Wellbyness

🩸BLOOD TEST TIME. It’s easy to take your health for granted until it starts to decline. I get my labs done yearly, but if you notice any of these symptoms, maybe it’s time to dig deeper before waiting for your annual check up?

Sleep problems
Ongoing fatigue & tiredness
Brain fog or Mood swings
Change in your bathroom habits or bloating
Weight gain / loss
A general feeling of being “off”

🧪I’ve just had my annual tests done. For the most part I have great results. I’ve seen a huge improvement in my ferritin (lower), Vitamin D, HbA1c and my overall liver enzymes are all optimal.

🏃🏼‍♀️But my APO-A (lipid marker) is VERY low. And so I take this as a big kick to get some more focus on cardio exercise, which is known to increase the marker into the healthy range.

🧭 Tracking your health is important and using your own data and science will help point you in the right direction.

If you want a deep-dive into your blood test results, please let me know! I love to analyze the patterns and nuances of your blood work.

🧼TOXIC SKINCARE. Believe it or not, conventional beauty + body products are one of the biggest contributors to your toxic load.

Our skin is protective layer, but also highly permeable. This means, that what we have on our skin can be absorbed - so we can absorb all the benefits of the magical age-defying skincare products; but what are we actually putting on?

🧖🏻‍♀️The average women will use around 12 products on her FACE daily (not getting into body care - that’s another post!) and will expose herself to about 114-128 ingredients.

🗑️ Endocrine disrupters such as parabens, phthalates, Sodium lauryl (ether) sulfate (SLS, SLES), BHT, BPA plus synthetic fragrances and colors are rampant in many skin care products. Parabens are typically preservatives to give the product shelf-life, phthalates to prolong fragrance, SLS is your foaming cleansing agent with BHT to stabilise and protect ingredients, and BPA is in your plastic packaging.

✅Start looking at your daily toxin load from your skin care ingredients and be critical of what you are spending your money on.

I am currently undergoing this process at the moment!

🏊‍♀️24hr SWIMATHON … spent yesterday evening in a very cold pool doing some kick and pull lengths for the swimathon in aid of Motor Neuron Disease. Had to rock the hat vibes to keep my head and stitches dry!

🩱Felt so good to get in the pool and kicking is a great exercise even if I could do ‘normal’ freestyle laps. 62 mins of fun!

It’s a reminder than even if you find excuses NOT to do something, there is always a way - you may look a little different or not do something quite as you want to, but you can still take part!

Stitches won’t stop me! LOL

🫶🏼THE LIVER IS AMAZING! It performs a range of metabolically complex processes and a range of crucial functions:

- Regulating energy balance
- Synthesizing blood proteins
- Modulating the immune system
- Detoxing and cleaning up our metabolic & toxins
- Produces Glutathione

🤯 When your liver isn’t functioning properly, it can trigger serious illness. Efficient operation of its detoxification pathways is vital for eliminating metabolic waste and external toxins.

🔥 If the liver malfunctions, toxins and hormones can accumulate, leading to disease. Unprocessed metabolites can disrupt the body’s pH balance and electrolyte levels within cells.

↓ A high toxic overload can increase intestinal permeability, leading to issues like candida overgrowth and dysbiosis.

♻️ Stress on the liver can hinder its detoxification process, leading to oxidative stress and the production of free radicals, which contribute to aging and disease.

💚 Looking after your liver is essential to help ensure a long, healthier life!

🍳PACK THE FRYING PAN? Nope, I am not crazy! Non-stick frying pans are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and release harmful chemicals when scratched. These chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are linked to health issues like cancer and liver damage.

❌ Here’s the frying pan from a recent trip to Georgia. Awful right? How can you even consider cooking in this!

🧳I now travel with a small, 18cm stainless steel frying pan in my luggage. It’s safer and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into your food, even if scratched. It’s durable and easy to clean.

Crazy? Possibly. But I would rather be crazy than risk the mess this toxic load would be on our health when we are enjoying being outdoors in fresh air!

POLL: Would you travel with your own frying pan? Let me know in the poll below! 👇

SNOW FUN. If you told me at 23 when I started snowboarding that I would still be snowboarding at 47… I think I may have thought you were crazy. But here we are, loving it and trying to catch up with the family down the slopes 🏂. I’m aiming to be able to do this as long as I can - mobility, strength and a “can-do-attitude’ and hopefully at 65 I’ll still@be going down the slopes. Top speed of 31km/hr … not close to my husbands 59km/hr though!

Fresh air, sunshine and fun. All good for the soul.

3 REASONS TO DETOX FOR PERIMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

You may think detoxing is only for a certain time, or not relevant at all. But if we can help our bodies to clear out both internal and external toxins, we can boost our chances of aging well. Here are 3 reasons why I recommend healthy, no-fad detoxing protocols to perimenopausal women who are struggling with symptoms, fatigue, weight gain and all round frustration when their hormones shift.

1️⃣ Rejuvenates from within: Detoxing helps flush out toxins, allowing vital organs to function optimally. Enhanced liver function improves metabolism and digestion, leading to increased energy levels and a radiant complexion.

2️⃣ Promotes hormonal balance: As women age, fluctuating hormones can wreak havoc. Whilst we can't stop menopause, having a good detoxification supports the body's natural detox pathways, helping to maintain hormone clearing which can support symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. It's not a fix, but a support!

3️⃣ Boosts immunity: A robust immune system is essential. Detoxing strengthens the body's defense mechanisms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. These all negatively impact a healthy immune system, which stops us from getting sick, slows down chronic illnesses and even autoimmune conditions that may become apparent as we age.

Detoxing is a natural process in our body. We are facing insane amounts of toxins - supporting optimal detoxification is a key factor to help our bodies thrive.

🧉DETOX DRINK: Feel like you need a quick deep-detox at home? Here is a simple recipe to help.

🍋Lemon: Vitamin C for antioxidants & the Lemon peel helps promote healthy epigenetic methylation expression.
🌱Chia: fibre boosters with omega 3, support a healthy gut and help with hydration
🖤Activated Charcoal (organic) helps to binds to toxins in the gut and help the digestive system

* 1 organic lemon, washed with rind, seeds removed, cut into chunks
* 2 tablespoons organic chia seeds
* 1 teaspoon activated charcoal powder (food-grade)
* 2 cups water (filtered or mineral water)

In a blender, mix the lemon and water. Add the chia and charcoal and allow to stand for about 20mins before drinking.

I use this as a monthly booster.
Just watch out for black teeth afterwards! :)

💚

NOTE: Activated charcoal can interact with medications or interfere with nutrient absorption. Activated Charcoal is not recommended on a long-term basis. Always check before taking!

THE STRESS MESS! 🤯 Stress is a significant contributor in negative health outcomes.

This diagram from Guilliams (2015) shows how it impacts physiological health, messes with sleep and mental health plus increases inflammation.

Whilst most people would assume I only focus on dietary choices, a few supplements and maybe some exercise recommendations, there is often quite an interesting conversation when I show them this diagram. Health is not only about what we eat. It's about everything our bodies and minds are exposed to.

Stress is a systemic TOXIN to our health.

For some clients, sorting out the mess of stress is the FIRST thing we need to tackle.

There are MANY different tools, strategies, ideas and methods to help minimise the impact of stress so the body can rebalance and get to a more optimal state.

👇🏻How many things can you see on this diagram where stress is having a negative impact on YOUR life?

BAD GENES? I speak from experience when people start worrying about what they will find in their genetics.

STOP! I’ve yet to see anyone with a worst profile than my own … 🤣 after doing 100’s of tests.

It took me 2 months to get out of my spiral slump and realize that knowing this info was only a GOOD thing. Waiting till I was in my 50’s or 60’s facing a diagnosis would not be the time I wanted to find this out. But it was tough to get a report like this.

How do I manage my genetic profile?
- My blood work is good and I track it consistently. Always room for improvement LOL though.
- Optimising key supplements to support detoxification (my favourite topic!) and inflammation
- reshifting my diet to be low-glycemic anti-inflammatory
- dexa scans, HRT and weights for bone health plus weekly Vit D&K
- methylation support through diet & tracking epigenetic methylation markers with

So far, so good. It’s been 8 years and my health is better now than in my 20’s.
Here’s to turning 48 this year, with a biological age 8 years younger than my actual age, and aiming to get that to 10 years by the end of 2024!

Interested? I can help you figure out your personalised genetics and blood work so you can help create an optimal lifestyle strategy.

🩸+ 🧬=💚

THE “MOLD GENE” 🧬 , specifically human leukocyte antigen HLA-DR, plays a pivotal role in the immune system by encoding proteins involved in presenting antigens to immune cells.

🛑 25% (or more) of the population carries the mold variant!

🧬 The variations in the HLA-DR gene influences an individual's susceptibility to inflammation and certain diseases, as it affects the ability of immune cells to recognize and respond to pathogens, including molds.

😷 The Mold HLA-DR variant may lead to an exaggerated immune response, triggering systemic inflammation that can contribute to the development or exacerbation of various diseases.

🪫In addition to chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), mycotoxin exposure has been connected with chronic fatigue and other illnesses including allergies, asthma, mast activation cell syndrome, mitochondrial disease, pulmonary diseases, and certain rhinosinusitis.

🔎There is also ADAD1, IL2 & ITGB3 genes to consider in investigating possible mold illness.

Whilst genetics only account for 10-20% of actual disease, there is growing recognition that genes also impact physical response to toxins (amongst other things!) that impacts health & longevity.

By understanding your genetic profile, this will help personalise support for inflammatory conditions associated with mold exposure.

Ref: Pubmed 12974796

WE DON'T NEED TO DETOX. I hear this often but really? Is that true? Our bodies take an onslaught in both the physical and mental + spiritual space daily. We are faced with toxins in our environment, our food, our homes, work places, stress, pathogens, mold, food, genetics and more.

Supporting effective elimination of all of these destructive elements is essential for a multitude of reasons, not least DNA replication integrity, healthy aging, epigenetic triggers, preventing chronic disease and supporting a health, vibrant state of health AND mind.

Here are my top 9 to consider, and I'm sure I've left off many that I can add to this!

Here's to understanding our challenging world and working to keep our bodies thriving through it all.
💚

BROKEN? Our glass door on my study office shattered today. But it’s so pretty I can’t stop looking at the patterns and the extra sparkles… and sure I can’t see the tress or the garden and it’s going to be an expensive bill to get it sorted…💁🏼‍♀️

This shattering effect reminds me of clients who are struggling with complex health challenges. So many small pieces of a puzzle to make up a big picture, and it’s even then the picture is blurry. We forget that health changes, it’s not static but rather a continuum that we can influence. But just because something isn’t right doesn’t mean it is wrong, or less than before. We learn new things when we are having to get better, about the world, ourselves and our bodies.

Quick fixes are also out of the picture with me - healing and even finding root cause answers can take time. Popping a supplement, wearing a CGM or training for a month will not reverse years of creeping ill-health.

But with functional medicine and an integrated approach, you can find your way to the epicenter of your health (the shatterpoint) and start fixing it, find more energy and get back to a point of thriving.

If you have CIRS, long term inflammatory issues, histamine, Chronic fatigue, long cov1d, autoimmune or neurological challenges, let’s chat. I may have some ideas to help you fix your shattered health view 💚

LET’s TALK DETOX.
It’s all OVER social media at the moment with cleanses, detox diets and the general mishmash of ‘New Year’ resolutions at the moment 🫣.

Some facts:
1. The liver is the main organ of detoxification
2. Every cell through metabolism (process of living) produces toxic byproducts that need to be cleared or recycled into non-toxic forms for reuse.
3. We live in a very toxic world from our air, water and soil being contaminated plus the chemicals in fragrances, toiletries and everything inbetween…

♻️“Detox’s” can help to clear excess toxins and stimulate the body to release any bound toxins - but if not done correctly, you can do more harm than good. High levels of toxins accelerate aging and cause damage to our cellular health.

✅ I do think detoxes can be useful if they are carefully planned and support the liver, lymph, gallbladder and are matched with healthy detoxification support activity like charcoal binders, lymphatic drainage and sweating (aka sauna).

❓Are you doing a detox this year 😉

BIOHACK DAY 1/12: Wherever you are this Christmas, however you find yourself, may the biggest gift you get be that of love. For others, for the world and most importantly, for yourself. Compassion and Empathy, Justice and Peace are greatly needed at this time.

If you can find the ability to be the best you can be, then you are in a position to help those around you, to use your energy for good. Because there is no point being a biohacker or trying to reduce your Biological Age, if the world, the people and the environments we live in, are not ones we want to be in.

So with Christmas tomorrow, take the time to cultivate love and kindness with whom all you will come into contact with.

Happy Christmas Eve ! 🎄

BIOHACK 2/12 …. Sometimes biohacking is learning, enquiring and enjoying something new. By taking time to read a book, listen to a podcast or watch a documentary with intention to LEARN, we are able to stimulate our mental cognition and neuroplasticity circuits.

While the holiday season can be busy, downloading a podcast, packing a book for a flight or to the pool, or book marking an article of interest can be a valuable investment of time.

What are you reading ir listening to this Christmas?

Currently I’ve got a metabolic book on cancer protocols and a podcast of one of my favourite triathletes, Chelsea Sandoro with Rich Roll waiting to play.

📖🎧🧠🕊️

BIOHACK DAY 3/12: Move 'n Grove!

Get the Christmas Carols playing as you get ready for Christmas!
It may be tempting to ditch the exercise when the festive get busy, but whether it's going for a walk, dancing to your favorite Christmas songs, or playing outdoor games, staying active will boost your energy levels and improve your mood.

Exercise can also improve your blood sugar levels after indulging in some of that delicious Christmas pudding!
So get your dancing shoes or running shoes ready at the door to keep moving!

BIOHACK DAY 4/12: Run out of gift ideas? For that person who has the latest latest of everything, finding that perfect (or any!) gift can be a REAL challenge. I've gathered the latest and best list of Biohacking gifts.
Simply head to my website, go the HealthHub blog and the Biohackers Gift Guide will have the list and links! From infrared lights to EMF protection and the best supplements around, you may even want to get a head start of Father Christmas and wrap a few 🎁 for yourself under the tree! 🎄

BIOHACK DAY 5/12 DON'T FORGET YOUR HEALTH GOALS!

The festive period brings about a significant amount of choas. Did you see these statistics?

🤯MIND BLOWING.... These are from a 2022 UK study, but I would expect there is some similarity in most Western countries.
❌Don't forget that health does not go on holiday!
BUT Yes, you CAN still have fun, indulge and not mess up all the hard work and effort into your health journey.

And if you do find yourself in a bit of a loop of unhealthy choices... do not panic! What you do between New Year and Christmas is so much more important than between Christmas and New Year. Simply start from that moment and get off the crazy chaos bus!

🎄

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BIOHACK DAY 6/12 IT'S COLD OUTSIDE.... Embrace the chill and reap the benefits!

Cold weather can boost your immune system, improve circulation, and even help you burn more calories. I've spoken about cold-water therapy before, and if you aren't in a cold place to enjoy a brisk walk in the snow, or have access to an ice bath, you can fill a bowl of water with ice blocks and plunge your face into it for 3 x 20 sec sessions. You'll still get the dopamine benefits from this cold water stimulation! ❄️

BIOHACK DAY 7/12: Giving is a GIFT (to you!). The old saying, giving is better than receiving is true! Here's why:

☺️ WHY?
- The "Helper's High" is when the brain's pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver.
- There is an increase in oxytocin, which lowers blood pressure and improves heart-health, plus increases self-esteem and optimism
- Production of serotonin increases, this feel-good chemical calms you down, and makes you feel happy.

🙋🏼‍♀️ DID YOU KNOW?
A study of people 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organisations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of early mortality :) - and that's after been adjusted for lifestyle factors like smoking and exercise! That's a good longevity biohack if there ever was one!

🧶 HOW?
- Donate to a local charity
- Sift through your belongs and clean out items that can be reused
- Ask your community if there is anything you can volunteer for eg cooking a meal, sending a Christmas hamper to a family in need, gifts for workers and children's homes
- Offer your skills (sewing, cooking, marketing, accounting etc) to support a charity with the resources they need to make an impact
- Surprise your security guard, office workers or home helpers with something to show your appreciation

🎁 GIFT IDEA:
For the person who has everything and wants nothing, you could gift them a donation certificate like blessing a child with food or education needs for a year, or to a cause that is important to them 🐼

BIOHACK DAY 8/12: DON'T GET INTO A FIZZ... 🥂
It's tempting to overindulge and let your hair down, especially if it's been a long hard year and you are looking forward to the end of year celebrations.

Whilst alcohol isn't good for you, let's be real? Most of us will be having a glass or two to celebrate the year.

1. Alternate your drinks with Sparking water
2. If you are going to indulge, go for Champagne or single malt whiskey (avoid wines and sugary cocktails)
3. If you must, opt for stevia sweetened soda's (Sucralose raises blood sugar and has been linked to DNA damage!)
4. Pretend! Nothing wrong with a mocktail option that looks fancy and tastes delicious - try mint, fresh lime and lime rind with soda and pomegranate muddled together for a refresh drink option!

When you get home... make sure you:
1. Drink lots of water (with electrolytes to rehydrate)
2. Take some vitamin C, Glutathione and Magnesium to support detoxification and metabolism of the alcohol from the body
3. Have a delicious, brain boosting breakfast the next day - eggs, chia, nuts and berries are all good options.

BIOHACK DAY 9/12: A gift that never changes... your DNA!

🎁 Need a magical present for someone who has everything? Give them the with a *DNA:WELLHEALTH* Test.
Your DNA never changes, but you can to improve your health!
No matter if they live with you, or thousands of miles away, this test kit can be delivered WORLDWIDE!
👩🏼‍🔬This foundational DNA test will unlock the power of personalised health and wellbeing that is UNIQUE to you, and help you achieve your healthiest self. Improve your and eliminate all the guesswork with this incredibly in-depth, foundational report which gives you key insights into the core components of your health including:

❤️‍🩹 chronic disease prevention
⚖️ optimal weight and metabolic health
🔥 inflammation & detoxification support
🧬 methylation
🏃🏼‍♀️exercise strategies
🥦 food and lifestyle interventions
💊bespoke nutraceutical supplementation

This cutting-edge genetic test is the perfect choice for anyone who wants clear, actionable steps to a healthier, better lifestyle and take more responsibility for living a healthier, longer life.

PLUS! This gift includes a 20min pre-screening and an in-depth Longevity-focused 90min REPORT CONSULTATION!

AED2500 / US$415

HOW: Head to my website: www.wellbyness.com, head to products and choose DNA:WELLHEALTH and complete the purchase.
Email your receipt with the Receivers Information (name, address, email and a personal gift message) and a gift certificate can be delivered electronically within 24hrs, or set to a date and time you specify.

BIOHACK DAY 10/12 Biohack your Mental Health.

🎄Often an overlooked factor, but not everyone loves Christmas for many valid reasons. You can be away from loved ones, fighting a chronic or serious disease, missing a lost loved one, having financial worries or simply have anxiety or depression around this time of year. Our Mental Health is as important as our Physical Health so here are a few tips:

1. Say no to situations that will cause any worry or stress in your life.
2. Plan what you can for things in your life that bring you joy and happiness - a walk with a friend on the beach, a coffee date... seek out the situations and people that will make you feel happier around this time.
3. We don't need a pile of unwanted presents or additional financial worry. Suggest alternatives with friends and family, like a Secret Santa instead. Bring and Share meals at home instead of expensive nights out. Shop early for gifts and avoid expensive last-minute present dashes at the Mall.
4. Find time to purposefully appreciate what you DO have. Journaling and Gratitude is proven to help us feel more content,
5. If things feel too much, don't hesitate to take a breather and recalibrate yourself in the busy end of year chaos. Self-care is a gift too!
6. Don't hesitate to find someone supportive to help you through this season if things are overwhelming.

💚

BIOHACK DAY 11/12: LOVE YOUR LIVER!

🥘Rich foods, alcohol and sugary treats can put a strain on your liver. The organ for detoxification, the liver also mobilizes fats, produces antioxidants and helps to keep your body in balance.

🥦Give your liver some love by:

1. Drink plenty of water or water & electrolytes (pink salt & lemon)
2. Take glutathione precursors like NAC, or go for liposomal glutathione supplements (this is a key antioxidant the liver produces)
3. Selenium and Molybdenum are also essential liver supplements that can be beneficial (think Brazil nuts as a natural food option)
4. Eat the Brussel Sprouts! Sulphur containing foods help the Phase 1 & 2 Liver detoxification pathways. Get them in cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and of course... the Brussels.

Who doesn't like Brussel Sprouts, right?