Well Beyond 40

It’s time for another Q&A! Today, JJ answers the question what are good reasons to drink kombucha. JJ suggests figuring out why you want to add it into your diet, suggests guidelines for choosing a good quality product, and offers some alternative foods that will provide similar effects.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:30] Question #1: What are your reasons for drinking kombucha? [1:00] What are you hoping to accomplish by incorporating kombucha?   [1:22] If you drink kombucha, here are some guidelines on how to select a good one. [1:35] JJ’s recommendation [2:10] If you’re drinking kombucha for the pre- and/or probiotics, JJ offers additional food sources. [2:55] JJ suggests taking any new food into your diet should be done gradually as your body adjusts.     Mentioned in this episode: Gut Health Guide 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s podcast episode, functional medicine certified health coach Palmer Kippola shares how she beat multiple sclerosis (MS) and what you can do prevent and reverse autoimmune disease! Listen as Palmer talks about the root causes and triggers of autoimmune disease, as well as her personal journey to overcome MS. Palmer also shares the holistic healing framework she used to eliminate symptoms, and how these empowering strategies can help you take back your health!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Palmer’s free Optimal Food Guide by going to jjvirgin.com/palmer.   Main Points From Today’s Episode One morning, Palmer woke up with tingling in her feet that started to spread to her legs. Palmer was diagnosed with MS and over the next six weeks, her body went numb from her chin to her toes. In Palmer’s book, Beat Autoimmune, she shares the strategies that she has used to reverse her MS symptoms. Palmer hasn’t had a single symptom of MS since October of 2010. Palmer offers a holistic framework for healing that is represented by the acronym F.I.G.H.T.S. The lifestyle factors that are the root causes of autoimmune conditions and the sources of regaining health are the following: Food, Infections, Gut Health, Hormone Balance, Toxins, and Stress.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:43] Palmer Kippola’s career briefing [1:23] Listener shout-out [2:25] Welcoming Palmer to the show [3:16] Palmer’s personal journey with autoimmune disease [5:11] Why “nothing” and “always” shouldn’t be used in medicine [6:26] For the next six weeks after her initial diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, Palmer experienced complete numbness from her chin to her toes. [7:23] One family friend asked, “Palmer, why do you think that you got MS?” [8:50] Palmer’s experience as a warrior child and how that affected her [10:38] Thoughts are things and they can create. [11:20] Palmer wants to convey that it’s really helpful to reframe the things that happen “to” us as, “What if this is happening for us?” [12:20] Palmer spent the next three decades working on how to dampen stress. [13:07] What happened next for Palmer [14:02] Palmer noticed that when she was stressed, she would have a flare-up. [15:46] Palmer hasn’t had a single symptom of MS since October of 2010. [15:57] Things that Palmer tried along the way to reverse her symptoms and how they worked [16:16] There are 98 medications that we know of that can induce lupus. [17:36] In 2010, Palmer made an appointment with a functional nutritionist and discovered that she was highly sensitive to gluten. [18:01] The link between gluten and leaky gut [19:30] Results of Palmer’s follow-up testing [20:30] How discovering one’s food intolerances has been shown to help with autoimmune symptoms [22:26] Start by adding in one healthy habit at a time. [23:15] Key takeaways from Palmer’s book, Beat Autoimmune [23:32] Our lifestyle and environmental factors matter more than our genes. [24:10] What is the autoimmune equation? [26:12] Why it’s important to fix the foundation first [26:55] Studies show that trauma in childhood doesn’t stay in childhood. [28:15] Palmer’s F.I.G.H.T.S. acronym: Food, Infections, Gut Health, Hormone Balance, Toxins, and Stress [29:10] How Palmer addresses the F.I.G.H.T.S. acronym in her book [30:15] How to get Palmer’s free Optimal Food Guide and what it’s about [32:55] JJ’s top takeaways from today’s episode     Mentioned in this episode: Beat Autoimmune: The 6 Keys to Reverse Your Condition and Reclaim Your Health, by Palmer Kippola Dr. Terry Wahls’s Ted Talk Ziva Meditation Free tapping eBook Yourlabwork lab testing Warrior Mom, by JJ Virgin 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

The habits that make you store fat can easily sneak into your daily life! Listen as JJ explains the top culprits behind fat storage, from poor sleep and chronic stress to snacking and the wrong type of exercise. JJ also shares how to avoid those common pitfalls so you can upgrade your fat metabolism for good!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free “Are You a Sugar Burner or Fat Burner?” quiz by going to jjvirgin.com/storefat.   Main Points From Today’s Episode You don’t change your health overnight. You change it over time, going through habits one by one that are not working for you. While most people focus on what they can do to burn more fat, it’s crucial to know the common habits that can make you store excess body fat in the first place. JJ talks about the 9 worst habits for your waistline. This one may be a surprise: prolonged steady-state endurance exercise can make you store fat! JJ explains how you can work out in less time and get better results.   Episode Play-By-Play [:32] Introduction to today’s episode [1:10] How to submit a question for the Friday Q&A episodes [1:35] JJ’s story of struggling to lose weight in the past [3:08] Listener shout-out [5:04] The top habits that make you store fat [5:34] When you don’t sleep well, you become more insulin resistant. [5:55] The impact of lack of sleep on your hunger hormones [7:15] Why it’s important to track your sleep  [8:01] JJ’s experience with chronic stress, and how chronic stress can lead to excess belly fat [10:02] Strategies to manage your stress levels [10:43] The link between too much fructose and fat storage [12:24] How prolonged endurance exercise can make your body store fat [14:10] The dark side of snacking [14:35] How to shrink your eating window [15:38] Protein, healthy fat, and fiber helps keep your blood sugar stable. [16:06] Alcohol sidelines fat burning and stimulates your appetite. [16:42] Why you shouldn’t eat late at night [17:19] JJ’s tips on meal timing [18:30] Why highly reactive foods could be stalling your progress [19:55] Which sugars to choose and which to lose [21:52] JJ’s takeaways from today’s episode and next steps   Mentioned in this episode: Oura Ring Free eBook on tapping Ziva Meditation Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Handling Stress...We Got This! Fast Fitness Online Program Xiser Dry Farm Wines 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge 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

If you’re tired during the day, yet struggle to fall asleep at night, you need to listen to this podcast episode! Listen as JJ shares her top tips for getting the quality sleep you need, including her favorite ways to wind down in the evening and how to create a calming bedtime routine. JJ also reveals the things that can interfere with your sleep and how to avoid them so you can get your z’s at night and stay energized all day long!   Episode Play-By-Play [0:30] Introduction to today’s episode [0:57] Community question: Do you have quick tips for sleep? I’m super tired during the day and I have insomnia at night. [1:13] Establish a routine at night. [1:37] What defines a good night’s sleep? [1:55] The first thing you should do when you wake up in the morning [2:43] Why you should figure out if you’re a slow or fast caffeine metabolizer [3:20] Other strategies to wind down at night [3:42] It’s important to shut down all electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. [4:08] What you eat at dinner can affect your blood sugar levels during the night. That’s why it’s key to eat a balanced meal with clean, lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fiber. [4:22] How alcohol can interfere with your sleep [4:30] JJ takes her Sleep Candy every night! [5:02] The quality of your sleep matters! [5:15] How to submit a question for JJ   Mentioned in this episode: Sleep Candy Oura Ring 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

In today’s podcast episode, integrative men’s health expert Dr. Myles Spar talks with JJ about how he is empowering men to achieve their goals through greater health! Listen as Dr. Spar explains how men respond differently than women to the healthcare system and why it’s important to engage men in their health. Dr. Spar also reveals the 5 impact factors that contribute to your wellbeing and his free quiz that can help you identify where you need to focus your energies to get healthy and win. Find out all about the foundations of optimal health for men!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Spar’s free quiz by going to jjvirgin.com/drspar.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Dr. Spar discovered that the difference in life expectancy between men and women is largely due to preventable issues. That led him down the path to helping empower men to take their health into their own hands. Dr. Spar’s book, Optimal Men’s Health, equips you to achieve your health goals. Dr. Spar reveals 5 impact factors that contribute to your wellbeing and how to optimize them one step at a time. Dr. Spar helps people achieve better performance in every aspect of life. His free quiz helps you identify where you need to focus your energies to win.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:00] How JJ first met Dr. Spar [1:44] Dr. Spar’s career briefing [2:47] Listener shout-out [3:26] Welcoming Dr. Spar to the show [3:52] Why there needs to be a focus on men’s health [4:42] What is toxic masculinity? [5:33] The link between gender disparity and health [6:00] Many guys want to know what they need to do to achieve a goal. [6:23] JJ’s experience with male clients [7:17] Many men are showing an increased interest in performance. [8:55] How Dr. Spar became interested in men’s health [10:55] Dr. Spar discovered that the difference in life expectancy between men and women is largely due to preventable issues. [12:05] The importance of learning how to speak to men about their health [13:40] Why Dr. Spar likes the social media app “Strava” [15:18] The approach that Dr. Spar takes to working with men [16:40] How to take the quiz on Dr. Spar’s website and what the results tell you [17:27] The importance of starting with one thing [18:15] What are the 5 impact factors? [19:55] Dr. Spar found that 60% of people get less than seven hours of sleep per night. [20:30] Why it’s important to have connection in your life [21:00] The fifth impact factor is purpose, which is what it all hinges on. [22:04] Study showing the importance of connection [23:42] How connection has made a difference in the life of JJ’s husband, Tim [25:05] How it can be helpful to work with a coach [26:23] Optimal Men’s Health is a great resource for female listeners to share with their significant other. [27:05] What Optimal Men’s Health is about [28:38] Statistics show that men have less than half the likelihood of having an identified primary care provider as women. [28:50] How to get Dr. Spar’s quiz [29:23] JJ’s top takeaways from today’s episode     Mentioned in this episode: Optimal Men’s Health, by Myles Spar, MD, MPH 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

Say goodbye to heartburn and acid reflux! In today’s podcast episode, JJ reveals the true cause of heartburn, as well as her top tips on how to relieve heartburn symptoms without resorting to antacids. Listen to find out about the dangerous long-term consequences of acid-reducing medications, as well as the diet and lifestyle strategies that can help you address heartburn symptoms safely and naturally. You don’t have to suffer from heartburn any longer!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Gut Health Guide by going to jjvirgin.com/nomoreheartburn.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Conventional wisdom says that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly called heartburn, occurs when too much stomach acid splashes upwards toward your esophagus, creating burning and discomfort. However, research shows that too little – not too much – stomach acid often creates GERD. Over-the-counter antacids and prescription acid-reducing medications often mask underlying problems and can make things worse in the long run. That “little purple pill” has now been proven to cause dangerous vitamin deficiencies and increased risk of osteoporosis, immune problems, and premature death! Losing weight and minimizing problem foods are two strategies that can help relieve heartburn symptoms. Some trigger foods include coffee, tea, tomatoes, citrus, chocolate, and gluten-containing foods.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:35] Introduction to today’s episode [1:03] Common symptoms of heartburn [2:24] Listener shout-out [3:04] Busting the myth that too much stomach acid is the cause of GERD [3:48] How stress and aging can contribute to GERD [4:48] Antacids don’t fix the underlying problem, and can actually make things worse in the long run. [5:02] Too little stomach acid as the culprit behind GERD [5:43] The consequences of too little stomach acid [6:22] JJ’s story about a man who had been on acid-reducing medication for years and discovered that he had osteoporosis [6:45] The adverse effects of acid-reducing medications [7:25] Strategies to relieve heartburn naturally [7:48] How weight loss can help with GERD [8:33] Strategies to help balance blood sugar levels and boost weight loss [9:26] Common foods that can trigger heartburn symptoms [10:06] Drink up (but at the right time). [10:50] Studies show that reducing or eliminating high-sugar impact foods can help relieve GERD. [11:41] Why you should drop gluten [12:38] Slow down - research shows that people who are plowing through their meals suffer more GERD. [14:00] How digestive enzymes with betaine HCl can help [14:57] It’s important to get great sleep. [15:22] Why you need to stop eating at least 3 hours before bed [16:08] Create a power-down hour! [16:53] JJ takes Sleep Candy every night. [17:24] It’s crucial to manage your stress levels. [18:50] Start by picking one thing, and then tracking your symptoms in a journal. [19:33] JJ’s top takeaways from today’s episode   Mentioned in this episode: 9 Steps to Reduce Acid Reflux Without Antacids JJ Virgin 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge How to Build a Balanced Meal: The Sugar Impact Plate Reignite Wellness Safety Net Plus JJ Virgin Sleep Candy 7 Ways to Fall & Stay Asleep Free e-book on tapping Ziva Meditation 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

It’s time for another Q&A! Today, JJ is answering 3 top questions from the community. Listen to find out how to stay on track with your healthy eating plan even if your family isn’t board, as well as where to find support and encouragement to help you reach your weight loss goals. Plus, JJ shares her top tips on packing healthy lunches so you can fuel your body with nourishing food while at work or on the go!   Episode Play-By-Play [0:30] Question #1: How do you commit and stay on track when your family isn’t following the same plan? [1:03] Start by letting them know what you’re going to do and asking them if they want to be involved.  [1:25] Grab our yummy recipes and start making them! [1:35] How to handle requests from family members for foods that aren’t good for them [2:20] When others aren’t forced to follow a healthy eating plan, JJ has noticed that many times, they come around. [2:48] JJ’s story about a family of 4 who collectively lost hundreds of pounds [3:43] Question #2: I’ve lost 40 pounds, but really need help and encouragement. [4:00] When you purchase one of our online programs or join the Reignite Wellness membership site, you get access to our community forum for support and encouragement. [4:25] Question #3: I’m starting to take lunches to work and need lots of ideas. [5:15] The easiest way to pack healthy lunches is to make extra servings of dinner the night before. [5:30] JJ is a fan of using protein from dinner the night before and making a salad the next day. [6:08] How to make an ideal salad [6:30] How you can use Siete gluten-free tortillas in your lunchbox [7:28] Tips for setting your pantry up for success   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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner and former pro soccer player Diane Kazer joins JJ in today’s episode to explore the toxic truth about breast implants and how you can take back your health! Listen as Diane explains what breast implant illness is and the debilitating symptoms it can cause. Diane also shares her personal experience with breast implant illness, including the lessons she learned that she’s using to help others. Plus, find out about how to overcome breast implant illness and heal your body, as well as modern, safer alternatives to breast implants. Diane is a courageous visionary in the world of hormones and detox, empowerment, and self-love!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Diane Kazer’s free masterclass by going to jjvirgin.com/bii.   Main Points From Today’s Episode About six months after getting breast implants, Diane started to experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Despite seeing various healthcare providers and doing different types of testing, these debilitating symptoms went on for years until Diane discovered that they were triggered by her breast implants. Breast implants are filled with a host of chemicals, toxins, polymers, adhesives, and heavy metals. Many of these are xenoestrogens, which can contribute to estrogen dominance and the uncomfortable symptoms that go along with it. In Diane’s new book, Overcoming Breast Implant Illness, she explains what to do if you think you may have breast implant illness. She also shares safe options for rebuilding your breasts after having breast implants removed.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:33] Introduction to today’s episode [1:03] Diane Kazer’s career briefing [1:36] Listener shout-out [2:33] Welcoming Diane to the show [3:14] How Diane became involved in breast implant illness [4:21] What is a bikini competition? [5:40] Symptoms that Diane started experiencing after getting breast implants [7:38] Breast implants are filled with a host of chemicals, toxins, polymers, adhesives, and heavy metals. [7:44] The impact of xenoestrogens in breast implants [8:05] Diane’s painful symptoms started to impair her adventurous lifestyle [8:56] No one could figure out what was causing Diane’s symptoms. [10:48] Why Diane decided to have her breast implants removed [11:20] How quickly did Diane start to notice an improvement in her symptoms? [11:57] How trapped bacteria in between the capsule and breast implant can be harmful [12:25] Pathology testing that Diane recommends if you’re getting breast implants removed [13:25] One study found that silicone migrated out of the breast capsule in 21% of women. [14:59] How certain SNPs can impair your ability to detox [17:50] What are the most common symptoms associated with breast implant illness? [20:38] What are some of the different chemicals in breast implants?   [22:58] If you’re concerned about breast implant illness, what is the first step? [25:58] Steps to take before getting your breast implants removed [28:23] Why it’s important to advocate for yourself [29:10] How to detox after getting your breast implants removed [30:40] How to get Diane’s free video [30:59] Information about fat transfer [32:29] Safe options for rebuilding your breasts [34:07] What Diane would have done differently [36:53] JJ’s top takeaways and next steps     Mentioned in this episode: Overcoming Breast Implant Illness by Diane Kazer 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

