna on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Mentioned Programs: Magic Menopause Sexual CPR Breeze Through Menopause 10 Day Plan DrAnna.com/book

A staggering 80% of women across the world will have noticeable hair loss by the time they're 60 years old. Hair loss can affect our appearance and confidence, but perhaps more importantly, it can indicate some underlying health issues or nutrient deficiencies. Today's guest, Dr. Shel, is an expert in women's hair loss and dedicates her life to supporting women through their hormonal changes. Dr. Shel is no stranger to hair loss. When she had her second child in her 30s, she noticed some postpartum hair loss. It was important for her to find the cause of it -- and it was her research that led her to help other women. Dr. Shel works with women all over the world to help them have their best health, both inside and outside. She recommends a consistent vitamin routine to promote hair regrowth and support hormonal balance. She also has courses and e-books designed to help you gain control over your own health. Today, we dive deep into women's hair loss, which affects over 56 million women in the United States alone. Different phases of hair loss require different treatments, but overarching this is a positive approach to your health and nutrition. We also talk about what technologies and surgeries are available when you're just not sure what else to do. Are you starting to lose your hair? Do you know what nutrients you need to keep your hair healthy, shiny, and vibrant? How often do you wash your hair? In This Episode: Why women experience hair loss after pregnancy and in their 40s What the different phases of hair loss are What you need to look at from a nutritional and health point of view to help support your hair What nutrients are vital to help promote healthy hair and whether or not we should supplement for these What technologies are available to help hair regrowth Why the last resort should always be grafting and other surgical approaches What PRP is and why it's important for hair growth What the best hair products are for hair growth and health How often you should really wash your hair Quotes: "80% of all women will have noticeable hair loss by the time they're 60." (1:36) "Low-level laser therapy has been around for decades for hair regrowth." (14:47) "When you combine the laser with the nutrients with balancing the hormones, the results are just incredible." (18:12) "Let's try the natural route first. Let's try to eliminate what may be causing the hair loss first instead of just putting a Band-Aid on it." (24:54) Links Find Dr. Shel Online Follow Dr. Shel on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Buy Dr. Shel's recommended hair, skin, & nails products on the Website Pick up the I-Grow Laser for yourself Learn more about Vibrant Labs Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center 1437 Highway 6 – Suite 100 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Check out the full show notes including behind the scenes footage here! Keep up to date with everything Couch Talk & Dr. Anna Connect further with Dr. Anna on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube If you liked this episode, you should probably check out these past episodes: 137: How Essential Oils Can Help Reduce Chronic Stress, Migraines & More! w/ Dr. Mariza Snyder Understanding How Genetics Impact Health — Couch Talk With Dr. Mary Louder The Hormone Roller-Coaster Of Perimenopause

We all know what it feels like to be rundown, stressed, and on the brink of burnout. My guest, Dr. Mariza Snyder, a specialist in using essential oils for hormone health, shares today how and why you should be including them in your health care routine, including as a way to reduce stress. Like so many natural practitioners, Dr. Mariza had a youth plagued with headaches, weight issues, and hormonal imbalances she attributes to family legacy, or a "woman's plight." She knew that something had to change, so set out on a quest fuelled by nutritious food and daily exercise. When a friend recommended she try an essential oil blend to help protect her against illness, Dr. Mariza's life changed. Learn what the magic blend was that kept Dr. Mariza from getting ill for 3 and a half years, after getting sick 5-7 times per year. See how prioritizing self-care and daily defense can have a positive impact on your hormonal health. And then discover how different essential oils can help with different aspects of your life: sleep problems, energy depletion, headaches, and menstrual migraines. Do you have too much stress in your life and not enough stress reduction techniques? Do you know how to implement natural remedies to help with common hormonal problems? How do you make time for you? In This Episode: How to learn to put yourself first How bringing self-care and establishing good boundaries affects your relationships How you can use essential oils to help you ground down How essential oils can help you manage your stress levels What instant energy is and how this oil blend will boost your mood How to figure out what oils you need at any given time What the best essential oils for sleep are What the "Menstrual Migraine" is and how essential oils can help with this Quotes: "As a Latina woman, I felt that my worth was predicated by how much I did for others. I had to really wrestle with that belief.(2:30) "Letting go of what's not serving you, removing yourself or putting some hard lines between those healthy relationships, creating those boundaries really does free you up to be your best self and to have better-nourished relationships." (4:45) "I always tell people that the orange blossom or the sweet orange or the wild orange - I dare you to stay mad after breathing that oil. Try! Try to stay upset, try to stay frustrated. That oil will shift you so quickly from a state of distress to a state of happiness like that!" (13:49) Links Pre-Order The Essential Oil Hormone Solution Find Dr. Mariza Snyder Online Follow Dr. Marisol on Facebook | Instagram Listen to Essentially You Check out the full show notes including behind the scenes footage here! Keep up to date with everything Couch Talk & Dr. Anna Connect further with Dr. Anna on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube If you liked this episode, you should probably check out these past episodes: Are You Paying Attention To What Your Poop Is Telling You? with Dr. Marisol Teijeiro How Dr. Terry Wahls Diet Can Boost Your Immune System & Help With Chronic Pain? The Hidden Culprit of Sleep Disorders Nobody Talks About — Couch Talk With Dr. Michael Gelb

Poop. It's something we all do, some more frequently than others, but it's not something we often talk about. Getting into the nitty-gritty of your daily dooty can help diagnose all sorts of health issues, and that's just what our guest, Dr. Marisol Teijeiro does. Dr. Marisol is a qualified naturopathic physician who specializes in lifting the lid on poop. Her passion for cleansing the gut started from an early age when her and her mother would examine their weekly movements to try to see what was up with their health. Now known as the Queen of Thrones, Dr. Marisol helps women diagnose and treat health issues and tame menopausal symptoms by looking at their poop. Find out exactly what Dr. Marisol's 11 golden nuggets are and how they relate to your gut, mental, and spiritual health. You'll also learn how much you should be pooping every day (hint: probably more than you think) and why you should be aiming for movements that don't smell and leave behind no mess. And lastly, you'll find out how menopause affects your bowel health and why castor oil becomes such an important supplement as you age. Do you have a bowel movement every day? Do you know what the color of your poop can indicate? How do you connect your gut health to your spiritual health? In This Episode: What your poop and Dr. Marisol's "11 golden nuggets" are really telling you How much you should be pooping and how many bowel movements you should be having a day -- yes, a day How changing your lifestyle can help you achieve your dreams What "hyper wiping" is and why you should strive to "wipe once and wipe clean" What the perfect poop is: it shouldn't smell, float, or leave any mess How the color of your poop indicates possible health issues How menopause affects your poop and what you can do to mitigate those effects Why you should increase castor oil in your diet to improve your gut health Quotes: "If you're constipated, you feel bloated, your pants don't fit, you feel just horrible: foggy brains, you feel off/sick, and then when you're running to the bathroom all the time, you're scared to have a social life because first thing you do when you go somewhere new is to scope out the bathroom - because heaven forbid you have an accident." (4:26) "I cannot get a patient healthy if they are not having regular brown banana bowel movements." (7:11) "The digestive tract is like Toronto's Union Station: a central hub where everything happens." (12:51) Links Find Dr. Marisol Online Follow Dr. Marisol on Facebook | Instagram Learn more about Castor Oil Packs Check out the full show notes including behind the scenes footage here! Keep up to date with everything Couch Talk & Dr. Anna Connect further with Dr. Anna on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube

On this episode of Couch Talk, Dr. Anna Cabeca discusses with Dr. Tara Miller about the effects of trauma, stress management, and the benefits of self-regulation therapy (SRT).

On this episode of Couch Talk, Dr. Anna Cabeca discusses with Katie Wells about the top three parenting tips that she practices, that have made her life easier, and family healthier.

On this episode of Couch Talk, Dr. Anna Cabeca discusses with Dr. Michael Gelb about sleep disorders, sleep problems, and breathing and respiratory issues affecting sleep.

On this episode of Couch Talk, Dr. Anna Cabeca talks to Dr. Mary Louder about how genetics impact our health and how can you enhance your overall life, health, longevity, and life quality through your genes?

Dr. Anna Cabeca talks to Tricia Nelson about healing one's hunger. How to manage those challenging food situations like celebrations, and problems with emotional eating which you may have had.

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.

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!)

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! Sign up at FlippingFifty.com/5dayflip. 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!

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!

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/

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…

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

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.

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!

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!

Today I'm talking to a wonderful innovator named JB Owen. JB talked about her background in the male-dominated construction industry and how that shaped her focus on helping other women in business. She has some empowering perspectives for women which I believe will resonate with many of you in my community. During our Couch Talk interview, we also talked about a beautiful product that JB designed for women of ALL ages. I'll give you a little summary of that conversation but you should really listen to the interview for more of JB's thoughts. You will love her! And she has a special gift for my community (see below)! No More Toxin-Laden Sanitary Pads And Tampons! An alternative that is non-toxic, environmentally friendly and fun! JB talked to us about a product that you will definitely want to check out. She is the creator of Lotus Liners, a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative to the sanitary napkins, tampons, and incontinence panty-liners that you may use today; whether for your period, for break-thru bleeding (that many of you experience in peri-menopause and menopause), everyday vaginal discharge or for small urine leaks. While re-usable pads have been around for a while (certainly cloth pads were the only thing available pre-disposable options!), JB has brought quality materials together in an easy to use the product (that becomes its own discreet carrying case)… that is fashionable, too. As an innovator, she wanted to design something that was going to make a difference: a difference for women…in terms of their feminine health (removing absorbent toxins), being cost-effective and fun. And also, she wanted to make a difference in the world that she is leaving for her children. According to JB, in the US alone, approximately 12 billion pads and 7 million tampons end up in landfill sites EACH YEAR. A woman can throw away 10,000 pads and tampons in her lifetime. She thought about women's periods and how negatively they are generally perceived…we view the monthly rite of passage as an intruder and buying all of the disposable products is costly and wasteful… not to mention toxic to our vagina and vulva. And the same goes for all of the sanitary products and panty-liners women use for those little urine leaks as they age through menopause and beyond. She wanted to make these rites of passage a little more positive, kind of fun… with a little fashion even thrown in. See this little pouch to the right? How cute (and convenient) is that? Individual (used) pads can be snapped shut and inserted into a waterproof purse… to wash later when it is convenient for you to do so! Low And Behold, When The Chemicals Are Removed Women Can See Great Health Benefits: So what's really in the materials of these products and what health risk do they pose? JB explains that there are currently no regulations as to the chemicals used in manufacturing disposable napkins, nor are most manufacturers required to disclose the ingredients (pads used in hospitals and institutional settings are regulated). But here is another concern. What are the plastics used in conventional pads? We don't really know… but we know that BPA and BPS, plasticizing chemicals, have links to endocrine disruption, heart disease, cancer and are known to disrupt embryonic development. Tampons may have gone through bleaching processes (possibly using chlorine!), used to give them and pads their "hygienic" white look. This can create toxic dioxin and other disinfection-by-products (DBPs), of which there is no "safe" level of exposure according to the EPA. Even trace levels of dioxin have been linked to abnormal tissue and cell growth, immune system suppression, and hormonal disruption. Not to mention the fact that some pads are laced with odor neutralizers and fragrances, which can have potentially adverse health effects. This is a high price for the convenience of disposable sanitary napkins, one which women should not be forced to pay. Says JB. "I tell women all the time who have cramps, who have horrible fatigue, who have really bad PMS, 'use a Lotus Liner for three months, and I guarantee you will feel different.'" "Women who have chronic yeast infections come to me all the time and say, 'Every single time I wear a disposable I have a flare-up of yeast infection. I wear a Lotus Liner and it doesn't happen." JB talked about how the Lotus Liner product is hypoallergenic, odor resistant, stain resistant and anti-bacterial. It contains no harmful chemical, bleaches, or perfumes that may be harmful for a woman's body. Lotus Liners have been designed with synthetic fibers for the above reasons (hypoallergenic, odor and stain resistant, anti-bacterial) and also, importantly, because they do not hold or retain organic matter. Unlike natural fibers that are short, barbarous and porous, synthetic fibers are 100% smooth, not allowing remnants of menstrual blood to get caught in the tiny crevasses found in natural fibers. Without an overly diligent cleaning

