Perimenopause doesn’t just affect your hormones—it also impacts your heart. As estrogen levels decline, your risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death for women, increases significantly. Estrogen plays a protective role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood vessel function. Understanding these changes and taking proactive steps to protect your heart can make all the difference for your long-term health.

I worked with a patient, Susan, who was shocked when her routine bloodwork revealed elevated cholesterol levels during her early 50s. “I’ve always been healthy—what’s changed?” she asked. Through functional medicine testing, we pinpointed the hormonal shifts affecting her heart health. Susan began incorporating heart-healthy foods like salmon, walnuts, and leafy greens, while adding regular walking and yoga into her routine. With these changes, her cholesterol levels improved, and she felt more energized and confident about her health.

Protectin...

Chia seeds are a magical food that need their time in the spot light!  I’ve been using chia in my protein shakes for awhile now, knowing they were a super food, but never knowing ALL the benefits they possess.

Chia seeds originated in Mexico where they were viewed with such admiration they were even used as currency.  The Aztecs used chia to sustain their energy while running long distances or during battle. They would say a spoonful would give them enough endurance for 24 hours.  This all makes sense since In the Mayan language, chia means “strength”.

Chia seeds are filled with everything from Omega 3’s, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals AND antioxidants.  Due to their content, they have a vast array of health benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS

• Digestive Health – Due to the high amount of fiber alone, chia seeds will help with digestion.  The appropriate amount of fiber will help with regular bowel movements and help keep you full longer.
• Heart Health – Chia seeds have be
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Chia seeds are a magical food that need their time in the spot light!  I’ve been using chia in my protein shakes for awhile now, knowing they were a super food, but never knowing ALL the benefits they possess.

Chia seeds originated in Mexico where they were viewed with such admiration they were even used as currency.  The Aztecs used chia to sustain their energy while running long distances or during battle.  They would say a spoonful would give them enough endurance for 24 hours.  This all makes sense since In the Mayan language, chia means “strength”.

Chia seeds are filled with everything from Omega 3’s, protein, fiber , vitamins, minerals AND antioxidants.  Due to their content, they have a vast array of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

• Digestive Health – Due to the high amount of fiber alone, chia seeds will help with digestion.  The appropriate amount of fiber will help with regular bowel movements and help keep you full longer.
• Heart Health – Chia seeds have
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Most of us know that incorporating nuts into our diet is important.  If you are like me you don’t necessarily know which nut is going to help with what, so you just eat a mixture and hope for the best.  After a lot of reading I’ve found that most researchers are putting walnuts on top!

Walnuts are part of the tree nut family which also includes hazelnuts, macadamia nuts (my favorite!), cashews, pine nuts, pistachios and Brazil nuts.  If you find you are having trouble getting your plant based omega-3 fats, grab a quarter cup of walnuts!  In that serving alone you will get 100 percent of the daily recommended amount.

Here are a few of the MANY benefits of walnuts for you to snack on:

1. Heart Health : Walnuts contain l-arginine (an amino acid) and omega-3’s which both offer numerous vascular benefits.  Due to anti-inflammatory properties, walnuts can actually reduce the formation of blood clots.  Walnuts will raise ALA (great for your heart!), and help maintain healthy cholesterol.
2. Mal...