One common lie I hear is that your hormones are responsible for your weight problem. But the truth of the matter, we’re focusing on the wrong systems. Your hormones are a by-product of a number of other factors that we have way more control over. Learn more inside this post.
There’s a new wave of information being brought to the table as it relates to hormones, and I’m feeling like it’s about time.
In the past, hormones have been the villain. The very thing that was either going to make or break you, and there was nothing you could do about it – except for maybe pop the pill. Which, by the way, is a far cry from actually getting to the root of your ‘hormonal’ problems.
But new research is on the horizon and its bringing to light the intricacy of the hormonal system and, more importantly, how it works in conjunction with the other systems of the body, namely the immune system and nervous system.
But I’d argue that your hormonal problem – isn’t so much a hormonal problem but a deeper root. I say this because of the job of hormones in the body. To communicate and send signals from organs to cells, not do the job of the cells.
So don’t get bogged down that your hormones are out of whack when it’s just the signal to alarm you that there may be something else going on.
Inside today’s podcast, we dive into the topic of hormones.
- What are they, and what they do?
- What influences our hormones?
- The root cause of ‘hormonal imbalance’?
- How to get your body to work together as a whole unit.
5 things that affect your hormones
As they say, “don’t shoot the messenger.” But I believe this is what we’re often doing in regards to hormones. Our hormones are natural to blame, but it’s just because they’re noisy. Being the messenger and one of the main communication networks, they are responsible for biofeedback signals. Or those signs that your body sends, telling you what it needs, like thirst.
Unfortunately, we can take that to mean that our hormones are the reason we are feeling the way that we are. When in fact, it’s not as likely it’s your hormones as it is the cells or the organs producing or accepting those.
This means that your hormones aren’t acting alone – they’re just the messenger sending the signals. If you want to understand why your communication network is off, you have to go back and understand what factors are influencing your body.
Six things affecting your hormones
1. Genetics {Epigenetics}
Yes, your genetic makeup, including whether male or female, is affecting your hormonal cascade. What we know about genetics is that the expression of genes matter more than what genetics we have. This is the field of epigenetics. Stating that we do have control {at least some} over the environment and mindset in which turns genes on or off.
2. Immune Response
Your endocrine system is not the only system responsible for pumping out hormones. In fact, your immune system has the capability of making most hormones focusing more on spot treatment. So you could say, the health of your body and the work of your immune system also has a hormonal impact.
3. Microbiome
It’s no surprise that your microbiome is influencing your hormones and visa versa. The microbiome is directly communicating with the body, and the health of this system changes the lines of communication. Keeping a healthy gut and skin microbiome can help ease the burden on your inner hormonal flow.
4. Circadian Rhythms
Your hormones run on one of two cycles. One is the circadian rhythm, for both men and women. The other is the menstrual cycle that women run off of. Both of these cycles are influencing what hormones are present and what they need – changing what we should provide for it.
Unfortunately, this cycle is easily broken, whether through a lack of healthy circadian rhythm or via excess inflammation that is released or built-up by living outside of your monthly cycle. In either case, it is essential to note that cyclical living is critical for healthy hormonal flow.
5. Mindset & Emotions
The link between your mind and your hormones isn’t often spoken about. But it’s here in our mind that we first communicate the perception of our environment to our body.
Regardless of what you know or what you see, your body is working off what you are perceiving. If it feels threatening or negative you can almost always bet that your stress response will follow. Of course, this stress response is sent out through the communicating network or hormones.
Remember, your body is a by-product of your mind.
If your emotions and perceptions of life are stressed, your body will be as well.
6. Your Environment
Your environment sums up every other factor that may be influencing your body positively or negatively. Of course, some can lead to number five, our mind, like our perception of our relationships. But your environment and the influence it has on your hormones can be from; the beauty products you use, the food you eat, the exercise you perform, what you do on a given day, your stress life, your work life, and the space in which you live.
Everything you do in a day or come in contact with – it’s all having an impact.
How to fix it?
Now I don’t want to let that scare you – but inform you. And truth be told, I hope that you see what I see in all of this. While a lot is influencing our communication networks, what we can control is relatively limited but extremely powerful. Don’t underestimate how simple change can fix your hormones.
Here are five quick tips I can give you to change your hormones without changing your entire life:
- Incorporate a healthy fat into every meal: Think olives, olive oil, ghee, {grass-fed} butter, coconut, etc.
- Get more sunlight – At least 10 minutes a day of direct sunlight or time outside.
- Get more sleep – Women need, on average, 20 minutes more sleep than men. This is due to the menstrual cycle and the work it takes to reset the female hormones. But regardless, male or female, both need a minimum of 6 hours a night. Remember, it’s not just quantity but the quality matters.
- Focus on your mindset – Dig in, see a counselor or therapist, do the work, and don’t neglect the power of your mind over your body.
- Think seasonal – Another cycle our bodies encounter and respond to is that of the physical seasons. Enhance your hormones by living seasonally {learn more here}.
reset your reset
Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’ve put together my top hormonal secrets in getting a quick reboot in my 5-Day Hormonal Reset. Get all the help you need to get started for life right here.
resources
If you’re looking for more resources on hormones, check out some of my favorite products and posts:
- Flo App – Keeps track of your menstrual cycle including diet and lifestyle recommendations
- Cycle Syncing: Why You Should Try It
- The One Thing Sabotaging Your Hormones
- What Women Should Know About Their Hormones
- Is Caffeine Harming Your Hormones?
- How to Reset Your Hormones
- Natural Menstrual Products: Why I Made the Switch
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