The Wellness Witch Podcast

What can we do in these times of uncertainty? How can we avoid getting caught up in fear and anxiety? Listen in as I share some strategies and talk about choosing to look for the silver lining.You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode99 Topics Discussed in this Episode:Strategies to support your mental and emotional wellbeing in these times of uncertaintyWhat you can do to help yourself calm down and manage your stress.How to be more creative and find creative ways of handling things Key Takeaways:This is an opportunity for us all to work on our trust muscle and trust that everything is all going to work out at the right time and in the right sequence.It’s an opportune time to dive into business, to get new skills and new knowledge that’s going to help propel you as you move forward.In times of crisis, we have this tendency to not think clearly and get into a panic, so breathing exercises can be a really powerful strategy to calm down our stress responses. Action Steps:Take the precautions that you need.Take the opportunity to learn something new, get a new skill, and invest in yourself so that you can show up and come out of this so much bigger and so much stronger.Find your community and connect with them.Strategies you can implement to find calmness:Come back to your breath and do lots of deep belly breathing. Inhale for 4-5 counts, hold it, and exhale for 4-5 counts.Build a team of people around you that you really trust. Sarah said:“This isn’t an ‘I’ situation, this is a ‘We’ situation. This is a community situation…. recognizing that this isn’t about me and what I’m feeling right now. It’s a collective feeling.”“At the end of the day, we all have a choice in terms of how we show up.” Thanks for listening!Important Announcements:Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on.  Where you can find me:Samantha’s FacebookSamantha’s InstagramSamantha’s WebsiteSamantha’s TwitterHealthy Hormones for Women Podcast Private Community on Facebook How you can work with me:6-Week Healthy Hormones for Women Intensive - Get 60% when you enroll today!Healing & Dealing with Hashi’sAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How is a woman’s brain different from a man’s brain? How can women optimize and support their brain health? Neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay specializes in translating brain science research into simple, actionable strategies for peak performance, creativity, health, and wellbeing. In this episode, she shares her insights into the neuroscience of women’s health, hormones, and happiness.You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode98. Topics Discussed in this Episode:The neuroscience of women’s health, hormones, and happinessThe difference between the male and the female brainHow the brain impacts our emotions and behaviorsThe different life stages in a woman’s life and what happens to the brain in each of those stagesSimple day-to-day things that you can do to optimize and support the health of your brain Key Takeaways:The social experiences we have throughout our teenage years and early 20s are really important in shaping our brains. The more positive life experiences we can have at that point in time are definitely the ones that we want to have.One of the most significant changes we see in terms of the structure of the woman’s brain changing is during her first pregnancy.Men and women are very different hormonally and those hormones will impact the brain. So there is definitely a difference in emotional behavior between men and women.Our brains learn to predict our emotional status based on the context, based on our experiences, and based on what is happening in our bodies. Hormones are not the sole provider of our emotional state. Action Steps:Optimize your brain health:Eat more vegetables.Get enough sleep when it’s dark and do things outdoors under natural sunlight.Don’t consume too much artificial light. Sarah said:“I think it’s a massive misunderstanding that male brains and female brains are entirely different species… if we were to scan two brains, we would never be able to know whether it’s a male or a female.” “Hormones have absolutely no bearing on cognitive capacity or ability -- all those thinking tasks that we can do.” Thanks for listening!Important Announcements:Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on.  Links to things I talk about in the show:Save 15% off North American Herb & Spice Products with coupon code HOLISTIC15Check out LIVALATTE and  HEMPANOL PM  The Women's Brain Book: The neuroscience of health, hormones and happiness by Dr. Sarah McKay Where you can find Dr. Sarah McKay: Sarah’s Instagram (@sarahmareemckay)The Neuroscience Academy (www.theneuroacademy.com)Your Brain Health (www.yourbrainhealth.com.au) Where you can find me:Samantha’s FacebookSamantha’s InstagramSamantha’s WebsiteSamantha’s TwitterHealthy Hormones for Women Podcast Private Community on Facebook How you can work with me:6-Week Healthy Hormones for Women Intensive - Get 60% when you enroll today!Healing & Dealing with Hashi’sAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome to the Q&A chat together with Coach Valerie, where we answer your questions regarding thyroid health, PMS, cravings, and many more! We hope that you can take a lot of the strategies that we share. Enjoy the