S.L. Kyle Feb 8, 20227 min When I was growing up, there was a very short period of time when I was blissfully unaware of what existing as a female in the world meant. Like Eve before she bit the apple, I was ignorant of my body as a sinful, hated thing, as something that needs to be monitored, fixed, judged, and scrutinized into oblivion. I didn’t yet know that to be a girl is to always be considered less than, a poor imitation of what a real human being is: a man. Although this period didn’t last very long, I still consider myself lucky, as there are many girls who never get to experience this blissful state at all if their childhoods are marked by terror and abuse. Some men pretending to be women bemoan the fact that they never got to experience girlhood. They also accuse actual women of being privileged as they were not shamed for playing with dolls in their childhood. It seems they imagine girlhood is all ponies, sparkles and having sleepovers with your friends where you giggle over boys and have pillow fights. Such a pink, sanitized notion of girlhood proves men can never know what it’s like to exist in this world as a female child. I’ll tell you what it’s like, I want to say to them. I’ll tell you what it’s like and then you can tell me if it’s still an experience you feel you missed out on. ”Some men pretending to be women bemoan the fact that they never got to experience girlhood.” I grew up in the nineties, a time when strict gender roles appeared quite relaxed. As a child, I played with both Barbie dolls and dinosaurs, Hot Wheels and Polly Pockets, something that was seen as perfectly normal back then but could have me dragged off to the nearest gender clinic today. I saw no distinction between “girl” toys or “boy” toys—to me they were just toys. Like a lot of kids, I wanted to play with whatever was fun to play with and let my imagination run wild. I climbed trees, rode my bike, ran around with kids in the neighborhood—lucky to be growing up before the era of parents covering their children in layers of metaphorical bubble wrap with the intention to keep them safe. Back then, I had no notion that a girl was supposed to be anything other than herself. But soon after, the world made sure I was dispelled of that innocent idea.

Optimization of mineral and vitamin intake and how they are metabolized Some vitamins work better at a metabolic level than others primarily because of their solubility in the body, with water-soluble vitamins like B complex and vitamin C being more directly involved in energy production and metabolism due to their rapid absorption and utilization, while fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K are stored in fat tissue and have functions more related to cell signaling and immune health, meaning they might not directly impact metabolism as quickly. Key points about vitamin solubility and metabolic function: · Water-soluble vitamins: · Easily absorbed into the bloodstream. · Excreted readily through urine if taken in excess. · Often act as coenzymes in metabolic pathways, directly supporting energy production. · Examples: B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12), vitamin C. · Fat-soluble vitamins: · Absorbed with dietary fat and stored in the liver and fatty tissue. · Can accumulate in the body and lead to toxicity if taken in large amounts. · Often involved in functions like vision, bone health, and antioxidant activity. · Examples: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K. Specific examples of how certain vitamins impact metabolism: · B vitamins: These are critical for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to produce energy. · Vitamin C: Plays a role in collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection, which can indirectly affect metabolic processes. · Vitamin D: Helps with calcium absorption, important for bone health and potentially impacting insulin sensitivity.

Vitamins' effectiveness at a metabolic level depends on several factors: Factors Influencing Vitamin Effectiveness 1. Bioavailability: How easily absorbed and utilized by cells. 2. Solubility: Water-soluble (B, C) vs. fat-soluble (A, D, E, K). 3. Molecular structure: Similarity to natural forms. 4. Synergies: Interactions with other nutrients. 5. Genetic variability: Individual differences in metabolism. 6. Health status: Deficiencies or excesses. 7. Dosage: Optimal levels. Vitamins Working Well at Metabolic Level 1. Vitamin D: Hormone regulation, bone health. 2. Vitamin B12: Energy production, nerve function. 3. Vitamin C: Antioxidant, collagen synthesis. 4. Omega-3 fatty acids: Inflammation reduction. 5. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Energy production. Vitamins with Variable Effectiveness 1. Vitamin E: Antioxidant, mixed results. 2. Vitamin A: Vision, immune function, potential toxicity. 3. Folate (B9): Energy production, dependent on genetic factors. Factors Reducing Vitamin Effectiveness 1. Oxidative stress. 2. Inflammation. 3. Poor gut health. 4. Medications interfering with absorption. Key Considerations 1. Consult healthcare professionals. 2. Choose high-quality supplements. 3. Monitor nutrient levels. 4. Balance diet and supplementation. Keep in mind individual variability and complex interactions. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

Enough water! Checking in with my body. Many times I find I need to stop and hydrate. I try to drink a cup at a time, it’s my realistic goal. If I don’t my ability to function diminishes.

What are some of the observations that you can think about in your dietary habits right off the get go? First things that come to mind.....?