Livsstil

Food supplements for hair and skin:

Almost one in two women see vitamins and minerals as part of their beauty routine

Närmare varannan kvinna ser vitaminer och mineraler som en del av sin skönhetsrutin

Food supplements for your skin: 

How to improve your glow

Så förbättrar du ditt glow

The time during maternity leave has been lonely and isolating.

'It was a challenge we were never really prepared for,' says Josefine. 'Taking time to be by yourself is so valuable.'

In October, she was one of the selected mothers who received a luxury weekend in Ronneby from Great Earth's ambassador, Micke Gunnarsson.

Josefine, 27, lives in Katrineholm with her husband Magnus, their children Alfred, 3, and Stina, 1.5, and their cat Piggelin. Josefine has just returned to work as a nursery nurse after three years of parental leave.

'It's so much fun and so nice to feel like a person again,' says Josefine. 'I've always seen myself as a mother, and having children was the best thing we've ever done, but we weren't quite prepared for the challenge. And being at home with two small children in the middle of a pandemic has been draining.'

), in her Instagram feed when Alfred was just a baby.

'Everything he posted resonated deeply with me. He's so wise. What he shares feels so relatable. All the thoughts about parenthood, relationships, and feelings in general,' says Josefine.

Last autumn, Josefine felt worn out. She had a huge need to be alone, to sleep, and just to be. She applied for Micke's project, 'Time for Me-Time for Mums'.

'When Micke called, I was completely shocked. I just thought, this doesn't happen to me. He said I really deserved to get away and that it was lovely I had chosen to go completely on my own.'

'My husband Magnus encouraged me to go. It was the first time I was completely child-free. On the drive there, I thought about turning back several times. But I'm so grateful I went. It was so incredibly wonderful. Everything.'

Josefine enjoyed herself, gained some perspective, and was truly able to unwind during the weekend. It was a time for reflection and for herself.

'Micke and I took a long walk to his favourite café where he treated me to a coffee and cake. We passed a lovely autumn market and talked for a long time. I was on the verge of crying with happiness the entire time.'

'Micke really lifted me up in a positive way and validated the feelings all parents have.'

Would you also like to apply for the Mum Project? Read more here.

Josefine: "Taking time to be by yourself is so valuable"

Josefine: "Att ta sig tid att vara själv är så värdefullt"

Jennie is one of the mums selected for Micke Gunnarsson's 'Time for Me-Time' competition.

– This is a memory I'll cherish for life, says Jennie.

For the mums reading this, here's a question straight from the heart: when was the last time you simply sat down to reflect on life, your health, or did something nice for yourself? It's okay to show that you're tired and worn out, to ask for help, and to be vulnerable. Children are a wonderful gift, but let's be honest, they're also perhaps life's greatest challenge, on every level.

 humbly highlights this in a project he calls 'Time for Me-Time'.

When Jennie, a 39-year-old mother of two from Gothenburg, felt completely exhausted by everything life was throwing at her last autumn, she entered Micke's competition.

– One day, while I was resting, I had a missed call. It took a minute before I recognised the voice on the voicemail.

Oh my goodness, it was Micke! I was so moved my lower lip was trembling. I've never won a competition before, and this was something truly special, says Jennie.

This opportunity came as a gift from above in Jennie's life, and it kick-started a positive spiral in several ways.

– Micke has written on several occasions about the importance of being 'carried', and that really resonated with me. It was so necessary for me to be lifted up and to feel supported. I've felt alone many times. And perhaps this appealed to me so much because I've finally lifted my head up, says Jennie.

Upon arrival at the Ronneby Brunnshotellet, Jennie and her friend checked into a large, beautiful room. They received a gift from Micke, his book along with a handwritten personal letter, and access to all the hotel's facilities. They also received a bag of products from Great Earth, specially tailored to their needs after they took the 

– We met Micke, and it was lovely to talk to him, but also very important for me. It was also nice to just listen and take everything in when he spoke with my friend. I'm normally quite chatty, but here I needed quiet time to just absorb it all.

Jennie explains that she's concerned about the Swedish culture where we find it difficult to ask for help, and also to dare to show our vulnerability. And how important it is that we support each other.

– Not just by friends and family, but also allowing other people to support us. So much happens in life, especially between the ages of 25-45.

