The Simplicity Sessions

Dr. Carrie Jones is a naturopathic doctor and a medical director for Precision Analytical, which is the company that handles all the dutch hormone testing that is run for women in the hormone project and through my practice.

Listen to this episode to unwrap knowledge about the work of hormones in your body, stress connection, estrogen and androgen dominance and the impact on your thyroid. Take your time to absorb and digest this information, and if a lot of what is said today resonates with you, you should take a look at the Hormone Project starting in January.

Why are hormones so critical to our overall health?

Hormones are made in glands, they basically give the message to other glands in your body to do or not to do something, so when there is a overproduction or, on the contrary, not enough hormones, the symptoms start to show. It's all about balance because hormones are literally the chemical messengers that tell your body what to do and help you feel better. There needs to be an appropriate amount of messages and they need to be received by the right gland!

"My test results are fine… but I don't feel well."

Usually lab test cover the basic aspects of your health, they go over functions and signals just to make sure you are not going to die. Short doctor's consultations don't help either! But you can ask for more, go deeper than a simple blood test! Ask for other lab tests and sometimes you even have to consider changing doctors.

How DUTCH Panel testing helps to describe what is going on in our bodies?

It is an easy to collect urine test where you get all the traditional hormone results, but also all the pathways that these hormones are travelling (which blood, saliva or stool lab tests don't show).

The Estrogen Path

Your body makes estrogen and when this production is over, the estrogen needs to be broken down and excreted. In the first stage of this transit, estrogen can be directed through one of three differents paths called: 2, 4 and 16. Number 2 is the healthy path, 4 can potentially increase your risk for cancer and 16 is called prolific. In the second stage your body has to neutralize the estrogen, this phase is called the detox stage. These two phases need to be addressed differently.

Estrogen Dominance

As a woman, your estrogen rises right before ovulation, and then it goes down for later rising back up again before the following ovulation. The second time it goes up, your progesterone needs to be high and healthy. But if you have low progesterone production, your estrogen will be unattended and run wild, which translates into heavy periods, tender breasts, mood changes...and it is called estrogen dominance (since progesterone is not enough).

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep

During REM sleep you dream and during deep sleep your body heals! Cortisol goes down, you lose weight, men produce more testosterone. Just sleeping makes you healthier!

Androgen Dominance

You can either make an excess of testosterone that stimulates androgen receptors, causing symptoms such as greasy skin, cystic acne, chin hair...or you can be making normal amounts of testosterone but going in an androgenic pathway, creating imbalance. To restore your hormonal balance, start by slowing down, insulin has to be kept low, lift weight, check your diet, have the right supplements, include more Zinc in your diet.

Check your Thyroid

Are you converting T4 to T3 well? Your TSH might look ok if your pituitary is fine, but you can have a thyroid problem, running a TSH, T3 and T4. T3 can be deactivated to reverse T3 (RT3). You have to investigate the whole pathway, dig deeper, ask the right questions!

I encourage you to invest your time and make the right choices to heal your hormones and restore their balance, hoping that this information has contributed to get you closer to your health goals. Wishing you more simplicity and ease in all that you do!

For a live experience with Jenn:

Please contact Nature's Emporium Newmarket directly via [email protected] or 905-898-1844 to register for the LIVE Simplicity Project course that begins January 23rd.

Online working with Jenn:

To register for my signature program The Hormone Project and work with me 1:1 to support your health, hormones and more please email me at [email protected].

The next round of The Hormone Project begins January 21st.

More About with Carrie

Dr. Carrie Jones is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones. She graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), School of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon where she also completed her 2-year residency in women's health, hormones and endocrinology. Later she graduated from Grand Canyon University's Master of Public Health program with a goal of doing more international education. She was adjunct faculty for many years teaching gynecology and advanced endocrinology/fertility and has been the Medical Director for 2 large integrative clinics in Portland. She is the Medical Director for Precision Analytical Inc. creators of the DUTCH hormone test.

DUTCH test

Dr. Carrie Jones on Instagram

Dr. Carrie Jones on Facebook

Learn more about Jenn's work:

Jenn Pike

The Hormone Project

The Simplicity Project Shop for books, DVDs, programs and much more!

Get your free Syncing Guide!

Simplicity TV on Youtube

Quotes:

"What we are excreding is so powerful, it has a message about what is happening to our body."

