Our hormones are related (part 2)
If you missed part 1 of this post, back-up and read this...
Foods provide nutrients and information to our cells, which code these miniature machines (including cellular organelles like the mitochondria, and nucleus) to complete specific tasks needed for the various systems in our body, such as the endocrine (hormone), digestive and nervous systems to function properly. Nutrient dense foods like colorful vegetables, grass-fed meats, and minimally processed oils provide our bodies with key information, coding for optimal function. Listed below are some foods to consider...
Foods that support needed cholesterol production:
olive oil
fatty fish like salmon
avocado
nuts (walnuts and almonds)
seeds (chia and flax)
Foods to support estrogen production: (take note of the colors in this food list)
flaxseeds
sesame seeds
apricots, oranges, strawberries and peaches
yams carrots dark rye
gogi berries
tofu and miso soup
olives and olive oil
maca
Foods to support testosterone production:
egg yolk
oysters
almonds
asperagas
garlic
cabbage
Another factor in our hormone production is our toxic load, or the number of toxins in our body. The average person has 77 different toxins within their body at any given time. These toxins stay with us for a long time, as they get bound up in our fat cells.
Allowing them time to disrupt, mimic and stimulate hormones like estrogen, testosterone and thyroid. This occurs by blocking binding sites on cells, or impersonating hormones and actually binding to the site. Which in turn can slow down, speedup, or halt the endocrine system from working properly, leading to hormone levels outside of the optimal range. Symptoms such as fatigue, stubborn weight loss, irritability, depression, headaches, and even eczema can be attributed to these endocrine disruptors.
Chemicals or endocrine disrupters to lookout for:
BPA- found in plastics, which imitates estrogens in the body. Linked to breast and other cancers, reproductive problems, obesity, early puberty and heart disease.
Atrazine- an herbicide used on crops like corn, and sugar, as well as golf courses and residential homes. Linked to breast tumors, delayed puberty, and prostate cancer.
Phthalates- chemical used to make plastic firm. Found in vinyl flooring, kids backpacks, personal care products, and artificial fragrance.
Perflourinated chemicals (PFCs)- found in non-stick pan coating. Has been shown to affect thyroid and sex hormone levels.
Check out the Environmental Working Group for more information and tips