Wednesday Bubble: Be You Again
Want to beat the ‘menopause misery?’ Now you can with BeYouAgain.
Not only do I hate the name but I hate the concept that you ever stopped ‘being you’ and instead, became another ‘you’ because of menopause. And while I certainly don’t fault any woman for feeling differently when those damn mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, bloating, insomnia or depression hits, I believe that the concept of losing ones soul in the depths of menopause hell is a bunch of hogwash. Trust me; I’ve seen the menopause devil and although she isn’t very pretty, she hasn’t yet robbed me of me.
According to the manufacturer, BetterYou™, BeYouAgain is a “premium sourced food supplement” that contains an “invigorating blend of herbal adaptogens, minerals and vitamins to nourish and revive a tired body.” Not only does it help to “encourage mood maintenance and reduce” axiety, but it also “promotes mental clarity and concentration, alleviates short-term fatigue and helps to maintain a healthy heart and normal blood pressure.” Wow! All these benefits in only two capsules daily.
BeYouAgain contains:
- maca, to enhance energy, stamina and libido
- magnesium, to help relax the body
- milk thistle to protect the liver
- agnus castus to balance hormones
- Siberian ginseng to maintain energy
- Cayenne pepper to enhance circulation and digestion
And, a host of other vitamins and minerals to boost these processes.
Stop. Really. Stop and think.
Two pills, one size fits all, menopause hype.
You’re not you but you can be you if you simply take “BeYouAgain” daily.
I don’t know what part of this story is more insulting. The fact that the manufacturers want you to believe that you’ve lost a part of you that can be regained with supplements. Or the story that menopause steals your soul in the first place.
The She Devil? I’d take a guess that she’s residing in Better You.
Bursting this one.
Read MoreWednesday Bubble: improve your sex life… the maca way
Is Maca (Lepidium meyenil) the Peruvian Viagra?
If you read what’s on the interwebz, you might believe that this Andean plant that is part of the mustard family will improve sexual function and desire. Some clinical studies even suggest that maca can boost sperm count and mobility. Wow. A wonder plant. Makes me all va va va vooommmm; you too?
Um. Not. So. Fast.
I wrote about Maca two years ago and shared some information about studies examining its potential for alleviating symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women. At the time, I also alluded to its so-called aphrodisiac and energizing properties. Heck, not only is it widely used in Peru but it’s even licensed in Norway for medicinal purposes. So perhaps the claims are true?
Again, not so fast.
I ran across an interesting review of randomized studies on maca that examined its effects on sexual desire and function. Interestingly, of the 88 studies that the researchers identified, only 4 met scientific standards for analysis. All study participants — both men and women — ingested 1.5 g to 3.5 g of Maca daily for up to 12 weeks. Only one of these studies tested dried, natural maca and the rest were commercial grade. Here’s what they learned:
- Despite claims, few scientific trials have evaluated maca’s effect on sexual function.
- Of the few trials that met the researchers’ review criteria, there was only limited evidence to suggest that maca improved desire after at least six weeks.
- None of the studies looked at side effects.
In other words, maca may be useful but it’s still unclear what it’s useful for. Meanwhile, if you want to improve your sexual desire or functioning, you may want to look elsewhere.
Read MoreFriends and Family
I’ve learned a few things during my (almost) 50 years here on this particular journey and especially during the past two months. And I want to be self-indulgent, a rare thing on Flashfree, and share a few thoughts with you on April Fool’s Day. Yet, this ain’t no April Fool’s.
- When people you love need you, you don’t ask why; you ask when.
- No matter what, when or how, your true friends are there for you. You may not hear from them for months or sometimes years, but all of a sudden, they pop up out of nowhere and say hello or ‘just thinking of you,’ or ‘what can I do?’
- Friendship and giving are not burdens. Receiving is a burden. And if you’ve not yet learned how to receive , you’ve got some work to do that will truly benefit you in ways you’ve never considered.
- Our time and our hearts are the best gifts we have to offer as humans. It doesn’t matter how [fill in the blank] you are; your time and your thoughts are what count most.
Over the past six weeks, I’ve traveled South, West and North. I’ve given what I am able to, which is love, true love. No matter what, no matter the depletion, this is what makes my life worth living. I like to give to people. Period. No subtext. No hidden agenda. It’s simply the least I can do for people who I believe would do the same for me if the tables were turned.
Being human and being kind. It’s truly that simple.
Friends and family? Without you, I’m not me.
No fooling.
Read MoreIce Ice Baby
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rog8ou-ZepE]
Dear Flashfree fans:
I’ve been without power and freezing under the covers since Mama Nature directed her fury at the East Coast (that bitch!). I am behind on my posts but I promise, lots of great stuff coming next week. Meanwhile, I always believe in sharing the love so this one’s for you, Mama.
See you Monday!
Read MoreHave a heart…
HeartSense, that is.
My colleague Mary Knudson asked me to write a post about my exercise routine over at HeartSense blog, a blog devoted to heart failure. I hope that you’ll visit, not only to read it but also, Mary’s message. Heart failure is no joke and many of us don’t recognize the signs until it’s too late. Moreover, waning estrogen levels and resulting changes in LDL and total cholesterol contribute to increased risk of heart disease as we age.
Read MoreWishing You the Best for 2011
Here’s to a new year and a new decade! Cheers! And thanks for another great year at Flashfree!
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