Well Beyond 40

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

Today JJ and Dr. Darin Ingels, naturopathic doctor, discuss Lyme disease. Lyme is difficult to diagnose and is easily overlooked by many physicians. Many people can be infected for years without being diagnosed. They will discuss symptoms and treatments, and how Lyme can impact someone’s life for years. Learn something new today – join JJ and Dr. Darin in this informative conversation.   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Ingel’s free Top 10 Immune Boosting Recipes by going to jjvirgin.com/lyme.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose. Because of that, many people may have the disease and not know. Lyme symptoms are widely varied. Recovery is possible, and helped greatly by diet, exercise and rest. Lyme disease may contribute to other illness long after it’s contracted. Symptoms typical for menopause may also be confused with Lyme.   Episode Play-By-Play [2:40] Lyme disease is still not widely recognized although it is a huge issue.  [5:15] How did Dr. Darin get involved with Lyme disease [7:23] How many people do you think walk around undiagnosed? [8:10] Here are the symptoms to look for if you think you may have Lyme disease [11:15] Lyme is difficult to diagnose for this reason. [13:30] Are symptoms typical from person to person? [14:35] Can you fully recover once you have it? [16:55] What are things people can do to recover, long-term? [22:00] The ways Lyme interacts with, and can contribute to other diagnoses [24:40] Lyme and menopause   Action Step    If you’ve got low grade symptoms that nothing seems to have worked for, go get tested.     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. Darin Ingels website The Lyme Solution: A 5-Part Plan to Fight the Inflammatory Autoimmune Response and Beat Lyme Disease IGenX Lab in Palo Alto Medical Diagnostic Lab in New Jersey Armin Labs in Germany Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

Jeff Bland joins JJ today as they discuss the difference between disease care and health care. They discuss what today’s healthcare industry is good at, as well as the challenges that exist. Jeff talks about Big Bold Health and what his message is all about. They will also discuss ways to implement healthy lifestyle choices with the goal of you being in the best possible health for you. Jeff Bland founded the Institute for Functional Medicine and hosts the Big Bold Health Podcast.   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Jeff’s free downloadable 30-Day Food Plan by going to jjvirgin.com/bigboldhealth.   Main Points From Today’s Episode There is a difference between disease care and health care. Disease care is best for injury and trauma. Health care is hugely personal. A health plan must be customized to each individual. Health is much more than the absence of disease. It’s about living in a way that allows you to do the things you want.   Episode Play-By-Play [4:50] How Dr. Jeff Bland transitioned from being a professor of biochemistry to being the Father of Functional Medicine [8:35] What is Big Bold Health? [10:40] What is the difference between disease care and health care? [11:27] The term “prevention” is a ripoff, it’s hard to quantify it without actually getting sick or diseased or injured. [12:30] People need something concrete that they can feel and sense. [13:20] It’s hard to birth a health care system out of this type of system. [14:00] We need to really define this term, so we can objectify it as minutely as we do the term disease. [15:30] Health is much more than the absence of disease. It’s about living in a way that allows you to do these things. [16:50] Four aspects of function [18:30] Health is for the individual. It’s personal to each person. So, to improve health for each person, we need to remove this factor. [24:00] Disease care has its appropriate place, for things like injury or disease. Health care needs to be given as much focus for these types of issues for things we can self-correct. [24:55] What you can measure and monitor, you can improve. [25:35] When the human genome was defined, a lot of pharma people felt disillusioned by this. [26:11] The way our genes express themselves in our lives is hugely variable, based on this factor. [29:30] Discussion of Dr. Jeff’s Mediterr-Asian inspired food plan that includes a free download (see above.)   Action Steps: Imagine what amazing health looks like for you personally. Create a detailed vision of where you want to be.     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 Institute for Functional Medicine Big Bold Health Disease Delusion 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! 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

Dr. Keira Barr, dermatologist, bestselling author, and integrative wellness expert meets with JJ to discuss why we need to do more than just apply creams or use medication to have healthy, glowing skin. They’ll talk about how important diet, sleep, and sunscreen are, as well as how your skin will let you know pretty quickly if something is happening, as long as you take the time to listen.      Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Keira’s free guide, Glowing Skin Guide: 3 Keys to Glowing Skin by going to jjvirgin.com/beautycode.   Main Points From Today’s Episode The biggest impact on beautiful, healthy skin is not topical or oral medication. It’s the foods you eat and the quality and amount of sleep you get. Your skin communicates all the time. You must learn to listen to it. To see big impacts on the quality of your skin, keep a food and lifestyle journal. Take note when your skin flares up – what have you been eating, and how have you been sleeping?   Episode Play-By-Play [0:33] JJ’s obsessed with skin care, find out why [2:50] Talking about cracking the beauty code (hint: it’s not what you’re putting on that makes the biggest impact) [4:49] Skin can be your biggest cheerleader, or your worst confidante. It tells all your secrets. [5:15] Why Keira decided to become a dermatologist and why she decided on a different path [8:39] Old-school dermatology was really about just prescribing oral and topical medication. [10:40] Newer ideas in dermatology include reviewing your diet and sleep habits. [13:05] One of the ways Keira really noticed how much changing her diet affected her skin was the lack of progression on her pre-existing melanoma. Her skin stabilized. [13:45] Your skin communicates all the time. You need to listen for the whisper though, not the shout. [15:30] Take a few minutes every now and then and do a scan of your skin. Pay attention to things that change. And get those looked at. But also, listen to your skin and think about what you’ve been doing, diet and sleep wise. Have you been caring for your body like you should be? [17:40] Women are coming to see a dermatologist for signs of tiredness and aging. There are no quick fixes, but if you change your lifestyle, you will see a difference in the long run. [19:07] If you just do one thing to start changing, it would be sleep. [19:25] Why sleep has such a huge impact on your skin [22:00] What two foods are the big no-nos, and how they specifically impact your skin [24:20] What’s going on with sunscreens, and what should you be doing in addition?   Action Steps: Keep a journal so you can track how diet and lifestyle impacts new issues. Take a skin inventory – if you have a magnifying mirror, use that. Get familiar with your skin. Get some sort of sleep tracking device, like an Oura ring or FitBit, for example.   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 The Skin Whisperer: A Dermatologist Reveals How to Look Younger, Radiate Beauty, and Create the Life You Crave Ōura Ring Skin Care Guide 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! 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