Episode 118: How Repressed Emotions and Stuck Energy Can Manifest Physically in Perimenopause (and What to Do About It) with Nutritionist Jane Durst Pulkys

In this episode, Dr. Lisa talks to nutritionist and educator Jane Durst Pulkys about how she addresses the emotions and energy behind perimenopause and menopause with her clients to manage symptoms of hormonal imbalance. They dive deep into the chakra system and psychosomatic energy testing and discuss how self-love and how you speak to yourself can shift your energy and your perception. Jane also shares information about Live Blood Cell Analysis and details/tips from the Metabolic Balance program to support weight loss.

Nutritionist and educator Jane Durst Pulkys is a global success. Every day she helps make dreams come true, consulting with clients and teaching professionals from many regions of the world and from all walks of life. Jane’s training, techniques and love of life empowers, inspires, and motivates people to take control of their health, transform their confidence and change their lives.

Jane Durst Pulkys is a Clinical and Holistic Nutritionist, Author, Educator, Life Coach, Confidence Coach and Weight loss Coach that has helped close to 1000 clients lose over 20,000 pounds! Jane wrote The Book on Confidence and is a frequent guest on TV and radio. She consults with clients from around the world in all walks of life, even Fortune 500 companies find Jane’s work to be extremely valuable. Jane is an authority on leadership, personal development and optimal performance. Jane is a faculty member and advisor for the Institute of Holistic Nutrition, Toronto. With over 30 years of practical experience, Jane is always on the leading edge of exciting proactive approaches to personal health.

In today’s episode, we cover:

  • Jane’s experience through perimenopause and menopause
  • The Chakra system of energy in the body 
  • How psychosomatic energetic testing removes energetic blocks and improves energy
  • The importance of practicing love for yourself
  • How to change your words to change your inner power and the seven deadly words to remove from your vocabulary
  • How Metabolic Balance reduces insulin and inflammation to lower visceral fat

Today’s Mama Must Have:

Dr. Lisa loves her spill proof Contigo mugs to keep her tea warm.

What else we’re up to:

Dr. Lisa’s next Wild Collective Toronto group is starting in several weeks – sign up for one her FREE “Sneak Peak” sessions the week of April 4th, 2022.

Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing class series starting in April – for more info on a free online masterclass to reduce fear and anxiety around birth. Sign up HERE.

Thank you for joining us today!

Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.

Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this presentation is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

Episode 117: Beyond Pap Smears: What You Need to Know About Your Cervix

In this episode, Dr. Toni welcomes back Dr. Kate Hadfield to discuss everything you need to know about your cervix, an often overlooked and unknown part of your body. Did you know that you have a huge amount of influence over the health of your cervix and how your body deals with HPV and cervical dysplasia? If you dread getting Pap smears and ever wondered if we still need to subject ourselves to invasive and traumatic Paps anyway, you need to listen to this episode.

Dr. Toni and Dr. Kate discussed pelvic health for women and Holistic Pelvic CareTM in Episode 36 

As a naturopathic doctor, birth doula and lactation educator, Dr. Kate is passionate about helping women connect to their creative center and their natural body rhythms. She trained with physical therapist Tami Kent to be able to provide Holistic Pelvic CareTM, which is a gentle internal bodywork treatment with a mind-body approach. She now offers empowered Pap smears and escharotic treatment for cervical dysplasia.

In today’s episode, we cover:

  • What and where is your cervix
  • What an empowered Pap looks like 
  • How to check your cervix yourself
  • If Pap smears are still necessary and if you can do it yourself
  • How HPV is linked with cervical dysplasia and abnormal Paps
    • For more info on vaccine optimization, see Episode 58 with Dr. Taylor Bean
  • The different grades of cervical dysplasia
  • How your immune health is related to persistent HPV infection and cervical dysplasia
    • Your cervix has its own immune cells! 
  • Nutrients that are important for immune function and addressing cervical dysplasia
    • Vitamin A
    • Vitamin E
    • Vitamin C
    • Vitamin D
    • Zinc
    • Mushroom combinations such as reishi, shitake, chaga, etc.
  • How topical escharotic treatment works to naturally address cervical dysplasia, compared to colposcopy, LEEP and laser treatment

Connect with Dr. Kate on Instagram @yourpelvicnd and at https://www.yourpelvicnd.com/

Today’s Mama Must Have:

Dr. Kate is a big fan of reformer pilates for building strength. 

Dr. Toni loves tracking her sleep, stress and overall health with the Oura ring.

What else we’re up to:

Dr. Lisa’s next Wild Collective group is starting later this spring – get on the waitlist at https://www.wildcollectivetoronto.com/

Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing class series starting in April – for more info on a free online masterclass to reduce fear and anxiety around birth, go to https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/

Thank you for joining us today!

Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.

Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this presentation is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

Episode 116: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Perimenopause: A Yin-Yang Disharmony

In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni discuss how the philosophy and practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help with symptoms of perimenopause like hot flashes, insomnia and anxiety. Find out how supporting your TCM organs and balance of yin and yang are important for your hormone balance in perimenopause. 

Yellow Emperor’s Classic (2600 BC):

At seven times seven a woman’s heavenly dew wanes;

the pulse of her Conception channel decreases.

The Qi that dwelt in the baby’s palace moves upward into her heart,

and her wisdom is deepened.

In today’s episode, we cover:

  • The philosophy of TCM and its holistic nature
  • What is chi/qi?
  • How imbalance of yin and yang can cause hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness
  • What your emotions and waking up in the middle of the night mean according to TCM
  • How the function of organs like Liver, Kidney and Spleen are important for hormone balance in perimenopause
  • The importance of seasonal eating and using food to balance yin and yang
  • Some of the scientific research supporting the use of acupuncture in perimenopause and menopause 

Today’s Mama Must Have:

Dr. Lisa is a big fan of using an ear syringe to help safely clean excess wax from your ear canal. 

Dr. Toni loves tracking her physical activity with The Conqueror Virtual Challenges and is starting the Stand With Ukraine challenge. 

What else we’re up to:

Dr. Lisa’s next Wild Collective group is starting later this spring – get on the waitlist at https://www.wildcollectivetoronto.com/

Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing class series starting in March and – for more info on a free online masterclass to reduce fear and anxiety around birth, go to https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/

Thank you for joining us today!

Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.

Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this presentation is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

Episode 115:  Nine Steps to a Healthier Heart in Perimenopause and Beyond

In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni discuss why you need to pay attention to your heart and cardiovascular health as you move through perimenopause into menopause. Learn what research is telling us about how you can reduce your risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease, one of the main silent killers in women. 

Why is your heart health important?

February is Heart Month in Canada and the United States

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, responsible for about 1 in every 5 female deaths.

A woman dies of heart disease in Canada every 20 minutes. Retrospective research shows that early signs of an impending heart attack were missed in 78% of women. Two-thirds of heart disease research focuses on men.

Women’s heart disease tends to appear in the smaller blood vessels of the heart rather than the major coronary arteries. This means that symptoms might not fit the classic textbook picture of heart disease. Women are more likely to experience chest discomfort (rather than a crushing pain), shortness of breath, fatigue, indigestion or nausea, back or neck pain.  

Angiograms are not effective at diagnosing disease in the smaller blood vessels and stress tests are less sensitive for women.

Women’s hearts are impacted by pregnancy, menopause and hormonal changes throughout their lives.

The decrease in your estrogen levels in perimenopause and menopause can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. 

See Episode 107 for more information on using estrogen in menopause to support your cardiovascular health

See Episode 61 for more information about cholesterol – cholesterol is a crucial building block for your hormones

9 Steps to a Healthier Heart:

  1. Address your cholesterol, oxidation and inflammation 
    • Quit smoking or don’t start!
  2. Focus on healthy body composition, not just your weight
    • Reduce inflammatory visceral fat around your abdomen
    • Aim for waist circumference of 80cm or 31.5” or less
  3. Increase your fruit, veggies and omega 3 fatty acids
    • Mediterranean diet – more veggies, fruit, olive oil, fish
    • Reduces cardiovascular disease by 25%
    • 2 servings of fish = 300-450mg EPA+DHA
    • Research based intake of omega 3 supplement = 2000-2500mg EPA+DHA
  4. Optimize your blood pressure
    • DASH diet with lower daily sodium intake (1500mg or ⅔ tsp salt)
    • Potassium – dates, bananas, plantain, papaya, raisins, avocado, potato, sweet potato, bok choy, spinach, parsnip, chickpeas, lentils
    • See food sources of potassium HERE 
    • See Episode 10 for Dr. Toni’s Hemp Protein Power Balls
  5. Manage your stress
    • Reduce social isolation and loneliness with community and connection programs like Wild Collective
    • Spending time in nature – 2 hours weekly
  6. Watch your alcohol consumption
    • Maximum intake for women to not increase cardiovascular disease risk is 1 drink daily – 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz liquor, 1 can beer
  7. Be more physically active and less sedentary
    • Less sitting and more standing in the afternoon
  8. Optimize your blood sugar
    • See the above steps!
  9. Enhance your sleep

Lab Testing to Consider:

Cholesterol (or lipid) panel – total, HDL, LDL, triglycerides

Cholesterol particle size including VLDL

Oxidative stress – oxidized LDL, urinary 8-OHdg (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine)

Inflammation – High sensitivity C Reactive Protein 

Homocysteine – marker for cardiovascular health and B vitamin status

Thyroid panel – TSH, free T4 and T3 – for more info, see Episode 42

Blood sugar – HbA1c, fasting glucose and insulin – for more info, see Episode 45

Food sensitivity testing, Celiac screen

Hormone testing including cortisol levels

Omega 3 Index

Framingham Score for Cardiovascular Risk: 

Heart health calculator

Dr. Lisa’s Super Mom Moment Recipes:

Honey Buttercream Frosting

Almond Flour Cake

Today’s Mama Must Have:

Dr. Toni loves the new Disney animated movie Encanto

Dr. Lisa is a big fan of her Hario cold brew coffee pot

What else we’re up to:

Dr. Lisa’s next Wild Collective group is starting later this spring – get on the waitlist HERE.

Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing class series starting in March – for more info on a free online masterclass to reduce fear and anxiety around birth, click HERE

Thank you for joining us today!

Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.

Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this presentation is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

Episode 113: Bedwetting, Bladder and Bowel Issues; Pelvic Health for Kids with Physiotherapists Jenna Dobberthien and Helen Lo

In today’s episode, Dr. Toni talks with pelvic health physiotherapists Jenna Dobberthien and Helen Lo about some embarrassing, yet common, pelvic floor issues that your kids can experience. They discuss bedwetting, constipation, giggle incontinence and overactive bladder issues, and how specially trained physiotherapists can help parents and kids figure it all out.  

Jenna Dobberthien and Helen Lo both graduated with Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta, then went on to complete advanced training in pelvic health for women and men and children. Helen is a certified pelvic health physiotherapist. Both Jenna and Helen provide treatment for kids and their parents at Peak Health Kids physiotherapy clinic in Calgary.  

In this episode, we cover:

  • How everyone has pelvic floor muscles to help with core stability, as well as bowel and bladder habits
  • The development of bladder and bowel control in your kids and what to expect with different age ranges for daytime and nighttime
  • The importance of using language to eliminate the negativity your kids might feel around bladder and bowel control
    • You can use the words “leakage” and “wetness” instead of “accidents”
  • How constipation and genetics can play a role with urinary issues in kids
  • What a physiotherapy assessment can look like for your kids, depending on the consent of you and your kids
  • The different types of fun and easy exercises that physiotherapists can give your kids to guide them to use their pelvic floor muscles and diaphragm
  • How to support your kids to relax and not strain on the toilet
    • Read a book
    • Blow bubbles or pinwheel

For more info on pelvic floor health for women, see Episode 34, Episode 36, Episode 41

For more info on dealing with constipation in your kids, see Episode 63

You can connect with Jenna by email at jenna@peakhealthcalgary.com  and connect with Helen on Instagram @getlophysio and email helen@peakhealthcalgary.com 

You can book a free 15 minute consultations by visiting http://www.peakhealthkids.com/ or  @peakkids on Instagram

Today’s Mama Must Have:

Helen and Jenna (and Dr. Toni) are big fans of the Squatty Potty, or whatever DIY version (stool? garbage can? shoebox?) helps you and your kids to relax and get knees above hips when sitting on the toilet. 

Dr. Toni loves the podcast We Can Do Hard Things with Untamed author Glennon Doyle, her wife Abby and sister Amanda, especially 2 recent episodes with author and life coach Martha Beck, and Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos on happiness.

Thank you for joining us today!

Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode. You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.

Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this presentation is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.