Hormone imbalances have more of an impact on our lives than almost any other outside influence. Take a look below to see how we can minimise hormone imbalances …
So Winter is coming to an end and Spring is well and truly on its way. With the onset of sunnier weather, we become more determined to make self-improvements that provide a fresh, positive outlook and strong sense of well-being. But sometimes health factors, such as depression and its link to hormone imbalances, undermine those good intentions. There are myriad ways both men and women suffer adverse effects to their hormones, says doctor and author Don Colbert and many of them are avoidable.
Hormone Imbalances
“We are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals on a regular basis in the air, water and food,” says Colbert . “Some of them are hormone disruptors because they disturb your endocrine system, wreaking havoc and creating hormonal imbalances.
“Not only are the effects of all these disruptors depressing to think about; they actually cause depression, along with countless other ailments such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and more. But the basic principle is this: decreasing the number of disruptions will improve your health.”
Dr. Colbert breaks down the top hormone disruptors causing hormone imbalances in men and women along with ways to minimize or stop the disruption.
Lifestyle Choices
Whether it’s weight gain and a lack of exercise, anger and unforgiveness, drinking too much alcohol or some other thing that can be controlled, your hormone levels drop and you begin a slow slide to poorer health. Make better choices, and that dramatically decreases the chances of having any hormone deficiency symptoms.
Medications
Medications affect the body’s cells, and sometimes side effects manifest in major problems. The prescription statin drug that lowered cholesterol could result in liver damage, memory loss or type 2 diabetes. “I estimate that 55 percent of the entire US population is taking pills that directly and negatively affect hormone levels,” Dr. Colbert says. “Get off these harmful medications you hate.”
Things You Touch
Chemicals entering the body through the skin can cause long-term damage. Phthalates are disruptors found in household cleaners, cosmetics, toys and numerous other products. Moreover, phthalates negatively affect both men’s and women’s ability to use the testosterone that is in our bodies. Another is BPA (bisphenol A), found on the inside of metal-canned foods and plastic food-storing containers. Specifically, BPA has been found to cause or contribute to cancer, fertility problems, developmental issues and heart disease. I recommend buying glass jars of food and storing in ceramic containers.
Diet Deficiencies
The standard American diet is usually low in key nutrients that support a healthy thyroid. Many patients with hormone imbalances have low iodine. The best solution is eat more vegetables, ideally raw or steamed.”
Ageing
Dr. Colbert says oestrogen levels in women begin to decline around the age of 50; for men, testosterone levels can drop low around age 45-50. “Ageing is a natural combatant as a hormone disruptor,” he says, “but we can slow the acceleration of the effects of ageing by optimizing our hormones. Healthy habits can make a huge difference.”
You can reverse symptoms of serious problems indicated by hormonal imbalance. Focus on health, diet, lifestyle and living environment. These can enable all of your systems to function optimally.
by Dr Don Colbert
