Well Beyond 40

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

In this show JJ Virgin explores the debilitating effects of stress and how you can stop it from damaging your health. This podcast covers a wide array of stress related topics like blood sugar, serotonin, adrenal and thyroid hormones, cortisol, leaky gut and much more! She’ll also give you some simple, practical tools you can use to get fast results for lowering your stress and improve both mental and physical health. Sometimes we can’t change how difficult life can get, but we can use these techniques to change our perspective and give our immune systems a helping hand. You really can start handling your stress better today.    Key takeaways: [1:20] You already know why stress is so bad: it can make you fat, old, and lose your sex drive. [2:32] You could be doing everything else right, but if you are not handling stress right, it will take you down. [2:55] Why do we crave sweets when we are stressed? Low serotonin levels are the culprit. Feeling anxious and irritable are surefire signs. [3:34] With stress, your blood sugar level can elevate even if your diet is good. [4:25] What happens when serotonin is not working well? You won’t get a proper sleep and the cycle just keeps repeating itself. Try JJ’s Sleep Candy if you’re having difficulty getting to sleep at night. [5:41] The relationship between food intolerance and leaky gut, adrenal gland issues and cortisol. [7:25] Sea salt is nourishing to your adrenals. [9:06] Your immune system is affected by your stress level. [9:50] Get great tips to manage your stress by reading “Miracle Mindset.” [10:12] Stress influences thyroid function, adrenal function AND your sex hormones. [12:02] What to do about it! A lot about stress is your perception of stress. [14:00] Gratitude: Start your day by keeping a Gratitude Journal - each morning write down 3 things you are grateful for. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make throughout the day. [14:25] When there is something stressful happening, practice appreciation - message someone you appreciate in your life and let them know what they mean to you! It will shift your outlook immediately. [15:10] At night, reflect on what went well. Make sure you take time to appreciate the wins in your life, large or small! [16:50] Burst training is phenomenal to teach your sympathetic system how to handle stress better. [17:35] Tapping is a great tool to deal with stress. [18:43] Pick one of JJ’s diets, either The Sugar Impact Diet or The Virgin Diet - get started with either of them to achieve blood sugar balance. [20:27] Nutrients that can help with stress: Vitamin C is the most important; B vitamins (B6, B5 & B2); extra DHA from fish oil; licorice; and tyrosine. Stress Reset is optimized with these to give you an easy, convenient way to get them. [24:09] Breakfast sets the pace for the entire day; grabbing a protein shake for breakfast while practicing your Gratitude Journal is a great start! [25:09] Listeners’ question: Where to start with your health? Find your purpose! And start with the food you are consuming.   Mentioned in this episode: To get the Stress guide type: “Chill” in Messenger on Facebook at JJVirgin’s Official Page JJVirgin.com/products Facebook JJVirgin Official   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ interviews Tony Wrighton about simple, amazingly quick Neuro Hacks (NLP techniques) to reduce stress and put you in position to take better advantage of any situation. Whether it’s a job interview, traumatic memory, or getting to sleep quicker, Tony has a technique to shift you from stress and fear to a relaxed and confident mood. JJ & Tony explore tapping, The Rock Star Phobia Cure, The Betty Erickson technique, and more!   Key Takeaways: [1:15] Tony Wrighton’s career briefing. [2:35] What is NLP? Neuro Linguistic Programming or Neuro Hacking intro [4:55] The “hero’s journey” behind the influence of NLP in Tony Wrighton’s life. [7:22] The value of reducing your stimulation level to increase performance and identifying what works. [9:44] You can reduce your cortisol level up to 27% by tapping. [9:58] Creating a “Relax” playlist to use music as a healing power to flip from stress to relax. [12:08] How do you treat long-term stress? It’s all about how you perceive the world. [13:04] The Rockstar Phobia Cure - Tony’s dissociation technique to recover from traumatic and stressful experiences.  [15:12] Using NLP/Neuro Hacking for improving your sleep. [17:25] First, cut out the caffeine! Look into genetic testing to find out how you process caffeine and other foods. [18:03] Prepare to sleep in the right way: occupy your senses. Try the “Betty Erickson” technique: notice 3 different things you can see; 3 things that you can hear; and 3 things you can feel or touch. Do this for an entire minute to reduce stress in any situation. [21:18] Daily meditation makes the biggest difference in Tony’s life. It sets the brain and emotions up to receive tremendous opportunities. [26:01] Sugar is hiding everywhere, which sugars to lose? Read the “Sugar Impact diet” book. [26:43] Listeners’ questions: What can I do to stop falling off the program? [27:22] What is your purpose behind the program?     