These two days changed Jennie's life. Getting to pause, reflect, heal, and make time for recovery.

– You can't speed-date recovery, she says.

Do you want to apply for the Mum Project too? Read more here.

Mum, take care of yourself

Mamma, ta hand om dig

Staying healthy and keeping your gut happy is always a priority, right? So, let's talk about gut soldiers, EpiCor, the immune system, bacteria, and even cows from the 19th century. But what does all this have to do with your well-being?

Well, as much as 70% (!) of your body's immune response is located in your gut. This gives you every reason to consume things that create the best conditions for maintaining a healthy gut flora. You have trillions of bacteria in your intestines – you could call them tiny soldiers – fighting daily to keep you healthy. They need the 

Great Earth's immune support product, Defence, contains vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, all of which contribute to the normal function of the immune system. It also includes the patented ingredient, EpiCor®.

This takes us back to a young farmer in the USA in the late 19th century. He noticed by chance that his cows, which were munching on breadcrumbs mixed with old milk, stayed much healthier than those eating conventional feed. This practice was developed and spread to other farmers.

The technique quickly evolved, and later, a similar type of product began to be 

 for humans with remarkable results. It was noted that those exposed to this yeast culture seemed to maintain their general well-being more consistently.

Today, EpiCor® is a patented fermentate consisting of proteins, fibre, polyphenols, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, beta-glucans, and other metabolites.

Food Supplements for the Immune System

Kosttillskott för immunförsvaret

Food supplements for your gut:

Anti-inflammatory diet

Antiinflammatorisk kost

Food supplements for pregnancy:

Everything you need to know about food supplements for pregnancy

Allt du behöver veta om kosttillskott för gravida

All our collagen products: 

More about skin health:

Do you have to start gnawing on chicken cartilage to be healthy these days?

Everyone's talking about collagen, but what is it really?

– It's a fibrous protein that acts as a building block for our muscles, skeleton, and skin, says Rebecca Hedström, a product expert at Great Earth.

Collagen is a very important component in our body.

Remember that infamous reality TV moment where a celebrity was seen gnawing on a piece of cartilage, and everyone thought she was completely mad?

Well, maybe she wasn't so crazy after all. For a long time, it's been common in the fitness world to add 

 to smoothies, drink bone broth, or take some form of 

The beauty industry also talks a lot about collagen and hyaluronic acid.

As always, there's a natural explanation.

A full 70 percent of our skin is made up of collagen, and as much as a third of all protein in the body is collagen. It's one of the main components of our connective tissue.

Collagen acts a bit like a glue or filler in our skin, providing elasticity and structure to our skin, hair, nails, muscles, and skeleton, among other things.

– Our bodies can produce collagen on their own, but production starts to decline as early as our 30s, says Rebecca.

This becomes particularly noticeable in our skin, where wrinkles and sagging can appear, but we might also experience stiffer joints.

But of course, there are different ways to help the body help itself. One way is by supplementing with pure collagen in tablet or powder form. Another is by eating good food that helps the body produce its own collagen. Examples include tomatoes, beans, citrus fruits, garlic, fish, and chicken skin.

 Hyaluronic Acid, contains a patented ingredient based on chicken cartilage extract. It comes from hormone- and antibiotic-free chickens, says Rebecca. Collagen is suitable for almost everyone, especially if you're over 30. It's also very beneficial for those who are physically active and for older adults.

Foods that boost our own collagen production:

What is collagen, really?

Vad är kollagen egentligen?

Food supplements for pregnancy: 

Bun in the oven?

Bulle i ugnen?

Food supplements for PMS: 

Articles about PMS: 

The foundation for balanced hormones is getting enough nutrition. By supporting your body with the right nutrients, you can actually reduce menstrual-related issues and enhance your well-being, energy, and presence. However, if you eat too little, consume nutrient-poor food, or if your body can't absorb the nutrients from what you eat, it can't produce the hormones you need to function optimally.

What should I eat for my menstrual cycle?

When it comes to exactly what to eat, there isn't a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, just as there isn't one job that suits everyone. What makes you feel good is influenced by several factors, including genetics, background, health status, and your current life situation and lifestyle.

However, there are certain things we all need to consume to function as we are meant to. The foundation of an optimal menstrual cycle is getting enough nutrition. To achieve this, you need to eat a varied diet containing the body's building blocks—fat, protein, and carbohydrates—as well as the vitamins and minerals you need. In addition, you need a healthy gut to help you absorb the nutrients from your food.

Now, let's give you some tips on what to consider when it comes to nutrition and your menstrual cycle, and how you can give yourself the best conditions to feel as good as possible, no matter the day of the month. Let's dive in!

High-quality fat is one of the most important keys to a functioning menstrual cycle. You need fat to produce and balance your sex hormones. By eating fat, you also help to stabilise your blood sugar, which in turn affects other hormones. All your sex hormones are built on something called saturated fat, i.e., cholesterol. Cholesterol is needed to produce the sex hormones that control your menstrual cycle: oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The liver can produce cholesterol on its own, but the only way to get cholesterol through your diet is from animal products.

You also need fat to absorb certain vitamins and minerals that are important for your menstrual cycle and health, such as 

You need to get enough protein to create sufficient hormones, both your sex hormones and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which create feelings of happiness and well-being. Protein is made up of amino acids. Some amino acids can be produced by the body itself, while others are supplied through the food you eat. Protein is involved in building everything in your body.

For beans and lentils to be complete protein sources, they need to be combined with other foods. If you have IBS, nutrient deficiencies, or digestive issues, legumes can hinder the absorption of nutrients and may not be a quality protein source for you.

Carbohydrates are energy for your cells and are important for the gut, as they act as food for your good gut bacteria. When you consume high-quality carbohydrates, you help keep your blood sugar levels stable, which is a prerequisite for balanced hormones. Women may need a certain amount of quality carbohydrates for the body to feel secure enough to ovulate. Ovulation is the key to balanced hormones and thus a functioning menstrual cycle. To feel full, satisfied, and to keep your blood sugar stable, we love combining carbohydrates with fat and protein.

So, what should I consider when it comes to nutrition and the menstrual cycle?

The best way to get the nutrition you need is through real food. Aim to choose natural, high-quality food to ensure it is nutrient-dense and free from toxins. In some cases, however, food supplements may be necessary. Foods today do not always contain the nutrients we need. This can be due to depleted agricultural soils affected by pesticides, or because some raw materials are processed in a way that can negatively affect their nutritional content. If you are exposed to prolonged and high stress, use hormonal contraceptives, take certain medications, or consume a lot of alcohol, your need for certain nutrients may also increase.

How Nutrition is Crucial for a Healthy and Strong Menstrual Cycle

Hur näring är avgörande för en frisk och stark menscykel

Food supplements for menopause:

Articles about menopause: 

Fitness profile Monika Björn is many things, but above all, she is a menopause activist.

Follow her journey through menopause, exploring how she experimented with food supplements and hunted for information.

“I try to share as much knowledge as I possibly can,” says Monika.

When urinary tract infections, styes, sleep problems, low mood, and hair loss—to name just a few of her symptoms—began to occur one after another, her frustration grew, along with her curiosity. When no one in the healthcare system explained that these could be clear signs of perimenopause, she took matters into her own hands.

Fuelled by this frustration, she began to gather vast amounts of information. This soon led to a book, Stark genom klimakteriet (Strong Through Menopause), which garnered significant media attention and led to sold-out lectures across the country. The interest from women was immense, as it's a journey every woman in the world experiences in her own way.

“Life is too short to go around feeling unwell. We women are world champions at just getting on with it. I want to live life to the fullest and feel as good as possible,” she says.

Monika Björn has worked in fitness and health her entire professional life. She is a qualified personal trainer with a Bachelor's degree in sports science and psychology, a yoga teacher, a coach, and has also studied physiotherapy. She pores over new research and studies on menopause almost daily.

“It's one of the most enjoyable parts of my job; you never stop learning, and there are always new things to discover.”

After finishing her upper secondary education, she packed her bags and moved to the UK, soon settling in Scotland, where she stayed for four years.

“I worked partly in a gym, but also ran my own business as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor.”

Back home in Sweden, she studied sports science, pedagogy, and psychology. Alongside her studies, she worked as a master trainer for spinning classes all over the world.

“I studied during the week and travelled the world at weekends. It was a completely crazy, wonderful, and educational period that lasted for over ten years.”

“After a few years of travelling, I sought out yoga. I say sought out, because this was long before smartphones and Google. It meant you either had to look up 'yoga' in the Yellow Pages (a kind of large, heavy, physical phone book) or rely on the grapevine and simply ask around your network,” Monika explains.

Fast-forwarding to today, she has written another book called Yoga för dig som tränar (Yoga for Those Who Train).

Her third book is on its way and will be released in August.

For the past five years, her focus and main interest have been on women's health, as she entered perimenopause herself a few years ago. The information available was poor, as was the treatment she received from the healthcare system.

“My own level of knowledge in that area was like a black hole in space,” says Monika.

She began experimenting herself with things like food supplements to support her sleep. This helped for about seven months, as her hormone levels continued to change.

“Today, I feel very well with a combination of food supplements and bioidentical hormones.”

“It's high time that menopause became less of a taboo subject and that we women get access to the knowledge required to make informed, individual health choices. Life is too short to go around feeling unwell.”

A Chat with Monika Björn

Fikastund med Monika Björn

Food supplements for PMS:

Articles about PMS:

Did you know that your day-to-day lifestyle can influence your menstrual cycle, affecting the challenges and symptoms you experience? We didn't.

What's so powerful about this insight is that it means we can use our lifestyle as a tool to positively influence our cycle, helping to manage and reduce most menstrual-related symptoms. Changes to your lifestyle can therefore help alleviate many hormonal imbalances linked to the menstrual cycle, which is empowering as it puts you in control of how you feel. By living in sync with your cycle, you can feel your best, whatever the day of the month.

So, what does 'lifestyle' actually include? We break it down into four key areas: nutrition, physical activity, recovery, and environment. Each of these influences your menstrual cycle in different ways. Once you understand more about these elements and their impact, you can start using them as tools to work with your cyclical changes, rather than against them.

Nutrition and the menstrual cycle are closely linked. If you think about it, have you ever noticed your appetite and cravings change depending on where you are in your cycle? We certainly have. This is completely natural and part of being a woman. Throughout the menstrual cycle, hormonal shifts occur which can affect hunger, cravings, and nutritional needs during its different phases.

If you eat too little, consume nutrient-poor food, or if your body can't absorb the nutrients from what you eat, it can't produce the hormones needed for optimal function. This can lead to various menstrual-related issues. The key is to provide your body with enough energy and proper nutrition, giving it the building blocks required for hormone production so you can feel your best all month long.

In addition to getting enough energy and a varied diet, a well-functioning gut is crucial for eliminating excess and used hormones. Otherwise, they can continue to circulate in the body, disrupting the natural hormonal balance. Consuming foods that may contribute to inflammation, such as a high intake of white sugar, white flour, and heavily processed foods, can also affect gut flora and hormonal balance. This can manifest in symptoms ranging from tender breasts to mood swings and heavy bleeding.

As hormones shift throughout the menstrual cycle, our physical capabilities change too. This means we might experience exercise and how our body feels differently during each phase. By adapting your training to these phases, you can help manage menstrual-related issues and optimise your workouts for performance while reducing injury risk. For example, in phase two, our physical capacity is often at its peak due to higher testosterone levels, making it a perfect time to challenge yourself a little more. During phase three, when you might experience PMS symptoms, it can be beneficial to listen to your body and adjust your exercise based on how you feel that day.

Recovery is incredibly important for a well-functioning menstrual cycle and for our overall wellbeing—physically, mentally, and emotionally—throughout the month. Stress has a huge impact on our hormones, so it's vital to learn to listen to your body during the different phases and adapt your recovery to its needs. Can you see any patterns in your own life when it comes to sleep needs and energy levels in the different phases? How can you tailor your recovery based on what your body is signalling? Remember that recovery comes in many forms. What type works for you? Is it meditation, painting, or a walk in nature? Tune in to what makes you feel best and make space for it in your calendar.

The environment we're in and the products we use daily expose us to a variety of chemicals and toxins. Many everyday products contain substances that can negatively affect our hormones, which in turn can impact our fertility and menstrual cycle. To avoid these chemicals interfering with our natural hormones, it's best to choose organic and toxin-free alternatives for intimate products, skincare, and haircare, as well as for food containers, water bottles, and clothing.

Articles