Fatigue – Trish Tucker May

Mood Boosting: The Connection Between GABA, Neurotransmitters, and Energy

Written by trish on June 13, 2023. Posted in anti-inflammatory, Anxiety, Blog, Brain Fog, Depression, Energy, Fatigue, inflammation, Mental Health, Mood, Stress.

Neurotransmitters are secreted all through the body, in neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

I am excited to announce new functional nutrition tests. Functional nutrition tests for neurotransmitters can help support energy, mood and addictions.

This can provide valuable insights for a range of health concerns.

Neurotransmitter tests can determine whether your neurotransmitter levels are too low or too high.

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate GABA, on the other hand, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and stress levels in the brain. Foods that are rich in glutamate, such as broccoli and spinach, can help support GABA production

Additionally, consuming foods that are rich in magnesium, such as almonds and spinach, can help support GABA function.

There are also other supporting neurotransmitters that play a role in overall brain health.

Serotonin, for example, is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and can be supported by consuming foods that are rich in tryptophan, such as bananas and turkey.

If you are struggling with the following symptoms get in touch. It may be due to your neurotransmitters and there is a lot we can achieve with tweaks in your nutrition and lifestyle.

If you are struggling with

Mood concerns, such as depression, anxiety

Diminished energy/fatigue, Insomnia

Cognitive concerns such as forgetfulness, inattention, brain fog, ADHD, addiction, dependency, obsessions and cravings.

Chronic illness, and immune deficiency

Pain – especially chronic pain and inflammation.

Don’t struggle alone.

I have struggled with many of these, and this is why I love being a nutritionist.

Lifestyle and food as medicine is how I can help.

Stress Awareness

Written by trish on April 24, 2023. Posted in Blog, Energy, Fatigue, Gut Health, Hormones, Stress, Weight.

You must have heard that April is Stress Awareness Month, and I’m sure it’s no newsflash to you that chronic stress isn’t going to help with balancing your hormones!

Feelings of stress, overwhelm and anxiety are on the rise. Especially for women, and especially women over 40.

It’s not surprising. We are all juggling like crazy. Family commitments, a fulfilling career and a social life, whilst also trying to look good and stay healthy, can lead to burning ourselves out.

If we don’t prioritise self-care, our overall health is going to suffer.

Here are my tips to keep stress under control.Practice self-care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax, such as reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing meditation.

Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress, so make sure to prioritize a good night’s rest.

Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help reduce stress levels and boost our mood.

Connect with loved ones: Social support can be a great stress reliever, so spend time with friends and family.

When we get stressed, tired, or even nervous, our digestion doesn’t function properly, and certainly not optimally. It’s so important to slow down chewing and eating so you can have more energy and avoid bloating.

Stress impacts the vagus nerve, a long, cranial nerve that travels from the forehead to the pelvic floor. It has a massive impact on your digestive system and your stress response. It plays a particularly key role in how we feel and digest. It also has a significant impact on blood pressure and heart rate. It affects the adrenals, kidneys, and the amount of serotonin in the body.

We know that stress causes havoc with weight, digestion, fatigue, and brain function. The DUTCH (dried urine test for comprehensive hormones) test precisely measures the main stress and sex hormones and shows how much cortisol is being produced. Suffering from consistently high cortisol levels can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage. The amount of free cortisol will impact mood and energy, and liver and kidney function. This will also have an effect on sleep. There is an interconnected response with blood sugars, insulin production, and heart rate.

Would you like to order the DUTCH test to see what your hormones are doing and how stress may be contributing to your symptoms?

Email: trish@trishtuckermay.com

Fuel Your Energy with Superfoods: Tips for Women Over 40 to Optimize Health and Vitality

Written by trish on January 19, 2023. Posted in anti-inflammatory, Blog, Blog Home, Energy, Fatigue, Gut Health, Hormones, Menopause, perimenopause, Stamina, Women's Health.

As you age, it’s important to pay attention to your nutrition and fuel your body with the right foods. Superfoods are a great way to boost your energy levels, improve your health, and keep you feeling energetic. Here are some of the best superfoods for women over 40 to help you stay energized and healthy:

• Salmon: Salmon is a great source of lean protein and healthy fats, which can help keep your energy levels up. It’s also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function.

• Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats and protein, which can help keep you energized and your blood sugar levels stable. They’re also a great source of fiber, which can help keep your digestive system working optimally.

• Berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants, which can help fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation. They’re also a great source of fiber and can help keep you feeling full for longer. 1 scoop of Superfood Plus is an amazing way to fuel your energy and stamina. You can purchase this in our shop www.trishtuckermay.com/shop

• Whole grains: Whole grains are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which can help keep your energy levels up and your blood.