"DUTCH tests help you find the answers to the symptoms that otherwise in your blood test might come out as normal."

"When sleeping habits are messed up, it is going to affect your reproductive rhythm."

"There are so many systems in our bodies that depend on a proper amount of rest."

"REM sleep if when you dream and deep sleep is when you heal."

"Stop eating the food that causes an inflammatory response to your body."

Additional Information About Jenn:

Jenn studied and graduated with honors in Human Anatomy and Physiology with such a passion that it propelled her to continue her education over many years. Jenn is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Registered Yoga Instructor and Faculty of the Toronto Yoga Conference, Pre & Post Natal Yoga Expert, STOTT Pilates trained instructor, Twist Sport Conditioning Coach, Spin Instructor Crossfit Level 1 Coaching, among other certifications she got along the way. She is also a guest Holistic Expert for Breakfast Television, Global, CHCH, Rogers Tv and writes columns for STRONG Fitness Magazine, iRun magazine, Savvy Mom and contributes to Inside Fitness Magazine, The Toronto Star and Sun. She is also a proud educator and ambassador to Genuine Health, Nature's Emporium and Juice Plus.

Jenn is a proud mama to two beautiful souls and her best teachers of life. She resides on Lake Simcoe in Keswick with her husband and two children.

Dr. Carrie Jones is a naturopathic doctor and a medical director for Precision Analytical, which is the company that handles all the dutch hormone testing that is run for women in the hormone project and through my practice.

Listen to this episode to unwrap knowledge about the work of hormones in your body, stress connection, estrogen and androgen dominance and the impact on your thyroid

This is the second part of two episodes where we'll take a deep dive into your thyroid health. In episode 12 I talked about all about your adrenal health and how its function has a direct effect on your thyroid.

Tune into this episode (which is part two) to discover what your thyroid gland actually is, what it does, and where it's located. We will also dive into the signs and symptoms of an under or overactive thyroid, and how different diets (specifically the keto diet) can impact your thyroid.

Your thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in your neck, and it's intimately connected to the function of every single organ in your body. Here is what happens when it starts to malfunction...

Hyperthyroidism

Is an overproduction of thyroid hormones, and these are some signs you can see in your body:

• ● Can't maintain body weight
• ● Hair loss
• ● Sweat increase
• ● Anxiety and overactivity
• ● Skin issues (dryness, redness, eczema)
• ● Inconsistent bowel movements
• Hypothyroidism
• Sluggish thyroid. It does not produce enough T4 and has an issue converting it to the active form of the hormone (the one your body can actually use).

