Stress And Your Health | Marla Ahlgrimm On How Stress Takes A Toll

We all experience stress now and again, says Marla Ahlgrimm. And you know that stress can cause anxiety and irritability. But, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, the strain you feel each day may affect your overall health in many more unusual ways. 

 

Stress And The Skin 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that stress hormones, such as cortisol, can trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals throughout the body. This inflammation can worsen existing skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, and may also lead to flare-ups. Additionally, Ahlgrimm notes that stress can increase oil production in the skin, creating an environment that is conducive to acne breakouts. 

 

Stress and Hair Loss 

 

When the body is under chronic stress, every system suffers. This includes the tiny hair follicles, which may shift prematurely from a growth phase to a resting phase. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that this can increase hair shedding, leading to noticeably thinning hair or bald patches in extreme cases. 

Understanding the Impact: Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses How Endocrine Disruptors Can Affect Women

Many women run straight for a warm bath after a stressful day. This is often coupled with the soft and soothing light of their favorite scented candle. But do these artificial odors affect a woman’s hormone cycle? To shed light on this, we turn to women’s self-help author and PMS expert Marla Ahlgrimm. 

 

What is an endocrine disruptor (EDC)? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: An endocrine disrupter is essentially a chemical that can have a negative impact on your body’s endocrine (hormone) system. 

 

What are some ways endocrine disruptors can affect a woman’s hormones? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: EDCs can mimic some of the body’s natural hormones, such as estrogen. This may confuse the body’s internal hormone messaging system, leading to imbalances in the many body systems regulated by the hormones. 

 

What is hormone disruption? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Hormone disruption happens when an EDC (or other invader) causes a hiccup in a woman’s natural hormone production. 

 

Are there specific EDCs that women should be cautious of? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are many, yes. BPA, for example, which is found in many plastic bottles, may have an effect on a woman’s menstrual cycle. It’s theorized that BPA might even increase a woman’s risk of endometriosis and certain cancers.

Unique Ways Women Can Care for Their Health by Marla Ahlgrimm

Women have unique health needs, and no two women are exactly alike. However, Marla Ahlgrimm, a self-help author and women's healthcare entrepreneur, offers some ideas that go beyond the basics of eating well and getting enough sleep to help us all live our healthiest lives. 

 

Beyond the Gym 

 

Even if you're a regular gym-goer, Marla Ahlgrimm emphasizes the importance of pelvic floor exercises. These exercises, especially beneficial for women who have given birth, can help prevent pelvic organ prolapse, improve bladder control, and enhance sexual function. 

 

While Kegels are important, Marla Ahlgrimm reminds us not to neglect the rest of our muscles. She recommends incorporating bodyweight exercises, light weightlifting, or resistance bands into your routine alongside cardiovascular training. 

 

Embrace Your Body 

 

Not all women are a size 2 with a perfect waist-to-hip ratio, and that's okay! Marla Ahlgrimm encourages women to appreciate their bodies as long as they're healthy and make an effort to maintain that health. Obsessing over appearance is counterproductive, and Marla Ahlgrimm reminds us that a world where everyone looked the same would be visually unappealing. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Explores The Myths And Potential Benefits Of Lemon Water

Lemon water, a simple mixture of lemon juice and water, is a popular drink that’s touted for its various health benefits. And while Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s not a cure for any type of disease or condition, it does offer some advantages over sugary drinks. 

 

Today, Marla Ahlgrimm discusses this refreshing alternative to soda. 

 

Hydration 

 

Water is crucial for overall health and well-being. Drinking plenty of water helps to contribute to body regulation, including nutrient transportation, body temperature, and digestion. While adding lemon does not significantly enhance water's hydrating properties, Marla Ahlgrimm notes that it may encourage some individuals to drink more and more often. 

Marla Ahlgrimm : Relationships – Good And Bad – Affect Your Health

Humans are social creatures, and Marla Ahlgrimm says that means we need other people. We also need love, and that means having a supportive partner. Unfortunately, in our quest to couple up, we often accept less than we deserve. 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, toxic relationships can and do have an impact on your mental and physical health. The negativity, stress, and anxiety involved in maintaining these relationships takes its toll in many ways. 

 

Mental Health 

 

For your mental health, Marla Ahlgrimm says that toxic relationships can trigger depression and anxiety. The feeling of constantly being on edge, having to walk on proverbial eggshells, or bracing for criticism (or worse) can weaken your mental health. 

 

Being in a negative situation can also chip away at your self-esteem. When you’re constantly led to believe that you aren’t good enough, you begin to believe it’s true. Marla Ahlgrimm says that this can cause issues in other parts of your life, including relationships with friends and family and your job as well. 

 

Seriously toxic relationships can even cause PTSD. If you experience violence and constant negativity, it can take months to years to fully recover. 

 

On the reverse side of this coin, healthy relationships can improve your mental health. When you have a partner that you can rely on for emotional and other types of support, you are more at ease in life. You have a rock to lean on when things get tough and a partner to enjoy life with during the good times. 

Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses “Phantom” Pregnancies

According to hormone specialist Marla Ahlgrimm, pregnancy is a time in a woman’s life when her body changes rapidly thanks to a combination of a growing fetus and increasing hormone levels. However, there have been many documented cases of women experiencing what they thought was pregnancy only to go into “labor” to find there was never a fetus. 

 

So What Causes These Phantom Pregnancies? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm says phantom pregnancies are rare. However, hormonal changes are often the culprit. As a woman’s hormones fluctuate throughout her menstrual cycle, she may mistakenly believe she’s pregnant, especially when she is more bloated and irritable than normal. Women who don’t typically experience breast tenderness during their cycles may also suspect pregnancy when this occurs for the first time. 

Pharmacist: A Great Job For Women

As recently as the 1960s, only about 10% of pharmacists in the United States were women. Today, that number is closer to 68%. There are many reasons for the sharp uptick in women working as pharmacists. These range from greater access to education to women wishing to pursue a career instead of or alongside motherhood. But what does it take to become a pharmacist? 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare community, and they play a critical role in ensuring that patients receive the right medication at the right dosage at the right time. These individuals are responsible for dispensing medications, counseling patients on proper drug usage, and helping to monitor for side effects. Pharmacists also provide education and counseling on many different health topics, including disease prevention and medication management. 

 

To become a pharmacist, Marla Ahlgrimm says that you have to earn a degree of pharmacy from an accredited pharmacy school. The Pharm.D. program is a four-year program that usually requires two years of pre-pharmacy coursework followed by four years of professional pharmacy study.