Hormones are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in the body, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. An imbalance in hormones can lead to various health issues, ranging from fatigue and weight gain to more serious conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders. Recently, antioxidants have garnered attention for their potential to support hormonal balance and overall health. This blog explores how hormones function and the ways in which antioxidants can contribute to hormonal health.
The Role of Hormones
Hormones are produced by endocrine glands, including the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas. They travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs, where they exert their effects. Some key hormones and their functions include:
1. **Insulin**: Regulates blood sugar levels.
2. **Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)**: Control metabolism and energy production.
3. **Estrogen and Progesterone**: Regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive health.
4. **Cortisol**: Manages stress response and immune function.
5. **Testosterone**: Influences muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive.
The Role of Hormones
Hormones are produced by endocrine glands, including the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas. They travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs, where they exert their effects. Some key hormones and their functions include:
1. **Insulin**: Regulates blood sugar levels.
2. **Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)**: Control metabolism and energy production.
3. **Estrogen and Progesterone**: Regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive health.
4. **Cortisol**: Manages stress response and immune function.
5. **Testosterone**: Influences muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive.
Hormonal Imbalance and Its Effects
When hormone levels are too high or too low, it can disrupt normal bodily functions. Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or loss
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduced libido
- Irregular menstrual cycles
Factors contributing to hormonal imbalances include stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and exposure to toxins.
The Power of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases. Common antioxidants include vitamins C and E, selenium, and flavonoids found in various fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
How Antioxidants Support Hormonal Health
1. **Reducing Oxidative Stress**: By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants help protect endocrine glands from damage, ensuring they function optimally and produce hormones in the right amounts.
2. **Supporting Thyroid Health**: Selenium, an antioxidant found in nuts, seeds, and seafood, is crucial for the production and regulation of thyroid hormones. It helps convert thyroxine (T4) into the more active triiodothyronine (T3).
3. **Balancing Cortisol Levels**: Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which negatively impact overall health. Antioxidants like vitamin C support adrenal gland function and help regulate cortisol production, promoting a balanced stress response.
4. **Enhancing Insulin Sensitivity**: Antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin E improve insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents conditions like diabetes.
5. **Protecting Reproductive Health**: Antioxidants like vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) support reproductive health by reducing oxidative stress in reproductive tissues. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining healthy levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Incorporating Antioxidants into Your Diet
To support hormonal health, it’s important to include a variety of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet. Some excellent sources of antioxidants include:
- **Berries**: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in vitamins C and E.
- **Nuts and Seeds**: Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds provide selenium and vitamin E.
- **Leafy Greens**: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins A and C.
- **Fruits**: Oranges, kiwi, and papaya offer a good dose of vitamin C.
- **Vegetables**: Bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are excellent sources of various antioxidants.
- **Green Tea**: Rich in polyphenols, green tea is a powerful antioxidant beverage.
Conclusion
Hormonal balance is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. By understanding the role of hormones and incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, you can support your endocrine system and promote optimal hormonal health. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management are also vital components of a holistic approach to maintaining hormonal balance.
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By focusing on these lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments, you can harness the power of antioxidants to support your hormonal health and overall well-being.
When hormone levels are too high or too low, it can disrupt normal bodily functions. Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or loss
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduced libido
- Irregular menstrual cycles
Factors contributing to hormonal imbalances include stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and exposure to toxins.
The Power of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases. Common antioxidants include vitamins C and E, selenium, and flavonoids found in various fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
How Antioxidants Support Hormonal Health
1. **Reducing Oxidative Stress**: By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants help protect endocrine glands from damage, ensuring they function optimally and produce hormones in the right amounts.
2. **Supporting Thyroid Health**: Selenium, an antioxidant found in nuts, seeds, and seafood, is crucial for the production and regulation of thyroid hormones. It helps convert thyroxine (T4) into the more active triiodothyronine (T3).
3. **Balancing Cortisol Levels**: Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which negatively impact overall health. Antioxidants like vitamin C support adrenal gland function and help regulate cortisol production, promoting a balanced stress response.
4. **Enhancing Insulin Sensitivity**: Antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin E improve insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents conditions like diabetes.
5. **Protecting Reproductive Health**: Antioxidants like vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) support reproductive health by reducing oxidative stress in reproductive tissues. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining healthy levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Incorporating Antioxidants into Your Diet
To support hormonal health, it’s important to include a variety of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet. Some excellent sources of antioxidants include:
- **Berries**: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in vitamins C and E.
- **Nuts and Seeds**: Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds provide selenium and vitamin E.
- **Leafy Greens**: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins A and C.
- **Fruits**: Oranges, kiwi, and papaya offer a good dose of vitamin C.
- **Vegetables**: Bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are excellent sources of various antioxidants.
- **Green Tea**: Rich in polyphenols, green tea is a powerful antioxidant beverage.
Conclusion
Hormonal balance is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. By understanding the role of hormones and incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, you can support your endocrine system and promote optimal hormonal health. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management are also vital components of a holistic approach to maintaining hormonal balance.
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By focusing on these lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments, you can harness the power of antioxidants to support your hormonal health and overall well-being.
What the heck is Ditch and Switch?
In January of 2015, my friend Angela, told me "it's great you guys eat healthy, but what about all the cleaners and air fresheners you are using daily? Did you realize they have an effect of your health?" She went on to explain that even though we were seemingly healthy, the exposure to air pollution inside of our home, was actually worse than the air pollution outside!
When these facts were brought to my attention, it made so much sense! Dan's asthma and allergies getting worse each year. My weekly and sometimes daily headaches. Irritability and anxiety that we both suffered. And the effect this was having on our dogs... I knew we had to make a change. Ang said "you need to ditch the toxic cleaners and switch to plant based ones!"
In January of 2015, my friend Angela, told me "it's great you guys eat healthy, but what about all the cleaners and air fresheners you are using daily? Did you realize they have an effect of your health?" She went on to explain that even though we were seemingly healthy, the exposure to air pollution inside of our home, was actually worse than the air pollution outside!
When these facts were brought to my attention, it made so much sense! Dan's asthma and allergies getting worse each year. My weekly and sometimes daily headaches. Irritability and anxiety that we both suffered. And the effect this was having on our dogs... I knew we had to make a change. Ang said "you need to ditch the toxic cleaners and switch to plant based ones!"
I was so saddened by some of the things I had learned. So, right away we stopped using the blue glass cleaner as our “just about everything “ household cleaner...
Those pups (Daphne and Phoebe pictured above) were our babies before we adopted our beautiful daughters from China. The thought that some of the cleaners we were using had affected our dogs’ health weighed tremendously on me.
Here are some of the things we used on a daily basis:
*Candles
*Blue all purpose cleaner
*Bleach
*Dryer sheets
*Air fresheners
*Laundry soap with fragrance
*Stainless steel polish
*Granite cleaner
*Oven cleaner/degreaser
*Scented AC filters
*Deodorizing spray
*Hand soap
*Dish soap
*Dishwasher detergent
Not only did these items cost us a pretty penny each month, but they were affecting our health and poisoning our pets. 😢
When we decided to make the shift to plant based solutions, we did it slowly, over time. Little by little, each month.
First - we started with our household cleaner and deodorizing spray.
The next month we added laundry soap, hand soap and dish soap.
The third month we opted for an essential oils diffuser instead of candles and air fresheners. And ordered different oils to try.
Not only did we save big time on our grocery bill, but we also had the peace of mind knowing we were doing our best for ourselves and our remaining doggies.
I know that the damage we did to our pets, using all those toxic chemicals, was a contributing factor in all four of them dying from cancer. But I am grateful for the knowledge I have now, to do better for our family.
If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not.
We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor.
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.
xoxo Liz
Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!
I know that the damage we did to our pets, using all those toxic chemicals, was a contributing factor in all four of them dying from cancer. But I am grateful for the knowledge I have now, to do better for our family.
If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not.
We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor.
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.
xoxo Liz
Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!
There was a time in my life that I fell overwhelmed, uncertain, like my nerves were on edge. I would get nervous in the car, and feel off. Like the strong person I once was had left the building.
A very dear friend of mine discovered that she felt the same way, but it was mostly triggered when she wore cosmetics.
What? I doubt it, plus I am a makeup girl. There is no way I am going through life without my "face" on!
A very dear friend of mine discovered that she felt the same way, but it was mostly triggered when she wore cosmetics.
What? I doubt it, plus I am a makeup girl. There is no way I am going through life without my "face" on!
Years later, when Dan and I started diving into a natural lifestyle, looking at perfume and cologne as triggers for Dan's Asthma, was an obvious change. It seemed like a no brainer. Use naturally derived scents instead of synthetic. Done!Wait!
What about fragrance in other products? Shampoo, aftershave, lotions, and Makeup!
One of my favorite things to do was to go to Nordstrom and buy new lipsticks, try different foundations, and of course we can't forget skin care!
Different makeup techniques and products are some of my favorite things! I love getting dolled up and feeling pretty <3
What the heck was I to do if makeup was actually causing me and my family harm? I kiss my kids and husband while wearing makeup.
Then I remembered my friend and her discovery years ago! Could it be that toxic makeup was actually affecting how she felt?
I didn't even want to think about not wearing makeup, it's not happening!
So I began to research, thanks Google! And I found a few, very few, clean makeup brands with plant based options. I ordered some and gave them a try. Some were okay. Not the Department Store Quality I was used to, but at least there were options.
I didn't even want to think about not wearing makeup, it's not happening!
So I began to research, thanks Google! And I found a few, very few, clean makeup brands with plant based options. I ordered some and gave them a try. Some were okay. Not the Department Store Quality I was used to, but at least there were options.
There brands I would stay away from are Arbonne and Tarte. Mostly because they are not as clean as they lead you to believe.
Companies I like a lot are Omiana, and 100 Percent Pure, with my favorite being
Companies I like a lot are Omiana, and 100 Percent Pure, with my favorite being
Savvy Minerals.
With Savvy you will NEVER find:
Bismuth, Carmine, Coal tar, Dimethicone, Formaldehyde, Hydroquinone, Lake dye, Mineral oil, Nano particles, Oxybenzone, Parabens, Petroleum based ingredients, Phthalates, Polypropylene, Silicone, Sulfates, Synthetic colorants, Synthetic fragrances, Synthetic preservatives, Talc, Triclocarban, or Triclosan.
Savvy will also never use any of the 1,328 banned ingredients on the European Union banned cosmetic list.
What I want you to know is... you can make the switch! And when you do, I want to hear about it!
Bismuth, Carmine, Coal tar, Dimethicone, Formaldehyde, Hydroquinone, Lake dye, Mineral oil, Nano particles, Oxybenzone, Parabens, Petroleum based ingredients, Phthalates, Polypropylene, Silicone, Sulfates, Synthetic colorants, Synthetic fragrances, Synthetic preservatives, Talc, Triclocarban, or Triclosan.
Savvy will also never use any of the 1,328 banned ingredients on the European Union banned cosmetic list.
What I want you to know is... you can make the switch! And when you do, I want to hear about it!
My friend noticed that her feelings of being unsettled, overwhelm, and not being herself all went away when she swapped out toxic makeup for cosmetics that were good for her!
If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not.
We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor.
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.
xoxo Liz
Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!
Incredibly Easy, DIY, Toxin Free Hand Sanitizer - Yes you can!
Are you a zero entry person?
I am a zero entry kinda girl. I search for ease.
I crave simplicity, the easy way, if it's to complicated... I'm out!
I look for recipes, and tasks with short (and not too many) steps, simplistic directions. I guess it's my nature... but I also think it's my desire for time freedom.
Time is the one commodity we cannot make more of. We can make more money, but precious time, once that minute is gone, it can't be gotten back.
So, what I'm trying to say is...
Yes you can make better choices... I promise it's not hard! Or time consuming!
Why hand sanitizer? Well, because of the pandemic, hand sanitizer has become even more of an everyday item. An item that contains ingredients like triclosan.
Triclosan - Recent studies have also found that Triclosan interferes with the body's thyroid hormone metabolism and maybe a potential endocrine disruptor. Children exposed to antibacterial compounds at an early age also have an increased chance of developing allergies, asthma and eczema.
Source: Beyond Pesticides
When avoiding asthma triggers, and in the interest of doing better for your general health, it's best to avoid products with triclosan. Hand sanitizer being one of the most popular offenders!
I use a plant based hand sanitizer with essential oils and high quality ingredients, but if I run out before my monthly wellness box arrives, I'll whip up a batch of DIY hand sanitizer... so stinkin easy!!!
DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe:
Ingredients:
Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Clove, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Eucalyptus and Lemon Pure therapeutic grade Essential oils
Isopropyl Alcohol or Grain Alcohol (Like Everclear)
Optional - Healthy fatty oil like jojoba oil or Avocado oil
How to make it:
- Fill tube mostly with aloe vera gel (I eyeball it) - you can get the tubes I use here (pictured below). Or the more traditional tubes here.
- Add a splash of alcohol, I add just a few drops.
- Add 2 drops of each Essential Oil, or as many as you'd like. I use Thieves blend, which is these 5 oils combined and formulated for efficacy.
- Shake until combined.
Thats's it! See, super easy! And the best part is no asthma triggering triclosan!
I make this hand sanitizer in this video! Just click the graphic below!
If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not.
We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor.
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.
xoxo Liz
Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!
Could Amino Acids really HELP?
When Dan and I began our health journey it started with food. As time when on it turned into supplements, then cleaning up our home environment. The journey became a gradual effort that resulted in Dan saying good bye to his asthma meds for good.
Yes. Read that again.
Dan said good bye to his asthma meds.... for good.
Here's Dan with our youngest daughter.
As we began sharing our asthma recovery story, we wanted to pinpoint what exactly was most integral, for Dan, in weening off of his inhalers.
Side note: Dan did not intentionally ween off of his asthma medications... he would forget to use them because he felt so good, and one day he announced,
"I haven't used an inhaler in weeks!"
That's when we realized we were onto something amazing!
ONTO AMINO ACIDS!
As we incorporated more supplements into our daily lives, we included drinking a wolfberry purée drink and adding in an organic form of natural, plant based sulfur powder. We also take a sulfur supplement, in capsule form every night. Both of these nutritionals are fabulous amino acids!
Amino Acids are amazing for decreasing inflammation.
Why would someone with respiratory issues (or anyone for that matter) want to decrease inflammation?
Amino Acids, because of their anti-inflammatory properties, may ease asthma symptoms.
Ani-inflammatories stops the lungs from swelling and narrowing when a trigger is present.
This swelling and narrowing of airways makes breathing difficult!
So now rather than using a long-acting bronchodilator, we manage Dan's pulmonary disease with daily sulfur supplements. In fact, when presented with a trigger, we've made our wolfberry drink with sulfur, rather than using a fast acting rescue inhaler.
The best part of Dan getting off of his medications, was no more side effects.
There was a time that Dan was extremely angry, irritable and down right intolerant. I would walk on egg shells because he was quick to shift into a foul mood. His temperament did not make for a loving marriage, and I wondered why he was so miserable and what was the root cause.
I go into more info about the side effects Dan suffered in my Asthma Medication Side Effects post.
Nowadays, Dan is full of love and joy and has an incredible zest for life! I can honestly say he is completely different now. The debilitating effects he suffered are gone and instead of fearing a breakdown in his system as he ages, Dan embraces building strength, endurance and wellness!
If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not.
We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor.
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.
xoxo Liz
Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!