Time to get the scoop on collagen! In today’s podcast episode, JJ explains what exactly collagen is and how supplementing with collagen can help with everything from fighting signs of aging like wrinkles, joint pain, and bone loss to supporting your heart and gut health. JJ also shares how much collagen you need to look and feel your best, as well as when extra collagen can help. Plus, find out easy, yummy ways to add collagen to your routine!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Gluten-Free Collagen Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe by going to jjvirgin.com/collagen.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Collagen is the most common form of protein in your body. It’s in your skin, hair, nails, bones, ligaments, tendons, muscle tissue – even in your arteries! As soon as we reach age 20, our collagen production begins to decrease by about 1% each year. Supplementing with collagen can help fight signs of aging like wrinkles and joint pain, plus it has been shown to help prevent bone loss. JJ shares easy ways to add collagen to your diet. She loves making yummy, collagen-rich smoothies using her Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Shakes and Complete Beauty Collagen Powder.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:35] Introduction to today’s episode [1:17] Listener shout-out [3:03] JJ wrote The Virgin Diet to help you become your own personal health detective. [4:04] JJ’s thoughts on fasting, including how to prepare your body for success and how to tell if fasting is right for you [5:23] Time-restricted feeding triggers a cellular detoxification process called autophagy. [6:05] What exactly is collagen and where is it found? [6:40] The consequences of lower levels of collagen due to aging [6:55] How much collagen you need and reasons you may need more collagen [7:17] How collagen can help with signs of aging [8:11] Supplementing with collagen can help with joint stiffness and loss of mobility. [8:47] JJ’s experience with an injury [9:59] Collagen triggers your body to repair the structure of your joints. [10:23] The benefits of collagen in supporting bone health [11:23] Other nutrients and lifestyle strategies that can help you maintain strong bones [12:20] You may be surprised to find out that collagen can help with heart health! [13:00] The effects of lean muscle mass on your metabolism [14:00] How collagen can help with muscle growth and recovery [14:45] When you’re healing from an injury or surgery, you’ll want to increase your collagen intake. [15:50] Collagen contains amino acids that heal and soothe the lining of your gut. [16:00] What is leaky gut and how can it harm your health? [17:20] How to include more collagen in your diet [18:11] You can add high-quality collagen powder to just about anything! [18:30] Spirulina contains glycine and proline, which are the main amino acids that make up collagen. [19:11] JJ’s top takeaways from today’s episode [20:22] Easy ways to use collagen before a workout [20:52] JJ’s challenge for you [21:18] Check in with your symptoms on a regular basis.     Mentioned in this episode: How Much Collagen Do You Need? 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Protein Shake Complete Beauty Collagen Powder The Flavor Chef Bone Broth 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

Welcome to Friday Q&A with JJ! In today’s episode, JJ answers 3 top questions from the community. Listen as JJ reveals how how much vitamin D you need, including the best way to test your vitamin D levels and why it’s key to take vitamin K along with vitamin D. JJ also shares the best time to work out and what you can do to make exercise a priority in your schedule. Plus, find out the answer to an age-old question: should you eat breakfast in the morning?   Episode Play-By-Play [0:36] Introduction to Season 2 of the podcast [1:50] Question 1: How much vitamin D should I take?  [2:48] The Vitamin D test you should be requesting from your healthcare provider  [3:15] What are optimal vitamin D levels?   [4:30] Why you might need more or less vitamin D depending on the time of year [6:10] Question 2: When is the best time to exercise?  [6:30] Schedule your exercise as if it were an appointment.  [6:45] Exercising at this time of day has the most benefits for your body.  [7:40] When you work out in the morning, you’re more likely to stick to your plans. [8:40] The benefits of exercise  [9:59] Question 3: Do I need to eat breakfast?  [10:54] The impact of being an early bird vs. night owl [11:10] It’s important to listen to your body and eat when you’re truly hungry.  [11:56] Why you need to close the kitchen at least 3 hours before bed  [13:03] JJ’s takeaways on meal timing     Mentioned in this episode: Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Vitamin D Plus Subscribe to the podcast 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