Her Health™ Podcast

Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to slow down, tune in, and feel deeply supported through science-led conversations on modern health challenges.In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO  Laura Johnston sits down with Dr Simone Silver, a Functional Medicine Practitioner and hormone specialist, to unpack one of the most common – and most misunderstood – health issues of our time: burnout.Together, they explore what burnout really is (and what it’s not), why so many women are living in a “wired but tired” state, and how chronic stress silently rewires the brain, hormones, gut, and immune system.Episode Topics Include:📈 Rapid-fire burnout and lifestyle ratings🔥What burnout actually is – and how it differs from stress⚠️ Early warning signs women often dismiss🧠 The stress response explained: HPA axis, cortisol & the autonomic nervous system😵‍💫 “Wired but tired” – why you feel exhausted yet can’t switch off💥 How chronic stress impacts the brain, gut, hormones & immune system🦠 The gut–brain axis, mood changes & microbiome disruption😞 Anxiety, low mood, brain fog & emotional overwhelm explained🧬 Neuroplasticity & how stress rewires the brain – and how to rewire it back🛑 Why pausing is essential (and why it’s so hard to do)🧘 Practical tools to calm the nervous system – even in one minute🎨 The role of creativity, joy & pleasure in healing burnout🌙 Sleep, nutrition & movement as the non-negotiable foundations🩸 Stress, female hormones & why PMS worsens under pressure💊 Supplements that may support burnout recovery:Magnesium, B vitamins, Omega-3s, probiotics, adaptogens & more✨ How to rebuild resilience without doing more 📌TIMESTAMPS:0:51 – Rapid-fire stress & lifestyle ratings3:16 – Stress vs burnout: the medical difference5:10 – Early warning signs women ignore6:15 – Chronic stress, recovery & the “empty glass” analogy7:18 – Why women are especially vulnerable to burnout8:14 – The stress response triangle: brain, adrenals & autonomic nervous system11:40 – Cortisol explained: high, low & overload14:06 – Stress, mood & the gut–brain axis16:25 – Stress, immunity & inflammation17:45 – Hormones, pregnancy & autoimmune risk18:17 – Can the body recover from burnout?19:19 – Neuroplasticity & rewiring the stress response21:26 – Processing stress: therapy, senses & creativity22:10 – How to get out of burnout (stop, think, act)26:25 – Stress, menstrual cycles & emotional overwhelm27:25 – Progesterone, magnesium & PMS under stress28:53 – One-minute tools to calm your nervous system33:08 – Diet, lifestyle & the 80/20 rule34:23 – Supplements for chronic stress support: general & targeted36:32 – Burnout, libido & loss of creativity👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™.🎧 Listen to the podcast:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@phytoceutics/videos Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718Amazon: https://a.co/d/8W7rmS2 💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your next order.📲 Connect with Us:Dr Simone Silver | https://www.instagram.com/drsimonesilver/?hl=en| https://www.youtube.com/@DrSimoneSilver | https://hormonalhealth.co.za/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsimonesilver/Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en#HerHealthPodcast #Burnout #ChronicStress #WomensHealth #HormoneHealth #NervousSystem #GutBrainAxis #Neuroplasticity #MentalWellbeing #SelfCare #Phytoceutics

Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® — a platform for women to feel supported, informed, and empowered through expert-led conversations on health and wellness.In this deeply insightful episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Laura Johnston sits down with Dr Jenny Rose, a Psychologist, behavioural expert, neuroscience researcher, and mom, for a powerful conversation on children’s development, attachment, resilience, boundaries, and intentional parenting. From toddlers to teens, this episode unpacks what children truly need at each stage of development — and how parents can show up with confidence (and less guilt).Together, they dive into:🧠 Children’s brain development from infancy to adolescence 🤍Attachment theory explained – and why relationship is everything🏠 Intentional parenting vs perfection (and why guilt is so common)🛏️ Co-sleeping, reward charts, preschool & time-outs – rated and unpacked💊 Omega-3 and magnesium for children’s brain development and sleep🧸 Why you can’t over-love or over-comfort a baby🧱Boundaries, co-regulation & emotional validation in early childhood🔥 Tantrums, meltdowns & how to respond without making things worse🌱 Building intrinsic motivation, resilience & emotional strength⌛ Quality vs quantity time – what children actually remember🎨 Why boredom is essential for creativity and internal motivation🧩 Supporting children through friendship struggles, rejection & bullying🧠 Tween & teen brain development – what’s really going on neurologically📲 Social media, screen exposure & rising teen mental health challenges👥 The importance of mentors & “safe friends”📌 TIMESTAMPS:0:55 – Rapid-fire parenting ratings: co-sleeping, reward charts & more2:57 – Why time-outs don’t work & the power of co-regulation5:05 – Omega-3, magnesium & brain development in children6:39 – Quality vs quantity time with kids7:44 – Why boredom is essential for development9:20 – Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation12:04 – What intentional parenting really means14:25 – Letting go of perfection & parental guilt17:52 – Attachment theory explained19:18 – Separation anxiety & healthy independence20:16 – Infancy (0–2): love, responsiveness & brain development22:30 – Early childhood (2–7): boundaries, tantrums & regulation27:59 – Tweens (7–12): friendships, resilience & rejection32:34 – When to step in vs step back (bullying & struggle)35:07 – Teen years (13–18): listening, boundaries & brain development38:30 – Why teen behaviour can feel so erratic39:24 – Mentors, safe friends & mental health support40:30 – Teenagers’ mental health & social media41:19 – Scaffolding independence & letting go as parents43:54 – Jenny’s top tip: perfect parenting does not exist👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™.🎧 Listen to the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@phytoceutics/videos Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718 Amazon: https://a.co/d/85waFiw 💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order.📲 Connect with Us:Dr Jenny Rose | https://www.instagram.com/drjennyrose/Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en#HerHealthPodcast #Podcast #IntentionalParenting #ChildDevelopment #AttachmentTheory #ParentingSupport #ResilientKids #WomensHealth #BrainDevelopment #MentalHealthAwareness #Phytoceutics

Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to learn, connect, and be empowered through expert insights into health and well-being throughout all stages of life.In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Laura Johnston, sits down with Natasha Smit, a Clinical Neuropsychologist, for a fascinating deep dive into the brain – how it develops, how it changes over time, and how we can actively invest in our brain health at every stage of life. From neuroplasticity and dopamine to dementia prevention and children’s brain development, this conversation is packed with practical, science-backed insights every woman (and parent) should know.Together, they dive into:💊 Rapid-fire ratings on brain tools & supplements:Omega-3, exercise, cold therapy, melatonin, PQQ, NMN, dopamine detoxes & more🧠 How the brain develops from birth through adulthood🔄 Neuroplasticity: how the brain can rewire and change at any age📊 The shocking dementia statistic – and why lifestyle matters decades earlier😴 Why sleep is the number one non-negotiable for brain health🏃‍♀️ Exercise, blood flow & why movement fuels cognition🥑 Diet for the brain: fats, protein, inflammation & nutrient deficiencies📵 Dopamine dumps vs dopamine drips – and how social media hijacks the brain🧩 The 63-day rule for habit change and rewiring your brain👶 How children’s brains develop (and why early years matter most)🌈 Neurodivergence, early intervention & setting children up for success🌅 Negativity bias, mindset & retraining your brain for well-being🍄 Can psychedelics really benefit your brain?  📌 TIMESTAMPS:0:55 – Rapid-fire brain & supplement ratings3:08 – Dementia risk & why brain health starts early3:44 – Why investing in your brain matters5:07 – Sleep, exercise & lifestyle foundations8:00 – Diet, inflammation & the cost of nutrient deficiency9:24 – The 63-day rule & neuroplasticity explained11:35 – Building cognitive reserve & lifelong learning12:08 – How children’s brains develop13:37 – Parenting, stimulation & early brain foundations15:35 – Screen time, dopamine & boredom17:07 – Neurodivergence & early intervention19:12 – Teen brains, pruning & executive function21:00 – Dopamine dumps vs dopamine drips23:04 – Negativity bias & rewiring thought patterns24:59 – How to rewire your brain for positive thinking & habits25:52 – One key tip to foster your relationship with your brain27:35 – Brain fog explained👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™🎧Listen to the podcast:YouTube: https://youtu.be/2FYKELcfWFMApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-6-neuroplasticity-rewiring-your-brain-her-health/id1846133718?i=1000744040982Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/episodes/3c437c15-79d5-43c3-b4bc-97a610f8c0c1/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast-ep-6-neuroplasticity-rewiring-your-brain-%E2%80%93-her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.comfor 20% off your first order.📲 Connect with Us:Natasha Smit | ⁠https://www.njsmit.com/⁠Phytoceutics® | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en⁠#HerHealthPodcast #Phytoceutics #BrainHealth #Neuroplasticity #DementiaPrevention #WomensHealth #MentalWellBeing #Parenting #Neurodiversity #Dopamine #SleepHealth #HealthyAgeing #WellnessJourney

Welcome back to another episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to learn, connect, and be empowered through expert insights into health, performance, and healthy ageing.In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Laura Johnston, sits down with Rene Naylor, physiotherapist and performance strategist, to unpack what elite sport can teach us about injury prevention, recovery, resilience, and staying strong and fit at every stage of life. Drawing on her years working with the Springbok Rugby Team, including their historic 2019 World Cup victory, Rene shares powerful lessons that go far beyond the rugby field.Together, they dive into:🩺 What a performance strategist really does 💊 Rapid-fire ratings on recovery tools & supplements: Cold plunges, saunas, red light therapy, Omega-3s, magnesium, collagen, peptides, adaptogens & more🏉 Behind the scenes of working with the Springbok Rugby Team🛡️ Injury prevention strategies for elite athletes – and everyday women😴 Why sleep is the foundation of recovery, performance, and fitness🏋🏼 The importance of strength training for women as we age🧠 Warrior mindset, resilience, and team culture in high-performance environments🔥 How stress, training load, and recovery impact injury risk👩‍⚕️ Training considerations for women in their 20s, 30s, 40s & beyond...and more!📌 TIMESTAMPS:0:54 – Rapid-fire recovery & supplement ratings3:51 – Lessons from elite performance & leadership7:31 – Injury prevention: what really matters9:24 – Sleep, hydration, nutrition & recovery basics for women9:56 – Strength vs cardio: finding the right balance11:56 – Training routines through your 20's, 30's, 40's and beyond13:51 – Rene’s personal training & supplement routine16:23 – Nutrition strategies in elite rugby18:08 – Sleep tracking & injury risk20:16 – Women in leadership & resilience22:25 – Trauma, mindset & high performance24:14 – Recovery for real life, not elite sport27:49 – Rene's advice to women at every stage30:39 – The power of mentors & community31:45 – Final advice: listen to your body👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode of Her Health™.🎧 Listen to the podcast:YouTube: https://youtu.be/b0xmHU4pr7QApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718?i=1000741324754Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/episodes/e1dee349-e089-42df-8a37-96268b63f5c1/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast-ep-5-building-resilience-women%E2%80%99s-fitness-recovery---her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order.📲 Connect with Us:Rene Naylor | https://www.instagram.com/rene_naylor/?hl=enPhytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en#HerHealthPodcast #Phytoceutics #WomensHealth #InjuryPrevention #StrengthTraining #Recovery #SleepHealth #HormoneHealth #Menopause #Exercise #WomenInSport #Leadership #Resilience #WellnessJourney

Welcome back to the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to learn, connect, and be empowered through expert insights into health and wellness.In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO Laura Johnston sits down with Dr. Ledivia Strauss, a medical doctor with a special interest in integrative medicine, to explore the foundations of hormonal health – and how understanding your hormones can transform your energy, mood, metabolism, and overall well-being.Together, they dive into:💛 Why your menstrual cycle is considered your “fifth vital sign”🧬 The roles of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in women’s health📉 Why missing periods (amenorrhea) is a major red flag💊 The truth about hormonal contraception and what it really does🔥 How stress, training, and undereating disrupt your hormones🌡️ What’s happening during PMS, perimenopause & menopause🥶 The benefits and limitations of cold plunging, fasting & sauna use👉 Rapid-fire supplement ratings: Omega-3, Probiotics, Ashwagandha, Sulforaphane, Berberine, Magnesium L-Threonate & more📌 TIMESTAMPS:1:09 – Rapid fire: Hormone-supporting supplement ratings4:13 – What are hormones?5:00 – Understanding oestrogen, progesterone & testosterone and other hormones6:34 – Why women need testosterone7:11 – When a missing period becomes a medical concern8:12 – What is a "normal" menstrual cycle?9:48 – Hormonal contraception: what women should know16:22 – Cold plunging for women: what the science says17:40 – Exercise and nutrition for each phase of your cycle20:23 – The benefits of saunas for detoxification21:55 – How stress affects your hormones & what you can do about it26:59 – The phases of the menstrual cycle29:05 – Understanding peri/menopause and how it affects your hormones30:19 – Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer risk32:29– How to know if you're reaching perimenopause34:30 – Tips to promote hormonal health throughout all stages of life👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode.🎧 Listen to the podcast:YouTube: https://youtu.be/JGc8wA4iUXcApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718?i=1000738438656Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/episodes/c3857aa7-3696-465e-b90c-fd3fc31153cc/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast-ep-4-unlocking-hormonal-health---her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order.📲 Connect with Us:Dr. Ledivia Strauss | https://www.instagram.com/drlediviastrauss/?hl=enPhytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=enThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription or chronic medication.#HerHealthPodcast #Phytoceutics #WomensHealth #HormoneHealth #MenstrualHealth #Contraception #MetabolicHealth #PMS #Perimenopause #Menopause #CycleSyncing #Supplements #WellnessJourney

Welcome back to the third episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to learn, connect, and be empowered through expert insights into health and wellness.In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Laura Johnston, sits down with Dr. Tracy Flowers, a GP and Functional Medicine Practitioner with a special interest in women’s health, to explore the science of sleep – and how improving your rest can transform your energy, mood, and overall well-being.Together, they dive into:💤 Why sleep is foundational for overall health 🌙 The difference between deep, REM, and light sleep 🛌 Dr. Flowers’ Four S’s for better sleep: Sight & Screens, Substances, Sameness, and Stress 🫖 Natural supports like magnesium and apigenin for deep, restorative rest 💬 How to build a nighttime routine that actually works📌 TIMESTAMPS:1:00 – Sleep: Rapid Fire Ratings2:52 – Why sleep is foundational for health5:18 – What is disordered sleep and how to manage it7:57 – Circadian rhythm and light exposure9:41 – The stages of sleep explained12:35 – Sleep needs and sleep deterioration as you age14:32 – Dr. Flowers’ Four S’s for Better Sleep17:27 – The power of a cool environment for sleep quality20:52 – Supplements that support relaxation and deep sleep24:00 – Laura’s ultimate sleep stack: Bettersleep™, Magnesium L-Threonate & Apigenin25:10 – Creating sustainable bedtime habits25:58 – Can you catch up on sleep debt?27:41 – Should you be napping?29:24 – What makes a night owl and an early bird: Individual chronotypes👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode.🎧 Listen to the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLzpPMggrc Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/her-health-podcast/id1846133718 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/89df8e78-60a1-46f3-88fd-66551e317339/her-health%E2%84%A2-podcast 💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order.📲 Connect with Us:Dr. Tracy Flowers | https://www.instagram.com/drtracyleeflowers/?hl=en Phytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=enThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription or chronic medication.#HerHealthPodcast #Phytoceutics #WomensHealth #Sleep #BetterSleep #Energy #MagnesiumLThreonate #Apigenin #FunctionalMedicine #WellnessJourney

