First, we need to know what is testosterone and why it is important
Well according to Healthline
Testosterone is a hormone found in humans, as well as in other animals. In men, the testicles primarily make testosterone. Women’s ovaries also make testosterone, though in much smaller amounts.
Yeah, women make and use testosterone as well
The production of testosterone starts to increase significantly during puberty and begins to dip after age 30 or so.
Here are some things that can happen with low testosterone, especially in men
decreased sex drive
less energy
weight gain
feelings of depression
moodiness
low self-esteem
less body hair
thinner bones
In women, they can experience
low libido
reduced bone strength
poor concentration
depression
Again, testosterone is important for women as well
Now, there are many habits that can improve testosterone levels and I will discuss them in a follow-up short, but as promised, let’s discuss cortisol
Let’s begin with this PubMed study which has shown the administration of cortisol into the circulation at rest will result in reduced blood testosterone levels.
Many researchers have used these results to imply that physical exercise induced cortisol increases would perhaps result in subsequent reductions in circulating testosterone levels
Now, correlation does not necessarily mean causation, but what we do know is that excessive cardio can lower testosterone levels which is connected to lower testosterone, loss of muscle mass, etc.
Here is a another study from The University of Texas at Austin which indicates high levels of the stress hormone cortisol play a critical role in blocking testosterone’s influence on competition and domination, according to new psychology research.
Again, the link to the fantastic study is in the shownotes
Alexandra Ress-Sarkadi is a Functional and Holistic Nutrition Coach specializing in IBS, SIBO, and Gut Health. She is passionate about holistically helping individuals with chronic gut conditions by giving them the best tools to identify the root causes so they can finally take back control of their bodies and release the fear of foods.
After suffering from SIBO, Gastritis, low energy, food intolerances, mood changes for years, she made her health a top priority and reclaimed her vitality through good nutrition and lifestyle changes.
She firmly believes that our body can heal itself with a positive mindset and the right tools. Having good foundations is critical for gut healing which means learning how to nurture the body, cope with stress and mindset blockages, move the body, improve sleep, and so much more. She is here to show you that there is a way out.
It took a complete health crash to lead Kristen to create Living The Good Life Naturally in 2002. Autoimmune issues & a series of failed surgeries left Kristen bedridden & depressed.
Through research & looking for outside the box solutions, she discovered that to regain her health, she needed to create a strong foundation. That foundation included food as medicine & the number one building block for optimal health, Magenesium.
You can learn more about Kristen & her work with Magnesium @
It explains that experts are examining how Benzene, a cancer causing chemical ended up in sprays & lotions.
In July of 2021, Johnson & Johnson issued a voluntary recall of several sunscreens from Aveeno & Nuetrogena because they contained Benzene, a known carcinogen.
Benzene is extremely volatile and impacts your health immediately.
To make things worse, Benzene is usually found in crude oil and gasoline.
J & J isn’t the only culprit
An article from news outlet WKRN details that the FDA asked to recall 40 bathes of sunscreens, including, but not limited to, Coppertone, CVS Health, Fruit of The Earth, Raw Elements, Sun Bum, Banana Boat, Top Care, Everyday & Elta MD.
The link to the full article is also in the shownotes
Dr. Alex Dragan began her Naturopathic journey in Montreal while completing her undergraduate degree in Biology. It was there as a varsity athlete that she was exposed to the healing influence that her profession could have while recovering from various injuries incurred on the playing field. The philosophies of Naturopathic Medicine resonated and took hold: treat the whole person while establishing root cause.
This fascination with the human body and its inherent healing powers inspired her to complete her studies at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, BC, one of only two such post graduate institutions in Canada.
Dr. Dragan was bestowed the Award of Clinical Excellence in her graduating year, an honour given to the practitioner who best demonstrates exemplary clinical diagnostic skills. She was a representative for ProMedics, a Canadian leader in herbal supplements, and spent time as a youth leader in sport and in community groups.
When she is not treating patients or learning more about natural therapies, you can find her in the forest searching for herbs, playing soccer at the field or creating delicious plant based meals.
Dr. Dragan has a strong passion for gut health, treating IBS, SIBO, IBD, Crohn’s, celiac as well as general GI disturbances (constipation, bloating). She also treats women’s health, fertility, hormones and chronic yeasts infections commonly.
Dr. Dragan is committed towards achieving individualized, compassionate and empowered care for each and every one of her patients.
Paola is a Holistic Nutritionist and Environmental Health Specialist that focuses on health optimization, which involves stimulating the body’s natural self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms to address root causes and symptoms. Gut health, drainage and detox, environmental toxins, and hormone imbalances are some of her main research focus areas.
Welcome to another weekend short of The ZecoHealth Show.
This is Weight Management Expert, Narado Zeco Powell.
This weekend, I will explore calorie restriction & yoyo dieting.
We have known for decades that calorie deficit is important for weightloss
However, could that also be the cause of yo-yo dieting? And if so, why?
Before I begin, remember to explore The Zeco Recommendation Page where I have products I have recommended for health, fitness & fatloss along with my discount code so you can save some money.
The link is in the shownotes & the description of The podcast.
The shownotes will be zecohealth.com/calorievsyoyo
With that being said, let’s start the show.
As I said earlier, we know the importance of calorie restriction.
However, calorie counting is always inaccurate because it doesn’t take into consideration the complexity of digestion.
Even though, we know this, calorie counting can be used as a benchmark.
This is where it gets tricky.
Due to the inaccuracy of calorie counting, you can become nutrient deficient.
When you constantly stay below what you need to survive, your body will lend most of its available resources to our large organs to keep us alive while ignoring many of our small processes.
You may not see this in the beginning, but overtime certain issues may arise:
Lack of energy
Excessive weightloss
Loss of strength
Loss of muscle
Excess aging
Much more!
Now, can you see where I am going?
Our bodies crave nutrients.
So we can easily say, let’s burn 2000 calories & eat 1500, yes you can lose weight, but at what cost?
In fact you will plateau at some point as your body adjusts
That is why this is a weight management show
I explain healthy habits so you can train your metabolism
That is why I bring on expert guests to teach you how to properly manage your weight.
If you have been following my show, you know that you do not need to be a in a calorie deficit to lose weight.
Well, not in the traditional sense.
You should not overeat, but feed your body what it needs, macro & micro nutrients
As you do so, you will be in better health
Listen to my short from January on gut enzymes where I explain how feeding your body the right macros will improve the health & flexibility of your metabolism.
This is the best way to lose fat, manage your weight & improve your health.
Go back and listen to that short.
You will also learn about Lumen and how using their product & services can change your life.
Esther Blum is an Integrative Dietitian and High Performance Coach. She currently maintains a private practice where she helps women permanently lose weight, eliminate the need for medication, lose stubborn belly fat, and reverse chronic illness. Esther is the bestselling author of Cavewomen Don’t Get Fat, Eat, Drink and Be Gorgeous, Secrets of Gorgeous, and The Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous Project, and has appeared on Dr. Oz, the Today Show, and Fox News Live.
