Gluten and Endometriosis Is there a link between gluten and endometriosis? Should women avoid gluten to lower their risk of endometriosis or to help to resolve the symptoms of endometriosis? Let’s look at the research… First, it’s important to consider that endometriosis has many characteristics of an autoimmune disease (Eisenberg, et al., 2012). It is clear that endometriosis is an inflammatory disease process. In endometriosis, the presence of endometrial…
When cortisol goes up, melatonin goes down. Cortisol, a key stress buffing hormone, inhibits melatonin. Melatonin is an important hormone both for helping people to fall asleep and stay asleep. And, specifically for endometriosis, melatonin acts as an anti-inflammatory pain reliever at the level of the brain. With increased stress, most of the time, cortisol levels increase generally, throughout the day. But, this is especially problematic when cortisol levels…
People with pelvic pain conditions, including endometriosis, are at an increased risk of some types of cancer. Other common cancer risk factors: Inflammation Having a history of some viral infections, including HPV History of smoking Family history of cancer Chronic stress Drinking alcohol While cancer risk factors are common, let’s focus on the good news. You have the power to create an environment within your body, within your cells, where…
Happy Holidays! The holiday season is finally among us, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate by sharing the women’s health love with your friends and family (plus, get a little something for you!) Here at IWHI we’re picky about the products we recommend. We are personally connected with each of the small businesses we support, and use the products ourselves. This year our holiday focus is on women’s immune…
The beautiful thing about dark chocolate is that it is delicious, and let me share some of the best dark chocolate benefits with you... Dark Chocolate Benefits Certainly some women are highly sensitive to caffeine. For those women, dark chocolate is not a good choice. Some women don’t like dark chocolate. But, often if they are simply used to eating milk chocolate, it's an acquired taste that can be developed…
Enjoy this nourishing smoothie anytime you feel like you have a cold or flu coming on, or you're recovering from a viral infection like Epstein Barr (EBV.) It's full of anti-viral and immune boosting foods like garlic, ginger, and cruciferous vegetables. Plus, it's nutrient dense, hydrating, and delicious! (And, kids like the purple color!) Learn more anti-viral and immune boosting nutrition here. Virus Blaster Purple Smoothie Recipe 1/2 cup leafy…
According to the CDC between 5% and 20% of the U.S. population comes down with the flu each year. If you’re one of them, let me share with you the strategies that I recommend to my family and friends to strengthen your immune function and minimize the effects of the flu virus. Home remedies for flu are highly effective. Using flu vaccines to prevent the flu and/or using antiviral medications…
Vulvovaginal Atrophy is Common Vaginal dryness and vulvovaginal atrophy is a common problem for women. In the United States alone, 32 million women suffer from vulvovaginal atrophy in perimenopause and post-menopause. The symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy include dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, buring, and painful urination. In perimenopause and menopause, vulvovaginal atrophy and dryness are primarily related to the decline in estrogen. With estrogen deficiency,…
One of the most frustrating symptoms, second only to intense pain, that my patients struggle with is brain fog. I don’t have time in my life for brain fog (and neither do you!) Let me share 3 of my most powerful tools for clearing the (brain) fog! I do a lot of writing, researching, teaching and working with patients every week, in addition to cooking dinner, taking care of my…
Conventional creams and pills don’t address what causes acne. Acne is a common problem for teens. Eighty-five percent of 12-24 year olds experience acne. It’s a growing problem for adult women as well. Fifteen percent of us also struggle with acne. For most women with acne, whether it’s in their teens or beyond, the conventional recommendations for treatment are either hormonal birth control pills, topical benzoyl peroxide and/ or topical…
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