Well Beyond 40

Dr. Ann Shippy was a chemical engineer when she became extremely sick and couldn't get the help she needed from healthcare providers. She shares her hero's journey with toxicity and how she became a functional medicine doctor and healed her body. Listen as she explains common symptoms of toxicity, the best ways to test for toxins, and the foods you should be including in your diet to support detoxification. We're exposed to toxins on an everyday basis, and that toxicity can lead to issues like weight gain and autoimmune disease. It's crucial to detox the right way to take back your health!   Key Takeaways: [:48] Dr. Ann Shippy’s career briefing [2:41] How did Dr. Shippy become interested in toxicity? [5:07] In medical school, doctors aren’t trained on the dangers of ongoing toxicity and how environmental toxins can build up in your body, causing issues like autoimmune disorders. [7:11] What are the symptoms of toxicity? [9.40] What are the problems with juice cleanses? [10:20] When you’re detoxifying, you should feel better, not worse. [11:34 What are the top sources of toxins in everyday life? [12:35] What are the best ways to test for toxicity? If you don’t have access to a functional medicine doctor, these are some basic tests that can be done: GGT, ALT, and AST. [13:27] If you have access to a functional medicine doctor, you can do heavy metal testing, as well as tests that measure pesticides, solvents, and even things like glyphosate in your body. [15:30] What are some things you can do to help detoxify your body? Eating foods that support your detoxification systems like onions and garlic, spices like turmeric and other herbs, cruciferous vegetables, and clean protein, as well as liposomal glutathione supplements. [19:20] Check that your cooking materials don´t have lead in them. [20:03] Avoid aluminum in your deodorant. [21.18] Get Dr. Shippy’s free detox quickstart guide on JJ’s website. [22:02] There are 21 billion pounds of toxic chemicals released a year into our air, land, and water. 4.5 billion pounds are known carcinogens. [27:55] Your breakfast sets the pace for your entire day -- start your day right with JJ’s shakes! [28:26] Listener’s question: What are the top foods JJ thinks everyone should be eating?, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, avocado, squash, wild salmon and other sources of clean, lean protein, as well as herbs and spices, including curcumin, turmeric, ginger, and more. [31:43] Eat seasonal, local, and organic foods.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/drshippy JJVirgin.com/products Facebook: JJVirginofficial jjvirgin.com/vital jjvirgin.com/butcherbox   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weight loss and nutrition expert Dr. Lori Shemek explains FATflammation and why silent inflammation of your fat cells is a primary underlying cause of weight gain. Find out which foods bloat your fat cells and lead to a vicious cycle of inflammation and excess pounds, plus the right foods you should be eating to reverse inflammation and shrink your fat cells back to their normal size. Dr. Shemek’s revolutionary approach uses the latest fat-cell research to help you fight FATflammation and kickstart lasting weight loss!   Key takeaways: [:54] Dr. Lori Shemek’s career briefing [2:18] What is FATflammation? [2:30] There are two types of inflammation: acute and silent. [3:31] FATflammation is a silent inflammation of your fat cells. [5:25] When the mitochondria in your cells aren’t functioning optimally, your metabolism runs less efficiently. [6:59] Ways to reverse inflammation within your fat cells [7:21] The gut is the epicenter of your immune health, mental well-being, and your weight. [8:38] Healthy gut bugs create a leaner, happier, and healthier you. [9.11] The calorie myth: not all calories are created equal. [10:48] When reading labels on food packages, it’s key to watch the sugar. [11:47] How can you become a health detective and avoid getting fooled by sneaky labels? [12:38] Which fats are bad? Avoid hydrogenated fats and vegetable oils, including corn and canola oil. [15:57] One of Dr. Shemek’s favorite foods is grain-free pizza made with a cauliflower crust. [18:27] Other foods that promote cellular health, reverse inflammation, and target fat cells [21:46] Dr. Shemek offers two books to help you stay forever motivated (see link below). [22:55] Sugar is hiding everywhere! It’s important to know which sugars to choose and which to lose. Find out how to drop 7 hidden sugars and lose up to 10 pounds in 2 weeks in JJ’s Sugar Impact Diet. [23:52] Listener’s question: I’m overwhelmed with all the things I need to do to get healthy again. Where do I start? [24:53] Lowering your sugar impact can make a big difference.