A Living Balance

Home
United States
Irvine, CA
A Living Balance

You'll find tasty, healthy recipes and health posts to help you stay looking and feeling vibrant

It's my desire to use this page to teach, encourage and offer ideas and direction to anyone who is interested in learning how to use food as medicine and how the body can heal itself when given the right tools. This is a place where healing and delicious recipes will be posted that I hope you'll enjoy! It will also be a place for me to share with you links, ideas, and people that I hope will guide you to understanding your body better and how to navigate the often over-whelming and confusing maize of healing ourselves within the current western medicine system. I would like nothing more than for people to post their ideas and questions so that we can all learn!

11/14/2025

Menopause is a natural phase of life that every woman will experience. It marks the end of your reproductive years and the start of a new chapter. 🌸⁣
⁣
But it can also bring some challenges, such as:⁣
•Hot Flashes ⁣
•Mood Swings⁣
•Insomnia⁣
•Weight Gain 😩⁣
⁣
Amongst other things.⁣
⁣
Think there’s nothing you can do about these symptoms, that you just have to suffer through them? 💁‍♀️ That’s not true. ⁣
⁣
You can’t avoid menopause, but you can avoid suffering. 🙅‍♀️⁣
⁣
The steps to living the last one third of your life with vitality and joy?⁣
⁣
🥦 Include foods rich in phytoestrogens like soy, flaxseeds, and lentils to balance estrogen levels.⁣
🚫 Avoid inflammatory foods like sugar, gluten, and dairy to minimize symptoms.⁣
💪 Stay active with regular exercise for mood, energy, and bone health.⁣
🧘‍♀️ Try relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, journaling, or aromatherapy.⁣
❌ Limit caffeine and alcohol to reduce stress and improve sleep.⁣
💊 Use natural supplements for overall well-being⁣
✨ Consider natural hormone replacement therapy⁣
⁣
Following these tips, you can make your menopause journey easier and more enjoyable. ⁣
⁣

11/12/2025

So we’re moving into the season of getting together and EATING!⁣
⁣
And that means being offered and enjoying dishes and foods that are not on your regularly scheduled program. ⁣
⁣
So how do you navigate the six weeks or so of holiday eating? With finesse, thoughtfulness, and bringing your own dishes to events for you and everyone else to enjoy.⁣
⁣
To help you do this, I’ve created my cookbook of Traditional Holiday Recipe Makeovers, taking traditional recipes and turning them into delicious blood sugar and ingredient friendly versions. There’s no gluten anywhere. The only dairy is butter.⁣
⁣
Here are some of the biggest traps we fall into during the holidays:⁣
Eating too many starches and sugars⁣
Eating too much in general⁣
Drinking more than usual⁣
Not drinking enough water⁣
Trying to please others⁣
Not getting enough sleep⁣
Not moving our bodies enough⁣
Having our taste buds and bodies hijacked!⁣
So let’s make it a bit easier to navigate all of this. Along with these recipe make-overs, at the back of this cookbook are real-life, very doable suggestions on how to handle most of these situations. And I promise, they will help you and the people you care about as well.⁣
⁣
BTW, I’ve made Thanksgiving dinner for my guests many times using just the recipes in this cookbook and they have been repeat customers. ⁣
⁣
The cookbook also includes some wonderful baked goods to give as gifts.⁣
⁣
Download your copy today. Link in bio.⁣
⁣
⁣

11/10/2025

Such a joy sitting down with the amazing duo, Chris O and Chris F, on the Not Your Mother’s Midlife Crisis podcast last week! 🎙️ ⁣
⁣
We dove into the complexities of women’s health during perimenopause and menopause — how hormonal shifts impact cholesterol and thyroid, why comprehensive testing is key, and how stress and lifestyle affect bone health and digestion.⁣
⁣
And yes, I even took on a new side gig… modeling their super comfy tank top and sweatshirt! 💪💫⁣
⁣
You can listen to the full episode on the Not Your Mother’s Midlife Crisis podcast or watch it on my YouTube channel (link in bio)!⁣
⁣
👉 Tune in for a mix of real talk, education, and laughs, and find out how you can get your own cool tank top and sweatshirt!⁣
⁣
⁣

