Well Beyond 40

"What’s the best diet to keep your immune system strong?" John from Facebook has asked this important health question that is on everyone’s mind. JJ Virgin, host of the Ask The Health Expert Podcast, has the answer. Listen to what she has to say and get an extra boost to your immune health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in as JJ pulls back the curtain... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s podcast episode, JJ discusses the many ways fiber improves your health. From digestion to heart health to blood sugar balance, increasing fiber in your diet makes many body systems run better. JJ discusses the amount of fiber we should be eating and provides a list of high-fiber foods so you can increase your daily intake. Listen in to this informative episode and start upping your fiber today!     Main Points From Today’s Episode Fiber is instrumental for many different functions of the body. Increasing fiber improves a varied array of body systems. Most of us aren’t getting enough fiber in our diet. The secret is to increase fiber slowly to avoid discomfort. It’s easy to increase the amount of fiber we eat each day. Check out the list of high-fiber foods and begin adding those in every day.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:00] If fiber were a drug, it would be prescribed by every doctor for help with the following needs [2:58] Fiber makes a big impact on this weight issue [3:40] Mechanism of how fiber creates satiety [5:30] Fiber balances blood sugar by doing this [7:05] How fiber impacts the gut microbiome [8:05] Fiber reduces the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by this method [9:45] Recommended amounts of fiber intake per day [11:14] Ways to get to the recommended intake [11:35] Soluble or insoluble fiber, what’s the difference? [13:54] What’s resistant starch and what’s the benefit of eating it? [15:40] How quickly should you increase additional fiber? [16:35] Fiber rich foods - see below   Action Steps Incorporate more fiber into your morning smoothie. Increase water at the same time.     Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube XX Brain and Brain Food books by Dr Lisa Mosconi Smoothie Guide Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse recipe Lemon-Aid recipe JJ Virgin Extra Fiber     High Fiber Food List Beans and lentils (13-16 grams per cup) Artichokes (10 grams per cup) Berries (8 grams per cup) Avocado (7 grams per cup) Broccoli (5 grams per cup) Chia seeds (5.5 grams per Tbsp) Cooked quinoa (5 grams per cup) Brussels sprouts (4 grams per cup) Rolled oats (4 grams per cup) Apples (2.6 grams per cup) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! In today’s episode, JJ answers a question regarding if protein shakes are a good idea after resistance training. She’ll talk about things you should be focused on to get the best results from your workouts, and supplements that are important to include if you’re hitting it hard. Stay tuned to hear JJ’s opinion.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:30] Adrienne Lopresti  asks, “After heavy resistance training, do you recommend a recovery protein shake?” [1:13] Instead of the timing of your diet, these are the things you should focus on. [2:08] These supplements are really important to anyone over the age of 35 or under any kind of stress. [4:52] You don’t ever want to go do a hard workout in this condition.     Mentioned in this episode: Recipes at jjvirgin.com Reignite Wellness 365 membership Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Dr. Alan Christianson Ben Greenfield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie Matthews is a researcher and author specializing in complex neurological, immune, and digestive disorders. Today she and JJ discuss how a diet low in FODMAPs can help relieve digestive issues. Listen as Julie explains exactly what FODMAPs are and the best way to get started on a low-FODMAP diet while the body heals, as well as how long you should follow a low-FODMAP diet and when to start reintroducing foods. Julie also provides some sample menus to show how simple it is to swap out foods that may be triggering digestive symptoms. Join JJ and Julie for this very informative episode!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Julie’s free guide by going to jjvirgin.com/fodmaps.   Main Points From Today’s Episode FODMAPs in an acronym that stands for different fermentable carbohydrates. By following a diet that’s low in FODMAPs for a period of time, digestive symptoms can be improved in many folks. Once someone has followed a low-FODMAP diet for a period of time, the different categories of FODMAPs can be added back in, one at a time. When reintroducing foods, you’ll want to track your symptoms to see how you feel. The intention of a therapeutic diet is not permanent. The foods that can cause a reaction need to stay out of the diet while the body heals.   Episode Play-By-Play [4:24] Introducing Julie and how she got into FODMAPS with a focus on autism [5:38] What are FODMAPS and how can you tell if you have an issue with them? [6:25] Some effects on the digestive system if you eat foods high in these fermentable carbs [7:08] Examples of foods in each of the FODMAP categories. [8:23] JJ asks if someone will react to all categories, or just one, or a few? [9:00] How to determine which of the FODMAP categories you are sensitive to [11:25] A walk through of a low-FODMAP diet, what you might eat [12:27] After removing foods, how to start gradually reintroducing foods [13:57] If you have a small reaction, do you keep eating that food? [15:00] Can you condition your gut by eating small amounts of food every day? [16:15]  If you discover a sensitivity, is it forever? Or is it possible to reintroduce after healing for a while? [16:50] The intention of a therapeutic diet is not permanent, it’s to give the body a break and provide it time to heal. [18:20] These things may have an effect on the body’s ability to tolerate a type of food. [19:05] A couple of sample low-FODMAP meals   Action Step: Do the JJ Virgin 7-Day Challenge and after, if you’re still having problems, consider a low FODMAPS diet.     Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Nourishing Hope for Autism 7 Day Challenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ has been drinking protein shakes for over 25 years. She gives the rundown on the trifecta of fat, fiber and protein you should always have in your shakes, and talks about the absolute no-nos. She’ll talk about the size of your smoothies and give some great examples of the ingredients and sources that are vital to keeping your body well-fed so you can go 4-6 hours between meals. Listen today as JJ “shakes things up!”   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free recipes and ideas by going to jjvirgin.com/perfectsmoothie.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Protein shakes are a great way to start your day. But there are a lot of misleading ideas about what is good to put into one. As a meal replacement, you need to make sure you’ve got the trifecta of healthy fats, fiber and protein. Another easy misunderstanding is how much smoothie you should drink to be considered a meal. Most people make their drinks way too small.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:40] What to do and what not to do when making protein shakes [1:37] The link between starting your day with a meal replacement shake and weight loss [2:20] Benefits of starting your day with a protein shake [5:00] First, don’t use these ingredients in any smoothie or shake [6:45] These are the best ingredients to add [7:45] Use these liquids instead of juice, dairy or water [9:10] Smoothies are meal replacements, make sure yours are big enough. [10:10] Don’t use these sources of protein powder [11:35] Bulk up on this ingredient in your smoothies, however, increase to 35-50 grams slowly [13:05] You really need to make sure the healthy version of this ingredient gets into every smoothie. [15:00] List of protein ingredients, including vegan or plant-based [16:20] Watch out for these ingredients when buying protein powder [16:50] List of some fiber ingredients - cacao nibs, avocado, fruits, chia seeds, flax seeds, leafy greens, JJ Virgin Extra Fiber   Action Step: Make your shakes with clean, lean protein, healthy fats and fiber. Make sure your shake is at least 20 oz.   Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Dr. David Perlmutter JJ Virgin Three-in-One Sprinkles Sugar Impact Diet JJ Virgin Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Shake JJ Virgin Plant-Based All-In-One Shake Smoothie Guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! JJ answers a question from a listener wondering if The Virgin Diet is effective for people who have had failed gastric surgeries. She’ll cover the basic lifestyle changes that will help anyone who wants to take charge of their health. Developing good habits is a must, as is continuing those habits after you’ve reached your goals. Ready to get started on a new, healthier you? Listen now for some great JJ tips and advice!   Episode Play-By-Play [0:45] ImperfectShark3 asks if The Virgin Diet can help people who have had failed gastric surgeries. [1:00] Obesity is not about you being a bad human; obesity is your metabolism not working due to one or more of these many factors. [2:21] Diets do work...You need to ask yourself the following questions to find out the best type of diet that will work for your body. [3:10] Before you begin a focused diet, you can start by adding or swapping these foods. [3:43] Once you’ve done that, begin taking out things that are toxic. [4:00] Figure out which foods your body doesn’t tolerate well (The Virgin Diet) [4:20] Figure out where these things are sneaking in and get them out (Sugar Impact Diet) [4:50] Start adding in movement. [4:57] This is a process, you didn’t get here overnight.     Mentioned in this episode: Recipes at jjvirgin.com Reignite Wellness 365 membership Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Sunlighten Sauna Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Razi Berry, expert in naturopathic medicine, joins JJ today, discussing how being disconnected from ourselves and others has impacted our ability to hear what our bodies are telling us. Because we don’t have that communication, we make choices based on outside influences for when and how much to eat.  Doing a few key exercises and eating foods that feed the emotional centers in our brains can improve body intuition, thereby improving our health. Listen to this wonderfully enlightening episode now!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Razi’s free Secret to Unlocking Your Intuition by going to jjvirgin.com/intuition.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Being disconnected from our bodies has impacted our ability to self-regulate. Disconnecting is the basis for many eating disorders. Improving our intuition can help us get healthier. Lack of listening affects our ability to know when and how much we should eat. Doing a few exercises each day can help you reconnect with your body. You’ll improve your ability to hear the signals your body is giving you to make better choices.   Episode Play-By-Play [5:30] How Razi got to the point she is at now [8:00] Naturopathic medicine operates on the idea that your body heals itself when you supply it with this. [8:50] Eating disorders result from a disconnection from your body. [9:44] Why are people so disconnected from their bodies that they don’t associate what they’re doing with putting their body in harm? [11:55] When we don’t use our senses, they atrophy, including our ability to recognize the inner voice of our own bodies. [14:05] Instead of listening to our own bodies, we let outside influences, like time and Google dictate what time to eat, what to eat, and how much to eat. [16:00] A definition of chemosense; our sense of smell isn’t only in our nose. [17:10] How can we reconnect, strengthen that intuition? [17:51] A few exercises to increase our sensitivity and our sensibility [19:01] What you do with your body translates to this system [20:15] Doing these few exercises helps increase your interoceptive accuracy. [21:00] Certain foods have similar effects on our brains. [24:28] We need to get back to trusting ourselves. [25:50] Why Razi called her podcast Love is Medicine [27:20] Women are caretakers, we need to remember that we are the first person we should be taking care of.   Action Step: Connect back into your body and truly listen. For example, only eat when you’re truly hungry, not because you were triggered by a suggestion or because of the time on the clock.  And, think of ways you can connect more to others in your life.   Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Love is Medicine Podcast Love is Medicine website (blog) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today JJ discusses what sugar does to your body. She’ll review different types of sweeteners, including natural and artificial options, and give her opinion on each. Tune in to find out what JJ thinks about sweeteners like table sugar, aspartame, and saccharin, as well as options like stevia, monk fruit, and sugar alcohols. JJ shares the reasons why you might want certain sweeteners in your life, and why you want others out pronto!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s quiz “Are You a Sugar Burner or a Fat Burner?” by going to jjvirgin.com/sugaroptions.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Sugar is an absolute no-no. Here are some alternatives that can be safely incorporated instead. As a nation, our sugar intake has increased dramatically. As a direct result, our levels of obesity and illness have also increased. There are some safe and beneficial sugar alternatives. However, we must limit the amount of sweeteners we consume, healthy or not.   Episode Play-By-Play [4:30] Many people have questions about sugar alternatives. [5:00] While the glycemic index was a good start, what we need to focus on is how sugar and alternatives affect this [6:22] What sweeteners you should absolutely not be using [7:14] These diseases and illnesses are made significantly worse by consuming sugar [8:05] Control your sugar intake, any food you eat should have this many grams or less of sugar [8:45] If an alternative sweetener is all-natural, does that mean it’s good for you? [9:35] Fructose can only be metabolized by the liver, which will turn it into this [11:00] The impact of drinking one diet soda a day [12:07] When you eat sweet, you crave this [13:28] Artificial sweeteners cause calorie dysregulation. What is that? [14:20] Here are some healthier artificial sweetener options [15:50] Discussing stevia [17:40] JJ’s thoughts on allulose [19:54] Discussing sugar alcohols [21:25] Talking about monk fruit or lo han guo [23:00] Discussing glycine [24:14] Two additional options that people don’t usually think of as sweeteners [27:44] The absolute worst sweeteners that need to be removed from your diet today [30:45] Make sure you’re eating a trifecta of these types of foods     Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Sweet Treats Guide Sugar Impact Diet Creamy Chocolate Protein Pudding Paleo Pumpkin Brownies Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse KNOW Foods When Is It Okay to Use Stevia blog Study on Stevia Study on Allulose Study on Monk Fruit Study on Glycine Keto Chews Zevia Soda JJ Virgin Sprinkles Lemon-Aid recipe (Stay tuned, these two are still being developed) Pumpkin Almond Cream Cheese Cheesecake Champagne Vinaigrette from Cal a Vie Spa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of our listeners asked about saturated fat in coconut milk. JJ explains the importance of having fats in our diet, and the difference between naturally saturated and artificially saturated fats, and how vital a role fat plays in a healthy diet. She also lists foods that contain good saturated fats. Listen in today for this information-packed podcast!   Episode Play-By-Play [1:06] Isn’t coconut milk too high in saturated fat? [1:29] Choose oils that have these types of fats [2:00] You must select these types of saturated fats [2:55] Good saturated fats can turn bad if this happens [3:50] It’s important to get a good balance of these 3 things [4:55] Our bodies actually need a balance of anti-inflammatory and inflammatory foods. [5:12] Foods that contain good fats: grass-fed beef, wild fish and seafood, raw nuts and seeds, avocado, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, pastured egg yolks, coconut and coconut oil.     Mentioned in this episode: Recipes at jjvirgin.com Reignite Wellness 365 membership Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Smoked Paprika Cayenne Roasted Almonds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices