Hormones, Health and Wellness at Home in Greensboro

Hormones, Health and Wellness at Home in Greensboro

Ever wondered what hormones have to do with your health and wellness in Greensboro? Check out this highlight reel for one of the latest Health@Home episodes with Dr. Michelle.

What are hormones?

In humans, hormones travel through the blood to cells throughout the body. Many different hormones may be in the blood at one time. Each hormone can affect only a certain type of cell. These cells are known as target cells. A hormone travels to its own target cells and locks onto them. When this happens, the hormone causes the cells to start or to stop certain activities.

Think of the hormone as an arrow. The hormone must travel to its intended target, hit the target accurately, and then signal the target to perform an action depending on what kind of “arrow” (hormone) it is. Hormones are message carriers that signal different actions to be performed. Hormones are everywhere. Every organ and system in your body requires hormones to send messages that signal the completion of organ functions. 

What can interrupt hormones?

Xenoestrogens are man-made chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system. Many chemicals act as xenoestrogens and are found in the water, in plastics, food chemicals, and food preservatives. Since these household items are so common, it’s best to make swaps to glass or stainless steel wherever possible and take measures to consistently support the body and it’s elimination processes. 

General Hormone Balancing Solutions:

1. Green leafy veggies like kale, collard greens, mustard greens are very powerful and very underestimated for their whole body alkalizing capabilities
2. Plan Stem Cells like Caraway detoxes xenoestrogens
3. FUN is key to producing an alkaline environment in the body!
4. Hugs Heal! During a gentle hug, the pressure on the skin tells your brain to produce oxytocin in the hypothalamus, calming the Central Nervous System. 
5. BIFIDOBACTERIUM (BIFIDUS) – Beneficial bacteria (a.k.a probiotics) that can prevent colonization of the unfriendly bacteria and yeast that make estrogen dominance worse. This is found on fermented veggies including vinegar-free sauerkraut. If you prefer to go the supplement route, we highly recommend Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics.
6. B Vitamins increase liver detoxification enzymes and energy-producing reactions. Vitamin B6 helps the liver metabolize excess estrogen. Choline, folic acid, and vitamins B2, B6 and B12 support healthy estrogen-sensitive tissues. 
7. CALCIUM – menopausal women may need greater amounts of calcium due to lowered levels of estrogen. Estrogen protects the skeletal system by promoting the storage calcium in bone and protecting against osteoporosis.
8. BORON – increases synthesis of estradiol and decreases calcium excretion. Helps prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.
9. FLAVONOIDS – Vitamin C and other phytonutrients help promote liver detoxification of excess estrogen. Vitamin C and hesperidin has been shown to relieve hot flashes.
10. FIBRE – binds to estrogen derivates and encourages excretion of excess estrogen through the stool. 
11. LIGNANS – are specialized plant substances that may decrease hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Metabolized into phytohormones, which help to balance hormones, decrease the activity of excess estrogens, and displace xenoestrogens. Found on gluten free grains and raw seeds such as flax, hemp and chia. Fruits and vegetables such as broccoli and berries contain modest amounts.
12. HERBAL TEAS – are also an easy way to balance your hormones. Red clover, St. John’s Wort, Vitex and Wild Oats are 4 teas that works on different hormone-based functions.