Juice Cleanse Recipes to help regain energy and reduce bloating

Written by trish on October 6, 2022. Posted in antioxidant capacities, Belly Bloating, Bloating, Blog, Energy, Fatigue, Health, Immune System, Juicing, Liver Cleanse, Menopause, Recipes, Tips, Uncategorized, Weight Loss, Women's Health.

Did you see the live in the FB community this week? If not, you can watch the replay here

Do you ever find yourself…

Sluggish
Tired
Bloated
Picking up seasonal colds

…to name a few?

Would you rather be …

Light and bright
Super energised
Beating cravings and kick-starting a weight loss journey
Could you really live on juice for a few days?

Life has gotten a bit hectic. You may be running from morning until you finally put your head down on the pillow at night.

Stress can become your way of life, which leads to bloating, exhaustion, getting sick and worn out. You see it in your skin, which is only a sign of what’s happening on the inside.

Not to mention accidental weight gain and feeling sluggish.

Is a simple juice cleanse starting to sound like a really good idea?

A simple juice cleanse will help your body detoxify and give your organs a break from all the junk.

You will be amazed by the results that you will see in just one week.

feeling lighter
glowing clear skin
boost of energy
finally lose that last bit of weight that has been hanging on.

Here are a few easy, simple detox juice recipes to try. Drink one large glass first thing in the morning for your simple juice cleanse.

The Green Juice

6 celery stalks

1 whole cucumber

1 large green apple

3 big leaves of kale

A handful of spinach

A handful of parsley

1 lemon

Add all ingredients into your juicer one at a time. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight glass container for 1–2 days.

The Menoboost Juice

This juice is best after a strenuous workout. It provides a great energy boost that your body needs to recover from vigorous exercise.

2 raw beetroot, including green stalks

3 large carrots

1 lemon

3 large green apples

1½ tablespoons fresh ginger

Add all ingredients into your juicer one at a time. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight glass container for 1–2 days.

The Natural Pick Me Up Juice

This juice is best when you are feeling sleepy or fatigued and need to wake up. It tastes just like a mint margarita and is much better for you than that afternoon coffee!

2 large green apples

1/3 of a pineapple

Sprig or two of mint

Add all ingredients into your juicer one at a time. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight glass container for 1–2 days.

The Detox Juice

The ingredients in this juice make it one of the strongest and easiest ways to detox the liver. We need all the help we can get for liver support. This is a natural and gentle way to detoxify and cleanse.

2 cucumbers

1 beetroot

3 celery stalks – always organic

3 dandelion leaves

1 lemon

1 lime

½ teaspoon turmeric

Add all ingredients into your juicer one at a time. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight glass container for 1–2 days.

Just after a few days of juice cleansing, you’ll start to notice some big changes in your body and may even want to juice more frequently as part of your normal lifestyle.

If you would like to order my juicing recipe book, click here

You will get hardcopy or eBook

If you live near me and would like me to make your juices and smoothies

Click here

Yours in health and wellness,

Trish

What’s In Your Post-Viral Fatigue Toolkit?

Written by trish on June 28, 2022. Posted in Blog, Brain Fog, Depression, Fatigue, Headache, Immune System, Joint pain, Muscle soreness, Sleep problems.

Post-viral fatigue is not a new problem, yet now, over two years since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, interest and awareness is at an all-time high.

The term ‘post viral fatigue’ describes a condition that can happen weeks or months after the initial onset of a viral infection.

Post-viral fatigue or post viral fatigue syndrome is completely different to normal tiredness, can affect people of different ages and does not always relate to the severity of the initial viral infection. In addition to fatigue, other symptoms may include brain fog, headaches, joint pain, muscle soreness, sleep problems, depression and even recurring symptoms of viral infections such as sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.

I have still been experiencing brain clag – it feels different to brain fog. Plus, my ears are still blocked at times.

My recommended post-viral fatigue toolkit.

Glutathione – liver support

Mitochondria are often referred to as the energy-producing powerhouse of the cell, yet they are highly vulnerable to damage from oxidative stress. In addition, factors such as infection, oxidative stress and inflammation can negatively impact the blood brain barrier.

Glutathione is often referred to as the body’s master antioxidant and provides essential protection for both mitochondria and the blood brain barrier against oxidative damage.

Our bodies can make glutathione from the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid; however, cysteine is often considered to be a rate-limiting step.

Supplementing with N-acetyl cysteine before breakfast supports the body’s production of glutathione.

Alpha lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid is also an important antioxidant, is capable of regenerating other key antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamin C and Co-enzyme Q10 and is involved in the activation of key antioxidant signalling pathways.

Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Levels of CoQ10 tend to decline with age. Supplemental CoQ10 has been shown to positively impact markers of inflammation.

Supplementation with CoQ10 may help to improve symptoms such as fatigue and depression.

Magnesium

‘Nature’s tranquiliser’ for the key roles it has to play in supporting calm, relaxation and a balanced stress response, yet magnesium is also essential for energy production and muscle function. It can be a real challenge to consume enough magnesium and levels are rapidly depleted during times of stress.

Curcumin

Is the main active component of turmeric and is best known for powerful and widespread anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Green tea

A powerful antioxidant, it has been shown to positively influence multiple inflammatory pathways.

Quercetin

Is a bioflavonoid found in plants such as onions, berries, apples and capers. Quercetin may inhibit the release of histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes and protects against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Sulforaphane (active ingredient in broccoli)

Is a bioactive compound derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. it has been widely studied for its incredible ability to activate many different antioxidant pathways in the body. These antioxidant pathways are crucial for protecting mitochondria and the blood brain barrier against oxidative stress, and for keeping inflammation in check.

Omega-3

Our bodies can use omega-3 fatty acids EPA & DHA as building blocks and are essential for switching inflammation off when it is no longer needed.

Yours in health and wellness,
Trish Tucker May

How to support your adrenals

Written by trish on April 5, 2022. Posted in adrenal glands, Anxiety, Blog, Blood Sugar, Concentration, Fatigue, Hormones, Libido, Mood, Stress, Tips.

What are adrenal glands and where are they located?

Your adrenal glands play a very important role in maintaining your health. They are incredibly small, about the size and weight of a coin. They are located above your kidneys, just below the muscle tissue of your lower back.

What do adrenal glands do?

Our adrenal glands are responsible for many things that assist in regulating our body and hormones, including thyroid and reproductive hormones. They are also responsible for managing stress, the amount of inflammation in our body, our immune system, our blood sugar levels and the electrolytes in our blood. They influence all the physiological functions processes of the body and help stave off physical fatigue.

Signs your adrenal health needs support

When there is something wrong with our body, it will start to signal us that something needs to be addressed. Here is how your adrenal glands will signal you that something is wrong.

Your blood sugar level will either drop or spike suddenly.
Your hormones will be all over the place. One moment you are happy and the other moment you will find yourself crying over something that does not even bother you that much.
You get sick more often because your immune system will not function properly without healthy adrenal glands.
You will be stressed and it will be hard for you to manage your stress levels.
Your sex drive will decrease.
It will be hard for you to complete your daily tasks because those tasks will require a lot more effort than usual.
You will find it hard to keep yourself awake even if you know that you need to sacrifice sleep for a very important task.
You will constantly crave food, mostly salty and savory foods, and it will be hard you satisfy your cravings. You will find yourself craving them more even if you have just eaten something.
Your body will take longer to heal properly.
You will fail to find happiness or excitement in tasks and hobbies that you enjoyed before.
You may find yourself skipping meals.

How to improve your adrenal health

If you suspect your adrenal glands may need some care and attention, try some of the following tips.

Get your sleep schedule in sync:

Make sure that you get quality sleep for 9 to 10 hours. Sleep and wake up at the same times to get your body in a rhythm. It needs to follow a routine to start to heal.

Daily exercise:

Set aside at least 30 minutes a day for exercise, no matter how busy or tired you may be.

Add these to your diet:

To improve your adrenal health, add proteins, healthy carbs, zinc, calcium, and vitamins (especially C and D) to your diet. Also increase foods like coconuts, avocados, olives, chia seeds, bone broth, nuts, vegetables and fish, but make sure you do all of this in moderation.

If you would like to learn more about my tests to measure adrenal health please get in touch.

How to Have Better Sleep?

Written by trish on February 8, 2022. Posted in Blog, Energy, Fatigue, Health, Hormones, Immune System, Mental Alertness, Sleep, Tips.

There is very little worse than when you are exhausted, but your brain is still going a million miles an hour. All you want to do is sleep, but your body refuses to calm down. You lie in bed, eyes closed, and sleep just beyond reach.

Melatonin is a chemical in your body that is responsible for regulating your sleep cycles and making you sleep. Your pineal gland is responsible for producing that melatonin. Each night your body produces approximately 25mcg of melatonin to promote a peaceful and restful sleep. Studies have shown that this amount gradually decreases as we age, which may explain why toddlers and youth require more sleep at night than adults.

You can help regulate your sleep and promote more relaxed, restful sleep by helping your body produce melatonin when you need it. If you are having trouble sleeping, try a few of these tips before you turn to medication.

Say “no” to electronic devices and gadgets:

The blue light produced by our phones, laptops, TVs, and tablets may be counteracting your body’s attempts to produce melatonin. Instead of checking your phone or social media accounts before going to bed, read, journal, or even color. These activities are much less stimulating than electronic devices, allowing your brain to start shutting down and encouraging your body to start producing melatonin for the night ahead.

Drink chamomile tea:

Chamomile tea actually has melatonin in it. Drink a warm cup of it in the evening to help your body relax, de-stress, and prepare for restful sleep.

Shower or take a relaxing bath:

Warm water relaxes tense muscles and refreshes your mind. According to research by Loughborough University in Leicester, the relaxing effect of taking a bath before going to bed helps increase the production of melatonin in your body. This is because taking baths and showers reduces the level of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, allowing your body to produce melatonin instead.

Block all sources of light:

Pull all the curtains, shut all the blinds, turn off all the lights. Make your room completely dark. Even the smallest amount of light can disrupt your sleeping and melatonin production. Blocking out all the sources of light while sleeping will significantly boost the melatonin in your body, help regulate your sleeping patterns and promote deep sleep so that you wake you up happy and well rested.

Focus on your diet:

Your diet plays a huge role in your body’s sleeping habits. Studies have shown that reducing or eliminating caffeine and processed foods has a hugely positive impact on your amount and quality of sleep. It is also helpful to avoid trying to sleep on a very empty or very full stomach; both can leave your body focused on processes other than sleep. A light snack or a warm cup of tea just before bed can help calm hunger pangs without overtaxing your body. What are the best foods to help you sleep? – watch here

Reminder of the key hormones needed for sleep: Melatonin, Cortisol, Serotonin and impact on immune system

VITAL TIPs: Manage stress and support your adrenals.

HOW?

Ways to support your immune system with daily rituals that are easy to do.

Meditation
Journaling
Tapping – EFT at the end of the day to calm the mid and process anything you are still feeling
Cool dew on your feet at night or a cold shower on your feet
Cold water therapy
Supplements such as 5HTP, CBD, Magnesium glycinate – talk to me I can guide you.

Sleep is a 24-hour cycle, not just something that happens when you go to bed.

In the morning, your body makes cortisol to wake you up. In the evening it makes melatonin to make you sleepy

Hormonal factors that influence sleep can include making too much cortisol, making cortisol at the wrong times of day, and not making enough melatonin.

Serotonin also influences sleep. Essential oils can support serotonin. The best essential oils on the planet can be purchased here Vetiver, lavender and roman chamomile are my favourite and I use them every night.

A healthy sleep cycle includes anchoring both cortisol and melatonin, so that you are awake and alert when you should be, and tired when you should be.

Sleep is when we repair cells – the heart of the immune system!

If you would like to learn more about my hormone tests get in touch. When we get to the root cause of why you are not sleeping – your life will change forever!

Yours in health and wellness,

Trish

How to Eat For a Healthy Thyroid

Written by trish on January 11, 2022. Posted in Blog, Cold extremities, Energy, Fatigue, Hair loss, Health, Hormones, Mood, Tips, Weight, Women's Health.

The health of your thyroid depends heavily on what you eat and put in your body. Your thyroid plays a big role in the following daily functions

Your metabolism and your weight.
Your hair growth.
Your energy levels.
Controlling other hormones like insulin, cortisol and your sex hormones
Your mood.
Your ability to concentrate and remain focused.
Your body temperature.
Your heart rate.
Your menstrual cycle.

To keep your thyroid happy and healthy, your body needs appropriate amounts of iodine, zinc and selenium. To ensure the health of your thyroid, try incorporating the following foods in your diet for better iodine, zinc and selenium levels.

Yogurt: Yogurt is an excellent source of iodine. Plain and Greek yogurts are your best options.
Berries: Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with iodine, selenium, and vitamin D. These berries also contain a variety of other nutrients and are very high in antioxidants, which are critical for the health of your thyroid. Goji berries and cranberries contain the highest number of antioxidants. You can eat these berries raw, or you can use them in smoothies or in an acai bowl. You can use them to top yogurt or oatmeal.
Fish: Fish is another great source of iodine. Lack of nutrients is one of the primary reasons why thyroid health deters, and fish contain all the necessary nutrients to maintain the health of your thyroid. One 3-ounce serving of cod contains around 99 milligrams of iodine. If you do not like fish then you can opt for cod liver oil supplements.
Chicken: Zinc is also necessary for thyroid health, and chicken is a perfect solution to fill that need. Three ounces of chicken contains 2.4 milligrams of zinc.
Beef: Organic grass-fed beef is also high in zinc. A 3-ounce serving of roasted beef provides seven milligrams of zinc and a 3-ounce beef patty contains three milligrams of zinc. Make sure you choose very lean, organic beef.
Brazil Nuts: Brazil nuts are incredible little powerhouses for selenium. Daily consumption of moderate serving amounts can help produce glutathione, which helps fight against and decrease thyroid antibodies.
Eggs: Eggs are another simple, one-stop shop for your thyroid health. A large egg consists of 20% of selenium and 16% of iodine. Eggs are extremely versatile and easy to prepare. Hard boil or scramble them, but make sure you include the yolk; that is the part the provides the most selenium.
Nuts: To protect and maintain the health of your thyroid, try adding a variety of nuts to your diet. Hazelnuts and macadamia nuts provided the highest amount of selenium. You can eat them raw, snack on them, or add them to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or other meals.

If you would like to learn more about thyroid and blood panel tests book a call here https://p.bttr.to/2MZVUKN

I can arrange private tests with a nurse visit for the blood draw. This is especially beneficial at the moment with such long wait times at the NHS, plus private tests are far more thorough.

Yours in health and wellness,

Trish

How to Know if Your Blood Sugar is Stable?

Written by trish on December 15, 2021. Posted in Blood Sugar, Brain Fog, Fatigue, inflammation, Skin problems, Sleep, Weight.

What are the tell-tale signs that you need to work on your blood sugar?

Do you have trouble falling asleep and drag yourself out of bed in the morning?

are you gaining weight and you don’t know why?

do you feel drained and tired all the time?

do you crave ice cream or salty crisps in the middle of the day, late at night or immediately after your evening meal?

Do you find your sunglasses in the freezer and your car keys in the bathroom?

If you answer yes, it could be because of your blood sugar balance.

Maintaining your blood sugar is important for your overall health. A stable blood sugar level helps you maintain a healthy weight, reduces your risk of diabetes, regulates your glucose levels, and can help increase your physical activity.

Here are some noticeable signs that your blood sugar needs attention.

You suffer from any sort of inflammation.

Your blood sugar often spikes in response to the excess release of cortisol by your body and excess cortisol can cause inflammation. Excess sugar equals inflammation. If you suffer from any kind of body inflammation, your blood sugar needs attention.

Your skin is troubled.

Acne, rashes, eczema are all forms of inflammation. When your body suffers from an injury or illness, it tries to protect itself; the same is true when your diet is not healthy. If you consume a lot of sugar, your body will react in the form of inflammation. Acne and rashes are an inflammatory response to poor microbiome health, which is often a result of unstable blood sugar.

You feel sluggish and tired all the time

Excess sugar releases cortisol in your body that can lead to increased fatigue. When your blood sugar is not stable, you may feel lazy and sluggish. If you are enjoying stable levels of energy and are not easily tired by physical activity, you have a healthy blood sugar level.

You crave sugar all the time.

Insatiable sugar cravings are a sign of an unstable blood sugar level. Occasional cravings are normal; everyone feels like scarfing up a whole tub of ice cream at some point or another. But, if satisfying that initial craving keeps you consuming sugar, there is a good chance your blood sugar is not stable.

You can’t lose weight no matter what you do.

When your blood sugar level is stable, it is a lot easier to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. An unstable blood sugar level makes it impossible.

You need to urinate frequently.

A well-functioning bladder is a sign that your blood sugar level is normal. People with unstable blood sugar levels often suffer from a weak bladder and may feel the need to urinate more frequently than normal.

You can’t quench your thirst.

People with stable blood sugar levels can easily quench their thirst after drinking water. Many people who have unstable blood sugar levels feel thirsty all the time and are not able to quench their thirst even after drinking water.

You experience brain fog.

Another symptom of unstable blood sugar is brain fog, when your brain suddenly becomes fatigued, and it becomes hard for you to focus or concentrate. Healthy blood sugar levels can help promote sharp and extended periods of focus.

How to balance your blood sugar?

Eat three meals per day and make sure you have fat and protein at each meal.
Avoid snacking between meals. Allow at least 4 hours between your meals.
Drink plenty of water. At least 2 litres to help hydrate your blood.
Restrict your time eating window to 12 – 14 hours. There will be a sweet spot so try various times and see what works for you. Don’t eat late at night.

If you are unsure and worried about these symptoms and are not getting the support you need from your doctor, book a call with me. I can test your blood sugar, thyroid and hormones.

Get the support you need.

My next 8-week Time to Nourish program starts on the 18^th January. It is £750 and there is an early bird price of £625 so to book now email trish@trishtuckermay.com or book a call