Getting Back to Hormonal Balance with PASCOFEMIN® and Pascoe Canada - Part 3 - Final Thoughts

Before I started writing this series of blog posts about PASCOFEMIN®, a product created by Pascoe Canada, I never really focused on discussing feminine issues in a public forum. After writing my posts, I see the importance of bringing light to topics like these, and providing insight and tips on how to cope with symptoms of hormonal imbalance brought on by menstruation or menopause. If I can reach out to a single person and offer some useful information, I know I have done a good thing!

In this final post, I am sharing my thoughts on PASCOFEMIN®, how it has helped me, and my personal tips on how to maintain balance by living a happier and healthier lifestyle.

In my previous posts, I discussed how I have struggled with symptoms from menstruation that have made me suffer from hormonal imbalance. There is nothing worse than dealing with painful cramps, irritability, bloating and weight gain! Thankfully, I have had some help in the form of PASCOFEMIN®. Over the past few months, I have seen an improvement in the balance in my life, both physically and emotionally. My mood swings have decreased, and the discomfort I have felt is not as severe.

One of the things I am happiest about is reducing the amount of over the counter and prescription medication I have been taking since I started using PASCOFEMIN®. I have used medication for years to cope with my painful cramps, and always worry about becoming dependent on them long term. 

PASCOFEMIN® contains a combination of homeopathic remedies designed to safely and effectively relieve symptoms related to hormonal changes like menstruation or menopause. There are no known side effects, and can be used for girls aged 12 and older.

Finding hormonal and emotional balance takes time, and is not easy to establish. Here are some tips I have incorporated for regaining balance into my life when I suffer from symptoms during menstruation:

• Find a way to remove toxins from your life. They can be physical or emotional. Living a toxic lifestyle can have a significant impact on the imbalance we may deal with on a regular basis. Life is way too short to focus on things that can impact you in a negative way.
• Try to reduce the medications you take, and incorporate homeopathics like Agnus castus, Pulsatilla, and Cimicifuga. These will assist in balancing out nervousness and mood swings, relieve period cramps, and help with periods that are too light or heavy.
• Integrate activities in your daily schedule to help you regain balance and keep you grounded. Yoga, meditation, reading, bubble baths, a long walk, meditation, talking to friends and family, or a vacation are great ways to rest and recharge your internal batteries!
• Avoid foods that are high in fat. Cut out fatty cuts of beef, whole-milk dairy products, sausages and burgers, and switch to fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean cuts of beef and poultry.
• Get a good night of sleep! Being well-rested is key for your body, mind, and soul.
• Try to avoid being a ‘couch potato’ when you’re suffering from PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome). A 20-30-minute walk helps me to avoid snacking and watching TV. It also clears my head when feeling moody and irritable.
• Drink plenty of water. This helps to flush out toxins and impurities in your body, and keep you hydrated.

Trying to find and maintain hormonal balance in our lives while dealing with symptoms related to menstruation and menopause isn’t easy. It takes time and perseverance, and there may be bumps along the way. I have experienced them myself on a regular basis, and have tried many different things in my quest for balance in my life.

For information on where to find PASCOFEMIN® in your area, click here .

I’m grateful for PASCOFEMIN®, and the opportunity to try something that has started to work for me. If you are struggling to find hormonal balance, and would like an alternative to prescription and over the counter medication, I recommend that you try PASCOFEMIN®.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this product! 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post: however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Staying Motivated While Exercising, and a Giveaway with Gaiam Canada!

Exercise is something I enjoy for many reasons. It's fun, it keeps me healthy, motivates me to stay fit while indulging in great food and wine, and is a great way to burn off calories and stress! Even when I deal with an injury, I try to incorporate some form of exercise into my daily routine. In this post, I'm sharing the products I love to use while exercising, to get maximum benefits from my fitness routine, and tips on staying motivated to exercise. I also have a giveaway from Gaiam Canada to share with you!

I have tried many exercise classes and workout programs, and started running a few years ago as a way to stay fit and infuse cardio into my fitness routine. Along the way, I have discovered some great products to help maximize my fitness. Here is my list of favourites to try:

1. Invest in a good water bottle. This might sound silly, but having a water bottle that isn't plastic and disposable can encourage you to drink enough fluids throughout the day (8-10 glasses of water is recommended for proper hydration). I love Gaiam Canada's Purple Peacock Printed water bottle. It keeps drinks cold for 24 hours, and hot for 12 hours. The bottle is also non-sweat, a huge plus for those sweaty workouts where you can't properly grip your water bottle! I love that it has a no-leak vacuum seal, as well. I've had my share of water spills on myself in the past. FYI - I take it with me everywhere!

2. For stress and muscle tightness, a muscle roller is a great item to use to keep injuries away. The Gaiam Restore 12" Compact Foam Roller help prevent injuries, and rejuvenate your body to full healing. The compact size is great to use post-workout when you're travelling! Foam rollers come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.

3. Wear workout clothing that is comfortable and breathable. When I work out, I sweat up a storm to flush out the calories and toxins! Investing in clothing that allows your skin to breathe, and absorb sweat will make your workouts a lot more comfortable. For yoga classes, I'm a fan of Gaiam Canada's Luxe OM Yoga Legging. The soft touch performance fabric and moisture wicking keeps me comfortable while absorbing moisture from the sweat! A huge bonus is the waistband pocket, where I keep my key when I work out. Throw in four-way stretch, and I could live in these pants 24/7.

4. Find a good pair of shoes for your workouts. I can't stress this enough! Investing in a great quality shoe will help you avoid foot and ankle damage, and make your workouts a lot more comfortable. There are a number of sport shoes on the market, so take the time to speak to a professional. Depending on your workouts and needs, this will help you find the right shoe for your fitness goals. There are so many great brands on the market, and it's all personal preference. I personally use New Balance Canada. 

5. Incorporate weights and a kettlebell into your workout. Using weights has helped me tone muscles, while building up strength and endurance. You don't have to spend a fortune on weights. I found mine at Winners, and keep them handy when I work out at home. If you don't know which exercises to try, talk to a fitness instructor, or find some exercises online. Incorporating different exercises into your fitness routine will help you build muscle, and stay focused on your fitness goals.

We all have days where we don't feel motivated to exercise. Half the battle is putting on your workout clothes and getting to the gym, or going outside for some cardio. Here are some of my tips for staying motivated to exercise:

• Download your favourite music, or find a great music app for your phone for your workouts. When I started running a few years ago, I downloaded the Spotify app, found some great workout playlists, and never looked back! Listening to music can help push you through a challenging workout, and give you the motivation you need when you feel like quitting. 
• If you are planning a vacation, or have a special occasion coming up, step up your fitness routine and change your diet. Cutting out sugar, dairy, and alcohol, and reducing your portion size can help you get beach ready for your favourite swimwear, or wear the perfect outfit for a special event. 
• Set your alarm clock, and wake up early to exercise! Getting your workout in at the beginning of the day helps you stay motivated before the work day begins. It's much easier to exercise in the morning, instead of trying to go after work, and using the excuse of being tired to bail on exercise.
• Have a backup plan if you feel lazy or tired. Use a yoga mat and weights, and work out at home while watching your favourite TV show, 30 minutes of crunches, stretching, and lunges at home is better than skipping a workout at gym!
• Find a workout buddy to keep you motivated, and go to the gym or a fitness class together. Having someone to exercise with can really help keep you accountable for your workouts.
• Treat yourself to a new piece of fitness gear for your workout sessions. Wearing the same clothes to exercise in can get boring. Invest in new pieces of clothing as you continue your fitness journey. You'll feel great, and be motivated to step up your routine while looking fabulous!

To help you with your workouts, I have partnered with Gaiam Canada for a great giveaway. I am giving one lucky reader a chance to win two of my favourite products: the Purple Peacock Printed water bottle, and Gaiam Restore 12" Compact Foam Roller I mentioned earlier in this post! To win, all you need to do is follow Gaiam Canada (@GaiamCanada) and myself (@sassygirlcanada) on Twitter or Instagram, and let me know what tip you have for staying motivated to work out! You can also leave a comment on this post. I can't wait to hear how you motivate yourself for workouts!

We all need a little motivation at some point, to stay focused and on track for our fitness goals. I hope my tips and suggestions help you when you need motivation to exercise. Good luck, and have fun!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post; however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Journey Continues: Getting Back to Hormonal Balance with PASCOFEMIN® and Pascoe Canada - Part 2

A few months ago, I started taking PASCOFEMIN®, a hormone-free product from Pascoe Canada. Like many women, I suffer from several of the common symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, and irritability are difficult to deal with. Thanks to PASCOFEMIN®, I am seeing a decrease in the severity of the symptoms, and I’m getting some more balance in my life. In this post, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the product, and my tips on how to help keep your hormonal balance.

What I like about PASCOFEMIN® is that it incorporates a combination of homeopathic remedies to help alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal changes women encounter during menstruation or menopause.

While I have not yet experienced menopause, I deal with the symptoms associated with menstruation on a regular basis. They’re not pleasant, and I have tried many types of medication to alleviate the pain and discomfort that comes along with it.

I have tried several types of medication, and have found that some are hard on my body. I have also discovered that I am extremely sensitive to some medications, resulting in allergic reactions. I appreciate that PASCOFEMIN® has no known side effects, and I can take it in combination with other medications.

Restoring balance is a process that takes time. Here are ways that the homeopathics found in PASCOFEMIN® can help to restore balance naturally:

Agnus castus

Regulates

• Aids with PMS
• Helps with periods that are too short/too light
• Balances out mood swings and nervousness

Pulsatilla

Harmonizes

• Relieves mood swings
• Helps with all sorts of menstrual problems

Lilium tigrinum

Balances

• Alleviates nervous irritability
• Helps with menstrual problems
• Relieves symptoms of menopause

Cimicifuga

Relieves

• Relieves period pain cramps
• Helps with problems during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause
• Soothes nervous excitation and mood swings

Consider the following suggestions to regain harmony into your life, and enjoying life to the fullest:

• Keep emotional balance in your life
• Remain active during your period
• Maintain harmony with your partner

As I mentioned earlier, I deal with symptoms on a regular basis with my period. Here is my personal list of tips that have effectively helped me cope with symptoms during menstruation:

1. Avoid sweet and salty foods where possible. Those cravings are strong, but these types of foods add to bloating, water retention, and weight gain during my period.
2. Where possible, stay away from foods that are high in fat. High fat foods have a strong influence on hormonal activity in your body. Eating a diet that is low in saturated fats helps to reduce excess estrogen levels. Avoid foods like fatty cuts of beef, whole-milk dairy products, sausages and burgers. Switch to fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean cuts of beef and poultry instead.
3. Drink plenty of water. This will help to flush out toxins while keeping you hydrated.
4. Reduce your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can make you irritable, and increase mood swings. Switch to chamomile, peppermint, or your favourite herbal tea instead. I find herbal tea to be calming, especially chamomile.
5. Try to remain active. Keep the blood circulating, and your heart rate up. A 20-30-minute walk helps me to stay away from snacking and watching TV. It also helps to clear your head when you feel moody and irritable.
6. Make sure to get enough sleep at night. Rest is great for the body, mind and soul.
7. Add iron-rich foods to your diet, to compensate for the blood you lose during your cycle. Poultry, red meat, seafood (salmon), beans, green leafy vegetables (spinach), yogurt and dried fruit like raisins and apricots.

Trying to maintain hormonal balance in your life takes time, and goes beyond medication. Adjusting your diet, staying active, and finding balance in your life emotionally are huge parts of the puzzle. On a personal level, this is something that I have struggled with for a long time. I am constantly adjusting on my journey to find balance, both hormonally and emotionally. It’s not easy, and it takes time, but the benefit is worth it long-term.

I look forward to sharing my final thoughts on PASCOFEMIN® in the third installment for this series. Ladies, I would love to hear how you deal with hormonal balance. Do you have any tips to share on coping with menstruation and menopause? You’re not alone on this journey!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post: however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Getting Back to Hormonal Balance with PASCOFEMIN® and Pascoe Canada - Part 1

I’m so excited to write a series of blog posts geared towards the ladies! Like many women, I deal with symptoms that make my body feel out of balance. We endure PMS cramps, weight gain, crazy mood swings, headaches, and difficulty focusing on tasks. As I get older, I have made a conscious effort to avoid prescription and over the counter medications where possible. However, I know that there are times when you need something to help regain the balance desperately needed to get through the day. I’m happy to say that I have found something great in the form of PASCOFEMIN®, a product from Pascoe Canada.

What I love about PASCOFEMIN® is that it contains a combination of homeopathic remedies designed to safely and effectively relieve symptoms related to hormonal changes like menstruation or menopause. It comes in the form of a tablet (blister-packed, and alcohol-free), or oral drops that are lactose-free. There are no known side effects, and can be used for girls aged 12 and older.

For women who are wondering what the signs of hormonal imbalance are, here are the symptoms most women deal with on a regular basis:

Menopause:

• Hot flashes and/or night sweats
• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Sleep disruption
• Change in concentration
• Headaches/migraines

Menstrual cycle:

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Bloating or constipation
• Irregular cycles
• Bleeding between cycles
• Painful, crampy periods (dysmenorrhea)

I have no doubt that most women have experience at least a few of these symptoms throughout their lives. Trust me, you’re not alone. I deal with these on a regular basis, and have frequently turned to medication prescribed by my doctor. The problem was that I didn’t enjoy relying on a prescription to make me feel better, and I worried that I might become dependant on them long-term.

In addition to dealing with a shift in hormonal balance, I am currently suffering from a painful foot injury. I received prescriptions for several medications, and learned quickly that combining the two together gave me a terrible allergic reaction! As a result, I need to be mindful about the types of medications I use. Thankfully, PASCOFEMIN® is safe to use, with no known side effects or drug interactions.

I started taking PASCOFEMIN® this summer, and have already noticed a difference in how my body reacts to PMS, and my monthly menstrual cycle. My monthly cramps are not as severe, which is great. I used to have agonizing back and leg pain for 2-3 days each month! My headaches and mood swings are minimal, which is a huge plus. Anyone who deals with PMS on a regular basis knows that the symptoms can make you feel miserable!

Finding a balance for your hormones isn’t an easy task, and it doesn’t take much for women to deal with hormonal imbalance during their lifetime. Toxins like Xenoestrogens may play a key role in hormonal dysfunction. Bisphenol A is a type of xenoestrogen, and can be found in plastic bottles and the lining of aluminum cans. Toxins can disrupt the normal functions of both male and female hormonal systems.

For people who want to treat their hormonal disorders, consider trying a detox. A homeopathic detoxification is an effective way to remove toxins without experiencing side effects. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and keep the bowels moving while detoxifying your body. This will help you get the best results from your detox.

Alkalinizing your body is another way to help restore hormonal balance. This involves removing acids that are stuck in the connective tissue in your body. If enough acids build up in your body to cause a problem, only a strong alkalinizing formula containing bicarbonate minerals such as calcium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate can be strong enough to eliminate toxins.

The use of homeopathic remedies is an alternative way of removing toxins. Several of these remedies have been shown to have great effects on the physical symptoms of menopause (i.e. hot flashes, weight gain, and headaches), and PMS (migraines, abdominal pain, and bloating). Look for homeopathics such as chastetree (Vitexx agnus castus), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemose), unicorn root (Alteris farinose), and pulsatilla. These help to rebalance the female hormonal system.

Restoring hormonal balance is important for women to regain harmony into their lives. Here are a few ways that you can help yourself find the balance your body needs:

1.       Decrease stress

2.       Reduce toxin intake

3.       Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Many of these natural remedies take time to re-regulate your body. Keep in mind that it will take at least one month before you start to notice relief from the symptoms you experience.

For information on where to find PASCOFEMIN® in your area, click here .

Getting back to hormonal order takes time, and can’t be solved overnight. My journey with PASCOFEMIN® started a few months ago, and I’m starting to see changes in my body and a decrease in symptoms. I look forward to sharing an update in my next post, and offering tips on how you can recharge and rebalance your body, and deal with the symptoms you may encounter.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post: however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.