Hormones

What you need to know about oxytocin

Hormones, neurotransmitters, The body / /

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuro peptide produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It plays a role in social bonding and sexual reproduction in both sexes and during and after childbirth. Oxytocin has hormonal actions as well as important actions in the brain. It is also known as the love hormone.   It is needed for: triggering uterine contraction social bonding stress management the release of serotonin and dopamine reducing cravings breastfeeding it’s calming effect counteracting the effects of cortisol stimulating growth hormone which helps with cell repair and growth building trust and feeling affection and love Ways to increase oxytocin Magnesium and Vitamin C can increase oxytocin. Being more affectionate helps your body create more oxytocin. There are tiny pressure receptors located throughout the body that help with this. Genetics The oxytocin receptor OXTR is central in inhibiting the brains primary fear and stress center-the amygdala, and promotes courage, calmness, empathy, optimism, trust, self belief and self esteem. Certain genetic variables in the oxytocin receptor gene have been implicated in anxiety and depression. There may be more difficulty in overcoming historic life trauma, and there is a higher risk of developing stress-related health issues. Getting your genetic test can help show you how to increase your oxytocin levels in you have a down regulation in your gene. Contact me for more information.   sources: Magon N, Kalra S. The orgasmic history of oxytocin: Love, lust, and labor. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Sep;15 Suppl 3(Suppl3):S156-61. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.84851. PMID: 22029018; PMCID: PMC3183515. Zak PJ, Stanton AA, Ahmadi S. Oxytocin increases generosity in humans. PLoS One. 2007 Nov 7;2(11):e1128. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001128. PMID: 17987115; PMCID: PMC2040517. Cochran DM, Fallon D, Hill M, Frazier JA. The role of oxytocin in psychiatric disorders: a review of biological and therapeutic research findings. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2013 Sep-Oct;21(5):219-47. doi: 10.1097/HRP.0b013e3182a75b7d. PMID: 24651556; PMCID: PMC4120070. Liu N, Yang H, Han L, Ma M. Oxytocin in Women’s Health and Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Feb 15;13:786271. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.786271. PMID: 35242106; PMCID: PMC8886718. Lee HJ, Macbeth AH, Pagani JH, Young WS 3rd. Oxytocin: the great facilitator of life. Prog Neurobiol. 2009 Jun;88(2):127-51. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.04.001. Epub 2009 Apr 10. PMID: 19482229; PMCID: PMC2689929.

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What you need to know about Melatonin

Hormones / /

What is melatonin? Melatonin is referred to as the hormone of darkness. It is produced from serotonin and mainly secreted by the pineal gland where levels are elevated during the night and low during the day. Melatonin helps to regulate your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal sleep-wake clock). What does it do? immune function blood pressure cortisol levels helps to regulate your circadian rhythm acts as an antioxidant may improve eye health east symptoms of seasonal depression can provide relief from acid reflux Melatonin and the gut According to one NCBI article, The concentration of melatonin in the GI tract is at least 400x more than in the pineal gland. As more research is being done, it is becoming known that melatonin may influencing the regeneration and function of the gut lining, enhance the guts immune system, and reduce the tone of gastrointestinal muscles. The release of Melatonin may also influence the digestive tract indirectly, via the central nervous system and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Studies show that taking melatonin supplements to help with sleep can cause inflammation in the intestines and disrupt the gut microbiota. This in turn can worsen IBD symtoms. Melatonin and Insulin There is a strong link between melatonin and insulin homeostasis. Research indicates that increasing levels of melatonin reduces the ability of insulin-producing cells to release insulin. Reduced melatonin levels may be involved in the start of type 2 diabetes. pregnancy If you are considering trying for a baby, it would be good to get your GROWBABY DNA test done. This test shows certain genetic variants that predispose one to gestational diabetes and having a large for gestational age baby. It also looks at genetics that for Maternal vitamin D deficiency which can result in recurrent pregnancy losses, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes.   Contact me for more information.

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What you need to know about Epinephrine

Hormones, neurotransmitters / /

What is epinephrine and Norepinephrine? Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are hormones and neurotransmitters classed as a catecholamines. Epinephrine is also known as adrenaline. When you are stressed, your body releases adrenaline. Norephinephrine is also known as noradrenaline. Both play a role in the fight or flight response. The difference  Both epinephrine and norepinephrine can affect your heart, blood sugar levels, and blood vessels. The main difference between the two is that norepinephrine can also make your blood vessels become narrower which increases blood pressure. Symptoms of low epinephrine include: anxiety depression fibromyalgia hypoglycemia migraine restless legs syndrome sleep disorders Norepinephrine and mental health Norepinephrine is made from dopamine. Norepinephrine is also known to influence areas of cognition and behaviour such as attention and working memory. Dysregulation of the norepinephrine system can result in anxiety and depression and ADHD. Genetics When your COMT gene has a lower enzymatic activity, this can increase epinephrine and norepinephrine in the peripheral and central nervous system, which can result in a high pain sensitivity. When dopamine and norepinephrine levels rise, it can disrupt the regulation of the prefrontal cortex, leading to a diminished ability to cope with negative emotions. Genetic testing The DNA resilience test looks at seven molecular areas of resilience: serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, BDNF, Neuropeptide Y, Oxytocin and the stress axis in order to help identify strengths and hurdles, as well as recommending personalised interventions which can help you to improve your resilience outcomes and health performance. If you are interested in getting your genetic test, please contact me. I am an accredited genetic practitioner.

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Insulin: uses and benefits

Hormones, The body / /

{maintains normal blood glucose levels } What is Insulin? Insulin is a peptide hormone. The pancreas makes insulin to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat by promoting the uptake of glucose into the places it is stored such as fat cells and skeletal muscle. Diabetes When the function of insulin is not working correctly, Diabetes Mellitus can occur. There are three types of Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Gestational diabetes Type 1 Diabetes   In this type, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to manage blood glucose levels effectively. People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections to mange the condition. It is considered an autoimmune disease that cannot be cured. Type 2 Diabetes This type is also referred to as adult onset diabetes. The target tissues in the body cannot process insulin properly. This means that glucose is not taken up by target tissues and blood sugar levels remain high as a result. Type 2 diabetes is lifestyle related and be prevented or minimized with proper intervention. Gestational Diabetes This type only occurs in pregnant women and is identified during prenatal screenings. It is a temporary condition. Stages of Diabetes Medical professionals recognize four stages of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance Prediabetes Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes with complications Insulin resistance Insulin resistance means the target cells, such as the fat tissue, the liver and muscle cells are unable to respond to insulin.When these cells can’t use glucose for energy, glucose remains in the bloodstream longer. Elevated glucose long term can lead to prediabetes. The next stage is when Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed and the final stage is when damage occurs to the vascular system and other organs.  What can you do? Fortunately many risk factors for type 2 diabetes can be addressed with lifestyle and behavior modifications. These modifiable risk factors include: smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity,nutrition and being overweight. Health coaching A health coach is not involved in the treating, curing or diagnosing of diabetes. However they are trained to provide education, behavior change, and dietary habit guidance to help you make lifestyle and behavior modifications with regards to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Contact me for more information.

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Chasteberry and perimenapause

