Collagen for women: does it really support skin, hair and joint health?
Fab Female Nutrition
Collagen is one of the most popular supplements for women right now. It's often promoted for glowing skin, stronger hair and healthier joints. But does collagen actually work, and is it worth taking? In this episode of the podcast, Wendy breaks down the science behind collagen supplements, explains how collagen changes as we age, and shares the most effective ways to support collagen production naturally. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and plays a key role in skin structure, joint health, connective tissue and overall resilience. However, from our mid-20s onwards, natural...
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Omega-3 for Women: Brain Health, Hormones & Why Your Levels Matter
Fab Female Nutrition
Omega-3 is one of the most important nutrients for long-term health — yet many women are not getting enough. In this episode we explore why omega-3 fatty acids are so important for female health, from supporting brain function and eye health to reducing inflammation and helping regulate hormones. I also share a personal insight from my own testing. As a nutritionist I assumed my omega-3 intake was fine - but when I tested my Omega-3 Index it came back at just 5.5%, when ideally we’d like it to be 8% or higher. Five months later, after increasing my intake, it improved to 7.5% — and...
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Magnesium for Women: Sleep, Stress & Hormones Explained
Fab Female Nutrition
Magnesium is often called a “wonder nutrient” — and for good reason. It’s involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including the systems that regulate sleep, stress, hormones and nervous system balance. In this episode we look at why magnesium is particularly important for women, especially if you’re struggling with sleep, stress, PMS or the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause. Magnesium helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (your “rest and digest” mode), supports calming neurotransmitters like GABA, and plays an important role in...
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Phytoestrogens for Women- Hormones & Menopause Explained
Fab Female Nutrition
Phytoestrogens are often misunderstood. Do they increase oestrogen? Are they safe in menopause? Should women avoid soya — or actively include it? In this episode, I explain what phytoestrogens actually are and how they work as selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Rather than acting like strong hormones, they gently interact with your existing oestrogen receptors — and that distinction really matters. We explore: • The difference between “plant oestrogen” and SERM • The research on hot flush reduction • Food sources versus supplements If you’ve felt confused by mixed...
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Scents, candles & air toxins: what you’re breathing in every day
Fab Female Nutrition
How fragrance, plug-ins and “clean smells” can affect hormones, sleep and your nervous system In this final episode of the February toxin series, I’m exploring the impact of synthetic fragrance, plug-in air fresheners, scented candles, laundry boosters and perfumes. Many of these products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fragrance blends that can act as endocrine disruptors and place extra demand on your liver and nervous system. Unlike food, inhaled chemicals enter the bloodstream quickly and can influence the brain via the olfactory system. For many women, especially in...
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Bathroom toxins: what you absorb every single day
Fab Female Nutrition
Your skin isn’t just something you moisturise — it’s an exposure route. In this episode, I’m diving into the everyday products sitting in your bathroom and why they matter more than most of us realise. From deodorant and toothpaste to skincare and “fragrance”, many of these products contain chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and contribute to your overall toxic load. Research suggests the average woman is exposed to well over 160 different chemicals every single day through personal care and cosmetic products. Individually, they may be present in small amounts — but...
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Kitchen toxins you don’t think about (and easy swaps that really matter)
Fab Female Nutrition
who make clean, high grade supplements to support daily health.
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Toxins in food: why the label lies (and how to eat well without cooking everything from scratch)
Fab Female Nutrition
We’re told to eat “healthy”, but food labels don’t always tell the full story. Many everyday products that look virtuous on the front can still contain ingredients that quietly add to your toxic load - and in mid-life, that matters more than ever. In this episode, I’m breaking down where food toxins are hiding, examples of what to look for, and how they can interfere with hormone balance, digestion and energy levels. Most importantly, I’ll show you how to reduce exposure in a realistic way – without cooking everything from scratch or feeling overwhelmed. This isn’t about fear,...
