This episode is one I hope many women will listen to for hints that they might have one or two of the genes responsible for this blood disorder. Why? Hemochromatosis can silently rob you of your health. You can also spend years trying to manage or rid yourself of symptoms that sound like so many others. I know firsthand, but was lucky to have a doctor 20 years ago who decided to test my iron levels when nothing worked to relieve my fatigue and joint pain.

The levels were high so he ordered the genetic test to confirm and bingo, heterozygous or two genes worth of the "Celtic Curse" as it's sometimes called because I was so happy to come across naturopathic doctor Eric Lewis about hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food.

Dr. Lewis explains that hemochromatosis is a "genetic metabolic disorder of excessive iron absorption from our meals" that affects approximately 1 in 9 people of Northwestern European ancestry (with one gene variation) and about 1 in 200-250 people (with two gene variations).

The conversation covers:

• Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, anxiety, brain fog, and insomnia
• Why women often discover the condition after menopause
• The potential health consequences of untreated iron overload include arthritis, liver disease, diabetes, and heart problems
• A possible link to an always-on parasympathetic nervous system
• How therapeutic phlebotomy (blood donation) helps manage the condition
• Dietary strategies to reduce iron absorption, including which foods inhibit or enhance iron uptake
• Surprising facts about spinach, red wine, and other foods that affect iron levels
• Resources available at hemochromatosishelp.com include newsletters, books and a cookbook by Dr. Lewis and his wife

"When you look out over the years, the decades, over a lifetime, it can start to accumulate and can lead to iron overload, where the storage of iron in your body exceeds what is normal. And this can lead to problems." - Dr. Eric Lewis

Dr. Lewis emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis through proper blood testing and explains how this common genetic condition is often underdiagnosed or misattributed to other causes. People with hemochromatosis can effectively manage their iron levels and prevent serious complications with proper management through phlebotomy, diet modifications, and lifestyle changes.

Their website is hemachromatosishelp.com.

Check out their library of information on all things iron overload.

Meanwhile, if you fit the profile and have some of the symptoms mentioned, tell your doctor you want a full iron panel that includes ferritin, TIBC, and Transferrin. Dr. Lewis offers lab services.

If your serum transferrin saturation and serum ferritin levels are high, a doctor will likely order gene testing.

I was able to manage my levels for a long time with just phlebotomy every two months, but got off track, so I am now going once per month to get back to baseline. My symptoms start to show up when I'm not diligent; for me, it's high blood pressure, joint pain, and erratic sleep. I will now be better at staying on schedule, as enduring that big needle more than needed is something I will not miss.

In this episode we're delving into a game-changing workout approach that might sound intimidating but is actually revolutionary for women over midlife.

I was so taken by the idea that I signed up for the foundational program right after I got done with the interview. It's been a month now and I love this program! My arms are taking shape and my core is getting stronger. I asked Ashley if I could have a special deal for my rebellious listeners and she said "Sure because my goal is to get this to as many women as possible."

Read about the program here. If you are interested in giving it a try use code REBEL50 at checkout and you'll save $50! If you have questions about the program or which level to pick, book a 20 minute call with me here.

My guest Ashley Selman brings 30 years of expert training experience (recognized as a top 100 trainer by Men's Health and top 10 in the Bay Area) to share how Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training can transform your fitness journey with minimal joint stress and maximum results.

What We Cover:

• Why muscle loss is such a critical issue for women over 40 and why traditional advice fails us
• Ashley's personal journey from hip replacement at 43 to finding BFR as her solution after years of struggling
• How BFR training increases human growth hormone naturally (which plummets during menopause alongside estrogen)
• The shocking truth about GLP-1 medications and muscle loss (hint: about 40% of weight loss is muscle!)
• Why lifting light weights with BFR bands creates muscle growth that would be impossible otherwise
• The unexpected benefits including better sleep, improved metabolism, enhanced brain function, and greater vascular flexibility
• How BFR can help protect your muscle while losing weight

BFR isn't just another fitness fad – it's backed by decades of science and widely used in physical therapy and with elite athletes. The difference is that now it's accessible for everyday women who want strength without killing themselves in the gym.

Ashley's program makes this unique training method approachable with virtual coaching that includes personalized guidance, specialized bands designed by a cardiologist (much safer than cheap versions), and workouts that take just 20 - 25 minutes while using 3-5 pound weights. As you get stronger you''ll want to use heavier weights but never more than 10 pounds.

The best part? No soreness, no intimidation, and quick results – making it perfect for women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond who want to reclaim their strength without the stress.

Visit SELIstrength.com to learn more about Ashley's program and see how women of all ages are transforming their bodies and health with this revolutionary approach.

And again, if you want to join the program at anytime use code REBEL50 at checkout to save $50. Start on this page to learn more.

Before I dive in, if you enjoy this kind of podcast, head over to RebelliousWellnessOver50.com for 2 years worth of goodness. I rebranded but didn't change my rebellious intention to help us all live fully so we can age better.

In this episode of Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle, host Greg speaks with Shannon Jamail, owner of a retreat center in Austin, Texas, that offers unique transformative experiences with the help of her four-legged assistants—horses.

• Shannon's background includes corporate sales and mental health therapy before transitioning to hosting retreats
• Her retreat center in Austin features seven horses (plus one mini) that free-range on 46 acres
• Shannon's signature retreat "Wine and Unwind" offers women a chance to disconnect from daily stressors in an elevated camp-like experience
• She also teaches entrepreneurs how to successfully launch and run their own retreats

Shannon discovered the transformative power of horses after bringing them to the ranch for her family. This led to incorporating them into her retreat offerings:

Guests can interact with horses at different comfort levels—from casual interactions as they roam freely to trail rides, equine yoga sessions, and deeper equine coaching experiences.

For entrepreneurs interested in hosting retreats, Shannon shares essential advice:

• Be prepared to dedicate time and resources—retreats aren't a "set it and forget it" business

• Create a clear "retreat promise" that addresses specific pain points and delivers solutions
• Do market research and attend other retreats before hosting your own
• Develop a comprehensive budget that includes your desired profit margin
• Have proper legal documentation (waivers) in place before collecting any money

"The budgeting is so important... It's not a hobby. It's a business and it can be a very lucrative business for everyone, your guest and you."

Shannon emphasizes that virtually any passion or expertise can become the foundation for a successful retreat—from crocheting to plant medicine to art workshops.

For potential retreat-goers who might be nervous about attending, Shannon encourages an open mind and heart:

For entrepreneurs considering hosting retreats, she acknowledges the risks but emphasizes the rewards are worth it—creating deep connections and lifelong customers through these transformative experiences.

To learn more, visit mindbodycomplete.com for retreat information or theretreatleaderplaybook.com for resources on hosting your own retreats.