• ● Hair loss
• ● Exhaustion
• ● Weight gain without diet changes
• ● Thinning of body hair
• ● Constipation
• ● Low body temperature
• ● Depression
• ● Dry skin
• Hashimoto's
• Is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid gland wherein your body produces antibodies that attack your healthy thyroid gland production. Thyroid medication is generally ineffective. Your symptoms may oscillate between symptoms of being hyper or hypo active.
• There are many natural ways to approach a compromised thyroid before you jump into medication.
• - Treating inflammation is critical, it can come from many sources such as food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, stimulants), gut infections, long term stress, and poor sleep.
• - Blood work you should have: measure TSH, T4, and reverse T3.
• - Ask yourself: Am I getting the minerals and vitamins that my body needs?
• - Try to stress less!
• - Balance your estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and blood sugar.
• - Consume more whole foods.
• - Quality supplements.
• - Detoxing.
• - Listen to your body.
• Keto for thyroid
• The keto diet started out as a very short therapeutic diet with very specific objectives but has recently become used for weight loss. This kind of diet is definitely not a "one size fits all" kind of approach. Ketogenic diets place emphasis on low carbs and protein, and high amount of fats.
• Women who have come into my practice after having done keto diets all had deregulated their metabolic system and taken away their metabolic flexibility. These women became hypersensitive, making their bodies more prompt to gain weight as well as other negative effects on their general health.
• Blood work
• You should get TSH, T3 and T4. Create a case for yourself (Listen to the show to find the normal levels).
• Ask yourself what is your ultimate goal? I am here to help you achieve it!
• Wishing you more simplicity and ease in all that you do!
• For a live experience with Jenn:
• Please contact Nature's Emporium Newmarket directly via [email protected] or 905-898-1844 to register for the LIVE Simplicity Project course that begins January 23rd.
• Online working with Jenn:
• To register for my signature program The Hormone Project and work with me 1:1 to support your health, hormones and more please email me at [email protected].
• The next round of The Hormone Project begins January 21st.
• Learn more about Jenn's work:
• Jenn Pike
• The Hormone Project
• The Simplicity Project Shop for books, DVDs, programs and much more!
• Get your free Syncing Guide!
• Simplicity TV on Youtube
• Quotes:
• "Our thyroid is our internal thermostat and barometer."
• "90 to 95% of all hypothyroid patients actually suffer from Hashimoto's."
• "Healing and curing are not synonyms, healing is getting to a place where you can have your activities and daily life normalized, feeling and functioning better."
• "Inflammation is a hormonal deal breaker."
• "It is not just about becoming gluten-free, eating those marketing products, but consuming the foods that never had gluten in them."
• "Being on a birth control pill or having antidepressants can cause estrogen dominance in your body."
• "You can stress yourself into thyroidism."
• "Your thyroid is a symptom not the root cause."
• "Your body loves to feel safe, consistency and homeostasis."
• "The numbers for a great diet: 40% fats, 30% carbs, and 30% protein."
• "Sleep is the number one predictor of your success losing weight."
• Additional Information About Jenn:
• Jenn studied and graduated with honors in Human Anatomy and Physiology with such a passion that it propelled her to continue her education over many years. Jenn is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Registered Yoga Instructor and Faculty of the Toronto Yoga Conference, Pre & Post Natal Yoga Expert, STOTT Pilates trained instructor, Twist Sport Conditioning Coach, Spin Instructor Crossfit Level 1 Coaching, among other certifications she got along the way. She is also a guest Holistic Expert for Breakfast Television, Global, CHCH, Rogers Tv and writes columns for STRONG Fitness Magazine, iRun magazine, Savvy Mom and contributes to Inside Fitness Magazine, The Toronto Star and Sun. She is also a proud educator and ambassador to Genuine Health, Nature's Emporium and Juice Plus.
• Jenn is a proud mama to two beautiful souls and her best teachers of life. She resides on Lake Simcoe in Keswick with her husband and two children.

This is the second part of two episodes where we’ll take a deep dive into your thyroid health. In episode 12 I talked about all about your adrenal health and how its function has a direct effect on your thyroid

Tune into this episode (which is part two) to discover what your thyroid gland actually is, what it does, and where it's located. We will also dive into the signs and symptoms of an under or overactive thyroid, and how different diets(specifically the keto diet) can impact your thyroid

Today I will start a series of two episodes were I will talk about thyroid and adrenal health. This topic will be split into two, so you can really understand the content and go over it as much as needed.

Unfortunately, the signs the adrenals give us are usually dismissed, we tend to think it is "normal" since we have always felt this way. These symptoms can be:

• ● Low energy.
• ● Exhaustion (mental and emotional).
• ● Low or unstable mood.
• ● You need stimulants to get through the day.
• ● Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis.
• ● No sex drive.
• ● PMS increases.
• ● Brain fog, memory problems, dizziness.
• ● Irritable mood.
• The term "Adrenal Fatigue" refers to a miscommunication and dysfunction happening in your HPA axis and so it does communicate efficiently with the rest of your body.
• Adrenals work together with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland to regulate your response to stress and are deeply connected to other systems in your body, influencing your ovulation, energy, mood, motivation, metabolism and immune system. When adrenals are exhausted metabolic chaos begins, this is not just about weight loss but your health in general.
• How do you test your adrenals?

• ● Your doctor can take your blood pressure when you are laying down and sitting up then compare the results.
• ● Cortisol measurement test.
• ● Measuring Insulin.
• ● HPA1C
• ● Full thyroid panel if possible.
• ● TSH, Free T4 and Free T3
• ● DHES
• ● IG levels.
• ● Progesterone levels.
• ● Gluten antibodies.
• ● Dutch hormone test.
• How do you begin to heal Adrenal fatigue?