Welcome back to episode two of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to learn, connect, and be empowered through expert insights into health and wellness.In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Laura Johnston, sits down with sex & wellness coach Nicki Brivik to explore libido, confidence, and communication through the ages – and how they can transform your intimate relationships.Together, they dive into:💖 How confidence and communication impact intimacy🔥 The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire🧠 Understanding your emotional needs and your partner’s💌 Sexual “currency”: building erotic connection daily🛑 Brakes and accelerators: what boosts or blocks desire💃🏻 Tips for adventurous, playful, and connected sex at every life stage📌 TIMESTAMPS:1:00 – Rapid-fire advice: libido in your 20s, 30s, 40s+2:56 – The biggest myth about libido5:11 – Responsive vs. spontaneous libido explained8:08 – Emotional needs and relationship connection12:10 – Power of date nights and intentional connection15:10 – Self-confidence and shifting focus as we age18:49 – Communication styles and connection22:49 – Sexual “currency” and the erotic thread27:51 – Brakes and accelerators: stress, arousal & pleasure30:28 – Practical tips for long-term intimacy and playfulness32:00 – Knowing your body: practical advice for self-pleasure39:48 – Nicki's top tips for communication, confidence, and libido👉Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode.💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order.📲 Connect with Us:Nicki Brivik | https://asknicki.co.za/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19630203536&gbraid=0AAAAApSH6c9mUxCK2bOAg6ioZ_oplh3sl&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvva46b7GkAMVpplQBh2b9ysLEAAYASAAEgKsyvD_BwEPhytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en#HerHealthPodcast #Phytoceutics #WomensHealth #Libido #Intimacy #SexualWellness #Confidence #HealthyRelationships

Welcome to the very first episode of the Her Health™ Podcast by Phytoceutics® – a space for women to learn, connect, and be empowered through expert insights into health and wellness.In this episode, Phytoceutics® CEO and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Laura Johnston, sits down with Dr. Lauren Knight, a leading Cape Town dermatologist, to explore how your skin evolves through every stage of life – from your teens to menopause – and what you can do to protect and nourish it from within.Together, they dive into:💧 The truth about popular beauty ingredients like Vitamin C, Collagen, and Hyaluronic Acid🧴 How your skin health reflects your internal health🦠 The growing science behind the gut–skin connection and probiotics☀️ Whether you can reverse sun damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer💅 How to care for your hair and nails safely📌 TIMESTAMPS:0:30 – Introduction to the Her Health™ Podcast1:25 – Rapid-fire ingredient review: Vitamin C, Omega-3, Zinc, Collagen3:20 – Hyaluronic Acid, Silicon, Resveratrol, Probiotics5:30 – How skin changes through life: tweens, teens, 20s, 30s, 40s+14:26 – Reversing sun damage & protecting your skin17:34 – The gut–skin axis: probiotics & inflammation21:14 – Nail care & UV exposure risks23:57 – Hair health & hormones: postpartum, perimenopause, thinning28:17 – Supplements for every life stage: key tips for tweens, teens, 20s+32:29 – Key takeaways: practical advice for skin, hair & nail health👉 Subscribe now to join the conversation and never miss an episode.💸 Use the code HERHEALTH at checkout on www.phytoceutics.com for 20% off your first order.📲 Connect with Us:Dr. Lauren Knight | https://www.instagram.com/derm.discovered/?hl=enPhytoceutics® | https://www.instagram.com/phytoceutics_za/?hl=en#HerHealthPodcast #Phytoceutics #WomensHealth #SkinHealth #Skincare #WellnessJourney