Can't lose weight? Have you checked your hormones?

Hormones have a larger impact then most people realize.  Besides diet and exercise the digestive system and hormones those are two very important factors.  When hormones are off balance and the gut bacteria is off, losing weight is sometimes not possible.  We will cover digestive health another time.  How do you know if you're suffering from hormone imbalance?  Symptoms include fatigue, skin issues, weight gain, weight around the middle, trouble sleeping, always sleeping,  PMS, endometriosis, infertility and PCOS are a few.

If you'd like to test your hormone levels you can do this yourself using a saliva test.  I really like ZRT Labs http://www.zrtlab.com/patients. They also have other excellent tests available, especially if you do not have health insurance. You can order this yourself, without a doctor.  If you use this method, you can get your hormones in check with various supplements and nutrition.

Here are a few ways to balance your hormones naturally.

1.  Avoid High Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fats

The issue with polyunsaturated fats is that hey are unstable and oxidize easily.  Those oxidized fats cause inflammation & mutation in cells.  Cook with coconut oil and drizzle olive oil, (unheated), over vegetables & salads.  Also increase your Omega 3 fish, (http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/slideshows/best-fish).  

2.  Limit the Caffeine

Too much caffeine can put your endocrine system into overdrive.  The endocrine system is very sensitive and when it is out of whack, you feel "off".  Increase the amount of herbal tea. While green tea does have some caffeine, it is much less then a cup of coffee and has great health benefits.  Addicted to coffee?  Come off it slowly.

3.  Steer Clear of Toxins

Toxins are found in pesticides, plastics, household cleaners and health & beauty items.  Some tips, cook in class or non-coated metal plans.  Do not leave bottled water in the car during the summer and avoid heating or storing foods in plastic.  Buy organic whenever possible.  A great way to buy organic is purchasing frozen vegetables and fruits, they are less expensive then fresh and taste great.  Buy natural cleaners, or look online for great recipes you can make at home.  Finally, check your cosmetics, from foundation to body wash.  If it is on your body for more then 20 seconds, you are absorbing the chemicals.

4.  SLEEP

Get it!!  I cannot stress this one enough.  When you don't sleep your hormones are off balance.  Period.  Can't sleep?  Try breathing exercises, yoga or go to YouTube and listen to a guided meditation.

5.  Exercise

Try walking and swimming.  If your hormones are off balance, especially your adrenals, it is important not to over exercise.  When lifting weights opt for heavier weights at lower reps, 5-7.

6.  Coconut Oil

I eat this constantly and sometimes by the spoonful.  Try and get 1/4 cup a day.  It has great benefits and can help with weight loss, reduce inflammation and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

7.  Get your Leptin in check

Typically the problem is not the production of leptin but leptin resistance.  If you are suffering from thyroid issues, I would highly suggest looking at your leptin.  Leptin resistance creates an increase of reverse T3 which in turn blocks the effect o thyroid hormone on the metabolism.  A few ways to improve leptin response include decreasing starches, refined foods, sugars & fructose.  First thing in the morning take a walk and then eat a large amount of health proteins and fats.  Go to bed by 10pm....get outside, barefoot if possible with some skin exposed.  Avoid snacking, have light workouts including sprints & weight lifting.  Remove processed foods and add more Omega-3's.