Is your tampon toxic? Is your lipstick life-threatening?

My take on this month’s women’s health news and hot topics

In this exciting new series for our blog, I take a look back at the month’s news - from celebrity life updates to important research studies - that put hormones in the headlines.

I’ll be giving my take on what’s current, topical and trendy and asking you all to share your own thoughts and feelings about the hot topics that we cover.

So, let’s get started.

Tell me what you think. How do these issues impact you?

It’s diet and not exercise that will help you lose weight

New research suggests that for those struggling with weight issues, it’s having a healthy diet, rather than focusing on working out, that will help them lose the pounds. The research scientists remarked that makers of processed foods and drinks have deliberately emphasized exercise for weight loss in a bid to avoid scrutiny.

My thoughts: SUCH important information!  I think it's quite obvious at this point that we're being misled by marketing. Foods that are packaged as healthy are actually not, and consumers are being purposefully confused so they continue to consume.

I like that this science shows definitively that beating yourself up at the gym is not the way to go, and in fact diet is 90% of the weight management equation. This should be liberating news to women - your free time should be spent making yourself healthy meals and then taking brisk walks after you enjoy those meals. Great news for your skinny jeans and for your hormones!

The Flo Living protocol is way ahead of this news. I have always recommend avoiding all processed foods and drinks like soda. Eating fresh, whole foods is the foundation of eating in your Flo. I also recommend exercising in-synch with your cycle and not pushing yourself to workout harder than your body needs.

Our Western lifestyle is destroying our good gut bacteria

New research suggests the Western lifestyle - both the good stuff like water sanitation and the bad stuff like overuse of antibiotics and poor diet - is depleting the diversity of our gut bacteria. Researchers compared Americans to those living in Papua New Guinea. Although life expectancy and overall health of the population is far superior in the US, this information may provide an opportunity to prevent and treat specifically Western-lifestyle related diseases.

My thoughts: More information from this important ongoing investigation about our gut bacteria aka the Microbiome!  It turns out these bacteria have everything to do with whether or not you develop diseases like cancer and diabetes.  The bad news is that our modern lifestyle definitely leaves us without key bacteria, but the good news is dietary changes can improve the bacterial balance and help you live longer and healthier!

Through Flo Living I promote the use of probiotics and avoidance of overuse of antibiotics. The protocol I developed is designed in such a way as to enhance your good gut bacteria and improve  your internal ecosystem.

Pesticides on fruits and vegetables are causing infertility in men

Men eating fruits and vegetables with high pesticide residue have a 49% lower sperm count and a 32% lower percentage of normal sperm. The researchers suggest switching to organic produce and being careful to avoid any non-organic and high-pesticide residue produce such as strawberries and pears.

My thoughts: Another example of organophosphates and their link to infertility.  It's essential to spend at least a year eating completely organic prior to trying to conceive to ensure best genetic material - longer is better of course. The research linking organophosphate exposure to autism and other developmental issues is also growing.

I'd also like to add a big factor for men who spend time on golf courses as well - the pesticide exposure there is huge too. I'll never understand the appeal of living on or near a golf course - I'm sure it's pretty, but from the endocrine point of view, it's toxic.

I always say that the Flo Living protocol isn’t just for women - it’s good for men too. If your partner eats the same way as you then he will benefit just as much.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney wants Congress to support testing of tampons

The Robin Danielson Act for femcare product safety was created by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney almost two decades ago. She asks that tampons and pads be independently tested for their impact on women’s health with long term use. Maloney compares the current available research to knowing the impact of just one cigarette on a person and not a lifetime of cigarette use. She needs our support to get Congress to finally vote on this legislation and pass the Act. We deserve to know what our femcare products are made of and to be able to make informed decisions about our health.

My thoughts: CAN WE PLEASE HELP THIS CONGRESSWOMAN PASS THIS LEGISLATION ON BEHALF OF OUR VAGINAS!

She's trying to keep the carcinogenic chemicals out of your vagina - and frankly this is atrocious that there is not monitoring of the manufacturing practices of these big feminine hygiene brands.  Personally, I use organic products like NatraCare or Maxim to be sure I'm getting the most safe version of these everyday items.

Hormone expert argues that the post-menopausal Hillary Clinton is the perfect age for presidency

Dr. Julie Holland argues that, because of hormonal shifts, post-menopausal women are ideal for leadership roles, particularly because they are excellent at handling stress. Estrogen levels drop and we have more consistency in our lives. Dr Holland believes female hormones are a source of power throughout life.

My thoughts: YES YES YES!  She is the perfect age to become president - GO Hillary!

FDA to police chemicals in beauty products

The FDA currently does nothing to regulate the production of cosmetics and ensure that they are safe for use. A new Senate bill will demand that makers of these cosmetics report potential health hazards in lipsticks, mascaras, etc. Companies would be forced to allow testing on many of the controversial and potentially dangerous ingredients in mainstream cosmetics.

My thoughts: I welcome this progress. Through Flo Living I only advocate the use of cosmetics and shampoos etc that contain no endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates (look for the acronyms DBP, DEHP); sodium lauryl sulfates and ether sulfates (SLS and SLES); parabens (including methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl); anolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA), petrolatum or petroleum jelly. In fact, one of the first steps of my protocol is cleansing your bathroom cabinets. Even if cosmetics are not tested, I know that research shows these chemical ingredients are potentially hazardous to our health. Click here to see what brands I recommend instead to stay safe.

Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you!  You can do this - the science of your body is on your side!

to your FLO,

Alisa

Good things come in threes:

I want to hear from you

First, what’s your favorite piece of news from this month’s update?

Second, what changes to your lifestyle will you make based on this new research? 

Third, you know every one you know is hormonal – spread a little good ovary karma and share this article on social by clicking the buttons below 

Need more Hormone Help?

If you’re needing some health upgrading, it’s time you started you looking into what’s going on with your hormones.

I’ve designed a 4 day hormone detox and evaluation to help you understand exactly what’s out of whack and how you can start getting back to balance so that your hormones no longer have to suffer.

Click here to get your FREE detox and evaluation!