• ● Lifestyle (drink water, take supplements, sleep longer, reduce or avoid coffee, exercise).
• ● Stabilize your blood sugar, eat whole food!
• ● Supplementation.
• ● Herbs to help balance your adrenals.
• ● Sleep, sleep, sleep.
• ● Joy!
• ● Move your body.
• How long this recovery takes? If the fatigue is mild, in 6 to 12 months you can feel like you are back on your feet. If your fatigue is moderate, you will probably need one year and if your fatigue is intense, it will take around 18 months. This did not happen overnight it can´t be fixed overnight, be patient and compassionate with your body.
• Next week's episode is going to be about thyroid function.
• Wishing you more simplicity and ease in all that you do!
• For a live experience with Jenn:
• Please contact Nature's Emporium Newmarket directly via [email protected] or 905-898-1844 to register for the LIVE Simplicity Project course that begins January 23rd.
• Online working with Jenn:
• To register for my signature program The Hormone Project and work with me 1:1 to support your health, hormones and more please email me at [email protected].
• The next round of The Hormone Project begins January 21st
• Learn more about Jenn's work:
• Jenn Pike
• The Hormone Project
• The Simplicity Project Shop for books, DVDs, programs and much more!
• Get your free Syncing Guide!
• Simplicity TV on Youtube
• Quotes:
• "Most typically when a problem begins in the thyroid, the issue was arising in the rest of your body, your gut inflammation and in your adrenals for years before hand."
• "Stop masking your symptoms, get to the root of the problem."
• "In a woman, the sex drive happens within your brain."
• Additional Information About Jenn:
• Jenn studied and graduated with honors in Human Anatomy and Physiology with such a passion that it propelled her to continue her education over many years. Jenn is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Registered Yoga Instructor and Faculty of the Toronto Yoga Conference, Pre & Post Natal Yoga Expert, STOTT Pilates trained instructor, Twist Sport Conditioning Coach, Spin Instructor Crossfit Level 1 Coaching, among other certifications she got along the way. She is also a guest Holistic Expert for Breakfast Television, Global, CHCH, Rogers Tv and writes columns for STRONG Fitness Magazine, iRun magazine, Savvy Mom and contributes to Inside Fitness Magazine, The Toronto Star and Sun. She is also a proud educator and ambassador to Genuine Health, Nature's Emporium and Juice Plus.
• Jenn is a proud mama to two beautiful souls and her best teachers of life. She resides on Lake Simcoe in Keswick with her husband and two children.

Today I will start a series of two episodes were I will talk about thyroid and adrenal health. This topic will be split into two, so you can really understand the content and go over it as much as needed

I prepared this mini-episode filled with strategies and tips to help you in this time of the year where it is easy to feel overwhelmed with meals, shopping, and tight schedules. Even though these weeks are full of joy, parties and gatherings it still feels like a lot!

It is also a great time to reset, not yourself, but lifestyle changes that can help you be more grounded and in touch with yourself, focusing on what you want to be doing.

Here are my 12 top strategies:

1. 1. Sleep is a priority.
2. 2. Create a gratitude moment first thing in the morning.
3. 3. Have a glass of water when you wake up.
4. 4. Eat within one hour of waking up.
5. 5. Take good quality supplements.
6. 6. Exercise according to your day.
7. 7. Say "no" and don't feel bad about it.
8. 8. Say "yes" to yourself and your self care.
9. 9. Regroup at mid-day, check in with yourself.
10. 10. Schedule self care!
11. 11. Read when you can.
12. 12. Go to bed with gratitude and let go of what does not serve you.
13. Like the 12 days for Christmas, these are my twelve simplicity tips for self care, simple and actionable choices to take care of yourself starting today!
14. Wishing you more simplicity and ease in all that you do!
15. Learn more about Jenn's work:
16. Jenn Pike
17. The Hormone Project
18. The Simplicity Project Shop for books, DVDs, programs and much more!
19. Get your free Syncing Guide!
20. Simplicity TV on Youtube
21. Quotes:
22. "Your healing happens when you are sleeping."
23. "Your lymphatic system only activates when you are sleeping."
24. "From 10 pm to 2 am are the most restorative hours for your adrenals who are the ones helping you deal with stress."
25. "Say NO and don't feel bad about it."
26. "In these times most people believe that because you have a cell phone that is next to you, you have to be responding to every message at any time. Say No and give yourself the time you need to do what you enjoy undisturbed."
27. "Let go of what is not under your control."
28. Additional Information About Jenn:
29. Jenn studied and graduated with honors in Human Anatomy and Physiology with such a passion that it propelled her to continue her education over many years. Jenn is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Registered Yoga Instructor and Faculty of the Toronto Yoga Conference, Pre & Post Natal Yoga Expert, STOTT Pilates trained instructor, Twist Sport Conditioning Coach, Spin Instructor Crossfit Level 1 Coaching, among other certifications she got along the way. She is also a guest Holistic Expert for Breakfast Television, Global, CHCH, Rogers Tv and writes columns for STRONG Fitness Magazine, iRun magazine, Savvy Mom and contributes to Inside Fitness Magazine, The Toronto Star and Sun. She is also a proud educator and ambassador to Genuine Health, Nature's Emporium and Juice Plus.
30. Jenn is a proud mama to two beautiful souls and her best teachers of life. She resides on Lake Simcoe in Keswick with her husband and two children.

I prepared this mini-episode filled with strategies and tips to help you in this time of the year where it is easy to feel overwhelmed with meals, shopping, and tight schedules. Even though these weeks are full of joy, parties and gatherings it still feels like a lot!

It is also a great time to reset, not yourself, but lifestyle changes that can help you be more grounded and in touch with yourself, focusing on what you want to be doing

There is a common belief that the perfect meal plan is going to bring all the changes that we need in our lives, unfortunately I have to tell you it does not work this way, it is not the golden nugget! The key is to educate yourself about what healthy actually is, and be able to identify in different scenarios what are your best options for your meals. This way you can flow in your daily life without stress, trusting that you will choose the healthiest food, no matter where you are.

Best tips from this amazing episode:

• ● Sit down with your personal calendar.
• ● Get ready before hand for the busiest nights.
• ● Use everything you have first before you purchase more.
• ● Don´t go grocery shopping when you are hungry.
• ● Save energy and buy online if grocery shopping is not for you!
• ● Start eating from a salad sized plates.
• ● Time saving: Serve dinner and lunch for the next day at the same time.
• ● Picky eaters at home: let everyone pick their favorite meal once a week.
• ● Lead by example, take care of yourself!.
• ● Have a financial spreadsheet to keep track of your expenses.
• ● Invest in your health now!
• Wishing you more simplicity and ease in all that you do!
• Learn more about Jenn's work:
• Jenn Pike
• The Hormone Project
• The Simplicity Project Shop for books, DVDs, programs and much more!
• Get your free Syncing Guide!
• Simplicity TV on Youtube
• Quotes:
• "There is no good food or bad food, instead ask yourself: Is this nourishing me? How do I feel when I eat this? Am I enjoying this?"
• "Your meal doesn´t have to look pinterest worthy to be a great meal, is it healthy? is everyone eating? That is a perfect meal!"
• "Do a good inventory before going to buy more groceries."
• "Don't go grocery shopping when you are hungry."
• "You can't force your family to want to eat any better than they are but what you can do is lead by example."
• "Choose your health even when you are overwhelmed and tired."
• "You will have a healthy body weight when your body is healthy."
• "Without our healths and bodies we have nothing, you need to invest in yourself now."
• Additional Information About Jenn:
• Jenn studied and graduated with honors in Human Anatomy and Physiology with such a passion that it propelled her to continue her education over many years. Jenn is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Registered Yoga Instructor and Faculty of the Toronto Yoga Conference, Pre & Post Natal Yoga Expert, STOTT Pilates trained instructor, Twist Sport Conditioning Coach, Spin Instructor Crossfit Level 1 Coaching, among other certifications she got along the way. She is also a guest Holistic Expert for Breakfast Television, Global, CHCH, Rogers Tv and writes columns for STRONG Fitness Magazine, iRun magazine, Savvy Mom and contributes to Inside Fitness Magazine, The Toronto Star and Sun. She is also a proud educator and ambassador to Genuine Health, Nature's Emporium and Juice Plus.
• Jenn is a proud mama to two beautiful souls and her best teachers of life. She resides on Lake Simcoe in Keswick with her husband and two children.

There is a common belief that the perfect meal plan is going to bring all the changes that we need in our lives, unfortunately I have to tell you it does not work this way, it is not the golden nugget! The key is to educate yourself about what healthy actually is, and be able to identify in different scenarios what are your best options for your meals. This way you can flow in your daily life without stress, trusting that you will choose the healthiest food, no matter where you are