Our gut microbiome affects our hormones

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What we eat shapes the state of our immune system, the health of our intestinal flora and the balance of our hormones.

It is common for women to notice a change in their bowel movements right before their period and after menopause. This is because the cells of our intestine are affected by the fluctuation in estrogen and progesterone levels.

The health of the gut plays a huge role in the health of the endocrine system so managing our microbiome is essential in preventing estrogen-related diseases such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

Estrogen is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fatty tissue, it circulates through the blood stream, reaching the breasts, brain, bones, and uterus. It gets broken down and metabolised in the liver after which it passes into the intestines where it finally leaves the body through our stool.

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27107051)

Our Western diet, is high in inflammatory fats and sugar and often low in nutrient-dense foods which adversely impacts gut flora balance and the natural breakdown of estrogen, leading to disease.  In order to avoid this imbalance it is recommended that we improve our diet; avoiding sugar and gluten and adding probiotic laden food like kombucha, sauerkraut and yoghurt.

Here are some hormone-balancing strategies: 

  • Adaptogenic Herbs regulate the adrenals and reduce stress

  • Detoxing the liver will support the metabolism of estrogen

  • Reduce inflammation by eating more fatty fish, nuts and seeds, fibre, fruits and vegetables and green tea.

  • Increase your Antioxidants

  • Eat 45 gms of fiber every day

  • Avoid processed food and eat only nutrient-dense foods

  • Eat more fermented foods

  • Take a good Probiotic daily

Marjolein Brugman written by Marjolein Brugman

Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch the small steps lead to big changes. Eat smart, stay active, and you’ll live to feel a lighter life."

EATMarjolein brugmangut health, microbiome, probiotics, estrogen, hormones, inflammationComment