Cynthia from Arizona Writes:

I am dealing with a lot of muscle cramps and general female issues associated with menopause. My doctor can’t find anything wrong except a low magnesium reading on my lab work. Could this be part of it?

Dear Cynthia,

Magnesium plays a huge role in our everyday health. I really think it underestimated in how important it is in all that we evaluate in healthcare. It is important to nearly every cell and function within our body.  It can cut your risk for a heart attack, lowers inflammation, builds the immune system, and can even reduce diabetes by up to 33%. I am a big fan of getting magnesium into our diet each day using whole foods as much as possible. Here are some of my top picks for foods that contain magnesium and can support the body to thrive.

Carlton from North Carolina Writes:

I am looking for some natural ways to slow the aging process. I exercise several times each week. I am sleeping better and handling the stress in my life. What are some extra tricks to help with my skin tone, vitality, and looking and feeling younger when it comes to aging?

Dear Carlton,

Deanna from California Writes:

I have been very tired lately and having some weird symptoms such as excess urination and thirst. My doctor says I have the beginning stages of pre-diabetes. Is it possible to restructure my lifestyle and get my health back on track?

Dear Deanna,

Sylvia From Nebraska Writes:

Over the past few months I have been catching a lot of colds. I always seem tired and don’t have that much energy lately. I am in a tough relationship at the moment and my friend mentioned it might be due to me being so angry. Could this be true?

Dear Sylvia,

Ray from Mississippi Writes:

I have been following your inShape Plan for over a month and lost close to twenty pounds! Thank you! I am looking for some new snacks between meals. What are some new options to help keep the variety but also keep burning the fat?

Dear Ray,

Great news on dropping the weight! The best is yet to come my friend. For healthy snacking there are a lot of options. Remember it is important to keep the fuel coming in so the metabolism stays high. Of course, it has to be the right kind of nutrients. Mainly keeping the foods anti- inflammatory to maintain great gut health and increase optimal absorption. Here are some of my favorites that we use to get outstanding results for healthy weight loss.

Teryn from Maryland Writes:

Arthritis tends to run in my family. I am 46 and recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. My doctor says I don’t need medicine yet. What can I do with my lifestyle to help me from this progressing?

Dear Teryn,

Elena From Boston Writes:

I am 53 and have just gone through menopause. My doctor is suggesting that I consider hormone replacement therapy. My friend had a negative experience with HRT. What are my options? Can I do anything naturally?

Dear Elena,

Tommy From Arizona Writes:

My greatest challenge recently has been losing the belly fat. I have been exercising and eating healthy for the last several years. My doctor says everything is fine. I am 56 and I feel like my body is not working the way it used to. My energy levels are down as well. Any thoughts?

Dear Tommy,

The fact is that our body does slow down some as we age. A few unique steps that are controlled by our daily lifestyle choices affect our metabolism. The way our body uses energy directly affects how our body handles shedding the pounds. Here are some basic triggers that can cause our metabolism to slow down and pack on the pounds, and what to do about it.

Jose from California Writes:

My wife has been telling me recently that my breath smells like fruit. I have included more fruits and vegetables into my diet recently. Is this what could be causing the fruity breath?

Dear Jose,

Way to go! Glad you are eating more fruits and vegetables. The fruity breath could be of a concern. Sometimes halitosis (bad breath) could be a sign of something else occurring in the body. Poor dental hygiene is the typical cause for the odor; however, any scent from the breath could be a sign of something more serious. There are now clinical ways to examine what the breath may actually be telling us about our health. Here are some basic signs to look for outside of not using the toothbrush and floss!

Cara from New Hampshire Writes:

I am frustrated. Many of my friends are seemingly effortlessly thin. They drink their coffee, drink wine, and indulge in junk foods, yet don’t seem to gain any weight. I’m 37 and have gained over thirty pounds recently.  I eat healthy and exercise about 3 days per week. What could I be doing wrong?

Dear Cara,