The importance of hormone health cannot be underestimated. At Live Well Holistic Health, we often see the symptoms of hormonal imbalance in our patients. This includes wide shifts in mood, weight gain, bowel dysfunction, skin issues, trouble sleeping or too much sleeping, and infertility.
The Body’s Messengers
Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, traveling through the bloodstream to tissues and organs in order to properly affect growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, and more. Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands, which include the pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas.Hormones are produced and supported by good fats and cholesterol, and if these two elements are lacking, problems will ensue, as the body will be missing the proper building blocks needed for balanced function.
Avoid Toxic Chemicals
Today there are many toxins containing chemicals that mimic these building blocks, as well as the hormones themselves. Household chemicals, pesticides, and even birth control pills can interfere with the proper production and maintenance of hormones, so it is important to create as natural an environment as possible. This includes cooking implements.At Live Well Holistic Health, we recommend using non-coated pans, which means no “non-stick” substances such as Teflon, which contain potentially hazardous chemicals. We also recommend that you store your foods in glass containers rather than plastic.
Maintaining Hormonal Health
The endocrine system is very complex and fragile, and is best supported by avoiding specific kinds of foods and making sure you get enough of others. Eliminate polyunsaturated fats in vegetable oils, as they are very unstable and oxidize easily, causing inflammation and even the possibility of cell mutation. This means no peanut, canola, or soybean oil, no margarine or shortening, or any chemically treated fat. Replace these bad fats with coconut oil, which is a powerful substance for helping with hormone production, weight loss, reduction of inflammation, and a natural antimicrobial and antibacterial. You can also use unheated olive oil and real butter. Omega 3 fish oil supplements are especially good for hormonal health.
No More Caffeine
Too much caffeine can hurt endocrine system. At Live Well Holistic Health, we urge you to replace your coffee with herbal teas such as Green or Rooibos. Both of these contain a high amount of anti-oxidants and will also give you a natural lift if you need one.
Eat Right
Eating a good protein breakfast, such as eggs cooked in coconut oil, will help give the hormones an extra boost to start the day. Make sure you eat fresh vegetables and fruits, along with whole grains, buying organic whenever possible.
The Best Supplements
Get enough vitamin D by exposing your skin to the sun or taking a supplement. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, among other important functions. Getting enough Magnesium is also essential, as this mineral helps support the body in many ways in addition to helping you sleep better. Maca, a root grown mainly in Peru, can be found in health food stores and is an excellent product for boosting hormone production holistically while supplying minerals and essential fatty acids that are good for hormonal balance.
Contact Us
For more information on healthful practices, please contact us via our online form or scheduling tool at www.livewellholistichealth.com, or call: 610 896 1554.