We have all heard the phrase ‘food is fuel’ – but what does that mean? A bit like a car, we need fuel in order to function. However, while cars require petrol or diesel, we require food! So, how does food affect our hormones? Food provides the nutrients we need to maintain healthy body systems, including the production, metabolism and detoxification of hormones. Therefore, if we don’t get enough of the right nutritious foods, our hormone balance can suffer. Why Does Food Have Such A Big Impact On Hormones? There are around 200 different hormones in the human body. These are chemical messengers that control a number of systems, such as our metabolism , the immune system, menstrual cycle and reproduction. Consuming certain foods can provide the nutrients that we need in order to facilitate the production of hormones. How Does Food Affect Hormones? An Important Example Steroid hormones – including testosterone , estrogen and progesterone – contribute to the normal function of all of t...
Life is hard. Every day it seems like a new challenge appears to test your patience. You may not realize that chronic stress can also lead to long-term health complications. Living in a constant state of fight-or-flight tells your body to produce too much cortisol which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, mood swings, fatigue, and many other conditions. ( 1 ) While it’s important to take steps to manage stress, certain calming herbs can help strengthen your body’s stress response. Adaptogens are some of the best calming herbs because studies show they might make your body and mind more resilient to external stress. Keep in mind that adaptogens don’t work like prescription drugs for anxiety in that they kick in instantly. Instead, they need a few weeks to build up in your system before you notice the effects. When you need something in a pinch, however, other herbs and essential oils – like lavender oil – can ease symptoms almost instantly. 1...