11/10/2025

📷 Frustrated with your digestive issues? ⁣
⁣
Tried changing your diet and lifestyle, but nothing seems to work? Feeling like you have to avoid so many foods that you love? 😔⁣
⁣
I have good news for you: “FOOD ISN’T THE PROBLEM”. 🙌⁣
⁣
The real problem is not what you eat but how you digest it. The root causes of most IBS and digestive “mysteries” are poor digestive function and imbalanced gut bacteria. 😱⁣
⁣
Poor digestive function means that your body is not able to break down and absorb the nutrients from your food properly. This can lead to symptoms such as:⁣
⁣
•Bloating⁣
•Constipation⁣
•Diarrhea⁣
•Pain⁣
⁣
Imbalanced gut bacteria means that your gut microbiome, the community of trillions of microbes that live in your intestines, is out of whack. This can affect your immune system, your mood, your metabolism, and your overall health. 😢⁣
⁣
But don’t worry, there is a solution. And it’s not about restricting your diet, but about repairing and restoring your digestion and rebalancing your gut bacteria. 💪⁣
⁣
When you address the root cause, you can heal your gut and enjoy more foods instead of less. You can feel more energized, happier, and healthier. ⁣
⁣
You can live your life without worrying about your stomach. ⁣
⁣
The best way to see what’s going on inside your gut is with a comprehensive stool test with either GI Maps or Genova Labs. It’s not just about our gut microbiome. It’s about other bugs, yeast, stomach acid, digestive enzymes, fat absorption, inflammation and more. We need a complete picture. ⁣
⁣
Feel free to reach out for an Introductory call. Link in bio.⁣
⁣

11/07/2025

📷 If you’re going through menopause, you might have noticed some changes in your body. You might feel more tired, moody, or hot. ⁣
⁣
Did you know that menopause can also affect your fascia, joints, and ligaments? 😱⁣
⁣
Fascia is the connective tissue surrounding your muscles, organs, and bones. It helps your body move and function properly. ⁣
⁣
Estrogen, one of the hormones which stops being produced during menopause, plays a role in keeping your fascia healthy and flexible because it helps make collagen. When estrogen levels drop, your fascia can become stiffer, drier, less pliable, and more prone to inflammation. ⁣
⁣
This can cause pain and reduced mobility in your joints and ligaments. 😢⁣
⁣
But don’t worry. There are ways to cope with these changes and keep your fascia happy and healthy. Here are some tips: ⁣
⁣
Stay hydrated. 💧⁣
Stretch regularly. 🧘‍♀️⁣
Massage your muscles. 🙌⁣
Exercises can help your fascia stay strong and resilient. 🚴‍♀️⁣
Eat a balanced high quality diet. 🥗⁣
See what taking gluten out does⁣
Take a high quality fish oil⁣
⁣
Following these tips, you can help your fascia, joints, and ligaments. ⁣
⁣
And if you find that all this is not keeping pain and degeneration at bay, then maybe explore using hormone replacement as therapy, especially if you’ve tried everything else.⁣
We don’t have to live in pain! We don’t!⁣
⁣
Don’t forget to follow me for more tips and insights on menopause and wellness.⁣
⁣
And if you’d like to ask me questions, book a discovery call. link in bio.⁣
⁣

11/05/2025

Progesterone kind of gets the short end of the stick when it comes to being recognized as giving us huge benefits during the perimenopause and menopause years. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Because most doctors associate it only with opposing estrogen and keeping the uterine lining from growing, it gets pushed aside and forgotten in HRT if you don’t have a uterus. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
It’s kind of treated as the step-sister of estrogen and is not given the credit it deserves!!!⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Here are all of the wonderful things progesterone does for us!⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🔹 Supports bone density and strength. (We usually think of this as estrogen’s role)⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🔹 It has a calming effect on the brain, contributing to a sense of relaxation and well-being.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🔹 Potentially reduces the risk of heart disease.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🔹 Reduces inflammation-keeps autoimmune disease at bay.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🔹 It helps with sleep⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🔹 It helps with T4-T3 conversion (thyroid hormones)⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🔹 In men, progesterone helps regulate testosterone and can impact libido, fertility, and overall well-being. (thought I’d add this one, in case there’s a man in your life)⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Progesterone matters! Even if you don’t have a uterus. ⁣⁣
It’s a vital component of your overall health and well-being. 💚 ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
BTW-many women find that even if estrogen replacement may not be a good plan for them, they can reap benefits from the use of progesterone, alone.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
PS. It’s super important that the progesterone is a micronized progesterone if oral and not a progestin. Topical creams work well too.⁣⁣
⁣⁣

11/03/2025

Alright, ladies, let's get real about midlife and that pesky weight gain. 🚫 🙅‍♀️ No, I am not talking about some extraordinary solution, but I've got some practical tips and lifestyle changes that can make being in midlife feel a lot better and happier. ⁣
⁣
Simple Diet Tips:⁣
• Increase protein for muscle maintenance and a faster metabolism.⁣
•Avoid gluten to reduce bloating and discomfort and autoimmune disease.⁣
•Choose nutrient-rich carbs (mostly veggies) for lasting energy.⁣
•Add fiber for fullness and a happy tummy.⁣
•Cut down on alcohol to support your progress.⁣
•Remember, balance is key for long-term success 80/20⁣
Don’t overthink it!⁣
⁣
Exercise Routine:⁣
•Lift heavy weights for strength.⁣
•Walk or hike regularly for overall fitness.⁣
• Restorative and flow yoga or pilates 2-3 times/week⁣
•Find joy in everyday activities like gardening, shopping, taking the stairs.⁣
⁣
Stress Management:⁣
•Manage stress with activities like meditation or yoga.⁣
•Shift your perspective-coaching helps with this.⁣
•Try relaxation techniques like journaling or massages.⁣
⁣
Optimize Thyroid hormones and modulate Insulin:⁣
Get the right lab work and interpretation⁣
Work with a practitioner who understands thyroid isn’t cookie cutter⁣
Have your fasting insulin tested-it should be under 7⁣
Wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to better understand food, exercise, stress⁣
⁣
Hormone Health:⁣
Implement herbs that support progesterone production like vitex and chasteberry⁣
Increase Magnesium and vitamin D⁣
Explore hormone replacement and support options like Estradiol/Estriol and Progesterone.⁣
⁣
Your journey to a healthier, happier you is all about finding what works for you! 🙌⁣
⁣
Let me know some of the things that have really helped you to change your life journey.⁣
⁣

10/31/2025

Zinc is a game-changer for your skin and overall health. ⁣
⁣
You know those annoying acne breakouts? Well, zinc steps in and says, 'Not today!'🚫⁣
⁣
Here's how it does it: First, it dials down the inflammation, giving you that fresh, clear skin. Then, it balances out your hormones – no more wild swings that lead to breakouts. But that's not all. It takes on those acne-causing bacteria and says, 'You're done!' ✅ ⁣
⁣
Now, here's the kicker: If you're on a vegan or vegetarian diet, your zinc intake will be low. Plant foods are awesome, but they don't give you enough zinc.⁣
⁣
That's where a zinc supplement can be your skin's new BFF.⁣
⁣
😉 So, whether it's post-pill breakouts, PCOS, any women's health concern, or eczema, zinc could be your secret weapon.⁣
⁣
P.S. For eczema and to help with wound healing, I recommend using zinc directly on the skin. Break open a zinc capsule and mix it with your favorite non scented lotion.⁣
⁣

10/29/2025

Your bone health depends on magnesium. 🦴⁣
⁣
🦴 And it's not just about keeping our bones in shape; it's the real MVP behind the scenes, supporting those bone-building cells, keeping inflammation at bay, keeping us calm, balancing hormones and about 500 other functions.⁣
⁣
But here's where it gets interesting: when we're low on magnesium, it's like our body slams the door on vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, both key players in bone health. Do you know how many of my clients initially come in with low Vit D? About 80%. Not good for so many reasons.⁣
⁣
Now, the exciting part: studies are telling us that magnesium supplements are like a secret weapon for our bones. They crank up bone density, slow down bone breakdown, and supercharge the bone-building process. ⁣
⁣
It's like giving our bones a superhero makeover! 💥⁣
⁣
It’s estimated that 80% of us are magnesium deficient. Magnesium is one of the first supplements I hand my clients. We just don’t get enough. The minimum amount to supplement with is 200 mg/day. Some folks need as much as 800 mg/day. ⁣
⁣
So, don't forget to give a little magnesium love to those hardworking bones of yours. They'll thank you with strength and resilience! 💪⁣
⁣
If you’d like to know more about magnesium, the different forms and functions, go to the link in bio for access to my blog post.⁣
⁣

10/27/2025

🍽️ Diet 🥦⁣
⁣
Eliminate:⁣
•Gluten⁣
•Dairy⁣
•Grains⁣
•Night Shades⁣
•Seed Oils⁣
⁣
Increase:⁣
•Protein intake⁣
•Good Fats⁣
•Resistant Starches⁣
•Berries⁣
•Greens⁣
•Organic foods⁣
⁣
🦠 Gut Health 🏥⁣
⁣
Most people with an autoimmune disease have a compromised gut and a leaky gut, even if they have no overt gut symptoms. How to fix this?⁣
⁣
•See what’s in the column to the left under DIET⁣
•Test for any gut inflammation and pathogens⁣
•Incorporate a few gut-healing supplements⁣
•Reduce Stress⁣
•Make sure you’re pooping daily!⁣
⁣
💆 Stress Relief ☮️⁣
You have heard it many times over: ‘Reduce your stress’. But how??? 🤔⁣
⁣
Reduce:⁣
1. Cut back on your ‘To Do’ lists- I’m SERIOUS here!!! Either you do this now or your body will end up yelling at you very loudly a few years down the road and it will be much harder to turn the ship around. ⁣
I think this is the hardest thing for women to do. ⁣
⁣
2. Stop worrying so much!!! ❌I’m serious! And I’m not being insensitive, just real.⁣
Women worry about everything! Are they doing enough on the job as, a parent, wife, daughter, caregiver, etc? ⁣
⁣
In my clinic, I’ve found that we can get to about 70-80% repaired, but then hit a wall until the stress part is addressed. ⁣
⁣
Stress is the hardest part of an autoimmune protocol for my clients to truly understand. The devastating effects on their bodies and lives are real.⁣
⁣
Change: ⁣
Change your mindset is not easy to do. I know, and most of us will need help with that.⁣
⁣
💊 HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) 💃⁣
⁣
•Progesterone (oral or cream)⁣
•Estradiol-transdermal (patch or cream)⁣
⁣
Both must be bioidentical. ☑️⁣
⁣
Autoimmune disease is often diagnosed and/or gets worse during our perimenopausal years when our hormones start to decline.⁣
⁣
It is not all that surprising because both estradiol and progesterone have anti-inflammatory and calming properties, which will affect what’s driving an autoimmune condition.⁣
⁣
If you are in perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopausal, looking into hormone replacement therapy can be a game changer. Unfortunately, there’s not much talk about this in the menopause community.⁣
⁣

10/24/2025

It was a great honor to be a guest on Dr. Kelly Hopkin's Hormone Hero's Podcast. Dr. Kelly is a hormone hero herself and invites experts like me along with real people with real stories talking about their hormone journeys on her podcast-both men and women.⁣
⁣
We talked about how bone loss, bloating, and burnout are not just random midlife woes but actually connected. ⁣
⁣
The most important time to do a DEXA scan and how the loss of our precious hormones affect bone, digestion and just about everything in our bodies.⁣
⁣
It was loads of fun to be on the show and I hope you'll enjoy it! Take a listen! Link in bio.⁣
⁣
⁣

10/24/2025

If you're like most people, you've probably heard that calcium is the key to strong 🦴bones. ⁣
⁣
While it's true that calcium is important, it's not the only factor to consider when it comes to bone health.💪⁣
⁣
So, what else do you need to know? ⁣
⁣
Well, bones are living tissues that require a variety of nutrients to stay healthy. In addition to calcium, your bones need vitamin ☀️ D, magnesium, phosphorus, and other minerals to build and maintain their structure. These nutrients work together to support bone density and strength.⁣
⁣
💁‍♀️ But it's not just about what you eat and supplement with - physical activity is also crucial for bone health. ⁣
⁣
Weight-bearing exercises like walking,🏃 running, and strength training stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss by putting stress on our bones. Plus, avoiding 🚭 smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help protect your bones.⁣
⁣
So, while calcium is an important nutrient for bone health, it's not the only one and too many doctors over focus on this one nutrient.⁣
⁣
🙌 By focusing on a well-rounded diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits, you can help support strong and healthy bones for years to come. (and possible HRT)⁣
⁣
BTW-drugs like omeprazole and digestive issues and steroids cause calcium and overall mineral depletion.⁣
⁣
Remember, it's never too early or too late to start taking care of your bones! 💪 ⁣
⁣

Address

18010 Sky Park Cir, Ste 290
Irvine, CA
92614

Website

http://alivingbalance.net/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when A Living Balance posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to A Living Balance:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Irvine?

A Living Balance

11/14/2025

11/12/2025

11/10/2025

11/10/2025

11/07/2025

11/05/2025

11/03/2025

10/31/2025

10/29/2025

10/27/2025

10/24/2025

10/24/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category