How What You Eat Affects Hormones

This is part two of my series on hormone imbalance. For part one see How Stress Affects Your Hormones

Did you know that the molecules in food tell your cells what to do?

Yassss! I never really gave this much thought until the food I ate was causing my hormone imbalance and telling my cells to attack my body.

Your body requires vitamins, minerals, amino acids and omega's to stay in balance. Your body is a super intelligent machine designed to repair itself. When your hormones are in balance you have energy, are able to focus, sleep soundly, and handle stress.

BUT....if we are feeding our body endless processed junk, not only will it create chaos like a tornado blowing through Kansas, it can't make the repairs necessary for balanced hormones.

How I used to eat would surprise you.

Just years ago I was still running down to the local Dairy Queen to get chicken fingers in the middle of a busy day. And this was a regular thing. Eat "healthy"? Oh I thought I was. After all it was chicken right? I was consuming loads of bad carbs- like bagels, processed crackers, cookies- with a ton of gluten, and sugar. I occasionally had fruits and vegetables. But, I was feeling pretty good, or at least I thought.

I had no idea that although I felt pretty good, my body wasn't able to keep up with the constant onslaught of toxic chemicals in the food I was eating. Over time this resulted in my body waving the white flag. It could no longer keep up.

Fast forward to about 5 years later. I remember the moment like it was yesterday. At work talking to a colleague,  I could barely focus on her face. I had serious brain fog, insomnia, fatigue, poor digestion, mood swings, weight gain, and I couldn't focus or concentrate. I was a serious mess. Was this perimenopause gone awry? That was it. To the doctor I went.

The Diagnosis: a serious hormone imbalance you might say!

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. Whaaaaat?

No sign all this time (that I knew of or paid any attention to). It meant that my Thyroid wasn't making enough of the Thyroid hormone that controls the way my body uses energy and it affects your entire body. This was a total wake up call.

Being the type of person who couldn't accept this answer, I did my homework. What I found is that the most common culprit is Hashimoto's disease. It is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks your body's own cells and tissue.

I decided to go the alternative route to heal. I learned I was not giving my body what it needed for my Thyroid to run properly, not to mention allow for my body to repair itself. I also learned that the protein gluten in wheat was a big problem and causing my serious hormone imbalance. So I took the route of supplements and eventually made a drastic change to my diet. No more gluten, no more processed gluten free crap, and toned down the sugar and alcohol.

The results were incredible. I felt like a new person.

Luckily I caught it early. Months later when I had my Thyroid checked the results were subclinical. I was healing myself!​ My Thyroid was doing its job and I was feeling energy like I hadn't in literally 20 years. I realized then that I had NO IDEA just how bad I was feeling until I felt great. Major. Eye. Opener.

So what is the deal with food and hormone imbalance?

Hormones are responsible for regulating your body. They are chemical messengers that affect your metabolism, reproduction, sexual function, your energy level and more. Like I mentioned in part one of this series, your Endocrine system which is comprised of your pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes- all produce hormones.

So if you are eating processed chemicals, your body is not getting what it needs to tell your cells how to function properly. Bottom line- lose the processed, chemical laden, sugary foods ASAP.

Common foods that cause problems

• Sugar- disrupts insulin that is connected to both estrogen and testosterone. Dramatic spikes and dips in blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance
• Gluten- linked to low testosterone- in men causing weight gain around the middle. Endometriosis, and, elevates prolactin that can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, low libido.
• Soy- contains phytoestrogens that mimic real estrogen, causing road blocks in our cells that take in estrogen leaving it to float around in our blood instead
• Alcohol- can effect the glands that release hormones and the function of organs targeted by hormones, interferes with the hormones that regulate glucose levels, raises cortisol
• Caffeine- prompts your adrenals to release cortisol and epinephrine. In large quantities can lead to adrenal fatigue
• Dairy- if heavy in added hormones like estrogen, can promote excess estrogen.

In my case I had an allergy to gluten and I didn't even know it. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barely, spelt, and rye. Oats have small traces.

What foods prevent hormone imbalance?

First, and really important, not everyone can eat the same foods- even healthy foods. What might be good for you may cause problems for another. But what I do know is that eating a healthy balanced diet of whole foods- organic vegetables, fruits, protein, dairy, nuts and berries is a good place to start. Within those categories you will have to experiment and see what is right for you. Not everyone can eat dairy, not everyone can eat animal protein, or wants to.

1. Eat breakfast to get your metabolism going as it will slow throughout the day (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are metabolic hormones)
2. Make sure you are getting protein at each meal. Go for hormone/antibiotic free, free range chicken, beef, eggs, wild salmon.
3. Eat colorful veggies & fruits, particularly your greens like broccoli and spinach; apples, pomegranates
4. Eat healthy fats: important building blocks for hormones. Get a balance of your omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids; avocados, coconut oil, olive oil, eggs, hormone free dairy, use real butter
5. Chia seeds: add to salads or smoothies. Great source of omega 3's, protein, vitamins and minerals.
6. Hemp seed: one of natures perfect foods. Add to salads, smoothies or your favorite trail mix. Loaded with omega 6 and omega 3's, protein, vitamins and minerals. Hemp seed helps balance blood sugar throughout the day.

Overall, take care of your gut. Your gut needs whole foods to keep everything in balance. Keep it healthy with fermented foods like kombucha, kefir, yogurt, pickles and sauerkraut.

Lastly, exercise, REDUCE STRESS & get good sleep!

If any of what I have mentioned is resonating with you and has left you wondering if this could be an issue, I encourage you to see your doctor. There could be a myriad of reasons why you may be experiencing some of the same symptoms I had, but you need to begin with a proper diagnosis. This is information only to help you on your journey, never substitute it for proper medical care. You also never want to quit any medication you are taking cold turkey or begin supplements without consulting with your doc.  My story is simply my story. It is what worked for me.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read. And take good care.

Please pass this on to someone you think may benefit.

Until next time,

Much love to you,

xoxo,

Shannon