Hormones / /

A natural supplement that helps balance hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone What is chaste berry? Vitex agnus-castus is a plant native of the Mediterranean region. It has been used to treat a variety PMS, symptoms of menopause, infertility issues and other conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive system. Perimenopause For any women going through perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause), you will know how they can be really disruptive. Symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, PMS and even full blown depression and anxiety can be caused by hormonal imbalances. Chasteberry can be a life saver. Phytoestrogen Vitex agnus-castus contains substances called phytoestrogens, which are estrogen-like compounds. Phytoestrogens have a high tendency to bind to beta estrogen receptors which can create a hormonal balance. Study PMID: 17454163 n one study of 50 healthy premenopausal and postmenopausal women, aged 44-65 years, the effect of treatment improvements in menopausal symptoms increased over time. By 3 months there was a 73% decrease in hot flushes and a 69% reduction of night sweats, accompanied by a decrease in their intensity and a significant benefit in terms of sleep quality. Hot flushes ceased completely in 47% of women in the study group compared with only 19% in the placebo group. Study PMID: 31464546 This study showed that Chaste berry was effective in relieving breast pain intensity with or without premenstrual syndromes. Chaste Berry is known for its dopaminergic activity and its possible actions on Cyclic mastalgia (breast pain). It activates the mu-opiate receptor, reducing pain in PMS. Study: PMC6494412/ This study showed that Chaste berry was effective in increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) resulting in decreased estrogen and increased progesterone and prolactin levels.   In conclusion Research  indicates that there are some downsides to chaste berry: It can cause acne because it increases progesterone. It also can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. It can also have negative effects on breastfeeding and pregnancy. It can also cause headaches.   One study showed that while initially it an cause pimples, it normalizes with time. Balancing hormones is a delicate see-saw of getting them all just right. Before taking supplements it might be best to get your hormone levels checked to see what hormone needs support, since it could make it worse.   Disclaimer: This article is meant as educational. Like with all supplements, including those of natural origin, it is always best to consult with your health care provider before taking them. Even natural supplements can interfere with medications you may be on and can have adverse side effects.    

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Carbohydrates and your hormones

Hormones, Nutrition / /

Carbohydrates are one of three main macronutrients your body needs to function.   Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. Which is the main source of energy for your body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Glucose can be used immediately or stored in the liver and muscles for later use.   There are three main types of carbs: sugars, starches and fiber.   Carbohydrates are often blamed for weight gain, diabetes and insulin resistance. And this is true of a diet high in simple carbohydrates.   Carbs are divided into two groups: simple or complex.     ?Simple: used immediately for energy, normally contain more sugar and are often refined and processed. These often give you a blood sugar spike.   ?Complex: sustained form of energy which stabilizes your blood sugar. Stable blood sugar equals balanced hormones.   Complex carbs can be found in whole grains, (whole grains means it still has the endosperm and husk and thus essentially all the nutrients and fiber intact), legumes, vegetables, and fruit, dairy products.   ⚠️Carbohydrates are essential for producing and balancing hormones. Reducing total carbs long term can result in an increase in cortisol which can lead to adrenal fatigue and a dysregulation of the HPA axis.   When we don’t give our body enough fuel to use for energy, we put stress on the adrenal glands which in turn can lead to a thyroid issue.     ✅️Include complex carbs such as sweet potato,green beans, whole grains like buckwheat, gf oats, brown rice, quinoa.   ✅️Limit simple carbs such as sugars, cakes, pastries, cookies for occasional treats.   And lastly, genetics. Some of us are more genetically built to favor carbs and do well on a diet that includes complex carbs. (Which can include a low carb diet, not a no-carb diet) For example those with the A allele of the PLIN gene show protection against obesity when there is a higher intake of complex carbohydrates.   Others are more suited to a low fat diet or Mediterranean way of eating.   What’s key to remember is that the human body needs carbohydrates, but  carbohydrate requirements differ from one person to another,based on many factors such as age, activity level, phase of life, genetics.   Remember: your diet is one of the key foundation to hormone health.    How to tell if your carbohydrate intake is too low: You are tired and sluggish You struggle to concentrate You don’t feel satisfied after a meal You have constant cravings Your menstrual cycle is haywire Headaches Constipation   Low carbs can also mean a decrease in fiber. Fiber is essential for a healthy gut microbiome and to avoid constipation which in turn means less nasty estrogens recirculating in your body. For more information on what type of diet is best suited to your genetics, why not take the DNA Diet genetic test? This test looks at certain genetic variations and let’s you know what type of diet is best suited to your personal needs.  

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