Marla Ahlgrimm | Chocolate And Acne In Women

image

The vast majority of women crave a sweet treat in the days leading up to their periods. And according to Marla Ahlgrimm, chocolate is the go-to of many. But, chocolate causes acne, right? The good news: no. Today, the women’s healthcare expert and self-help author offers up a quick dose of reality on how chocolate affects women’s skin.

Does Chocolate Cause Acne?

The short answer is no. There have been many studies over many years looking for a direct link between eating candy – specifically chocolate – and acne development. Fortunately, all have come up short. This does not mean, however, that women should be granting themselves an unlimited license to snack on sweets. Why? Keep reading.

Keep reading

The Ketogenic Diet And Your Hormones

Marla AhlgrimmALT

The “Keto” diet gets a lot of press time. It’s known for helping people lose weight and improve the symptoms of some health conditions. And according to Marla Ahlgrimm, there may be some health benefits for women moving to a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet.

What Is The Ketogenic Diet?

In short, a ketogenic diet is one that focuses on mostly high-fat foods and essentially depletes the body of carbohydrates. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this forces the body to utilize fat instead of carbohydrate-derived glucose for energy. When it does this, it burns fat much faster and can result in weight loss. A ketogenic diet may also be an option for some people with diabetes, obesity, or epilepsy when utilized under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Keep reading

Marla Ahlgrimm On Migraines

image

Migraines are much more than a headache. A migraine can affect your energy levels, social life, and more, and they are about three times more common in women compared to men, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Today, the women’s health author offers a bit of helpful information on migraines.

Keep reading

The Insomnia/Hormone Connection

image

Marla Ahlgrimm explains how poor sleep affects women’s health.

Sleep is more than just what we do at the end of a long day. It is a crucial bodily function that plays a critical and undeniable role in women’s health. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, when women’s sleep patterns are upended, this can cause a chaotic cacophony of concerns that affect everything from mood to metabolism.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that there are many different hormones that are affected by sleep deprivation and deviations in sleep patterns. These include:

Keep reading

Marla Ahlgrimm Offers Tips On How To Stay Stress-Free During The Holidays

image

The holidays are a time for friends, family, and festivities. However, Marla Ahlgrimm and women across the country alike know that they can also be a time for stress. From shopping and cooking to traveling and social engagements, the pressure to be perfect can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. If you feel stressed out during the holidays, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are ways to quell the craziness so that you can enjoy those precious, fleeting moments that mark the last few weeks of the year.

Manage your expectations.

The holidays are supposed to be a time for picture-perfect gatherings accented by elaborate meals. However, Marla Ahlgrimm stresses that it’s important to remember that the holidays are not about being the modern-day emulation of a Norman Rockwell poster. Instead, they’re more about spending time with loved ones and creating memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Keep reading

Holiday Weight Gain? Marla Ahlgrimm Explains Why The Scale Goes Up As The Temperatures Go Down

image

The holidays are a time for feasting and celebration. But all of this merriment can bring with it extra pounds that last the entire year, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Some studies suggest that women are more likely to gain weight during the holidays than men, and while it does not seem fair, there are many reasons for the “winter weight.”

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the biggest culprit for weight gain during the holidays is an abundance of food. We tend to go home to home and to different venues for meals, parties, and potlucks. It’s challenging to say the least to resist all of the delicious foods and snacks we don’t have access to all year long.

Keep reading

Marla Ahlgrimm On Potential Future Advancements In Women’s Health

image

Women’s health is a broad term that encompasses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a woman’s health. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, advancements in technology can help women stay healthy in all three arenas. Today, the retired pharmacist, self-help author, and medical entrepreneur shares just a few of the advancements that women can look forward to in the coming years.

