How I support my health holistically
1. I take high quality supplements
Here’s a list of what I take daily:
Magnesium Glycinate - to support my nervous system, mood and sleep.
Omega 3 - to support my brain + heart health and balance cholesterol
Vitamin D3 + K2 - to support inflammation and cognitive function
Freja Bone Broth - to support my gut health and immunity
Nettle Tea - to support my liver and help reduce histamine reactions to allergies
The first three I get from Bare Biology - use this link and we both get £5 off our next order.
NOTE: This post is not medical advice, I am merely sharing what is appropriate for me to take to support my own health needs. Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements.
2. I go for a daily walk
Exercise is a tough one for me as my job is mostly sat down so I try to get 7,000 steps in my day in between appointments. To achieve this, I purposely avoid doing weekly big shops with the car, instead I walk 20mins to the shops and will buy as much as I can carry with two bags full on each shoulder the 20mins back home at a steady pace. Some people opt to wear a fancy weighted vest instead - either way, each will increase the perceived effort and help get your heart rate up and get a good sweat on. Plus being outdoors in the fresh air is good in itself for setting our circadian rhythm.
3. I get reflexology every 4wks
Yes, I practice what I preach and my own reflexology takes priority in my diary! Women’s bodies are cyclical. Reflexology has a cumulative effect meaning the more regular and consistent treatments you have, the more your body will sync and benefit over time. Since walking barefoot in hunter-gatherer times, we’ve evolved to wearing narrow, padded shoes. Over 7000 nerve endings in our feet now go unstimulated, powerful neural pathways to the brain become impaired and reflexes corresponding to systems and organs of the body become congested. Stimulation to these reflexes helps to unblock them, improving neural communication and bringing the body to a more balanced state.
4. I take (body identical) HRT
Now, this is a somewhat divisive topic and may come as a surprise to some of you who may assume that because i’m a holistic practitioner that I am all about the natural approach. Well, to certain extent I am (I’m a big fan of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine) However, that doesn’t mean I don’t believe in science or medication. I have a rare endocrine illness that requires me to take drugs for life to help mitigate the comorbidities that come with it. As a result of having had unbalanced hormones for so long, I became perimenopausal earlier than what is considered “normal” and despite taking all the natural options, the symptoms were so overwhelming they were affecting my work and relationships. So I did my research on all the risks of HRT before deciding (not lightly) to ask my GP to trial it. Lucky for me she was well informed (a rarity!) and prescribed it purely based on my symptoms knowing full well that blood tests are unreliable. I’ll be honest, the first week wasn’t pleasant, but 3-6 months in things start to level out and a year later I can honestly say my mood, sleep and cycles are so much more stable and balanced. No more anxiety, rage or dread at 3am. I finally have my mojo back and know that my heart, brain and bones will be protected as I age too. Personally speaking the many benefits far outweigh the minimal risks associated with HRT.
5. I go to therapy & networking
Yes, mental health is just as important as physical health. I make sure I have a safe, non-biased space where I can share without judgement and have a professional help me process past traumas and create healthier coping strategies. This makes me a better practitioner, partner, daughter and friend! Being self employed can be lonely so in between therapy sessions I also like to sign up to networking events which has helped me build an amazing support network of likeminded women who just “get it” plus it helps me establish myself in my local community. It’s also what led to me to start hosting my own retreats - the idea came about when I realised women in my clinic don’t just want reflexology, they simply crave some time to themselves!
5. I avoid alcohol, processed foods, chemical products & toiletries
Personally with perimenopause, my tolerance to alcohol has gone out the window. I’ve been t-total now for nearly a year and can honestly say I don’t miss it. Sure, i’ll have a small glass at special occasions but that second glass ruins me even if taken with a good meal. Same goes for food - stuff I ate in my 20s/30s now have awful consequences on my gut and mood. Luckily for me I enjoy cooking so I ensure I always know what im eating by making meals from scratch instead of using readymade foods from the supermarket. I also stopped using the plethora of toiletries like scented body lotions, fake tans, anti-perspirants and tampons. These are known for being endocrine disruptors - toxic chemicals that can mimic or block the production, transport, and breakdown of our natural hormones. So goodbye plastic tupperware and glass storage instead. And bye-bye to scented detergents, shower gels and bleach-based cleaning products, instead I use distilled vinegar, bicarb and natural french soap.
Has any of this resonated with you? I hope this post has helped give you insights into more holistic ways of looking after your health.
