Hey lovely ladies!
Today, I’m diving into some eye-opening truths about women’s health that you absolutely need to know. As a certified coach through Dr. Mindy Pelz’s programme, I’ve learned some game-changing insights that can transform how we approach our wellness. Grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let’s get into it!
The Startling Health Statistics
Alright, brace yourself for some shocking numbers. Did you know that 60% of Americans have at least one chronic disease, and 40% have two or more? And get this – 800 million people worldwide are obese, with 41% of women over 21 falling into that category. That’s nearly half of us! Add to that, 45% of women have high blood pressure, one out of five will develop Alzheimer’s, one out of eight has a thyroid problem, and one out of nine has type 2 diabetes. Oh, and let’s not forget, half of us will face a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime.
Before you get your knickers in a twist, I know these are American stats, but the message remains the same: these stats are alarming. But they underscore why it’s so crucial to take control of our health now.
Understanding Our Rhythms and Hormones
Here’s something we don’t hear enough about: women are rhythmic beings. Our bodies are not meant to operate the same way every single day of the month. If you’re a cycling woman, you’ve got times when oestrogen rules the roost and times when progesterone takes over. These hormones have very different personalities and needs, and our lifestyles should reflect that.
For example, did you know that during the front half of your cycle, your cholesterol levels naturally go up because you need more cholesterol to make oestrogen? So, if you go to the doctor and they find high cholesterol, did they ask where you were in your cycle? Probably not.
If you’re postmenopausal, you still have rhythms! Just because your periods have stopped doesn’t mean your hormonal influences have. It’s about adapting and respecting these natural cycles, whether you’re cycling or not.
The Food We Eat: A Hidden Danger
Let’s talk about what’s in our food. This is a big one, and it really gets me fired up. There are ingredients in our food supply that fall under the category of GRAS – generally recognised as safe. But here’s the kicker: just because they’re in this category doesn’t mean they’re actually safe. Many of these chemicals are known obesogens and oestrogen mimickers, wreaking havoc on our bodies.
Obesogens are chemicals that can cause our stem cells to become fat cells. Yup, you heard that right. These chemicals can literally reprogramme our cells to store fat. No wonder we’re struggling with our weight! And oestrogen mimickers? They sneak into our systems and mess with our natural hormone balance, leading to all sorts of issues.
So, what’s a girl to do? It’s time to get savvy about what we’re putting into our bodies. Avoid the middle aisles of the grocery store where all those processed foods live. Stick to the perimeter where the fresh, whole foods are. Better yet, hit up your local farmer’s market. Know your ingredients and take control of your food choices.
Taking Charge of Our Health
The bottom line is this: we have to be our own health advocates. The current healthcare system isn’t designed to cater to our unique needs as women. It’s up to us to educate ourselves and make informed choices.
Fasting is one powerful tool in our arsenal, but understanding our rhythms and what’s in our food is just as important. Together, these strategies can help us navigate our health journeys more effectively and with greater confidence.
So, let’s take charge, ladies! Let’s be proactive about our health and make choices that support our vibrant, dynamic, and amazing selves.
Stay empowered and healthy,
Ella
P.S. If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re in this together, and I’m here to help you every step of the way!