Marla Ahlgrimm On How Women Can Boost Their Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that it is our overall sense of self-worth and value. Having high self-esteem can lead to better physical and mental health, stronger relationships, and greater success in life. 

 

Unfortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm says, many women struggle with their self-esteem. This is due to many different factors, including negative body image, unrealistic societal expectations, and discrimination or abuse. 

The Impact of Seasonal Daylight Changes on Women's Hormones | Marla Ahlgrimm

As the Earth rotates around the sun, our day and night patterns change. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this is what results in the varying daylight hours throughout the year. These changes in sunlight exposure are known to influence different aspects of human physiology, including female hormone regulation. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women’s hormone levels and overall well-being are directly affected by seasonal daylight hours. Today, she explains just a few of the potential effects of changing sunlight throughout the year on women’s hormones. 

 

Light And Hormonal Regulation 

 

First, Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s important to understand how light plays a role in regulating the body’s internal clock. Our circadian rhythms are biologically programmed to pick up on subtle nuances in the environment. The suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain receives signals from the eyes about the intensity and duration of the day's illumination. This then coordinates the release of hormones, such as cortisol, melatonin, and various reproductive hormones. Disrupting this delicate balance can trigger hormonal changes that might not always be pleasant. 

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder 

 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is the most common type of seasonal depression that occurs throughout the winter months. Studies have suggested a link between reduced sunlight exposure in the dysregulation of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter strongly linked to mood regulation. While SAD affects both men and women alike, women are naturally more susceptible to hormone fluctuations. These changes exacerbate the symptoms of SAD. 

Marla Ahlgrimm On “The Hormone Of Happiness”

Happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses positive emotions, life satisfaction, and overall contentment. While happiness is often associated with mental and emotional well-being, Marla Ahlgrimm says that it can also have profound effects on physical health, including hormone levels, and hormone levels can also affect happiness. In today’s post, Ahlgrimm will explore how being happy can impact women's hormone levels, highlighting the potential benefits behind this fascinating and reciprocal relationship. 

 

Endorphins and Serotonin 

 

When we experience happiness, our bodies release hormones and neurotransmitters associated with positive emotions. Endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones, are released during pleasurable activities, such as hugging a child, or moments of joy, like witnessing a wedding. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that these endorphins help reduce stress and pain while promoting a sense of well-being. Serotonin, another important neurotransmitter, is also closely linked to happiness. Increased levels of serotonin contribute to improved mood and emotional stability. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Offers Insight Into Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and it forms in cells of the breast tissue. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, while it can occur in men as well, it’s considered a women’s health issue that’s worth understanding. 

 

Causes Of Breast Cancer 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that breast cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells throughout the breast tissue. Although the exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, several factors are known to increase the risk of a woman developing the disease. These include: 

• Age. The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman gets closer to menopause. The majority of cases are diagnosed in women over 50. 
• Gender. Biological females are far more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than biological males. 
• Family history. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women who have a history of breast cancer in their family (especially in a close female relative, such as a daughter, sister, or mother) are at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. 
• Personal history. Women that have been diagnosed with any type of cancer may be at a higher risk of developing cancer cells in their breast tissue. 
• Hormones. Elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen are believed to increase a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer. 
• Lifestyle factors. Although no one can predict whether or not they will develop cancer or any other health problem, Marla Ahlgrimm says that excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and living a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses Steroid Treatment In Women

Steroid shots are commonly used to treat certain medical conditions. The shots involve injecting a corticosteroid into a specific part of the body, often the gluteus maximus, also known as the butt! The shots are used to reduce inflammation and pain in some conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. Steroid shots may also be used to help provide relief for those with serious sinus infections. 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, steroid shots are typically considered safe, but they may affect women differently than men. This is partly due to our different hormone levels, muscle structure, and other factors that make us physically different. 

 

Before we dive deeper into the topic, Marla Ahlgrimm says that it’s important to note that this article discusses medical steroid use. The use of anabolic steroids for muscle strength gains is a different story altogether. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains the main concern for women who receive steroid shots is the potential impact on their menstrual cycle. Corticosteroids can interfere with the production of estrogen and progesterone, which are the hormones responsible for regulating a woman’s period. Because of this, some women can experience irregular periods, or they may stop having them together until they discontinue steroid shots. 

 

Another potential issue with a steroid shot is the impact on bone density. Corticosteroids are known to cause the body to break down bone tissue more quickly than it can be rebuilt. This may lead to osteoporosis or bone-related issues if steroids are taken in the long term. This is especially problematic for women because we are already at a greater risk of osteoporosis than our husbands, sons, and brothers. When you get recurrent steroid shots, talk to your healthcare provider about taking other steps to protect your bones. This might include taking calcium supplements or engaging in routine exercise. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Hormones And Women's Weight

Hormones are essential for just about all physiological functions, including regulating weight in women. Hormonal imbalances can cause changes in metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, leading to weight gain or loss. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, fluctuations that occur naturally in women's bodies throughout their lives, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can all have a profound effect on body weight. 

 

Estrogen 

 

Estrogen is the most widely talked about female sex hormone, and it plays a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle, fertility, and bone health. However, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that estrogen also affects body weight by influencing fat distribution and metabolism. Boosted levels of estrogen can trigger weight gain by increasing the production of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This creates a vicious cycle as elevated insulin levels can cause the body to store more fat, especially in the abdominal region. Additionally, estrogen plays a role in appetite suppression, and a decrease in estrogen levels can increase hunger and food intake, leading to weight gain. 

 

Progesterone 

 

Progesterone is a lesser-known yet essential female hormone. It prepares the uterus for pregnancy and regulates the menstrual cycle. Progesterone also affects weight by slowing down digestion and increasing water retention. Women often experience water retention and bloating during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. This is when progesterone levels are highest. Elevated progesterone levels can lead to temporary weight gain, which (thankfully) usually resolves after menstruation. 

 

Testosterone 

 

Testosterone is most known as a male sex hormone, but it is also present in women in small amounts. Testosterone affects body weight by increasing muscle mass and reducing fat mass. Women with higher testosterone levels tend to have an overall lower body fat percentage and a higher muscle mass, which Marla Ahlgrimm says can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. However, excessive testosterone production can lead to an increase in abdominal fat. 

What Are The Benefits (And Drawbacks) Of A Raw Food Diet?

Advocates of eating raw foods often cite its closeness to nature as reasons for chowing down on bok choy, Swiss chard, and other plant-based foods. But is it really healthy? According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it can be, but a raw food diet isn’t right for everyone. 

 

What Constitutes A Raw Food Diet? 

 

Many people think of a raw food diet as simply the equivalent of foods that you get out of the garden. These are eaten in their whole form, although they may be cut, diced, and mixed with other whole foods without losing their integrity. Some, however, look at a raw foods diet as one that also includes unprocessed animal products, like eggs, fish, and milk. Marla Ahlgrimm says that the goal of a raw foods diet is to eat foods that contain their full level of nutrition. The idea is to keep foods as close to natural as possible so that the body enjoys the enzymes needed for proper digestion.