Gut Health and Hormone Health
The digestive tract is connected with other important systems in the body, including the endocrine system, which houses your hormones. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) in the brain, which includes the adrenal cortex, releases cortisol which can affect how the colon functions, what it absorbs, how much and what kind of mucus it produces, and the microbiome itself. Cortisol slows the system because the body prioritizes current stress. Cortisol is the stress hormone and is produced at a higher than normal rate due to chronic stress -which most of us are experiencing these days. Not only does gut health affect hormones through stress, but it can also affect the HPA axis since bacteria can change the nervous system. Some hormones and hormone-producing organs that can be affected include insulin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, the thyroid gland, and the uterus. Some ways that the gut can affect hormones include:
● Healthy GI tract helps with blood sugar management
● Estrogen dominance can happen if bacteria reactivate inactive estrogen
● Stomach produces estrogen-like molecules when BPA from plastics is consumed
● Toxins cross the gut barrier and can decrease progesterone production
● Toxins mayplay a role in PCOS by increasing insulin and testosterone levels
One step you could take to help your gut health is Manage stress!
You may be questioning this one, but if you want to be reminded of the effects that stress has on your gut, just scroll back up and re-read the top section. I know this one could be a little triggering because how do you possibly manage the stress that is put on you from outside sources that you have no control over? Once again, this is a process, and it does take some work. Since this is only one simple little guide to get you started, there will not be complete steps as to how and what you need to do, However, you will find a few things that may help below.
● Journal
● Breathwork
● Epsom salt baths
● Pray
● Meditate
● Step into nature
● Supplement with ashwagandha
● Use CBD
● Essential oils
● Plan ahead
● Organize
● Say no more
● Say yes less
● Shut down social media
The list could go on for a while, but it may give you a few ideas, to reduce the amount of stress you allow into your life and manage the stress already in your life. Managing your stress alone will make a big difference in your gut health.
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