episode!You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode97 Topics Discussed in this Episode:How to deal with gas and bloatingHow to stop sugar cravingsSugar cravings vs hungerHealing your body after years of taking birth control pillsCycle mappingHow to deal with adult acne Key Takeaways:The gut is the foundation for everything, so symptoms of gas and bloating are most likely diet-related and can be connected to the hormones.Gas and bloating are indicative that you’re lacking the necessary stomach factors to break down the food that’s sitting in your stomach.Gas and bloating can also be indicative of an imbalance in your gut flora.Hunger, compared to cravings, is going to take more time to build up.It typically takes 3 to 6 months for your body to heal from taking birth control pills, but it’s not unusual for it to take up to a year.Action Steps:When dealing with gas and bloating:Assess your diet. Look at the things you’re eating and not eating, and try to remove those offending foods (e.g. gluten, dairy, refined sugar). Eliminate those for about 4 weeks and see where your symptoms are at that point.Make sure you’re getting in 3L of water per day and check to see if you have enough hydrochloric acid to break down your food.If you’re struggling with a lot of cravings, supplement with L-glutamine.Take the DUTCH test to stay on top of your hormonal health.Support liver detoxification when you come off the pill.Be conscious of what you’re using on your skin and stick to a very simple cleansing routine for your skin.Valerie said:“When we specifically see gas and bloating, that’s a really clear indication that the gut needs some TLC overall.”“I think every woman should do [the DUTCH Test] at least once in their lifetime. It’s such a great tool to really explore your sex hormones and your metabolites and your cortisol, your melatonin, so you get an overall picture of what’s going on.”Thanks for listening!Important Announcements:Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on. Links to things I talk about in the show:Save 15% off North American Herb & Spice Products with coupon code HOLISTIC15Check out HEMPANOL PM and HEMPANOL CFAlso check out the LIVALATTE and the AshwaMilk Past episode mentioned:Coaches Chat - Morning and Nighttime RoutinesFrom Boobs to Pubes - How to Use Castor Oil for Detoxification and Hormone Health Where you can find me:Samantha’s FacebookSamantha’s InstagramSamantha’s WebsiteSamantha’s TwitterHealthy Hormones for Women Podcast Private Community on Facebook How you can work with me:6-Week Healthy Hormones for Women Intensive - Get 60% when you enroll today!Healing & Dealing with Hashi’sAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Did you know that castor oil is good for detoxification and hormone health? If you’re looking to support your hormones, castor oil is it! Listen in as I talk about the many ways you can use castor oil from head to toe.You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode96 Topics Discussed in this Episode:Castor oil’s chemical composition and its benefitsThe different ways to use castor oilThe benefits of massaging castor oil all over your bodyKey Takeaways:Castor oil in a non-volatile fatty oil derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant.Castor oil is used to boost lymphatic health and circulation, and to support immune health.Castor oil can be used to treat constipation when ingested.Studies suggest that many of the castor oil’s benefits come down to its chemical composition. Almost 90% of its fatty acid content is a rare compound called ricinoleic acid.Castor oil contains beneficial salts and esters that mainly act as skin conditioning agents.Castor oil is good for cuts and sunburns.Castor oil is great for hair growth.Castor oil is known to benefit your breast health and all the way down to your ovaries.Castor oil also helps decrease menstrual cramping and breast tenderness.Most people tend to avoid oils to cleanse the skin because they think it’s going to make their skin more oily, but using plant oils is really the most beneficial way to clean the skin and really restore your natural radiance.Action Steps:Avoid using vegetable oils for cooking.Mix castor oil with a little bit of jojoba oil for skin care. This works really great for taking off your make-up.Mix some castor oil with a little bit of coconut oil (1:1) for sunburns. This also works as a natural lip balm.Hydrate your skin with a quarter cup of castor oil with a three-quarter cup of either olive oil or jojoba oil. This is a great moisturizer from head to toe.Try growing your eyelashes by applying castor oil on them using a mascara wand.Use castor oil mixed with coconut oil as a hair mask for strong, shiny hair.Rub the castor oil all over your body, from boobs to pubes.Avoid using the castor oil during your period as it increases circulation and lymphatic flow.Make a castor oil pack:Take a piece of flannel, approximately the size of your hand and saturate it with high-quality cold-pressed castor oil.Lay the flannel on top of your liver (located on the right side of your body, just under your ribs) and place a hot water bottle on top of it. Samantha said:“The castor oil encourages lymphatic drainage, and it can be really great for helping to shrink cysts and fibroids.”“[Castor oil] is incredibly therapeutic, it’s wonderful for the skin, it’s wonderful for detoxification, and for liver health.” Thanks for listening! Important Announcements:Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on.  Links to things I talk about in the show:Save 15% off North American Herb & Spice Products with coupon code HOLISTIC15Check out HEMPANOL PM Aura Cacia Castor Oil Where you can find me:Samantha’s FacebookSamantha’s InstagramSamantha’s WebsiteSamantha’s TwitterHealthy Hormones for Women Podcast Private Community on Facebook How you can work with me:6-Week Healthy Hormones for Women Intensive - Get 60% when you enroll today!Healing & Dealing with Hashi’sAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How do you deal with hormonal teenagers? Naturopathic doctor and mother, Dr. Rachel Schwartzman shares her insights about how to support teenagers and their overall health.You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode95 Topics Discussed in this Episode:Dealing with hormonal teenagers, supporting their health, and optimizing their hormonesWomen’s health and hormonal healthStrategies that women can implement to support their hormonesThe benefits of acupunctureThe organic acid test and what it looks atCreating a healthy homeWhat it means to be a birth doula Key Takeaways:Kids can start with herbs from as young as when they start eating solids.When it comes to the products that you use, for something that’s chemical-based, you can find a natural alternative.Cruciferous vegetables, the brassica family, are very good at detoxifying our hormones and are great for the liver.Honey is the best cough syrup. When you add garlic to it, it’s very good for immune support.Herbs can be a great medicine to help balance out our hormones.Vitamin B6 helps to metabolize estrogen.Acupuncture helps with symptom management and helping to balance out hormones.Our best management for pain when giving birth is good labor support. Action Steps:Start your kids with herbs from a really young age.Help your children to detox on a daily basis. Rachel said:“Being healthy and getting into our optimal health… it takes some work, but the pay-off is really great.” “When we’re doing acupuncture, it’s really a great way to balance out the entire whole person. We’re not really working on just one symptom picture but we’re actually taking that whole person into consideration.” Thanks for listening!Important Announcements:If you absolutely want to join the Metabolic Reset but missed the registration, send me an email at samatha@holisticwellness.ca or a direct message on Instagram. The next round starts next week and we kick-off as a community on March 2, 2020. Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on.  Links to things I talk about in the show:Save 15% off North American Herb & Spice Products with coupon code HOLISTIC15Check out the LIVALATTECheck out HEMPANOL PMCheck out CBD oil from Ned at helloned.com - save 15% off your first order with coupon code HealthyHormones Where you can find Dr. Rachel Schwartzman:Rachel’s WebsiteRachel’s Instagram (@rachels_nd)Rachel’s Facebook Where you can find me:Samantha’s FacebookSamantha’s InstagramSamantha’s WebsiteSamantha’s TwitterHealthy Hormones for Women Podcast Private Community on Facebook How you can work with me:6-Week Healthy Hormones for Women Intensive - Get 60% when you enroll today!Healing & Dealing with Hashi’sAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What is endometriosis? I know for a fact that so many women in this community are struggling with it. If you’re one of them or know anyone who is, listen in and learn the strategies that you can employ for healing.You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode94Topics Discussed in this Episode:What endometriosis looks likeNutrition and lifestyle strategies that you can incorporate to support and heal your bodyNutrition and lifestyle strategies that are not serving you bestMovement and exerciseThe types of exercise that you can do to support your hormones and bring “fire” to your pelvic areaThe link between gut health and endometriosis Key Takeaways:Endometriosis presents in so many different ways and it’s a very complex disease.The main symptoms of endometriosis that get you into the doctor’s office for diagnosis are the increasing pain during menstruation and also off-cycle.The only way to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery.Dairy has a high level of dioxins that are known to trigger and aggravate endometriosis.Up to 50% of infertility cases have endometriosis.Women with endometriosis have higher levels of oxidative stress. Action Steps:When you’re trying to quit something, choose the one that you’re going to be most successful at first.If you’re suffering from endometriosis, significantly reduce your consumption of dairy, red meat, and caffeine.Focus on getting in antioxidants. Khush said:“The medical community hasn’t really shown up in a way that’s empowering women and giving them things that help... No medication out there really treats endometriosis well. The doctors, the experts are saying this at conferences out loud now.” “At the end of the day, your uterus has cells in there that could create a temporary organ that has the blueprint for human life… It’s miraculous is what it is.” Thanks for listening!Important Announcements: Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on.  