Hormone Balance

Concern over the possible side effects (cancer and cardiovascular disease) has prompted many to consider natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy.  

Petrochemical-based xenoestrogens can be found in just about everything we come in to contact with on a daily basis. Is it any wonder that disease is rampant and our immune systems are getting weaker and weaker? 

They show up in fuels, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, plastics, clothing, personal care products, cosmetics, baby products (that are deemed safe for babies) and more.  

Although plants and vegetables like soybeans are high in estrogen, and GMO-tainted soy is a MAJOR health concern, the answer is NOT to remove natural, organic plants from the diet, but to remove the OTHER TOXINS and eat a balance of fresh, real, nutrient-rich foods. Anything processed is not real food. Vegans beware!

And for the die-hard carnivores: Synthetic estrogens are used to fatten cattle and poultry and other meat-producing animals, and also (ovolactovegetarians) to increase milk and egg production. 

We all know by now fish are full of plastic and other garbage. (You didn't think I'd leave you out, did you pescatarians?) 

Many illnesses have been attributed to hormone imbalance which can manifest as decreased antibodies, lowering immunity, and leading to conditions such as acne, migraines, obesity, infertility, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease and cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and more. 

There are a multitude of hormones in the human body and any number of hormones can become depleted or out of balance in both men and women, but the three most commonly noted are estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.  

 

Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance is connected to many conditions such as hair loss, fibrocystic breasts, uterine fibroids, acceleration of the aging process, breast cancer, polycystic ovaries, mood swings, osteoporosis, uterine cancer, memory loss, endometrial cancer, bone loss, PMS, low sex drive, allergies, thyroid dysfunction, water retention, weight gain, irregular periods, high blood pressure, blood clots and headaches. 

Hypothyroidism: The crucial nutrient for thyroid hormone synthesis in the body is iodine.  

Kelp is a great source of natural iodine. Nascent (atomic) iodine is also recommended as it is most readily absorbed into the body. Natural, unrefined sea salt is a good source. Peas and cranberries are a couple of foods that are rich in iodine. There are many more.

 

 

 

Low Testosterone

Low testosterone can cause fatigue, loss of lean muscle, fat accumulation, increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and possibly prostate cancer. 

Testosterone levels can be boosted by adding more omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and magnesium: brazil nuts, oats, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin and other seeds, peas, spinach, whole grains and eggs. Refined grains are generally low in magnesium due to the processing, and also important to note: "hard" water usually contains more magnesium than "soft" water. 

 

Progesterone

To boost progesterone production, it helps to increase vitamins C and B6, magnesium and zinc. 

 

 

Herbal Remedies

Many herbal remedies are easily sourced and prepared and can be found locally in and around most wooded areas and forests in North America as well as other places worldwide.  If you are foraging, make sure the area hasn't been contaminated with any hazardous chemicals or toxic weed killers, pesticides, etc. Roots are especially susceptible to absorbing anything toxic in the ground and some poisons can stay in the soil for a long time, so it is not recommended to use any plants growing outside of an unspoiled, protected, clean, healthy, natural environment.  Usually, the deeper in to the woods you go, the better the pickings.

 

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is a wild herb and was used traditionally to treat various ills from fever and rheumatism to menstrual cramps and snake bites. It has come in to wider use worldwide to ease symptoms such as hot flashes and other signs of hormone imbalance. In clinical studies, it delivered better results than conventional therapies such as hormonal drugs and antidepressants in alleviating hot flashes and mood swings, depression, anxiety and vaginal atrophy. 

 

 

Red Clover

Red clover is a wild, medicinal herb that can be used to treat various conditions and symptoms such as hot flashes and also to regulate hormones.

Wild Yam 

Wild yam is another easy to find medicinal herb that enhances progesterone. It, too, is nutrient-rich and multi-purposed.  

 

 

 

Astragalus

This herb and others such as ashwagandha, ginger, fenugreek, and horny goat weed have been used for generations to boost testosterone levels. 

 

 

Lifestyle

Getting enough natural, unfiltered sunlight and sleeping in total darkness at night (and reducing artificial blue light exposure during the day) helps hormone production. Daily exercise aids in restful sleep. Reducing stress and practicing conscious relaxation techniques (yoga, and meditation) helps bring hormone levels in to balance. 

Foraging for wild foods and natural medicines is not only a great way to get exercise but a perfect way to source natural and FREE remedies to help you get back in to balance and STAY WELL.