Mentioned in this episode: TonyWrighton.com Podcast : Zestology JJVirgin.com/books Facebook JJVirgin Official   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ explains some of the main reasons why we age faster, and gives simple no-nonsense actions you can take right away to start reversing the effects of time. She’ll show you how to rev up the de-aging effects of limiting sugars, managing your response to stress, burst-style exercise, and high quality sleep. You really can not only halt, but actually reverse some of your signs of aging!   Key takeaways: [1:52] The most important thing to de-age is to limit your intake of sugar. [3:10] Is fructose the most dangerous sugar of all? [4:10] How sugars and the glycation process promote aging of your skin. [5:30] Stress effects on telomeres. Shortened telomeres are an important aging factor. [8:10] What can you do to manage your stress response? Burst-style training, meditation & tapping are all great, proactive techniques for stress control. [10:44] Further thoughts on HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training or Burst Training) as the best option for getting in shape, managing your hormone response, and helping your sympathetic nervous system. [12:30] Getting your whole body and especially your legs involved when you exercise. [12:54] The de-aging benefits of sleeping well. Quality sleep is another way to strengthen your growth hormone response. [13:46] Basic steps to prepare yourself before going to sleep and using the ‘Power Down Hour.’ [14:40] What’s the difference between ‘Health Span’ and ‘Life Span’? Bonus tips for extending your Health Span. [17:13] Are you digesting protein well? Take the enzymes you need! [19:04] Weight training tips to add to your routine and help your body burn fat better.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/products Facebook JJVirginOfficial   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ’s interview with Dr. Jennifer Stagg explores the answers to questions about how weight loss, exercise, diet, and even past generational trauma can be contained in your genetic profile. Genetic tests can give you insights into why some of your efforts have not been giving you the results you wanted. The tests go further and even prescribe the ideal diet and exercise plans that you’ve been looking for! Dr. Stagg breaks down the essence of genetics and epigenetics into easy to understand concepts, and shares valuable, practical tips you can apply right away. This podcast is aimed at helping you stop the frustrating trial and error and get to solutions - science is on your side!   Key Takeaways: [1:20] Dr. Jennifer Stagg’s career briefing. [1:55] Can your genes be making you fat? Simple genetic tests can give you great clues about why your diet hasn’t been working. [3.55] How genetic testing works. [4:28] Genetic test results can suggest a genetic matching diet that recommends the macros you should be consuming, what your ‘superfats’ are, and even what exercises might be best for you! [5:33] The results can also give you relief from guilt by showing these hidden influences on you weight fluctuations. [7.30] What is Epigenetics? Genetics is learning how your DNA is telling what you should be doing, while the Epigenetics tells us how we are interacting with our environment and affecting our gene expression. [8:30] Your genes don’t have to be your destiny - Your environment & lifestyle modify their function!  [8:55] Unzip Your Genes, Jennifer Stagg´s book. A day-to-day actionable plan based on your genomics to radically transform your health and improve your vitality. [9:33] What are the key things you must be doing? Incorporate super foods - like green tea, garlic, and more. Managing stress is a key ingredient to getting results. Sleep deprivation and mindset are two very common factors you need to take care of. [11:25] Tips to handle stress: Good sleep habits. Try this ‘subconscious greeting’ - before sleep run through your day and pick 3 times in your day when you felt the best. Identifying things that went right on an emotional level programs your mindset positively! [13:40] Can traumas affect future generations? Cortisol levels can impact offspring and it’s been proposed that generations after trauma are affected at the genetic level. [16:08] Gratitude for what is going well in your life is the mindset that will shape of your life for the better. [18:47] Lose fat fast and keep it off forever! [19:46] Listeners’ questions: How do you start changing your health?   Mentioned in this episode: DrStagg.com JJVirgin.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why should you choose burst training over endurance training? JJ breaks down the difference between the two and gives her best burst training tips (and science behind them). Burst training is not only easier and less time consuming, but is the better way to train your body to build sexy, lean muscle and burn more fat. You can do it anywhere and see results in the mirror fast. Message us on Facebook for a free worksheet to keep track of your progress and try it out today!   Key takeaways: [1:09] Moving more is part of the equation, but does not count as exercise. [1:45] Focusing on intensity over duration is beneficial in some important ways.   [2:03] Get today’s worksheet via Facebook Messenger on fb.com/JJVirginOfficial - just open  Burst411. [2:20] Two tricks to get you moving more: 1) A tracking device. How much are you moving? Ideally you should be moving an hour a day. (That’s about 6,000 steps.) And 2) Get a dog! Nothing will make you move more! [3:40] Endurance training can make you age faster, lose muscle and makes you hungrier. [4:57] High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) - or burst training -  has some huge benefits. [6:18] You can do it anywhere! JJ uses the X-iser, a small burst training machine. You can also use stairs, jumping jacks, burpees - anything with big, full body movements. [7:38] The key is, when it gets easier, you just do it harder! That way you keep reaping all the benefits of the short duration training. [8:35] Adding resistance training to your routine for additional benefits. [10:12] Teaching your body how to burn sugar during exercise and  burn fat after. [11:45]  JJ divides the body into 4 different parts. Exercise each part 2 or 3 times a week with a day of recovery in between. Exercises concentrate on: Upper Body Pushing & Pulling; Hips & Thighs; and Power Core. [13:04] JJ’s Fast Fitness Program is a great, inexpensive way to manage your workouts. [14:05] Recovery is extremely important! [14:45] See a physical therapist first if you have any orthopedic assistance. [15:30] What to eat & drink: water every 15 minutes, then smart proteins and carbs after working out. [16:36] Using Leaky Gut Support to help prevent gas and bloating! [17:26] Listeners questions: Can I do burst training if I have adrenal exhaustion? Yes! [18:05] Healing your adrenals by teaching your body to burst and recover.   Mentioned in this episode: Facebook.com/JJVirginOfficial or https://m.me/JJVirginOfficial - Just use the Messager app and send: burst411 for the worksheet.   JJVirgin.com/products   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Veronique Desaulniers shares with JJ her research and personal experiences since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Any cancer diagnosis can bring on a panic moment, with patients thinking they need to act fast and do everything they are told. In most cases, though, there is time to get your options and make smart decisions, including considering  alternative treatments. Dr. Veronique demystifies common beliefs around our hormones and cancer, alerts us to check the high-risk-factor toxins around us, and recommends some early detection methods you probably haven’t heard about. Open your eyes to a totally new perspective on breast cancer - and pick up a free digital copy of Dr. V’s book, Heal Breast Cancer Naturally: 7 Essential Steps to Beating Breast Cancer, too!   Key takeaways: [:55] Dr. Veronique Desaulniers’ career and story. [2:25] Dr. V’s personal story on the topic of cancer, and developing a seven-step protocol when finding a diagnosis of breast cancer. [4:18] What is the real situation when someone gets diagnosed? [4:50] When you are diagnosed with cancer you have time, it is not like a heart attack. Be smart about your options before getting on the conveyor belt of treatments. [5:35] What’s the truth about genetic testing and the BRCA gene? [6:49] Some root causes of cancer you should be aware of. [7:20] Limiting your toxin exposure to minimize the chances of getting cancer. [7:58] What common drugs are possible class 2 carcinogens? [9:33] The myths and true benefits of plant estrogen. [11:06] What are the recommendations for early detection? Self-testing is the most efficient. Thermography technology is worthwhile and is becoming more available. [12:28] The ONCOblot lab test measures a protein that is given off by cancer cells. [13:50] Dr. V’s Heal Breast Cancer Naturally: 7 Essential Steps to Beating Breast Cancer is a proactive lifestyle that you can start practicing right away. Get your free download of her book here: JJVirgin.com/bcc ! [15:40] Meditation is one of Dr. V’s Essential Steps and is a tool to pull away from the noise, and envision the awesome life you have, and then make it better. [17:20] The easiest way to start the day RIGHT is with a JJ protein shake! [18:40] Listeners’ questions: Abruptly depressed in my 50s, what should I do? [19:40] How can you naturally shift your mood? 5 teaspoons of flaxseed, check your vitamin D levels, fish oil, burst-style training. [21:28] Practice gratitude everyday! [22:20] Surround yourself with positive influences.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/bcc BreastCancerConqueror.com JJVirgin.com/products Facebook page JJVirginofficial   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling achy, moody, or depressed? Not recovering from your workout as fast as you used to? JJ dives deep into the subject of hormone imbalance - especially the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone & testosterone. Learn how to read the signs of both low and high imbalances. The importance of checking your thyroid and adrenals, watching your diet,  insulin considerations, improving the quality of your sleep, and handling stress. There are smart, natural choices to help keep your hormones cycling in the best possible ways!  Key takeaways: [1:22] For women: How to know that your Estrogen is low? [2:12] For men: How do you know if your Testosterone is low? [3:05] High estrogen has risks, too! Here are some warning signs. [3:58] Look for these symptoms indicating low progesterone. [4:40] High progesterone symptoms include being tired and sleepy. [5:59] The low sex drive & difficulty building muscle with low testosterone can also bring on depression symptoms, so correcting that imbalance has more benefits than you might think. [7:20] Thyroid is critical with hormone balance. [9:00] What are the signs that your adrenals are working well? [10:35] Your blood sugar balance is vital! Here’s how you can learn how many and what kind of carbs you can handle. [10:25] Taking Vitamin D with K helps with insulin sensitivity; fish oil is also a terrific option. [12:20] Are you digesting your protein well? Here are the enzymes you can take to help out. [13:30] Good sleep is critical - if you’re having trouble, Sleep Candy is here to help. [15:40] How do you handle stress? “The Miracle Mindset” has some great tools, including burst training, tapping, and more. [17:11] What best supports you when detoxing? [18:48] What herbs can help in getting your hormones balanced? [20:47] Listener question: How long do I need to take hormones if I eat healthy? Keeping estrogen at healthy levels, eating well, using supplements correctly, and then use the lowest dose possible. Don’t overdo it! [22:58] Gratitude exercise — writing down 3 things that you are grateful for every morning helps set your day in an unbelievably positive direction. Your mindset really can be your greatest ally.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/hormoneguide JJVirgin.com/products Facebook JJVirgin official   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ talks to Dr. Robyn Benson about Amplified Regenerative Therapy: an innovative treatment that is not only making patients look 20 (yes, twenty!) years younger, but also alleviating several health conditions. A major part of the process, PRP, uses your own blood to create your own medicine – and the results are immediate. Dr. Robyn covers the “O-Shot,” the “Vampire Facelift” and other procedures. Looking and feeling 20 years younger is possible!    Key takeaways: [1:15]  Dr. Robyn Benson’s career briefing. [2:28] How to look 20 years younger? Live amplified with Amplified Regenerative Therapy. [4:14] PRP: Platelet Rich Plasma treatment. Your own blood turned into your medicine. [5:25] PRP can diminish the wrinkles in your face; it actually makes skin smoother! [7:06] The ideal lifestyle to maximize the results of PRP treatment. [8:28] Using PRP techniques to help other health issues, like incontinence or pelvic pain. [10:26] PRP and restoring the clitorial area; helping create new blood vessels. [12:01] Knees, hips and herniated discs can be treated with PRP. [14:01] PRP once or twice a year usually works & using prolozone as an alternative treatment. [15:50] Treatment costs and practitioner qualifications to consider. [19:20] Your gift from Dr. Benson! Get her eBook guide about Amplified Regenerative Therapy at JJVirgin.com/art. [20:28] Digestive enzymes: how to get the right one! [21:11] Listeners’ questions: Top three tips to look younger at 50 years old. [22:53] 1 — Lower the sugar impact. [23:26] 2 — Shorten your stress, a lot has to do with your mindset! [24:06] 3 — Sleep 8 to 9 hours a day.   Mentioned in this episode JJVirgin.com/ART JJVirgin.com/products Facebook: JJVirginofficial   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ Virgin shares the perfect strategies & hacks to get you back on track when life tries to derail you from pursuing your health goals. She gives specific advice for each of the most common situations, including: during and after being sick or injured; travel challenges; and (of course) those well-meaning family and friends. Check out JJ’s Mindset CPR and other strategies and you’ll always have an effective way to turn your situation around!   Key Takeaways: [1:26] Why do we get off course? Getting sick, injuries, travelling, and family crises are the most obvious, but it’s a surprising common problem that some of us actually don’t feel we are worthy!  [2:16] When you are sick or injured it is even more important to take better care of yourself. And sorry, but “comfort foods” are definitely NOT the answer… [2:31] If you are sick, have bone broth! Check this article for a deeper dive: http://www.getjjv.com/bone-broth [3:10] Get more protein — L-glutamine in particular can help when you are sick or injured. [3:24] The worst thing you can do is to turn to sugar; it lowers your immune system. [4:01] Fever or achy joints are signs for you NOT to workout. [4:50] Start moving again — easy exercising — when you feel weak, but getting better. [6:13] Plan ahead when you are travelling — take your blender! [7:20] Try to know the places where you will go, Whole Foods can be delivered, too! [8:43] Make sure you have a gym in your hotel, not a fitness room! [9:20] Friends and family: if they are not with you in your health choices, do not try to evangelize them, just be the best role model. [10:33] Setting boundaries with your family. [12:18] When you have a purpose that is big enough, you can push through obstacles, and build resilience. What are your reasons? WHY are those reasons important to you? [13:30] Check out my blog article “Ten Ways to Supercharge Your Metabolism” for more tips: JJVirgin.com/meta10 [14:30] Try extra fiber for healthy weight loss! [15:20] Listeners’ questions: Overcoming Self-sabotage [17:41] Becoming aware of your self-talk – it’s much more dangerous than you think. Cancel the criticism!   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/meta10 JJVirgin.com/products Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices