Regulating hormones with chiropractic care

Hormones.

We’ve all got them. We often think of hormones in black and white: testosterone and estrogen, but they are so much more than that. Hormones have a wide range of physiological effects, including those on blood pressure, metabolism, sex drive, growth, fertility, and even sleep. Our daily thoughts and behaviors have been changed as a result of their impact.

Hormones are so interesting, though, because for each person they are different, and at each stage of life, they change.

It’s also possible to have a hormone imbalance. Some symptoms of this condition include:

-Unexplained changes in weight

-Changes in your sleeping patterns

-Mood changes

-Hair loss or abnormal hair growth

-Changes in your reproductive health

Did you know that regular chiropractic care can help with hormone regulation?

The endocrine system is responsible for producing and regulating hormones, which play a crucial role in various bodily functions and processes. The nervous system, which includes the spinal cord, is closely interconnected with the endocrine system. By optimizing nervous system function, chiropractic care may indirectly influence the endocrine system, addressing the root cause of the imbalance, and helping the body to restore itself.

Dr. Faith also encourages her patients to make lifestyle changes at home to address hormonal imbalances. Here are a few day-to-day changes you can make:

Get enough protein

Our cells are made of protein, which also provides the structural foundation for the development of hormones. Protein also helps with tissue healing. Consuming 25 to 30 grams of high-quality protein at each meal from sources such as chicken or other lean meat, eggs, fish, and plant-based proteins like nuts or seeds can help keep your hormones functioning optimally.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining healthy endocrine function since it can help regulate hormones like cortisol, insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones. Elevating your heart rate for at least 30 minutes a day increases estrogen levels, which can lessen the severity of menopause symptoms.

Maintain a moderate weight

Weight gain can have significant effects on hormone levels in the body. Adipose tissue (fat cells) is an active endocrine organ that produces and releases hormones known as adipokines. These adipokines play a role in regulating metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity, among other functions.

Watch your gut health

Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of the microbiota in the control of estrogen. These findings suggest that estrogen-related disorders including PCOS, endometriosis, and possibly breast cancer are more likely to develop in those with poor gut health. Eating fermented foods like kefir, olives, fermented vegetables, prebiotic foods, and probiotic yogurts will help balance gut bacteria.

Lower Sugar Intake

One of your body’s most critical hormones, insulin, can be compromised by sugar. Your body uses insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help it utilize sugar as fuel. This can not only lead to fatigue, brain fog, depression, and even diabetes, but insulin spikes can reduce levels of sex hormone binding globulin, or SHBG. SHBG is a crucial protein that binds to extra testosterone and estrogen in the bloodstream. Sugar can also strain the adrenal gland, which is responsible for regulating cortisol, the stress hormone.

Reduce stress

Your body’s natural hormone balance can be upset by stress, which can lead to problems like weight, insomnia, low energy, or even a diminished sex drive.

Get enough sleep

Not getting enough sleep limits the production of the human growth hormone, the “hunger hormones”, cortisol and estrogen, and progesterone.

Human growth hormone (HGH) is a naturally occurring hormone that your pituitary gland secretes. It helps adults maintain normal body structure, encourages growth in children, and affects both children’s and adults’ metabolism.

Ghrelin, dubbed the “hunger hormone,” is released by the small intestine, pancreas, and brain. Ghrelin’s functions are its stimulatory effects on food intake, fat deposition, and growth hormone release.

Eat healthy fats

Foods high in good fats include olive oil, flaxseed oil, avocado oil, raw unsalted nuts or seeds, nut butter, avocados, and fish build our hormones as well as reduce inflammation.

Eat plenty of fiber

Fiber binds to excess hormones in the body and works to remove them through the colon. It also helps to regulate insulin.

If you think you have a hormonal imbalance and would like to work on fixing it, give Simply Well Chiropractic a call at (513) 271-1233 or visit simplywellchiro.com to schedule an appointment with Dr. Faith.