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      I Asked Hollywood’s Favorite Trainer How Celebrities Get in Shape

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      There’s only one personal trainer to the stars whose client list is as diverse as his training methods and whose resume boasts a dynamic approach, boundless energy, and humor when it comes to his over 28 years of experience in the fitness industry: Gunnar Peterson (yes, the trainer who shaped the physiques of Jennifer Lopez and Khloe Kardashian). Needless to say, he knows a thing or two about fitness and how to achieve fitness goals (and look good while you’re doing it).
      Whether your Pilates or Hot Girl Walk streak took a hit because your couch and Netflix beckoned one too many times, you’re up to your neck in work deadlines, or your motivation could use a serious pep talk, there’s no expiration date to jump back on the exercise bandwagon. Lucky for us, Peterson let me in on his best tips for kickstarting your fitness routine again. Ahead, his five tried-and-true techniques you’re going to want to try for yourself (that practically makes us workout buddies with J.Lo, right?). 
       

      Meet the expert
      Gunnar Peterson
      Personal Trainer, #TeamBiosteel Athlete, and F45 Chief of Athletics
      Gunnar Peterson is a Beverly Hills-based personal trainer whose clients include celebrities, professional athletes, and everyday people. He is widely recognized for his expertise in functional training and his commitment to developing and implementing innovative fitness techniques.

       
      1. Hydrate
      I hate to break it to you, but you’re probably not drinking enough water. Ask any expert and I’d bet they tell you staying hydrated is fundamental to your overall health and wellness, and Peterson is no exception. “Hydration and recovery get overlooked as key players in your fitness routine, especially ongoing hydration,” he confirmed. “Yes, you should actively hydrate and focus on your fluids during your work out, but most people aren’t maintaining their hydration throughout the day.” If you’ve found yourself mentally and physically fatigued half way through your workout, chances are you didn’t down enough H20 beforehand. “It’s plain and simple: if you aren’t performing at your best, you’re less motivated to keep going,” Peterson attested.  
      Just how much water should you be drinking daily? As a general rule of thumb, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, suggests women consume about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day. Peterson’s take? “Definitely drink WAY more water than you think you should be drinking.” Start with a glass of water first thing in the morning, add flavor to your water with fruits, cucumber, or herbs like mint, and establish small goals to drink a certain amount of water in an hour, by lunchtime, etc. 

      2. Think of every day is a fresh start
      You’ve pressed pause on your gym sessions (still paying that monthly gym membership though) and convince yourself you’ll start tomorrow. Sound familiar? The hardest part is getting started, so why not get it over with today? “If you’re finding yourself off track, there’s no better day than the present to get back into it,” Peterson recommended. “We’re all busy, but you should never be too busy to commit and show up for yourself. Don’t overthink how long it might’ve been since you last worked out, just get started today.”
      Revisiting why you want to prioritize fitness in the first place can help ignite that fire in you again. Is it to build confidence, improve your mood, or get better sleep? Write it down, and remind yourself of your “why” anytime you struggle to find the motivation to hit the gym (think: put up an image or word that represents it on your bathroom mirror).

      3. Focus on the basics
      When you’re starting fresh with anything—a new job, relationship, or workout program—it’s tempting to go for gold right out of the gate. But doing too much too fast can lead to burn out and depletion, and before you know it, you’re back to square one. “You don’t have to go hard every single time to have a good workout–you just need to be challenged and enjoy what you’re doing,” Peterson conveyed. “When it comes to finding success in fitness, it’s on you to find what works best for your body and what challenges you, but remember, if you stick to the basics of motivation, movement, and consistency, you’re already off to a great start.”
      Take a cue from Peterson: Make sure your sweat sessions are enjoyable and listen to your body. If your go-to form of exercise is making you yawn more than anything or you’ve hit a plateau, it’s time to change it up (Taylor Swift treadmill workout, anyone?). If your body is telling you to slow down (i.e. you’re exhausted AF outside of the gym, getting sick more often, experiencing more injuries), go for a walk, do some yoga stretches, or take a rest day or more (they’re just as important, FYI). Bottom line: Prioritize movement that you enjoy and can healthily and realistically stick with. 

      4. Don’t minimize your accomplishments
      We’re used to instant gratification (looking at you, snooze button, TikTok, and Amazon Prime), so it’s no wonder that when we make a goal to get fit, we get discouraged if we don’t see immediate results. “The psychological aspect of fitness can be the biggest roadblock; we’re always our harshest critic,” Peterson expressed. “Don’t let yourself get in the way and give yourself credit for what you’ve already done.” Peterson reminded us to celebrate the little wins, even if we haven’t reached our end goals yet. “Focus on what you have done and what you’ll continue to do!” he said. 
      Track your progress using a journal or app and reward yourself for every micro goal you achieve. Biologically speaking, when we give ourselves positive reinforcements, our brains release dopamine, which motivates actions toward our desired goals. So consider buying a new workout ‘fit, taking a PTO day for all things self-care, or ordering your favorite takeout to pat yourself on the back. 

      5. If it’s not working, try something new
      Progressing towards your fitness goal (or any goal for that matter) isn’t always linear; sometimes you need to change course in order to attain it. “If you’re not feeling whatever fitness routine you’re doing and not seeing results, it might be time to switch it up,” Peterson suggested. “This is especially true if you’ve done the same workout over and over, lifting the same weights, going for the same run; both your mind and body already know what to expect.” That doesn’t mean you have to completely ditch your current training regimen. Rather, Peterson advised trying to add in small stimuli like increasing your weight, experimenting with the number of reps you do, or adding a hill run to your treadmill routine.
      But if your mind and body are craving something different all together, sign up for a type of workout class you haven’t tried, like rebounding or dance cardio, or a fitness platform that offers a variety of workouts (see: Alo Moves, The Sculpt Society, or Nike Training Club). You just might find a new form of exercise you look forward to doing and get stronger while you’re at it!

      6. Keep moving
      There’s a common misconception that you have to sweat it out for hours or intensely in order for it to count (I should know—I used to buy into it). But Peterson made it clear that’s far from the truth: “I’m a firm believer in small doses every single day,” he said. “Even if it’s just for 10 or 15 minutes, if you commit to yourself and get your body moving, you’ll feel the benefits of your endorphins releasing throughout the day.”
      A recent study found that daily short bursts of physical activity throughout the day led to a 50 percent decrease in death from cardiovascular problems, compared to those who didn’t exercise at all. Translation: Small amounts of movement can mean a longer life expectancy. Try exercise snacks of push-ups, squats, and lunges to break up your work day, cue up a 15-minute workout on one of the aforementioned fitness platforms, or fast walk around the block. Still using the no-time-to-work-out excuse? I didn’t think so. 

      I Tried the Taylor Swift Treadmill Workout for a Week More

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      People Swear the 3-2-8 Method Is the Secret to Getting Toned

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      It feels as though FitTok debuts a new workout trend every other week: the 12-3-30 treadmill workout, the plank dance challenge, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Hot Girl Walk. It can feel tricky to weed out the fads with no merit from the ones actually worth trying. The latest fitness trend to go viral? The 3-2-8 routine. While I’m not one to buy into any workout craze without doing the research, with 224.6 million views (and counting), my interest was piqued. It’s said to “leave you feeling snatched and strong,” according to its creator, and produce results in just three months. Read on to learn the breakdown of the TikTok-approved, highly sought-after 3-2-8 method and whether it lives up to the hype. 

      What is the 3-2-8 method?
      Started by Natalie Rose (AKA @natalieroseuk), a U.K.-based Pilates and barre instructor, the 3-2-8 method is more of a workout structure rather than a specific routine that lays out the exact exercises to perform. It’s divided into three parts that are to be completed over an entire week: Three days of weight training, two days of Pilates or barre, and an average of 8,000 steps per day. 
      For the weighted workout days, Rose conveyed that it’s a must to progressively overload the intensity (read: increase the weight you use or the number of reps you do) every 4-6 weeks for it to be effective. While a full-body strength training workout is what you’re aiming for, Rose explained that it can be split up into one full-body day, one upper-body day, and one lower-body day. As for the two days of Pilates or barre, the intention is to carry them out on active recovery days and days when you’re on your menstrual cycle. Translation: The workouts are meant to be low impact and low intensity. Finally, to tie the method all together, walk an average of 8,000 steps daily to get a low impact cardio boost. We break down the three sections (and how to achieve them) below:

      @natalieroseuk
      Replying to @𝕰𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖍𝖎𝖑𝖊 quick breakdown of the 3-2-8 method that me and my clients use! Commit to it for 3 months to really see the benefits. Follow for part 2 – linking with your menstrual cycle 🩸 #pcosfriendly #pilates #menstrualcycles
      ♬ Keeping Your Head Up (Jonas Blue Remix) [Radio Edit] – Birdy

      Three weighted workouts per week
      Don’t let the word “weighted” scare you. It doesn’t mean you have to become a gym rat and bust out some heavy duty squats. Just add a pair of weights you’re comfortable starting with and building from to compound exercises (AKA exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once): squat, deadlift, lunge, shoulder press, just to name a few. Whether you do them from the comfort of your own home or the gym, they’ll give you the most bang for your buck, especially when you’re crunched for time. And the benefits of strength training doesn’t stop there—you’ll boost your metabolism (read: you’ll burn additional calories hours and even days after your workout), become stronger, and enhance your self-confidence. Hot tip: If you’re new to lifting weights, start slow, and if you’re easily flying through all of the reps, the weight you’re using is probably too light. 

      Two days of Pilates per week
      ICYMI, Pilates has made a major comeback, and for good reason. It’s a low-impact workout that emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and mind-body connection (and counts celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Hailey Bieber as diehard enthusiasts). Rose cited other advantages to doing Pilates: it helps with reducing inflammation, improving your mobility, building your deep core and pelvic floor strength, and lymphatic drainage. The best part? You can easily adapt the discipline with just a mat in your living room and videos you can find on trusty YouTube. 

      Walk up to 8,000 steps per day 
      Some experts tout walking as the best exercise you can do and encourage it to be prioritized over going to the gym or a HIIT sesh. Re-enter: The Hot Girl Walk. What better excuse to get your steps in while soaking up some vitamin D, tuning into your favorite podcast, and showing your mental health some love? In addition to burning calories, you’re looking at health perks such as the potential to improve mood, promote immune function, and enhance creativity. 
      We all have those days when we’re up to our necks in work, and before you know it, you haven’t fit in movement all day. That’s where an under desk treadmill comes in handy. Albeit pricey, it can be a major tool to help you reach your daily steps if you feel like you never have time (or the weather doesn’t permit) for outdoor walks. Walk it out while you answer emails, take a work call, or catch up on your latest Netflix obsession. 
       
      The final verdict
      There’s no denying the 3-2-8 method is a well-rounded mix of various forms of exercise that’s easy to follow. It gives you just enough guidance to plan out and format your weekly workouts, but at the same time allows for flexibility in how you execute them (i.e. what days you do strength training vs. Pilates, what kinds of strength training and Pilates moves you implement, how you get your 8,000 steps in). What sets the 3-2-8 method apart from other FitTok trends is that it promotes prioritizing movement every day alongside recovery, and it can help build confidence if it’s your goal to start weight lifting or work your way up to taking a group Pilates class. 
      Because any one given workout plan isn’t one-size-fits-all, you may want to tweak the 3-2-8 method as you see fit for your body and lifestyle. For example, if your body is telling you it needs a full rest day, whether it falls on a weighted workout or Pilates day, listen to it and pick up where you left off when you feel ready. Bottom line: Adapt the routine to make it work for you.

      A Breakdown of Miley Cyrus’ Full “Flowers” Workout Routine More

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      I’m Always Tired: Here Are 5 Things I’m Adding to My Routine to Combat Exhaustion

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      Everyone knows someone who can fall asleep anywhere and at any time, and if you don’t, now you do. It’s me. I am that someone. I have a habit of falling asleep in the car, on a plane, at someone else’s house, at a movie theatre, at a bar (OK, that only happened once), but you get the point. I am always down for a little nap, but it’s not because I’m lazy, I’m just always battling exhaustion. It’s a great problem to have when I am on a long flight and want to fall asleep, but overall, exhaustion isn’t so great because I’m an adult who has a career and responsibilities that need tending to.
      After yawning one too many times on a Zoom call, I decided it was time to make some changes in my routine because I needed more energy and I needed it stat. Always one to lean on products and routines that prioritize wellness over quick fixes, I have found five things that have helped me combat exhaustion, and I am sharing them with you all here:

      1. Energy Capsules
      I am a coffee girly through and through, but I know myself better than to think I can have more than two cups of coffee. Especially if I reach for a cup in the afternoon, I start to bounce off the walls, immediately get a headache, and then crash from the jitters. For this reason, I have not allowed myself to have coffee past 10 a.m. in a long time. But when I do need some extra caffeine, I always reach for Equilibria’s Energy Capsules because they have the same amount of natural caffeine as a standard cup of coffee but the caffeine is paired with L-Theanine which is an amino acid that helps reduce mental fatigue and supports calm alertness. Taking up to two of these capsules when I need to get in the zone and have focused energy has been a game-changing addition to my routine. Try them out for yourself and use code THEEVERYGIRL for 20% off your first order at Equilibria!

      EQUILIBRIA
      Energy Capsules
      Equilibria’s Energy capsules deliver calm, focused energy so your mind and body can operate at peak performance. Since they get to work in 30-60 minutes, your energy is back in action in no time.
      Use code THEEVERYGIRL for 20% off + get a FREE Nourishing Body Oil for a limited time only!

      2. Low-Intensity Exercises
      Back in the day (AKA before I turned 25), I would wake up and head straight to a high-intensity, bootcamp-style workout class 5-6 days a week. Looking back, I don’t know how or why I did that, but my routine looks a lot different now. While I still love a sweaty HIIT class every now and then, adding yoga and pilates into my routine has drastically helped me feel less run down and tired on a day-to-day basis. I have also been incorporating long walks on the weekends and even during my lunch break sometimes for a little refresh and boost of energy.

      3. Greens Powders
      Greens powders are absolutely everywhere right now including, but not limited to, all influencers’ morning routine videos, ads on Instagram and TikTok, commercials on podcasts, and even the end caps of my local grocery store. I can’t escape them even if I tried, and trust me, I did. But after a long time of trying to avoid buying into the hype, I gave in and to my wallet’s despair, I truly am better for it. Instead of starting my morning diving headfirst into a pot of coffee, I start with a huge glass of water and my greens. The vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens that are included in some of my favorite powders help deliver steady energy that lasts throughout the day.

      Greens Supplement
      These tablet support your energy with instant nutrients. All you have to do is drop one tablet in a glass of water, let it dissolve, and drink up.

      4. Breathwork
      I know that breathwork sounds woo-woo, but studies have shown that by incorporating high-frequency breathing, people can increase their ability to sustain attention. And when I am dosing off midday, it’s just what I need to get back into action. After a few minutes of guided breathwork (I love the Breathwrk app!), I feel better equipped to stay on task and power through my to-do list. And the best part is that it only takes a few minutes, so whenever I am feeling the effects of exhaustion and need a pick me up, I like to rely on this super quick but effective practice.

      5. Balanced Snacks
      I really do wish that popcorn and chocolate were enough to power me through the day, but your body runs off what you feed it, and I need a little more support than my favorite movie theatre snacks to beat exhaustion. In between my regular meal times, I reach for snacks that have whole grains (like oats, brown rice, and quinoa), healthy fats (like nuts, seeds, and avocado), protein (like eggs, chicken, and protein powder), and fiber (like beans, berries, and chia seeds). While I might not always check all the boxes, I notice that when I reach for more balanced snacks, I don’t feel as tired throughout the day. Some of my favorite snacks are protein bars, crackers or veggies with hummus, smoothies, and apples with peanut butter.

      Protein Bar
      RX Bars are the snack I reach for the most—both at home and on the go when I need a pick me up. They have simple ingredients, come in tons of flavors, and are high in protein.

      Tired of Feeling Tired? Here Are 10 Ways To Get Better Sleep by Tomorrow

      This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Equilibria, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      Start Your Wellness Journey and Improve Your Lifestyle

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      Feeling overwhelmed with the idea of starting your wellness journey? When it comes to improving your lifestyle, it’s important to start off on the right foot and celebrate every small win.

      With the fast pace of modern life and the demands that come with it, taking charge of your health and wellness can be daunting, especially if you’re trying to do it on your own. That is why Momentum Multiply partners with you on your journey to better health.

      Here are five tips to help you achieve real gains in your healthy lifestyle journey and have fun while doing it:

      1. Get moving with an activity you love

      This makes it easier to stay motivated and stick to a routine.

      2. Set realistic goals

      Listen to your body and avoid straining yourself by doing too much too soon. For example, you can start with a goal of completing 30 minutes of physical activity three days a week. Multiply members can access the Multiply app for customised weekly goals and tangible rewards when they achieve these goals.

      3. Tap into fitness tools

      Tracking and recording your progress with fitness tools will help you stay motivated and keep track of your accomplishments. It can also empower you to be more aware of your habits and areas of improvement. Multiply guides and encourages members to improve the way they eat, sleep, breathe, move and connect in a seamless digital experience.

      4. Constantly challenge yourself

      As a Multiply member, you get to participate in health challenges with your peers and stand a chance of winning not just bragging rights but tangible rewards.

      5. Make it a date with yourself!

      Much like the pay-yourself-first approach to saving, blocking off or scheduling time for your health and wellness is key to making your goals a priority. Set a reminder for that 5-minute meditation or half an hour run. Go on, invest in yourself!

      Momentum Multiply is not just a wellness rewards programme.

      We have an innovative approach to wellness focusing on helping you achieve your health goals in fun and engaging ways.

      We believe that your overall wellness is the greatest reward and we reward you based on changes you make to improve your overall health.

      We understand that small efforts every day can lead to big long-term health wins.

      Whether you’re just starting out on your journey or you’re a seasoned pro, Multiply is there with you every step of the way. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, or hitting the gym, find an activity that you genuinely enjoy doing.

      Sticking to the same fitness routine can start to feel boring and leave you feeling unmotivated. That’s why it’s essential to challenge yourself regularly and mix things up.

      Speak to your financial adviser or visit multiply.co.za to start your journey and unlock the priceless value of good health. More

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      20 Quick and Healthy Lunches You Can Make on Your Busiest WFH Days

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      One of the greatest work-from-home perks is not having to pack a lunch or worry about reheating leftovers in the break room. Those days are behind me, and I could not be more relieved. I love that I am able to make whatever I want with my fridge and pantry in close proximity, but that doesn’t mean that I want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. My mid-day priority is making quick and healthy work lunches that aren’t totally boring and that will power me through the rest of my day.
      When I come across lunch ideas that meet those criteria, I become a total lunch repeater, so I am constantly looking for new ideas to add to my rotation of favorites. With that being said, I have scoured the internet to find 20 quick and healthy work lunches for those of you who need to switch it up or are in need of a little bit of inspiration for when you’re working from home.

      Source: Closet Cooking
       

      Source: I Heart Naptime
       

      Source: Cooking Classy
       

      Source: Plated Cravings

      Source: Closet Cooking

      Source: Rachel Mansfield

      Source: Eat the Gains

      Source: Detoxinista

      Source: Family Food on the Table

      Source: The Movement Menu

      Source: Detoxinista

      Source: Eat the Gains

      Source: This Healthy Table

      Source: Cookin Canuck

      Source: Simply Quinoa

      Source: Skinny Taste

      Source: Ambitious Kitchen

      Source: Joyful Healthy Eats

      Source: Simply Quinoa

      Source: Skinny Taste

      20 One-Pan Meals for Your Busiest Nights of the Week More

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      All About The New Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation Therapy

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      Vaginal dryness affects many women, especially women in their post-menopausal phase. The result? Less pleasurable or even painful sex and overall discomfort down there.

      According to the Women’s Health Organisation, 58% of post-menopausal women experience a lack of natural lubrication, the hallmark sign of vaginal atrophy – the thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls, often due to a decline in oestrogen. It can affect other women too, who are on medication or struggling with thyroid issues.

      “Vaginal atrophy is also very commonly seen in patients who have had cancer treatment and patients with low oestrogen.”
      Amy Knoetze, the national distributor for AQ Skin Solutions in South Africa.

      The knock-on effects include discomfort during intimacy, the loss of desire and even urinary symptoms like persistent UTIs. 

      Vaginal rejuvenation therapy is one avenue to explore if you’re struggling with vaginal atrophy, and it doesn’t have to be surgical or involve the use of hormones (in the form of hormone replacement therapy), either. For one, AQ Skin Solutions, the same brand that offers a treatment rivalling the vampire facial, uses the same growth factor technology for vaginal rejuvenation.

      The AQ Vaginal Rejuvenation System

      AQ Skin Solutions Vaginal Rejuvenation System (VRS) is a clinically proven solution for vaginal rejuvenation. Using Growth Factor technology, VRS works to relieve vaginal dryness, soothe irritation and improve elasticity. The latter can help tighten the vaginal walls in a way that may enhance intimacy as well as female arousal.

      Um, what are growth factors?

      Growth Factors are highly specialised proteins naturally produced by your body. They’re also “message carriers” with an important job to do – telling other cells to multiply, regenerate and regulate. This is why they’re so useful in skincare. They can instruct your body to do specific beneficial things, like rev up its collagen production to protect and improve your skin’s elasticity. 

      In regards to VRS, AQ Skin Solutions have used a proprietary elixir of all-natural growth factors to create a solution that isn’t just another lubricant. Instead, it helps restore your vagina’s natural lubricating ability while increasing the collagen and elastin within the walls to firm and tighten to your genetic potential.

      “It is important to note that AQ VRS performs better than hormonal treatment for vaginal rejuvenation and is a completely hormone free option,” says Amy. “Many women don’t want HRT (hormone replacement therapy) as it may pose a risk for heart disease and breast cancer so they resign themselves to the idea that a particular part of their life is over. But it doesn’t have to be – VRS is literally changing lives.”

      How it works

      “This is a discreet at-home treatment that restores the function of the vagina and resets the PH to a healthy PH,” explains Amy. The therapy comes in little tubes that are every second evening after bathing, just before bed. Within six weeks, you should see and feel results. “Because of all of the new blood supply in the area, patients often report an increase in sexual arousal and heightened sensation. This is a bonus side effect!” says Amy.

      To try out the system, get in touch with AQ Skin Solutions in South Africa via Instagram or Facebook. More

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      Supporting Your Partner Through Erectile Dysfunction

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      Often defined as the inability to maintain an erection firm enough for satisfying action between the sheets, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem experienced by a third of men over the age of 40. Research often cites social habits such as smoking and alcohol as some of the culprits that contribute to ED. Though life-altering, ED itself is not fatal – but can indicate a more serious condition like heart disease.

      30% of men over 40 will experience erectile dysfunction.

      A Health Case

      Quick biology recap: Coronary heart disease takes place when plaque builds up and blocks the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and impacting the functioning of blood vessels. This restriction usually hits the blood vessels of the penis first. However, it’s easy to overlook the medical implications at first. “ED has negative psychological outcomes for men. They see it as humiliating or something that lessens their status as a man. The men who visit my practice often think they’re not worthy of attention and that their ED is just a normal part of the ageing process,” explains Dr Heather Blaylock, a medical doctor with a special interest in sexual health. She adds that the partners of men who suffer from ED may feel unattractive, unwanted or guilty. 

      S Is For Support 

      “Partner support during treatment is also very important for better outcomes,” urges Dr Blaylock. If you’re not sure what that looks like, she gives this advice on how to be there for your significant other: 

      Encourage your partner to see a doctor so that they can be screened for underlying disease and potentially prevent a critical cardiac event in the future.

      Occasional difficulty maintaining an erection is totally normal. However, ongoing and untreated erectile dysfunction can impact a man’s self-esteem – and his personal relationships. Make extra effort to bolster his self-worth.

      The silver lining: ED meds have evolved and there are plenty of options available. “Treatment options include a group of drugs known as PDE5-inhibitors. These include tadalafil, sildenafil and vardenafil. PDE5 medication not only improves sexual function and satisfaction but also improves the relationship,” says Dr Blaylock. But be prepared for the possible side effects too, which may include flushing, headache, nasal congestion and indigestion. 

      Newer generic medications that have made the treatment of ED more accessible and affordable to more South African men are also available.

      Normal sexual stimulation is still required for arousal, even with your partner on ED medication. 

      With this info in mind, remember to broach the subject with kindness and understanding. Your partner feels vulnerable, so be sensitive. 

      “Everyone wants a cure but there is no magic cure. However, men should not suffer in silence as there are many safe options available,”  
      Dr Blaylock. More

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      Drinking Tea Balanced My Hormones–Here’s Everything You Need to Know

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      Toward the end of 2019, I decided that I wanted to get pregnant. I was 34 years old at the time, but quickly approaching the mile-marker that would earn me the horrific (and outdated) label that all pregnant people receive after turning 35: “geriatric.” Suffice it to say, I was nervous about conception, so I took it upon myself to deep-dive into the science of fertility. What I unearthed made me seethe with rage. Not because the outlook was grim (quite the contrary), but because most of what I discovered I had never learned in school. Throughout all my health classes growing up, the breadth of hormonal health had been almost entirely encapsulated in a video of a live birth and a few tips on how to discreetly use a tampon. The audacity. 
      On the other side of my anger, however, was hope. And a renewed sense of awe for the human body. In my journey to get pregnant, I worked with a functional nutritionist to enhance my diet and stumbled upon fertility teas designed by Ariele Myers, a licensed herbalist, board certified acupuncturist, and fertility specialist who founded the company, Wisdom of the Womb. In that time, I experienced two shocking takeaways: 1. hormones affect so much more than fertility, and 2. tea works fast. I reached out to Myers for her take on how to embrace hormonal health and to answer all your (and my) burning questions about how tea can be used to heal hormones.

      Meet the expert
      Ariele Myers
      licensed herbalist, board certified acupuncturist, and fertility specialist
      Myers founded Arieles Apothecary, where she worked with some of the top Reproductive Endocrinologists and IVF centers in the country to help hundreds of women on their hormonal health and fertility journeys. In 2016, she founded Wisdom of the Womb, an online platform to educate on all things reproductive health.

      In this article

      My experience with drinking tea for hormonal health
      Before trying to conceive, the biggest step I’d taken for my hormonal health was to stop taking birth control after nearly 15 years of use. I worked with an acupuncturist and took Chinese herbs to help get my cycle back on track. It took almost two years to get my period back on a regular cycle. At that point, I assumed my body would regulate naturally on its own, but it didn’t. I also assumed that the heaviness and pain I experienced on my period was normal. It wasn’t until about three months into drinking Myers’ tea blends, when I noticed my PMS symptoms had practically vanished and my flow was far more manageable, that I realized how out of whack my hormones must’ve been.
      My new pain-free cycle surprised me, but what shocked me more was how the rest of me felt: my energy was consistent, my metabolism seemed to be working on my side, my digestive issues were less noticeable—I felt like I’d unlocked a code to health nobody else was talking about. 
      Now, look, I know it would be easy to wonder if other lifestyle choices made an impact, and the reality is that, yes, all areas of our life can contribute to or detract from our hormonal health, but I can firmly say that I’ve been into nutrition and health my entire life and I’ve never experienced a cycle change from diet alone, at least not to this degree. Though I had been working with a nutritionist at the same time as drinking the teas, we were in the midst of gut testing and focusing on simple dietary changes like portion control and mindful eating. Though I was certainly not crafting a meticulously controlled experiment, the biggest change in my lifestyle at the time was the addition of Myers’ blend of herbal tea, so I had reason to believe it was the catalyst for the change I’d experienced.
      Though my intention was to enhance fertility, I was actually just healing my hormones to create the optimum fertile environment in my body. Better periods were a sign that I was doing just that. So even if you’re not trying to conceive and are simply wanting better periods or overall healthier hormones, these herbal teas may help you too. Myers’ assessment asks about the quality of your monthly flow, and whether you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids, PCOS, or endometriosis, so the teas recommended for you could still support you wherever you’re at, regardless of whether you want to get pregnant. It’s worth noting that the assessment is targeted for people with uteruses—but Myers does offer a fertility tea for male bodies, to support sperm motility and count.

      How does tea affect hormonal health?
      The teas I am referring to are herbal in nature, which can be derived from a variety of dried herbs, spices, flowers, fruit, seeds, roots, or leaves of other plants. A multitude of herbs have been used for thousands of years in various cultures and practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat all kinds of ailments, hormonal imbalance among them. “Specific herbs gently nudge our body in the direction of balance and encourage our body to get the rest of the way there, rather than just stifling symptoms,” Myers explained.
      Each herb has its own healing properties that can affect the nervous system and endocrine system, which are deeply interconnected. For example, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that also acts as a hormone. Some studies suggest that the herb Rhodiola can influence serotonin by allowing it to pass more easily through the blood-brain barrier. Other herbs like Red Clover are rich in isoflavones, compounds that can directly affect the estrogen levels in your body. 
      Since the benefits come from the herbs, you technically can ingest the herbs in multiple different ways (from cooking them to taking them in pill form) but tea goes down easier and can become a habit without much resistance. Myers explained that she used to craft herbal formulas for patients who attended her fertility wellness center, but the formulas tasted horrible and patients never kept up with them. She also tried to put herbs into pill form, but they would need 9-12 capsules a day in order to get to the desired potency, so she found that tea was the easiest form for patients. Herbal teas are particularly easy for your body to absorb– specifically by the gut–which makes their healing properties especially potent.

      Which tea is right for you?
      Not all herbal teas are created equal, and not all teas are particularly beneficial for your hormonal health. You’ll want to focus on herbs that speak to your specific needs. This is why Myers is hesitant to prescribe a one-size-fits-all remedy for the masses. “It’s always a little tricky to say, ‘this one is good for everyone’ because every herb has energetic properties. On a very basic level, it may be cooling or warming, upward moving or downward moving, etc. So it’s important to have a sense of what’s going on in a woman’s body before she decides to take something.”
      For example, Myers told me that Vitex is a popular supplement for fertility, but for some women, too much might actually warm their body too much. And while an herb like lemon balm might be a better fit for that person, if someone with hypothyroidism were to take it, it could exacerbate their condition. So if you’re feeling excited about using tea as a hormonal remedy, the best place to go is straight to an expert’s office. You can also visit Myers’ site to take her fertility assessment. This is what I did when I was trying to figure out which tea blend would be best for me. I ended up cycling between Myers’ B*tches Brew, Fertile Mama Tea, and the Detox blend, which I took at various stages in my cycle, as per the instructions on the bags.
      But if you don’t want to get specific and are looking for a tea that is super gentle and generally hormone-friendly, Myers suggests reaching for an adaptogen. “If I had to choose a few very balanced herbs that support most women, I’d choose Ashwaganda and Rhodiola. Adaptogens are bimodal, meaning they can help you both sleep better and have better energy and help you function more optimally overall,” she said. “If there’s any anxiety or stress, Magnolia Bark is an amazing calmative that promotes overall health.” Remember, your nervous system and your endocrine system are deeply intertwined, so herbs that help relieve stress in the body are likely to benefit your hormonal functions.

      Do you need to drink it hot or cold?
      I asked this question on a whim, but was surprised to learn that when it comes to hormonal health, Myers suggests drinking hot tea over cold. “In terms of Chinese Medicine, we want to keep our womb warm, and because our digestive organs sit so closely to our reproductive organs, drinking or eating anything cold should be avoided.” As an iced tea fan living in a warm climate, this is a minor blow. But it makes sense the way Myers frames it: “Think about going out on a warm day versus going out on a cold day: my body and shoulders tense up as soon as I feel cold. The same thing happens to our insides when we introduce cold, so warm, warm, warm.”
      If you’re wondering exactly how hot to take your hot tea for greatest therapeutic impact, Myers suggests pouring almost-boiling water over the blends and letting them steep for ideally 15 minutes. The warmth itself is so nourishing and healing, it can relax our reproductive systems. 

      Beware: All the tea rules change if you are or become pregnant
      When I ended up getting pregnant while drinking Myers’ tea blends, I had to “discontinue use” (per the instructions printed on the bag) after a positive pregnancy test. It might seem strange that the same herbs that provide such an optimal environment for the womb preconception can be disruptive post-conception, but the body needs different remedies for different states of being. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misunderstandings around which herbs are gentle versus unsafe for pregnancy. “Something as mild-seeming as chamomile isn’t ideal for pregnancy and was actually used by many of our ancestors to avoid conception,” Myers told me.
      And red raspberry leaf (which is hotly contested on pregnancy forums) is often feared as an herb that will lead to early labor contractions, but Myers claims that red raspberry leaf tea has been used for centuries during pregnancy to strengthen the uterus and actually maintain a pregnancy. “It doesn’t promote contractions, but can make them stronger once you’re in labor,” she explained. That said, if an herb ever makes you anxious, the best case scenario is to trust your gut. Anxiety is a major buzzkill for hormones, anyway.
      The general rule of thumb, as Myers explained, is that, “Any herb that strongly invigorates the blood, like Black Cohosh or Dang Gui, should be avoided once pregnant, but they can actually help promote implantation. I usually say that up until a positive pregnancy test, there’s not much that will be detrimental to a healthy, viable pregnancy… it’s the long-term, extended use of large quantities of an herb that could be problematic.” If you are interested in using teas for hormonal balance (whether you plan to become pregnant or not), always consult an expert such as an herbalist or TCM practitioner and work with your doctor to make sure it fits in with your overall health plan. And if you are or plan to become pregnant, immediately discuss all supplements, teas, foods, and routines with your doctor to come up with a plan that’s best for you.

      Please consult a doctor or a mental health professional before beginning any treatments. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

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