Links to things I talk about in the show:Anti-Endo Lifestyle - A personalized 5 phase program to help women beat endometriosis in 12 weeks. Women can use the podcast name when booking a call to get a 30% discount off the registration until March 31st. Book a Call to learn more about the program and registration: calendly.com/khush/start Recommended products and sites:Thyroid-Pro by CanPrevNationalNutrition.caNature’s SourceWell.ca Where you can find Khush Sra:Khush’s Instagram (@endonutrition)Khush’s Facebook (@endometriosisnutrition) Where you can find me:Samantha’s FacebookSamantha’s InstagramSamantha’s WebsiteSamantha’s TwitterHealthy Hormones for Women Podcast Private Community on Facebook How you can work with me:6-Week Healthy Hormones for Women Intensive - Get 60% when you enroll today!Healing & Dealing with Hashi’sAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What is libido? What does it mean to be aroused? It’s such an important topic to talk about because so many women are experiencing this symptom of low libido. Best-selling author Susan Bratton is on the show to shine some light on libido, sexual desire, and arousal.You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode93 Topics Discussed in this Episode:The desire for passionate sex and orgasmIntimacy disconnectionHow to get your libido backWhat desire is all aboutUnpacking the patriarchal view of sexualityHow to stay present during sexConnecting back to your feminine energyCommunication and sex Key Takeaways:The fundamental thing about having a great sex life and a high libido is having healthy hormones by getting the right nutrition and getting good quality sleep.Susan’s homemade dressing:Take a cup of organic avocado oil.Mix in a quarter cup of good vinegar.Add a tablespoon of French Dijon mustard.Add fresh or dried herbs.Add salt and pepper as you desire.Desire is all about loving yourself and loving your partner. It’s about clearing through anything that has happened to you in the past that is holding you back from sexual pleasure and connection.You as a woman have as much erectile tissue in your urogenital complex as your male partner.The foundation of arousal is relaxation. You cannot become aroused until you relax. Action Steps:Think of your sexuality in terms of your hormones and the chemical signals in your body.Get rid of the toxins in your body by drinking lots of water and sweating out those toxins, but also by getting in more fat in your diet.Schedule a time for sex.Lie down and teach your partner how to hold you before you start trying to have sex. Susan said:“Testosterone is the king, queen, and joker of all the hormones.” “If you don’t feel good, you don’t have libido. They are two sides of the same coin.” Thanks for listening! Important Announcements:Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on.  Links to things I talk about in the show:Soulmate EmbraceThe Sexual Soulmate PactFLOWPersonal Life Media Recommended products:Myco10 PowderNED - Use the code HEALTHYHORMONES for 15% off your first order. Where you can find Susan Bratton:Susan’s Instagram (@susanbratton)Susan’s Youtube ChannelSusan’s WebsiteSusan’s Twitter (@SusanBratton)Personal Life Media Where you can find me:Samantha’s FacebookSamantha’s InstagramSamantha’s WebsiteSamantha’s TwitterHealthy Hormones for Women Podcast Private Community on Facebook How you can work with me:6-Week Healthy Hormones for Women Intensive - Get 60% when you enroll today!Healing & Dealing with Hashi’sAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What are the factors that affect breast health? How can we keep our breasts healthy and beautiful? Find out in this episode that’s dedicated to all the women out there who are struggling with breast cancer and other breast-related diseases.You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode92. Topics Discussed in this Episode:The different factors that affect breast healthThe DUTCH test and how it can help youThe 9 strategies for healthy, beautiful breasts Key Takeaways:It is known that 1 in 8 women will suffer from a serious breast health issue in their lifetime.Many different factors impact breast health:Genetic factorsDifferent environmental factors such as toxins and pathogensPsychological and physiological stressorsHormonal factorsEstrogen dominance can lead to a lot of issues with breast health and ovarian health.We can reduce the risk of breast-related diseases by approximately 90% with the implementation of healthy everyday strategies.Vitamin D can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 60%.Research shows that women in tropical countries have less risk of breast cancer due to sufficient healthy vitamin D from sun exposure.Massaging the tissues around your breasts are great for the lymphnodes around your breast. Action Steps:9 things you can do to keep your breasts healthy:Get your vitamin D levels tested annually and supplement when you’re at the low end.Engage in movement such as 60 minutes of walking every day.Get enough good quality sleep, and strategize around optimizing your sleep.Support your body with healthy phytoestrogen foods.Make sure that you reduce your environmental exposure to chemicals and toxins.Optimize your diet and don’t underestimate the power of food.Reduce and manage your stress.Maintain a healthy body weight.Administer a self-breast massage. Samantha said:“We really want to implement lots of self-care and lots of time for rest and relaxation. This is how your body recoups, regenerates, and detoxifies.”“If we can’t manage the lifestyle stuff, it doesn’t matter how many supplements we pop and we take because it’s the lifestyle stuff that’s adding fuel to the fire.” Thanks for listening! Important Announcements:Join our FREE 5 Day Sugar Detox Challenge! Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on.  Links to things I talk about in the show:EWG.orgThe Detox Market Where you can find me:Samantha’s FacebookSamantha’s InstagramSamantha’s WebsiteSamantha’s TwitterHealthy Hormones for Women Podcast Private Community on Facebook How you can work with me:6-Week Healthy Hormones for Women Intensive - Get 60% when you enroll today!Healing & Dealing with Hashi’sAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Do you have a morning and nighttime routine? Coach Valerie of Holistic Wellness joins me to chat about what our morning and nighttime routines look like. Listen in and be inspired to create your own morning and nighttime rituals and have the best day ever!You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode91 Topics Discussed in this Episode:What our morning routines look likeOur favorite drinks to start the dayHow we do our workoutsWhat our nighttime routines look like Key Takeaways:When you work out, don’t be afraid to lift heavy weights. Building up your strength is very important.You may not have the luxury of being self-employed or working from home, but that shouldn’t keep you from building a morning routine that works for you. Doing one or two things before you start your workday makes a big difference.If you think you don’t have a routine yet, whatever it is you’re currently doing is your routine. Action Steps:Establish a morning and nighttime routine for yourself.Whatever routine you currently have right now, spend some time thinking about if you need to revamp it, add something to it, or take something out. Valerie said:“I always give myself more time than I need… I wish it involved a little more self-care than it does, there is definitely room for improvement, but it always involves a matcha or some butter coffee and some snuggles with my puppy.”“We give so much of ourselves in our client calls that I don’t feel like I would be the best version of myself to show up for people if I didn’t take that time.” Thanks for listening!Important Announcements:Save 15% off your FIRST ORDER at helloned.com with coupon code - HEALTHYHORMONES (products ship only within the US) Save 5% on the AOR Genetic Test + Supplements with the code HEALTHYHORMONES 2020. Canada - AOR.CAUS - AOR.US Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on.  Where you can find Valerie Piccitto: Valerie’s Instagram (@valeriepiccitto)  Valerie’s Facebook (@valeriepiccittonutritionist)  Where you can find me:Samantha’s FacebookSamantha’s InstagramSamantha’s WebsiteSamantha’s TwitterHealthy Hormones for Women Podcast Private Community on Facebook How you can work with me:6-Week Healthy Hormones for Women Intensive - Get 60% when you enroll today!Healing & Dealing with Hashi’sAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What is CBD? CBD oil is becoming incredibly popular, but what makes a good quality CBD oil? Ret Taylor, one of the co-founders of a natural remedies company called NED, shares about their line-up of full-spectrum hemp products that bring balance to the mind and body.You can find all the info and links about this episode at https://holisticwellness.ca/episode90 Topics Discussed in this Episode:Getting back to natureWhat NED is all aboutWhat’s CBDWhat you can expect when you take CBD oilThe different concentrations and difference spectrums of hemp oilCombining CBD with botanicals and creating a kit specifically for women Key Takeaways:CBD is one of the many compounds found in the hemp plant and the marijuana.“Dietary supplements should not be making health claims.” This is a good rule that prevents snake oil salesmen from making crazy claims.Sleep, anxiety, joint muscle pain, inflammation, and depression are the 5 main problems that people use NED for. It varies from person to person. Action Steps:Consider trying out CBD oil. Ret said:“One of the absolute best things I’ve ever done for myself was to move back to the mountains. It enabled me to find the clarity and space within my brain and psyche and my spirit…”“When marijuana was criminalized, hemp was as well, so we’ve spent a century without this resource. We’re fortunate to have it back now.” Thanks for listening! Links to things we talk about in the show:Top Genetic-Based Tips by Dr. Murphy Important Announcements:Save 15% off your FIRST ORDER at helloned.com with coupon code - HEALTHYHORMONES (products ship only within the US) Connect with me over on Instagram, @holisticwellnessfoodie. It would also mean so much if you would leave us a rating or a review at any podcast platform that you’re listening to us on.  Where you can find Ret Taylor and NED:NED’s WebsiteNED’s Instagram (@meetned) Where you can find me:Samantha’s FacebookSamantha’s InstagramSamantha’s WebsiteSamantha’s TwitterHealthy Hormones for Women Podcast Private Community on Facebook How you can work with me:6-Week Healthy Hormones for Women Intensive - Get 60% when you enroll today!Healing & Dealing with Hashi’sAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands