Figuring out what is happening with your hormones can be very frustrating and confusing. Our hormones affect so many other processes in our body, and are affected by many different factors as well which is what can make it so confusing. In this post we will share factors that are important for healthy hormones (not just food and supplements!)
Reduction in stress: If there is too much stress, this has a cascade effect with hormones. Over-production of stress hormones = imbalance in all other hormones. Stress has a huge impact on all of our hormones, so reducing stress means we have a better chance of things being in balance. Stress doesn't just impact hormones...it affects every aspect of our health.
Quality rest and sleep: Rest and sleep are essential for healing and repairing, without this, a snowball effect happens that impacts on every process in our body. Getting adequate sleep and rest fits in the same kind of picture as stress. Sleep is so important for our body to have the opportunity to heal and regenerate itself. Looking at the rising and setting sun is one way to help your body to adjust to proper sleep cycles.
Fats and Animal foods: Having these foods in the diet with a particular focus on good quality animal fats, is very important for hormone production. We absolutely need saturated fats and cholesterol to make healthy hormones. The 'low-fat' doctrine has been devastating for many aspects of human health, and this is one of them. Make sure you are getting plenty of good quality animal fats in your diet....yes we like saturated fat and cholesterol!
Support your liver: So much of what happens in the body relies on the liver functioning well. Some things that are great to support the liver are juice, coffee enemas, saunas, herbs, beetroot in everything! Your liver has a crucial role in detoxing and processing the by-products of many processes in the body including our hormones. If the liver is not working well, these hormones can build up and keep cycling around the body.
A healthy gut: Many of our hormones (or constituents of our hormones) are made in the gut, so it is important our gut is healthy so we can make these hormones. Also, an unhealthy gut means toxic overload, and an unhappy liver. This also means you can absorb all of the nutrients that you need, and your liver will be much happier if the gut is not a source of toxicity.
Reduce exposure to toxins: Many chemicals in our environment are hormone disrupters, so check out @lowtoxlife for how to go low-tox.
Eat real food: In order for our body to make what it needs, we need the right building blocks in our diet. Whole foods as close to their natural state as possible is what we are aiming for, this also cuts out the myriad of chemicals that are in 'food-like' products.
If you want some help getting to the bottom of your hormone problems, book a free 20 minute consultation with one of our expert practitioners here.
