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In this episode we get into the knitty gritty of female health in bodybuilding and in particular we discuss the correlation between gut health and hormone dysfunction. I welcome founders of Balance and Body Diagnostics, Simone Maman and Angelica Lazic, who collectively have decades of experience in competitive and professional bodybuilding, functional health practice, functional diagnostics, nutrition and blood chemistry analysis. These ladies are powerhouses and combined, are pushing the diagnostic and functional health space forward in leaps and bounds.

In this episode we discuss:

- How Balance and Body Diagnostics came to be; their respective backgrounds and motives for creating a space for athletes to access a wide range of diagnostic labs to help better support performance and improve functional health;
- Gut health basics, common misconceptions and personal experiences which poor gut health;
- Implications of gut health in a prep and off season setting, how mistreatment of gut symptoms can cause further complications and mask the real bump in the road;
- Symptoms in prep, can they be overlooked and why;
- Correlation between gut health and hormone dysregulation, reversing symptoms and making your way back to better health;
- Importance of alternative testing, is blood work enough;
- Long term implications when it comes to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of your health;

and so much more.

We will be launching a brand new series so stay tuned for more in depth discussions, particularly in recognizing and raising common symptoms with your general practitioner. We want to armour every athlete with the information and tools to take autonomy over their health whilst competing at their very best.

EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY
Simone and Angelica have offered an exclusive competition for The Backstage Bikini Podcast audience to draw a free HTMR (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) for free!!! Winner will be announced on 19th March 2025 so stay tuned.

Enter by following the link below:

https://www.balanceandbodydiagnostics.ca/giveaway

Post-show struggles like fatigue, weight rebound, stalled progress, bloating, mood swings, or hormonal chaos? Even if you’re following the “perfect” plan, your body might not be responding—because minerals run the show.

The HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) isn’t just about testing for deficiencies. It’s about finding the right balance of minerals that control your metabolism, stress response, thyroid, digestion, hormones, and recovery.

Why does this matter?
Your minerals don’t work in isolation. It’s the ratios between them that determine how well your body functions.

Calcium to Potassium impacts metabolism and thyroid function
Sodium to Magnesium influences stress resilience and recovery
Calcium to Phosphorus affects energy and nervous system function
Zinc to Copper regulates hormones, immunity, and mood
Sodium to Potassium plays a key role in adrenal function and hydration
After contest prep, these ratios are often thrown off. The HTMA helps identify exactly where your body needs support, so we can optimize recovery, fix metabolic dysfunction, and get you back to feeling strong, lean, and energized.

Follow: @BalanceandBodyDiagnostics on Youtube for their own independent podcast

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

This is a throwback episode which has been sat in the archives that we wanted to share.

12 months ago we were kindly invited to present at the Rock It Seminar in Manchester, UK.

This episode is a recording of the full presentation Grace and Jade delivered on the day.

We cover everything from our personal journeys, optimizing your experience as a bikini athlete, body dysmorphia, managing post show and so much more.

We hope you enjoy this little bonus episode, live only on audio platforms.

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

In this episode we welcome Mandy Nugent, owner of Black Ice Bikinis.

Having almost a decade's experience in creating bespoke bikinis for athletes competing at amateur and professional levels in the sport, we couldn't wait to pick her brains about curating the perfect stage.

In this episode we cover:

- Mandy's experience in the sport and the creation of Black Ice Bikinis;
- The development of the stage look; what's changed and how has the design and presentation in the bikini class evolved over the years;
- Getting your look right; colours, fits, considerations depending on the federation you chose to compete with, cross-federation tips and tricks when it comes to picking your suit;
- Suit do's and don'ts; tips for budget management, second hand and rental suits and what to look out for if you are opting against a custom made suit;
- Bikini care and how to prepare for an emergency;

...and so much more!

If you are heading into your first season as a competitive athlete, or if you are looking to perfect your stage look, this one is worth a listen.

Black Ice Bikinis are running a once a year sale between 15th November - 15th December, where you can save £75 off your custom bikini suit. Head to their website or drop the team a message and don't forget to let them know you listened to the podcast!

https://blackicebikinis.com

Keep up with Black Ice Bikinis and all of their incredible athletes on socials @blackicebikinis and @blackicealpha if you're looking for some custom made trunks.

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.