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!
For years we accepted my husband, Dan's asthma diagnosis as a lifetime illness that would be managed by medications. We never thought asthma and COPD was something that could be improved or irradiated.
In fact, in 2007, Dan suffered a severe asthma attack that landed him in intensive care for a week! The follow ups with pulmonologists after his stint in ICU, were also daunting experiences. He was in addition to the label of asthmatic, Dan was now also suffering from COPD.
What? Dan was only 32 years old! What is his future going to look like? Will he eventually succumb to these diseases? How did this escalate so quickly?
In 2017 Dan and I watched the movie "The Magic Pill" on Netflix.
It was totally up my natural wellness alley so I was excited to sit down and learn. I did not expect to ball my eyes out!!!
The stories in this documentary are so powerful! Each person in this film suffered from a different disease, but weren't improving. Each were put on a diet where they eliminated processed foods, and ate organic, whole foods, while abstaining from gluten, dairy and sugar.
For Dan and I, the lightbulb turned on.
However, not relating to Dan's Asthma, it was our youngest daughter who's language delay was pretty severe.
There is a little girl in the movie who suffered from autism, and she was completely non verbal. After 10 weeks of eating organic whole foods and eliminating gluten, dairy and sugar from her diet, she began to speak!
I was in tears watching her transformation and Dan and I decided, right then, we would immediately begin eating this way in our home.
It was incredible how quickly the clouds lifted in Harper's brain. You see, brain function begins in the gut. Crazy right?
All four of us began to eat whole foods, and stayed away from sugar, gluten and dairy. We knew if we wanted to girls to eat properly, that we would also need to adopt this way of eating.
It was pretty challenging until we developed a routine, but soon it became easier and easier.
We also noticed our oldest daughter, Avery, who has symptoms of ADD, was also doing better!
It wasn't until a year later and a half later that we noticed Dan has stopped using his asthma inhaler. This is an accumulative result using, essential oils, dietary supplements, eliminating toxins in our home, AND DIET!
We knew we were onto something, a sure fire system to help others achieve better respiratory health!
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!
