Changes to Avoid as Hormones Levels Decline with Age

Terrible Isn't It? 

Bad enough that the skin goes dry and saggy, the belly bulges and won’t seem to shift, energy depletes, libido vanishes, joints ache. Then on top of all that you feel rather worried and somewhat miserable with the prospects and this can make you a little edgy at times.  They say it’s just a part of getting older and is normal.

I'm here to tell you just because it’s common does not mean its normal!

All of the above complaints have been associated with ageing and all are associated with a drop in gender specific hormone levels. How do we separate declining hormones and ageing. We can’t really, but the good news is as we support the hormone production we also are doing the best we can to slow the over-all ageing process.

I do advocate the use of supplements, there is just no way to get enough of the essential nutrients into your system from healthy, organic, fresh in season foods (let alone, chemically treated, mass produced, stored, travelled, nutrient depleted foods) to overcome the damage caused as your body ages.

Having said that the very first supplement I believe EVERYONE needs to take is Omega 3 or fish oil.

Fish oil is a rich source of the essential fatty acid Omega 3, when your body has enough Omega 3 it will make the necessary Omega 6 and 9. Recent studies link the high intake of Omega 6 with inflammation, most diets are too high in Omega 6 (from grain oils) and it is necessary to take Omega 3 to balance this overload.

Reduce inflammation, i.e. achy, stiff joint by ensuring adequate intake of Omega 3 essential fatty acid. They also alleviate dry skin, and help in preventing some of the cancers that are associated with female and male reproductive system. The dose will vary depending on how much Omega 6 oils are in your diet (sunflower/safflower,corn, oil, etc) but a guide is between 1,600 mg -2,850 mg per day.

Shed Belly Fat, Build Lean Muscle 

Quality protein increases lean muscle and sheds belly fat (visceral fat). Protein is also essential for the healthy production of testosterone. 

Testosterone though commonly thought of as a male hormone, and it is true that males produce much higher quantities of this hormone, females also need testosterone. Testosterone is important in energy levels, the immune system stamina and muscle growth.

In the female testosterone is responsible for libido, it is produced in the ovaries until menopause. After menopause its production for most women goes over to the adrenal glands. Not all women have healthy adrenal glands due to adrenal exhaustion; this process therefore cannot be successfully transferred.

Unlike other female hormones that have been synthesised and given as a replacement therapy, often with varying degrees of success and side effects. Testosterone is not suitable for supplementation as the body can and will convert it to Oestrogens which may increase the risk of feminization in males and the associated risks of oestrogen dependant cancers in both males and females.  

The body will manufacture testosterone if the building blocks are in place. One of the essential building blocks for testosterone is protein. Interestingly protein also builds lean muscle, and reduces visceral (belly) fat. As talked about in last weeks article. 

Recent studies Isagenix superior to leading 'heart Healthy Diet" read more

The BEST source of quality protein is from Whey and not just any whey, undenatured whey as in our isalean shakes.

Get your Isalean Shake here order online and find out more here

Next week we look at The Adrenal Glands, Stress and Ageing

Which Whey to Weight Loss

Which Whey to Weight Loss and Lean Muscle?

Whey protein is most often used in shakes that are either meal replacements in weight loss programs or for body building. Whey Protein is the highest biological value of all known foods; this means that it has the highest amount of protein retained in the human body per gram of protein absorbed. Which makes it a wonder food, and that is just some of the possible benefits.

It helps build lean muscle and increases muscle strength which primarily why the body builders and sports people are so keen on the wonders of whey. It also helps in increasing stamina and has protective qualities from a number of serious health issues. It also helps reduce appetite, can counteract the negative effects of stress and may help reduce weight in people afflicted with obesity and overweight. Whey is an ideal when it comes to weight loss and building lean muscle

BUT are all whey proteins the same? How do you know if the one you have is of a suitable quality.

As a consulting Naturopath I have had clients consult me that have seriously damaged their health long term by the over and incorrect use of Protein powders particularly for body building but also in weight loss programs.

The first step is to understand whey protein.  Worldwide we have access to numerous whey based protein powders, though some have an addition of soy. It would seem the majority of Whey Protein powders are grade 2 or 3. Pure whey protein is considered the best protein by fitness and nutrition experts.

To get the benefits of whey protein it is best to make sure yours is pure undenatured whey protein. Undenatured means the molecular structure of the protein has not been altered by high heating during processing. Undenatured protein is easily assimilated in to the body and Grade 7 gives the lowest fat content of all available whey protein powders.

Some protein powders can have as little as 10% of the desirable amino acids

The Ultimate Meal in Complete & Balanced Nutrition

Grade 7 undenatured organic whey protein from Isagenix

Give your body the ultimate in nutrition every day with IsaLean Shakes. Our delicious shakes combine balanced quality proteins, good fats, low-glycemic carbohydrates, fibre and a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. IsaLean Shakes are made with the highest grade whey protein in the world, grade 7 undenatured whey from grass-fed New Zealand cows that are not treated with any hormones, antibiotics or steroids. This whey protein is processed using a proprietary technology that leaves it with the highest amino acid profile on the market. Each 2 scoop shake is a complete meal replacement - contains 23g of protein; yet has only 240 calories and 6g of fat and is available in chocolate or vanilla flavours.
- Clinically shown to support healthy weight loss and weight management
- High in quality whey and casein proteins to maintain or gain lean muscle
- Helps build strength & endurance
- Low lactose for easy digestion, without bloating
- Supports healthy bones with macro-minerals such as calcium, phosphorus & magnesium
- Supports well-being with" Ionic Alfalfa", a trade-marked alfalfa juice concentrate that is enriched with over 70 trace minerals
- Contains Zinc for energy metabolism & protein synthesis, iodine for support of thyroid hormones and chromium to help support healthy blood sugar levels
- Low in sodium and cholesterol to promote heart health
- Wheat, gluten & barley free

Heart Health Friendly

Most people who are aiming to lose weight are well aware of the risk of cardio vascular accidents associated with overweight and obesity. New research shows that not only reduction in weight but also reduction in oxidative stress is essential for heart health.

What is oxidative stress? Technically: oxidation is a chemical reaction in which an Electron is attracted away from an oxidized entity. What does that mean you may well ask? Perhaps it’s better if I explain the known implications of this process.

Chronic oxidative stress breaks down proteins, increases basal metabolic rate, and causes huge fluctuations in hormone release over an extended period of time. These demands on the body can cause premature ageing  decrease energy, store fat and ultimately could lead to the development of chronic disease.

Herbal Adaptogens and Antioxidants play a key role in combating oxidative stress. A study published in the August issue of the journal Appetite shows that combing whey protein supplementation suggests that whey protein improves antioxidant defences.

When looking to lose weight, make sure that all bases are covered. Grade 7 undenatured organic whey protein plays a vital role in muscle growth and maintenance, increased satiety and appetite, control and reduction of body fat (specifically visceral fat – the fat that bathes your vital organs), and the latest research suggests that it also improves antioxidant defences. Thus your weight loss program can be a powerful method to slow the ageing process, increase energy, reduce fat and ward off chronic disease. 

for more informations visit:

www.nutrifocusdiet.com