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Feeling really out of whack lately? Regardless of your age hormones may be to blame for those random outbursts, stress or sleep problems. You don't have to keep suffering! If you want to learn more about how introducing mindfulness can help your hormone health and overall wellbeing keep reading! Identifying The Problem The first step in identifying there may be a problem is admitting to yourself that you may not feel like your old self anymore. It can be hard to pinpoint exactly how you feel but if you or your loved ones have noticed a change in your behavior it may be time to take action. What Is Mindfulness? By definition, mindfulness is the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. So how do you incorporate this into everyday life? By simply choosing to live healthy, happy & aware. While there are many ways to bring mindfulness to your life here are a few of our favorites: Stay Organized This is at the top of our list for a reason. SO much of the chaos in your life comes from being unorganized or simply unprepared. We live in a constant state of busy which creates a GO GO mentality which results in you running around like a chicken with your head cut off most of the time. Lack of direction or a solid organizational plan can lead to lack of focus (cause your thinking of what you need to do), lack of determination (cause you don't know what to do), distraction (focusing on things that aren't productive). In this day and age our attention span is getting shorter, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as we learn how to adjust. For example, you start to do the laundry and in the process of picking up clothes off the bedroom floor realize you need to make the bed which ignites the idea you need to also clean the bathroom and by 1pm you realize you still haven't done the laundry. Having a clear and concise plan as to what your daily tasks look like can take the "thinking" about being productive off your plate and set your day up for success. Yoga Or Exercise Everybody has their nitch, but sticking to a fitness plan can have a HUGE impact on not only your health but how you feel about yourself & the way you carry yourself. Not big into getting sweaty? Try yoga! Having a regular yoga practice incorporates more than just pumping iron and losing inches, in fact they don't focus on that at all. During your yoga session, you learn how to slow down, focus on your body & your breath. All of these factors can greatly impact how you carry yourself in the real world. The focus here isn't to focus on your fitness JUST to lose weight, but to FEEL GREAT! Pranayama The breath is one of the most powerful tools you didn't know you had. Think back to the last time you were REALLY upset. That hyperventilating, sobbing mess could have easily been controlled by allowing yourself the space to control your breath during these stressful situations. Think back to the last time you got angry, how could that situation have been different if you would have focused on your breathing before you spoke out of anger or lashed out? If you've been finding yourself in stressful situations take the time to go inside the body. Start by releasing tension in the neck & jaw then breathe in for a count of 4 seconds and out for a count of 8 seconds. See how your mood quickly changes. Eat Well It's true what they say, your body gives you as much as you give it. Living off of iced coffee until dinner just isn't going to cut it! You need fuel not only for your body but for your brain. While it's easy to hit the fast-food line, try healthy alternatives that are conveniently pre-packed. This will save you time while boosting energy and focus throughout the day! Create Routines Are you a stickler for a routine? You should be! Creating a routine can save you more time and energy than you realize. Much like staying organized, you can optimize your time and effort so that you're working smarter & not harder. Why do we always tend to make things harder on ourselves than we need to? Something as simple as setting out our clothes the night before can save up to 15-20 minutes off our mornings. Create a routine and stick with it! Of course you will have tweaks every now and again but it's important you create a system that works for not only you but your entire family! Is Bioidentical Optimization Therapy Right For You? Take the first step on the path to wellness by taking our hormone self-assesment quiz. for yourself or your partner. Bioidentical hormone optimization may be the answer you've been looking for if you want to safely & naturally help with menopause symptoms & hormone imbalance. Find an HRT Pellet Provider For Information: 855-939-4822 Email: info@ht-ca.com Want to learn more about Hormone Therapy Centers Of America? Click here!

Lack of libido in both men & women can wreak havoc on your sex life resulting in marital problems. While it may be easy for one partner to not think about sex for days, weeks or months at a time this may not be the case for the other party. You may be going through a rough patch in your sex life and that's okay, but you don't have to keep living with it. Low sex drive in women can often be linked to some type of hormone imbalance. Luckily there are ways to help improve or even restore libido back to normal. Causes Of Low Sex Drive In Women The culprit tends to be the same for most women.. hormonal changes! As we age our hormones are constantly changing and when they do your libido changes too. Luckily there are ways to balance your hormones and improve sex drive! Here are some of the hormones we can blame for lack of sexual desire. Cortisol Also known as the stress hormone, when stress spikes so does your cortisol levels. Chronic stress ultimately leads to low libido. This sort of scenario can actually happen at any age of life. So if you've been biting off more than you can chew lately chances are your cortisol levels are too high! Now may be the time to start exploring natural ways to lower stress levels like taking time for yourself, deep breathing, yoga, meditation or a good ole fashion boxing class. Estrogen Estrogen is a group of hormones that play a VITAL role in your sexual health. When these hormones are balances all is harmonious with your sexual & reproductive state. However, if estrogen levels are out of whack it can lead to vaginal dryness and lower sexual desire. Testosterone While this hormone may be associated with male's, women also have testosterone. The hormone is part of what drives desire, fantasy, and thoughts about sex, and even helps provide the energy for sex in women, says Linda Bradley, MD, vice chair and ob-gyn for the Women’s Health Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland. As we age women's testosterone levels naturally lower, this can lead to decreased sensitivity in the vagina & clitoris. Low Thyroid Function While this gland is responsible for a whole mess of things in the body, sex drive is also one of them. Low thyroid levels are often linked to high cortisol levels, leading to low libido. In addition, Thyroid disease can lower vaginal lubrication, which makes sex uncomfortable, painful, or unsatisfying, says the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA). Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy There is hope to restore libido through bioidentical hormone optimization! According to Hormone Therapy Centers Of America, Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment using hormones that are identical to the hormones naturally made by your body. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is transforming the lives of women as they enter the later stages of life. It provides an alternative to hormones that are synthetic, such as injectable testosterone, or hormones concentrated from horse urine (Premarin). Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is made by compounding pharmacists in customized dosages based on the individual needs of the patient as opposed to the narrow choices available with mass-produced, or “one size fits all” hormone therapies. Ready to see if bioidentical hormone optimization could be right for you? Take Hormone Therapy Centers of America's wellness quiz. Want to Find an HTCA Provider near you? CLICK HERE

Did you know that cancer cells have an altered metabolism and are no longer dependent upon oxygen? In fact, high oxygenated environments are toxic to cancer cells. We know that oxygen is essential to normal cellular physiology. Cancer cells have an altered metabolism and no longer depend upon oxygen. In fact, high oxygenated environments are toxic to cancer cells and both slows their growth and triggers cell death mechanisms within them. Is there a way to increase oxygen in the body to support healthy cell function while being a detriment to cancer cell function? Our bodies rely on the constant supply of oxygen intake to survive. Our atmosphere is approximately 21% oxygen. This element is required by every cell in the human body to produce cellular energy via the mitochondria. High flow oxygen therapy can deliver 100% oxygen in a pressurized atmosphere and results in extraordinary healing benefits. When oxygen is administered at high pressure rates, up to 20 times more oxygen can be absorbed by the bloodstream. This oxygen is transported to damaged organs and tissue which speeds up both healing and recovery time. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers pure oxygen up to 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy HBOT can benefit any patient who is healing from a condition triggered by inflammation in the body. The healing process can be improved using HBOT to deliver a higher rate of oxygen to damaged tissue. In fact, oxygen controls more than 8,000 genes and is one of the most natural forms of antibiotics. Twenty sessions of therapy improves the function of stem cells by eightfold. HBOT has also been shown to help with the following: Stimulates new blood vessel growth and increase blood flow Elevates the body’s natural immune defenses to fight infection and bacteria Reduces swelling that may occur around damaged areas Speeds up healing by increasing tissue oxygen levels to areas in the body where they are reduced due to injury or illness Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been shown to slow cancer growth. Boosts the supply of circulating stem cells Promotes the growth of new capillaries and blood vessels Boosts the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs Increased survival rates in patients with metastatic cancer by 77% when combined with a ketogenic diet Promotes new nerve growth in the brain Stimulates oxygenation Supports faster wound healing HBOT Compliments Radiation Treatment HBOT is often used as a complementary therapy for cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. It reduces the inflammation in tissue and bones adjacent to the site where the radiotherapy produces excessive reactive oxygen species. HBOT also helps to heal and regenerate blood vessels that have been damaged through radiation treatment. A 2009 study done in Japan involving patients with brain tumors receiving radiation and chemotherapy concurrently experienced longer survival times and reduced side effects when using HBOT as a complementary treatment. Another study done the same year also showed extended survival times and reduced side effects using HBOT with radiation treatments in patients with glioma tumors. Cancer Metabolism Otto Warburg was a world renowned cell biologist and cancer researcher. He discovered that cancer cells exhibit an abnormal metabolism and cannot thrive during cellular respiration (oxygen involving). The organelles which drive this cellular function are the mitochondria which produce cellular energy. Healthy mitochondria use oxygen in a process called aerobic metabolism to produce energy in what is called the Krebs Cycle. Cancer cells instead rely on a process known as glucose fermentation produced from substrate level phosphorylation. Researcher Dr. Thomas Seyfried found that cancer cells have the capacity to produce energy from both glucose and amino acid fermentation using the amino acid glutamine. Neither of these processes use oxygen and are considered anaerobic. The Ketogenic Diet and HBOT A ketogenic diet alone can significantly decrease blood sugar levels and inhibit tumor development. A mouse study found that doing so resulted in a 56.7% increased survival rate in mice with systemic metastatic cancer. Coupling hyperbaric oxygen treatment with a ketogenic diet increased the average survival rate by 77%. Researchers also found a drop in blood glucose, slowed rate of tumor growth, and improved ketone body metabolism. Leading world experts in HBOT and the ketogenic diet: Angela M Poff, Csilla Ari, Thomas N Seyfried, and Dr. Dominic P D’Agostino concur that used alone, HBOT exhibits no effect on cancer growth or progression. However, this approach... HBOT, combined with the ketogenic diet significantly delays tumor growth and increases survival time. FEATURED HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY CENTER LIVE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA? Schedule an appointment with Us! Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Center 3609 Oakdale Rd. STE 5 Modesto, CA 95357 Phone: (209) 551-8888 hyperbaricoxygentreatmentcenter.com Email questions to: info@hillwellness.com Want to learn more about HBOT? Click here!

Weight gain isn't always associated with the food you eat or how much exercise you are getting. Research shows that hormonal imbalance can have a significant impact on your metabolism leading to noticeable weight gain. According to studies, hormonal changes can influence your appetite, including how much you eat and what you’re craving. They can also even cause you to store more or less fat in your body, depending on their balance. Blame these hormones for pesky weight gain! Insulin Leptin Cortisol Estrogen If you've been experiencing sudden weight gain these hormones may be the cause. How insulin impacts weight This is one of the most important hormones when it comes to weight gain and weight loss. Insulin is responsible for storing blood sugar, or utilizing it, depending upon your body’s needs of the moment. Fat storage is another key function of this hormone. Preventing insulin imbalance is crucial for keeping off inches. Leptin & your appetite Think of leptin as an appetite suppressant hormone. This hormone which is made within your fat cells is what talks to your brain telling you if you're hungry or full. When leptin becomes imbalanced your brain doesn't understand it's full leading to overeating. Cortisol Cortisol is a natural stress hormone that is responsible for regulating your metabolism. Elevated cortisol levels can cause cravings for sweet, fatty, and salty foods. While keeping your stress levels at bay may seem impossible to maintain through deep breathing, meditation or mindfulness will help keep your cortisol levels balanced. Estrogen Estrogen is responsible for maintaining optimal function for all your female reproductive organs. Estrogen promotes healthy fat storage the storage of fat for healthy reproductive years. When estrogen levels are balanced, the right amount of fat helps carry out female reproductive functions. Conversely, when there’s too much or too little, weight gain often results. Hormonal imbalances you can’t control Even if you're doing everything you can to naturally balance your hormones to assist in weight loss you may still require some help from your doctor. It's important that you are regularly checking your hormone levels to find out which ones are higher or lower than normal. Think hormones may be the cause of sudden weight gain? Take our FREE wellness quiz to see if hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Want to find a SottoPelle Provider? CLICK HERE

For both men & women, hormones are responsible for regulating our bodies' vital systems. However, in day to day life and as we age our hormones inevitably change. Many people are turning to hormone optimization therapy as a safe and natural solution to keep them balanced. Understanding Hormones Simply put, hormones are molecules produced by the endocrine system that communicates to various parts of the body. Hormones regulate vital functions like hunger, blood pressure, metabolism, and sexual desire. Signs of hormone imbalance Both men and women experience similar symptoms during hormone imbalance. You may have trouble falling asleep at night or staying asleep, or even feel just as groggy if you've got a full night's rest. Hormone imbalance can also wreak havoc on your emotional state. If you all a sudden feel yourself getting irritable or stress becomes almost overwhelming this could be a sign. Hormones are also a vital part of your sexual function. Women may experience vaginal dryness that makes intercourse painful and men can experience erectile dysfunction. Both men and women can experience lack of desire for sex. Your weight is a huge factor when it comes to hormone imbalance. If you've experienced sudden weight loss or weight gain this could be a symptom of hormone imbalance. Women normally see extra inches pile up and men may find it harder to build muscle mass. Physical symptoms could point to hormone imbalance as well which include hot flashes, migraines & night sweats. Are you a candidate for Bioidentical Hormone Optimization? If you've been experiencing any signs of hormone imbalance, you could make a great candidate for bioidentical hormone optimization. It's best to let your doctor evaluate your symptoms & decide. However, you can get a headstart by taking this hormone imbalance quiz. Want to find a SottoPelle Provider? CLICK HERE To learn more bio-identical hormone optimization, click here.

As we age, it becomes seemingly harder to maintain your usual weight. The truth is that most men & women start to experience weight gain during the transition to menopause. While it may take some hard work there are options to avoid or reverse weight gain associated with hormonal imbalance & get back to your normal weight. Why your metabolism is so important When most people think about losing inches they turn to fast-fad diets. While these may band-aid the problem the real results come when you start managing your metabolism. In simple terms, your metabolism is how much energy your body burns while at rest. Constant sitting, desk jobs, or decreased lack of exercise are to blame for slowing your metabolism. In addition to lack of physical activity, each year those who do not strength train reduce their metabolic rate by 3% - 5%! How hormones affect your metabolism What is it about menopause that makes it easy to pack on pounds but impossible to lose them? Estrogen Estrogen is a hormone that helps to control body weight. Reduced estrogen can result in a reduced metabolic rate causing for inevitable weight gain. The lack of estrogen in the body may also cause your body to use blood sugar less effectively. This in turn would increase fat storage and make it harder to lose weight. How exercise can help As we age the more active we are the less likely we are to gain massive amounts of weight. Exercise becomes even more important as we get older. You naturally lose muscle mass with age which can slow down your metabolism. Lifting weights for example can have a positive impact on your metabolism because strengthening your muscles will make you into a more efficient calorie-burning machine, even when you're resting. How Bioidentical Hormone Optimization May Help Some evidence suggests that estrogen hormone therapy increases the resting metabolic rate. This might help slow weight gain. If you would like more information on how Bioidentical hormone optimization may be right for you, take our FREE wellness quiz. Want to find an HTCA Provider near you? CLICK HERE

Each year, an alarming number of new anxiety cases grows. We live in a social media-influenced culture where all we see is the "perfection" of other people's lives. In turn, it makes it exceptionally easy to compare ourselves to others and ultimately end up stressed and anxious when we can't meet the unrealistic expectation of perfect. However, for many adults, these feelings can be brought on from a hormonal imbalance. Is Anxiety a Chemical Imbalance? Anxiety disorders are certainly linked to chemical imbalances in the body. In fact, hormone imbalances can actually reduce or increase your levels of anxiety. Progesterone & Estrogen These two hormones play a vital role in your emotions. Higher levels of estrogen often equal higher levels of serotonin which makes you happy. Progesterone, on the other hand, stimulates the part of your brain responsible for fight or flight responses. When too much progesterone is present this could make you feel super-stressed, and maybe even a little depressed. Stress Hormones For some people, their levels of stress can greatly affect their anxiety & mood. These cases indicate a high level of cortisol. These hormones help our bodies deal with danger however, when you put yourself under massive amounts of stress, it can cause your body to release more of these hormones than you need. If this cycle continues you can be left with anxiety! Thyroid Hormones Have you been having an alarming number of panic attacks lately? The culprit for this could be your thyroid. These hormones play a significant role in anxiety- more specifically your thyroid-stimulating hormone (often called TSH) levels directly correlate with the severity of panic attacks. More often than not, anxiety-related disorders can be linked to an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). However, an underactive thyroid can be linked to depression (hypothyroidism). You don't have to keep living like this! The good news here is that there is hope! Studies have shown how bioidentical optimization therapy can help to balance these hormones and manage symptoms associated with anxiety. Try SottoPelle's FREE hormone self-assessment quiz to find out if bioidentical optimization may be right for you! Want to find a SottoPelle Provider? CLICK HERE

Feeling like your forgetting something can be the worst feeling. But what happens when that starts to become your day-to-day reality? If you've been experiencing recent brain fog- confusion & memory loss menopause may be to blame. It's common for women to experience brain fog and memory lapses as they are going through menopause. What's To Blame? As we age our body starts to function differently than it used to, including our brain. It can become increasingly more challenging to learn a new skill or remember important information & dates. A major factor in all this forgetfulness is your hormones! Estrogen in particular plays a vital role in memory as it regulates a variety of brain chemicals along with the nervous system. When estrogen levels start to decrease with age it can no longer help the brain function as it normally would. How Can I Help My Memory During Menopause? Get enough sleep Sleep may not be plentiful during menopause but not sleeping well can play a huge factor in how easily you remember things & your focus. Try to stick to your very own bedtime ritual here are a few suggestions if you're just getting started: Take a warm bath one hour before bed Diffuse calming essential oils Take 20 minutes for a calming yoga or breathing routine Read a book (try and stay away from electronics) Enjoy a cup of sleepytime tea Instead of laying there mad, you can't go to sleep focus your intentions inward. Listen to the sound of your breathing and start to count your breaths. Inhale for a 4-second count and exhale for an 8-second count, repeat this until you start to dose off. This may take time & practice but it certainly pays off in the end. Brain Puzzles A healthy brain is a happy brain. As we age we need to keep working on our brain health. Here are a few suggestions for you Solving crossword's or puzzles Play a musical instrument Reading Writing Learning a new language Create or solve riddles Coloring or drawing The point is to try and challenge your brain as much as possible. Exercise Getting in a good workout isn't just good for your body! It's good for your brain health as well. Strength training may help to trigger the growth of new nerve cells & blood vessels in the brain. Aerobic exercise may also increase the production of chemicals that promote the repair of brain cells in the body. Signs you have a more serious case Frequently repeating questions or phrases Neglecting your hygiene Forgetting how to use common objects Being unable to understand or follow directions Forgetting common words Getting lost in places you know well Having trouble carrying out basic daily activities Is Bioidentical Optimization Therapy Right For You? Take the first step by taking our hormone self-assesment quiz. for yourself or your partner. Bioidentical hormone optimization may be the answer you've been looking for if you want to safely & naturally help with menopause symptoms & hormone imbalance. Find an HRT Pellet Provider For Information: 855-939-4822 Email: info@ht-ca.com Want to learn more about Hormone Therapy Centers Of America? Click here!

If you've recently suffered an injury it's normal to band-aid it and be on your merry way. But what happens when weeks go by and your open wound starts to become a BIG concern. When that wound isn't healing properly it may be time to call in reinforcements. Your bodies behind the scenes may be trying to tell you something and no amount of Neosporin is going to be able to help. What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment? This sort of treatment delivers pure oxygen to the wound in a safe & natural way. While laying inside of a pressurized chamber made of clear acrylic, pure oxygen is distributed throughout the body. The air pressure inside the chamber is 2 times greater than the normal pressure in the atmosphere. The dose of high-pressure oxygen helps your blood carry even more oxygen to your vital organs and tissues to promote healing. How it works with wounds Normally red blood cells transport oxygen through your blood. After an injury, this could deprive the oxygen in the red blood cells resulting in longer recovery times for a wound. Without oxygen cells, cant produce energy that is needed for bacterial defense or collagen regeneration. At this point, it's not enough to just inhale oxygen your body needs a concentrated oxygen flow to start regenerating. HBOT helps oxygen dissolve directly into the areas where circulation has been blocked. What wounds and conditions can Hyperbaric Oxygen treat? Diabetic wounds Prolonged immobility, moisture and friction Animal and insect bites Poor circulation Chronic bone infections Radiation tissue damage Skin grafts Crush injuries Surgery or trauma Fungal infection FEATURED HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY CENTER: LIVE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA? Schedule an appointment with Us! Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Center 3609 Oakdale Rd. STE 5 Modesto, CA. 95357 Phone: (209) 551-8888 hyperbaricoxygentreatmentcenter.com Email questions to:info@hillwellness.com Want to learn more about HBOT? Click here!

Do you know the symptoms of low-t? Your hormones could be the cause of many symptoms that could be helped with hormone therapy. DID YOU KNOW THAT TESTOSTERONE DECLINES WITH AGE? Here are some symptoms of Low Testosterone. Testosterone is Your FUEL. Are you RUNNING ON EMPTY? Optimal testosterone levels can transform your entire life- not just sexually but in many aspects of your relationships, everyday living and overall happiness. Custom testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) plans make increasing your testosterone levels easy, safe, and affordable. Using a simple blood test, a hormone optimization specialist, like Dr. Iman Bar in Newport Beach, California can create a customized plan to restore and optimize testosterone levels, so that you can get back on the path to living an optimized life. Patients report symptom relief, feeling energized with increased motivation, mental clarity and more. RESTORE YOUR FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH With decades of research in anti-aging therapies, physicians combine the best practices of conventional medicine with effective complementary and alternative therapies that best benefit the patient. Doctors who specialize in bio-identical hormone optimization focus on the health of the whole person and the goals of the individual and provide customized treatment plans combining different therapies. PATIENTS UNDERGOING HORMONE THERAPY REPORT AMAZING BENEFITS: Increased Energy and Motivation Increased Muscle Mass and Strength Weight Loss Boosted Libido Increased Confidence + Better Mood Improved Sleep Quality If you haven't gotten your hormones checked, we encourage you to get the simple blood test and see if you're a candidate for hormone optimization.

What does stress do to the body? Stress releases the hormone cortisol into your system which we often experience as the fight or flight response. Psychology Today reports that prolonged stress and too much cortisol causes difficulty with memory, lower immune function, increased weight gain, blood pressure, and cholesterol… not to mention heart disease, decreased resilience, and a trigger for mental illness. Cortisol plays an important role in a number of things your body does. For example, it: Manages how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins Keeps inflammation down Regulates your blood pressure Increases your blood sugar (glucose) Controls your sleep/wake cycle Boosts energy so you can handle stress and restores balance afterward What if you’re under constant stress? How can this impact my body? It can derail your body’s most important functions. It can also lead to a number of health problems, including: Anxiety and depression Headaches Heart disease Memory and concentration problems Problems with digestion Trouble sleeping Weight gain As you can see, stress affects the body and can, in the long term, lead to serious health conditions. That's why it's important to find ways to deal with and release stress throughout your life. What are some natural ways to lower cortisol? 1. Lower your stress levels Find ways to lower stress levels. Grounding, yoga and meditation are great ways to lower stress. 2. Eating a good diet Some foods that may help to keep cortisol levels stable include: dark chocolate bananas and pears black or green tea probiotics in food such as yogurt probiotics in foods containing soluble fiber Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration also helps to keep cortisol levels lower. 3. Sleeping well The amount of sleep that a person has can affect their cortisol levels. A bad night’s sleep or more prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to increased levels of cortisol in the bloodstream. Therefore, it is essential for people to pay attention to the amount and quality of sleep they have and try to limit the chance of disruptions. 4. Trying relaxation techniques People experiencing stress can try to manage it by experimenting with relaxation techniques. Meditation, mindfulness, and even simple breathing exercises can help a person deal with stress more effectively. 5. Taking up a hobby Hobbies can be a rewarding and satisfying way to lead a fuller and healthier life, and they can lead to an increased sense of well-being. A study on substance abuse treatments found that gardening led to decreased levels of cortisol. It also seemed to improve quality of life more than the conventional occupational therapy. 6. Learning to unwind People relax in different ways, so understanding what works on a personal level can be beneficial. Research has shown that relaxation exercises and listening to relaxing music can both reduce cortisol levels, but whatever helps an individual to manage their stress will be beneficial. 7. Laughing and having fun It is hard to feel stressed when having a good time, so finding time to have fun can also lower a person’s cortisol levels. One study showed cortisol levels decreasing in response to laughter. Being happy and having a positive outlook appear to be related to lower cortisol levels, and happiness has other benefits too, such as lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system. 8. Exercising Exercise can help to improve a person’s mood. Being physically active is beneficial to health and can improve a person’s mood. Intense exercise can, however, trigger an increase in cortisol levels, as this is the body’s way of coping with the additional stress that the exercise places upon it. The appropriate amount of exercise depends on various factors, including a person’s physical fitness, and these factors play a part in how much cortisol the body will release during exercise. 9. Avoiding caffeine at night People trying to lower their cortisol levels should avoid consuming food and beverages containing caffeine in the evening. Caffeine can interfere with a good night’s sleep, and sleeping well can keep cortisol levels low. 10. Maintaining a good bedtime routine A good bedtime routine usually results in longer and higher-quality sleep. People should get into the habit of turning off all screens and just relaxing before heading to bed. It will usually also help to keep phones, and any other potential distractions turned off. Limiting fluid intake before bedtime can also minimize the likelihood of disturbed sleep. 11. Having good relationships Stable, loving relationships with partners, friends, and family can be vital when it comes to leading a happy and fulfilled life, and they can help a person get through stressful periods. If relationships are unhappy and unhealthy, however, they can cause a great deal of stress. One study indicated that a person’s cortisol level can rise after an argument with their partner. Another trusted source reported that children with a happy and secure family life have lower levels of cortisol than those living in homes where there is regular conflict. 12. Getting a pet Some studies indicate that having a pet can lower cortisol levels. One study measured levels of cortisol in children undergoing a standard medical procedure. Those who had a dog present during the procedure had lower cortisol levels than those who did not. Another study found that contact with a dog was more beneficial for cortisol levels than a supportive friend during a stressful situation. 13. Taking supplements Both fish oil and an Asian herbal supplement called ashwagandha have shown the ability to reduce cortisol levels, so taking these supplements alongside a healthful diet could be beneficial. Parts of this article were sourced from medicalnewstoday.com

Have you been battling hormonal issues for long enough and you feel ready to start making some dietary changes? The following seven foods have been known to help correct imbalances within the endocrine system. Remember, you didn’t develop hormonal imbalances in a day, so you will need to give these foods their fair time to start working for you. #1: Fatty Fish Eating fish that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids , such as the following can actually slow the production of cortisol, known as the stress hormone. Salmon Mackerel Sardines Albacore tuna Herring Lake trout If you’re on a vegetarian or vegan diet, don’t worry. You can still add Omega 3’s to your daily diet by adding these foods: Chia seeds Brussel sprouts Algal oil Hemp seed Walnuts Flaxseeds Perilla oil Why is Fatty Fish a Beneficial Food for Hormonal Imbalance? Eating fish promotes healthy cell-to-cell communication, leading to improved: Hormonal communication Cognition Mood The most common conditions that can benefit from omega 3 essential fatty acids are: Menopause: Omega 3’s supply the building blocks needed for the production and function of the hormones responsible for slowing down inflammation and symptoms of menopause. Thyroid Dysfunction: Omega 3’s are effective in reducing inflammation and fighting against infection. Adrenal Deficiency: Omega 3’s restore homeostasis by regulating the dysfunction of the HPA axis. #2: Eggs Eggs are a staple in many kitchens and they also happen to be packed with nutritional benefits , including hormonal support. With a variety of ways to enjoy this simple and delicious food, fitting eggs into your daily diet should be easy. Why are Eggs a Beneficial Food for Hormonal Imbalance? Eggs contain selenium , which is an antioxidant. Why is this important? Antioxidants remove free radicals that can cause damage and premature aging to the thyroid glands. In addition to benefiting your endocrine system, eggs are also known to reduce the risk of certain cancers and boost the body’s metabolism. #3: Healthy Carbs To many, the word “carbohydrates” may set off alarm bells, but not all carbs are created equal. Carbohydrates, like the ones on this list are not only loaded with nutrients, but they help to regulate your blood sugar. Oats Quinoa Buckwheat Wild rice; and Legumes Why are Healthy Carbs a Beneficial Food for Hormonal Imbalance? Without enough glucose, the body produces cortisol ( the stress hormone ), creating hormonal imbalance, and negatively impacting the body at a cellular level. Whole and unprocessed complex carbohydrates (like the ones listed above) take longer to digest and as a result, they produce a lasting stream of glucose that supports healthy blood sugar levels. #4: Healthy Fats Many healthy fats come with a host of benefits, including hormonal balance, while also making you feel full longer. Try adding these healthy fats to your daily diet to help achieve endocrine health: Avocados Coconut oil Olive oil Nuts and seeds MCT oil; and Ghee Avoid eating foods with hydrogenated fats as one of the ingredients. These are trans-fats and not only do they offer no nutritional value, but they are also detrimental to your health. Why are Healthy Fats a Beneficial Food for Hormonal Imbalance? Low-fat diets decrease the production of estrogen and progesterone in the body. All hormones are comprised of protein and fat, and sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone ) are made from cholesterol. If you remove cholesterol from your diet, you slow the production of estrogen which can lead to estrogen deficiency and these symptoms in women: Night sweats Insomnia; and Heart palpitations Healthy fats are essential in the production and steady flow of hormones. #5: Root Vegetables It’s common to consider root vegetables as part of a hearty meal in the autumn or winter, but eating them year-round is extremely beneficial to keeping hormonal balance. Try adding some of these root vegetables to your meals or snacks each day: Carrots Turnips Sweet potato Parsnips Radishes Garlic Rutabaga Beets; and Onions Why are Root Vegetables a Beneficial Food for Hormonal Imbalance? The fiber in root vegetables helps balance blood sugar levels, thus balancing hormones. Carrots, in particular, are great for preventing estrogen dominance, while sweet potatoes boost progesterone levels. Other root vegetables provide food for the healthy bacteria that live in your gut. Incorporating root vegetables into your diet is simple. Try adding: Parsnips and sweet potatoes to a soup Radishes to a salad; or Eating carrots with dip #6: Leafy Greens There’s more to leafy greens than just salads. You can enjoy leafy greens by cooking them or adding them to foods: Saute Roast Stir fry Add to omelets; or Soups; or Top a sandwich No matter how you decide to get your daily greens, you can take comfort in knowing that you’re ridding your body of harmful estrogens with crucifers like: bii Collard greens Cauliflower Brussel sprouts Arugula And more Why are Leafy Greens a Beneficial Food for Hormonal Imbalance? Not only are dark, leafy greens rich in a ton of micronutrients, they’re also loaded with healing vitamins, such as: Vitamin K Vitamin A B Vitamins; and Trace minerals Leafy greens are not just highly nutritious, they also excrete excess toxins and hormones from your body. Add some greens to your plate today. 3 Fruits Good For Hormonal Imbalance Fruits can cause insulin levels to spike, which can affect cortisol and estrogen levels, so they should be eaten regularly but in moderation. When fruits are consumed in the right amounts they can positively affect hormone levels. Have a look at these three fruits to learn how they not only rank as food for hormonal balance but provide a host of other benefits as well. #1: Apples We’ve all heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but is there any truth to that? We think so. Apples can be eaten on the fly, chopped up and baked with cinnamon for a sweet, but healthy snack, or added to salads and other recipes. Not only are they versatile, but they’re beneficial to your hormonal health. Why are Apples a Beneficial Food for Hormonal Imbalance? Apples are packed with vitamin C, which is essential in the production of progesterone, the hormone responsible for reducing depression and anxiety. Not only that, but apples are host to a powerful antioxidant called quercetin , which can assist in increasing the antioxidant capacity of the ovaries. #2: Blueberries Blueberries are delicious, nutritious, and can be eaten daily as a part of a healthy and balanced diet. This tiny berry is making waves as one of the most recommended superfoods out there, and for good reason. Why are Blueberries a Beneficial Food for Hormonal Imbalance? They may be small, but these little berries came to fight… for your health. Packed with flavonoids and antioxidants, blueberries are also high in vitamin C and potassium, making them a top fighter against inflammation, cancer, and heart disease. But, what can they do to help your hormonal imbalance? They’re also loaded with vitamin B6 , which assists in the production and balancing of progesterone. #3: Strawberries Strawberries are a delicious summer treat that can be enjoyed year-round. They can be added to your… Cereal Oatmeal Smoothie Protein bowl; and even Salads Not only are they delicious, but they are also a winner in the fight against hormonal imbalances. Why are Strawberries a Beneficial Food for Hormonal Imbalance? Strawberries not only contain high levels of phytoestrogens, which can assist in hormonal balance, but they’re also chock-full of vitamin C which helps boost the immune system and stabilize hormones.

With millions of deaths from addiction each year, more people are looking for ANY solution that can help with addiction for themselves or their loved ones. According to American Addiction centers, 19.7 million American adults (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in 2017. Almost 74% of adults suffering from a substance use disorder struggled with an alcohol use disorder. About 38% of adults in 2017 battled an illicit drug use disorder. That same year, 1 out of every 8 adults struggled with both alcohol and drug use disorders simultaneously. In 2017, 8.5 million American adults suffered from both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorders. Drug abuse and addiction cost American society more than $740 billion annually in lost workplace productivity, healthcare expenses, and crime-related costs. So how can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy help? The use of illicit drugs over a period of time can have a negative impact on the chemical balance of the brain which can ultimately lead to brain damage. According to The Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment center , long-term substance abuse and prolonged prescription medication use can damage cells in the brain, especially in the frontal lobe where strategic thinking and decision making takes place. Clinicians have reported that HBOT shows promising results in helping patients with traumatic brain injuries, since it is a therapy that can deliver oxygen to the brain in places not reachable when breathing at sea level. A simple brain-imaging scan can show the areas of the brain that have been damaged from addiction. Those are the areas that haven’t been getting enough blood flow, thus not enough oxygen. The damaged cells are also unable to detoxify properly, which slows down the brain’s healing process. However, this can be changed after 20-40 oxygen therapy treatments, when the blood flow in the patient’s brain increases. The improved blood flow in this areas supplies the cells with the needed nutrients they need to heal themselves. After only 10 treatments many patients report better memory, higher energy levels and an overall sense of well-being. What kind of improvement can you expect to see? Decreased swelling and inflammation Helping the damaged liver, pancreas and brain heal Helping the detoxification process in body & brain cells Improved circulation in damaged tissues Improved sleep patterns Normalized enzyme systems in the organs Reduced cravings Regenerated tissues Stimulated appetite FEATURED HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY CENTER: LIVE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA? Schedule an appointment with Us! Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Center 3609 Oakdale Rd. STE 5 Modesto, CA. 95357 Phone: (209) 551-8888 hyperbaricoxygentreatmentcenter.com email questions to:info@hillwellness.com Want to learn more about HBOT? Click here!

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)? When you breathe air, only 21% of what is absorbed is oxygen. In HBOT, you’re getting nearly 100% oxygen and forcing that oxygen into damaged tissues and stimulating stem cells up to 800%. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is essentially, breathing in pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. There are many other conditions treated including serious infections, traumatic brain injury, sports injuries and wounds that may not heal as a result of diabetes or radiation injury. How Can It Help With Brain Injuries? Studies show that people with brain injury can have decreased blood flow to the brain that may be due to inflammation. Cells are not communicating as well as they should, causing excess water in the brain. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides many benefits that may help adults and kids who have suffered from TBI, near drowning disorders and even stroke. HBOT increases blood oxygen levels and increases blood circulation to the brain. With increased oxygen to the brain, speech levels can be improved, concentration levels can be increased and digestion will be improved. Because HBOT works by reducing swelling and delivering oxygen to poorly circulated areas, there are numerous reported cases in which a child with brain injury or autism has achieved previously unattainable levels of speech, play, and mental responsiveness. HBOT also provides anti-inflammatory benefits which can further help decrease inflammation and increase blood flow. In a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, the air pressure is increased two to three times higher than normal air pressure. Under these conditions, your lungs can gather much more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. With more oxygen absorbed, your body can send oxygen to your organs and tissue, resulting in amazing benefits including faster healing at the cellular level. This process also helps fight bacteria, boosting your immune system and stimulates the release of substances called growth factors and stem cells, which promote healing. LIVE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA? Schedule an appointment with our featured provider. Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Center 3609 Oakdale Rd. STE 5 Modesto, CA. 95357 Phone: (209) 551-8888 hyperbaricoxygentreatmentcenter.com Email questions to:info@hillwellness.com Want to learn more about HBOT?

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is essentially, breathing in pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. HBOT is a well-established treatment for decompression sickness, a potential risk of scuba diving. Not a scuba diver? There are many other conditions treated including serious infections, bubbles of air in your blood vessels, traumatic brain injury, sports injuries and wounds that may not heal as a result of diabetes or radiation injury. In a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, the air pressure is increased two to three times higher than normal air pressure. Under these conditions, your lungs can gather much more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. With more oxygen absorbed, your body can send oxygen to your organs and tissue, resulting in amazing benefits including faster healing at the cellular level. This process also helps fight bacteria, boosting your immune system and stimulates the release of substances called growth factors and stem cells, which promote healing. 5 benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy Increases oxygenation to the body’s tissues Increase blood flow and circulation Boosts white blood cell counts Enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics Reduce swelling and pain What is HBOT Used For? Your body needs an adequate supply of oxygen to function for many purposes, including healing. When skin or tissue is injured- by accident or because of surgery, it requires even more oxygen to survive. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry and the temporary extra high oxygen levels encourage tissue to heal faster, even after the therapy is completed. Over time, the increase of oxygen stimulates angiogenesis, which is new blood vessel formation in the tissues. HBOT can speed up the healing process by three to five times, as well as triggering collagen growth which leads to healing. Hyper means increased, and baric refers to pressure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can increase circulation and oxygenation, allowing the oxygen to build and repair damaged blood vessels. HBOT is used to treat several medical conditions, including: Severe anemia Brain abscess Bubbles of air in your blood vessels (arterial gas embolism) Burns Carbon monoxide poisoning Crushing injury Deafness, sudden Decompression sickness Gangrene Infection of skin or bone Nonhealing wounds, such as a diabetic foot ulcer Radiation injury from Cancer Treatment Skin graft or skin flap at risk of tissue death Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Vision loss, sudden and painless HBOT for Neurological Disabilities The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat neurological disabilities like autism, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cerebral palsy. Many people with these disabilities are able to experience positive, life-changing results while undergoing hyperbaric treatment. One complicating factor of autism spectrum disorder is the brain’s lack of activity when stimulated with sensory or auditory input. This is partly due to increased swelling in the capillaries of the brain. Because HBOT works by reducing swelling and delivering oxygen to poorly circulated areas, there are numerous reported cases in which a child with autism has achieved previously unattainable levels of speech, play, and mental responsiveness. Nonmedical Applications of HBOT One versatile element of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is that it is not strictly limited to medical applications. Men and women of all ages use HBOT for cellular regeneration, promotion of blood flow, and to speed up the process of recovering from sports injuries. Have you noticed the way your skin glows after exercising? This change occurs when cells and tissues have been bathed in oxygen-rich blood. Healthy circulation can help keep skin youthful and vibrant. Likewise, muscular strain and overextension can be remedied by the improvement of oxygen-rich blood filtering through places of trauma. With HBOT, oxygen can enter into every tissue of the body and brain. This can mean a reduction in wrinkles, age spots, damaged skin cells, and sagging skin, along with shorter recovery times between sports injuries. As you can see, there are many amazing uses and benefits of HBOT. Best of all, it's a therapy that's natural, non-invasive and medication-free. LIVE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA? Schedule an appointment with Us! Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Center 3609 Oakdale Rd. STE 5 Modesto, CA. 95357 Phone: (209) 551-8888 hyperbaricoxygentreatmentcenter.com Email questions to:info@hillwellness.com Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Want to learn more about HBOT? Click here!