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/drlori JJVirgin.com/books Facebook: JJVirgin official Instagram: @JJVirgin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Eric Zielinski (Dr. Z) is an aromatherapist and author of the upcoming book The Healing Power of Essential Oils. His mission is to take the “woo-woo” out of essential oils and show that there is a plethora of science-based research proving their health benefits. Listen to find out how essential oils can be used as plant-based medicine, plus the best essential oils to choose for helping with everything from women’s health issues to autoimmune disease. This podcast will give you all the tools you need to put these amazing oils into immediate therapeutic use!     Key takeaways: [2:20] Dr. Eric Zielinski´s career briefing [4:09] How did Dr. Z get into the field of essential oils? [7:09] There’s a significant amount of research on the effectiveness of essential oils in the area of women’s health.  [8:33] In his book, Dr. Z covers a wide range of topics on women’s health, from the premenstrual to the postmenopausal stage in a woman’s life.  [8:48] A highly diluted, safe essential oil blend can be used for vaginal dryness. [9:58] Aromatherapy 101: to make a safe 1% dilution, add 6 drops of essential oil to a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or evening primrose oil.  [13:01] Dr. Z’s top three essential oils for women are clary sage, geranium, and lavender. [13:45] These oils have the tendency to give the body what it needs to create homeostasis. [14:41] Ylang-ylang is another cost-effective essential oil with many benefits. [15:32] The craziest story in Dr. Z’s career involves a very frail woman with multiple health conditions whose hands would break out into oozing sores during her menstrual cycle. [19:03] By making dietary changes and using Mama Z’s healing serum along with other oils for symptom management, that woman became well again. [21:45] Become your own personal health detective to experience healing. [22:24] Dr. Z’s one thing that makes the biggest difference: loving yourself and others can transform your life.  [22:34] Get a free access pass to Dr. Z’s club for tons of essential oil recipes and information on how to put them into use. [25:56] JJ explains why food intolerance is the real cause of weight gain in The Virgin Diet: Drop 7 foods, Lose 7 pounds, Just 7 days! Discover the sneaky 7 foods and find out more by visiting jjvirgin.com/books,  [26:35] Listener’s question: What are the top 3 things for helping women sail through menopause?  [28:18] It’s key to manage stress, dial in your thyroid, and balance your blood sugar levels.   Mentioned in this episode: DrEricZ.com JJVirgin.com/drz JJVirgin.com/books Facebook JJVirginOfficial JJVirginstore.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve been looking at sugar all wrong! Sneaky sugars are everywhere and as a result, it makes it even harder for us to choose healthy sweetener options. Listen as JJ explains the high-sugar impact sweeteners you should avoid like fructose, agave and artificial sweeteners, plus what makes sweeteners like sugar alcohols, stevia, and monk fruit JJ’s top choices. Don’t miss this episode where JJ answers all your questions about sweeteners and gives you easy hacks to help crush your cravings and break free from the sugar trap for good!     Key takeaways: [2:45] All carbs, except for fiber, turn into sugar. [3:30] Which sweeteners can we really use? [3:56] Sugar Impact Diet classifies foods as high, medium, or low-sugar impact.  [5:10] Why you should avoid fructose and agave [6:44] Artificial sweeteners cause you to crave more sweet and trigger caloric dysregulation. [11:03] Honey and maple syrup are still sugars. [11:38] Sugar alcohols and herbals are okay to use, but they should be consumed in small amounts. [12:28] Stevia and monk fruit are good options, but they can still cause caloric dysregulation. [14: 40] Cinnamon and vanilla are JJ’s favorite options. [14:54] You’re either born with a sweet tooth or stress and training can create one. [15:20] Sour takes your sweet tooth away. Try JJ’s Lemon-Aid recipe! [15:53] Focus on The Virgin Diet or Sugar Impact Diet Plate -- healthy fats, clean, lean protein, loads of non-starchy vegetables, and some slow-low carbs. [17:01] Taper down your sweet tooth. [17:30] Start your day right with JJ’s All-In-One Shake!  [18:21] Listener’s question: I’ve followed the Sugar Impact Diet and gotten rid of my sweet tooth. Is it okay to incorporate cheat meals now? [19:10] Cheat meals trigger powerful hormonal responses and inflammation in your body.   Mentioned in this episode: https://jjvirgin.com/recipe/lemon-aid/ www.jjvirgin.com\products Facebook: JJVirgin official Instagram and Pinterest: @JJVirgin   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Maya Shetreat-Klein is a pediatric neurologist, herbalist, urban farmer, and author of The Dirt Cure: Growing Healthy Kids with Food Straight from Soil. On today’s podcast, Dr. Shetreat-Klein shares why spending time outdoors is critical and how the diverse organisms in soil can improve your health and impact the quality of your food. Dr. Shetreat-Klein discovered the importance of exposure to microbes in nature and eating nutrient-dense foods while helping her son recover from debilitating symptoms of asthma that stemmed from a severe food allergy. Find out why dirt is crucial for preventing illness and protecting your health!    Key takeaways: [:37] Dr. Maya Shetreat-Klein’s career briefing [2:43] What is The Dirt Cure? [3:07] Being exposed to the microbiome of the outdoors is important. [4:58] Kids that have grown up on farms have fewer allergies and less asthma due to their increased exposure to biodiverse organisms. [5:35] One teaspoon of soil has as many organisms as there are people on the entire planet.  [6.08] Psychobiotics are organisms that can impact our mood and our cognition. [7:30] What do you do when you live in the city? [8:03] Sharing a microbiome with your pets boosts your brain, immune, and gut health. [8:28] Visit nearby parks and seek out opportunities to spend time in nature. [9:45] The Earth is an unlimited source of electrons -- going bare feet and letting the flow of electrons enter your body helps neutralize harmful free radicals.  [10:28] Forest Bathing involves immersing yourself in the beauty of the forest and it’s been found to have numerous health benefits. [11:30] Dr. Shetreat-Klein began researching the impact of food on children’s health after her son experienced debilitating symptoms of asthma and other health issues due to a severe food allergy.   [13:40] The way we grow our food and treat our soil impacts the health of our food.  [14:15] Healthy fat from animals raised in pastures is rich in vitamin D and essential fatty acids. [15:37] Which sweeteners are best? Raw honey has antioxidant properties, but you still need to be mindful about the amount you eat. [18:14] Get bitter components in your diet to help stabilize insulin and blood sugar levels as well as your appetite. [18:58] Get a free guide with Dr. Shetreat-Klein’s favorite nutrient-dense recipes. [20:18] Learn how to lose fat fast, keep it off forever, and become part of a community at jjvirgin.com [20:58] Listener’s question: How do I know if I need probiotics? Your gut microbiome is critical for your overall health -- probiotics and prebiotics help balance your gut microbiome. [25:06] If you are on antibiotics, you should take two probiotics a day.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/dirtcure DrMaya.com JJVirgin.com Facebook — JJVirgin Official Instagram — JJVirgin Official   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ welcomes Dr. Dan Engle to deep dive into the area of brain recovery after an injury and how to optimize your brain health. Both Dr. Engle and JJ have valuable insight to share, not only from their expertise as health professionals, but also because a brain injury has personally impacted their lives. Listen to learn about the best ways to heal your brain and what you should avoid after experiencing head trauma. Considering most traumatic brain injuries are mild and many folks aren’t fully aware of their injury, you don’t want to miss this critical information on protecting your brain health!    Key takeaways: [1:08] Dr. Dan Engle’s career briefing [2:23] Dr. Engle became interested in brain recovery after his own injury.  [5:30] How do you know if you’ve injured your brain? [6:00] Most traumatic brain injuries are mild, and many people are walking around with the neurological consequences without being fully aware of their injury.  [6:17] With post-concussive syndrome, executive functions (concentration, sleep, attention, mood) are compromised. There can be emotional and psychological ramifications as well.  [7:33] Infection and inflammation of the brain impairs all of the brain’s downstream functions. [8:26] The things that help the brain heal also help the brain to function optimally. [9:05] Strategies to help heal the brain and make a good brain better involve starting with the basics: water, light, oxygen, food, and energy. [10:01] Water: floatation therapy [11:28] Light: light therapy and vitamin D [12:08] Oxygen: hyperbaric oxygen therapy for brain repair [13:46] Food: the food you eat influences your recovery -- eat clean, organic, fat-based foods.  [14:29] Energy: pulsed electromagnetic field technology. [16:55] What should you avoid when you’re recovering from a brain injury? It’s important to avoid: toxicity, including heavy metals like aluminum; influence of high electromagnetic fields from computers and cell phones; extra stimulation; stress; high-sugar diet; and subsequent head trauma. [20:05] Everyone doing sports should be on fish oil and curcumin. [20:30] Five things to take immediately after a head trauma: curcumin, fish oil, CBD, vitamin D, and glutathione. [24:12] You can get a free Concussion Repair Manual and the Top 10 Brain and Mood Foods Guide from Dr. Dan at jjvirgin.com/drdan [26:32] Get JJ’s Leaky Gut Support to help ease symptoms of food intolerances and digestive unrest. [27:11] Listener’s question: What was the most important thing that helped JJ’s son recover from his brain injury? The collective mindset and decision that he was going to be 110 percent.    Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/drdan JJVirgin.com/products Facebook Page @JJVirginOfficial Instagram @JJVirgin  Pinterest @JJVirgin   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy is the author of The Cancer Revolution, and she became interested in the prevention and treatment of cancer due to her own increased risk of the illness. With almost 1-in-2 people affected by cancer in their lifetime, this is a podcast you can’t afford to miss! Listen to learn about the early warning signs you need to pay attention to, the lab tests your doctor should be running, and how to prevent and reverse cancer with diet and lifestyle changes. Dr. Connealy explains that educating yourself is critical, and early prevention is the cure!    Key takeaways: [1:24] Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy’s career briefing [3:30] Over 60 years ago, her mother was prescribed a medication to prevent miscarriage that was later found to cause cancer and a host of other health issues in children who were exposed before birth.  [6:12] Your mess becomes your message – Connealy’s personal experience has helped her to connect with patients. [7:40] Early prevention and self-monitoring is critical. The cure for cancer is prevention. [11:05] Pay attention to how you feel every day. It’s important to eat healing foods, drink water, detox, move more, and get 8-9 hours of quality sleep. [12:25] Ask your doctor to run blood tests, including a CBC, chemistry panel, and CRP (C-reactive protein) test. Monitoring your CRP levels is crucial and even slight elevations indicate that something is out of balance in your body. [1] Get an HbA1c test to find out your blood sugar levels over the past 90 days. High blood sugar levels increase your risk for all types of health issues. [13:44] Be sure ask your doctor for a thyroid panel and DHEA-sulfate test.  [16:30] Symptoms you need to pay attention to include chronic fatigue, chronic cough, brain fog, changes in your hair, hernias, body odor, and lumps and bleeding that aren’t going away quickly. [19:28] Our children are plagued with illness, including autism, depression, ADD, diabetes, obesity, and more. [20:50] Reducing your sugar content by 50 percent and moving 30 minutes a day are simple shifts that will make a big difference. [21:38] Dr. Connealy is offering listeners a free 14-day food plan to help prevent and treat cancer at jjvirgin.com/revo  [24:35] Dr. Connealy’s one thing that makes the biggest difference: decide to be happy and get rid of your emotional conflicts to help you heal and feel amazing. [25:25] Starting your day with the right breakfast sets the metabolic tone for the day. The easiest way to do this is with JJ Virgin’s Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Shake!  [26:15] Listener’s question: Is having a little bit of sugar really that big of a deal? Sugar is pro-aging, feeds cancer cells, and is pro-inflammatory. There’s nothing good about it – find healthy swaps and use Sugar Impact Diet to retrain your sweet tooth instead!   Mentioned in this episode: The Cancer Revolution: A Groundbreaking Program to Reverse and Prevent Cancer, by Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy JJVirgin.com/revo JJVirgin.com/products   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Sylvia Tara is a biochemist and the author of The Secret Life of Fat. After experiencing her own struggles with weight loss, she spent five years deep diving into the topic of fat in order to learn everything about how it works and how to shed excess body fat. Dr. Tara explains how fat uses hormones to communicate within your body and why some people have the tendency to store more of it. Listen to learn the science behind this complex system so that you can outsmart stubborn body fat and get rid of it for good!    Key takeaways: [:29] Dr. Sylvia Tara’s career briefing [2:31] How did Dr. Tara become interested in researching body fat? [3:45] Fat is not just fat -- it’s an organ and it’s very active in our body. [4:40] When you lose fat, you end up losing leptin. That drives your appetite forward and decreases your metabolism.  [6:09] Women store fat much more efficiently than men. [7:24] Women have higher ghrelin levels after exercising, which increases hunger. [8:15] Fat produces estrogen. [8:50] There is a tendency to gain weight with age due to the loss of some of our fat-busting hormones. [10:09] Fat becomes a primary supplier of estrogen as women age. [10:50] Not all fat is equal. [12:06] Exercise helps fat release adiponectin, a hormone that helps clear the blood of fat and put it where it belongs. The more we exercise, the healthier our fat is. [12:45] There are different kinds of fat -- the key is to be healthy with your fat. [14:10] Top tips to lose fat: losing fat is hard and it’s designed to stay on you. You have to find a diet you will want to stay on for the long run.  [16:25] Weight loss is very individual and our sensitivity to foods is very different. It’s important to keep a food journal to find out what works for you. [19:30] Check out all of Dr. Tara’s resources on her website and social media.  [22:20] Get better quality of sleep with JJ’s Sleep Candy! [23:05] Listener’s question: I want to try intermittent fasting -- what do you recommend?  Get your blood sugar balanced, work on your eating window during the day and a 12-14 hour overnight fast.   Mentioned in this episode TheSecretLifeOfFat.com @sylviataraphd on Twitter @sylviataraphd on Facebook JJVirgin.com/products   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. William Davis meets with JJ to discuss Undoctored, his new book with a bold and unconventional message! Dr. Davis is a cardiologist and the New York Times bestselling author of Wheat Belly, and he’s well-known for his innovative ideas about health and nutrition. In this podcast, Dr. Davis discusses the flaws of our current healthcare system and gives you six strategies to eliminate illness and heal yourself. Listen to learn how you can put the power of your health back into your own hands, where it belongs!   Key Takeaways: [:56] Dr. William Davis is the author of Wheat Belly and a pioneer in highlighting the dangers of gluten and grains in the diet. [2:13] Dr. William Davis’s career briefing [3:22] Dr. Davis’s new book, Undoctored, critiques the medical system and encourages people to find their own answers. [5:33] People who aren’t following the advice of their doctors are getting better results. [6:56] The American Heart Association is giving the public the wrong message about which foods are healthy. [8:04] There are commercial interests behind some of the advice that is given by big businesses. [11:18] Patients have become smarter than their doctors because of collective wisdom. [13:16] People are getting answers on their own, using tools that are benign, like exercise and supplements. [13:40] Dr. Davis’s book highlights the importance of taking personal responsibility for your health. [15:42] What about folks who use the Internet as a diagnostic tool?  [17:05] The six strategies to eliminate the majority of “diseases of lifestyle.” [18:30] There are certain conditions that may require additional steps. [19:44] Remaining grain-free and supplementing with vitamin D makes the biggest difference in Dr. Davis’s life. [21:56] Dr. Davis gives the audience a micro-course for free on JJ’s website! [24:43] Sugar is hiding everywhere — which sugars to lose and which to choose? JJ teaches you how to lose fat fast and forever in The Sugar Impact Diet. [25:28] Listener’s’ question: Is it wrong to have a “cheat” meal on the weekends? [26:10] When a food is toxic to you, a little bit creates a major problem.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/undoctored JJVirgin.com/books Facebook page JJVirgin Official Instagram @JJ.Virgin   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Kelly Brogan is a holistic psychiatrist and she’s created quite a stir with her recent book, A Mind of Your Own, in which she talks about treating mental illness conditions without medication. In this podcast, Dr. Brogan explains what really causes depression and how medication can make things worse in the long run. Listen as she explains why your mindset is critical for healing and how to improve your mental health naturally with diet and lifestyle interventions. If you struggle with brain fog, anxiety, or depression, this episode will give you the tools you need to feel better again!  Key takeaways: [2:15] Dr. Kelly Brogan’s career briefing [3:25] Dr. Brogan’s controversial book A Mind of Your Own [3:50] How Dr. Brogan became interested in holistic psychiatry [7:30] In psychiatry, impressionistic labels are given to patients that sometimes stick with them for life.  [8:17] The medications that are being used to treat long-term mental illness conditions are potentially perpetuating the problem. [8:50] If there is a short-term benefit from medication, it comes at the cost of long-term disability. [10:40] Depression has not been proven to be caused by a serotonin imbalance.  [12:18] Depression is a sign that something is off and your body is recruiting all of its resources to respond to a perceived stressor. Stressors can be anything from a B12 deficiency to a food reaction or a psychospiritual crisis. [14:55] Your mindset is key – you have to become aware that your body has an innate intelligence and knows what it’s doing. [18:40] Healing begins with diet, detox, and meditation.  [21:13] Connecting to yourself and others is crucial.  [22:42] It’s important to take personal responsibility for your health.  [25:08] Dr. Brogan’s free workshop offers tips to help with issues like brain fog and anxiety, as well as tools to help you make a shift in your mindset. [27:40] Lose weight faster with JJ Virgin’s Extra Fiber. [28:37] Listener’s question: What are the critical things to help with healing a brain injury and improving your mood?  [29:51] Fish oil is good for brain health.  [31:02] Balance your blood sugar and pull out hidden food intolerances.  [31:28] Meditation helps with relaxation and healing.    Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/drbrogan JJVirgin.com/products Facebook Page JJVirgin Official   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices