ISSUE 153 | AN PREGNANCYSEXACADEMYTRAININGWHITEWITHINTERVIEWDONNAOFBHRTAFTER PG 31 PG 27
- V.L. Allineare If your body’s not right, the rest of your day will go all wrong. Take care of yourself.
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Leading a healthy, well-balanced life is a challenging undertaking for many of us. New advancements in lifestyle or nutrition come to life daily, and the busy rhythm of our lives often prevents us from keeping up with what’s fun and fresh. Here at Top Doctor Magazine, we are on a mission to bring these advancements to your attention and become a source of inspiration for those who want to live their lives to the fullest. Our contributors will constantly keep you up to speed with fresh, entertaining, and reliable content, from nutrition and travel to lifestyle choices! We hope that our handpicked ideas will guide you towards self-realization, selfimprovement, and willingness to help those around you better themselves.
40374919 442709132331 Olive Oil: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and More Aloe Vera Is Your Positivity Toxic? 5 Teas That May Support the Immune System How Does the Body Produce Vitamin D from Sunlight? Sex After Pregnancy What is Sexual Anxiety? What Is the Healthiest Food for Your Kidneys? MEDICALNUTRITIONNEWS 7 Foods to Avoid While Pregnant An Interview with Donna White of BHRT Training Academy CONTENTS 1913 40
- Donna White “EVERY WOMAN DESERVES TO LIVE FREE FROM SYMPTOMS RELATED TO HORMONE IMBALANCE, SUCH AS FATIGUE, SLEEP DISTURBANCES, WEIGHT GAIN, HOT FLASHES, LOW SEX DRIVE AND MORE” 27 49 31
WHATIS THE HEALTHIESTFOODFORYOURKIDNEYS?
WORDSBYNATHANPIPKIN
Let’s start with a staple of your diet: water! Water is imperative for the body’s healthy functioning, and your kidneys are no exception. Water is the sub stance that healthy kidneys use to filter out toxins and release them through urine. How much water should you drink per day? Recent research indicates that men need an average of 3 liters per day, while women need just over 2 liters per day.
It can be tricky to take care of ourselves with bodies that are so complex. Trying to understand the functions of every organ can be overwhelming, making it easier to forget that responsibility and give up. But there is hope! It is entirely possible to take care of yourself without an advanced medical degree, and the secret is to learn a little bit at a time. So, let’s cover the essential information about your kidneys and how you can take care of them through your diet.
Healthy kidneys perform a surprising variety of func tions in the body. The job that most people are familiar with is the removal of waste through urine, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. While they are a critical part of the waste-remov al process, there’s a lot more going on. Healthy kidneys are also responsible for releasing prostaglandins to regulate blood pressure. This substance is highly significant because healthy blood pressure is the driving force behind the oxygen and nutrients that you need to power the rest of your body. There’s another kidney-produced hormone you should be aware of: vitamin D. The importance of vitamin D cannot be overstated because its presence is critical to your skeletal system. We all know that calcium is necessary for healthy bones, but the reality is that calcium can only be absorbed when vitamin D is present in your body. In addition, vitamin D is critical in helping the immune system fight off infection. The final important kidney function has to do with red blood cells. It would be an oversimplification to say that your kidneys produce red blood cells, but that would be a step in the right direction. The truth is that healthy kidneys produce another hormone, called erythropoietin, which interacts with bone marrow to produce red blood cells. It’s a complicated process, of course, but the main takeaway is that your kidneys are necessary for the health of your entire body and that taking care of them via your diet is very important!
WHICH FOODS ARE THE HEALTHIEST?
Your diet plays a role in the health of your kidneys. Some foods will help, and some will hurt, so you need to distinguish between them. The food that has the most potential to harm the kidneys is any item that is high in phosphorus. Research indicates a link between phosphorus-rich foods and an increased risk of kidney damage. On the other hand, an in tentional and organized diet can do wonders for the func tioning of healthy kidneys. Omega-3 fats, which have the potential to lower blood pressure are helpful for healthy kidneys, keeping blood pressure low with Ome ga-3-heavy foods is a great way to protect your kidneys. Just like high blood pressure, excessively high sodi um levels can also pose a threat to healthy kidneys. Foods high in potassium will regulate the sodium lev els in your body and protect your kidneys.
WHAT ARE KIDNEYS FOR ANYWAY?
HOW CAN MY DIET AFFECT MY KIDNEYS?
“Your diet plays a role in the health of your kidneys. Some foods will help, and some will hurt, so you need to distinguish between them.”
Top Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 9
Omega-3 fats are helpful to your kidneys, but which foods will provide them? Your best bet is to eat fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, cod and mackerel. The unsaturated fats present in these fish will help not only your kidneys but your heart health as well. How much fish should you eat? The suggestion from the American Heart Association is to eat these kinds of fish at least twice per week to obtain the maximum health Anotherbenefits.staple of a healthy-kidney diet is antioxi dant-rich berries. If you eat half a cup of blueberries, you’re getting a little less than 150 milligrams of phosphorus. Berries are a healthy snack for those looking to preserve these vital organs. This is especially true if you’re suffering from a kidney disorder, as the low sodium and low phosphorus con tent lightens your kidneys’ workload. You should also be mindful of your sodium intake to maintain healthy kidneys. Sweet potatoes are a help ful example as they contain vita mins and minerals that can help regulate the sodium level in your body, and they can be beneficial to your kidneys. On the flipside, though, sweet po tatoes pose more risk than they’re worth. The high potassium content can exacerbate conditions like kidney stones and kidney disease, so be mindful of this when consuming them to improve kidney health.
A PARTING REMINDER Armed with all this information, you’re now prepared to preserve healthy kidneys! The proposed dietary changes offer substantial potential for assisting healthy kidney function. So, whether you leave to get a glass of water, add fish to your grocery list or grab a handful of blueberries from the fridge, your kidneys will thank you by performing an amazing array of life-giving functions!
“Thedietaryproposedchanges offer substantial potential for assisting healthy kidney function.”
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Top Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 13
How Much Omega-3 Does Extra Virgin Olive Oil Contain? Let’s start with calories! One tablespoon of olive oil con tains 120 calories. The best practice when using olive oil on a salad is to pour 1 tablespoon of the oil for every two cups of salad you’re eating. The average salad brings around 200 calories in olive oil. The good news is that these calories come from monounsaturated fatty acids, making them some of the healthiest calories you can consume.
Olive Oil Nutrition Info All this excitement about olive oil raises a natural question: what are the numbers for olive oil nutrition facts? It’s all well and good to discuss its uses in cooking, but we should also understand what each bit of olive oil brings to the ta ble. Knowing this nutritional information for household food items will be critical to that diet’s success if you’re either on a diet or planning to start one soon.
Nutrition, Health Benefits and More
How Much Omega-3 Does Extra Virgin Olive Oil Contain? How about Omega-3? Omega-3 is an anti-inflammatory component that will lower your risk of heart disease and reduce your blood triglyceride levels. This compound is another significant consideration for those on a diet, so we must understand its role in olive oil! The average tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil will contain an 8:1 ratio BY NATHAN PIPKIN
T he world of olive oil is very complex and fasci nating. The phrase “olive oil” barely scratches the surface of the varieties and qualities of olive oil across the world. The impact that olive oil can have on your health is surprisingly wide-ranging; all you have to do is learn how to reap these benefits in your own diet!
WORDS
There are five different grades of olive oil, termed extra virgin oil, virgin oil, refined oil, pure olive oil and olive pomace oil. The grade of a particular olive oil depends on the oil’s “smoke point,” which refers to the temperature at which the oil will start to smoke instead of glisten. This is worth knowing because smoking or burning olive oil will give your food an unpleasant flavor. Fortunately, the oils most frequently used in cooking have a high smoke point. Oils with lower smoke points are typically used for salads and dressings instead.
Olive Oil Types
This is an essential question to ask right now because the number of gluten-free Americans has tripled since 2009. Even if you are not following a gluten-free diet, there’s a good chance that a member of your family or one of your friends is on a gluten-free diet.
of Omega-6 to Omega-3 acids. This sounds like an oddly balanced ratio, but this combination is ideal for the oil’s effect on your body. This ratio means the olive oil is low in saturated fat and that you’ll experience the greatest benefits of the Omega-3! Is Olive Oil Gluten-Free?
We’ve already discussed how the Omega-3 fats are healthy for you, but that’s also true of olive oil’s medium-chain triglycerides. Research has indicated that both compounds have potential benefits for weight loss. Olive oil is the perfect healthy addition to pasta, salads, pizza or vegeta bles when used in limited quantities.
The last but not least health benefit of olive oil is its impact on your skin. The fats, antioxidants and vitamins in olive oil can all increase the health of your skin, which is why a variety of beauty products have added olive oil to their product blends. Even without one of these elaborate skincare mix tures, you can use extra virgin olive oil to pursue The fats, antioxidants and vitamins in olive oil can all increase the health of your skin, which is why a variety of beauty products have added olive oil to their product blends.
Olive Oil Hair Benefits With the nutritional characteristics of olive oil out of the way, we should next discuss the health bene fits of olive oil! The first benefit doesn’t come from consuming olive oil as part of your diet but from us ing it as a hair conditioner! It sounds odd at first, but the reality is that olive oil has tremendous potential to both soften and strengthen your hair. You can reap olive oil’s hair benefits by taking a few tablespoons of olive oil, massaging it into your hair and scalp and letting your hair soak for about fifteen minutes. After that, comb and then shampoo your hair to get the oil out. Olive Oil Helps Weight Loss
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Olive Oil Benefits for Skin
The second major benefit of olive oil comes from consuming it, and it’s an advantage that every one taking responsibility for their diet should be aware of. Olive oil can help you lose weight!
Olive Oil Health Benefits
The good news is that plain olive oil is glutenfree. However, certain brands and varieties can be cross-contaminated with gluten products, so do an appropriate amount of research before purchasing!
The last kind of oil we should compare with olive oil is canola oil. If we’re comparing these two based on health benefits, olive oil is again the clear winner. The heart-healthy antioxidants that come with olive oil are hard to beat. However, this comparison has more to do with cooking techniques for most people. Canola does beat out olive oil when frying food, but they’re on equal footing for cooking with medium heat.
How does olive oil stack up against avocado oil? While they are identical in calories, fat and saturated fat, olive oil has a slight edge because it contains 33% of the recommended daily value of vitamin E. Olive Oil vs. Coconut Oil What about olive oil and coconut oil? Although coco nut oil can boost your healthy cholesterol levels, it is also likely to increase levels of unhealthy cholesterol. Overall, olive oil is the safer bet. It has the potential to lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease, and the scientific evidence in olive oil’s favor has been more consistent.
How Can I Cook with Olive Oil?
the skin benefits of olive oil! Applying a thin layer to your face before putting on makeup, but after apply ing lotion will do the trick. The most significant ben efits of integrating olive oil into your skincare routine will include anti-inflammation, moisturized skin, re duction of signs of aging and lower risk of acne.
As you can see, olive oil should be a staple of any healthy diet. The nutritious qualities of olive oil — no matter the variety — can benefit many parts of our overall health, from the skin to the heart. While there are a dizzying variety of olive oils available in the average grocery store, it is important to remember if you’re cooking to go with extra virgin olive oil. This will ensure that you get maximum flavor and an appropriate smoke point. Even better: most olive oils will last between 18 and 24 months before they go bad, so you’ll reap the health benefits of olive oil for a very long time.
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These health benefits are great for olive oil, but several other kinds of oils should be discussed as well. Comparing the value of olive oil and vegetable oils will help us find the best fit for our personal health needs.
Can Olive Oil Be Substituted for Vegetable Oil?
Olive Oil vs. Avocado Oil
Olive Oil vs. Canola Oil
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aloevera WORDS BY PETER C.
Aloe Vera var. chinensis plants are not edible and should only be used as a topical ointment for sunburns, burns, wounds and other irritated skin ailments.
It is important to note that Aloe Vera plants can be toxic to cats. For example, the plant’s leaves may cause minor irritation and stomach upset in some cases. However, if ingested, they can cause significant damage and even death. Cats are most likely to chew on the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant if it is near food or water bowls.
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant related to the agave and cactus plants, native to Africa and the Peninsula.Arabian a
Since Aloe Vera is a succulent plant, it needs adequate drainage for its soil. The most common soil type for Aloe Vera is cacti potting soil. However, you can use potting soil, provided it is amended with perlite or building sand.
There are two main types of Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera barbadensis Miller and Aloe Vera var. chinensis. The two main types can be differentiated by edibility: Aloe Vera barbadensis Miller is edible, while Aloe Vera var. chinensis is not edible. best potting soil for aloe vera Aloe Vera is a popular houseplant that you can find in many homes. To grow the Aloe Vera plant indoors, it is necessary to provide the plant with a soil mixture rich in nutrients and with adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Top Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 19
The Aloe Vera plant has a thick out er layer of skin called the epider mis. This epidermis contains many nutrients, vitamins and minerals that make it beneficial for human health and beauty purposes. It can be used in many different ways. It can be eaten, taken as a supplement or applied topically to the skin for various benefits.
are aloe vera plants poisonous to cats?
The plant has long, narrow leaves that are green in color. The leaves can grow up to three meters, but they are often cut off before they reach their full height.
Potting soil is often composed of peat moss, perlite and sand. The peat moss provides the plant with the necessary nutrients, while the perlite provides adequate drainage and aeration. The sand helps increase the weight of the soil and prevents it from becoming too soggy. Aloe Vera plants can also be grown in large pots with a soil mixture of sphagnum peat moss, sand and perlite. If the plant does not need to be moved for any length of time, you can mix the potting soil with small amounts of compost to provide a more nutrient-rich soil. is the aloe vera plant edible?
loe Vera is a succulent plant related to the agave and cactus plants, native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is known for its numerous medicinal and cosmetic uses.
aloe vera types
Aloe Vera barbadensis Miller is the edible type. It can be identified by its thick, broad leaves that grow upright and are a silvery green color. However, you must prepare it the right way for consumption. Keep in mind that not all parts of the plant are edible. Try to remove as much as the potentially poisonous aloe latex. You can do this by washing the aloe while peeling the skin or soaking the leaves for 10-20 minutes in water before removing the skin. The gel and the skin can then be eaten after the preparation but be wary of the bitter taste. The gel inside the leaves is the most edible part of the aloe plant. There are many different ways to prepare the gel, but the most common is to make a slurry with three parts water to one part finely ground aloe leaves. Next, add a little honey or some other sweetener to make the gel more palatable and then cook with water.
veraforrecipealoejuice
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5. Add lemon juice and honey if desired, then blend again for another minute or two until all the ingredients are mixed.
6. Pour the mixture into a bottle or jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
1. Cut the leaves off the plant into small pieces.
4. Put all the pieces in a blender and add water until it gets a thick consistency.
2. Soak the leaves for 10-20 minutes and remove as much of the yellow aloe latex as possible.
3. Drain the water.
aloe vera for hair growth
Aloe Vera is a plant that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various skin problems, including eczema. Aloe Vera gel can be applied to the skin as a moisturizer and help with dry, sensitive skin and sunburns. You can apply Aloe Vera gel to wounds to help reduce pain and swelling. aloe vera for acne marks and acne scars
Fresh Aloe Vera gel has been used for centuries to help soothe sensitive skin and provide relief from minor burns. It contains many vitamins, minerals and amino acids that can help heal skin cells, maintain moisture and reduce inflammation.
Drinking Aloe Vera on a daily basis can offer a host of health benefits.
There are no scientific studies to prove that Aloe Vera can help with hair growth, although some evidence is pointing in that direction. First, it may help with inflammation and itchiness reduction. It is also known that Aloe Vera has a moisturizing effect, which could help with hair loss reduction. Secondly, it moisturizes the scalp and follicles to stop breakage and split ends from occurring. Finally, Aloe Vera gel has nutrients that promote the growth of healthy hair follicles and hinder dandruff development. is aloe vera good for eczema?
The sensitive skin benefits of Aloe Vera also include reducing acne marks and acne scars. It is also beneficial for those who have skin problems or want to improve their skin condition in general.
However, it is important to drink the juice in moderation. Nutritionists recommend drinking no more than 6-8 ounces of Aloe vera juice per day to ensure that you reap the maximum health benefits without overdoing it.
It’s important to note that Aloe Vera is not a magic cure-all solution to all your skin problems, but it can provide some relief when used regularly.
how much aloe vera juice to drink daily
While Aloe Vera has many health benefits, it’s essential to use it safely. Be sure to talk to your doctor before using any products that contain Aloe Vera, especially if you have a medical condition.
Top Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 21
The Aloe Vera gel is also often used as an ingredient in skincare products because it’s a natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agent that can help fight acne.
a parting reminder
face benefits of aloe vera
Foods to Avoid WHILE PREGNANT
BYMĂLINAO.R.
The nine months of pregnancy take a lot of patience. Pregnant women have to be very careful, especially when it comes to what they are eating. A healthy diet for pregnant women has to include specific nutrients for the baby’s healthy growth, and not all foods are good for your pregnancy.
Top Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 23
What Foods to Avoid
Low-fat dairy products that contain unpasteurized milk have to be cut out of the diet while pregnant. These products may contain listeria bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness. Avoid soft cheese such as brie, blue cheese and feta if the label informs you that the product is manufactured with unpasteurized milk. Unpasteurized juice has to be avoided as well.
RAW EGGS Food containing raw eggs as an ingredient is also dangerous for your pregnancy. Raw eggs can potentially infect you with salmonella.
SHELLFISH Eating shellfish while pregnant bears the danger of contracting seafood-borne ill nesses. Oysters, mussels and clams have to be avoided altogether during pregnancy, even when appropriately cooked.
Because fish is high in mercury, a chemical substance linked with growth disruption and brain damage. Fish such as swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and shark are particularly high in mercury. If you really crave some fish, canned tuna, with its low mercury content, is an exceptional choice. But regardless of type, remember to eat fish in moderation.
Homemade foods such as dressings, mayonnaise, cookie dough, ice cream and sauces are all prepared with raw eggs. Avoid them altogether and stick to commercially manufactured foods. Because commercially manufactured products contain pasteurized eggs, the risk of contracting salmonella is diminished.
All women hear they have to avoid sushi at all costs. But why is that?
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UNPASTEURIZED FOODS
FISH
CAFFEINE Studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is safe.
A PARTING REMINDER
These effects can lead to the baby being born with a birth defect.
The liver meat used in pâté may contain dangerous levels of vitamin A and listeria bacteria. Excessive vitamin A intake can lead to teratogenic effects (i.e., chemicals that can cause abnormal fetal development).
Refrigerated pate and meat spreads should be replaced with canned pate and safe meat spreads.
On the other hand, some researchers point out the exact opposite, as miscarriages and premature labor have been related to caffeine intake. Avoid drinking coffee, black tea, caffeinated sodas and energy drinks in the first trimester of your pregnancy. If you are craving coffee or any other beverage that contains caffeine, the limit of caffeine intake per day must be lower than 200 mg per day. Because caffeine is a diuretic (i.e., it increases the need for urinating), you may eliminate excessive amounts of fluid from your body and cause calcium loss. ALCOHOL Although it is self-evident not to consume any types of alcohol during your preg nancy, you must know why. Consuming alcohol will hurt your baby and interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Drinking alcohol can lead to disorders such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Avoid drinking alcohol during breastfeeding as it can reach the baby through the milk.
PÂTÉ
No woman can carry a successful pregnancy to term without sacrifices. Although it’s sometimes hard to say “no” to cravings, steering clear of these seven foods and drinks will keep your baby safe and healthy in the womb. Wait until you bring a “little miracle” into the world, then you’ll be free to tap into your guilty pleasures once again.
COMMON ISSUES WITH SEX AFTER PREGNANCY With all of these physical changes going on, it’s no surprise that post-pregnancy sex is a journey in itself. The good news is that the communica tion skills you’ve developed throughout the preg nancy will help maintain your sex life after your baby’s birth. Some obstacles include vaginal dry ness, a loss of elasticity in vaginal tissue, loose muscles, fatigue and low libido. These are caused by hormonal factors and the physical process of delivering the baby but can be overcome with pa tience and communication. It should be recognized that a cesarean delivery, commonly called a c-section, does not exempt new mothers from these changes. The hormone fluctuations experienced in vaginal delivery still occur in cesarean deliveries, often making vaginal tissue dry and thin. Low estrogen levels mean less blood is flowing throughout the WORDS BY NATHAN PIPKIN
Sex Pregnancyafter
Top Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 27
The first thing to understand is that new moth ers’ bodies will need some time off because there’s a lot of recovery to do! The typical rec ommendation is to wait four to six weeks after birth before resuming sexual activity. While this is a helpful number to keep in mind, the most important strategy is maintaining honest com munication with your partner. New mothers will experience significant hor mone changes after birth, with various effects on the body. The vaginal tissue, for example, often becomes thinner and more sensitive. The size of the vagina, uterus and cervix will be altered by pregnancy, and they will need some time to return to their former size. In some cases, wom en must also recover from a perineal tear or an episiotomy, a surgical cut intended to widen the vaginal canal during birth.
N ew parents have an incredible amount of planning ahead of them when a baby is on the way. Questions of med ical care, at-home baby care and self-care all come into the mix as they prepare for their newborn ba by’s arrival. Eventually, though, a perfectly legiti mate question will come to the surface: how will this impact your sex life?
WHAT PHYSICAL CHANGES WILL NEW MOTHERS EXPERIENCE?
HOW CAN YOU RESTORE YOUR SEX LIFE?
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Communication is the most important way to maintain intimacy after pregnancy. Making a habit of listening to your partner’s needs and expressing your own experi ence to them is the best way to avoid unnecessary pain in spite of the unusual physical and hormonal circum stances. Communication is also critical to making time for sex, which can be difficult with a newborn baby to take care of. Be intentional about scheduling time to spend together where physical intimacy is the focus.
The physical dimension of sex after pregnancy can also benefit from intentionality and patience. The effects of pregnancy and birth often result in unusually thin and dry vaginal tissue. Counteract this by using a combination of methods, such as water-based lubricants, increased foreplay before penetration and physical exercises such as Kegels. These exercises can be done by imagining you are sitting on a marble and then using your muscles to lift the marble up. Holding the muscles for three seconds and then releasing them for three seconds will, over time, make a big difference in the condition of your pelvic floor muscles.
A PARTING REMINDER Pregnancy does not herald the end of your sex life! Communication between you and your partner, pa tience with yourself, and knowledge of your body are essential to maintaining postpartum intimacy. Communication is the most important way to maintain intimacy after pregnancy. Making a habit of listening to your partner’s needs and expressing your own experience to them is the best way to avoid unnecessary pain in spite of the unusual physical and circumstances.hormonal
body, exacerbating these effects. In addition to the incision sites and healing muscles that come with any abdominal surgery, these factors can lead to painful sexual Anotherintercourse.factortoconsider is pregnancy’s effect on the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles, which play signif icant roles in sexual activity and delivery, are at risk of being stretched or injured during birth. The good news is that you can engage in various exercises to strength en your pelvic floor, both before and after pregnancy. These exercises include bridges, pelvic tilts and Kegels.
BHRT Training Academy: with Ms. Donna White BY GAYE NEWTON
D onna White turned her nightmarish battle with severe PMS symptoms into a thriving business helping medical practitioners learn to alleviate similar ailments for patients with hormone imbalances. Determined to help herself, she undertook years of research and found a highly effective solution—bioidentical hormones. She then refocused her determination to bring this solution to others.
White did not want to take synthetic medications, so she dove into an extensive research project on her own. “I was looking to find the underlying cause and correct it. I figured out that my symptoms were hormone-related because they were tied to my monthly cycle. I felt like I wanted to jump out of my skin, which had acne. I was very irritable at that time of the month,” she shared.
Top Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 31
“I have spent the past 25 years sharing the powerful, life-changing effects of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with practitioners and women across the U.S. and Canada,” she said. She founded a training business, the BHRT Training Academy, to help conquer PMS, perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms through this remarkable treatment modality. “Every woman deserves to live free from symptoms related to hormone imbalance, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight gain, hot flashes, low sex drive and more,” she said.
When she started researching nearly 30 years ago, there wasn’t much information to be found other than a few books and articles, but her knowledge base gradually grew. “Now there’s a lot of information available, including much information online. But unfortunately, there’s a lot of conflicting and confusing information, which is why I think education is critical. And that’s why I’m very passionate about bringing education to medical providers,” she explained.
Ms. Donna White White opened BHRT Training Academy in 2019. “I am a recovered hormonal train wreck,” she stated on her website.“About28 years ago, I had a severe case of PMS. I know what it’s like to suffer with symptoms. That’s why I got into the field of BHRT, to get the help I needed,” she explained.
White has published several eBooks and training manuals, appeared on radio and television, hosted three radio shows, produced training videos and podcasts, written blogs and
An Interview
WRITTEN
BHRT AcademyTraining The Market for BHRT In the U.S., the BHRT industry saw growth beginning in the early 1990s, joining the decades of use in Europe. White expects the global market to expand by about 50% between 2018 and “A2026.lot of practitioners are interested in providing solutions to their patients with hormone imbalance and conditions associated with hormone imbalance. Unfortunately, there is also a tremendous patient demand for this modality and not enough practitioners trained for it,” she explained.
Bioidentical hormones are synthesized from plants, and whose structure is identical to what your body produces. “Your body can’t tell the difference,” White explained. “It fits the receptor. However, non-bioidentical hormones, such as most forms of conventional hormone replacement or birth control pills, have a
After decades of study, White believes bioidentical hormones to be a more effective way to manage hormone balance, and they are not new. “Bioidentical hormones were first synthesized in labs back in 1943. They have been used in Europe for 60 plus years,” she Bioidenticaladded.hormones can be delivered in various forms, such as pills, subcutaneous pellets, patches, creams, injections and gels.
What is Therapy?ReplacementHormoneBioidentical
ItIt’smoleculardifferentshape.liketryingtoputthewrongkeyintoalock.doesn’tfitperfectly,soitdoesnothave the same effect.”
The endocrine system produces hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, metabolism and other body processes. Even a minor change in hormone levels can create chaos and require medical help. As the body ages, hormone levels decrease, causing hormone imbalances with symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain and mood swings. Daily life becomes difficult.
The AcademyTrainingBHRT White’s online training program gives providers the knowledge to effectively treat patients with hormone “It’s like trying to put the wrong key into a lock. It doesn’t fit perfectly, so it does not have the same effect.”
“Each hormone must connect with a corresponding, uniquely shaped hormone receptor. The hormone fits perfectly into that receptor like a key fitting into a lock,” she explained. Bioidentical Hormones
Top Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 33
Hormones
spoken at medical conferences, business organizations, women’s groups and churches.
imbalances. Practitioners attend online lessons at their own pace and meet with experienced mentors. They have lifetime access to educational materials, resources and tools, and they learn all dosing forms for male and female patients.
”
BHRT Changes Lives “I love the impact patients experience when you help them sleep through the night, get their sex drive back or get their energy back. You change their ability to function professionally or in their relationships,” White Sheshared.points out that BHRT can help prevent diseases or conditions associated with the age-induced reduction of hormones, such as bone loss or cognitive decline.
The online program provides the flexibility and thorough coverage a typical weekend conference cannot provide. The program offers more than 40 hours of training from world leaders in the field of hormone therapy such as Dr. Deborah Matthew, Dr. Lindsay Berkson, Dr. Tabatha Barber and many more. “I wanted to make sure our providers feel very equipped. We teach not just sex hormones but all hormones— adrenal, thyroid and insulin, for example. They have a powerful interplay, so providers must understand how these hormones relate together,” she explained.
So, we developed the BHRT Training Academy three years ago to make it available to practitioners across the country and internationally,” she shared.
White and her team created a comprehensive care model for the providers: What do you do on t he first visit? How often do you see these patients? How often do you test them? What do you charge? They wanted to make it seamless so that patients get the best possible outcomes. “We mentor the providers going through our program. We have a regular weekly case review Zoom call. It’s a community, so our providers are not alone,” she said.
“I love the impact patients experience when you help them sleep through the night, get their sex drive back or get their energy back. You change their ability to function professionally or in their relationships,” “I wanted to make sure our providers feel very equipped. We teach not just sex hormones but all hormones.”
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“I started facilitating practitioner training 25-plus years ago because of the demand of providers who wanted to learn this. But, because there’s only one me, I couldn’t effectively help as many as I wanted to unless I took this training online.
BHRT also helps providers’ practices grow as it becomes more popular. “It’s a profitable modality for practitioners, and it improves patients’ lives. What better combination is there than that,” she concluded.
5teas that may support the immune system WORDS BY MĂLINA O. R.
Top Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 37
T ea is known for being one of the healthiest and tastiest beverages (unless you’re on team coffee, of course). Almost any type of tea has a positive effect on your body, but certain plants can prove vital when talking about the health of your immune system. How Does Tea Support the Immune System? Tea contains polyphenols, a group of antioxidants linked to the health benefits that tea brings to the table. This beverage also contains flavonols and other chemicals proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, the antioxidants found in tea help protect your body against harmful effects caused by smoking, pollution and UV rays.
1: Green Tea Green tea has overall positive benefits for your body. This healthy source of catechins and antioxidants is especially effective against free radicals. Antioxidants are produced by the human body but not in sufficient quantities. If your body cannot fight these free rad icals, your body will be more prone to developing cancer, heart diseases, Par kinson’s disease and respiratory diseas es. Therefore, your immune system will thank you for the additional antioxidants from green Furthermore,tea.long-term consumption of green tea reduces the risk of diseases such as: • Liver diseases; • Viral diseases; • Coronary diseases; • Bacterial infections; • Obesity; • Type II diabetes.
2: Black Tea Although many people do not enjoy the taste of black tea, they might consider giving it a second chance after finding out how it helps the immune system. Besides helping the body fight free radicals, black tea contains tannins (i.e., antioxidants) that cause the beverage’s abnormal taste. Tannins are an excellent weapon against conditions such as influenza, hepatitis and dysentery. The antioxidants in black tea are perfect
against strokes, cholesterol build-up, high blood pressure and high sugar levels. They also encourage the production of healthy gut bacteria. If you want to enjoy these amazing health benefits and kick the coffee habit, black tea is the place to start!
White tea is an immune system boost ing beverage with a light and delicate taste. Known to have similar properties to green tea but not as powerful, the an tioxidants in white tea are proven to be effective against fungal, bacterial and vi ral infections. In addition, white tea pro tects the immune cells responsible for locating cancerous by-products.
A Parting Reminder
The last but not least beverage on our list is turmeric tea. This amazing beverage promotes the function of T and B cells, which are essential parts of the immune system. Moreover, turmeric tea fights inflammation, arthritis, asthma, allergies, diabetes, cancer and heart diseases.
This spicy tea has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is excellent for escaping nausea. Ginger, in general, has many health benefits, and by turning it into a cup of tea, it becomes more plea surable. Antioxidants are also present in ginger tea which improve blood circula tion and help with congestion. Ginger tea is ideal for a healthier im mune system and faster recovery during flu season, as it is known to fight pain, fevers, coughing and infections.
Keeping your immune system healthy and enjoying yourself always go together. Drinking delicious beverages like these tea options will improve your health and help your body fight any incoming illnesses. You can enjoy a cup of hot tea while working, reading or watching your favorite series. You can always squeeze a cup of tea into your day to boost your immune system! Drinking delicious beverages like these tea options will improve your health and help your body fight any incoming illnesses.
5: Turmeric Tea
3: Ginger Tea
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4: White Tea
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is another form of vitamin D found in some foods and supplements. Both vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 are converted into calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D) in the body. It is then further converted into a hormonallyactive form called calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol).
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While the sun is the best way to get your vitamin D, other factors, such as your skin color, the amount of sunscreen that you use, the time of day you go out, the time of the year, or the amount of sunlight in your part of the world, can all affect your body’s vitamin D production.
We all know that getting enough vitamin D is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. But have you ever wondered how our body creates vitamin D?
Vitamin D Production for Darker Skin The body’s largest tissue, the skin, is vital for vitamin D production. Skin color is determined by melanin, a pigment found in skin cells called melanocytes. Melanin protects the skin from ultraviolet light and assists the production of vitamin D. People with darker skin have a more challenging time producing vitamin D. The sun’s rays do not penetrate the skin as deeply, so vitamin D production is not as efficient.
Where Does the Vitamin D Production Process Start?
WORDS BY PETER C.
DVitamin
HOW DOES THE BODY PRODUCE VITAMIN D FROM SUNLIGHT?
Vitamin D production starts with Ultraviolet Ray B (UVB) exposure. The UVB rays stimulate the skin cells to produce a substance called 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), which then reacts with an enzyme called cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CSC) in order to produce cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). This process is known as vitamin D synthesis. The liver or kidneys must metabolize vitamin D3 synthesized by the body in order to be utilized.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, two vital minerals for strong bones and teeth. It also boosts your immune system and helps regulate cell growth. A lack of vitamin D can lead to rickets, osteoporosis, cancer and other health issues. The sun is the best source of vitamin D, but you can also get it from certain foods such as fatty fish, red meat, liver, eggs and fortified milk.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, two vital minerals for strong bones and teeth.
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Studies have shown that this is not the case. Research provided little evidence to show that sunscreen affects concentrations of vitamin D.
Does Sunscreen Block Vitamin D Production?
The more melanin your skin has, the more difficult it is to produce vitamin D because melanin blocks UV rays from the sun from reaching your skin.
If you have darker skin, you may require a little extra than 30 minutes of sunshine per day. The amount of sun exposure should be determined by how sensitive your skin is to UV radiation and your location in the world. If the part of the world where you live does not have enough sunlight, you might consider supplements to meet your needs. Check with your doctor and get a regular blood panel done to see if your vitamin D levels are sufficient.
A study has shown that people with darker skin need more exposure to sunshine for vitamin D production, especially at higher latitudes. Therefore, the farther away from the equator, the less likely you are to produce vitamin D because of the lack of sun exposure.
Getting enough vitamin D is essential for everyone, but it becomes vital for people who don’t get much sun exposure. Consider 10–30 minutes of midday sunshine several times per week to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
A Parting Reminder
UVB absorption in the skin is fundamental in building Vitamin D in the body. However, UVB can also cause skin issues such as sunburn, skin cancer and eye damage. To mitigate UVB damage, most people use sunscreen lotions. So you might wonder, does using sunscreen reduce the body’s ability to produce vitamin D?
While spending time in the sun is the best way to produce vitamin D, sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from the harmful effects of too much UVB exposure.
Why Your Body Needs Vitamin D
Sexual anxiety refers to a range of negative emotions that can interfere with sexual arousal and enjoyment. These may include fear of sexual performance, body image concerns and worries about pleasing a sexual partner. Sexual performance anxiety can be shortlived and situational or it may be a long-standing problem that causes significant distress.
what is Sexual Anxiety?
Numerous factors lie behind sexual performance anxiety, such as: • Deteriorating medical conditions. • Psychological issues; • Being in stressful situations or overthinking that you are not good enough to please your sexual partner.
Why Do I Get Sexual Performance Anxiety?
There are many reasons you or your sexual partner suffers from sexual anxiety, although there’s no reason to despair: treating sexual performance anxiety is possible, and your healthy sex life lies just around the corner!
B.DREWBYWORDS
O ne of the reasons couples stay happy in their relationships is their sex life. In a healthy relationship, sexual partners are open and can be intimate with each other without inhibitions. Unfortunately, not all couples are on the same page, as numerous go through toils and tribulations because of factors such as sexual anxiety (or sexual performance anxiety).
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What Is Sexual Anxiety?
Why Do I Get Sexual Performance Anxiety?
Other Causes of Sexual Performance Anxiety Include: Body image issues (i.e., you are afraid that your penis won’t measure up or you are concerned about being overweight);
Erectile dysfunction symptoms include getting an insufficient erection for sex or not being able to get an erection at all. These symptoms are due to multiple health-related issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, but psychological factors, such as sexual performance anxiety, can cause and worsen erectile dysfunction symptoms as well.
Sexual performance anxiety is different from sexual dysfunction, which refers to difficulties with sexual response or sexual performance. Sexual dysfunctions can happen any time during the sexual response cycle and prevents you from experiencing sexual satisfaction. It is more common for people over 40 to experience sexual dysfunction because it is often associated with aging. However, sexual anxiety can often lead to sexual dysfunction, as the anxious thoughts and feelings can interfere with arousal and make it difficult to maintain an erection or reach orgasm.
• Lack of interest in sex; • Vaginal dryness;
Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 45
Performance anxiety is a type of sexual performance anxiety that can affect both men and women. It is more common in men, where 9-25% experience sexual performance anxiety, while women sit at 6-16%, but it can be just as debilitating for both sexes. Performance anxiety is the fear of not being able to perform sexually or of not performing well enough to please a partner. Performance anxiety issues can lead to avoiding sexual encounters altogether and difficulties getting or maintaining an erection or reaching orgasm. Couples going through sexual performance anxiety often lead to one of the partners looking for sexual activity elsewhere or even separation.
• Inability to climax or reach orgasm during sex.
• Negative thoughts or feelings before or during sex;
• Kids or family members; • Work and financial issues; • Concerns about ejaculating too early;
watching themselves from above and is disconnected from what is going on, trying to manage how your sexual partner will experience you instead of being there in the moment.
How Common Is Sexual Performance Anxiety?
The Difference between Sexual Performance Anxiety and Sexual Dysfunction
The main reason someone experiences performance anxiety is negative thoughts. Your body can’t get excited over sexual activity if your mind is stressed. A person going through this issue often overthinks sexual activity as they are afraid that they can’t satisfy the sexual needs of their sexual partner, don’t look good enough or don’t deserve the love being given to them.
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There are also times that a spouse controls the sexual activity where they determine when they want to have sex or use it as a form of punishment by withholding or, in other cases, they offer it solely as a reward. Whatever the cause, sexual anxiety can take a toll on your relationship. It can lead to communication problems, intimacy issues and even erectile dysfunction.
Premature ejaculation happens when a man ejaculates sooner than his partner or earlier than he wants during intercourse. The cause of premature ejaculation is both biological and psychological, including early sexual experiences, sexual abuse, depression and poor body image.
Sexual performance anxiety can stem from a variety of sources. It may result from past experiences, such as sexual trauma or abuse, or body image issues. Instead of sharing an emotional connection with your partner, you put yourself under a lot of pressure by measuring the quality of your performance. In some cases, it may simply be a matter of mismatched libidos.
Sexual Anxiety in Marriage
A Parting Reminder
There are many reasons why you experience sexual anxiety, and you need to get to the bottom of each of them before solving this issue. Having open communication with your partner about your sexual needs and concerns and educating yourself about sexual anxiety can be empowering as you will learn how to deal with the issue and might be able to help others who are suffering.
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Survivors of sexual abuse may feel that their bodies are not their own, and most of the time, they blame themselves for the assault and experience a significant loss of interest in sexual relations. Another factor that decreases libido is post traumatic de pression. Women who experience sexual abuse may ex perience flashbacks and are afraid to lose control of their lives. Survivors also suffer from attachment issues and usually struggle with intimacy.
Can Sexual Anxiety Cause Premature Ejaculation?
Can Sexual Abuse Cause Anxiety?
WHAT IS TOXIC POSITIVITY?
Top Doctor Magazine / Issue 153 / 49
So, where should we draw a line between genuine optimism and toxic positivity? Perhaps it’s time to delve inwards to see if your overly sunny disposition may just be a defense mechanism to avoid facing the truth of a not-so-perfect reality.
BY YUKO TABASA
T oo much of anything is bad, even when it’s something good.
Part of what makes life worth living is the broad spectrum of emotions we get to feel and experience. Joy, love, sadness, pain, anger, loss, excitement, fear, disappointment—the list goes on. That’s why you often hear people say that life is like a rollercoaster ride: sometimes you go up, sometimes you go down. In those down moments, it’s important to lean in and accept them for what they are instead of trying to escape them.
According to The Psychology Group, toxic positivity amounts to excessively overgeneralizing a happy or positive state on any giv en occasion that leads to denying, minimizing and invalidating an authentic human emotional experience.
As much as we want to always stay positive and spread good vibes to everyone we meet, there are just some moments in life when looking at the bright side will not fix a situation.
• Minimizing other people’s experiences and emotions by using ‘feel good’ statements;
• Brushing off your problems with an ‘it is what it is’ attitude
• Invalidating someone’s emotional experience by saying things like ‘it could be worse’;
The sooner you learn to sit with these uncomfort able emotions and understand them for what they are, the sooner you can move forward with feeling genuine happiness and positivity.
The way to overcome your toxic positivity is by allowing yourself to feel all the negative emotions. Jasmine Marie, a breathwork coach and founder of Black Girls Breathing, even suggests that you don’t have to look at them as ‘negative’ emotions at all: sadness, anger and grief aren’t inherently negative. These feelings are just responses to what’s happening to us. Instead, Jasmine encourages us to use these feelings as indicators to become more aware of ourselves. Ask yourself, what do I need to pay attention to? and what do I need to give myself compassion on? whenever these ‘negative’ feelings arise.
IS TOXIC POSITIVITY REAL?
• Hiding or disguising your true feelings;
• Shaming or chastising others for expressing negative emotions or anything other than positivity;
HOW TO AVOID TOXIC POSITIVITY
Signs of Toxic Positivity to Look Out For
We often choose the easy route and escape, not realizing that our problems will just come back for us unless we decide to face them head-on.
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How are you supposed to stop toxic positivity from controlling your life? Experts say that allowing yourself and others to feel a certain amount of compassion and catharsis is the best way to spread genuine positivity. So, when you’re looking for a silver lining, acknowledge that the rain clouds are also there, which is what optimism essentially is! What sets apart toxic positivity from optimism is that optimism is rooted in the sense of reality, where the person knows and accepts the dire situation in front of them but still believes the tough times won’t last forever. As a result, optimistic people proactively search for a way to try and upheave the situation they’re in. On the other hand, toxic positivity disengages from reality and pretends everything is fine when it isn’t. And while it may seem like a good idea to ‘fake it til’ you make it’ by being positive all the time, this coping mechanism becomes limiting because you are not allowing yourself to face the negative feelings and harsh truth in front of you.
• Feeling guilty for feeling negative emotions like sadness, anger or disappointment;
Toxic positivity masks the true and unpleasant reality with a false perception that the world is full of rainbows and butterflies. Such a perception is harmful to your mind and body because you’re creating a narrative that everything is great when the reality is, you’re scared to face the negative emotions tied to a situation.
• Dismissing emotions or trying to sweep them under the rug. If you found yourself nodding and gasping, that’s me! to four or more of these signs, then maybe it’s time to take a step back and reflect on why you may be acting this way. Not showing your genuine emotions or invalidating others’ feelings can create a wall that will prevent you from connecting with yourself and others. People might even think of you as someone who lacks empathy and will naturally steer away from you.
Toxic positivity is real, and you can spot the signs when you or someone you know might be guilty of toxic positivity.
TOXIC POSITIVITY VERSUS OPTIMISM
Sitting with our emotions and thoughts will help us become more comfortable in discomfort, making us stronger and ready to slay the next dragon that comes for us.
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