Episode 68

We explore comprehensive hormone testing with Jo Majithia, Head of Clinical Education at Regenerus Labs, examining how the Dutch Test provides detailed insights beyond standard blood tests for women navigating perimenopause and hormone-related symptoms.

• The Dutch Test measures dried urine samples to analyse hormone metabolism, showing not just levels but how effectively the body processes hormones
• Conventional approaches often default to HRT without considering diet, lifestyle, stress management, and nutrient deficiencies
• Different forms of hormone therapy (transdermal estrogen, oral progesterone, synthetic progestins) work differently in the body and affect symptoms in unique ways
• The Mirena coil provides localised progestin effects but doesn't offer the systemic benefits of oral progesterone that many women need for mood and sleep
• Low testosterone in women can cause weakness, reduced energy, and poor sleep, which is often overlooked in conventional hormone assessment
• Testing provides empowering information to help women make informed decisions about their hormone health journey
• Comprehensive hormone analysis examines cortisol patterns, melatonin production, and nutritional markers alongside sex hormones

If you want to find out more about the Dutch Test, visit Regenerous Labs' website, which has a practitioner directory to help you find qualified support.

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 67

The communities we create and join profoundly shape our health, happiness, and sense of self. Julie and Catherine explore this transformative power of human connection through their own experiences with various groups – from choir singing to wild swimming, motherhood circles to business networks.

They share their parallel journeys from identifying primarily with male friendships in their younger years to discovering the irreplaceable value of women's circles as they matured. The conversation weaves through touching anecdotes about how communities provide validation and support, particularly during challenging life transitions. One standout metaphor emerges from their choir experience – how initially chaotic learning sessions transform into goosebump-inducing harmony, mirroring how communities help us create something beautiful from collective effort.

The hosts don't shy away from addressing the flip side: isolation's devastating impact on mental and physical wellbeing. They discuss the intentionality required to build and maintain meaningful connections, referencing the adage that "you are the sum of the five people closest to you." This leads to thoughtful reflection on knowing when certain relationships have served their purpose, contrasted with those special friendships that can be instantly rekindled after years apart.

Perhaps most compelling is their passionate advocacy for women supporting women – creating spaces where authenticity and vulnerability are welcomed rather than judged. In a culture often focused on competition, they champion communities that empower rather than diminish.

Join our Facebook group to share your own community experiences! We'd love to hear which circles have transformed your life and help build our podcast community together.

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 66

The food landscape has dramatically shifted in recent decades, with a staggering 80% of UK shopping trolleys now filled with processed items. This transformation has happened so quickly that many of us haven't noticed our creeping dependence on foods that barely resemble what our grandparents would recognize as nourishment.

Julie and Catherine dive deep into the world of ultra-processed foods, cutting through marketing hype to examine what's really happening to our bodies when we consume these convenient but potentially harmful products. They break down Dr. Chris van Tulleken's definition of ultra-processed foods – those packaged items containing ingredients you wouldn't typically find in a domestic kitchen – and explore why these unfamiliar substances create what amounts to an "emergency situation" within our digestive systems.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when examining everyday staples like commercial bread, which despite its simple traditional recipe (flour, water, yeast, salt), now contains numerous additives and "improvers" that may explain why so many people experience digestive discomfort. Most revealing is the observation that individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity can often eat bread in countries like France where traditional methods still prevail – suggesting it's not the gluten but rather the chemical cocktail causing problems.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical, judgment-free approach to making changes. Rather than advocating for perfection, the hosts offer realistic strategies like batch cooking, using kitchen tools effectively, and identifying which processed foods represent acceptable compromises. Their message is clear: awareness is the first step toward better choices, and small consistent changes ultimately create the greatest impact on your long-term health and wellbeing.

Ready to take a closer look at what's really in your shopping trolley? Join us for this eye-opening conversation that will forever change how you walk through the supermarket aisles. Connect with us in the Far Too Fabulous Facebook group to share your own food revelations and continue this important conversation.

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.