Our hormones can be our greatest weakness or our greatest strength. At the end of the day, the more we know about them the better equipped we are to make them work for us rather than against us. Progesterone is one of those hormones that only a handful of people know about and those that do use it to their advantage. While all hormones are connected there are some hormones that can offset other hormones more than others. In all cases it is a delicate balancing game that seems to go back and forth on an endless loop. Some hormones can pack a bigger punch than others.
Interlocking Hormones
We have already discussed some of these hormones. For example, Leptin and Ghrelin, you cannot alter one without affecting the other. Estrogen is another one of these hormones that when it is high produces lower levels of other hormones such as Progesterone. Estrogen is similar to Melatonin and Cortisol in that when this one hormone is off it can create a number of imbalances for several different hormone levels. The other hormonal level that is most commonly affected by an imbalance of Estrogen is Testosterone. In an attempt to ease you, as the reader, into learning about the different ways our bodies are constantly talking to us. I will only be introducing one new hormone in this article.
It’s a Dominant World
Based on the number of Estrogen dominant individuals I thought it would be beneficial to introduce Progesterone. Progesterone is an endogenous steroid. It is involved in menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and embryogenesis. Progesterone belongs to a group of steroid hormones called progestogens and is the major progestogen in the body. It provides a variety of functions such as: crucial metabolic intermediate, produces other endogenous steroids, including sex hormones and corticosteroids, and plays an important role in brain function as a neurosteroid. Progesterone is produced by ovaries. One of its main functions is to act on the GABA receptors in the brain which produce a calming effect on the nervous system.
The Weight Hormones
Progesterone can be a critical component when trying to get our weight under control. In fact, one of Progesterone’s key roles is in making sure our metabolic rate is balanced. Unfortunately, there are several different hormones that when out of balance can lead to weight gain. Such as: Cortisol, Ghrelin, Leptin, Melatonin, Serotonin, Dopamine, Estrogen, Testosterone, Oxytocin, and Endorphins. Progesterone can help balance out a several of these hormones which is why some of the all natural treatments as well as the signs and symptoms that can indicate an imbalance have a bit of overlap.
Pump Up Your Progesterone
Due to the fact that the majority of people suffer from Progesterone deficiency we are going to start with the best foods to reach for that can help boost your levels. The following is a list of foods that can increase your Progesterone levels naturally:
- Cashews
- Brussels Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Avocado
- Flax Seed
- Walnuts
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Coconut
- Leafy Greens
- Sweet Potatoes
Healthy Inside & Out
If you have not noticed the similarities between this list and the list of foods that help to naturally balance your hormones you may want to set them side by side. The majority of foods on this list are ideal for not only detoxing your body but also for balancing out your hormonal levels. All of these foods are high in fiber and have been shown to reduce stress levels naturally. As an added bonus these foods are more than just good for your hormone levels they are also anti-inflammatory and great for your overall health and wellness. One of the most interesting things that I have learned over the years is how powerful the addition of herbs and spices can be on the foods we eat. For example, adding cinnamon to starch based foods can help your body digest them easier.
Help Your Body Do Its Job
There are tons of different herbs and spices you can incorporate in with these foods. However, I would suggest adding in anti-inflammatory herbs and spices along with hormone balancing herbs and spices. Some of the best anti-inflammatory herbs and spices include: cinnamon, garlic, black pepper, ginger, clove, cayenne pepper, and turmeric. For hormone balancing herbs you can try: maca root, chasteberry, rosemary, ashwagandha root, cinnamon, turmeric, holy basil, spirulina, and ginseng. In my line of work I see a lot of health related issues that stem from an excess of inflammation and toxic overload. Which is why I suggest a regular detox to all of my clients along with the incorporation of anti-inflammatory foods. Food has the ability to help cure and prevent illness or it can be the root cause of it. It all comes down to what you want it to do for or to you.
How to Get Low
Not all of us are suffering from a deficiency of Progesterone. Some of us, no matter how few of us there are, have too much Progesterone. In an attempt to help offer relief to more individuals and provide you with options that can help you to continue balancing your levels. The following list contains the top five foods that can help lower your Progesterone levels:
- Apples
- Beets
- Carrots
- Barley
- Cucumbers
Balancing Act Between Estrogen & Progesterone
You may have noticed that these foods are Estrogen rich. That is because the best way to lower your Progesterone levels is by increasing your Estrogen levels. The majority of these foods are also high in fiber which can help your body to naturally detox itself. Our bodies are constantly trying to remove the toxins we have become exposed to. Unfortunately, most of our bodies are unable to combat the saturation of toxins we are exposing ourselves to daily. By providing our bodies with whole foods that are packed with the nutrition they need we are helping them work smarter instead of harder. As a result we end up with tons of energy, great skin, hair, nails, and healthier overall.
Eat Your Way to Better Health
Get ready to put your knowledge where your mouth is! I know just how important the right food choices can be on our overall health. That is why I do my best to provide you with a great way to eat your way to better health. Today’s recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites. But I really like sweets so it makes sense that this Coconut cake fills more than just my dreams! I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do. As always, if there is anything you want help with or just need to talk all you have to do is ask.
Ingredients
- 4 Flax Seed Eggs (3 Tbsp water 1 Tbsp ground flax seed makes 1 egg)
- 1 Cup Shredded Coconut
- ½ Cup Coconut Flour
- 1 Cup Coconut Sugar
- 2 tsp Pure Vanilla
- ½ Cup Vegan Butter
- 2 Cups Coconut Milk (full fat)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl combine 4 Tbsp ground flax seed with 12 Tbsp water mix well and let sit for 5 minutes. In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients and blend well. Pour mixture into a greased pie pan (I like to use raw coconut oil to grease it) and bake for one hour or until the center is firm and the cake is a golden brown. Cool on a rack for 20 minutes and move to the fridge for 2-3 hours. Serve cold. I like to top mine with fresh coconut whipped cream, enjoy!
Need a Helping Hand?
A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at DrDeeandMe@gmail.com or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!
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