Marla Ahlgrimm: Weight Gain and Hormones

It has been long asserted that weight gain is the result of eating too much and moving too little. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, there is much more to it than that.

The human body, specifically a woman’s body, is designed to have a body mass index of between 18% and 25%. This means that approximately that percentage of a woman’s weight is fat, which is necessary, especially during the reproductive years. But, as Marla Ahlgrimm explains, the United States is plagued by rampant obesity, which is defined as having a body mass index of greater than 30.

While traditionally doctors have treated weight gain as the cause of medical problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, it’s now being researched that weight gain may be a side effect of improper metabolic function. Specifically, some theorize that the endocrine system, the system which creates and routes hormones, may be to blame. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that the hormone cortisol, which is associated with stress, can affect the way the human body utilizes food as fuel.

When the body is unable to utilize food correctly, it turns the calories consumed into fat. For some individuals, understanding how they react to stress may lead to long-term weight loss and weight management.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Not all Drugs are Safe For Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are subject to the same types of health concerns as everyone else. And headaches, stuffy noses, and overall discomfort may even be more common in mothers-to-be, says Marla Ahlgrimm. It’s no surprise then that the vast majority of pregnant women have reached for an OTC medication at some point. But doing so without consulting with your doctor is dangerous.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, certain medications, such as Tylenol, are typically considered safe for a developing fetus when used occasionally. However, women who take over-the-counter pain relief medicine more than three times per month during gestation may put their children at risk of behavioral problems, asthma, and other issues.

Marla Ahlgrimm cautions that medications available without a prescription are not necessarily safe for everyone. This includes supplements, herbal remedies, and vitamins.

What “Mite” That Be? Marla Ahlgrimm on Eyelash Mites

You likely already know that you have an internal biome, which is made up of billions of organisms that call your intestines home. What you may not be aware of is that there is another ecosystem thriving on the outside of your body. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, eyelash mites are just one of the many creatures that live on you, and they are more common in women than men.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that eyelash mites, which are known among medical professionals as Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, are naked to the human eye, and are perfectly normal. The retired women’s healthcare entrepreneur explains that these tiny mites live around the eyelash follicles and feed on oil and mucus, which are secreted from glands surrounding the eyes, and from facial pores.

Women with oily skin and those who habitually sleep in their makeup are more prone to these invisible intruders.

Although eyelash mites are found on perfectly healthy people, conditions that affect the mucous membrane of the eye and create inflammation and irritation can trigger an increase in their population. Marla Ahlgrimm also explains that cleaning your face regularly, both at night and in the morning, can reduce the facial oils these creatures need to survive.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Your Weird and Wonderful Body

The body is an amazing mechanism that science doesn’t fully understand. And sometimes, it can get downright weird. Retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm shares a few interesting facts about the human body in the following brief post.

Humans have 154 fewer chromosomes than crayfish. But we have nearly four times as many as peas. Humans and slugs share 70% of our DNA.

The human stomach is lined with mucus. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, if this mucus were to suddenly disappear, the stomach would begin to digest itself.

Each human has a unique set of fingerprints, which are not present until a fetus is three months old. Human fingers make more than 25 million movement throughout the course of of a normal lifespan.

Women are less likely to have acne than men. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that men experience skin blemishes nearly twice as often as their same-age female counterparts.

Marla Ahlgrimm: This is Your Hormones on December

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the winter blues are a real thing. According to the author, retired pharmacist, and women’s health expert, waning sunlight and cooler temperatures change the way your body produces hormones.

Why?

There are a number of reasons that women – and men – experience a change in hormone levels throughout the cold months. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, seasonal hormone changes in the pituitary gland are likely triggered by cold weather. Likewise, shorter days and longer nights affect the adrenal hormones and sex drive.

Thyroid trouble

Thyroid hormones are also affected by colder temperatures. As the body tries to compensate for lower numbers on the thermometer, the need for thyroid hormone increases. This can trigger symptoms of hypothyroidism, even if you’re otherwise healthy. This can include dry skin, fatigue, muscle weakness, and depression. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that thyroid-boosting foods, such as chicken, salmon, and eggs, can help circumvent thyroid-related side effects.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Healthy Holidays to Celebrebrate

Marla Ahlgrimm knows that health conditions, such as cervical cancer and heart disease, are nothing to get excited about. But health awareness “holidays” are. Keep reading for a few of the most important days of the year.

January

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, January is a month that sheds light on a number of issues relating to women. These include cervical cancer, cervical cancer detection, intimate partner violence, birth defects and developmental disabilities, and slavery and human trafficking prevention, the latter of which is an official presidential proclamation. January 7-13 is National Folic Acid Awareness Week.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Promote Hormone Balance Naturally

Estrogen dominance is one of the most common causes of hormone issues in women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. There are many ways to combat the issue, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women who are not ready for hormone therapy may be able to make changes to their diet to combat the problem.

Vegetables, says Marla Ahlgrimm, are one inclusion to a woman's daily menu that can help. According to the retired pharmacist, cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, cabbage, and broccoli, can help lower the production of certain types of potent estrogen. Vitamin C from strawberries, bell peppers, and other leafy greens will support progesterone production, which can help balance your hormones.