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Why high-intensity exercise is less effective on women’s bodies
Fab Female Nutrition
High-intensity exercise is often promoted as the fastest way to burn fat and boost fitness. But many women find that doing too much HIIT leaves them exhausted, inflamed and struggling with stubborn belly fat. In this episode, I explain why much of the exercise research behind HIIT has focused on male physiology, and how women’s bodies respond differently to repeated high-intensity stress. We explore the role of cortisol, recovery and metabolic adaptation — and why pushing harder doesn’t always lead to better results. I also share how to build a more supportive movement routine that...
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Why very low-carb and Keto diets feel different for women’s bodies
Fab Female Nutrition
Very low-carb and keto-style diets are often praised for quick results, especially when it comes to fat loss. But many women find that what works brilliantly at first can later lead to fatigue, stubborn belly fat and a slowing metabolism. In this episode, I explain why much of the research behind low-carb diets has focused on men, and how women’s bodies respond differently to prolonged carbohydrate restriction. We explore how low energy availability can affect thyroid function, cortisol levels and metabolic rate — and why this often shows up as central weight gain rather than weight loss....
info_outlineAnnie creates beautiful crystal armour that can support your at any part of your journey through life. This week we talk all about how crystals work together and some key ones that will support your perimenopause journey.
About Annie
Working with crystals Annie creates energy vessel cosmic armour jewellery pieces and personalised crystal sets to aid her clients needs. Teaching them how to harness their crystals and bring that magic into their every day lives.
How do you create a collection such as the menopause?
When creating any piece of jewellery, it's important to find out what the client wants from it. So, in the case of the menopause jewellery, we thought about the main symptoms and then looked at stones that could support this part of life.
Some stones are for protection, and they are signified as an amulet, and then there are talisman stones which are for boosting. As a crystal healer, Annie will spend time making sure that the balance is correct. She does this by meditating and listening to which crystals pop up and of course through research. The stones are adaptable and so it's important to get a clear understanding of how they can work with each person.
Key crystals for perimenopause:
Thinking specifically about perimenopause Annie suggests these three crystals
- MOONSTONE - for all female hormones. It has lunar energy and it is good to keep by you when you sleep
- MALACHITE - a more mature stone and also the midwife stone. This is often used to balance hormones.
- AMETHYST - travellers stone to support your in your journey through perimenopause, also very calming for anxiety which is another key symptom in perimenopause.
Some key do's and don'ts with crystals
Always clean your stones when you receive them. They will have picked up energy, negative or positive, during their journey to you. Annie suggests the simplest way is to lay them on a bed of salt, and then just throw the salt away. Then to recharge them every month in the same way.
Cleanse your stones every month. Moon bathing is often suggested for stones but it is much more complicated than just putting them out at night, as the different stages of the moon have different effects on the energy. So simple salt cleansing is still the best way to cleanse your stones.
Don't add them to water, some contain minerals that leach. If you want to charge your water you need to put them into a separate container, or use them outside the water.
Use them with intent. Think of crystals as your armour, and you can positively charge them and use them with intent. Spend time with your crystals and they will support and help you.
Quick fire!
- Favourite meal - spaghetti Bolognese
- Last drink you had - water
- What have you got for tea? Probably stir-fry
Annie's links
Annie has offered listeners 10% off the menopause collection - just enter code FAB10 at checkout
My links
Has this episode inspired you to buy a crystal? Which one called to you?
Want to know more about ways to work with me?
There are many ways that you can work with me to balance your hormones and improve your health and wellbeing.
I have a fabulous free community on Facebook Fab Female Nutrition Club I offer lots of support and advice on female health and wellbeing. I also love to cook and create recipes and I'll often be seen in the group cooking live and sharing all the wonderful health benefits of the ingredients used.
If you feel like you need a more bespoke option, then I also offer 1:1 coaching and support. Working with your specific needs creating nutritional protocols that support your health goals. This is an fully supported program that last 6 months. We take a full health history, then create and refine protocols so that you learn about your body and how to support it. I will be with you every step of the way, and may aim is that you feel empowered to continue with the changes forever. Find out more her
For the full episode notes please go to: hillstart.me.uk/176
To listen to the full episode head on over to your chosen podcast provider or follow this link here for itunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-really-going-to-eat-that/id1480678239