The Whole View with Stacy Toth, Season 3, Episode 106: Busting Menstrual & Period Myths & FAQs w/ Kate Morton of Funk It Wellness

Hormone Dietician Kate Morton talks to Stacy about the “seasons” of the menstrual cycle, the nutrients that can help support hormones, and all things menstrual care, inside and out.

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• Podcast

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Key Takeaways

Introductions

• Kate Morton is an expert dietitian with a master’s in Human Clinical Nutrition and also the founder of Funk It Wellness. She shares about her experience navigating hormonal health and autoimmune disease on her podcast, Period Chats!
• After she quit birth control, her personal experience fueled her drive to find solutions. Merging her scientific know-how with genuine care, Kate is dedicated to menstrual health.
• She currently lives in Austin, TX with her 9-year-old Aussie-Doodle

All Things Menstrual

• Is our immune system affected? There is conflicting research is our immune system is reflected, but there does seem to be a decrease during the luteal phase.
• What’s not talked about enough? Perimenopause! It can last about 10 years.
• How to improve hormones naturally? Get back to the basics. Get enough sleep, reduce stress, stay hydrated, move your body, and nourish your body by getting enough protein, fat, and fiber. Dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, berries, oranges (bright vibrant fruits), radishes, protein, etc can support your cycle all month long.
• Kate is a proponent of seed cycling, which supports estrogen & progesterone: First day till ovulation (pumpkin & flax), ovulation until next period (sesame & sunflower)!

The Seasons of our Menstrual Cycle

• WINTER: Period (1-7 days) – Get cozy, your body is tired and working hard. You may gravitate towards warm cooked foods & crockpot meals! You’ll likely have sweet cravings because of blood sugar instability.
• SPRING: Follicular Phase -You’ll likely feel more like yourself and energized! Your estrogen rising and this is the time to be creative. You may also be craving fresh food, as digestion is at it’s peak and blood sugar is more stable.
• SUMMER: Ovulation Phase – Hot, sweaty workouts may feel good, you’re more “magnetic”! This is the time for public speaking, presentations, etc. Focus on cruciferous veggies, as fibers help get rid of excess hormones.
• FALL: Luteal Phase – This is two weeks before your period. Consider wrapping up your to-do list! Progesterone takes over which takes more energy! Rest, nourish your body, and eat more (it’s natural that you’re more hungry).

Period Products

• Both Stacy and Kate are not a big fan of tampons.
• Kate notes that there are so many blood vessels in the vaginal canal, it is one of the most highly concentrated areas. It also absorbs into our blood stream the quickest. So whatever we’re putting in there – and that includes lubricants, period products, etc – is rapidly getting re-absorbed into the blood stream. So that’s one reason I think we feel better not using tampons.
• Kate is a big fan of the cup, since, when you pour it out, you can look at your menstrual blood which is very underrated. Our menstrual blood and our periods are like a mini report card.
• Kate also like period underwear. Though pads are also affordable and underrated!

Studies, References & Products

• The Whole View – Women’s Health Spotify Playlist
• EWG.org: New research: PFAS detected in some menstrual and incontinence products
• Honey Pot – beloved black-owned business for organic cotton pads
• Knix period underwear

Sponsors

• Indeed.com/WHOLEVIEW | Get a $75 sponsored job credit
• BonCharge.com | Use code WHOLEVIEW25 to get 25% off

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