When we contemplate weight-loss, our attention always turns towards diet and physical activity. While these factors are crucial, there's another key player in the game: HORMONES. Your hormones play a significant role in regulating your body's functions, including your weight but the good news is, we can do things to rebalance our hormones & avoid these pesky symptoms. In this blog, we'll explore how your hormones can affect your weight in easy-to-understand terms.
Thyroid Hormones
- Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism.
- An under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) can slow down metabolism, causing weight gain.
- Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, can lead to unintentional weight loss.
Cortisol and Stress
- Cortisol, your body's stress hormone, can lead to fat storage, especially around the abdomen.
- Chronic stress can disrupt your hormonal balance, making it harder to lose weight.
Sex Hormones (Estrogen and Testosterone)
- Imbalances in sex hormones can affect fat distribution.
- High estrogen levels in men can lead to weight gain, while low levels in women may cause weight gain.
Progesterone
- In women, low progesterone levels can lead to water retention and weight gain before menstruation.
Insulin and Blood Sugar
- Imagine insulin as a key that unlocks your cells to let glucose (sugar) in.
- When you eat, your body releases insulin to manage blood sugar levels.
- High-carb diets and insulin resistance can lead to excess fat storage.
Leptin and Ghrelin
- Leptin is your body's "I'm full" hormone; it signals your brain to stop eating.
- Ghrelin, on the other hand, is your "I'm hungry" hormone.
- Imbalances in these hormones can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Growth Hormone
- Growth hormone plays a role in muscle development and fat breakdown.
- Lack of quality sleep and poor diet can hinder growth hormone production.
Your hormones are like conductors in an orchestra, influencing various aspects of your body, including your weight. While diet and exercise are vital for our health, it's essential to consider hormonal balance in your weight-loss journey.
We have a beautiful capsule blend called ‘Hormone Balance Support’ that is formulated with a number of hormone loving ingredients to help you rebalance.
Some of the key ingredients include:
Chaste tree
Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to reduce symptoms of premenstrual tension and support healthy reproductive hormones in females.
Withania
Traditionally used in Ayurvedic Medicine to support healthy stress response in the body.
Passionflower
Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to decrease excess nervous energy.
Vitamin B6
Supports energy levels and supports the nervous system when dietary intake is inadequate.
Vitamin C
Supports collagen formation and supports skin health when dietary intake is inadequate.
Iodine
Supports body metabolism & thyroid when dietary intake is inadequate.
Zinc
Supports healthy reproductive hormones when dietary intake is inadequate.
You can buy the Hormone Balance Support capsule blend HERE.
To find out if hormones are causing an issue via testing, consult with one of our highly- trained naturopaths to address any hormonal imbalances that may be affecting your weight. Remember – understanding your body's inner workings is a key step towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight & wellbeing.
