Well Beyond 40

JJ talks with Dr. Brian Mowll to separate fact from fiction when it comes to slow metabolism, as he reveals how insulin and glucose levels influence your metabolic rate. Although there are certain factors that can impact your metabolism, no one is doomed to have a slow one forever! There are steps you can take to speed up your metabolism and resensitize your cells to insulin so that you can start burning fat for fuel and feeling great. Learn everything you need to know to begin your plan of action today!    Key takeaways: [:40] Dr. Brian Mowll’s career briefing [2:07] Dr. Mowll started working with blood sugar and metabolism because of his own struggles with weight and blood sugar.  [3:45] There are certain factors that can slow down your metabolism, like aging and hypothyroidism, but we have the power to influence our bodies to have a faster and better metabolism.  [4:46] If you feel like you don’t burn energy well, there are ways to speed that up. [5:25] Certain people are more prone to storing fat.  [7:02] Resistance training and high-intensity interval training build up your body’s ability to burn fuel at a higher rate. [9:50] We burn sugar and fat for fuel, and we need to be able to get those into our cells to convert them into energy. When you have high blood sugar, glucose isn’t able to enter the cells and get utilized effectively. [10: 45] When you notice your blood sugar is starting to rise and you’re storing more fat around your waist, it’s important to measure your insulin levels. [11:35] When you have too much insulin, it makes you gain weight. [12:35] The range of insulin that the lab gives you is not functional -- it measures pathology. [13:21] The optimal fasting insulin range is between 2.5 and 5.  [15:15] To resensitize your body to insulin you have to cut out the processed, refined carbohydrates and sugar from your diet, and start doing high-intensity interval training. [18:54] Every time you eat, you stimulate insulin release. The goal is to lower your insulin levels so your cells become resensitized, and you’re never going to do that if you keep eating all day long. [20:05] Long periods of time (more than 4 hours) between meals help your cells resensitize to insulin. [20:54] Getting to bed early is crucial for your health. [22:11] The Blood Sugar Manifesto is a free e-book that contains all of Dr. Mowll’s secrets about metabolism and blood sugar. [23:48] Start your day right with JJ’s breakfast shake. [24:35] Listener’s question: What should you do if you have to pick between getting enough sleep or exercising? Exercise is not about length, but rather intensity. (Choose sleep first, but there are ways to incorporate exercise in your daily routine, even if you’re short on time.)   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/drmowll JJVirgin.com/products www.jjvirgin.com/xiser Facebook page JJVirgin Official   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yasmina Ykelenstam was suffering from debilitating symptoms and couldn’t get the help she needed from doctors. Frustrated and sick, she turned to her skills as a journalist and uncovered the true source of her health issues: histamines. Listen as she explains common symptoms of histamine issues and how to solve them using a 4-week elimination diet. If you suspect you have problems with histamines, don’t miss this episode, where we uncover which foods to avoid and who to consult to get the best care.    Key Takeaways: [1:16] Yasmina Ykelenstam’s career briefing [2:50] As a result of working in extreme conditions as a journalist in Iraq, Yasmina developed serious health problems that doctors didn’t know how to treat. [3:40] How do you know if you have issues with histamine? [4:10] Histamine, or mast cell activation issues present with a wide range of symptoms, including gastrointestinal problems, allergies, emotional issues, and more. [5:33] The first step if you think you might have histamine problems is treating the naturopathic way. [6:35] Try a four-week elimination diet, getting rid of all histamine, and see how you feel afterward. [7:14] The right amount of histamine is required by a healthy body to function. [7:48] If you don't see much change after the four weeks, you should check for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome with a functional medicine doctor. [9:22] Testing alone is not enough. [10:08] You can’t reduce histamine for too long (longer than four weeks), since there is a possibility that your body will start to produce more histamine in response. [13:28] Make your own list of safe foods. [14:47] Foods that can trigger histamine-related inflammation include: fermented foods, tomatoes, pineapples, strawberries, red-colored foods in general, cacao, anything that’s not found in nature, avocados, and nuts except almonds, pecans, and a few others. [19:03] Meditation and yoga make the biggest difference in Yasmina’s daily life. [20:49] Yasmina gives JJ’s audience a free digital book explaining histamine. [22:20] Make a small change in something you do every day: start with having one of JJ’s shakes for breakfast! [23:05] Listener’s question: What do you think about the diet where you can eat well five days a week and cheat two days? The foods that hurt us create an immune response, triggering a craving cycle and system-wide inflammation that can last for days.    Mentioned in this episode: HealingHistamine.com JJVirgin.com/histamine JJVirgin.com/products Facebook JJVirginofficial Instagram @JJVirgin   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ Virgin meets with Chef Lance to explore the ins and outs of bone broth. Chef Lance is a pioneer in the bone broth industry, proudly producing the only bone broth made with spring water and on a mission to heal the planet with bone broth! Listen to learn about the benefits of bone broth and how you can incorporate this amazing elixir in your diet to heal from illness and improve your health. Find out what to look for when choosing bone broth and how to make your own so that you can experience the many advantages that bone broth has to offer!   Key Takeaways: [1:28] Chef Lance’s career briefing [5:50] Bone broth is designed to heal. It’s made by extracting the nutrients out of the bones and vegetables.  [7:44] What’s the difference between bone broth and canned soups? [7:55] Bone broth was originally consumed by indigenous people whose intention was to consume the entire animal.  [8:44] Chef Lance’s bone broth mission: heal the planet one GI tract at a time [9:11] Process of making bone broth [9:50] Big benefits of drinking bone broth: bioavailability of collagen, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and other nutrients. Amazing for the treatment of autoimmune disorders [11:07] Collagen from bone broth heals and seals the gut lining. [11.58] Bone broth should be consumed daily. [12:52] The protein in bone broth helps reduce hunger and cravings. [14:03] What are the benefits of making your own bone broth?  [16.01] A variety of bone broths are available at bonebroth.com [16:49] Bone broth can be frozen for 3 to 6 months. [17:30] Bone broth as a digestive aid [20:15] Chef Lance’s #1 health tip: proper hydration  [22:50] Food intolerance: Find out which foods your body doesn’t tolerate in The Virgin Diet. [24:25] Listener’s question: What should I do to help prepare and recover from knee surgery? [25:06] The collagen and amino acids in bone broth help with repair and recovery . Add in JJ’s Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Protein Shake. [26:46] Get good sleep, include fish oil (Omega Ultra), anti-inflammatory herbs, and Extra Fiber in your shake. Probiotics and prebiotics (Microbiome Balance) are necessary to help your gut absorb nutrients and fight the side effects of antibiotics.   Mentioned in this episode: www.bonebroth.com Get a 10% discount coupon at www.jjvirgin.com\bonebroth www.jjvirgin.com\books https://jjvirginstore.com/   Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JJVirginOfficial/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/jj.virgin/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim O’Horgan, JJ’s fiancé, joins her in this podcast, to share how the two encourage each other to maintain healthy diet and lifestyle habits. Tim wasn’t always as fit and healthy as he is now. But with JJ’s support, he began making critical changes, and within a few months, he was struggling to keep weight on! Listen to learn about the shifts that JJ and Tim made to get great results and how you can be a positive role model and help your partner achieve amazing health!  Key takeaways: [1:40] Tim thought he was a healthy eater when he first met JJ, but dairy, carbs and sugar were sneaking into his diet.   [2:33] Dessert was the area where Tim was struggling the most.  [3:30] When Tim increased fat in his diet, eliminated dairy, reduced carbs and ate lower sugar-impact foods, he began losing weight and had a hard time keeping it on.  [6:06] Tim feels amazing after switching to resistance training and high-intensity interval training.  [7:10] Endurance training lowers your immune system, can decrease testosterone levels, makes you age faster, and breaks down muscle. [8:38] Tim made the biggest shift in his sleep habits, going from 5 hours to 8-9 hours per night.  [9:31] Sleep will de-age you, help you lose fat, build muscle, and is critical for your health and mood.  [10:09] Use a Chilly Pad to keep you cool during the night and sleep better. [12:03] Support each other to sustain healthy habits and have fun together. [13:10] Biggest takeaway is: don’t nag! Just be the best role model possible. [14:24] Instead of restricting foods, find healthy replacements.  [15:48] The true cause of weight gain is food intolerance. Find out which foods to drop in The Virgin Diet.  [16:38] Listener’s question: How do I change my partner's bad eating habits? Answer: be the best role model you can be!    Mentioned in this episode: www.jjvirgin.com\books Facebook page JJVirgin Official Instagram @JJ.Virgin   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re confused about carbs and ketogenic diets, you’re not alone! In this podcast, JJ Virgin answers all your questions about carbohydrates, including how to calculate how many carbs you should be eating, the benefits and risks of a low-carb ketogenic diet, and how to tell if a ketogenic diet is safe for you. Tune in to get answers to all your burning questions about carbs and begin your personal health discovery process to figure out the right amount for you!    Key takeaways: [1:01] What are carbs? All carbohydrates, except for fiber, turn to sugar. [1:23] What is a ketogenic diet?  [2:06] When you’re in ketosis, you get energy from the metabolism of ketone bodies instead of sugar. [2:26] A ketogenic diet is high in fat , moderate in protein, and very low in carbs. [3:22] Ketogenic diets can help with brain recovery, seizures, weight loss, cancer, and more. [3:48] Side effects of ketosis include bad breath and irregular periods. A ketogenic diet is not recommended if you have adrenal, thyroid, or GI issues. [5:50] There are 4 factors to consider when looking at the impact of foods on your body. [7:05] Don’t go “cold turkey” when making diet changes. Sugar Impact Diet helps you taper off high-sugar impact foods and transition to low-sugar impact foods. [9:25] Sugar Impact Diet helps you figure out how many carbs are right for you. [10:33] Sugar Impact Diet can help you ease into a ketogenic diet. [11:08] Join the JJ VIrgin community for fast and lasting fat loss. [11:46] Listener’s question: Can I do a ketogenic diet with hypothyroidism? What about fibromyalgia? Ketogenic diets should be avoided with either of those conditions.   Mentioned in this episode: www.jjvirgin.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen as Dr. Jolene Brighten uncovers the reality behind birth control pills and how they have been affecting women’s bodies since the 1960s. From leaky gut to autoimmune disease and more, there are many ways that birth control pills wreak havoc on your body. Learn about Post-Birth Control Syndrome and all you need to know to recover from this common issue, plus get Dr. Brighten’s detoxifying diet for free!   Key takeaway: [1:40] Briefing of Dr. Jolene Brighten’s career [4:15] How big of a problem is the birth control pill?  [5.23] Acne and PCOS are reasons why women take birth control pills, but the pill is masking underlying symptoms – as soon as it’s stopped, those symptoms come back with a vengeance [8:03]  Perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms are due to the decline of hormones, especially progesterone. [9:30] How do birth control pills affect perimenopausal and postmenopausal women? [11.55]  Since the 1960s, when the pill was first given out, women have been complaining of symptoms of depression but have been dismissed by conventional medicine. [13:05] Being off the pill is not enough to recover from its damage. [14:01] Genetic changes have occurred due to the pill. [14:45] What is Post-Birth Control Syndrome?  [16:05] What can you do about Post-Birth Control Syndrome?  [17:25] Diet and lifestyle changes are needed, not only supplements. [18:24] Birth control pills are one of the main causes of leaky gut, which leads to increased risk of food sensitivities, brain fog, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. [20:05] Get Dr. Brighten’s Post-Birth Control Syndrome Diet for free at jjvirgin.com/pbcs to start detoxifying from birth control pills. [21:25] Dr. Brighten meditates every day for optimal performance. [23:20] Take JJ’s Leaky Gut Support Formula to repair leaky gut and alleviate digestive unrest.  [23:57] Listener’s question: Why do I get depressed for seemingly no reason? Hormone imbalances might be the answer [25:20] Add in EstroCare to help support hormone balance, include healthy fats in your diet, especially omega-3 fats and supplement with a quality fish oil supplement like Omega Ultra, and keep your blood sugar balanced by eating a low-sugar impact diet. [26:30] Manage stress with tapping and high-intensity interval training.   Mentioned in this episode: www.jjvirgin.com/pbcs www.jjvirgin.com/products Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is coconut oil your friend or is it a foe? What about corn and canola oil? In this episode, JJ Virgin takes an in-depth look at dietary fats, debunking the claims made by the American Heart Association about coconut oil and telling you which oils you should choose to fight disease, lose weight, and have great energy. Achieve better health both inside and out by making a shift in the oils you’re using today!     Key takeaways: [1:28] Make an oil change to reduce inflammation. [2:35] American Heart Association claims that saturated fats like coconut oil cause cardiovascular disease. [3:15] The fats in coconut oil can actually help prevent risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, increase your metabolism and make you feel less hungry.  [4:34] Coconut oil can help reduce overall cholesterol and triglyceride levels.  [4:54] American Heart Association claims that coconut oil has no known health benefits. [5:21] Coconut oil is a proven antibacterial and antifungal that can also help fight disease and aging. It helps speed up wound healing and makes your hair thicker and fuller. [6:18] Vegetable oils should not be a part of your diet – they are high in omega-6 fatty acids, pro-inflammatory, and easily oxidize. [6:40] Oxidized fats have been linked to numerous health issues. [8:03] Always choose organic, unrefined, cold-pressed or expeller-pressed oils in dark bottles. [8:38] Extra-virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil is one of the best choices [9:34] Extra-virgin, cold-pressed organic olive oil benefits and uses [10:22] Avocado oil benefits and uses [12:45] Grass-fed ghee benefits and ways to cook with it [13:10] Virgin, unrefined red palm oil is the most popular oil in the world with many benefits, but you need to be sure it comes from a sustainable source. [14:10] JJ likes macadamia nut oil and walnut oil in salad dressings. [15:16] Sesame oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, but it has a great flavor in Asian recipes. [15:43] Canola oil should be avoided – it’s a highly refined and processed oil that can easily become rancid.   [18:50] Lose more weight and keep it off by starting your day with a healthy shake. [19:02] Listener’s question: How do you improve hair health? [20:41] Hypothyroidism, estrogen imbalance, and low iron levels can all affect your hair.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/products Facebook page @JJVirgin Official Instagram @JJVirgin Official   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Srini Pillay, author of Tinker Dabble Doodle Try: Unlock the Power of the Unfocused Mind, is a Harvard trained expert on brain function. In this interview, JJ & Dr. Pillay explore how we can practice being “unfocused” in order to focus more efficiently and achieve our goals! Contrary to many of our beliefs, seemingly lazy activities such as napping, doodling, and walking in no specific direction can actually help our brain be more creatively motivated when it’s time to turn the focus back on. You’ll get “unfocus” lessons from Picasso and Einstein, and also learn how to use “Psychological Halloweenism” to ramp up your motivation.   Key takeaways [1:44] Srini Pillay career briefing and how he met JJ. [4:07] The truth that too much focus can be problematic – it can actually drain the brain of energy! [5:16] The solution is to build cognitive rhythm between focused and unfocused states. [6:01] How can you be productively unfocused? Using PCD: Positive Constructive Daydreaming (Jerome Singer). [7:20] How to Daydream: Plan for it; have a playful image; and do it during a low-key activity like gardening. [8:55] Being “unfocused” in the right way helps you be more creative and re-energizes your brain. When you re-focus it helps you in many ways, including predicting the future... [9:55] “Unfocusing” your brain can help integrate information better, and even give you a better sense of self. [11:02] Try these to get started: An app that schedules unfocused time; napping & daydreaming; walking in unstructured paths; and even doodling can improve your memory by 29%! [14:30] Dabbling: What you can learn from Picasso and Einstein. [16:10] People who have complimentary hobbies do better at their primary tasks. [17:23] How to improve your health right away. 1 – Possibility Thinking: simply asserting that it is possible to achieve your goals has some very positive effects. It increases your dopamine, activates reward pathways in your brain, and increases your natural opioids so you are less stressed.  [18:10] 2 – The Biology of Imagination: imagine how you will look in the future, using images that demonstrate the “before and after” progression.  [19:31] 3 – Creative Motivation: building in periods of unfocus – napping, etc., helps you to come back and focus more successfully. Also try “Psychological Halloweenism” – embodying the full personality of an eccentric role model – to activate their ideas and habits. [21:45] When you get Srini’s book you get the app for free! [23:40] Practice: Ask yourself what do you want that you think is possible; imagine that. Than refine that image of what you want, and your brain will take you there. [25:30] Improve the quality of your sleep with JJ’s Sleep Candy. [26:08] Listeners’ questions: How can I get motivated to get healthier? [27:01] Find the Power of Purpose: What is your big ‘Why?’   Mentioned in this episode: To get the App go to JJVirgin.com/tinker JJVirgin.com/products Facebook page: JJVirgin Official   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s podcast, JJ explores the popular trend of fasting. She covers everything from the types and benefits of fasting, as well as differences between men and women, between sugar burning and fat burning, and the preparation pitfalls that could lead you to disaster. If you are struggling to reach your weight loss goals or have plateaued, some form of fasting might be just the breakthrough you’ve been looking for. JJ will help you “dial in the basics” so you can get started right away with a successful and healthy fasting program.   Key takeaways [1:54] Males and females are significantly different when talking about health. [2:47] Eating “by the plate” and “by the clock.” [3:05] What does it mean to be a fat burner? You should be able to go 4-6 hours in between meals and not need to snack, not freak out, and lose body fat from your waist! [4:38] 3 keys: stop snacking; stop eating at least 3 hours before bed; DO eat within an hour or two of waking up. [5:01] Get a 12-14 hour overnight fast. Insulin comes down, plus you are healing and resting and giving your growth hormones a chance to come up more. [5:50] Breakfast isn’t the same for everyone. Most women tend to need to be more regimented than men, but there is research that shows a range of healthy morning routines. [7:05] What is fasting? [7:23] Fasting with bone broth (mini-fasting). [7:44] Intermittent fasting – short periods of fasting in a single day. [8:16] The benefits of fasting: neuro-protection, anti-aging, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial efficiency, and immune health are all benefits associated with fasting. [10:52] Before a serious attempt at fasting, go through the Sugar Impact Diet Program and make sure you know how carbs impact your body. That information will help you make the shift from being a sugar burner to a fat burner. [12:16] Make sure your adrenals are awesome before fasting. [13:12] Tapping can lower your stress, stress hormones, and even cortisol levels. [13:44] Dial in the basics! Watch your sleep, manage your stress, and get your exercise with burst training (HIIT) or resistance training. [15:40] First fast to try: the 12 to 14 hour overnight fast. From there, make adjustments that work for you. [17:21] Journaling is a critical strategy to achieve the results you want. Keeping track of what you’ve tried – and whether or not you’ve been covering the basics – is the key to making  adjustments that work. [19:18] Are you digesting protein well? Watch which enzyme product you are taking!  [20:14] Listeners question: What to do with sugar cravings? [22:12] Chronic sugar addicts with cravings can get rid of their sweet tooth in 2 weeks or less going through JJ’s program. [23:12] Going “cold turkey” sets you up for failure.   Mentioned in this episode www.jjvirgin.com/products Facebook page Facebook.com/JVirginOfficial.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Edison De Mello is the founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine, and is a pioneer in the study of the microbiome and its relationship with physical and emotional well-being. This podcast will show you how to read the signs that your gut is giving you, then take proactive steps to balance your microbiome by leading a proper lifestyle; the keys are found in your diet, how you are handling stress, and your physical activity. Your entire body and mind will feel the difference of a healthy gut, so get started improving your gut microbiome right now!   Key takeaways: [:48] Dr. Edison De Mello’s career briefing, publications and East-West approach to medicine. [3:01] How Dr. De Mello became interested in gut function research. [4:14] Finding the connection between the brain, the gut, the skin & more. [4:55] His motto: “Meet the patients before meeting their diseases.” [5:38] How does the gut bacteria influence the rest of the body and especially weight gain? [5:50] Your microbiome is to your gut like a beehive is to honey! Both must be cared for. [6:28] Good bacteria in your gut assist you with digestion and elimination, and signaling your body when eat, sleep, etc. [7:11] Disease is what lies underneath the symptoms that the patient brings. What is going on when someone wants to eat more than they actually need? Stress can throw off the balance of good bacteria in your gut, triggering behaviors such as overeating. [9:01] The goal while looking at the microbiome is first to understand it, and secondly, to balance it out through a proper lifestyle. [9:56] Sugar IS the worst thing you can feed your gut bacteria. [11:21] Sugar is sugar is sugar: honey, stevia, agave... it’s still sugar! [11:48] Managing stress helps your microbiome. Take proactive steps to handle it. [13:20] Physical activity is more than looking good, it has the incredible physiological function of increasing oxygen & blood flow — this helps the brain first, and then your gut and skin. [15:30] Your hormone balance depends on your gut function. If your gut health is optimal, it will significantly help your hormone function, too. [18:13] The gut has a great role in our physiological and emotional well-being. [19:22] Practicing gratitude is something that makes a great difference in your life. Start your day by writing down 3 things that you are grateful for first thing in the morning. (Then drink two glasses of water with a splash of lemon!) [21:55] You can lose weight even faster with fiber; Try JJ’s Extra Fiber supplement. [22:28] Listeners’ questions: What to do when struggling with constipation? First have your thyroid assessed. Second add fiber to your diet and drink more water. Third taking magnesium combined with vitamin C and probiotics is a great help. Lastly: Move more, work out intensively three times a week.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/akasha JJVirgin.com/products Facebook JJVirgin Official   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices