Health Coach Petra van Zelst
Name Petra van Zelst
Profession Store Manager at Vitaminstore Den Bosch and Weert
Starts the day with exercise and a protein-rich breakfast
Walks daily with her German Shepherd Jip
Beauty ritual Skincare from REN Evercalm
Health coach Petra van Zelst has completed a study in orthomolecular medicine and is currently undertaking a course in hormone therapy. You can find her at Vitaminstore Den Bosch and Vitaminstore Weert. These are the questions she received last month.
Lately, I haven't been feeling well. I've also been experiencing more frequent digestive issues. A friend mentioned that these might be related. Are there things I can do? (Karin, Eindhoven)
Thank you for your question, and I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling your best. Your friend is certainly onto something. There is a connection between our gut and our mental well-being. Did you know, for instance, that serotonin, the chemical that makes you feel happier, is largely produced in the gut? We also know that our gut sends approximately one million signals to your brain daily, which is a huge amount! Therefore, it's important to take good care of your gut and gut flora. I recommend consuming foods rich in probiotics, or good gut bacteria. Consider options like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, or organic apple cider vinegar. A probiotic supplement can also be beneficial.
I've entered menopause and am experiencing hot flushes. Sometimes I feel embarrassed because they make me sweat more. Do you have any tips on how to handle this? (Elise, Rotterdam)
A good tip is to wear layers of clothing so you can remove some if you get warm. Also, try to find peace and acceptance in this new life phase: hot flushes are a sign that your body needs to adjust. Stressing about them can actually make them worse. A lovely way to relax is by taking a (not too hot) bath, perhaps with Alka salts. You might want to consider Meno Formula from Vitaminstore, a product specially formulated for women who need support with various menopause symptoms like mood swings, irritability, and hot flushes. Additionally, Women's Formula Pro 45+ from Vitals and Meno Prime from Solgar can help. Should you need assistance in making a good choice, my colleagues or I are here to help.
HEALTH TIP
Microflor contains a mix of 8 different bacterial strains with the Lab2ProTM label. This ensures the bacteria are protected during ingestion and reach the gut in good condition. Petra's tip: "Take it on an empty stomach for better absorption. For instance, before going to bed."
