Grilled Romaine Salad and MENOPAUSE ANXIETY

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Too many women are being mistreated during menopause with prescription antidepressants and HRT. Antidepressants are not a solution to hormonal problems. If you are truly depressed, medication may be the answer, but less than 10% of people truly have a chemical imbalance... so why are 80% of the clients I see on an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication?! Well, low progesterone also is the leading cause of anxiety, insomnia and hot flashes. And estrogen determines fat distribution. To top all the uncomfortable things that can follow menopause, prescription antidepressants cause weight gain, low libido and night sweats... the same things you are fighting because of low progesterone! Low hormone output will also raise blood cholesterol and triglycerides because cholesterol produces hormones. All our major hormones are made from cholesterol: estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid, DHEA, and testosterone. If we don’t eat enough, our bodies divert cholesterol from our endocrine system to use for brain function and repair. When that happens, it’s almost impossible for our bodies to maintain hormonal balance. Hot flashes, here we come! This is why I suggest everyone to use coconut oil! Lots of healthy fats = healthy hormones!

Dr. Frank Tallis found his patients with depression with sub-clinically low thyroid function (not low enough for most doctors). Once the hypothyroid was treated, the depression lifted.

During menopause, the adrenal glands over already over worked. They help women cope with the stressors of life, but during this time, they also provide sex hormones once produced by the ovaries (which are no longer producing them). Certain nutrients support the adrenal glands, such as B-vitamins are our "anti-stress" vitamins. Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, and anxiety are also symptoms of Cushing's Disease. This disease is when there is over-activity of the adrenal cortex.

The adrenal hormones and the thyroid hormones are directly connected. You must take care of your body in order for it to take care of you. Get quality sleep, eat quality food, reduce caffiene and grains, relax... get a massage! :) Cortisol is the stress hormone that alters fat cells and make them resistant to weight loss.

Also, women entering menopause should think again when contemplating estrogen therapy. Too much estrogen inhibits thyroid hormone, which promotes weight gain. This also happens when women who are still menstrating are put on birth control... this further shuts down the thyroid hormone; particularily the utilization of T3, the most actitive thyroid hormone. Estrogen from outside sources or produced naturally, causes women to be estrogen-dominant. BUT the good news is when you eliminate grains and wheat, too many carbohydrates, and alcohol, you lower insulin. Insulin also makes fat cells and estrogen. By controlling insulin, you help balance all your hormones, which will make fat loss easier and helps eliminate those undesired menopausal symptoms! There are also natural ways to detox estrogens from the fat cells and liver; I love the product Estrofactors. 

Also, Evening Primrose Oil also helps with vaginal dryness and decreased libido. Evening Primrose Oil has been called the most sensational preventive discovery since vitamin C. It contains the pain relieving compound phenylalanine (which converts to l-tyrosine with iron) and is increasingly being used to treat chronic headaches. It is currently being studied all over the world as a treatment for aging problems, alcoholism, acne, heart disease, hyperactivity in children, symptoms of menopause, multiple sclerosis, weight control, obesity, PMS and schizophrenia. In fact, Evening Primrose contains one of the highest concentrations known of GLA (healthy fatty acid) and only a few other plants contain it at all.  The gamma-linoleic acid, linoleic acid and other nutrients in this oil are essential for cell structure and improve the elasticity of the skin. These fatty acids also help to regulate hormones and improve nerve function aiding problems ranging from PMS to migraine headaches. The hormone balancing effect contributes to healthy breast tissue. Click HERE to find. 

"HEALTHIFIED" GRILLED ROMAINE
2 heads romaine lettuce
Macadamia nut OR quality olive oil
Warm Bacon-Mushroom Vinaigrette, recipe follows
OPTIONAL ADDITIONS: Walnuts, tomatoes, grilled grass fed steak, blue cheese, marinated red peppers

Preheat a grill to medium-high. Rinse and pat dry the lettuce. Cut the 2 heads in half lengthwise. Brush surface with oil and grill about 4 to 5 minutes total, turning occasionally. Place each wedge on a salad plate and drizzle with dressing. Top with your favorite additions and serve.

Photo of my many healthy salad dressings. Click HERE for my cookbooks.

"HEALTHIED" WARM BACON-MUSHROOM VINAIGRETTE
4 oz bacon (about 4 slices)
2 cups sliced mushrooms
3 TBS coconut vinegar
1/4 cup water
 2 TBS macadamia nut OR quality olive oil
 Celtic sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
 2 TBS chopped flat-leaf parsley

Cut bacon into 1/2”-wide strips. Cook bacon with 3 TBS water in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until bacon starts to crisp. Add mushrooms; cook, tossing occasionally, until tender, 5–6 minutes. Add vinegar and 1/4 cup water; simmer until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Stir in oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in parsley. Can be made 1 day ahead. Rewarm before using. Makes 1 cup.

NUTRITIONAL INFO (per 2 TBS)
Traditional Dressing = 140 calories, 14g fat, 1.2g protein, 5g carbs (5 effective carbs)
"Healthified Dressing = 56 calories, 4.7g fat, 2.9g protein, 0.4g carbs (0.4 effective carbs)

Coconut Vinegar nutritionally exceeds other vinegars in its amino acid, vitamin and mineral contents, and is an excellent source of FOS (a prebiotic that promotes digestive health). In addition to using in your favorite dressings and marinades, our Coconut Vinegar may also be used instead of apple cider vinegar for skincare or with any internal cleansing program. (This delicious vinegar does not have a coconutty flavor.) Click HERE to find.