Let’s be honest: periods can be messy, painful, and get in the way of our cute, new white jeans. Not to mention, our heightened emotions and sensitivity can sometimes make us feel, well, crazy. But, menstruating monthly is a (very important!) indication that our reproductive system and our body as a whole is balanced and working as it should. Our hormones – yes, like those responsible for PMS – affect much more than just our period. They influence everything, from our energy levels to our cognitive state, our nutrient needs, our sex drive, our bloating, and the glow of our skin.
Have you ever wondered how our bodies know it’s time to wake up? Or how we get tired at around the same time each night, why jet lag takes such a toll on our bodies, or why we feel that afternoon slump around 3 in the afternoon? We can blame all of this on our body’s circadian rhythm, or internal biological clock.
Sleep is an essential part of life; it allows us to recharge our bodies and minds, leaving us feeling refreshed, alert, and ready for the day. Healthy sleep plays a significant role in digestion, the repair of cells, immunity, hormone regulation, and disease prevention. Without enough sleep, or upon waking up from a restless sleep, our brains and bodies can feel tired and lethargic.
Vitamin D, the wonder vitamin! You have likely heard some of the many health-related claims surrounding vitamin D. Some of these assertions are true but many need more research to solidify their validity.
Testosterone is a sex hormone that is essential for the health of both men and women but is present in significantly higher levels in men. Testosterone plays a role in male sexual health, muscle mass, bone density, energy levels and fertility. It is normal for testosterone production to decrease with age, but lifestyle and environmental factors often contribute to an accelerated decrease of this hormone.
Ashwagandha, also known by its botanical namewithania somnifera,is a type of medicinal plant. It is classified as an “adaptogen”, or a substance that encourages the body’s physiology to return to a normal state after a stressor has been encountered.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older. That’s approximately 18.1% of the population! Anxiety disorders can be successfully treated but only about 37% of people suffering from anxiety seek treatment.