Girl talk. We’d like to think that hormones aren’t something we have to deal with til late in life, but our bodies are constantly changing and if we learn to read between the (fine) lines early, growing up can be graceful — and actually kind of fun.
We’re thrilled to have hormone whisperer and one of just a few repeat TCM Guest Editors, Dr. Sara Gottfried, back in action all month long, helping us navigate the ins and outs of well-being with her signature combo of serious science and woman-to-woman relatability.
This Harvard-trained MD’s first two bestselling books — The Hormone Cure and The Hormone Reset Diet — were game changers for millions of women. Her latest, Younger, shares more tools to own the aging process and we’ll be sharing our favorite insights all May.
To start the month in true Dr. Sara style, we’re sharing five of the most fun ways to hack the aging process. We asked Dr. Sara her favorite ways to age well and she shared everything below – including a killer recipe for red sangria. Cheers!
Biodynamic wine
When mixing up that pitcher of sangria, opt for a biodynamic wine. These wines are made from grapes cultivated by a form of organic agriculture with a tiny carbon footprint. Non-organic wines contain a long list of toxic additives, including sugar, tannin (beyond the tannins that occur in oak-barrel aging), acids, enzymes, copper sulfate, coloring agents, dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC, a microbial-control agent designed to kill microorganisms) and fining agents. Keep in mind that not all wines that are organic are biodynamic, but the key is choosing a wine that is better both for your health and the planet. Sadly, not all biodynamic or organic wines are superb; a few of my favorite brands that taste similar to wines I love include Quivira (white) and Emiliana Coyam (red). Quench free radicals that accelerate aging with antioxidants with sexy sangria (recipe below).
Brazil nuts
Enjoy that sangria with some fresh Brazil nuts. Munching on these tasty nuts fill you up with magnesium. Brazil nuts provide 100% of your recommended daily allowance of selenium, which you need to keep your thyroid happy. With a healthy fat content, Brazil nuts help keep you full and assist your body in warding off toxins. Just don’t overdo it: Five to six Brazil nuts per day is just right.
Vitamin D
Did you take your vitamin D today? Eighty percent of Americans are low, and it helps you de-age in two ways: It mends your telomeres and improves your sleep. Vitamin D appears to have direct brain effects on your regulation of sleep, specifically in the diencephalon (the part of your brain that contains the hypothalamus and regulates hormones) and brain stem (trunk of the brain). Some hypothesize that sleep disorders have risen to epidemic levels because of widespread vitamin D deficiency, and I agree. Vitamin D has hormonal, neurological and immunological influences on pain in the body, playing a key role in the cause and continuation of chronic pain and associated problems such as insomnia. Lack of sleep, disrupted circadian rhythms and low vitamin-D levels can impair healing and repair and make you age faster, as covered in my new book, Younger.
Floss Twice. Every Day.
Floss twice per day! Did you know that you have more than 700 microbes in your mouth? According to research statistics, flossing fosters longevity (independent of brushing one’s teeth), as does seeing the dentist at least twice per year (I go quarterly). Flossing can prevent periodontal disease after as little as one month of regular use. If we’re already discussing oral hygiene, make sure to use an electric toothbrush, especially after drinking wine as it stains the teeth. Powered toothbrushes reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual brushing in the short and long term. Aim for a two- to three-minute date twice per day with your brush.
Sexy Sangria
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine (preferably organic)
3 oranges, thinly sliced
1 tsp lemon zest (I prefer Meyer lemons)
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 lime, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup raspberries
1 to 2 quarts sparkling water (optional)
sprigs of rosemary or crushed pink peppercorns, for garnish
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together in large pitcher. Chill in fridge and add ice. Garnish with sprigs of rosemary and crushed pink peppercorns.
The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.
