Well Beyond 40

JJ just returned from a fantastic trip to Iceland. She immediately felt energized and happy and calm, and wanted to find out why. The Icelandic people eat very clean and spend a lot of their social time in the hot springs, soaking in the physical and emotional benefits. Listen to find out what we can learn from Icelanders about health and happiness, as well as how to incorporate those healthy habits into your everyday life!    Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free guide Stress Reset by going to jjvirgin.com/iceland (also Mentioned below)   Main Points From Today’s Episode The Retreat Hotel is built into lava stone on the Blue Lagoon hot springs. The water is rich in minerals and reaches temperatures between 95 and 105 degrees. Icelanders eat a very clean diet. Their animals eat only indigenous plants, and their produce is grown in greenhouses and so requires no pesticides. The hot springs have wonderful healing properties. They are also a big part of Icelandic community and socialization.   Episode Play-By-Play [3:28] JJ stayed at the Retreat Hotel, which is built into the lava rock at Blue Lagoon geothermal waters. [5:17] In addition to the waters being rich in minerals and sulfur, soaking together is a big part of Icelandic community, sharing time with others. [5:54] The mineral-rich pools help relieve pain, arthritis, high blood pressure, sleep problems, stress, and skin issues, just to name a few. [6:30] The drinking water in Iceland is pure, mineral-rich spring water. [7:05] The water is also silica rich, a key component in collagen creation and which helps with hair, skin, nails, and to build bone density. [7:18] During her stay, JJ exfoliated with volcanic salts, then used a silica body mask, followed by an algae mask, all great for circulation and detoxification. She also tried out extreme temperature change, steaming in a sauna followed by a cold plunge, and found it super invigorating. [10:00] The hotel uses only non-toxic cleaners, which leaves the rooms smelling fresh and clean, no chemical or moldy smell. [11:18] The Icelandic diet has the highest fish consumption in the world. They don’t eat much grain because it has to be imported. Their meat is fed only indigenous plant life. [14:20] Because of their climate, all veggies are grown in greenhouses, so no pesticides are used. [15:21] The population is very fit and very happy. [17:20] Top takeaways Super, duper clean city. How can we contribute to cleaning up our environment? Detoxifying on a regular basis Hot and cold temperature exposure Attend the gym regularly Eat as clean as possible Drink mineral rich clean water from glass containers Create as clean an environment as you can, reduce your carbon footprint Look at what you can do to improve your sense of community     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 Retreat Hotel in Iceland Sunlighten Sauna Stress Relief Guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! In today’s episode, JJ answers a listener’s question about fasting and working out first thing in the morning. Tune in as JJ discusses what quality workout you should be striving for, and if you are able to do this while fasting. She’ll offer suggestions on what you can consume before a workout that won’t break your fast. Listen in today for this information-packed podcast!   Episode Play-By-Play [1:00] A listener asked, “Can I work out in a fasted state?” [1:30] The answer depends on your ability to do this [2:00] If you don’t eat or drink anything else, though, this is a great thing to consume before you work out. [3:00] You should always strive for good form while working out as hard as possible.     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 Does Coffee Break an Intermittent Fast by Mark Sisson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World-renowned neuroscientist and neuro-nutritionist Dr. Lisa Mosconi joins JJ today as they discuss a vitally important topic: women’s brain health. Women's brains age distinctly from men's, due in large part to the decline of a key brain-protective hormone: estrogen. Dr. Lisa and JJ discuss the roles of estrogen in the body and the brain, as well as the connection between menopause and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Many factors contribute to risk for Alzheimer’s, but a lot of them boil down to inflammation, and adjusting lifestyle can help reduce the risk. JJ and Dr. Lisa also discuss foods that are harmful and foods that are helpful in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Lisa’s free handout by going to jjvirgin.com/xxbrain.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Women’s brains are very different from men’s. One interesting way is that women’s brains age differently. Menopause has a huge impact on the brain. Symptoms associated with menopause don’t start in your ovaries, they start in your brain. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by many factors. Many of them can be improved by adjusting diet and lifestyle now.