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What makes us unique? Our hormones affect our thoughts and who we are. Let me explain: We hear about hormones more and more in the media and day to day conversations. Many of my clients are struggling with PCOS, low testosterone, the affects menopause, and/or recurrent daily stress. A common theme in conversations revolves around “not feeling like myself.” This varies as widely as each person is unique—from low energy to feelings of rage, food cravings that cause serious health issues when acted upon, and the inability to sleep or “turn off.” Hormones are chemical messengers produced by various glands in the body. They play a crucial role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes including growth, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and more. Here they are listed: Insulin, sourced in the Pancreas. Responsible for regulating blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. It also helps store glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Cortisol, sourced in the Adrenal glands. Often called the "stress hormone," it helps the body respond to stress, regulates metabolism, and manages inflammation. Estrogen, sourced in the Ovaries (in women), adrenal glands, and fat tissue. Estrogen plays a key role in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, regulates the menstrual cycle, and is involved in pregnancy. Testosterone, sourced in the testes of men, the ovaries of women, and the adrenal glands of both sexes. Testosterone affects the ability to build muscle in both men and women as well as libido. For men, testosterone promotes the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and supports sperm production. Thyroid Hormones (Namely T3 and T4), sourced in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland works to regulate metabolism, produce energy, and growth. Both T3 and T4 are crucial for brain development during infancy and childhood. Progesterone, produced in ovaries, the placenta (during pregnancy), and adrenal glands. Progesterone regulates the menstrual cycle, supports pregnancy, and prepares the body for conception. Growth Hormone, sourced in the pituitary gland. Growth hormone stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. It also plays an important role in metabolism. Oxytocin, sourced in the hypothalamus, stored and released by the pituitary gland. Oxytocin creates happy feelings in the brain and is known as the "love hormone." Oxytocin promotes bonding, reduces stress, and plays a role in childbirth and lactation. When we hug or nuzzle our pets, we stimulate these hormones in our brains, as do our pets. Adrenaline aka epinephrine, is sourced in the adrenal glands. Just like it sounds, the functions of adrenaline prepare the body for the “fight-or-flight” response by increasing heart rate, expanding air passages, and redistributing blood to muscles. Melatonin, sourced in the pineal gland. Melatonin is crucial in sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms. Hormones work in very specific ways and often interact with each other, making the endocrine system complex but vital to overall health. Changes or imbalances in hormone levels can lead to various health issues, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, reproductive issues, and more. Stay Tuned next week for part two. I will offer some guidance on diet and lifestyle for regulating your body’s chemical messengers. As always, this will be instructional, and specifics relating to your needs are best served individually. I would love to help customize your nutritional needs. “Our lives are about the visions we create, the choices we make and the actions we take.”- Joe Dispenza For further reading, here are some great links: https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Hormones.aspx https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22464-hormones Have a question specific to your personal health needs? Remember, we are all BIOINDIVIDUAL, unique from our partner, friend , parent, sibling or child. To discuss any specific health concerns, you can reach me at hello@angiesrealfood.com, or call or text at 619-807-1387.
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