For years, medical experts have observed and confirmed that residents of Mediterranean countries have much lower cases of obesity, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases than people in the United States and other European countries. After much observation and research, scientists have traced this phenomenon to their diet difference.
Continue reading “Why the Mediterranean Diet is the #1 Diet in the world”
The term “bungee” automatically conjures up visions of dare devils jumping off tall bridges and swinging upside down by your ankles. But rest assured, none of that is involved in a Bungee workout…daredevils, you’ll have to get your thrills elsewhere.
Continue reading “Bungee/Suspension Fitness – what the???”
What is it?
The term “adrenal fatigue” is used to explain a group of symptoms that are said to occur in people who are under long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress – the fact however is this – there is NO SCIENTIFIC PROOF to support Adrenal Fatigue as a true or documented medical condition!
Supporters of the adrenal fatigue “theory” say that you may be more likely to develop this condition if, for example, you have a stressful job; are a shift worker, working student, or single parent; or if you abuse alcohol or drugs.
THERE IS NO SCIENTIFIC TESTING FOR ADRENAL FATIGUE – and diagnosis is normally based on a set of symptoms. Sometimes, a blood or saliva test may be offered, but tests for adrenal fatigue are not based on scientific facts or supported by scientific studies, so the results and analysis of these tests may not be correct.
Symptoms said to be due to adrenal fatigue include tiredness, trouble falling asleep at night or waking up in the morning, salt and sugar craving, and needing stimulants like caffeine to get through the day. These symptoms are common and non-specific, and are more often than not attributed to a hormone imbalance (coritsol, menopause etc), chronic stress or other disease/illness.
The theory behind adrenal fatigue
Supporters of the adrenal fatigue theory have been led to believe the problem begins when many different life stressors become too much for the body to handle – ie. when people are faced with long-term stress, their adrenal glands cannot keep up with the body’s need for these hormones. It is when this happens that supporters, of “adrenal fatigue” believe that symptoms may appear.
What’s the difference between Adrenal Fatigue and Adrenal Insufficiency?
While the diagnosis of adrenal fatigue is NOT accepted by most doctors, adrenal insufficiency IS a real medical condition that occurs when our adrenal glands cannot produce enough hormones. Adrenal Insufficiency (AI) is caused by damage to the adrenal glands or a problem with the pituitary gland—a pea-sized gland in the brain that tells the adrenals to produce cortisol.
The symptoms of a person with adrenal insufficiency may be dehydrated, confused, or losing weight. They may feel weak, tired, or dizzy, and have low blood pressure. Other symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These symptoms are quite different to those of Adrenal Fatigue but can be diagnosed through blood tests, and treated with medications that replace the hormones the adrenals would normally make.
And the treatments for adrenal fatigue? Helpful or harmful?
Most supporters of the adrenal fatigue theory may advise you to improve your lifestyle by giving up smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Starting an exercise program, eating healthy foods, and following a daily routine for sleeping and waking – ALL of which will almost always make you feel better, no matter what your current health or medical diagnosis is.
You may also be told to buy special supplements or vitamins. These supplements claim to be made just for adrenal health. While regular vitamins and minerals may be good for your health, however some supplements or vitamins sold as a treatment for adrenal fatigue may not be good for you and many of these supplements have not been tested for safety.
If you take adrenal hormone supplements when you don’t need them, your adrenal glands may stop working and become unable to make the hormones you need when you are under physical stress. When these supplements are stopped, a person’s adrenal glands can remain “asleep” for months. People with this problem may be in danger of developing a life-threatening condition called adrenal crisis.
What should you do if you think, or have been told you have adrenal fatigue?
Do not to waste precious time and money accepting an un-scientifically proven diagnosis such as “adrenal fatigue” if you are feeling tired, weak, or depressed.
The adrenal glands do not get “adrenal fatigue” or lose function because of mental or physical stress, and true Adrenal Insufficiency is a rare health problem that only an endocrinologist, (an expert in hormones), should diagnose it using standard tests. If you have these symptoms, you may have adrenal insufficiency, but more than likely you may just need to re-assess and invest into your overall health – both physical and mental!
Information Sources:
https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/adrenal-fatigue
Back in 2011 I was feeling flat! Like my mojo had gone MIA. I instinctively knew that my body was lacking certain nutrients, and after speaking with a Naturopath friend of mine about the possibilities, she suggested that I look into a range of supplements. One of which was 5-HTP! Continue reading “5-HTP – and 5 Science Backed Benefits of Using It”
WEEKNIGHT DINNER INSPIRATION
One thing I will never say “no” to is prawns – and zucchini comes a close second – so this quick and easy meal ticks ALL the boxes for me 🙂
Prep: 20 MINUTES Cook: 10 MINUTES Serves: 4
In June 2019 I found myself in a wheelchair after breaking my foot in 5 places and forcing the heel bone 1.5cm up into the joint and destroyed all the muscles, ligaments and tendons in my foot – OUCH! I decided against surgery to pull it back down and pin it back together, preferring instead to take the a-la-natural path of recovery.
ARE YOU CRAZY YOU ASK? Maybe / Maybe Not…each to their own – but in my case, being asthmatic and having the flu at the time, going under general anaesthetic was not high on my list of things to do at that time.
Twelve months down the track the bones have healed perfectly, the soft tissues are getting there but not 100% yet, and the heel bone is still displaced, but isn’t giving me any major drama. HOWEVER, the doctor has warned me that I am very likely going to experience arthritis in the coming years, and he can still operate at a later time if I wish. In the meantime I need to look after my joints, and this is what has prompted this article today.
Continue reading “8 Simple Ways You Can Look After Your Joints”
Some of the most influential people in history have kept detailed journals of their lives. Those journals served two purposes: a permanent record for posterity, and a cathartic release for the people writing them. Journaling, or the process of recording one’s innermost thoughts, hopes, fears, and desires, is a form of self-expression that leads to all-around better understanding.
Continue reading “Brain Dump! Why you should keep a Journal + 3 Tips to get started!”
The key to inspiration and productivity when working from home is a clutter free and well organised space. Here are 4 tips to creating the perfect home office or study area.
Continue reading “4 Quick Tips to Creating the PERFECT Home Office Space”
I’ve learned the hard way that our business is only as healthy as we are!
We take on many roles – in our business, in our families and in our social life. We say yes to all sorts of requests and opportunities… BUT it’s important to remember that we are also the designer and CEO of our own life. We need to pause often and check-in with ourselves to make sure what we have allowed into our life is there for the right reasons.
Leggings have become your full-time work apparel, and the lounge is our new “office”. This has become our new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with all this ZOOM, the video chat service has become a household name! BUT, if you’re like a lot of people, you don’t necessarily want your clients or co-workers to see your “home office” (aka the lounge), but perhaps you also don’t know know what to do when it comes to being on camera.
But never fear, my little chickens – this mother hen has simple tricks that will have you looking Très Chic in your next video catch up! Continue reading “5 Tips To Looking Great on Zoom – without getting off the lounge”
There was a time when having leisure time despite work was seen as a status! People valued their time – and indeed saved/made time – for their family, friends and hobbies. Those who had time for business AND themselves? Well they were seen almost as Role Models. MY-OH-MY – how times have changed!
Today, people almost brag about how BUSY they are and this busy(ness) is now seen as a badge of honour! But BUSY doesn’t necessarily mean PRODUCTIVE – and braging about not having time to sleep, exercise, spend time with your family, eat properly – well I’m sorry to tell you, but it AIN’T something to be proud of. It takes a toll on our physical and mental health and of course our relationships. So today I wanted to share my 3 Tips to STOP Being Busy and Taking Back Your Life >>
Continue reading “3 Tips to Stop Being BUSY and Taking Back Your Life”
The ELLEvated woman has the whole world in her hands!
We’ve all seen her! We’ve all wished we could be her! She walks down the street or into a meeting, with her head held high, shoulders back, and a self confidence in her step that we envy. She has an air about her that is undeniably attractive, yet has nothing to do with looks! She knows herself well, and is perfectly comfortable in her own skin! Continue reading “The ELLEvated Woman”
We’re bombarded daily with so much information about losing weight! Which “diet” you should follow! What “workout/s” you should be doing, and how often you should be doing it! It’s a full-time job just working out what’s right, what’s wrong – and more importantly what will work for you! But there is a ONE BIG SECRET, and honestly, it’s not rocket science. I’m going to reveal how I lost nearly 20kg’s (1/3 of my body weight) back in 2011/12, and NEVER looked back… Continue reading “The “Secret” to my 20kg Weight Loss & Living a Healthier Life Revealed”
When it comes to Winter, our skin feels the cooler weather as much as we do, so it’s important to give it a little extra lovin’ during these cooler months. I know “nesting” during winter is, of course, one of life’s great joys – but tending to the skin you’re in with some care during the cooler months is well worth the effort…
Continue reading “Winter Wellness Tip | Give Your Face a Little Extra Lovin’”
“HOLY S*#T – that stuff really works!” That time I was SERIOUSLY bloated – and what I did about it…
by Cherene
You know how it goes – you work your butt off all year, and you’ve been HANGING OUT for the Christmas/New Year break! You make it through (JUST) and head home to enjoy the festivities, some relax time and re-charge the batteries – then all of a sudden out of nowhere…BAM! You’re knocked for six with some illness or other… Continue reading ““HOLY S*#T – that stuff really works!” That time I was SERIOUSLY bloated – and what I did about it…”
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realise that a more natural lifestyle goes way beyond just eating your veggies and has a gone a long way to improve my health and wellness. From household cleaners to your favorite beauty products, we’re surrounded by products that aren’t ideal for optimal health. Thanks to a lot of research, and some trial and error, I’ve managed to make some relatively simple switches to go more natural, and thought I’d share my 5 ways to help you invest in a Healthier, Go Natural lifestyle… Continue reading “5 Ways to Invest in a Healthier, more Natural Lifestyle”
Recently I was invited to do a Facebook Live video presentation for a local group – What’s On In Our Backyard. The topic was “STRESS & HORMONES! How they impact your weight – and what we can do about it!”
It got the attention of over 2000 people on Facebook, and I’ve been contacted by a number of people for more information and help, so I thought I’d share it with you here… Continue reading “STRESS & HORMONES! How they impact our weight – and what we can do about it!”
HOW DO I LOSE WEIGHT?
This is probably THE most common question I get asked.
My answer – there’s no magic bullet or quick fix…BUT here are my Top 3 Tips to get started. WATCH or LISTEN here >>
Continue reading “How Do I Lose Weight? Get my 3 Top Tips to get started”