All of us have been touched in some way with the sadness, pain, and loss related to cancer. Today on Couch Talk I am talking with a rising star in the prevention and cure of cancer. Leigh Erin Connealy, M.D. She is a brilliant physician and also a woman who has dealt with hormone problems and cancer concerns herself – throughout most of her life – due to having been a DES baby. Remember DES? Many women in the '50s, who had pregnancy issues, were put on this so-called wonder drug…and then the research caught up with just how toxic this miracle drug was. DES usage by their moms during pregnancy sentenced all of those babies to lifelong risks for cancer and hormone complications, including infertility challenges. Well, Leigh's mom had to take DES during her pregnancy due to some ongoing bleeding. Being a DES baby is probably one of the reasons Leigh became a doctor in the first place…and definitely impacted her focus on and passion about cancer prevention and the importance of hormone dysfunction. Says Leigh, "Your Mess Becomes Your Message." So I am so excited for you all to meet and hear from Leigh today. She is here to talk about how NOT to get cancer and how to keep your hormones healthy! Meet Leigh Erin Connealy, M.D. One thing that stands out the most when talking with Leigh is her dedication to helping people optimize their health. And part of that passion is in getting out the message that cancer is or can be reversible and preventable. She shared with us some cutting-edge diagnostic testing that can also now be done. So exciting. So a bit more about this wonderful physician and cancer expert: Dr. Connealy attended the University of Texas School of Public Health, and then attended the University of Health Sciences Chicago Medical School. She completed her post-graduate training at the Harbor/UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. She began practicing medicine in 1986. In 1992, she founded the Center For New Medicine in Irvine, California, where she serves as Medical Director. Dr. Connealy writes and has been published in monthly health columns for "Coast" and "OC Health", Orange County based magazines and is published in "The Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association" (JANA), along with Healthy Aging Magazine & Townsend Letter. She is also a frequent guest speaker on health topics. Dr. Connealy has published a ground-breaking book, "The Cancer Revolution" which discusses how to reverse and prevent cancer. We'll be talking a bit about her book today. Listen to the interview and you will learn: Why a normal scan or blood test does not mean you don't have cancer. How we all can have cancer cells circulating in our body…and our body's immune system should be killing them…but if not…one cancer cell may turn into a tumor on a scan or ultrasound 10 years later… The cure for cancer is not treatment, it is prevention. The bio-markers that every woman and man should know that relate to their cancer risk That the right DHEA level can reduce all disease and illnesses 80%! Amazing cutting-edge tests such as RGCC circulating tumor cells testing…testing for cells that are responsible for 95% of metastases. The importance of healthy hormones, and how bioidentical hormones can help prevent cancer as well as other inflammatory diseases. And so much more… And one important point that I feel many of us do not think of is that cancer is not an "old" person's disease…maybe it used to be, primarily…but today young people are having old people's problems. Leigh talks about this, how she sees young men in their 20's already having low testosterone issues due to hormone imbalances, due to the xenoestrogens (endocrine disruptors) they are exposed to in the environment. Says Leigh, "I used to tell people you have a warranty until you're 40. But you don't anymore." So it is important – even when younger – to understand all that you can do to prevent cancer, including diet, healthy detox, getting the quality of sleep you need, good stress management, the right nutrients (thru supplementation if necessary), etc.! The Cancer Revolution Dr. Connealy wrote the book The Cancer Revolution because she wanted people to know what is out there and what's available. Most people think that surgery, chemo, and radiation are the only options. Her message is that first, early detection and prevention work. It is the cure for cancer. Number two, if you get diagnosed with cancer, partner with a quarterback functional integrative medicine that takes care of you. The oncologist and the surgeon do their job. The oncologist gives you the chemicals that you may or may not need. Get her book on Amazon by clicking here. But you've got to have a quarterback doctor who's taking care of you like fixing all your nutritional deficiencies, measuring and fixing your hormones, teaching you how to detox, unraveling your mental stress and emotion, providing you with all the targeted supplements, checking your circulating tumor cells and this is wha

Fasting For Greater Health So first, let's just talk about what fasting is. It isn't about what you eat, but when you eat it (although you'll get better health results if you eat a healthy diet when not fasting!). So all of you who are focused on achieving weight management and better health simply by cutting calories…you need to throw that concept out the window! Fasting is when we restrict ourselves from the intake of food, not through intentional calorie restriction, but through meal timing restrictions. I routinely recommend and use a form of fasting called "intermittent fasting" in my women's restorative health programs. This is also referred to as time-restricted feeding, or a 15/9 or 16/8 fasting and feeding window (when the period you are fasting starts after dinner and is roughly a 15-16 hour period, and your feeding time is closer to an 8-9 hour period). There are numerous studies that support the health benefits of fasting. It has been shown to: improve biomarkers of disease (including cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and diabetes), increase metabolic function, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce oxidative stress, reduce cravings, and help people become more efficient fat burners. It also turns out that when people fast, they tend to take in fewer calories as well because they usually eat less overall! I recently provided you with an extensive article (including research) on the health benefits of fasting. You might like to read that along with listening to today's podcast. Today's Special Couch Talk Guest: Nadia Pateguana, ND She's a Canadian naturopathic doctor and has had 15 years of clinical experience helping women and men go through an intensive dietary management program primarily based on the concepts and benefits of fasting. She currently specializes in coaching people with metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and PCOS at IDM (Intensive Dietary Management), working with Dr. Jason Fung, author of "The Complete Guide to Fasting" and "The Obesity Code". We delved into all things fasting! Testing Your Glucose Level Isn't the Whole Story! Nadia talked about how metabolic syndrome, diabetes and so many other issues (hypertension, fatty liver, cardiovascular disease, PCOS…!) are really rooted in insulin management. And while you can test blood sugar at home, you can't easily test insulin so many people don't realize that they already may have an insulin issue. Even if your blood sugar levels test within the normal range, you also have to know what your insulin is doing. According to Nadia 70-80% of US adults have metabolic syndrome! Even though they may test as "normal." We discussed how insulin, a hormone that our bodies produce in response to eating is really a fat storage hormone. Every time you eat your body produces insulin to lower your blood glucose levels and it takes a while for insulin levels to get back to lower levels. So if you eat again too soon, your insulin levels never come down. If your insulin remains high, you store fat. If insulin is low, you burn fat. And what has the highest impact on insulin levels? Refined carbs! So for all of you grazers or snackers out there, or those who think eating more small meals throughout the day is a better dietary strategy than eating a few full meals, it is the absolute worst thing you can do! This means that your insulin will stay high. You will store fat, not burn it. And when you are in this "storage" mode, you will also still be hungry! Listen To Our Couch Talk Interview and You Will Learn: That there is an insulin cycle…and what eating too often – and eating refined carbs and sugar – does to that cycle! Insulin truly regulates weight and hunger! While 70-80% of US adults have metabolic syndrome, how that is expressed is different in each person (diabetes, cardiovascular, fertility issues, poor skin, etc.) Why an intermittent fasting program (like 16/8) is a common, safe dietary protocol that pretty much anyone can do Why more serious fasting programs (like fasting on alternate days) need medical supervision How fasting triggers autophagy (when the body eats up its own garbage and diseased cells…viewed as an anti-aging and disease prevention process) and how long that may take to occur What people can do when starting a fasting program to prevent hypoglycemia The importance of being on a ketogenic-based diet for most people, prior to fasting (this is what we do in Magic Menopause as part of my Keto-green(Keto-alkaline®) diet and lifestyle program!) "Crutches" you can use during fasting that may help you! Such great information and clinical insights. Please share this podcast. You can find Nadia at: https://www.doctornadia.com/ I hope you all will also read my article on fasting where you will also hear about the health benefits of the occasional feast as well!… lots of research to back up significant benefits to your health and longevity!

Today I am talking with a 65 year old woman who is also an avid golfer and lover of life! Nancy has just a truly beautiful attitude about her cancer survival story...how cancer won't define her! She says that cancer is behind her and now her focus is on living her life with her partner Sandy with great vibrance and joy. She did want to share her own personal story, though, relating to the challenges of living with diminished estrogen with no ability to correct those levels due to having had estrogen positive breast cancer. I'm sharing this story with all of you as breast cancer is so pervasive in our community. The Patient Lived...But What About Quality of Life? Nancy talked to us about her cancer diagnosis at the age of 54, and her chemo, surgery and radiation treatments. The good news is that her cancer was eradicated (and now some 9 years have passed since her treatment). The bad news is that the doctors never told her that a side effect of her cancer and treatments would be something called vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy includes such symptoms as vaginal dryness, vaginal pain, loss of libido and diminished sensation. And as Nancy described it, is also takes away one's sexuality. It naturally occurs and progresses as we age due to declining hormone levels, and it can also be a side effect of cancer treatments. On top of dealing with ongoing vaginal atrophy symptoms over the past 9 years, another issue for Nancy has been recurring yeast infections. Seems unfair that a woman has to suffer vaginal dryness - and yet suffer from yeast infections (usually associated with excess moisture!), too! But Nancy is a golfer and self-diagnosed the yeast infections as the result of long days out in the heat while golfing. She didn't realize that estrogen imbalances can also contribute to her getting them. At the time of her treatment, her doctor told her she needed estrogen hormone replacement to address the vaginal dryness and other vaginal atrophy symptoms, but because of her breast cancer that was impossible for her. So, she tried every over-the-counter solution she could to resolve the dry, irritated tissue she was experiencing 24 hours a day, every day. While the cancer was gone, she described the lingering symptoms as, "enduring!" Nothing worked, and the yeast infections continued, too. And Then Nancy Tried Julva Two days after starting Julva®, my feminine restorative cream for the vulva, Nancy was already raving about the difference it made in her symptoms and quality of life! As Nancy put it, she felt "normal" again. And Julva uses pure, natural ingredients, like plant stem cells from the alpine rose, coconut oil, shea butter and DHEA, which is native to our bodies. DHEA has shown to be protective, with research indicating it is beneficial for brain, bone and breast health! In particular, research is very supportive of DHEA in regards to women having had breast cancer. However, if you have had breast cancer always confirm with your doctor what is right for you. You can read much more about the breast cancer and DHEA research here. Learn how, Topical DHEA does not cause an increase in intrinsic estrogenic activity. It only impacts local cells and has not been found to circulate throughout the blood. DHEA may provide a protective role against cancer! DHEA has been determined to be "useful in the treatment of breast cancer" Vaginally applied DHEA has been shown to treat vaginal dryness, pain and other vaginal atrophy symptoms (including libido) especially in women having had breast cancer Going from the Sahara to the Amazon! We also talked about the issue of recurring yeast infections. I have written a very informative article on yeast infections which you can find here. The article also includes the recipe to my favorite DIY (do it yourself) Yeast Infection Treatment! Yeast infections can occur for many reasons and one is either high or low fluctuations of estrogen...another is moisture. Sandy used Julva for two weeks which improved her moisture and other symptoms of discomfort. She literally went from the "Sahara" to the "Amazon", down there! So she once again got a yeast infection. So I told her to add a topical antifungal plus diflucan for 5 days (because she is a golfer in the heat and sweating, we had to be aggressive to get rid of the yeast once and for all). That knocked out the yeast and the Julva she was using improved her vaginal tissue and pH, so after that initial treatment she has not had any other vaginal itching or yeast. And the Julva has improved her vaginal atrophy symptoms and quality of life (and I hear her golf game is even better now, too!). Listen to Nancy Talk About How Every Woman Should Try Julva! I love that Nancy was so willing to share her journey with other women in our community (including all of the breast cancer survivors out there), and she also encourages women who don't even think they need Julva to try it (and guess what? you can try it for free!) Thanks so much Nancy and San

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to renowned author, clinical professor and functional medicine physician, Dr. Terry Wahls about How her Multiple Sclerosis Diet Can Significantly Boost Your Immune System & Help With Chronic Pain.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to Dr. Betsy Greenleaf about how pelvic exercises aren't enough to deal with incontinence. We are also going to talk about your bladder, issues of incontinence, incontinence exercises and treatments.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to Arielle Ford about offering women groundbreaking shifts in perceptions on how to transform their relationship a deeper, more loving, and more fulfilling lifetime love.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to Debra Atkinson about exercising over 50 and how your bad exercise habits might not be serving you well.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to David Perlmutter about what is the importance of your gut microbiome in keeping you healthy and in keeping your brain performing well.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to Dr. Kara Fitzgerald on what you need to know about methylation.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to Dr. Mache Seibel about what every woman needs to know about so she can stop feeling confused about hormone therapy.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo about the importance of blood glucose testing and how people can easily get a handle on their own blood sugar levels.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to Srini Pillay about how to tap into the power of your brain.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to JB Owen about an alternative for the toxin-laden sanitary pads and tampons.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to Laura Steward about her life struggles and challenges and the precious moments along with lessons learned to help you on your own journey.

Dr Anna Cabeca talks to Olivia bryant on how to heal cervix for more pleasure, deeper orgasms and easier childbirths.