Author Archives: elenzia

In the rhythm of our lives, the occasional glass of wine or celebratory toast can feel like a momentary escape. Yet, let’s delve into a topic that’s often overlooked – the potential impact of alcohol on the aging process. This exploration is not meant to condemn, but rather to shed light on how our choices may influence our wellbeing.

The Liver, Your Most Valuable Player

Our livers emerge as the true MVPs, tirelessly processing everything we consume. However, alcohol can burden this vital organ significantly. Regular and excessive alcohol intake can lead to inflammation and fatty liver disease, hindering the liver’s ability to function optimally. This isn’t a call to abstain completely but a gentle nudge to consider the health of your liver, a true ally in your wellbeing journey.

Cheers to Skin Health

Have you ever noticed that after a night of indulgence, your skin might not look as vibrant as usual? Alcohol has a dehydrating effect, robbing the skin of essential moisture. Over time, this can contribute to premature aging, manifesting as fine lines, dullness, and a loss of elasticity. It’s a subtle reminder that our skin often reflects our choices, encouraging us to approach our skincare routines with mindfulness.

Insights from the University of Oxford

A recent study from the University of Oxford has delved into the genetic aspects of alcohol consumption, providing evidence that it could accelerate biological aging. The study suggests that the effects of alcohol on certain genes may contribute to an accelerated aging process. While this adds another layer to the discussion, it’s important to approach this information with compassion and a commitment to informed choices. Read the full paper here.

Prevention and Nurturing

As we balance enjoying life’s pleasures and prioritising our wellbeing, consider incorporating preventive measures into your routine. Why not try out our Endor Technologies® anti-aging skincare range? It’s the perfect way to restore the skin, formulated using advanced biomedical research and patented ingredients. Pair with a glass of elénzia SKIN™, our delicious supplement that works by rebuilding collagen and removing toxins from the night before to leave you with skin that glows from within.

Alternatively, opt for our

Our much-loved supplement, elénzia ENDURANCE™ supports liver function by reducing insulin spikes caused by excess sugar in the blood and can easily be used in your hangover routine.

In conclusion, this exploration isn’t about imposing restrictions but rather about fostering awareness. Your wellbeing is a journey, and every choice matters. Let’s approach the aging process with curiosity, kindness, and a commitment to selfcare. After all, the path to a vibrant life is all about moderation.

As we step into 2024, it’s the perfect time to focus on resetting those hormones that play a crucial role in our overall health and wellbeing. We’re sharing our plan to help you make mindful choices this year and set the stage for a better, more balanced version of yourself.

The Power of Sleep

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, sleep often takes a backseat. However, it’s a non-negotiable factor when it comes to hormone balance. Quality sleep acts as a reset button, allowing your hormones to find their rhythm. The key is to create a cosy bedtime routine, dim the lights, and unwind with a good book. If you’re menopausal, check out elénzia MENOPAUSE™: PM, created to aid sleep and alleviate nightly symptoms. Your body will thank you.

Nutrient-Packed Nourishment

Fueling your body with the right nutrients is key to hormone health. Incorporate healthy fats like avocados and nuts, sufficient protein from a quality source such as elénzia PROTEIN™, and fibre-rich foods to support digestion. These elements work in synergy to maintain hormonal balance and provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Feeding Your Second Brain

Did you know your gut is often referred to as the second brain? A happy gut translates to balanced hormones. Embrace probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kefir to cultivate a thriving gut microbiome. This not only aids digestion but also supports the production of hormones crucial for overall health and wellbeing.

Lowering Sugar Intake

While a sweet treat now and then is perfectly fine, consistently high sugar intake can wreak havoc on your hormones. Opt for natural sweeteners like stevia, honey or maple syrup and savour the sweetness in moderation to maintain a stable blood sugar level.

Managing Stress

Stress, the silent disruptor of hormonal harmony, is inevitable in our fast-paced lives. Introduce mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or a calming cup of herbal tea into your routine. Lowering stress not only promotes hormonal balance but also contributes to a more serene and centred you.

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This year, let’s make a pact to nurture ourselves and treat our bodies like a temple by prioritising sleep, mindful nutrition, gut health, reduced sugar intake, and stress management.

Menopause is a natural journey that all women experience, consisting of three phases: perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. This complex process, closely linked to the essential female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, plays a vital role in maintaining women’s health throughout their lives. Changes typically begin to manifest themselves around the ages of 45 to 50. During this transformative process, 75% of women are affected with menopause symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Oestrogen, for instance, is responsible for preparing the eggs for ovulation, while progesterone maintains the lining of the uterus for potential fertilised eggs. However, during menopause, these hormones can become out of sync, disrupting this delicate balance. It’s worth noting that the impact of these hormones goes beyond just the menstrual cycle, influencing various aspects of a woman’s well-being. The symptoms experienced during each stage of menopause reflect the intricate interplay between oestrogen and progesterone in our bodies.

Embracing the support of loved ones and understanding the nuances of menopause can help you navigate this period with care and compassion.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the first stage in the menopause journey, marked by hormonal shifts, specifically the decrease in oestrogen – the primary female hormone produced by your ovaries. This transition often brings irregular periods and a host of other symptoms, which can profoundly impact your daily life. These symptoms can vary in their intensity and duration. For some, perimenopause may be a few months of manageable changes, while for others, it can extend to as long as four years, bringing a diverse range of experiences.

Here’s a breakdown of what you might encounter:

Physical symptoms – hot flushes, joint and muscle pains, and fatigue.

Cognitive and emotional challenges – brain fog, low mood and anxiety.

Sexual and reproductive changes – discomfort, vaginal dryness and low sex drive.

Sleep disruption – broken sleep (often triggered by night sweats).

The Menopause

Menopause is a significant life transition, marking the end of monthly menstruation when the decline in the ovarian follicular function prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs for fertilisation. The timing of this transition varies throughout a woman’s reproductive journey, but, on average, natural menopause occurs between 45 and 55. It’s officially recognised when a woman has gone through 12 consecutive months without menstruation.

We understand that menopause isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Some women may face premature menopause before 40 due to chromosomal abnormalities or autoimmune disorders. In other cases, menopause can be induced through surgical procedures or medical interventions, like radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

As women age, oestrogen levels fluctuate, leading to menopausal symptoms usually settling within 3-5 years.

In addition to continued perimenopausal symptoms, let’s look at the impact menopause has on the body:

Bone health – menopause can lead to osteopenia, a minor reduction in bone mass, and osteoporosis, a more severe reduction associated with fractures. Regular calcium and vitamin D, through diet and supplements, is essential for maintaining strong bones.

Cardiovascular health – Increased risk of heart disease is due to decreased oestrogen levels, changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and alterations in vascular function and blood clotting factors. Physical activity, blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring are perfect for maintaining cardiovascular health.

Mental health – hormonal changes, particularly in oestrogen levels, play a role in psychological alterations, including mood swings, anxiety and depression. These can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes, psychological therapy, medication and meditation.

Hot flushes – As many as 8 in 10 menopausal women feel sudden sensations of heat, sweating, anxiety, skin reddening, palpitations, and chills. Try to maintain a healthy weight and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods.

You can learn more about each of the 48 symptoms of menopause identified by Gen M here.

Post-Menopause

Entering post-menopause, your reproductive years have gracefully transitioned into a new chapter. Ovulation becomes a thing of the past, and the menopausal symptoms that may have accompanied you through perimenopause and menopause often start to recede or even vanish entirely. It’s essential to recognise that during post-menopause, your well-being can be impacted by health conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease. Supplementing with elénzia RESTORE can help with lubricating the joints for increased mobility. It’s a time when self-care and health maintenance take centre stage. For some, menopause symptoms may continue for an extended period, extending over a decade or more.

If you find that your symptoms worsen or start interfering with your daily activities and well-being, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can help you explore and rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. Your health and comfort are paramount, and there is support available to ensure you navigate this phase of life with care, understanding, and the right resources.

As we head into Menopause Awareness Month 2023, let’s stand together and take a closer look at this transformative life stage by shedding light on the resources available to enhance the wellbeing of those experiencing each stage of menopause.

How do we define Menopause?

Well, it’s a natural part of ageing that has historically been severely overlooked. The menopause affects all women, and it can also affect some trans and non-binary individuals. It is when a person’s menstrual cycles stop, and it typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It is accompanied by various physical and emotional symptoms due to hormonal changes. Symptoms ranging from memory lapses to hot flashes can vary greatly, making it a distinctive experience for each person.  

Advocacy and Education is Vital

One key issue that resulted from menopause previously being a taboo topic is a lack of education. In 2021, researchers at the University College London (UCL) found that shockingly over 90% of postmenopausal women had received no formal education about menopause at school. The majority of women only began seeking information when they started experiencing symptoms, and worryingly 49% of participants felt inadequately informed. The study, published in Post Reproductive Health, gathered data from 829 postmenopausal women through an online survey conducted in 2021.  

To tackle this issue, UCL researchers have collaborated with leading women’s health charities to develop plans for the UK’s first menopause education programme. The concerning results emphasised the need for accessible and evidence-based education on the topic, which is why UCL academics have taken the initiative to develop a menopause education programme in the UK. 

Advocacy for menopausal women in the workplace is also critical. According to research, menopausal symptoms lead one in four women to contemplate leaving their jobs, while many others opt to reduce their working hours or decline promotions. The UK Government recognised this and has appointed the first Menopause Employment Champion to improve workplace support.  

Gen M, Leading the Menopause Revolution

An organisation taking charge of supporting menopausal women is Gen M – a brand-led movement aimed at enhancing the menopause experience for consumers and employees alike. Their objectives encompass raising awareness about the 48 symptoms, understanding their effects, and endorsing products and services to aid the 15.5 million menopausal women in the UK. They champion better representation of menopausal women in brand campaigns, emphasise the need to break the taboo and inspire other brands to participate in this positive change. 

Recently, the Invisibility Report echoed the UCL findings and found that women feel unprepared, unsupported, and overlooked by society and brands. There is a need for better education, awareness and open discussion to improve the menopausal experience. 

Through their impactful educational campaigns and collaborative efforts with businesses, Gen M is dedicated to making lasting improvements in the experience of menopause. We at elénzia are thrilled to announce our partnership with Gen M and pledge our commitment to enhancing everyone’s menopause journey. 

Look out for our social media as we spotlight menopause throughout the month!