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:00]   Talking about women’s brains and how they differ from men’s [4:15]   How Dr. Lisa, as a neuroscientist, got involved in studying women’s brains [7:55]   How different are women’s brains from men’s and how specifically are they different? [8:55]   Men’s brains and women’s brains age differently. [9:30]   Women’s brains are really impacted by this condition that every woman goes through. [9:50]   How is it good that women’s brains are more interconnected? [11:35]  Men go through andropause, the male equivalent of menopause, but the effect on the body is very different. [13:30]  Symptoms typically associated with menopause don’t start in your ovaries, they start in your brain. [15:00]  Sex hormones aren’t related only to reproduction, they’re strongly involved with brain function. [15:20]  Estrogen serves a number of functions that have to do with energy. [16:30]  Dr. Lisa’s thoughts on bioidentical hormone replacement [17:50]  Many factors contribute to risk for Alzheimers, but a lot of them boil down to inflammation, and adjusting lifestyle can help reduce the risk. [18:30] Some other factors that increase risk [20:33] Foods that are big no-no’s for your brain health; trans fats (processed foods) are one of the worst, and particularly bad for women. [22:02] 3 key nutrients for women’s brains and some of the best places to find them [28:04] Eating this food once a week has been associated with a later onset of menopause. [29:30] You can’t unscramble an egg. Take prevention measures now to prevent Alzheimer’s later. Don’t wait too long to begin. [30:45] How you can incorporate lessons from today’s topic in your life   Mentioned in this episode: The XX Brain 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today JJ discusses how vitamin D helps your body perform at its best. She lets you know how much vitamin D you should be taking, ways you can get this super hormone into your system naturally, and how to determine how much you should be taking when you supplement. She’ll also talk about what foods contain vitamin D, and which vitamin you should always take along with it. Tune in today for this informative episode.   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s guide, The Top 7 Immune-Boosting Tips: How to Stay Healthy All Year Long by going to jjvirgin.com/vitamind.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Vitamin D is vital to your good health. It affects your body, mind and attitude. Vitamin D plays a big part in your body’s ability to lose weight. It controls insulin sensitivity, and makes it easier to burn fat. Make sure to test your levels. If you’re not getting enough of this important vitamin, supplement and make sure to test twice yearly if you live in a climate with major weather changes.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:27] Some of the benefits of Vitamin D in your body [2:40] First, strong bones and teeth need calcium, but do you know how vitamin D helps? [3:56] Do you know which vitamin you must take with vitamin D, and why? [6:01] Second, vitamin D is produced by exposure to the sun, and in winter there is a lot less sunshine. [7:00] Depending on this factor, you will need to adjust your intake of vitamin D [7:30] Third, vitamin D boosts your immune system, and here’s how [8:55] Check your vitamin D levels by having this test performed by your doctor [9:45] Fourth, vitamin D is actually a hormone. It can help with your mood and improve symptoms of depression. [11:54] Fifth, vitamin D helps make your weight loss easier. [12:30] How vitamin D helps support insulin sensitivity, and the importance of insulin sensitivity in fat burning [13:41] Six, vitamin D helps you maintain a healthy heart. [14:50] Vitamin D helps with healthy muscles. [15:45] What are some reasons we aren’t getting enough vitamin D? [17:23] Foods that contain vitamin D - fatty fish (salmon and sardines), cheese (if not dairy intolerant), beef liver (grass fed), mushrooms, and egg yolks (pastured). [19:00] It’s not always easy to get your vitamin D through food or sunshine, so supplement.           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 Top 7 Immune-Boosting Tips: How to Stay Healthy All Year Long Warrior Mom Miracle Mindset You Are Stronger Than You Think movie Dr. Holick’s information on vitamin D Vitamin D Plus supplement by JJ Virgin 25-hydroxy vitamin D test Lab IQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! A listener asks JJ, “What type of magnesium do you recommend?” Magnesium serves the body in many different ways, and this is what dictates which type of magnesium you should be taking. Listen in today for this information-packed podcast!   Episode Play-By-Play [0:35] From Kathleen F in SD, “What type of magnesium do you recommend?” [0:56] Benefits of magnesium in the body [1:40] What type of magnesium you should use depends on what you need it for. Magnesium for constipation requires a different formula than magnesium for helping you sleep.     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 Magnesium oxide, hydroxide, citrate, ascorbate (constipation) Magnesium chelate, bisglycinate (calming & sleep) Magnesium malate (muscle aches) Magnesium glycinate, threonate (brain health) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Fiona McCulloch joins JJ on today’s episode. She is a naturopathic doctor and founder of White Lotus Integrative Medicine in Toronto, Canada. Her book, 8 Steps To Reverse Your PCOS, offers methods for the natural treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Dr Fiona and JJ discuss how circadian rhythm affects the fat cells in our bodies. Fat cells produce hormones, break down chemicals and inform the brain on energy stores. When we learn the most efficient time to eat, not only can we optimize our metabolism, but our bodies are also able to function much easier!