Personalized Medicine

Sites like Ancestry and 23&Me have helped the general population understand the role that genetics play in people’s lives. Personalized medicine uses this type of genetic data to tailor medical treatments to each individual’s specific needs. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that it is already being done in some areas of medicine, such as cancer treatment, and it’s expected to become more widespread in women’s health in the near future. Just a few things that personalized medicine may help treat include endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and infertility, says Marla Ahlgrimm. 

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, says Marla Ahlgrimm. In addition to personalized medicine, genetic tests may play a role in women’s health overall. Genetics can help researchers spot trends in certain groups or in individuals who have certain genetic markers.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality has many applications well beyond video games. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, virtual reality may be used in different medical applications, such as surgery and pain management. Virtual reality may also be used to help women receive important medical care when they can’t physically be with their provider.

Telehealth

Telehealth is the use of communications technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. While VR may help out more in the future, videoconferencing and even health readings provided by someone’s smartphone can help doctors provide care remotely. This is a huge breakthrough for women who live in remote areas or who do not have access to reliable transportation.

Women’s Health Advocacy

Women’s health advocacy is essential to ensuring that women have access to quality healthcare. Marla Ahlgrimm says that the above-mentioned advancements work to ensure that women have equal access to healthcare, no matter where they may live and despite socioeconomic circumstances. Technology also makes it easier for local leaders to promote policies that support women’s health.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that technology can assist in the early detection and diagnosis of diseases. Using people’s own genetics will ensure targeted treatments that run less of a chance of being rejected by someone’s body. But, most importantly, Marla Ahlgrimm says that any advancements in women’s healthcare can lead to improved quality of life for a global population of women.

While these advancements are still in their early stages, they have the potential to make a significant impact on women’s health in the years to come and for many years beyond. Marla Ahlgrimm stresses that it’s important to continue to support research and develop women’s health policies so that we can realize the full potential of advancements moving forward.

Marla Ahlgrimm On Caring For Your Skin In The Cooler Months

image

While the weather outside is not quite yet frightful, cold, dry air is coming. The best way to take care of your skin during the winter is to start during the summer, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Today, the women’s health expert offers tips on how to keep that “I’ve been outside” glow all year long.

Moisturize

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, moisturizing is the single most important thing you can do for your skin in the winter. The cold weather can suck the moisture right out of your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and irritated. Look for moisture specifically designed for dry skin and that contains humectants and emollients, which attract moisture and seal it in, respectively.

Keep reading

Is There A Connection Between Stress And The Menstrual Cycle?

image

Marla Ahlgrimm says yes!

The menstrual cycle is a complex physiological process that occurs in women. It involves many hormone changes and physical symptoms. Stress is a part of life. It has a well-documented impact on our overall well-being. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says that many women are unaware of the intricate relationship between stress and the menstrual cycle. Today, we take a look at this sometimes turbulent dance and shed light on how stress can impact hormone balance and mental health.

An Overview Of The Menstrual Cycle

Marla Ahlgrimm says that it’s first important to understand that the menstrual cycle comes in phases. These are menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Each phase is regulated by delicate interplay of hormones. Progesterone and estrogen are the biggest players. Any disruption in this hormone balance can boost the symptoms you may already feel and lead to irregular cycles, physical discomfort, and mood changes.

Keep reading

Marla Ahlgrimm Says Compounding Pharmacies Offer Tailored Medicine For Personalized Care

Marla Ahlgrimm

When it comes to medication, retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm says that every patient is unique, and their healthcare needs may require personalized solutions. This is where compounding pharmacies come into play. Compounding is the art and science of creating customized medications to meet specific patient needs. Today, we explore the benefits of using a compounding pharmacy and how it can enhance patient care.

Customized Medications

Marla Ahlgrimm says that one of the primary advantages of compounding pharmacies is their ability to tailor medications to individual patients. Different patients may have unique needs, such as allergies to certain ingredients, difficulty swallowing pills, or the need for specific dosages or formulations. Compounding pharmacists work closely with healthcare providers and patients to create customized medications that address these specific requirements, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Keep reading