How To Choose The Right Pharmacy

According to retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, the vast majority of people choose their pharmacy based on location alone. However, while location matters, it should not be the number one reason that you choose somewhere to fill your medications and counsel you on their use. This is especially true if you have a chronic condition that requires multiple medications. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are five other major considerations to keep in mind when you’re choosing a pharmacy. These are: 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Fasting And Health

Fasting is nothing new, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Our ancient ancestors fasted frequently, even if it wasn’t by choice. Because our bodies have evolved to go long times without food, they have developed an amazing mechanism to utilize what they’ve got and to recycle damaged cellular material.  

 

How Our Ancestors Fasted 

 

Before modern times, food was scarce. Our ancestors did not have access to grocery stores, and they primarily hunted and foraged for their own food. Sometimes, they may have gone days without any nutrition at all. Marla Ahlgrimm says this triggered an evolutionary protection that allowed the body to utilize stored components to maintain health. We can use this today to reverse some of the issues caused by free access to food 24 hours per day.  

 

But Is It Healthy? 

 

According to women’s health expert and retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, fasting can be healthy when done correctly and under the guidance and care of a trained healthcare or nutrition professional. 

 

Science Backs It Up 

 

There have been countless research studies done on the potential benefits of fasting in humans, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The vast majority of these have shown great promise. Most researchers have come to the same conclusion that fasting works to cleanse the body of toxic materials. Further, Marla Ahlgrimm says that fasting creates what’s called a metabolic switch, which is where the body uses fat instead of sugar for energy. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Health Changes Largely Triggered By Hormones

Around the age of 40, most women begin to feel a bit “different” than they did in their 20s and 30s. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this is partly psychological, but there is a bigger picture that many women don’t think about at first. A woman’s hormones begin to change with age, and this can trigger anything from a low libido to weight gain to irritability and fatigue. 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the primary culprit for most of these changes is estrogen. Estrogen is also responsible for the major changes that pubescent girls experience, including pubic hair, breasts, and the beginning of her menstrual cycle. In addition to estrogen’s known necessity to childbearing, it also protects the bone, affects mood, and works to keep cholesterol controlled. Estrogen is also found in tissues throughout the body, including the skin and heart. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the primary source of estrogen is the ovaries. This is where eggs are made. Estrogen is also produced by the adrenal gland, a small gland located at the top of each kidney. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that estrogen moves to the bloodstream and impacts every cell in the body. Although estrogen levels change throughout the month, they are highest mid-menstrual cycle and lowest once a woman’s period begins. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses A Common Brain Cancer In Today’s Q&A

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, brain cancer is actually quite rare. However, when a woman or man does get cancer of the brain, there is around a 20% chance that it will be glioblastoma. Unfortunately, although science does know quite a bit about this condition, it’s highly aggressive, and there is no cure. 

 

Q: Where does glioblastoma form? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Typically, a glioblastoma cancer will begin around the cerebrum. This is the largest part of the brain. As an astrocytoma, glioblastoma grows in star-shaped cells that turn into tumors that do not require an outside blood supply; they make their own. This contributes to the aggressiveness and mortality rates. 

What Is A Nickel Allergy?

Nickel allergies are common among men and women alike. However, some women experience nickel allergies after undergoing routine medical treatments, says Marla Ahlgrimm. 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, contact dermatitis is a common condition that affects millions of people. And nickel is one of the most common allergens. Although usually a harmless substance, some people’s bodies simply reject contact with nickel and nickel alloys. Nickel can be found in everything from cosmetics to costume jewelry to your laptop and eyeglasses. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that some people have an idiopathic allergy – idiopathic means there is no known cause. However, women who have undergone certain implanted birth control procedures may develop a nickel allergy over time. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Tips To Help You Curb Eating Your Emotions

We all get hungry. That’s a natural, biological function. However, self-help author Marla Ahlgrimm explains that many of us also eat during times of high stress. Emotional eating can cause bloating, weight gain, and gastrointestinal issues. Fortunately, there are ways to step aside and walk right past the stress snacks. 

 

Today, Marla Ahlgrimm shares tips. 

 

Pay attention. 

 

Awareness in the moment is crucial to curb emotional eating, says Marla Ahlgrimm. As you reach for that bag of chips, ask yourself if you are eating for hunger or if you are simply looking for a distraction. Pay attention to the days and times you reach for empty calories, and keep a journal to help you pay attention to the pattern so that you can make lifestyle changes to help overcome all that ails you. 

 

Determine if your cravings are linked to your menstrual cycle. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that some women experience an increased appetite in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. For women with PMS, their levels may be elevated, and they might think their added hunger is due to their emotions. Pay attention to patterns here as well. If you notice that you're hungry and eating more often in the days leading up to your period, then it may be hormonal and not stress. 

 

Plan your snacks. 

 

One of the most effective techniques to avoid stress eating is to plan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Marla Ahlgrimm says that you don’t necessarily have to follow conventional eating times. You may want breakfast closer to 10 AM and then choose to have a light lunch a few hours later. Plan your eating times around when you’re hungry and you need the most energy, not just based on the clock. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Safe And Smart Ways To Improve Your Energy Levels

While there’s nothing wrong with taking a supplement to improve your nutrition, the chances that these can live up to their promises of boosting your energy and stamina are slim. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, those that do work are likely just caffeine disguised as a healthy product. The retired pharmacist and self-help author says there are better ways to grow your energy levels. 

 

These include: 

• Address chronic inflammation. If you have a condition that causes your body to stay in a state of low-grade inflammation, it’s time to address these concerns. Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions can leave your body out of whack. Marla Ahlgrimm says that one sure way to help reduce inflammation is to eat foods that have a calming effect on the body. These include almonds, collard greens, and salmon. 
   
• Eliminate unnecessary “to-do” tasks. There’s no way around it, we all take on too much. Unfortunately, being the “yes” man (or woman) for everyone else can leave our bodies depleted of the energy we need to take care of ourselves. Marla Ahlgrimm recommends lightening your load. Start by making a list of your priorities each day. Time to rest should be in your top five. Everything below that might be considered optional, and it’s time to evaluate whether these duties are essential or not.