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Fiona’s free Food Insulin Demand List by going to jjvirgin.com/drfionaclock   Main Points From Today’s Episode Fat cells are affected by circadian rhythms. They perform very different tasks in the morning than they do at night. Fat cells do more than just store excess weight. They play an important role in many different processes in the body. To adjust our diets to take advantage of the circadian rhythm, Dr. Fiona recommends fasting overnight. Close your kitchen after dinner!   Episode Play-By-Play [1:13] Discussing fat cells and circadian rhythm [1:20] When to eat is almost as important as what to eat [4:13] What is circadian rhythm and why does it matter? [4:30] Cortisol actually has a higher activity rate at this time of day [5:50] How does circadian rhythm affect the body’s ability to lose weight? [7:13] Fat is more than just a type of weight. It plays an important role in hormone function and informing the brain about this. [7:50] How does circadian rhythm affect fat cells and how they function? [7:55] Dr Fiona discusses the results of a study done on a group of people. [8:55] There was a profound difference in what fat cells were doing in the morning and at nighttime. [10:22] JJ talks about progression of thinking about how often you should eat, what window of time you should eat. [11:14] How the circadian rhythm ties in with intermittent fasting times [12:45] Fat cells are just as affected by the times we eat as they are by the food we eat. [13:30] How many hours before bed should you stop eating? [14:40] If you’re going to overindulge, what are the best times of day? [16:30] The best window of time to eat [17:50] One of the big factors Dr Fiona looks at is insulin resistance. If someone is really struggling, periods of fasting are times when there will be minimal insulin in the body. [18:50] When you are constantly eating, you interfere with the body’s normal functioning, which requires a fasting state to operate optimally. [19:40] Dr. Fiona’s free Food Insulin Demand list is a matrix that shows how much insulin is produced when eating a certain food. Challenge: Close the kitchen 3 hours before bed. Fast for at least 12 hours overnight, a 14-16-hour fast is even better.     Mentioned in this episode: 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today JJ discusses the importance of having a rich prebiotic component to your diet. Prebiotics feed probiotics, helping you maintain a healthy balance of gut flora and better able to fight off leaky gut. JJ also explains how prebiotics help keep your body’s inflammation low, as well as contribute to a host of other health benefits. Read on to discover a list of JJ’s top prebiotic-rich foods and her recommendation on the best way to incorporate them into your daily menu.   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Gut Health Guide by going to jjvirgin.com/prebiotics.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Prebiotics feed your good gut bacteria. Having a healthy gut microbiome affects many systems in your body. Prebiotics help increase your body’s production of short-chain fatty acids. Short-chain fatty acids help boost your body’s immune system and prevent an overgrowth of bad bacteria, among other health benefits. Eating foods rich in prebiotics is simple. Included is a list of many foods to incorporate to increase prebiotics in your daily diet.   Episode Play-By-Play [2:35] What are prebiotics, and how are they different than probiotics? [3:11] All the systems in your body that your gut microbiome affects [3:50] JJ first started focusing on this when she was focusing on overcoming weight loss resistance. [4:14] What happens when prebiotics are fermented in your large intestine? [4:49] Some of the benefits of increasing your production of short chain fatty acids [5:39] When you increase your intake of healing foods, your body can heal itself easier and fight off bad bacteria and this other very common issue. [6:17] What is leaky gut? How do prebiotics help? [8:10] Short-chain fatty acids can also improve mineral absorption, which strengthens these parts of the body. [9:45] Food sources that provide prebiotics (fiber) [10:25] How much fiber should you eat every day? What else should you increase as you increase your fiber intake?   Action Steps: Increase the foods that contain more prebiotics, including... Oats Coconut Cacao Onions Garlic Asparagus Dandelion greens Legumes, beans and lentils Cooked, chilled potato Apples (not apple juice!)     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 Pique Tea Dark Chocolate Coconut Fiber Bars Microbiome Balance Dark Chocolate Coconut Avocado Mousse Dr. Alan Christianson Gut Health Guide 5 Steps to Build a Healthy Gut blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! In today’s episode, a viewer asks if making a smoothie with bananas is a good snack for combatting afternoon slumps. JJ suggests tracking habits to determine why a slump is happening in the first place, and offers suggestions on how to eat correctly so you feel full and energized 4-6 hours between meals. Tune in for more.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:30] What is your opinion on frozen bananas used in shakes to help combat an afternoon slump? [0:54] Anonymous wondered if she should eat a recommended 3 servings of sugar a day? [1:00]  JJ offers suggestions for figuring out why you are having an afternoon slump at all. [2:10] If you’re eating the proper balance of these things, you should feel great for 4 to 6 hours between meals.     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 SID Plate Sugar Impact Diet Breakthrough Carb Intolerance Online Program The Powerful Truth About Whether You Should Snack blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Lark and JJ discuss back pain; the best way to treat it, the worst things you can do, and stretches and exercises to improve strength and flexibility for a stronger healthier back. Emily Lark is a speaker, author, fitness expert and creator of the internationally bestselling program Back to Life. After living most of her life with debilitating back pain, Emily created a method to naturally heal back pain that has now helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world.     Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Emily Lark’s free Healthy Back Checklist by going to jjvirgin.com/healthyback.   Main Points From Today’s Episode One of the worst things to do for your back is rest it. Movement and exercise is a better answer. Strength training is essential for every kind of pain we have. The stronger we are, the more support we have for our joints, our backs, everything. Mobility and flexibility are essential for healthy backs. The more malleable our disks are, the easier our backs can adjust.   Episode Play-By-Play   [0:04] One of the worst things folks can do is rest their backs. [4:27] Emily’s reason for exploring back pain [5:44] 80% of people have some experience with back pain. [6:06] One of the main reasons for people experiencing back pain [8:00] When we have back issues, our tendency is to stop moving, but that’s only making the problem worse. [8:40] The more flexible and more malleable our disks are, the easier our backs can adjust. [10:00] These are the two main things to focus on if you are having back pain. [10:30] Exercising to improve strength & mobility in the core, low back and pelvis [11:44] Exercising the core and the glutes creates strong muscles surrounding the pelvis, which helps muscles in the low back release. [13:15] Here’s a stretch for tight hips and glutes [17:15] Emily feels strength training is essential for every kind of pain we have. And that yoga is the perfect complement. [20:45] Healthy back checklist   Challenge: 6 way mobility, 3 times a day. Record in your daily journal. Challenge: Get Emily’s Healthy Back Checklist at jjvirgin.com/healthyback   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 Back to Life - The Complete Healthy Back System Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's podcast episode, JJ talks about a topic that is near and dear to her heart: how to slow aging and live a long, vibrant life! Listen as JJ reviews nine awesome suggestions that have been proven to boost longevity and improve health. By putting these practices into use, your health can keep up with your young-at-heart mindset. JJ uses these strategies herself – at age 56, she's healthier, leaner, and fitter than she was in her 20s. Pull up your headphones and take a listen!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Stress Relief Guide by going to jjvirgin.com/livelonger.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Living to a ripe, old age shouldn’t be your only goal. You should be striving for a high-quality second half. Put these 9 habits into regular practice. Your health and your mental clarity will improve by leaps and bounds. You don’t have to be an expert at everything all at once. Try adding one tip at a time until they become a regular habit.     Episode Play-By-Play [0:39] Our goal should be to not only live longer, but also to live longer, better. [1:50] JJ feels fitter now at 56 than when she was in college, going for a doctorate in exercise physiology with an emphasis on nutrition and anti-aging. [4:46] 1. JAMA did research on saunas and aging; you will be surprised to find out their results. [6:30] 2. Incorporating mindfulness into your regular routine can reduce stress levels. [8:00] 3. A surprising element to living longer, better, is this not-always-so-easy practice. [9:32] 4. Like to drink? You’re in luck. Coffee, tea and a little alcohol can support longevity. [13:30] 5. Rely on your people. Having social connections is as healthy for you as quitting this bad habit. [15:50] 6. Hug your partner! It’s outstanding for your blood pressure. [16:40] 7. Eating 5-10 servings of this food group every day can reduce your risk of death by 29% or more. [21:02] 8. Stimulate your brain, challenge yourself to learn something new every day. [21:35] 9. Giving your time and your money stimulates this center in your brain.   Action Step: Print out the 9 suggestions. Pick one of the easier ones to implement first and journal every day. Once it becomes a habit and part of your life, move on to another.     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 Sunlighten Saunas 40 Years of Zen by Dave Asprey Dry Farm Wines Bulletproof Coffee Pique Tea Sugar Impact Diet Miracle Noodles Just Like My Child Foundation Nick Ortner’s Tapping Solution app Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices